Review: Hush, Hush (Take Two)

Book: Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1)
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Release Date: 10/31/2009
Pages: 391
Source: Bought
Date Read: 2/13/2011

Summary:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Yani's Analysis:
I am having a very hard time trying to review this book. Why might you ask? While there where things that I just loved about this book, there was so much more potential for it. My notes for this book review are much like the book itself: sporadic yet intriguing with bits of potential brilliance in few places. I wrote many snark comments while reading this book, but I won't be writing them here as they will give too much away. So lets try and start at the beginning...

Nora's biology teacher decides (in the middle of April no less) that they need a new seating chart. The hot new guy is her partner and even though he's been there all year, she still doesn't know his name... SERIOUSLY??? Also, her teacher's lesson plans are completely off the wall. The week's topic is sexual reproduction and the assignment, get to know your lab partner. REALLY??? Where are all these high schools with hot biology partners and lesson plans that include getting to know hot guys? All of this is a little is a little too unreal and although paranormal books are just that, I read somewhere -and completely agree- its up to the day to day activities description to center the books in a real place for the reader.

This book felt very Twilighty to me. Whereas in Twilight, Edward was a danger because of his nature, Patch has a very real dark side. Nora was/is in immediate danger and you can feel it in this book. It was dark, mysterious, suspenseful and yet oddly enough romantic. One moment your scared of Patch, the next you want to rip his clothes off. Fitzpatrick was trying to convey Nora's confusion in her writing, but for the most part she just left me confused.

I kept reading because I really wanted to know what happens, but I kept stopping and writing scathing notes about either Nora's idiocy or my frustration with the writing. I think once I let go of how odd and unreal the story was, I was able to enjoy it more. However, after finishing it I was like with a bitter aftertaste, the kind you get from drinking diet when all you want is the real thing. I know many people loved this book and I wish I could have been one of them, but as it is I am still unsure on whether I will pick up book two.

I don't usually add additional links to my reviews, but since I was so on the fence about this book, here are two other review examples...

Loved it: Jude
Hated it: Misty

The Twilight Argument...

yes Edward can be seen as a stalker
yes Bella might not be the strongest female in books
yes I still loved that book

It is one of my favorites since I first read it when I was 16... maybe if I read it now as an adult I would see all these things that people don't like twilight for. All I saw was passionate and deep love story. So maybe had Hush, Hush come when I was younger, I could appreciate it more. Which is why I have had a hard time rating this book... It was something I could have loved, but all I feel is annoyed.

I found this on goodreads and thought it was hilarious
Ratings:

Plot: 2/5
Writing Style: 2/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 3/5

Similar Titles:

Other Memorable Quotes:
About Humans...

"Your bodies are wild and undisciplined. One moment you're at the peak of joy. the next you're on the brink of despair."

so true