Skip to main content

Review: Wither

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Publish date 3/22/11
review copy from publisher
4.5/5 stars
Wow. What can I say about this book that has not already been said? I have yet to read a bad review of Wither, and there is a reason for that...
One sentence synopsis: In the future people have short life spans and Rhine has been kidnapped into marriage to a forlorn groom.
The world building is excellent. The storytelling is excellent. I cannot believe this is a first novel. Of all of the titles I have heard people say "will remind you of Hunger Games" Wither is the first to fit that bill. Rhine and Katniss share similar traits, the situation is just as despondant, and the luxury vs extreme poverty settings are there too. But make no mistake, Rhine's story is original and her own (although, it is the reader in me that keeps wanting to compare it to other books- Handmaid's Tale would also work).
So, IMHO, this is what I can add to the Wither discussion: what I loved best was Rhine finds strength in her memories of her family and is determined to create a future for herself. She is not waiting around for the male hero to swoop in and save the day, nor does Rhine's entire existance revolve around Gabriel and what Gabriel thinks of her. Yay, girl power!!!!
I can't wait for the next one. Is anyone else thinking that Linden may have some surprises up his sleeve? I think he reminds me of Heathcliff, except he has two Catherines.
Highly recommended for fans of dystopian lit, not so much for romantics.
Labels:

Comments

Lindsay Cummings author said…
new gfc follower! love the blog and i'm looking forward to readin more! =] and can't wait for wither!!

follow me?!
http://lindsaycummingsblog.blogspot.com/
March 13, 2011 at 5:36 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Attention Lucky Leprechauns.....

Whoo hoo! Time for some lucky, Irish fun. One lucky, lucky person will win a $25 gift card to Amazon to spend on whatever your little heart desires. Rules: Fill out the form. Comments and follows are not required, but sure are nice! US only, I am just too new at this to attempt International at this point. Check out all of the blogs on the hop! There are loads of chances to win some great stuff. Thank you for entering, and please feel free to stop back and visit me anytime! Contest open: March 17, 2011 to March 20, 2011. Winner will be notified on the 21st by email. Hop to here to see the list of participating blogs! Loading...
76 comments
Read more

The Perfect Giveway!

Christi the Teen Librarian and I had the great fun of meeting Ellen Hopkins in Princeton last week. I want to share this great event with a reader who would love to own an autographed copy of Ellen's latest YA novel: Perfect. This is a finished copy, not an arc. Here's the skinny. No fancy forms, no extra entries (you know, I think those things are bunk anyway!), and no hoops to jump through! *you must be 13 to enter *I can only ship to US addresses only (sorry!) *Giveaway runs until November 11 *winner will be determined by Random.org So leave a comment with your name, and a way to contact you. Follows are NOT required, but I have more giveaways planned so you may want to follow just so you have a head's up on those.
12 comments
Read more

My First Ever Giveaway!!!!!

It is time to give back, my friends! I've been plotting this one for a while and the time is here. I give you: My First Giveaway!!! Here's what's up for grabs: One autographed copy of Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith and one advanced reader copy of The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa. I know! I'm excited too!!! Here are the rules: 1. Open to US peeps only (sorry! Broke grad student here) 2. The giveaway is open from 2/13/11 to 2/20/11 because I hate long giveaways. 3. I will email the winner on 2/21/11 and they will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen. 4. Random.org will pick the winner. 5. No extra entries (everyone is equal in my eyes). 6. Fill out the form to win!!! Following and comments are not required for the giveaway, but sure are appreciated! Loading...
6 comments
Read more