Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Review: Everything Left Unsaid by Jessica Davidson

Everything Left Unsaid
Everything Left Unsaid by Jessica Davidson
"I wait for him, the cold seeping through my clothes, until it finally dawns on me that he's not coming back. And I wonder why he chose her instead of me? Why he went looking for her when I was right there."
Tai and Juliet have been best friends forever – since they met at kindy and decided to get married in first grade.
They understand each other in the way that only best friends can.
They love music, beach walks, energy drinks and, they are slowly discovering, each other.
As they dream of adventures beyond the HSC – a future free of homework, curfews and parents, a life together – their plans are suddenly and dramatically derailed.
For Tai is sick.
And not everything you wish for can come true.
A poignant story of first love, hope, grief, family, and the twistedness of life.
Published Aug 1st 2012
Source: Pan MacMillan Australia

Blkosiner's Book Blog review
     I love the set up of the book, the dual perspective gives such an insight into the characters and both sides of the story.
    This is such a heavy story, and the grief comes off the page and grabs me and didn't let go until the last page. I nearly cried every other page and felt such hope, pain and love while reading. It is the ultimate story of loss from both ends.
     I loved the relationship between Juliet and Tai, it felt so authentic and sweet. They'd been friends forever and boyfriend and girlfriend for a while. They had the history behind them to make their relationship build, not just be told that they are in love. We get the little moments, glimpses into their routines and just how they interact with each other, and I was sold.
   I really appreciated how this book showed not only how cancer effects the one who is sick and they one they love that loves them, it also features strong family ties. I loved Mia, Tai's mother as well as his brothers River and . It gives such a child-like view into what is going on and how they deal with the grief. It was nice that Tai and Juliet weren't in their own little bubble, seeing their family involvement makes it all the more real to me.
    This story gets a little gritty at time, mention of blood, peeing, pain and the like, but it is not graphic, and I think that it really adds power to the story.
    I think that it gets across that life doesn't always give us what we want, and things can't have a happy ending, but that you have to find your own strength to go on, and accept what comes at you. But that even though you have to find your own way, that your family and friends will be there for you and with you, if you allow yourself to be helped.
    Bottom Line: It was a very heavy and emotional story and it was just what I needed in a book right now.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
What would you do if the man/woman you love was seriously sick?

13 comments:

  1. I've heard of this book before, but somehow it never really grabbed my attention. After reading your review, though, I think I'll have to get hold of it sometime! Emotional stories go well in my book--they help to connect me to the characters much, much more. The romance between Juliet and Tai sounds amazing as well.

    Awesome review, Brandi!

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    1. It was emotional and I loved Jessica's writing style.

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  2. This looks really good and I love alternating POVs! I think this will be an emotional roller-coaster for me so I'll have to make sure I'm in the right mood to read it.

    It's also interesting that this couple started out as friends first. I love that.

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  3. I've never heard of this book before but it's definitely caught my attention now. This sounds like a very emotional book but I'm willing to cry throughout the book. Great review!
    World of Books

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  4. I cannot even think about my husband being sick. This is the type of book that would rip me wide open and have me crying like a baby. I read to escape and although this sounds wonderful, I am not sure i could do it.

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    1. It takes a certain mindset and being able to read issue books

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  5. This sounds intense and emotional! I'd say if you really love a person, you'll stay with him/her till the last breath regardless of health conditions. It's great to learn that you find the relationship between Juliet and Tai authentic. I enjoyed reading your review, thank you!

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  6. Oh no! This sounds so sad, i just got not handle it

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  7. What an interesting book. It seems like such an emotioinal read. I can only imagine the pain of my husband being so ill, but I would try to make things as easy on him as possible.
    Nice review!

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  8. I've always had a soft spot for relationships that start as friendship. I will have to check this out! Brilliant review as always, Brandi. :)

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  9. I've just read another review on the GoodReads and thought how this book sounds just for me. I'll read it one day, cause I love those "heavy" and heart breaking stories!
    Great review! :)

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