What do you think?
Rate this book
Righteous
A story about friendships, love, and self-discovery.
Quick witted, sharp-tongued Righteous Andrews is troubled by a broken past, fed up with her present circumstances, and resolved to a hopeless future.
On the first day of her senior year of high school she gets in trouble, landing in the principal’s office . . . again. There she meets Colt Jackson, the new kid with a troubled past of his own. Despite her attempts to avoid him, Colt seems to show up everywhere she doesn’t want him to be, and soon they strike up an unexpected friendship. Righteous is wary. Friendships aren’t her thing. But something about Colt is different; something about him makes her curious, makes her wonder . . .
Is Colt Jackson really different from everyone else? Does happiness and love truly exist? Or will every relationship in her life always end in lies and heartache?
Quick witted, sharp-tongued Righteous Andrews is troubled by a broken past, fed up with her present circumstances, and resolved to a hopeless future.
On the first day of her senior year of high school she gets in trouble, landing in the principal’s office . . . again. There she meets Colt Jackson, the new kid with a troubled past of his own. Despite her attempts to avoid him, Colt seems to show up everywhere she doesn’t want him to be, and soon they strike up an unexpected friendship. Righteous is wary. Friendships aren’t her thing. But something about Colt is different; something about him makes her curious, makes her wonder . . .
Is Colt Jackson really different from everyone else? Does happiness and love truly exist? Or will every relationship in her life always end in lies and heartache?
- GenresContemporaryYoung Adult
284 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
742 people want to read
About the author
Kim Lehman
5 books31 followersKim Lehman is an author of children's and young adult books. She is also the publisher and book designer of MY BOOKET LIST (a Book Lover's Journal).
Kim's passion for writing was fostered during childhood by her grandfather who spent over forty years working for a major publishing company and spoiled her with endless amounts of fiction books. When she is not plotting her next creative adventure, she leads strategic projects and process improvements initiatives for companies. She is a puppy raiser for guide dogs, an aunt to four ridiculously awesome nieces and nephews, a wife to an incredibly supportive Engineer, and dog mom to a Springer Spaniel whose counter-surfing skills get him in trouble daily.
Kim's passion for writing was fostered during childhood by her grandfather who spent over forty years working for a major publishing company and spoiled her with endless amounts of fiction books. When she is not plotting her next creative adventure, she leads strategic projects and process improvements initiatives for companies. She is a puppy raiser for guide dogs, an aunt to four ridiculously awesome nieces and nephews, a wife to an incredibly supportive Engineer, and dog mom to a Springer Spaniel whose counter-surfing skills get him in trouble daily.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 5, 2015
Thank you netgalley for sending me this book in exchange of an honest review
When I say this book is amazing, I mean it's beyond astonishing Oh god I think everyone should just read this, it deserve so much more hype. Yes the story is a bit predictable but contemporary like this is not always about the big "plot twist" or "storyline" is the way how the author chose to express the story makes the book admirable.
Well the story follows Righteous (Ria) our protagonist, you guess it right, she's the kind of girl who sits in the back of the class and avoids drama in all cause, her only hope is to get pass senior year without going to the principle's office. But well, she just happen to find herself in the principle's office on the first day of school where she also met a guy name Colt, who is very much screw up. And shit just stared happening.
I really like the story I find it intriguing and well thought, the writing style is just beautiful
But for the most part it was Ria who made me fall deeply in love with this book. She is a really unique character to read from. By all mean, she's not righteous or the good girl but she's not exactly bad either. She's flawed head to toe and that what I love most about her She is not perfect
She doesn't have any friends, because friends requires trust and that's something she lacks a great deal.
But things started got so much different when she meets Colt.
COLT OH MY GOD, don't even get me started. He is such a great character, he has so much depth within him. He is described to have a rough background, so gradually he is suppose to be "dangerous but charming'. But Instead the author made him such a sweet and sarcastic guy, which I can't help but fall in love with him.
Despite the fact that the synopsis seems to emphasis the relationship between Ria and Colt a lot but in my perspective I think it deals with all aspects in life. But most of all Finding yourself.
Though I won't say I could relate to the protagonist in any way, but I cried so badly in this book that in a certain point I just started silently screaming at my kindle to stop making me cry. I love how in such short pages the author has successfully captured my heart with words that I think about all the time.
The way the author expressed sadness and loneliness is bewildering.
OVERALL I really enjoy reading this book! My review will never do this book enough justice as I'm trying to write the most condensed version to avoid spoilers.
When I say this book is amazing, I mean it's beyond astonishing Oh god I think everyone should just read this, it deserve so much more hype. Yes the story is a bit predictable but contemporary like this is not always about the big "plot twist" or "storyline" is the way how the author chose to express the story makes the book admirable.
Well the story follows Righteous (Ria) our protagonist, you guess it right, she's the kind of girl who sits in the back of the class and avoids drama in all cause, her only hope is to get pass senior year without going to the principle's office. But well, she just happen to find herself in the principle's office on the first day of school where she also met a guy name Colt, who is very much screw up. And shit just stared happening.
I clench my jaw. I knew they were just words, but it never got easier hearing them.
I really like the story I find it intriguing and well thought, the writing style is just beautiful
But for the most part it was Ria who made me fall deeply in love with this book. She is a really unique character to read from. By all mean, she's not righteous or the good girl but she's not exactly bad either. She's flawed head to toe and that what I love most about her She is not perfect
She doesn't have any friends, because friends requires trust and that's something she lacks a great deal.
Here's the one thing I learned on my third week of my freshman year:
There is a reason the word ends is in friends.
But things started got so much different when she meets Colt.
COLT OH MY GOD, don't even get me started. He is such a great character, he has so much depth within him. He is described to have a rough background, so gradually he is suppose to be "dangerous but charming'. But Instead the author made him such a sweet and sarcastic guy, which I can't help but fall in love with him.
Despite the fact that the synopsis seems to emphasis the relationship between Ria and Colt a lot but in my perspective I think it deals with all aspects in life. But most of all Finding yourself.
You can't define yourself base on who you think you are. You need to define yourself based on who you want to be.
Though I won't say I could relate to the protagonist in any way, but I cried so badly in this book that in a certain point I just started silently screaming at my kindle to stop making me cry. I love how in such short pages the author has successfully captured my heart with words that I think about all the time.
The way the author expressed sadness and loneliness is bewildering.
We all have costumes we wear to protect what we don't want people to see.
OVERALL I really enjoy reading this book! My review will never do this book enough justice as I'm trying to write the most condensed version to avoid spoilers.
July 9, 2015
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
Actual rating - 2.5
The main characters in this weren't awful, but I didn't really like them.
This started out fairly boring, and it got worse as the story progressed unfortunately. I just couldn't get into it, and I was looking forward to the end before I'd even got to 20%.
Overall, Not an enjoyable read for me unfortunately.
Actual rating - 2.5
The main characters in this weren't awful, but I didn't really like them.
This started out fairly boring, and it got worse as the story progressed unfortunately. I just couldn't get into it, and I was looking forward to the end before I'd even got to 20%.
Overall, Not an enjoyable read for me unfortunately.
July 12, 2015
Read on the WondrousBooks blog.
What an unfortunate coincidence. I read this book yesterday and again today. Only yesterday it was called Lying Out Loud.
What we have is: a main character who stands out, has trouble making friends, has problems with authorities, has a deadbeat dad, a mom who's in a constant search of love and is therefore paying almost zero attention to her daughter, also a friend who's willing to dismiss all of these things, a boy from out of town, etc etc etc.
Of course, there are differences, but honestly, it's too much alike. It's an actual coincidence that I read these two books one after the other, but it happened and it left me even less thrilled by Righteous.
Oh yeah, let's talk about Righteous(actual name), friends call her Ria: she's in her last year of high school, comes from a broken family, causes trouble, doesn't like her name - in other words, meet Sonya, goes by Sonny, is a character in Lying Out Loud.
As I said, some things were different here, but it wasn't much better. Ria and Colt's relationship was so annoying, none of them seemed to be able to express what they were feeling and every time they tried, something happened and they... didn't.
The entire story of the book was sort of nonsensical and seemed made up with the entire purpose of giving the characters something to do. The whole story with Colt started and ended too abruptly and it became obvious by the lack of actual development, that it wasn't that important to the writer. I think the point of the book were the characters themselves and especially Ria, but I was still not too excited by the way the whole thing was executed. It didn't seem realistic, that much drama exists only in the name of making a certain character a victim in order for the same character to become a victor afterwards. Nothing more than that. Because in order to show how someone develops, you need to show them in a tight spot and getting out of it.
Not impressed.
What an unfortunate coincidence. I read this book yesterday and again today. Only yesterday it was called Lying Out Loud.
What we have is: a main character who stands out, has trouble making friends, has problems with authorities, has a deadbeat dad, a mom who's in a constant search of love and is therefore paying almost zero attention to her daughter, also a friend who's willing to dismiss all of these things, a boy from out of town, etc etc etc.
Of course, there are differences, but honestly, it's too much alike. It's an actual coincidence that I read these two books one after the other, but it happened and it left me even less thrilled by Righteous.
Oh yeah, let's talk about Righteous(actual name), friends call her Ria: she's in her last year of high school, comes from a broken family, causes trouble, doesn't like her name - in other words, meet Sonya, goes by Sonny, is a character in Lying Out Loud.
I feel a bit ashamed to write this review twice in a day. Everything I said about Lying Out Loud applies to this book. I'm going to quote myself, as obnoxious at that is:
But with time the characters in LOL became flawed in different ways and their flaws lead to them being sort of unpleasant. Sonny(which FYI is a way worse name than Sonya) seemed like someone with multiple personalities, her actions were completely nonconsecutive, even towards the people she supposedly loved she'd act rude and weird and then go on and on about how much she loved them. Huh?! (...) And Ryder was the craziest of all. I kept expecting that I'd get some insight as to his way of thinking but nothing really happened. He was a total jerk to Sonny, then after one forced conversation, BAM everything is forgotten.
As I said, some things were different here, but it wasn't much better. Ria and Colt's relationship was so annoying, none of them seemed to be able to express what they were feeling and every time they tried, something happened and they... didn't.
The entire story of the book was sort of nonsensical and seemed made up with the entire purpose of giving the characters something to do. The whole story with Colt started and ended too abruptly and it became obvious by the lack of actual development, that it wasn't that important to the writer. I think the point of the book were the characters themselves and especially Ria, but I was still not too excited by the way the whole thing was executed. It didn't seem realistic, that much drama exists only in the name of making a certain character a victim in order for the same character to become a victor afterwards. Nothing more than that. Because in order to show how someone develops, you need to show them in a tight spot and getting out of it.
Not impressed.
January 24, 2016
The best thing about this book is that it's less about the romance and more about Ria's relationships with other people - her new best friend, her mom, the principal who becomes like a father figure, an elderly woman who's like a grandma.
The romance is sweet. Pretty predictable, but still sweet. But it's more the background story, unlike most ya contemporaries. It starts off like a ya contemporary romance, but focuses on so much more.
What I didn't really like about this book is the main character. Her life isn't awesome, I understand that. But she's just so damn cranky. She's mean to everyone for no reason at all. She eventually grows, but in the beginning I just wanted to slap some sense into her.
The romance is sweet. Pretty predictable, but still sweet. But it's more the background story, unlike most ya contemporaries. It starts off like a ya contemporary romance, but focuses on so much more.
What I didn't really like about this book is the main character. Her life isn't awesome, I understand that. But she's just so damn cranky. She's mean to everyone for no reason at all. She eventually grows, but in the beginning I just wanted to slap some sense into her.
April 9, 2015
4.5 STARS
Oh my gosh! Why aren’t more people reading this fabulous book????
This is a hidden gem! I certainly hope it doesn’t stay hidden munch longer. EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS!
It’s a mix of everything I love about a Penelope Douglas, Colleen Hoover, or Kim Holden book wrapped up into one. Ugh. This was WORSE than a bag of potato chip because I didn’t just mindlessly dip my hand in the bag repeatedly, I freaking pigged out on the entire bag!
RIGHTEOUS is a story about friendships, love, and discovering who you really are.
Righteous (“Ria”) Andrews finally made it to her senior year of high school. She hasn’t lucked out in the parent department. She keeps to herself and sits in the back of the class. But, by no means is she immune to trouble. With any luck maybe she’ll make it through the year without being a permanent fixture in the principal’s office. Ria’s luck just happens runs out on the first day of school. She finds herself in the principal’s office where she comes across the “new guy” who has a troubled past of his own.
Righteous doesn’t have friends. Period. Friends require trust, and that’s in short supply coming from Righteous. But, the new guy in school is determined to forge some kind of “friendship” with Righteous whether she wants to or not. Ria soon finds herself striking up a relationship with one of the last people she ever expected to, let anyone someone period. Ria’s been burned in the past, but Colt seems different. Just because he’s the new guys doesn’t mean he isn’t like everyone else. Or is he????
I more than loved this book! It’s difficult to find a well-written and engaging YA read. Ria may be young and messed up, but she’s witty, a bit sarcastic, and truly lovable. Such a fabulous heroine. RIGHTEOUS is simply wonderful. Kim Lehman has penned a fabulous story that grabbed me right from the beginning. Kim’s writing style is smart with a smooth flow. I feel like I could never do this book justice with the words I write. I just wish more people were reading it. This book deserves to be read and readers deserve to read a book like RIGHTEOUS.
If you’re in the mood for a well written and engrossing YA read, then you really need to give RIGHTEOUS a try. Even if you’re not in the mood for a YA read, you really need to give RIGHTOUS a try!
READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS!
Oh my gosh! Why aren’t more people reading this fabulous book????
This is a hidden gem! I certainly hope it doesn’t stay hidden munch longer. EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS!
It’s a mix of everything I love about a Penelope Douglas, Colleen Hoover, or Kim Holden book wrapped up into one. Ugh. This was WORSE than a bag of potato chip because I didn’t just mindlessly dip my hand in the bag repeatedly, I freaking pigged out on the entire bag!
“Don’t define yourself based on who you think you are. Define yourself based on who you want to be.”
RIGHTEOUS is a story about friendships, love, and discovering who you really are.
Righteous (“Ria”) Andrews finally made it to her senior year of high school. She hasn’t lucked out in the parent department. She keeps to herself and sits in the back of the class. But, by no means is she immune to trouble. With any luck maybe she’ll make it through the year without being a permanent fixture in the principal’s office. Ria’s luck just happens runs out on the first day of school. She finds herself in the principal’s office where she comes across the “new guy” who has a troubled past of his own.
Righteous doesn’t have friends. Period. Friends require trust, and that’s in short supply coming from Righteous. But, the new guy in school is determined to forge some kind of “friendship” with Righteous whether she wants to or not. Ria soon finds herself striking up a relationship with one of the last people she ever expected to, let anyone someone period. Ria’s been burned in the past, but Colt seems different. Just because he’s the new guys doesn’t mean he isn’t like everyone else. Or is he????
I more than loved this book! It’s difficult to find a well-written and engaging YA read. Ria may be young and messed up, but she’s witty, a bit sarcastic, and truly lovable. Such a fabulous heroine. RIGHTEOUS is simply wonderful. Kim Lehman has penned a fabulous story that grabbed me right from the beginning. Kim’s writing style is smart with a smooth flow. I feel like I could never do this book justice with the words I write. I just wish more people were reading it. This book deserves to be read and readers deserve to read a book like RIGHTEOUS.
If you’re in the mood for a well written and engrossing YA read, then you really need to give RIGHTEOUS a try. Even if you’re not in the mood for a YA read, you really need to give RIGHTOUS a try!
READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS!
July 9, 2013
Righteous is a wonderful novel about one young woman’s struggle navigating through the harsh landscape of high school, enduring an unstable and unhealthy family life, including her “so-called friends”, learning about loss, love and finding the silver lining through it all.
In Kim Lehman’s debut novel, we find her main character, Righteous (“Ria”), living on the wrong side of a typical mid-west town, with a broken home and broken heart yearning for the things and people that have physically or emotionally faded from her life. A mother who is a wreck with a revolving door of boyfriends, dead-beat dad that bailed years ago, her own home becomes a battle zone, recently dumped by her best friend because she wasn’t “cool” enough and sporting a school report card that belongs in the trash. She is, tragically, the ultimate high school underdog…and after feeling like the world has turned their back on her, Ria is guarded, untrusting and hurt.
What she needs most in this world are people who she can lean on, and she finds this in the most interesting and ironically duplicative characters and situations – Magda who always shoots straight with her advice but has a few screws loose; Colt the charming popular jock that everyone wants to be near, but seems to always find his way near Ria the social outcast…and did he commit a crime? It’s a mystery, a thriller, a love-story and a story about friendship all wrapped into one.
I very much enjoyed this book. Kim Lehman’s characters come alive, and the story is so nicely woven together touching upon some of the most prevalent and controversial teenage issues. She pulled me into the story and into predicaments, taking me back to all the drama and life crossroads that come to pass in your teenage years. This book has wide appeal, and readers of all ages will find themselves rooting for and falling in love with Righteous.
In Kim Lehman’s debut novel, we find her main character, Righteous (“Ria”), living on the wrong side of a typical mid-west town, with a broken home and broken heart yearning for the things and people that have physically or emotionally faded from her life. A mother who is a wreck with a revolving door of boyfriends, dead-beat dad that bailed years ago, her own home becomes a battle zone, recently dumped by her best friend because she wasn’t “cool” enough and sporting a school report card that belongs in the trash. She is, tragically, the ultimate high school underdog…and after feeling like the world has turned their back on her, Ria is guarded, untrusting and hurt.
What she needs most in this world are people who she can lean on, and she finds this in the most interesting and ironically duplicative characters and situations – Magda who always shoots straight with her advice but has a few screws loose; Colt the charming popular jock that everyone wants to be near, but seems to always find his way near Ria the social outcast…and did he commit a crime? It’s a mystery, a thriller, a love-story and a story about friendship all wrapped into one.
I very much enjoyed this book. Kim Lehman’s characters come alive, and the story is so nicely woven together touching upon some of the most prevalent and controversial teenage issues. She pulled me into the story and into predicaments, taking me back to all the drama and life crossroads that come to pass in your teenage years. This book has wide appeal, and readers of all ages will find themselves rooting for and falling in love with Righteous.
July 18, 2013
I love this book! I love the writing style, you just jump into Righteous' world. Oh and what a world!! I'm sure everyone can relate to atleast one character in this book, I know I did.
Although it does have its moments of predictability (is that a word?)towards the end,, when it comes to this story I wouldn't have liked it ended any other way.
Kim you are a fantastic writer can't wait to read more from you!
So if you're thinking about reading this book...READ IT!!
Although it does have its moments of predictability (is that a word?)towards the end,, when it comes to this story I wouldn't have liked it ended any other way.
Kim you are a fantastic writer can't wait to read more from you!
So if you're thinking about reading this book...READ IT!!
July 27, 2013
This book was good.
Like surprisingly good.
Righteous is told through the POV of Righteous Andrews, a high school senior who is a misfit that prefers to be alone and not socialize. She is a troubled teen that can basically call the Principals office her second home. She thinks her path has been set for her and that she's meant to follow in her mother's footsteps working straight out of high school and living paycheck to paycheck. She believes its too late to change things around and go for the things she really wants: friendship, love, happiness, and a degree. A series of events and people help Righteous realize that maybe she was wrong in thinking her life will always be filled of disappointment after disappointment.
Author Kim Lehman has a gift for bringing together the most unlikely of characters and making it work. I loved loved Colt, the charming new guy with a past. Magda, the elderly dementia patient that always had some interesting advice. And Principal Davis, who was almost like a father figure.
This book had a rocky start but about 40 pages into it I became really invested in the characters and couldn't put the book down!! At times you could say there were many cliches but at the same time they were very realistic. I loved that this book would also have diary entries in it because that really helped to connect and understand Righteous more. I really wanted that happy ending for her and was rooting for Righteous the whole way through.
This is a really great coming of age story that I would recommend to anyone looking to root for the underdog.
Free e-book copy provided by author for an honest review.
August 5, 2013
I want to start off by saying I am honored to have received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my goodness!!! What a great book!! I loved it, in case you couldn't tell. I really enjoyed Righteous and even though I wanted to scream at her through most of the book (for various reasons), I was right there with her feeling everything she was and understood who she was and why she was that way. I absolutely loved the writing in this book and will definitely be reading more of Kim Lehman's books. Wow... just wow. I really can't say much else except you MUST read this book, it's great.
Oh my goodness!!! What a great book!! I loved it, in case you couldn't tell. I really enjoyed Righteous and even though I wanted to scream at her through most of the book (for various reasons), I was right there with her feeling everything she was and understood who she was and why she was that way. I absolutely loved the writing in this book and will definitely be reading more of Kim Lehman's books. Wow... just wow. I really can't say much else except you MUST read this book, it's great.
July 8, 2015
2.5 stars
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-t0-review basis. Thanks to Lucky Stars Publishing and NetGalley.)
This story lost my interest fairly early on, and couldn’t recapture it.
I didn’t really like the characters in this book. I found them quite whiney, and they just irritated me. I didn’t care what happened to them really, and I found Righteous’ mother to possibly be the worst of the bunch.
The storyline in this just couldn’t hold my interest, and I got quite bored. I didn’t even appreciate the romance really.
The ending to this was a relief. I was glad the book ended at 96%.
5 out of 10
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-t0-review basis. Thanks to Lucky Stars Publishing and NetGalley.)
This story lost my interest fairly early on, and couldn’t recapture it.
I didn’t really like the characters in this book. I found them quite whiney, and they just irritated me. I didn’t care what happened to them really, and I found Righteous’ mother to possibly be the worst of the bunch.
The storyline in this just couldn’t hold my interest, and I got quite bored. I didn’t even appreciate the romance really.
The ending to this was a relief. I was glad the book ended at 96%.
5 out of 10
August 17, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review by the author.
It's senior year and Righteous Andrews is just trying to get by. Her mom and the few that speak to her call her Ria and she's not your average student. With straight C's and no college dreams she can't wait to be done with it!
She's a loner and she's not interested in friends or friendship. Fake people just aren't her thing. First day senior year we meet the new guy, Colten Jackson. Gorgeous jock fits in with the 'pops' as she refers to the popular kids. But he's clearly different. Rumors are running wild about the new kid and he can't seem to stay away from Ria. She'd just assume avoid him but he keeps turning up and when he stumbles into her home life Ria is mortified. He may have saved the day but now he knows things Ria would rather no one know.
But Colt's growing on her and he doesn't seem to be like the others. He knows where she comes from and still hangs around. Ria takes a gamble she's not sure she should and starts to give a damn. Through it all Ria must remain true to herself.
I was taken in and twisted by this book. An utterly relatable character to more people than any of us know.
I absolutely love Righteous, she's the epitome of a society that never let's you get ahead. Knocks you down and waits till you get up and dust yourself off to knick you down again.
She represents strength to me. The strength found in all mankind to grasp and use the worst situations to make them stronger.
The characters in this book are well developed and all have purpose. From Lynette her mom to Mr. Davis her principal and Cecile, Magda and Colt are ones I'll never forget. Love love love it!
I'd read it again and again.
I love the rawness and the emotion that yanks you in and pulls at you till you say mercy. It's a really great story and reminds me how you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it!
I recommend that you read this book. You definitely won't be sorry. I'm happy to have had the privilege myself.
Thanks to Kim Lehman for sharing Righteous with us all.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
IF YOU CLICK THE LINK TO SHOW SPOILERS YOU WILL INDEED SPOIL THE STORY!!!
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK AND DO NOT WANT IT SPOILED THEN DO NOT CLICK IT!!!
Unless of course you are one of the brave few who wants to know before you read it! Then by all means click away!
That is all..... carry on.....
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
It's senior year and Righteous Andrews is just trying to get by. Her mom and the few that speak to her call her Ria and she's not your average student. With straight C's and no college dreams she can't wait to be done with it!
She's a loner and she's not interested in friends or friendship. Fake people just aren't her thing. First day senior year we meet the new guy, Colten Jackson. Gorgeous jock fits in with the 'pops' as she refers to the popular kids. But he's clearly different. Rumors are running wild about the new kid and he can't seem to stay away from Ria. She'd just assume avoid him but he keeps turning up and when he stumbles into her home life Ria is mortified. He may have saved the day but now he knows things Ria would rather no one know.
But Colt's growing on her and he doesn't seem to be like the others. He knows where she comes from and still hangs around. Ria takes a gamble she's not sure she should and starts to give a damn. Through it all Ria must remain true to herself.
I was taken in and twisted by this book. An utterly relatable character to more people than any of us know.
I absolutely love Righteous, she's the epitome of a society that never let's you get ahead. Knocks you down and waits till you get up and dust yourself off to knick you down again.
She represents strength to me. The strength found in all mankind to grasp and use the worst situations to make them stronger.
The characters in this book are well developed and all have purpose. From Lynette her mom to Mr. Davis her principal and Cecile, Magda and Colt are ones I'll never forget. Love love love it!
I'd read it again and again.
I love the rawness and the emotion that yanks you in and pulls at you till you say mercy. It's a really great story and reminds me how you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it!
I recommend that you read this book. You definitely won't be sorry. I'm happy to have had the privilege myself.
Thanks to Kim Lehman for sharing Righteous with us all.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
IF YOU CLICK THE LINK TO SHOW SPOILERS YOU WILL INDEED SPOIL THE STORY!!!
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK AND DO NOT WANT IT SPOILED THEN DO NOT CLICK IT!!!
Unless of course you are one of the brave few who wants to know before you read it! Then by all means click away!
That is all..... carry on.....
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
August 20, 2016
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I wasn’t expecting much from this book to be honest, I haven’t seen any reviews on the blogosphere and there is not a lot on Goodreads either. I was really surprised with this book, It didn’t blow my mind but I wasn’t bored reading it.
We follow Righteous (Yes that’s her name) or likes to be called Ria. Ria stands out at school like a sore thumb, she is not a conformist, she likes to wear black (a lot) she has facial piercings and tattoo’s and is a bit of a loner, just the way she likes it. She also has a bit of a reputation as a trouble maker and constantly in the Principles office. Home life is not much better, her dad she has never met and her mum is searching for love but with all the wrong guys and neglects Ria.
First day back at school and she is already outside the principle’s office when she meets the new guy (Colt) that has transferred, he is hot(obviously), well dressed, athletic and obviously popular but when he keeps showing up where Ria is, she is wary of his friendship and why someone like him would even want to talk to a girl like her.
Ria is a complex character,she has no father figure, no friends and a mother that is so neglectful she can do what she wants. She has confidence and trust issues. The great thing though she is a flawed character and that’s what I truly enjoyed about this book, I don’t want to read a perfect girls (because we know there is no such thing). Ria chooses to have no friends as that would involve trusting people and she has been let down before.
There is rumour about Colt making the rounds from day one, Ria doesn’t believe the idle gossip that people spread. Obviously with this rumour going around he is not falling over with friends. He is your stereotypical hot-guy of the school but he is also witty,caring and an overall cool character.
I didn’t relate to the characters, but they weren’t bad. The plot twist was predictable I saw it coming from a mile off, but the romance was cute. There is no insta-love in this book but at times I wanted to shake Ria as she made crappy decisions or not saying what she truly wanted to.
I am surprised that this book has got so little reviews, it’s a YA, contemporary with Romance and has flawed characters.
I rated this 3.5 stars
I wasn’t expecting much from this book to be honest, I haven’t seen any reviews on the blogosphere and there is not a lot on Goodreads either. I was really surprised with this book, It didn’t blow my mind but I wasn’t bored reading it.
We follow Righteous (Yes that’s her name) or likes to be called Ria. Ria stands out at school like a sore thumb, she is not a conformist, she likes to wear black (a lot) she has facial piercings and tattoo’s and is a bit of a loner, just the way she likes it. She also has a bit of a reputation as a trouble maker and constantly in the Principles office. Home life is not much better, her dad she has never met and her mum is searching for love but with all the wrong guys and neglects Ria.
First day back at school and she is already outside the principle’s office when she meets the new guy (Colt) that has transferred, he is hot(obviously), well dressed, athletic and obviously popular but when he keeps showing up where Ria is, she is wary of his friendship and why someone like him would even want to talk to a girl like her.
Ria is a complex character,she has no father figure, no friends and a mother that is so neglectful she can do what she wants. She has confidence and trust issues. The great thing though she is a flawed character and that’s what I truly enjoyed about this book, I don’t want to read a perfect girls (because we know there is no such thing). Ria chooses to have no friends as that would involve trusting people and she has been let down before.
There is rumour about Colt making the rounds from day one, Ria doesn’t believe the idle gossip that people spread. Obviously with this rumour going around he is not falling over with friends. He is your stereotypical hot-guy of the school but he is also witty,caring and an overall cool character.
I didn’t relate to the characters, but they weren’t bad. The plot twist was predictable I saw it coming from a mile off, but the romance was cute. There is no insta-love in this book but at times I wanted to shake Ria as she made crappy decisions or not saying what she truly wanted to.
I am surprised that this book has got so little reviews, it’s a YA, contemporary with Romance and has flawed characters.
I rated this 3.5 stars
July 22, 2013
Reviewed by Bobbie Grob for Readers' Favorite
Righteous by Kim Lehman is a young-adult novel that centers around Righteous Andrews. She is a stereotypical teenager, at least until you look at what’s underneath the all-black attire and the bad attitude. This is the story of a girl who has been beaten down by life, and has lost any real joy in anything by the time she is a senior in high school. Righteous flings through life as if she were a pinball, bouncing off one obstacle and disappointment after another until she is entirely lost. She doesn’t believe she can be any better than her present, or that she deserves anything from her future. This strikes me as a story that will have a large readership, because there is a little bit of Righteous in all of us.
This was a very enjoyable book. I adored Righteous, the girl, who is the main character of the book Righteous by Kim Lehman. Some parts of the book are predictable: the unstable home life, the angst that goes along with trying to make a place for yourself in a world that only wants pretty and popular, the love affair that hits and misses. One thing that Kim Lehman is very good at, however, is creating an assortment of people who seem as though they have no business being in each other’s lives, but who fit together anyway. It would not have occurred to me to put a murderer, an elderly dementia patient, and a perpetually angry teenager together, but you know what? It works. Righteously.
Righteous by Kim Lehman is a young-adult novel that centers around Righteous Andrews. She is a stereotypical teenager, at least until you look at what’s underneath the all-black attire and the bad attitude. This is the story of a girl who has been beaten down by life, and has lost any real joy in anything by the time she is a senior in high school. Righteous flings through life as if she were a pinball, bouncing off one obstacle and disappointment after another until she is entirely lost. She doesn’t believe she can be any better than her present, or that she deserves anything from her future. This strikes me as a story that will have a large readership, because there is a little bit of Righteous in all of us.
This was a very enjoyable book. I adored Righteous, the girl, who is the main character of the book Righteous by Kim Lehman. Some parts of the book are predictable: the unstable home life, the angst that goes along with trying to make a place for yourself in a world that only wants pretty and popular, the love affair that hits and misses. One thing that Kim Lehman is very good at, however, is creating an assortment of people who seem as though they have no business being in each other’s lives, but who fit together anyway. It would not have occurred to me to put a murderer, an elderly dementia patient, and a perpetually angry teenager together, but you know what? It works. Righteously.
August 1, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! Righteous Andrews is such a great character. She's stubborn and bull headed but so easy to relate to. I also adored the character Colt. Both characters are wounded and hurting from their pasts. Together they from a friendship you are rooting for the entire book. What I loved most about this book was the voice of Righteous. I felt like I was listening to a friend tell me a story. I picked up the book and couldn't put it down. I felt a connection to Righteous. We're both extremely stubborn young women from Ohio. You wanted to slap her at times but were always hoping for a happy ending. I wish this book was a series because I want more! For anyone who has ever doubted themselves, felt awkward, or hoped for something more, this is a book you have to read. Great for teens and adults alike. This was one great read! I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you Kim Lehman for this awesome gift!
July 20, 2013
I received a free e-copy of Righteous from the author, Kim Lehman, to read and provide a review (thank you). This story is of a young teen navigating the bumpy road of adolescence. I became invested in the story quite quickly, not wanting to put it down (wishing my bus ride was just a little bit longer ). There are numerous teen issues, many of which any one of us can relate to either directly or indirectly. The storytelling was engaging. I could not wait to see how life played out for Righteous but yet, wanted the story to continue. I cannot wait to pass this book on to my teenager and see what she has to say about it!
Great writing, good storytelling, all in all….a great and enjoyable read. Thank you Kim Lehman for writing an engaging and delightful book.
Great writing, good storytelling, all in all….a great and enjoyable read. Thank you Kim Lehman for writing an engaging and delightful book.
August 14, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Tha author captures the spirit of a high school misfit, and brings her to that moment when we leave those days behind. My only complaint has to do with the printing. I'm not sure why, but I found the typesetting difficult to read, especially the italic sections.
March 16, 2015
This review was originally published on my book blog, The Little Bookshelf.
http://thelilbookshelf.blogspot.com/2...
"You can't define yourself based on who you think you are. You need to define yourself based on who you want to be."
Righteous has had a pretty disappointing life. She was born in a gas station bathroom to a mother with a knack for getting into bad relationships. The two of them live in a trailer park, and Righteous has accepted that she will never amount to anything more than a blue-collared worker in the little town of Landon. Righteous tells the story of Righteous's senior year of high school, and the choices she makes about her friends, family, and future.
I liked this book quite a lot. I loved how all the characters were flawed. I loved reading about the grisly reality that was Righteous's home life. I loved how we got to learn about Righteous little by little as the story progressed. There were of course things I wasn't very fond of, but let me go a bit more in depth first. I'm going to rate this book through it's characters.
Righteous's relationship with her mom is, to say the least, flawed. Her mother has brought home a string of absolutely terrible boyfriends, spreading from lazy to flat-out abusive. Righteous's home life was my favorite aspect of the book. A lot of the time I get mad at weak characters, but I couldn't be mad at Righteous's mom, because I got backstory. Let me rephrase actually; There were times when I was mad at Righteous's mom, because Righteous's mom does stuff that is worthy of getting mad at, but I understood why she did it. I understood why she couldn't tear herself away from these abusive relationships. Righteous's father left her mother a few months before Righteous was born, which was why Righteous's mom was so desperate to find real love in all these men who obviously didn't love her back. That was why she pushed Righteous away in order to try and fix her broken relationships. I hated Righteous's mom, but at the same time I loved her because she was developed, and having her be developed further developed out main character, Righteous.
Now, Righteous's best friend is this old lady at the senior center who's family doesn't visit her month. The old lady, named Magda, has dementia, so she thinks Righteous is some girl from her youth named Alice. I liked Magda. She had that both the grandmother and best friend traits, and somehow, even though everything she spoke was total nonsense, it made complete sense. She stopped Righteous from being a complete idiot a few times, and gave awesome advice. Thumbs up on Magda. Although TAH-DAH!
Righteous has two other people who were her friends; Felicity and Cecile. Cecile is a really nice girl who is the only person who honestly tries to befriend her other than Colt, who we will get to later. Cecile was nice. Nice backstory. The only word I have for her is nice. I didn't really have a strong opinion on her. Now, Felicity was the TOTAL opposite. Felicity, point-blank, was a bitch. She also got a strong backstory (honestly this book did great on the backstories), which reaffirmed the fact she was, indeed, a bitch. I loved hating her. I just wanted to go in and slap her every single time she was brought up in the book, and I loved that. Both of them only really had one character trait (nice and a bitch), but I liked Felicity better than Cecile, because I felt strongly about Felicity.
Colt Jackson was the love interest of the book. He was a little interesting. I was never really sure if I like him. The first sentence of this book was literally Righteous asking Colt what he was looking at, and I was just like, "Yep, there's the love interest. No question. She's going to start out by not liking him, then she'll like him, then she won't, then she will." I knew this from the FIRST PAGE. And, strangely enough, my liking for Colt followed the same pattern I predicted Righteous's would go. I hated him at first. He was the mysterious new boy, and rumors are spreading that he murdered someone. I did not like him. Then, as he started to have a relationship with Righteous, I started to like him. Then, at the end, I was not sure at all! He did some really creepy and stupid things, like stalking Righteous that one time, like getting a tattoo of her name when they're not even dating, like acting like he didn't like Righteous in order to seem popular, liking dating Felicity, and a bunch of other things. But at the same time I ship Righteous and Colt, and they are adorable every second they are together. UH. I just don't even know. Do I like him? I still don't know!
And Dustin. I did not like Dustin. Remember how I told you that people think Colt killed someone? Apparently he moved from his old town because he's been accused of murder. Dustin is the brother of the person who everyone thinks Colt murdered. Why was he even in the book at all? Why was his subplot even in the book at all? Why was his plot only a subplot? Honestly? Why wasn't this guy a bigger deal? Dustin was the reason this book was not five stars. I'm sorry, but he just made me mad.
But I liked the book. I would recommend it. Maybe not for everyone to go out and buy right this second, but definitely, if you see it in the library and it seems like your thing, pick it up. I loved Righteous and everything about her character. I loved her insecurities and her backstory. She was an amazing character, and the driving force of a lovely novel. I'm really quite surprised that this book never got more hype. It seems like the kind of thing the online book community would totally jump on.
http://thelilbookshelf.blogspot.com/2...
"You can't define yourself based on who you think you are. You need to define yourself based on who you want to be."
Righteous has had a pretty disappointing life. She was born in a gas station bathroom to a mother with a knack for getting into bad relationships. The two of them live in a trailer park, and Righteous has accepted that she will never amount to anything more than a blue-collared worker in the little town of Landon. Righteous tells the story of Righteous's senior year of high school, and the choices she makes about her friends, family, and future.
I liked this book quite a lot. I loved how all the characters were flawed. I loved reading about the grisly reality that was Righteous's home life. I loved how we got to learn about Righteous little by little as the story progressed. There were of course things I wasn't very fond of, but let me go a bit more in depth first. I'm going to rate this book through it's characters.
Righteous's relationship with her mom is, to say the least, flawed. Her mother has brought home a string of absolutely terrible boyfriends, spreading from lazy to flat-out abusive. Righteous's home life was my favorite aspect of the book. A lot of the time I get mad at weak characters, but I couldn't be mad at Righteous's mom, because I got backstory. Let me rephrase actually; There were times when I was mad at Righteous's mom, because Righteous's mom does stuff that is worthy of getting mad at, but I understood why she did it. I understood why she couldn't tear herself away from these abusive relationships. Righteous's father left her mother a few months before Righteous was born, which was why Righteous's mom was so desperate to find real love in all these men who obviously didn't love her back. That was why she pushed Righteous away in order to try and fix her broken relationships. I hated Righteous's mom, but at the same time I loved her because she was developed, and having her be developed further developed out main character, Righteous.
Now, Righteous's best friend is this old lady at the senior center who's family doesn't visit her month. The old lady, named Magda, has dementia, so she thinks Righteous is some girl from her youth named Alice. I liked Magda. She had that both the grandmother and best friend traits, and somehow, even though everything she spoke was total nonsense, it made complete sense. She stopped Righteous from being a complete idiot a few times, and gave awesome advice. Thumbs up on Magda. Although TAH-DAH!
Righteous has two other people who were her friends; Felicity and Cecile. Cecile is a really nice girl who is the only person who honestly tries to befriend her other than Colt, who we will get to later. Cecile was nice. Nice backstory. The only word I have for her is nice. I didn't really have a strong opinion on her. Now, Felicity was the TOTAL opposite. Felicity, point-blank, was a bitch. She also got a strong backstory (honestly this book did great on the backstories), which reaffirmed the fact she was, indeed, a bitch. I loved hating her. I just wanted to go in and slap her every single time she was brought up in the book, and I loved that. Both of them only really had one character trait (nice and a bitch), but I liked Felicity better than Cecile, because I felt strongly about Felicity.
Colt Jackson was the love interest of the book. He was a little interesting. I was never really sure if I like him. The first sentence of this book was literally Righteous asking Colt what he was looking at, and I was just like, "Yep, there's the love interest. No question. She's going to start out by not liking him, then she'll like him, then she won't, then she will." I knew this from the FIRST PAGE. And, strangely enough, my liking for Colt followed the same pattern I predicted Righteous's would go. I hated him at first. He was the mysterious new boy, and rumors are spreading that he murdered someone. I did not like him. Then, as he started to have a relationship with Righteous, I started to like him. Then, at the end, I was not sure at all! He did some really creepy and stupid things, like stalking Righteous that one time, like getting a tattoo of her name when they're not even dating, like acting like he didn't like Righteous in order to seem popular, liking dating Felicity, and a bunch of other things. But at the same time I ship Righteous and Colt, and they are adorable every second they are together. UH. I just don't even know. Do I like him? I still don't know!
And Dustin. I did not like Dustin. Remember how I told you that people think Colt killed someone? Apparently he moved from his old town because he's been accused of murder. Dustin is the brother of the person who everyone thinks Colt murdered. Why was he even in the book at all? Why was his subplot even in the book at all? Why was his plot only a subplot? Honestly? Why wasn't this guy a bigger deal? Dustin was the reason this book was not five stars. I'm sorry, but he just made me mad.
But I liked the book. I would recommend it. Maybe not for everyone to go out and buy right this second, but definitely, if you see it in the library and it seems like your thing, pick it up. I loved Righteous and everything about her character. I loved her insecurities and her backstory. She was an amazing character, and the driving force of a lovely novel. I'm really quite surprised that this book never got more hype. It seems like the kind of thing the online book community would totally jump on.
March 11, 2015
Righteous doesn't live on the rich side of town. She lives in a trailer with her mother who cares more about finding and holding onto some deadbeat loser of a man, than paying attention to a thing Righteous does. Righteous has come to terms with her life though. She's well aware that she will never go to college. She's not going to get a scholarship, she doesn't even have good enough grades, not to mention the fact that she has no money. She well aware of the fact that she will stay behind in the trailer she shares with her mother and her flavor of the month while all the rest of the kids from her school go off to start their life. However, when a new kid shows up at school, he worms his way into her life and manages to through her off balance.
This book started off really good. You see what Righteous' life has been like. She's in the principal's office for throwing soda on another girl. You sense right then and there that Righteous has been in the hot seat before and isn't intimidated by the principal. When she goes how her mother's boyfriend is roughing up her mom. So when she tries to get him to leave her mother alone and to leave the trailer, he attacks her instead. Well, of course when the cops show up, the mother doesn't want to press charges and claims it was all her fault the altercation even happened. Not only does the new kid try to converse with Righteous, but there is another girl at school who apparently asks her just about every day if she wants to eat lunch with her; Righteous blows her off. However, there is one person in her life that she can count on and that's Magda. An old lady with dementia whom she met while walking through the park. Apparently Magda got out of her nursing home and Righteous helped her find her way back. They've been friends ever since. In fact Magda is Righteous' only friend.
Speaking of Magda, I think she was my favorite character in this book. Due to her dementia she was kind of all over the place, but in a good way. She says these quirky things that were meant to inspire or direct Righteous' thoughts. For instance:
"You can't see who's shooting arrows if you're hiding behind the trees."
"Stick your thumbs in your ears some more and you'll have enough what-ifs and maybe-whens to build a bridge."
"You can't flip pancakes with blind eyes."
The entire book is written in Righteous' point of view and at times it was rough for me to get through. There is a lot of internal dialog. A lot. Which I suppose makes sense because she pushes everyone away and has no other friends except for Magda. There were times where her ramblings about the "Pops" or "Popsicles" (popular kids), her musings about her dead end life, her negligent mother who cared more about men than her, the new kid who is following her around and wanting to be her friend, became a little exhausting.
I liked that the author gave Righteous struggles. None of it was really over the top. There are people out there who struggle like Righteous and her mother did. My huge gripe though is what happens towards the end. It left me wondering why the author flipped course like that. I mean, does every book have to end with a happily ever after? I'm not going to go into detail but I felt like I missed a chapter where the Fairy Godmother came out and flicked her wand around and changed everything. The story was enjoyable up until that point. Then I just felt like I was reading an entirely different book all together. As if maybe I have fallen into Righteous' parallel universe or something.
Favorite quote...
"There's no such thing as normal."
This book started off really good. You see what Righteous' life has been like. She's in the principal's office for throwing soda on another girl. You sense right then and there that Righteous has been in the hot seat before and isn't intimidated by the principal. When she goes how her mother's boyfriend is roughing up her mom. So when she tries to get him to leave her mother alone and to leave the trailer, he attacks her instead. Well, of course when the cops show up, the mother doesn't want to press charges and claims it was all her fault the altercation even happened. Not only does the new kid try to converse with Righteous, but there is another girl at school who apparently asks her just about every day if she wants to eat lunch with her; Righteous blows her off. However, there is one person in her life that she can count on and that's Magda. An old lady with dementia whom she met while walking through the park. Apparently Magda got out of her nursing home and Righteous helped her find her way back. They've been friends ever since. In fact Magda is Righteous' only friend.
Speaking of Magda, I think she was my favorite character in this book. Due to her dementia she was kind of all over the place, but in a good way. She says these quirky things that were meant to inspire or direct Righteous' thoughts. For instance:
"You can't see who's shooting arrows if you're hiding behind the trees."
"Stick your thumbs in your ears some more and you'll have enough what-ifs and maybe-whens to build a bridge."
"You can't flip pancakes with blind eyes."
The entire book is written in Righteous' point of view and at times it was rough for me to get through. There is a lot of internal dialog. A lot. Which I suppose makes sense because she pushes everyone away and has no other friends except for Magda. There were times where her ramblings about the "Pops" or "Popsicles" (popular kids), her musings about her dead end life, her negligent mother who cared more about men than her, the new kid who is following her around and wanting to be her friend, became a little exhausting.
I liked that the author gave Righteous struggles. None of it was really over the top. There are people out there who struggle like Righteous and her mother did. My huge gripe though is what happens towards the end. It left me wondering why the author flipped course like that. I mean, does every book have to end with a happily ever after? I'm not going to go into detail but I felt like I missed a chapter where the Fairy Godmother came out and flicked her wand around and changed everything. The story was enjoyable up until that point. Then I just felt like I was reading an entirely different book all together. As if maybe I have fallen into Righteous' parallel universe or something.
Favorite quote...
"There's no such thing as normal."
April 17, 2015
If my parents named me Righteous, I might be a bit of an asshole too, I’m just saying.
So in this story, we meet Righteous, a rebellious young teen with a chip on her shoulder. Life has not been kind to her and so in turn, she is not kind right back. With no expectations or aspirations, she finds herself coasting along in life and doesn’t expect much from herself or those around her. School is mostly a joke and she slowly counts down the days until she graduates and can do her own thing, that is, until Colt arrives in her life.
This is your typical tale of teenage angst and first loves, the unfairness of it all and the people that show up in our lives hoping to make a difference. This is a hard book for me to review, because being a teenager myself once, that grew up in less than ideal circumstances and hardship, I find it hard to close off my own opinions and differentiate myself from our heroine. Teenage life is hard, there is no doubt about that, but I find it hard to feel sorry for someone that has the opportunities to make better decisions but doesn’t and just uses their circumstances as a crutch for why they didn’t. I have seen and heard of true horrors that teenagers have had to face and the things that Righteous goes through, almost seem like a cake walk in comparison. Her “poor-me” attitude really grated on my nerves and all I really wanted to do was scoop her up and take her to an orphanage or on a mission trip to a third world country to show her the faces of people that knew what true hardship was and who are still able to smile in spite of it all. Something else that I resented while reading this, was the “trailer park trash” stereo type. I have family members that live in trailer parks and their homes are nicer, more well-kept and the neighbors nicer than some people I know that own homes. Living in a trailer park does not mean that you are poor and trashy! I will stop myself here, before I go off on a tangent, but I really resented the fact that Righteous living in one was something to be ashamed of and used as a means to further her “poor me” outlook.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book, but I didn’t like it. I found that the more I wrote my review, the more resentful I became of the book and my opinion of it lowered accordingly. If you want me to feel sorry for your character (besides her name), then don’t give me the cookie cutter reasons to do it. They are tired and played out and this is not the 80’s. Having absent parents does suck, but it doesn’t make you handicapped. Living in a trailer doesn’t make you trash, it is how you act that does that. And for Christ sake, not having a lot of money does not mean that you are impoverished, be thankful for what you do have – i.e. that trailer that puts a roof over your head and your own bed that you can sleep in at night! So no, I would not recommend this book, because if you yourself have experienced any kind of hardships in your life, you might find yourself resenting it like I did and if you haven’t, then I would hate for you to read this and fall victim to the stereotypes that it portrays.
Happy reading, until next time…
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lucky Stars Publishing for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
So in this story, we meet Righteous, a rebellious young teen with a chip on her shoulder. Life has not been kind to her and so in turn, she is not kind right back. With no expectations or aspirations, she finds herself coasting along in life and doesn’t expect much from herself or those around her. School is mostly a joke and she slowly counts down the days until she graduates and can do her own thing, that is, until Colt arrives in her life.
This is your typical tale of teenage angst and first loves, the unfairness of it all and the people that show up in our lives hoping to make a difference. This is a hard book for me to review, because being a teenager myself once, that grew up in less than ideal circumstances and hardship, I find it hard to close off my own opinions and differentiate myself from our heroine. Teenage life is hard, there is no doubt about that, but I find it hard to feel sorry for someone that has the opportunities to make better decisions but doesn’t and just uses their circumstances as a crutch for why they didn’t. I have seen and heard of true horrors that teenagers have had to face and the things that Righteous goes through, almost seem like a cake walk in comparison. Her “poor-me” attitude really grated on my nerves and all I really wanted to do was scoop her up and take her to an orphanage or on a mission trip to a third world country to show her the faces of people that knew what true hardship was and who are still able to smile in spite of it all. Something else that I resented while reading this, was the “trailer park trash” stereo type. I have family members that live in trailer parks and their homes are nicer, more well-kept and the neighbors nicer than some people I know that own homes. Living in a trailer park does not mean that you are poor and trashy! I will stop myself here, before I go off on a tangent, but I really resented the fact that Righteous living in one was something to be ashamed of and used as a means to further her “poor me” outlook.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book, but I didn’t like it. I found that the more I wrote my review, the more resentful I became of the book and my opinion of it lowered accordingly. If you want me to feel sorry for your character (besides her name), then don’t give me the cookie cutter reasons to do it. They are tired and played out and this is not the 80’s. Having absent parents does suck, but it doesn’t make you handicapped. Living in a trailer doesn’t make you trash, it is how you act that does that. And for Christ sake, not having a lot of money does not mean that you are impoverished, be thankful for what you do have – i.e. that trailer that puts a roof over your head and your own bed that you can sleep in at night! So no, I would not recommend this book, because if you yourself have experienced any kind of hardships in your life, you might find yourself resenting it like I did and if you haven’t, then I would hate for you to read this and fall victim to the stereotypes that it portrays.
Happy reading, until next time…
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lucky Stars Publishing for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2015
This had the makings of the type of book I would really enjoy and even the fabulous book jacket held it all together. Righteous, via Ria lives with mother and prefers not to have friends as she feels they complicate life. It’s her senior year in high school and hopefully, in the end she will graduate leaving these years behind her. Her mother’s casual boyfriends, whom she brings home after work from her shift at the bar, take precedents over Ria. Ria finds herself sleeping in restrooms, hiding out at a nursing home and even breaking into her own high school to crash for the night just to stay away from the drama occurring at home. Ria’s built a wall around herself, allowing a small slice of breathing room for others and that is how she exists. Colt has just recently moved into the area and it’s rumored that his past includes criminal activity. Their peers are split on how they accept him but for Ria, this is one person she has mixed feeling about. Cecile, her constant hammering at Ria for the past few years is finally getting Ria’s attention. Ria’s listening and she’s finally seeing Cecile and liking the girl that’s in front of her.
I really liked some of the relationship included in this novel, as they were complex, emotional, and sincere. The two complex relationships were with her mother and Magda. Ria really needed both relationships and while this is not an emotional book, I was hoping she would get emotional with these two characters as she was adjusting and facing some difficult situations and it had to be emotional. The relationships that she had with Colt and Cecile, I think this is where I lost my interest in this book. The beginning relationship with Colt was amazing and I really enjoyed that part of the book but soon we were jumping through time and things started to get jumbled. She started to act more like a middle school girl and not a high school senior. Her relationship with Cecile, I found that to just like Colt’s. The beginning was great and then all of a sudden, it was suddenly different in a blink of an eye. Flashing back using journal entries she wrote at the beginning of her high school experience we see how her high school year deteriorated, how she feels about her life and we, as readers, understand her feelings. It really had the makings of an excellent novel but for me, it just didn’t work out.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Lucky Stars Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked some of the relationship included in this novel, as they were complex, emotional, and sincere. The two complex relationships were with her mother and Magda. Ria really needed both relationships and while this is not an emotional book, I was hoping she would get emotional with these two characters as she was adjusting and facing some difficult situations and it had to be emotional. The relationships that she had with Colt and Cecile, I think this is where I lost my interest in this book. The beginning relationship with Colt was amazing and I really enjoyed that part of the book but soon we were jumping through time and things started to get jumbled. She started to act more like a middle school girl and not a high school senior. Her relationship with Cecile, I found that to just like Colt’s. The beginning was great and then all of a sudden, it was suddenly different in a blink of an eye. Flashing back using journal entries she wrote at the beginning of her high school experience we see how her high school year deteriorated, how she feels about her life and we, as readers, understand her feelings. It really had the makings of an excellent novel but for me, it just didn’t work out.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Lucky Stars Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2015
The debut offering from author Kim Lehman, Righteous Andrews is a character that will appeal to many, as she navigates her way through the pitfalls of high school, and ultimately life.
Righteous, or Ria, is just a girl who isn’t quite on the ‘right’ side of anything. Living in the wrong neighborhood in her little town, not quite cool enough, a father that isn’t right and left years ago without bothering to contact her, a mother who is searching for her own Mr. Right in her revolving door series of men, a best friend that wasn’t and now, in the principal’s office on the first day of senior year. Everything is going wrong. Ria has, however, great hopeful dreams unspoken, despite the never-ending series of ‘bad events’ and a slightly gruff and cynical exterior.
When, on that first day she meets Colt, the uber popular jock in the anteroom of the principal’s office, his charm and affable approach seem to spark interest. But, how could he be someone to trust, rather than leave her alone and hurt, again.
It’s hard not to like Ria, she’s been handed a pile of crap that was not her doing, and is just in need of understanding and love. Most of her troubles are not those she created, but she is paying the price: and with everything holding her back, including her less than impressive grades, the spark of interest that Colt creates is interesting to see.
Details and development of characters, and the inclusion of some frenemies that feel all too real and plausible, have readers wanting to see Ria catch a bunch of breaks, and perhaps the boy. But, the boy may not be as shiny and new as he seems, and Ria will have to learn to navigate the pitfalls, as she decides if trusting and believing in someone is worth a chance.
In a story that feels wholly real and plausible, Lehman tackles issues that occur often and are all too important to the highschoolers who live with and through them daily. Beautifully written with language and interactions that are honest and clear, and a solid character in Ria, this is a wonderful story for readers of all ages.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Righteous, or Ria, is just a girl who isn’t quite on the ‘right’ side of anything. Living in the wrong neighborhood in her little town, not quite cool enough, a father that isn’t right and left years ago without bothering to contact her, a mother who is searching for her own Mr. Right in her revolving door series of men, a best friend that wasn’t and now, in the principal’s office on the first day of senior year. Everything is going wrong. Ria has, however, great hopeful dreams unspoken, despite the never-ending series of ‘bad events’ and a slightly gruff and cynical exterior.
When, on that first day she meets Colt, the uber popular jock in the anteroom of the principal’s office, his charm and affable approach seem to spark interest. But, how could he be someone to trust, rather than leave her alone and hurt, again.
It’s hard not to like Ria, she’s been handed a pile of crap that was not her doing, and is just in need of understanding and love. Most of her troubles are not those she created, but she is paying the price: and with everything holding her back, including her less than impressive grades, the spark of interest that Colt creates is interesting to see.
Details and development of characters, and the inclusion of some frenemies that feel all too real and plausible, have readers wanting to see Ria catch a bunch of breaks, and perhaps the boy. But, the boy may not be as shiny and new as he seems, and Ria will have to learn to navigate the pitfalls, as she decides if trusting and believing in someone is worth a chance.
In a story that feels wholly real and plausible, Lehman tackles issues that occur often and are all too important to the highschoolers who live with and through them daily. Beautifully written with language and interactions that are honest and clear, and a solid character in Ria, this is a wonderful story for readers of all ages.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
April 15, 2015
Review Copy via NetGalley
Final Rating: 3.0
More reviews can be found on No Bent Spines
Full Review
This is the story about a girl named Righteous. Why do I feel like I should start rapping when I start that sentence? Anyways, she goes by Ria. Her mother, desperate for the attention of a man and with super incredibly crappy taste in them, basically doesn’t acknowledge Ria’s presence until after another man has let her down. And at this point her mom has pretty much gone through the entire bar’s worth of men. Ria has hardened herself. She’s been let down time and time and time again. Ria is pretty much done with any dreams or hopes or friends that she has ever had. When the mysterious new guy comes into town with a sugar sweet smile and a back story that has a dash of murder, Ria refuses to believe the murders and continues of keeping her secrets, blocking out the world and visiting the friend at the nursing home.
This seemed like it would be a terribly ‘me’ story. Girl stands up for who she is (maybe kicks a little bit of society along the way) and then finds a guy who may or may not be a psycho. No insta-love and a whole lotta mystery. And darkness. And ooh ahh moment.
There was quite a bit of that, but I think this book was lacking in one main component that would have made is amazing. What was it missing? I was unable to connect with any of the characters. I mean, the principal was cool. He actually cared what happened to everyone. But the girls were are so unlike what I have ever experienced in my life, and the guys (I mean that bullying scene made me furious) were just all asshats. Pardon my French. But, good lord. What the hell do they think they’re doing? Do they have no moral value what so freaking ever? And, THE ONE GUY THAT STOOD UP FOR THAT POOR KID IS THE ONE ACCUSED OF MURDER? YOU MUST BE JOKING.
So that did infuriate me a bit.
There was also the fact of the ending. No. There will be no spoilers. But, I will say it was way too neat. Especially from all the things that happened in the novel that just weren’t neat.
Overall, this book didn’t meet my standards. It wasn’t a bad read, but it just wasn’t really all my cup of tea either.
Later Gators,
Jackie
Final Rating: 3.0
More reviews can be found on No Bent Spines
Full Review
This is the story about a girl named Righteous. Why do I feel like I should start rapping when I start that sentence? Anyways, she goes by Ria. Her mother, desperate for the attention of a man and with super incredibly crappy taste in them, basically doesn’t acknowledge Ria’s presence until after another man has let her down. And at this point her mom has pretty much gone through the entire bar’s worth of men. Ria has hardened herself. She’s been let down time and time and time again. Ria is pretty much done with any dreams or hopes or friends that she has ever had. When the mysterious new guy comes into town with a sugar sweet smile and a back story that has a dash of murder, Ria refuses to believe the murders and continues of keeping her secrets, blocking out the world and visiting the friend at the nursing home.
This seemed like it would be a terribly ‘me’ story. Girl stands up for who she is (maybe kicks a little bit of society along the way) and then finds a guy who may or may not be a psycho. No insta-love and a whole lotta mystery. And darkness. And ooh ahh moment.
There was quite a bit of that, but I think this book was lacking in one main component that would have made is amazing. What was it missing? I was unable to connect with any of the characters. I mean, the principal was cool. He actually cared what happened to everyone. But the girls were are so unlike what I have ever experienced in my life, and the guys (I mean that bullying scene made me furious) were just all asshats. Pardon my French. But, good lord. What the hell do they think they’re doing? Do they have no moral value what so freaking ever? And, THE ONE GUY THAT STOOD UP FOR THAT POOR KID IS THE ONE ACCUSED OF MURDER? YOU MUST BE JOKING.
So that did infuriate me a bit.
There was also the fact of the ending. No. There will be no spoilers. But, I will say it was way too neat. Especially from all the things that happened in the novel that just weren’t neat.
Overall, this book didn’t meet my standards. It wasn’t a bad read, but it just wasn’t really all my cup of tea either.
Later Gators,
Jackie
January 5, 2016
I wouldn’t say this was a romance novel, in fact there was very little romance in this book. I thought Righteous was more of a coming of age/motivation type of novel.
In Righteous, we followed Righteous's journey on finding her self-confidence and purpose. Righteous could've accept how her life would be, if she does nothing. But then something changed, Righteous realized she could be more than what was expected from her. In the end Righteous started to looking at the world little differently. She could've easily settle, but she choose not to, she was not going to accept what everyone tried to define her with, which was based on her birthright.
To be honest, I had trouble getting pass Righteous's terrible mother, even if she was sort of "forgiving" in the end of the book. I also wondered how come the principal did nothing to investigate nor attempt to call the social service, in regarding to Righteous's situation, even when the principal found out that Righteous ran away from home. It just seem very strange to me.
Overall I thought the emotions part of the book remain lukewarm throughout the story, there was no particular ups nor downs. While this book should have been a heavier read, because Righteous's situation was quite terrible, but all in all it was not over the top either, which made the book seem somewhat flat.
To me this book was written more like a biography, a diary, rather than a story. In the end this was an okay read for me. I can't say this type of novels were my favorite, which was mostly inner-dialogs, with story plot that was typical and predicable. However I did enjoyed reading Righteous's journey on finding her place in the world, and her transformation throughout the book, Righteous started out helpless and defeated, and by the end of the book she found strength and endless of possibilities.
Happy Reading!! XO
April 3, 2015
What started off as a mess of cliches and a formulaic storyline turned into something more the further into the book I got.
This story is centred around a girl named Righteous Andres. Yes, you read that right. That’s her name. I don’t understand why her mother named her that and it’s never really explained? But alas, she too thinks it’s a ridiculous name and prefers to go by Ria. She also just so happens to be a very stereotypical rebel. She has tattoos and piercings, has family troubles, lives in a trailer park in a pretty shitty environment, is constantly scrounging up money for coffee or chips. Like I said, cliche galore.
It gets even worse when we meet the love interest, Colt Jackson. The new boy in town. He’s a pop, Ria-speak for the popular kids. They meet while waiting at the Principal’s office and then that very first lunch he happens to have found her special secret hiding spot and refuses to leave. Much original.
So I can see you asking why the hell I gave this mess three stars, and here’s the thing: it got better. Ria stopped feeling like a stereotypical mess and actually become a three dimensional character. She became more than just her anger and her dislike of people. She grew and it was great. Colt’s ~mysterious past turned out to be more than just fodder.
There are also a plethora of awesome secondary characters. Magda was a breath of fresh air. A surrogate grandmother of sorts, I loved her randomness and the genuine care that Ria had for her. Mr Davis was a great teacher and something the education system needs more of. Even Ria’s mother goes through good development of her own.
While the beginning was pretty crappy and there were some very unbelievable bits, , overall it was actually an enjoyable book that I read in one sitting. Definitely worth giving a go.
This story is centred around a girl named Righteous Andres. Yes, you read that right. That’s her name. I don’t understand why her mother named her that and it’s never really explained? But alas, she too thinks it’s a ridiculous name and prefers to go by Ria. She also just so happens to be a very stereotypical rebel. She has tattoos and piercings, has family troubles, lives in a trailer park in a pretty shitty environment, is constantly scrounging up money for coffee or chips. Like I said, cliche galore.
It gets even worse when we meet the love interest, Colt Jackson. The new boy in town. He’s a pop, Ria-speak for the popular kids. They meet while waiting at the Principal’s office and then that very first lunch he happens to have found her special secret hiding spot and refuses to leave. Much original.
So I can see you asking why the hell I gave this mess three stars, and here’s the thing: it got better. Ria stopped feeling like a stereotypical mess and actually become a three dimensional character. She became more than just her anger and her dislike of people. She grew and it was great. Colt’s ~mysterious past turned out to be more than just fodder.
There are also a plethora of awesome secondary characters. Magda was a breath of fresh air. A surrogate grandmother of sorts, I loved her randomness and the genuine care that Ria had for her. Mr Davis was a great teacher and something the education system needs more of. Even Ria’s mother goes through good development of her own.
While the beginning was pretty crappy and there were some very unbelievable bits, , overall it was actually an enjoyable book that I read in one sitting. Definitely worth giving a go.
July 10, 2015
**I received a copy in exchange for my honest review**
I was very surprised that I enjoyed reading this book since does not really fall under genres I normally read. I found this book to be a very heartwarming story about a girl named Righteous (Ria) that does not have the best home life with her mom always having loser boyfriends. Ria has resigned herself to being friendless and not going to college after her senior year of high school. Now enter a new kid in school named Colt who seems to have been thought to have murdered his best friend. Not one to believe rumors and feeling guilty for being rude to the new kid Ria tries to be nice to Colt. This blooms into a friendship that could have possibly been something more if not for a couple bumps in the road with high school drama. This results in a very interesting story about the two of them and Ria trying to find a definition of herself that is not a reflection of her parents.
This was a coming of age type of book where Ria is still trying to figure out who she is outside of the mistakes her parents made. I though Ria was a very likable character and I found myself rooting for her to let go of her pride and follow her dreams. Ria was used to being on her own but she soon saw all of the benefits of having "fries" (you understand once you read the book). Colt is a very friendly guy that also just wants to fit in but also wants to get closer to Ria. The interactions between these two characters were very sweet and I enjoyed seeing their relationship bloom, then die, then hopefully bloom again. I also loved the addition of Magda in the story and I thought her ramblings made the story even more interesting. I think the author did an amazing job putting this story together. There were no plot twist but sometimes a feel-good book is just what a person needs. The romance is not at the forefront of the entire story and it is more about trying to form relationships with people who love you for being yourself.
I was very surprised that I enjoyed reading this book since does not really fall under genres I normally read. I found this book to be a very heartwarming story about a girl named Righteous (Ria) that does not have the best home life with her mom always having loser boyfriends. Ria has resigned herself to being friendless and not going to college after her senior year of high school. Now enter a new kid in school named Colt who seems to have been thought to have murdered his best friend. Not one to believe rumors and feeling guilty for being rude to the new kid Ria tries to be nice to Colt. This blooms into a friendship that could have possibly been something more if not for a couple bumps in the road with high school drama. This results in a very interesting story about the two of them and Ria trying to find a definition of herself that is not a reflection of her parents.
This was a coming of age type of book where Ria is still trying to figure out who she is outside of the mistakes her parents made. I though Ria was a very likable character and I found myself rooting for her to let go of her pride and follow her dreams. Ria was used to being on her own but she soon saw all of the benefits of having "fries" (you understand once you read the book). Colt is a very friendly guy that also just wants to fit in but also wants to get closer to Ria. The interactions between these two characters were very sweet and I enjoyed seeing their relationship bloom, then die, then hopefully bloom again. I also loved the addition of Magda in the story and I thought her ramblings made the story even more interesting. I think the author did an amazing job putting this story together. There were no plot twist but sometimes a feel-good book is just what a person needs. The romance is not at the forefront of the entire story and it is more about trying to form relationships with people who love you for being yourself.
July 4, 2015
3.5 stars
I don’t know what to say about this book. I loved parts of it—a big chunk of it, actually—and I thought it was really well-written. However, it didn’t quite give me what I wanted. It’s like this giant tease in that you think it’s going to turn out one way—and it kinda does—but there’s so little of that part included that it almost doesn’t count. (Yes, I know that description is incredibly vague, but I’m trying not to reveal spoilers here.)
There’s just so much left unsaid that the reading experience felt unfulfilling. Unfinished, even. When I turned the last page and found the “About the Author” section, I couldn’t believe that was it. Like, I needed an epilogue…or, hell, I’d even read a full-on sequel.
Righteous, as a whole, definitely feels more “literary” than “genre"; in many ways, the novel almost defies classification.
I did find its depiction of high school to be accurate, although Ria definitely had it much harder than I did as a student. The novel was thought-provoking because it made me wonder how many “Rias” I walked past, misunderstood, disregarded.
Righteous is what I would classify as a “heavier” read. It isn’t lighthearted or easy, as readers will wrestle with a gamut of emotions. On the other hand, it is thought-provoking, and realistic in the sense that it represents high school as a time when so much is changing and competing for any one student’s attention.
While I wanted more from the novel (especially the ending), I can appreciate Righteous for what it is: a story about Ria’s personal growth and the hodgepodge of people who aid her in it.
*Copy generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know what to say about this book. I loved parts of it—a big chunk of it, actually—and I thought it was really well-written. However, it didn’t quite give me what I wanted. It’s like this giant tease in that you think it’s going to turn out one way—and it kinda does—but there’s so little of that part included that it almost doesn’t count. (Yes, I know that description is incredibly vague, but I’m trying not to reveal spoilers here.)
There’s just so much left unsaid that the reading experience felt unfulfilling. Unfinished, even. When I turned the last page and found the “About the Author” section, I couldn’t believe that was it. Like, I needed an epilogue…or, hell, I’d even read a full-on sequel.
Righteous, as a whole, definitely feels more “literary” than “genre"; in many ways, the novel almost defies classification.
I did find its depiction of high school to be accurate, although Ria definitely had it much harder than I did as a student. The novel was thought-provoking because it made me wonder how many “Rias” I walked past, misunderstood, disregarded.
Righteous is what I would classify as a “heavier” read. It isn’t lighthearted or easy, as readers will wrestle with a gamut of emotions. On the other hand, it is thought-provoking, and realistic in the sense that it represents high school as a time when so much is changing and competing for any one student’s attention.
While I wanted more from the novel (especially the ending), I can appreciate Righteous for what it is: a story about Ria’s personal growth and the hodgepodge of people who aid her in it.
*Copy generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Righteous, or Ria, lives a solitary teen life. Her only friend is a senior citizen with dementia. Her home life is a revolving trailer door of losers her mother brings home. School is a place to be endured, and a sometimes sanctuary from her mom. Then Colt Jackson shows up, and though rumors hint he is dangerous, he works his way slowly past some of Ria's barriers. When everything starts to fall apart, Ria has to decide whether Colt's friendship is worth the risk or if he is just another person who will betray her as a long line of people have done before him. A fast read and a realistic look at life through the eyes of a kid who is in the process of falling through the cracks, this is a good option for reluctant readers. The grinding reality of Ria's life isn't improved by the jaded measures she takes to protect herself from being hurt emotionally, but they will ring true to readers, especially when brief flashbacks throughout the story reveal exactly how people have let her down in the past. While I wanted good things to happen for Ria, I think her cynicism rubbed off on me. Even her few small, believable victories seemed too good to be true at times. Teens will relate to this story and find some inspiration for hope and happiness in Ria's journey. Language and situations are suitable for high school readers.
March 4, 2015
I received a copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
OMG this book was so good, I feel like screaming: people run out of your house and go the closest bookstore and buy this book. Or just be lazy (like me) and find it online.
Love love loved it.
Righteous Andrews has issues she is 18 years old in her last year of high school, she doesn't have any dreams people around her seem to disappoint her no matter what. I wanted to strangle her mom thorough the whole book she was such an idiot.
One day Colt Jackson arrives at school, he is the perfect jock popular guy, but rumors follow him around and he keeps turning up everywhere Righteous is. Righteous is not a people person it’s hard for her to trust Colt and he does disappoint her at one point.
Righteous story is about finding yourself, friendship, love trust and taking risks.
I loved the writing I had to pink away tears a couple of times, I loved Righteous and Colt. I loved the love building.
This was a great read can’t wait to read more from this author.
I think that with a different cover the book would get more people to buy this book. The cover doesn't do this book any justice.
OMG this book was so good, I feel like screaming: people run out of your house and go the closest bookstore and buy this book. Or just be lazy (like me) and find it online.
Love love loved it.
Righteous Andrews has issues she is 18 years old in her last year of high school, she doesn't have any dreams people around her seem to disappoint her no matter what. I wanted to strangle her mom thorough the whole book she was such an idiot.
One day Colt Jackson arrives at school, he is the perfect jock popular guy, but rumors follow him around and he keeps turning up everywhere Righteous is. Righteous is not a people person it’s hard for her to trust Colt and he does disappoint her at one point.
Righteous story is about finding yourself, friendship, love trust and taking risks.
I loved the writing I had to pink away tears a couple of times, I loved Righteous and Colt. I loved the love building.
This was a great read can’t wait to read more from this author.
I think that with a different cover the book would get more people to buy this book. The cover doesn't do this book any justice.
September 19, 2015
To be honest, for me this book was a whole lot of nothing. There is a story line, but for the life of me I can’t remember what it was.
There is nothing memorable about Righteous, nothing that keeps you coming back for more. I was 88 percent finished and still felt like nothing had happened.
Righteous as a character is uninteresting which makes the journey hard to take with her.
The male character Colt has a confusing plot line which feels like the author wants him to be two things at once. Half the time Righteous is telling us about how wonderfully popular he is, and the other half is Colt saying how he has no friends. And that is before you get into the story of why Colt moved which in itself is meh.
The only thing this book really has going for it is characters, since plot line is so bland I couldn’t tell you what this book is about (this is after I read the damn thing), and even they failed to bring anything interesting to the table.
Over all I wouldn’t recommend this book, and feel there are much better contemporaries out there to enjoy.
Until next time!
Slán!
There is nothing memorable about Righteous, nothing that keeps you coming back for more. I was 88 percent finished and still felt like nothing had happened.
Righteous as a character is uninteresting which makes the journey hard to take with her.
The male character Colt has a confusing plot line which feels like the author wants him to be two things at once. Half the time Righteous is telling us about how wonderfully popular he is, and the other half is Colt saying how he has no friends. And that is before you get into the story of why Colt moved which in itself is meh.
The only thing this book really has going for it is characters, since plot line is so bland I couldn’t tell you what this book is about (this is after I read the damn thing), and even they failed to bring anything interesting to the table.
Over all I wouldn’t recommend this book, and feel there are much better contemporaries out there to enjoy.
Until next time!
Slán!
May 18, 2015
Righteous also known as Ria is struggling her way through high school. She's scared to let anyone get close to her, feeling like everyone in her life abandons her. Ria has a sarcastic attitude which she uses to protect herself.
"Here's the one thing I learned on my third week of my freshman year:
There is a reason the word ends is in friends."
Colton Jackson is the new boy at school, trying to escape a tragedy in his past, but he can't outrun it. Nasty rumors spread around school, which causes him to hide in the shadows.
The only dislike, I have is Ria's and Colt's on and off relationship. That is only because you can see they both want to be with each other and both deserve some happiness.
You can relate to how both characters are feeling at some point in this book, whether it's happiness, loneliness, not feeling good enough, scared. Righteous is a coming of age young adult romance. Which is well written, with a great storyline.
"Here's the one thing I learned on my third week of my freshman year:
There is a reason the word ends is in friends."
Colton Jackson is the new boy at school, trying to escape a tragedy in his past, but he can't outrun it. Nasty rumors spread around school, which causes him to hide in the shadows.
The only dislike, I have is Ria's and Colt's on and off relationship. That is only because you can see they both want to be with each other and both deserve some happiness.
You can relate to how both characters are feeling at some point in this book, whether it's happiness, loneliness, not feeling good enough, scared. Righteous is a coming of age young adult romance. Which is well written, with a great storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews