I shared a picture of this book on social media when it arrived a few months ago and, at the time, a couple of overseas book blogging colleagues commented on how much they enjoyed it.
I’d not heard of Courtney Summers before though know (now) she has a few books to her name, but after being drawn into this addictive novel I’ll be searching out more of her work.
I don’t read a lot of young adult novels but Sara Barnard’s Beautiful Broken Things, published in 2016 was one of my favourite books that year. It scored a very rare 5-stars from me and you’ll see from my review I go into GREAT detail about the addictive writing and complex characters.
When I saw that Barnard had a new book out, requesting it was a no-brainer though I had no idea it was a follow-up to BBT. In reality it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the first as this can easily be read as a standalone.
I’d heard a lot – and good things – about E Lockhart’s We Were Liars so the opportunity to read her* latest novel was just too tempting.
And Genuine Fraud is an interesting read. Full of potential. Well written. VERY cleverly constructed. But – depending on your expectations – may fall a little short when it comes to the plot. It’s good (though I note many reviews commented on it being a re-imagining of The Talented Mr Ripley) but if you’re expecting some mystery or some suspense… it’s not really there. At least not in the way you’d expect.
Girls on Fire by Robin Wasserman is billed as her first adult novel and – although an enjoyable read for this 48yr old – suspect it will appeal more to young adults.
It reminded me very much of Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard. A YA book I read recently and LOVED.
I don’t read many young adult (YA) novels but it’s kinda interesting that both I’ve read in the past month have centred around friendships. I’m not sure if I’ve been drawn to that topic (leading me to request them) or whether it’s a common theme in the YA genre.
Interestingly, this book – like Beautiful Broken Things – discusses the challenges of a three-way friendship.
I’m sure I must have realised this was a young adult (YA) novel when I requested it, but it wasn’t until I opened Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard that I remembered.
I have no problem with YA novels but don’t actually read many. So it was with great surprise I discovered I LOVED this book.
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