Monday, December 24, 2012

Review: Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

Uses for Boys
Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt
Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.
Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical, Uses for Boys is a story of breaking down and growing up.
Publishes in US: Jan 15th 2013
Source: St Martin's Press via Netgalley

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Blkosiner's Book Blog review

     This is a mature book, with sad themes laced with hope especially at the end. This is not light, not fluffy, and the beautiful cover fits in some ways but if you go in expecting any thing except dark and gritty, you are probably going to be disappointed.
      That said, I don't think I even had seen the cover when I read the blurb, but I knew that it would be a book for me. I just wanted to make clear so that it is not an issue for those who might be expecting something else.
      Anna, the main character grows and learns so much about herself and life in this book. Just when I started to feel sorry for her or get disappointed in her she would start to change and realize things about herself and those around her. I see so much of myself in her, lonely and looking for love in all the wrong places until things finally clicked. Having the right people and some of the people who had been in my life but I finally realized their value or the pain that they themselves are dealing with and they also need a little love and support.
       Sam is so innocent and so whose all at the same time and I love how he saw through her problems to the person she was inside. I also loved reading about his family especially his sister and his mom. She is so involved and had so much to offer, I ish there were more like her in ya lit.
      Anna really breaks my heart how distant and absent her mom was, but it is the sad reality for so many people, and I think that her story can help them feel less alone. And hopefully can also teach from her mistakes, and open eyes to some dark issues. There is many places where I just wanted to hug her and especially one spot where I wish I could open her eyes and make her see that it is not her fault.
   
       Bottom line gritty contemporary with dark themes about the reality of life both good and bad, through love friendship.and the choices we all make.

  My question to you, my lovely readers:
Is/was your mom involved in your life?

24 comments:

  1. I think my mom was involved with my life in an average way...? We have a weird relationship.

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  2. I think the cover hints at a slightly lighter story than what it sounds like is contained but I'll be better able to judge that once I read this myself.

    My mom was very involved in my life in a healthy way-she didn't micromanage me but she was (well is) always there.

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  3. Sounds intense and emotional... I think I'll like Sam and his family. Loved your review, Brandi!

    In relation to your question, I feel blessed to have a mom that is involved in my life :)

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  4. Great review. This sounds like the perfect book for me! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

    Thankfully, my mom was involved in my life. She's one of my best friends now.

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  5. I LOVE the cover of this book so much! It's so pretty!

    How did you feel about the writing style in this book? I've heard some weird/iffy things about it.

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  6. Totally agree with you that this is 'gritty'. I don't think the cover prepares you for that at all!
    My mother was way too involved in my life, and I think Anna's moms lack of involvement was a big factor in how Anna ended up doing the things she did. Have to say that I was really shocked at her mom throughout this.

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  7. I know wish I had request this on netgalley. This sounds like an amazing read and I've kind of been wanting to read something a little more darker, than the happy go lucky books I've been reading. Awesome review :)

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

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  8. Nicely reviewed, Brandi! I'm a fan of gritty contemporary, and the cover is fabulous, so I might give this one a shot at some point. :)

    To answer your question, indeed my mom is involved in my life, and always was. :)

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  9. WOW! I have Uses for Boys to read. This review makes me want to pick it up sooner. My relationship with my mum....up until a couple years ago dad and mum could not say I love you. When the kids came along, I think they saw how I did it with my babes, it loosened them up a bit. They are very normal people etc, just can't kiss or hug their own two daughters. But , that is ok. I think I have taught them a few things with my kids:)

    Oh you MUST read Colleen Hoover SERIOUSLY!!!! You will be blown away!!

    xx

    Mich

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    Replies
    1. Glad that things are getting better, and Hoover is going on my TBR

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  10. Oh wow. Yeah, I didn't get the gritty feel from the cover so now I am a bit scared. But it still sounds good.

    My mom was a part of my life so I can't really relate.

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  11. This was a really sad but good book. I felt really bad for Anna and could understand why she did what she did. I desperately wanted her to have someone. I think Sam was good for her and I liked that it did end on a hopeful note.

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  12. Great review! I read this one read this one recently and it was definitely a heavy story to get through. My heart broke for the main character and I just hated her mother for never helping her out more.

    Hmm I could relate on some levels because my mom was semi-involved in my life growing up but I didn't live with her while I was a teenager. She was definitely involved more than the protagonists mother was though but there were times when she wasn't paying attention and I got myself involved in a lot of things I shouldn't have.

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  13. I can't wait to read this book!! It sounds amazing and I have heard nothing but great things about it. I can't wait to find out for myself what Anna goes through and how the whole book ends. Glad you enjoyed this! Fantastic review!

    ~ Maida

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  14. Yes, My Mom is involved in my life. As is my mother in law. Also both of my grandmas were, when they were alive. I have a close knit family

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