Review: Period 8

Feb •  4 •  2013
Title: Period 8

Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Thriller/Mystery
Author: Chris Crutcher
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Book: ARC sent by publisher

“In this full-length novel from Chris Crutcher, his first since the best-selling Deadline, the ultimate bully and the ultimate good guy tangle during Period 8.
Paul “the Bomb” Baum tells the truth. No matter what. It was something he learned at Sunday School. But telling the truth can cause problems, and not minor ones. And as Paulie discovers, finding the truth can be even more problematic. Period 8 is supposed to be that one period in high school where the truth can shine, a safe haven. Only what Paulie and Hannah (his ex-girlfriend, unfortunately) and his other classmates don’t know is that the ultimate bully, the ultimate liar, is in their midst.
Terrifying, thought-provoking, and original, this novel combines all the qualities of a great thriller with the controversy, ethics, and raw emotion of a classic Crutcher story.”

In the introduction to the reader, Mr. Crutcher states he “put this book on steroids.” After closing the last page of the book, I have come to a conclusion. All authors need to take Mr. Crutcher’s advice.
I have never read such a crazy, beautiful, MESSED up book. The plot first of all, takes the reader far away to a place of watching. As you watch the plot unfold, the reader gets chances with every chapter to start to peace things together. I like that the plot gives a good dose of everything. First a mystery from the past, then the future advice with the teacher, to students doing things in present day. I never read a book that had everything so planned out yet you can’t grasp it. (In a good way) If anything, this book kept me hooked right where I was and there was no way I was going to put down the book until I reached the last page.

The love interest. Well, what can I say about that? Let’s just say that the start of the book gave the tone for it. Crazy, out of this world, where teens makes hasty decisions, leaving them regretful. I like that in all of this mess, the kids came together to solve the big mystery. They start to learn to stop thinking about themselves and start thinking about others. Even the teacher, who gave wonderful advice, never steered his students wrong.

In the end, this book is EPIC! Once I got to the last chapter and watch the final piece come together I was utterly speechless. How can a book develop such a fantastic plot before my eyes and I not know it? A moving and affecting plot, Period 8 stands out before all. Orchestrated in a wicked, unfiltered  way leaving the reader tangled in mystery and action, Period 8 is stunning!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Posted by on Feb 4, 2013 in 2013, Chris Crutcher, Review, Young Adult | 8 comments

8 Comments

  1. Sallie Mazzur
    Feb 4, 2013

    Oh, excellent. Glad you liked this one, I’ve been thinking about it since I saw the cover – which has a lot going on. Looking forward to being sucked into this one. 🙂

  2. Melissa (Books and Things)
    Feb 4, 2013

    You had me at “crazy, beautiful, MESSED up book”. Seriously. So curious about this one now and I haven’t heard of it before. Want to read now. 🙂

  3. Mel@Thedailyprophecy
    Feb 4, 2013

    I like the sound of the blurb and your review only makes it sound better. Crazy and messed up can be really good in a book 😀 Great review!

    Mel@thedailyprophecy.

  4. Jenny
    Feb 4, 2013

    This sounds like a crazy mess of a book, but I love that it just works. It sounds hugely impressive the way it’s all put together, and you definitely have me wanting to dive into this book and lose myself in it’s beautiful weirdness immediately:)

  5. Amy
    Feb 4, 2013

    I have this one for review and I can’t wait to get to it!! It sounds so good!! Awesome review!

  6. Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
    Feb 4, 2013

    I also have this one on my stack and was kind of “meh” about the description but now you have me ALL KINDS of excited to try it.

  7. Maji Bookshelf
    Feb 6, 2013

    wow, I’ve seen this book in passing and never really cared much for it. You are the first review I’ve seen and wow it sounds amazing! I love big mysteries and teenagers acting like teenagers

    great review,
    – Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf

  8. Candace
    Feb 6, 2013

    Whoa. How did I not know of this book?! It sounds crazy good (from your description)! I never would have given it a second look but your review convinced me!