Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers

Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers


Released: December 2010
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: Young Adult - Contemporary
Pages: 224
Source: Publisher


Rating: ♥♥♥♥


When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world?

When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Cullen seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?




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Reading this book was like being caught in a fog. You never really knew what was going to be in front of you.  
I've grown accostmed to Summers writing strong, love-to-hate type of characters. So when I was introduced to Eddie, I was taken a back. She is nothing like past characters. She is fragile, broken, and has a very somber feeling to her.

It's not just Eddie's world that seems to be caught in this thick fog her father's suicide has left. Her mother walks around in his old house coat, shuffling through the house while her friend, Beth, has decided it's her duty to pick up the pieces. What she doesn't realize is that she's just driving Eddie nuts. As annoying as Beth was, I think in some ways she was kind of essential. Eddie's non-foggy ways were kind of brought out when Beth was around.

While her mother is off in her own depressed world, the only other person there that isn't driving Eddie nuts is her best friend Milo. I loved Milo. He was such a strong character who also brought back some life into Eddie. He cared a lot for her which was blatantly obvious from the get-go. I wondered how things would go between them as the pages went on, but soon we were introduced to Culler Evans who is a character of his own.

Eddie seems to think Culler has the answers she's looking for. The reason of why her dad took his own life without warning. Culler is one of those characters who you are weary of, but at the same time, you just can't help but like him no matter how screwed up his intentions are in the book.

Courtney Summers' books have always been more character driven. It's amazing how it never gets boring, not even for a second. I love how she plays them out. Giving us just pieces of them, not fully understanding their actions, and not having them apologize for being who they are. They're so real you have to question if maybe she's writing someone's biography.

I have never been the type of reader that needs an ending wrapped in a pretty pink bow especially when it comes to contemporary fiction. I like to somewhat wonder what happened to these characters after the story is done. But I think Eddie's story was cut too short. It just didn't feel "finished" to me. 

Overall, Courtney Summers is still one author that you MUST check out if you haven't. I have no doubt she will keep writing books that will keep her in a league of her own.

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♥amber

8 comments:

prophecygirl said...

I'm looking forward to reading this, if Amazon UK ever get the damn thing in stock. I didn't like Cracked Up to Be but *loved* Some Girls Are, so I'm hoping I'll like this one too.

I agree with you about Courtney's books always being character driven. She does it so well.

cheryl said...

Great review! I am adding this to my 2011 Free Reads list. =D

Beverly said...

Thanks for the review - just got this one from a friend who said it was a good read, but emotional. Can't wait to get to it.

Anonymous said...

I was amazed by her other books, the emotion pretty much slaps you in the face and yells listen! Amazing Books!!

Llehn said...

I need to read her. Such emotional depth is not easy to pull off.

Jennifer Kade said...

Okay, I totally have to read this now! I'm adding it to my shopping list. ;)

Sab H. said...

Great review girl! We kind of hit the same points. Twins! :P

Marlene Detierro said...

Courtney Summers exceeds and soars over expectations with Fall For Anything. Eddie's painful thoughts and narration reach out and grab you, strapping you into the backseat of her brain as you delve into this heartbreaking tale of loss and the aftermath surrounding it. I absolutely recommend it to everyone; it's a must-read-this-second kind of book!

Marlene
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