Such a strange book...I really love how this author writes, but the story in this book just felt so, hmmm, incomplete? I’m not quite sure how to explain my feelings about this book. It’s a quick enough read that I wasn’t mad or irritated that I wasted my time but I did feel let down and slightly confused in the end. I would still read more from this author if she wrote more in the future tho because her writing is beautiful. ( )

I actually requested a copy of this book on Netgalley and was never approved but the story was so intriguing to me that I actually decided I HAD to read it so I bought it. This is my first read by this author and I can tell you it will not be my last.. The story is about Corey and her best friend Kyra. Corey returns to her childhood town after hearing that her best friend committed suicide. Kyra has been battling mental illness for sometime and Corey promised to come back for her. Kyra has always been an outsider to the town of Lost until Corey leaves and then becomes the towns prophet through her paintings. Corey is confused by the way that everyone in the Alaskan town has changed there out look on there friend since when Corey lived in town Kyra and her mental illness were seen as an outcast and now the outcast has become Corey. I love how this story explores the bonds of friendship even in death and also the concept of how far a town will go to stay in one piece. Kyra and Corey’s friendship was heartwarming and sad, and I enjoyed Corey’s attempts to find out the truth about her friend. In the end, though, I still wasn’t quite sure what happened. An interesting, unpredictable read. The only thing I suggest for anyone who plans on reading this book is remember that this is fiction and while the author takes some liberties on reality it is a great unpredictable read.

update was approved in April still a great read! ( )

I give it 2.5 stars. I'll start with what I don't like about this book.

I understand this is a YA book and therefore strives to be "all inclusive". The references to Corey's "asexuality" and Kyra's "pansexuality" as well as two of the male characters being homosexual (Sam and Roshan) are pointless to the story since none of it is explored or even really mentioned beyond the initial "so and so is asexual/pansexual/homosexual". It simply didn't add anything to the story. I feel like I didn't know any of the characters other than Kyra, and she's not even an active character. Even the main character lacked depth, and the supporting characters were even more shallow. I didn't care about any of the characters but the dead one, and I still had no real idea how she felt in this book.

The play-script chapters were annoying.

I feel like so many things in this book should have been elaborated on. It just lacked detail and personalization of the characters. I didn't feel emotionally invested in any of them other than the fact that I also found it incredibly depressing.

The writing is very easy to read, flows nicely, is very descriptive. I liked the portrayal of bipolar disorder, how Kyra was humanized and Corey's response (or lack thereof) to Kyra after she moved was very realistic (out of sight, out of mind). The setting description at times, made me feel as if I were actually there.

Once I started it, I wanted to finish it. Unfortunately, unlike really good books I was happy just to see it to end. ( )

The remoteness of Lost is a reflection of small Alaskan villages. Not sure the village would be so or all white. Kyra’s disease is cyclical as are the Alaskan seasons. ( )

I received this book free from the publisher via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Please see my full reviews available at www.coffeeandtrainspotting.wordpress.com.

For requesting arcs and books to review, please visit www.netgalley.com. ( )