In honor of Veteran's Day on Sunday, November 11, I'm running a short review series called YA on the Homefront. I'll be looking at three recently published YA contemporary books that feature characters who are serving in the military.
Today, I'm reviewing If I Lie by Corrine Jackson.
On Saturday, I'll look at Personal Effects by E. M. Kokie and Something Like Normal by Trish Dollar.
If I Lie
by Corrine Jackson
Published on August 28, 2012
by Simon Pulse
Source: library
Summary from Goodreads: Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town. Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise.
My take: I will confess that I resisted reading this book at first. I was sure I knew what Carey's secret was, so I thought the book would feel predictable. That was a huge mistake on my part -- If I Lie had a lot of surprises up its sleeve.
Sophie "Quinn" Quinn's mother ran off with her brother-in-law, so Quinn is used to her family being the target of nasty gossip. But when Quinn's caught kissing another guy while her boyfriend Carey is stationed overseas, she's relentlessly tormented by the kids at school, who seemed to be just waiting for a chance to tear her down. The fact that she's agreed to be a photographer for the yearbook just puts her more into situations where she can be bullied. As she anxiously waits for news about Carey, who is missing in action, she spends time at the VA hospital, visiting a wounded veteran who was a war photographer in Vietnam.
Quinn is such a strong character and there's just so much layered into this story: bullying, friendship, family, tolerance, and having the strength of character to stand up for what you believe in. I thought this book would be all about a love triangle, but If I Lie is so much more than that. All the relationships in this story seemed completely realistic, but my favorite by far was the bond between Quinn and George, the former war photographer. I love the way the book referenced An Officer and A Gentleman, a film I love to hate and hate to love.
If I Lie is a complex and emotional read that I highly recommend to fans of contemporary YA! Try it if you loved books like:
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Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr
I loved George so so much! The storyline with him was by far my favorite part because I was mad at Quinn for hooking up with that guy in the first place even if she was single (I didn't like him).
ReplyDeleteI was annoyed that he didn't come forward, even after he explained why he didn't.
DeleteI loved this book. I was seriously pissed with Carey the whole time. The little sympathy ploy at the end did nothing for me. As for the other guy - him not coming forward showed how weak he was. He knew he would be in the same boat as Quinn and he wasn't going to stand up for her and take the same abuse.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I passed on this book because I thought it would be predictable since I'm sure I know what the big secret is. However, your review has given me pause, so I think I'll take a look at it after all. But especially since you rec if for fans of Something Like Normal, which I loved.
ReplyDeleteditto!
DeleteI guessed the big secret before reading it too. Slightly annoying and obvious but the book was so well written that I loved it anyway.
DeleteAwesome review! I'm really dying to read this book. It sounds so intense and emotional. I can't wait to read the rest of your review too! Especially Something Like Normal.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! I was so annoyed that Carey would leave Quinn to take the fall for something that totally wasn't her fault! Still a great book though :)
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this book. It sounds great!! Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteI really want to get this book. I've been wanting to for awhile now. November is a big book month for me in adult & some YA with pre-orders, so I'm crossing my fingers for December! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! The book sounds great too, I'll definitely be getting this one! Great review!
ReplyDeleteKristen @OCA
I wasn't sure about this one when I first heard about it. I usually hate books about cheating and I'm not the biggest fan of love triangles so I didn't think I'd be interested in If I Lie. But your review has me rethinking that. I sort of want to find out what happens between Carey and Quinn now! Thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteJesse @ Pretty in Fiction
Hmm. I have been putting this one off too for some reason, but good to know I should pick it up anyways.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of this feature btw.
Happy reading,
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
You know, I had the same feelings about this one, like I could guess what was going on, but I am happy to hear about the surprises. I bought a copy when it came out so I will have to try to find time to read it soon. This is a really great feature for Veteran's Day. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's always fantastic when a book manages to surprise you! :) Great review.
ReplyDeleteOMG! Yes, this is another book I totally want to read. Thanks for the rec's. :)
ReplyDeleteI sounds like IF I LIE has so much more depth than I had thought. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this one too!!!!!! I think I won this during the readathon... so fingers crossed that it has arrived when I get home next week.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds touching, might grab for my daughter.
ReplyDeleteThis book made me feel literally all the feelings. It was such a roller coaster of heavy emotions, and I loved every second of it.
ReplyDelete