Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Absolute Value of -1 Review

Author: Steve Brezenoff
Release Date: September 1, 2010
Pages: 300 (E-ARC)
Publisher: Carolrhoda
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: For review from Netgalley



Going into The Absolute Value of -1, I had no idea what to expect. I just knew I'd heard it was good and it was about three friends. Aside from that, I had no real idea what it was even about. Luckily, it didn't matter because I ended up liking it anyway.

-1 is told in three parts, each with a different narrator that each had a different and (really) authentic voice. Going into a part, I would dislike a character...until I read their narration. All three characters are each so confused and abandoned and how could anyone not end up liking them?

So, in all honestly, the plot was a tad thin. It was very character-driven. Did I care? Um, NO. From page one the writing and characters hooked me and then kept me reading until 2:30 AM reading, trying to figure out how it ended.

And when I read how it ended, I was pissed! There was no ending! It was just...done! Argh! And I don't think there will be a sequel. (Though if there was a sequel I would definitely read it.)

Overall, The Absolute Value of -1 was a fascinating and wonderfully written novel about family, friends, choices, love, life, growing up, and--what I found to be a very cool aspect of it--how people perceive people and things differently than others. It wasn't perfect, no, but it was still pretty awesome.

Book Report:
Plot: Kinda thin.
Characters: Awesome! I would've liked more Noah...
Writing: Preeeetty amazing.
Kid friendly? There's a lot of swearing, talk of sex and masturbation, and heavy pot and cigarette smoking.
Should I read it? I don't think some people will like it, but I did.

1 comment:

  1. The title seems really cool. And the concept. Glad you enjoyed it, even if there were some bits you didn't like.

