Review: Stay

Mar •  30 •  2011

Title: Stay
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary
Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Book: ARC through Galley Grab

“Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough….”

Have you ever known someone who guilted you into staying somewhere where you knew you should not be? Like when a family starts to fight and you want to excuse yourself? Or when you have an awkward moment between your friend, her boyfriend and you? I have been there and one that, even in a relationship. I can honestly say that I have had a relationship before that was bad. And Stay, definitely covered the essence of a bad relationship and more.
I loved this book! I found my self nodding my head a lot because I knew and could tell how this guy would react. I have been in this type of relationship before and it was very hard to get out of. If I tried to leave, he would threaten to kill himself and blame me. I, in turn felt guilty and stayed. Only to find out I had yet made another mistake. And I blame myself for being stupid and falling into his game. The way the relationship was described in all its glory, the hurt, the games, the threats, played out really well.  I like seeing the whole relationship from where it started to where it went. It fell in smoothly and so did the reader.
The healing part of the book I felt was surprising to me. Clara learned a secret only to find out how it affected her now. I was sadden by this and I’m glad the reader got to see Clara learn from it. But it also says that not everyone is the same. Some people can be pushed to certain limits and take it, while others can’t.
Stay is a captivating book with lots of love, hurt, and betrayals. The relationship was told very well from beginning to end. The switching of time frames is written smoothly which allows the reader a great insight of where things are going. Everything about this book makes you stay and finish it.
I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

8 Comments

  1. ComaCalm
    Mar 30, 2011

    Love the review! I want a physical copy of this – I read the Galley. ^^

  2. Jenny
    Mar 30, 2011

    This one sounds amazing, I actually like that the focus is on a difficult relationship and the aftermath of something like that vs. an instant love, blissful relationship. I think it’s important to have books that address the unfortunate reality that not all relationships are full of flirting and sweet tension and happiness. Fabulous review Savy, can’t wait to read this one!

  3. this one looks so good, thanks for the great review!

  4. Lisa
    Mar 30, 2011

    Powerful review. Thanks for sharing your experience and how it added to the book. I agree with Jenny that it’s important for book to show that relationships are always good and sometimes are even unhealthy.

  5. Missie
    Mar 30, 2011

    Oh Savy. I’m so sorry to hear that you had a similar experience. *hugs* Glad you got through it.

    I was captivated by Stay, too.

  6. Midnyte Reader
    Mar 31, 2011

    Ditto on what Missie said. This also sounds very powerful and hopefully it will help reach people.

  7. Oh this sounds like a good one. Love the review. I’ll be adding this one on the wishlist!

  8. I love this book too. I liked that you Caletti showed the good and the bad of the relationship from start to end. Sorry to hear though that you have been in a similar situation.

    Great review 🙂