Release Date: March 6, 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Publisher
IBSN: 9781442423213
Blurb:
A teen’s world comes crashing down in this compulsively readable YA debut that’s as literary as it is commercial.Gabby Gardiner wakes up in a hospital bed looking like a cautionary ad for drunk driving—and without a single memory of the accident that landed her there. But what she can recall, in frank and sardonic detail, is the year leading up to the crash.
As Gabby describes her transformation from Invisible Girl to Trendy Girl Who Dates Billy Nash (aka Most Desirable Boy Ever), she is left wondering: Why is Billy suddenly distancing himself from her? What do her classmates know that Gabby does not? Who exactly was in the car that night? And why has Gabby been left to take the fall?
As she peels back the layers of her life, Gabby begins to realize that her climb up the status ladder has been as intoxicating as it has been morally complex…and that nothing about her life is what she has imagined it to be.
I’m not big on reading book summaries. I skim them when I first discover the book to decide whether or not I want to read it then I promptly forget it. So when I opened the pages of Where It Began I was very quickly intrigued. It definitely starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up. The author knows how to hook a reader. I had lots of different emotions while reading, but I never once wanted to put it down.
Gabby isn’t exactly the most likeable girl. She’s pretty self centered and super naive, but that’s just what happens when you have lead the kind of life she has. She may be a little unlikeable but she’s still a very sympathetic character. She’s in this horrible situation and you can’t help but feel for her…even if you want to shake some sense into her from time to time.
I think some readers will take issue with Gabby’s utter devotion to Billy Nash, but it seems perfectly realistic to me. I had an older boyfriend when I was a teen. He was popular and cute but a total jerk. I had that blind devotion too. So that whole aspect of the story was easy for me to relate to. Even if it was infuriating…in a good way though.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It was a page turner and very unique. I’m looking forward to more from Ann Redisch Stampler in the future.
I haven’t really heard much about this book yet, so I didn’t know what to think. Your review is lovely and it sounds like a good book.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Review: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
I really want to read this book – sounds right up my alley, and the cover is gorgeous! Great review!
And totally get where you’re coming from – I read the book description when I first discover a book, but by the time I read have the book, I have no idea anymore what it’s about :p
Hannah @ Paperback Treasures recently posted..Book Blogger Confessions #2
I’m happy I’m not the only one that does that.
I always like to see your thoughts on books I have in my TBR. I haven’t heard much on this one and I hadn’t heard anything at all when I grabbed it at M&P last fall. I’m looking forward to getting to it.
Becky recently posted..Where’s My Bookmark: The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi
This sounds like a good read, Lori, it seems quite a few YA books are now featuring teens waking up and not remembering the night before
Mands
VeganYANerds recently posted..Fallen by Lauren Kate
Sounds like a good one!
Jennifer Hoffine recently posted..How Many Have You Read/Heard Contest (My January Listens)
I felt the same way when reading this book!
I found myself getting really pissed off at Gabby, and then I was mad at myself because I know that had it been me in that situation I would have reacted almost the same way. And then I was really mad because I realized what a stupid teenager I was.
Nerd Girls at Books to the Sky
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Yours is the first review I’ve read for this book. Glad to see you enjoyed it! It sounds like something I need to check out.
I often don’t know (or remember) what a book is about when I start reading it and it’s kind of nice to be surprised. I haven’t paid this book much attention. I think the cover looks a bit too much like other covers so it’s too easy to get them mixed up. But I’m glad you loved it and someday if I see it at the library I may pick it up!
Candace recently posted..Don’t Breathe a Word Book Trailer!
Where It Began sounds great — although TBH, that whole total devotion to a boyfriend would grate on me. I find that sort of thing irritating. BUT overall, it sounds like a fabulous read!
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