Want to Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman
Abby and Luke chat online. They've never met. But they are going to. Soon.Publishes in US: August 1st 2011 by Scholastic Pres
Abby is starting high school--it should be exciting, so why doesn't she care? Everyone tells her to "make an effort," but why can't she just be herself? Abby quickly feels like she's losing a grip on her once-happy life. The only thing she cares about anymore is talking to Luke, a guy she met online, who understands. It feels dangerous and yet good to chat with Luke--he is her secret, and she's his. Then Luke asks her to meet him, and she does. But Luke isn't who he says he is. When Abby goes missing, everyone is left to put together the pieces. If they don't, they'll never see Abby again.
Genre: contemporary
Source: bought
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I completely connected with the main character of Want to go Private? Abby is such a smart girl, and doesn't have the confidence or the popularity. She is pretty and smart, but she doesn't see herself that way. I have always had self esteem problems and I saw so much of myself in her. So when a guy, online starts telling her she is beautiful and worth it, she listens. I can see how easy it would be to fall into this trap. I mean, we all know about online predators, and that we can't give out our personal information. But she gets to know him, he asks her questions, remembers details of her day, and most of all makes her feel special. So, little by little, she gives more to him. Her address, because he wants to give her presents, and taking off her shirt, because it all of the sudden doesn't seem like a big deal. He thinks she is beautiful after all, right? This is the guy who listens and understands how she doesn't feel like she fits in at high school. He is the guy that sees beauty in her where people at school she might as well be invisible.
I can see her getting more and more obsessed with Luke and being by her computer. It is so hard to watch her giving up things in real life, friends and grades, all because she is addicted to Luke, to feeling special, to being his girl. I so wished that the story could have gone differently... That she didn't isolate herself from her best friend since 2nd grade Faith, or cute and flirty while very nerdy Billy. She just didn't realize what was in front of her.
Speaking of Faith and Billy. I loved the secondary characters in this book. Their depth and kindness and sincerity. Faith is not perfect.. she doesn't realize that Abby feels left behind when they all of the sudden don't have classes together, and Abby feels replaced by a new friend, Grace and the drama club that Faith joins. But Faith loves Abby, and is and has been there for her. And Billy is so sweet, nerdy and funny. I LOVE characters like him. He isn't broody, or super hot, he is a normal sweet guy who sees the good in Abby, that she is pretty and funny, and smart but he has been too shy until it was too late and she was wrapped up in Luke.
I did not want to put this book down, and I kept rooting for Abby to open her eyes, and wishing that I could pad the ground for her for her inevitable fall into danger.
I also really appreciated the other pov and what it brought to the book. It really showed how others saw Abby and how it effected them.
Bottom Line: Powerful book where I was sympathetic to the main character.
Similar reads: Alexis by Alexis Singer, Katie.com
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever met someone online and then in person?
This book was so hard to read-watching Abby fall into such a bad situation. I've done online dating so I have met people from online in real-life but only in public places and only after telling people I know I can trust where I'll be.
ReplyDeleteI know, I wish I could've stopped her
DeleteThis sounds like a real intense read, I like picking up books like these once in a while. I think the next time I'm in the mood for one I will give this book a try. I'm glad it left such a lasting impression on you Brandi! Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteOooh, I think I am going to have to get this, its already giving me some chills!
ReplyDeleteAs for meeting people online, I've met tons of them. Some good, some not so much... some I thankfully never progressed to meeting. But these kinds of stories where it ends in a bad way scare the heck out of me!!
Great review!!
Very dark!
DeleteI'm glad you had such a strong connection to Abby, and I think this story is something that can happen to anyone, especially us who spend so much time with our computers. We fail to notice what's right in front of us.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
I know! It is scary for the teens
DeleteI'm really interested to find out how this book ends now! Sounds like it could have an unhappy ending?
ReplyDeleteThink I have only met people online and then in person only as part of my work, they never look like you expect them to look!
Wrapped up pretty well
DeleteAbby sounds like a character I would connect well with too. And I have a feeling I would be yelling at her as she got closer to this guy while hanging on the edge of my seat! I haven't heard of this one before but thanks for bringing it to my attention. :)
ReplyDelete~Sara @ Forever 17 Books
Oh, yes. Def felt like yelling
DeleteOh this looks like an on the edge of your seat book. Plus, it also sounds like I'd be yelling at the girl to get a clue. :)
ReplyDeleteOh and I've met people online and then in person. No surprises, just good people and friends. :)
Glad it was all positive
DeleteMy stomach did a flip-flop as you described what was happening to Abbey..i knew where this was going..awesome review!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of it! I can imagine biting my nails the whole time while seeing what happens to Abby
ReplyDeleteI wonder what happened to Abby in the end... Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Brandi! It seems like you felt really connected with the main character.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm definitely intrigued, mainly now as we know there are a lot of meeting on the internet.
ReplyDeleteI've met people online before, but never in person. I've had this one on my radar for a while but haven't been able to pick it up yet. It sounds so good. I think at one point we all have self-esteem issues and we'll be able to relate to the character which will make for an interesting read. Great review Brandi! Can't wait to get it myself :)
ReplyDeleteNeyra @DrkstAddictions
Its so sad reading self esteem in others
DeleteI read this one back before it even came out. I don't remember it real well but I did really like it. I'm glad you enjoyed it as well!
ReplyDeleteWOW! What an incredible book! I really really LOVE the sound of this one. And I am definitely curious to see how everything works out for Abby. Plus, I completely agree with you, about Billy. I really enjoy guys like him, cute and fun! It's very refreshing from the usual bad boys (not that i mind them lol ;p). I can't wait to find out who Luke is and how the secondary characters (they sound awesome!) come together!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this! Brilliant review! :D
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
Hmm. This book sounds like a really good read! I could definitely see myself not being able to put this down, LOL. I absolutely love when secondary characters are well developed, and I also love it when boys in books are just normal guys. I have so much love for that! They can't all be brooding bad boys, you know? (: (As much as we might like it. ;))
ReplyDeleteAs to your question, no, I haven't. There are some great bloggers that I've met online, and I call them friends, but none of us have actually met. But I would love it! (:
Loves,
Megan@The Book Babe
Yeah, I thnk bloggers are a whole different story :)
Delete
ReplyDeleteI get the idea that this book can really highlight the dangers of the Internet and the importance of realizing that everyone is not who they say. Especially important lesson for younger readers.
I read a sample from this book a while back. I need to get a copy and finish reading it.Nice review!
Jenn @ blog about books
Def an important message
DeleteThanks for the great review, I will probably be picking this one up sooner rather than later!
ReplyDeleteI used to use chat rooms when I was younger, but was very careful. When I got older I belonged to "hobby" communities (similar to the book blogging community) and found many great friends. I've met dozens of them IRL. I'm hoping since I'm new to the book blogging world, that I'll be able to have similar experiences when going to BEA! :)
the hobby comms sound more safe
DeleteAs a parent, this book kind of freaks me out a bit. But since you're a parent, too, and you enjoyed it, I might have to give it a chance. I can definitely relate to Abby in that low self-esteem way, as well. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAs parent, Oh my goodness, yes
DeleteI think I'd be able to relate to Abby too so I should probably read this just to stop myself from falling into the same trap :S Great review :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed -- Hartzler is honest, sensitive, and sympathetic in his storytelling. It's refreshing to read a teen memoir that isn't snarky or condescending.
ReplyDeleteIrene (Seattle Plumber Pinky's)