Review: Return to Paradise
Oct •
11 •
2010
Title: Return to Paradise
Series: Leaving Paradise # 2
Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary
Series: Leaving Paradise # 2
Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary
Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Flux
Release Date: September 1, 2010?
Book: Bought
“Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did—and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past—and a terrible secret: he wasn’t the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise—and Maggie—forever. When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can’t deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?”
Ok, I must say how much I loved this book, but also how it nerved me. Weird right? Well let me start off by saying that this book was written well, the plot was okay, the drama was major.
MAJOR TEENAGE ANGST!
Just when you think it over, it all comes came crashing right back down on you. Maggie is just trying to move on with her life when she volunteers to spread the word on wreckless driving by going to campuses, schools, etc. Little did she know Caleb is also on the trip.
This book I enjoyed because I love Maggie and Caleb and have been rooting for them since the very begining. There were some new characters added and it did get is somewhat refreshing pace. Through out the whole book there was nothing but stupid crude jokes, lots of cussing, drinking, sex, etc. What nerved me was how stupid the characters were being. Fighting over fart jokes? (Ok I admit, it made me laugh, but I am also easliy amused) fighting over bunk beds, snoring, you name it they fought over it.
What I did like about it was that well Simone did a rather great job capturing the teenage voice. I admit, that if I was teenager, and put in the same postion I act the same way. She did great putting a jokster in there as well as a queen bee and a quite person all mix in with Caleb and Maggie. I hated the Caleb did act. He acted like a jerk and at times I wanted to slap him. Maggie, I understood perfectly. She had every right to act the way she did and I would have done the same thing.
I am glad that at the end they were able to become friends and be there for each other. The ending for me was just right.
I give it 4 BITES!
Happy Reading!
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I still have to read the first book but I have them both so I’ll have to get started!!
BTW – Love your header!! Spooooky
Simone Elkeles is one of my fav YA authors, so when this book came out last month I just HAD to get it. I fell in love with Caleb & Maggie’s story in Leaving Paradise. I felt like it really pulled at my heart strings. This book however, did not live up to the first (in my opinion). Of course I loved reading about these characters again, but over all the story just didn’t do it for me.
@Ginger, I feel the same way. Thats why this book got on my nerves. I felt like nothing was the same. Although the book was written good, I would have love to see some romance between Caleb and Maggie instead of all the bickering.
Oh teenage angst, I’m always a sucker for that:) I think I need to go ahead and read the first one since this series seems interesting. Nice review Savannah! And your header is gorgeous:)
Savy,
Why am I getting the chills just looking at your new header?
I haven’t read Leaving Paradise yet, but I have heard great things about it. Elkeles is a great writer, but she does some funny stuff. I HATED the epilogues in the Perfect Chemistry series. The “Oh look at us” HEAs were just too cheesy for me.
Still, I want to read this series. It is on my long TBR pile. 😀
*runs off to hide from your new awesome, yet scary header*