Review: Purity

May •  7 •  2012

Title: Purity
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary

Author: Jackson Pearce
Publisher: Little, Brown for Young Readers
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Book: FC sent by publisher
“A novel about love, loss, and sex — but not necessarily in that order.

Torn between Promises One and Three, Shelby makes a decision — to exploit a loophole and lose her virginity before taking the vow. But somewhere between failed hookup attempts and helping her dad plan the ball, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her purity.”

Torn between Promises One and Three, Shelby makes a decision — to exploit a loophole and lose her virginity before taking the vow. But somewhere between failed hookup attempts and helping her dad plan the ball, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her purity.”

Before her mother died, Shelby promised three things: to listen to her father, to love as much as possible, and to live without restraint. Those Promises become harder to keep when Shelby’s father joins the planning committee for the Princess Ball, an annual dance that ends with a ceremonial vow to live pure lives — in other words, no “bad behavior,” no breaking the rules, and definitely no sex.

Purity is a book that is going to raise questions. I can tell you that even though I enjoyed the book, I do not agree with the characters choices. That’ts just me. Despite all of that, I still enjoyed Ms. Pearce writing.
The story hits right on target of teens. Teens rush to do anything. The rush to get old, drink, have sex, party, etc. I know when I was a teen, I could not wait to grow up. To be on my own, to have no one tell me what to do, etc. Even though Shelby  has a plan for her life, I felt as though she is rushing through it. She wanted to get things done so she can move on to the next item. I felt that Shelby rushing to loose her virginity, was well, wrong. Again, my opinion. (Don’t jump all over me!)
In any case, I like that Shelby made self discoveries. She realized what she actually wanted. She told the truth at the ball and finally understood what her mom is really saying.  I like that she had her friends to guide her in whatever she needed.
Purity is an good coming of age story. Life lessons about love and loss fill the pages as the readers see Shelby grow into a woman. Purity is a good read.
*Sex scene*
I give it 4 BITES!
Happy Reading!
Posted by on May 7, 2012 in 2012, Jackson Pearce, Review, Young Adult | 5 comments

5 Comments

  1. Jenny
    May 7, 2012

    I really enjoyed this one! I agree, Shelby’s reasons for wanting to have sex were not the right ones (in my opinion), but I think that was part of the point and something she realized after the fact. This book definitely kept me laughing at some of her antics though:)

  2. Savannah Valdez
    May 7, 2012

    @Jenny, yeah I felt the same way. Though you are right, there were some parts that made me laugh!

  3. Melissa (Books and Things)
    May 7, 2012

    I though this would be a good one for teens and discussion. I wasn’t sure if it would be for me, however. Now, I admit I’m a bit more curious than I was before. I do like that it seems Shelby grows. Hm…

  4. Alison Can Read
    May 8, 2012

    I checked this out from the library but I’m not sure I’m in the mood for it. I might take it back and get it again later. But it does sound good from your review.

  5. Gianna
    May 8, 2012

    I want to read this one. I totally agree with your opinion about sex; it shouldn’t be rushed into. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂