The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
by Michelle Hodkin
Hardcover, 464 pages
Published: September 27th 2011
by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
ISBN 1442421762
book source: BEA
3 stars
Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.
Hmmmm. This is one of those really hard reviews to write because there is so much you can’t say! Plus the plot of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is shrouded in mystery and suspense and I want to keep it that way. So here’s what I will say…
What I liked: The cover is a five. Wow. Beautiful. I could frame it! The author is awesome. I met her at BEA and she responds well to her fans.
This book sucked me in because I love psychological thrillers. Mara is dealing with some heavy duty issues such as PTSD and hallucinations which I really like to see addressed so openly in YA literature. I have a love-hate relationship with both the main characters. Mara has quite the trashy mouth which for me is hard to read. I like that she tells it like she sees it, just maybe not so colorfully. Main bad boy Noah was the love ’em leave ’em type before Mara came along. Even though I seriously wonder why both of them acted the way they did at times I was still rooting for them. By far the best character of the book was Mara’s brother Daniel. It is so refreshing to see a good strong sibling relationship!
What didn’t I like? There were some holes in plot and at times I was scratching my head wondering what in the world was going on. Santaria? The missing shop and priest?
Where did Mara’s best friend Jaime go- I mean I know he was grounded…but? Didn’t enjoy the paranormal elements. Also a little too much foreshadowing for my taste.
I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. So…I predict this book will be huge. While it was captivating, I still personally have very mixed feelings about it. In short, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is steeping in eery atmospheric undertones. It’s definitely one you’ll read all in one sitting.
Content- heavy swearing and violence, sexual tension and violence, petting, underage smoking. Not recommended for younger teens.
Find author Michelle Hodkin on her website here. Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster for the advanced reading copy!
Fire and Ice is giving away one “Who is Mara Dyer” black t-shirt courtesy of author Michelle Hodkin to our readers. To enter to win fill out this form. Giveaway is open internationally and ends October 11, 2011.
Anonymous
cant wait to read this book!thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Penelope Lolohea
I am SO excited for this book! I saw the bok trailer the other day and was going crazy. It looks awesome! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Anonymous
I am so excited for the book also. I have been following it since I heard it was first coming out. I think what attrached me was the cover. The cover is great. Have to say top 10 favorite of the year. I am a huge cover lover and usually if I like the book, I will buy. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win. I have been following the blog hop for this also. Already follow this blog and goodreads pages. Also shared this on facebook.
GFC & blog follower:Chris Bails
christinebails@yahoo.com
Vivien
I’m so desperately excited for this one! You’re the best 🙂
Isabella
Thanks soooooo much for this giveaway! I was looking forward for this book and I’m so excited! Thanks!!!!!
ktreads
I NEED NEED NEED a mara dyer tshirt. It’s one of the best books of the year!
TheGirlOnFire
I would so love to win this shirt! I want a book shirt so bad and this book looks amazing!
Maidenveil
I would love to win this shirt! I’m so excited to read the book and find out who’s Mara Dyer… 😀
Dovile
Thanks for the chance!
Diana
Thanks for the giveaway! The book has an amazing story.
Anonymous
Usually I shun promotional t-shirts, but this one is simple and mysterious enough in design that I would wear it. -Justine
blackplume
cool shirt. Thanks for the chance =)
Sierra Cullen.♥
Thanks for the chance! I want this shirt!(:
Zoe.B.
Oh golly, I have been waiting for to read this book for ages! How awesome is the cover?
Grateful for the opportunity!
-z
Lunarwolves86
This book was so amazing! I loved it.
But thank YOU so much for giving us a chance to win an awesome shirt!
You rock! <3
FairyWhispers
looking forward to it!
tweeted- https://twitter.com/#!/FWhispers/status/121516656395681792
Cassandra (The Book and Movie Dimension blogger)
Thanks for not spoiling anything and looks good to read.
~ Cassandra Ruiz
Ifrah
WOW!! I am dying to read this book!
Thank you for this awesome giveaway <3
Belgie
his book constantly keeps you guessing but you will be addicted to Mara and her life. I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone wanting to read the book but this is a great storyline. It is filled with mystery and a little bit of romance. You would not be disappointed with this book, but be warned, you’d be DYING to read the next book the moment you read the last line.