Sunday, July 15, 2012

Book Recommendation: Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone

First of all, I have to apologize for taking so long to post this. I read this amazing book awhile ago, but I've had no time to write up a recommendation. I have a good reason, though! I started a new job. :) Things are going really well, although I'm still pretty overwhelmed by everything. I can't tell you where I'm working, but I will say I'm surrounded by neon and glitter, and I spend my day writing copy that's targeted toward teenage girls. I think that's a perfect fit for my love of YA books. :)

Now, onto the review.

I was the lucky winner of an ARC of AMELIA ANNE IS DEAD AND GONE by Kat Rosenfield. Thanks again to the awesome Katy Upperman!
From Goodreads:
An arresting un-coming-of-age story, from a breathtaking talent

Becca has always longed to break free from her small, backwater hometown. But the discovery of an unidentified dead girl on the side of a dirt road sends the town--and Becca--into a tailspin. Unable to make sense of the violence of the outside world creeping into her backyard, Becca finds herself retreating inward, paralyzed from moving forward for the first time in her life.

Short chapters detailing the last days of Amelia Anne Richardson's life are intercut with Becca's own summer as the parallel stories of two young women struggling with self-identity and relationships on the edge twist the reader closer and closer to the truth about Amelia's death.


Ever since I was little, I always enjoyed reading mysteries. They were my favorite type of book growing up. I loved reading Christopher Pike books, even though they scared me. Once I started reading more YA, I stopped reading mysteries. It just seems like there aren't many good YA mysteries. (I am anxiously waiting for Gretchen McNeil's TEN!)

As soon as I read the description of Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone, I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed. It's an intense, haunting book.

The writing is captivating. Her descriptions of setting are so beautiful, and the characters seemed so real. Especially Amelia. Kat Rosenfield writes in a way I never can.

I was immediately drawn to the character of Amelia. Amelia's story comes out slowly, with shorter chapters interspersed throughout the book, which just added to the suspense. Even though I knew Amelia was going to die (hence the title) I didn't want it to happen.

I kinda figured out the ending pretty early on, but I blame that on my Criminal Minds obsession.

Definitely read this book if you get a chance.