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Ella #2
Capricious
Ella’s grade-eleven year was a disaster ( Audacious ), but as summer approaches, things are looking up. She’s back together with her brooding boyfriend, Samir, although they both want to keep that a secret. She’s also best buddies with David and still not entirely sure about making him boyfriend number two. Though part of her wants to conform to high school norms, the temptation to be radical is just too great. Managing two secret boyfriends proves harder than Ella expected, especially when Samir and David face separate family crises, and Ella finds herself at the center of an emotional maelstrom. Someone will get hurt. Someone risks losing true love. Someone might finally learn that self-serving actions can have public consequences. And that someone is Ella.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
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429 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 30, 2017
I received this book for free through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers.
When I had entered the giveaway for this book I did not know that it was a sequel so I am rating this book without having read the previous book.
I really liked this. A lot. I've never read a novel in verse form before and I really dug it. The poetry worked so well in telling the story. It was such a creative way to tell a story and it gave you an inside look into the main character's thoughts and feelings. I loved the diversity of poems (pantoums, haikus, etc.) because it never got boring or repetitive. Also, you don't have to be a poetry fan to enjoy this.
Overall, I loved this book and will definitely be looking for more book like this.
When I had entered the giveaway for this book I did not know that it was a sequel so I am rating this book without having read the previous book.
I really liked this. A lot. I've never read a novel in verse form before and I really dug it. The poetry worked so well in telling the story. It was such a creative way to tell a story and it gave you an inside look into the main character's thoughts and feelings. I loved the diversity of poems (pantoums, haikus, etc.) because it never got boring or repetitive. Also, you don't have to be a poetry fan to enjoy this.
Overall, I loved this book and will definitely be looking for more book like this.
August 6, 2014
Full disclosure: The author of Capricious is the sister-in-law of this reviewer. More on point about my prejudice, I read Audacious and really liked it a lot. So I was a bit concerned that the sequel might not measure up. Good news! Capricious is certainly the equal of Audacious. The author is definitely two for two.
If you have not yet read Audacious, reading Capricious will provide you with double value. Prendergast does an excellent job of reconnecting to the narrative from the previous installment. She makes the story completely coherent for a reader encountering the protagonist for the first time. Yet, in addition to this stand-alone quality, Capricious will excite you to pick up the first book which can be experienced as a kind of prequel.
Meanwhile, for those of us already acquainted with Prendergast's heroine, the new developments in Raphaelle's tale are always dramatically engaging, often conceptually thoughtful and consistently authentic to the character. It is this last aspect that I find especially impressive about the second book. It is not a thickening of plot but rather an intensification of psychology that Prendergast crafts. Wisely, in my opinion. After all, the key event in the plot of Audacious was, well, audacious. Capricious does not try to match this shocking incident but develops further on the basis of it.
Now at the situational center of the narrative is an emotional predicament, a romantic dilemma, a reflection of Ella's own inner nature which is nothing if not, well, capricious. There is considerable dignity in this young woman who struggles to be authentic to herself while falling in love with two very different young men . At the same time, there are obvious limits to her maturity which cause suffering not just to her but to others. Capricious is an entirely worthy successor to Audacious because Raphaelle becomes for us an even more fully realized person in all of her complex combination of confidence and insecurity. In other words, this book is not an assembly-line clone; it is a genuine advancement in the literature.
What is maintained is the standard of the verse. On this topic I can do no better than to quote from my previous review of Audacious: "The author employs a wide variety of poetic forms to create a unified aesthetic experience. Audacious communicates its storyline through first person, impressionistic vignettes that read like the diary entries of a 16-year old girl with an exceptional gift for getting to the point poetically. This girl experiments with different styles of expression just as she alternates attitudes when coping with real life challenges. Yet for all this variety, the narrator has a consistent frame of mind and speaks with a single honest voice. There is substantive integrity here." Make that Capricious and make that girl turn 17 and you are good to go.
Will there be a third book? Prendergast asks this question herself in her Acknowledgments. Not in some business-minded way, I believe, in a sincerely artistic way. This is to confirm that there is a strong resolution to Capricious. The book is very morally satisfying in its conclusion with respect to the essential issues of the past. Still, there is enough substance to Raphaelle for us to wonder about her future.
Ben Livant (04/08/2014)
If you have not yet read Audacious, reading Capricious will provide you with double value. Prendergast does an excellent job of reconnecting to the narrative from the previous installment. She makes the story completely coherent for a reader encountering the protagonist for the first time. Yet, in addition to this stand-alone quality, Capricious will excite you to pick up the first book which can be experienced as a kind of prequel.
Meanwhile, for those of us already acquainted with Prendergast's heroine, the new developments in Raphaelle's tale are always dramatically engaging, often conceptually thoughtful and consistently authentic to the character. It is this last aspect that I find especially impressive about the second book. It is not a thickening of plot but rather an intensification of psychology that Prendergast crafts. Wisely, in my opinion. After all, the key event in the plot of Audacious was, well, audacious. Capricious does not try to match this shocking incident but develops further on the basis of it.
Now at the situational center of the narrative is an emotional predicament, a romantic dilemma, a reflection of Ella's own inner nature which is nothing if not, well, capricious. There is considerable dignity in this young woman who struggles to be authentic to herself while falling in love with two very different young men . At the same time, there are obvious limits to her maturity which cause suffering not just to her but to others. Capricious is an entirely worthy successor to Audacious because Raphaelle becomes for us an even more fully realized person in all of her complex combination of confidence and insecurity. In other words, this book is not an assembly-line clone; it is a genuine advancement in the literature.
What is maintained is the standard of the verse. On this topic I can do no better than to quote from my previous review of Audacious: "The author employs a wide variety of poetic forms to create a unified aesthetic experience. Audacious communicates its storyline through first person, impressionistic vignettes that read like the diary entries of a 16-year old girl with an exceptional gift for getting to the point poetically. This girl experiments with different styles of expression just as she alternates attitudes when coping with real life challenges. Yet for all this variety, the narrator has a consistent frame of mind and speaks with a single honest voice. There is substantive integrity here." Make that Capricious and make that girl turn 17 and you are good to go.
Will there be a third book? Prendergast asks this question herself in her Acknowledgments. Not in some business-minded way, I believe, in a sincerely artistic way. This is to confirm that there is a strong resolution to Capricious. The book is very morally satisfying in its conclusion with respect to the essential issues of the past. Still, there is enough substance to Raphaelle for us to wonder about her future.
Ben Livant (04/08/2014)
May 12, 2014
Ella's grade eleven year was a disaster, but as summer approaches, things are looking up. She's back together with her brooding boyfriend, Samir, although they both want to keep that a secret. She's also best buddies with David and still not entirely sure about making him boyfriend number two. Though part of her wants to conform to high school norms, the temptation to be radical is just too great. Managing two secret boyfriends proves harder than Ella expected, especially when Samir and David face separate family crises, and Ella finds herself at the center of an emotional maelstrom. Someone will get hurt. Someone risks losing true love. Someone might finally learn that self-serving actions can have public consequences. And that someone is Ella.
Capricious is honest, expressive, and emotional. This is what I imagine when I think of the hardships and terrible times, the jealousies and slurs of the teenage years. This is the struggle to find the balance between who we want to be and who the world wants us to be, straddling the line and trying to keep from falling to the ground.
Ella, Raphaelle, is explosive, controversial, and opinionated, and I would have her no other way. Her individuality is what breathes life into this book. Her desires, her sadness, her fears, her dreams and nightmares. She is the explosion at the centre, painful and impossible to look away from. She continues to try and find her place in life, continues to test bits and pieces in order to piece together who she is. Her family continues to not understand her, her classmates continue to find her overwhelming, and the boys in her life continue to find her appealing. But she thinks that having two boyfriends could be interesting, could be just the thing to do now after everything blew up in her face in the previous book.
By keeping both Samir and David and secret kind of maybe boyfriends, Ella receives a number of things. With them, she can be different. She can be closer to who she wants to be. But life is never easy like that. Life does not often forgive those who choose to be audacious.
What I love about verse novels is how they are both sparse and expressive. Every word has a purpose, has meaning, but only so many words are given to the reader in order to tell the story. Less words for such a large story. And it works as it did with Audacious. Ella's pain and confusion coat each and every page.
What does it mean to be capricious? To be subject to an odd notion or unpredictable change, to be erratic. But what can we be as teenagers if not capricious, if not audacious? Are we supposed to know, by glorious miracle, how to act what to wear how to speak where to work so we don't make mistakes? No, we're not. This book is filled with experiences good and bad, lovely and painful, and it's supposed to be. Ella is supposed to be audacious, capricious, adventurous, impudent, daring, foolish. Because Ella can do anything.
Capricious is honest, expressive, and emotional. This is what I imagine when I think of the hardships and terrible times, the jealousies and slurs of the teenage years. This is the struggle to find the balance between who we want to be and who the world wants us to be, straddling the line and trying to keep from falling to the ground.
Ella, Raphaelle, is explosive, controversial, and opinionated, and I would have her no other way. Her individuality is what breathes life into this book. Her desires, her sadness, her fears, her dreams and nightmares. She is the explosion at the centre, painful and impossible to look away from. She continues to try and find her place in life, continues to test bits and pieces in order to piece together who she is. Her family continues to not understand her, her classmates continue to find her overwhelming, and the boys in her life continue to find her appealing. But she thinks that having two boyfriends could be interesting, could be just the thing to do now after everything blew up in her face in the previous book.
By keeping both Samir and David and secret kind of maybe boyfriends, Ella receives a number of things. With them, she can be different. She can be closer to who she wants to be. But life is never easy like that. Life does not often forgive those who choose to be audacious.
What I love about verse novels is how they are both sparse and expressive. Every word has a purpose, has meaning, but only so many words are given to the reader in order to tell the story. Less words for such a large story. And it works as it did with Audacious. Ella's pain and confusion coat each and every page.
What does it mean to be capricious? To be subject to an odd notion or unpredictable change, to be erratic. But what can we be as teenagers if not capricious, if not audacious? Are we supposed to know, by glorious miracle, how to act what to wear how to speak where to work so we don't make mistakes? No, we're not. This book is filled with experiences good and bad, lovely and painful, and it's supposed to be. Ella is supposed to be audacious, capricious, adventurous, impudent, daring, foolish. Because Ella can do anything.
April 8, 2014
Preface: ARC provided by Wordsworth in return for an honest review.
I actually picked this book up because I had heard of the author, and wanted to read her work for myself. I had heard of her other book (Audacious), but the blurb on the ARC did not mention that this was the sequel, so I did not think to read them in any particular order. Because of this, I was sort of lost in places, and I’m sure that some of my confusion (if not all of it) would have been cleared up had I had read the first book.
The verse captivated me quickly. Until recently, I hadn’t really read a whole lot of verse, or poetry for that matter. I’m glad that I started though, as it’s a really different way of telling a story, at least compared to what I’ve read. It managed to give just glimpses into Ella’s life, while keeping the intimacy created with a first person POV novel. I felt like I knew Ella, even when given only a few words to describe her feelings and actions.
I think the power of the verse, in this book, came from the variety. At first it jolted me when I noticed that there had been shift, as I had not noticed the different kinds before, and thought it out of place. As I read on, however, I realized that the different kinds of verse really worked, as each really showed a different frame of mind, set of emotions or even just circumstances. I really enjoyed how you could see Ella controlling herself, forcing herself into one word explanations, and when she let her emotions free and you could see a break in the verse.
I’m a fan of a well written love triangle, and I think this one really worked for me, for the most part. I loved the way the two boys fit into Ella’s life — filling the gaps that the other could not, creating what Ella called the perfect boyfriend. I was slightly annoyed with her indecision at times, especially when you knew it was hurting the two boys involved. It was good, in small doses, because teenagers are hardly the best at making decisions (case and point, me), but in some places…
The romance between each really worked for me. I actually really found it hard to decide who I liked better. Samir with his habibti and his mumbled prayers absolutely tugged at my heart strings, and yet David with his soft sweetness… I liked that Ella addressed the issues with some of what Samir was saying (especially in terms of decency) because it was bothering me. David too, in some places, said some things that were reminiscent of some “nice boy” things that get under my skin. To be fair, in context most were warranted but….
David’s actions in her past didn’t affect my view as much of the character as it should have, because I actually forgot to connect the dots until much later (despite it being mentioned earlier on). If I’d read the first book and seen his actions first hand, as well as the developing relationships with each, I think this may opinion may be different, but I can only speak for this book.
Ella was a really real and rough narrator, and though she could be self centred at times (at least in terms of her focusing on her own problems) she addressed this, which was really nice to see. I’m all for flawed narrators, especially when they are aware of their own flaws and work to address them, in some way. Though I didn’t connect with everything (because of different situations and opinions on some things)I could understand why she was doing what she did, and her character was a convincing one. I liked reading her, especially when I got to see different sides of her around different characters.
In all, I really enjoyed the book, and would recommend it. The few flaws I found with it came down to personal opinion. I’m looking forward to read more by this author, and do plan to read the first book as soon as I can get my hands on it.
I actually picked this book up because I had heard of the author, and wanted to read her work for myself. I had heard of her other book (Audacious), but the blurb on the ARC did not mention that this was the sequel, so I did not think to read them in any particular order. Because of this, I was sort of lost in places, and I’m sure that some of my confusion (if not all of it) would have been cleared up had I had read the first book.
The verse captivated me quickly. Until recently, I hadn’t really read a whole lot of verse, or poetry for that matter. I’m glad that I started though, as it’s a really different way of telling a story, at least compared to what I’ve read. It managed to give just glimpses into Ella’s life, while keeping the intimacy created with a first person POV novel. I felt like I knew Ella, even when given only a few words to describe her feelings and actions.
I think the power of the verse, in this book, came from the variety. At first it jolted me when I noticed that there had been shift, as I had not noticed the different kinds before, and thought it out of place. As I read on, however, I realized that the different kinds of verse really worked, as each really showed a different frame of mind, set of emotions or even just circumstances. I really enjoyed how you could see Ella controlling herself, forcing herself into one word explanations, and when she let her emotions free and you could see a break in the verse.
I’m a fan of a well written love triangle, and I think this one really worked for me, for the most part. I loved the way the two boys fit into Ella’s life — filling the gaps that the other could not, creating what Ella called the perfect boyfriend. I was slightly annoyed with her indecision at times, especially when you knew it was hurting the two boys involved. It was good, in small doses, because teenagers are hardly the best at making decisions (case and point, me), but in some places…
The romance between each really worked for me. I actually really found it hard to decide who I liked better. Samir with his habibti and his mumbled prayers absolutely tugged at my heart strings, and yet David with his soft sweetness… I liked that Ella addressed the issues with some of what Samir was saying (especially in terms of decency) because it was bothering me. David too, in some places, said some things that were reminiscent of some “nice boy” things that get under my skin. To be fair, in context most were warranted but….
David’s actions in her past didn’t affect my view as much of the character as it should have, because I actually forgot to connect the dots until much later (despite it being mentioned earlier on). If I’d read the first book and seen his actions first hand, as well as the developing relationships with each, I think this may opinion may be different, but I can only speak for this book.
Ella was a really real and rough narrator, and though she could be self centred at times (at least in terms of her focusing on her own problems) she addressed this, which was really nice to see. I’m all for flawed narrators, especially when they are aware of their own flaws and work to address them, in some way. Though I didn’t connect with everything (because of different situations and opinions on some things)I could understand why she was doing what she did, and her character was a convincing one. I liked reading her, especially when I got to see different sides of her around different characters.
In all, I really enjoyed the book, and would recommend it. The few flaws I found with it came down to personal opinion. I’m looking forward to read more by this author, and do plan to read the first book as soon as I can get my hands on it.
March 7, 2014
Written in verse this book covers a lot of sensitive issues in the world of a teenager. Capricious is a smart and powerful story of a teenage girl trying to navigate herself through right and wrong. This is a great portrayal of high school life, love and family dysfunction as well as religion and the power of self-expression.
Capricious is the sequel to Audacious by Gabrielle Prendergast. Capricious meaning given to a sudden unaccountable change in mood or behavior fits the description of the main character Raphaelle, or Ella for short in the second book. This fabulously crafted work in prose is all about teenage angst that really hits home with real problems and situations, and most importantly real feelings from an authentic character. This is also a coming of age story that has familial and societal dysfunction. In Capricious, Ella has two boyfriends, is tormented at school, has problems at home and tries hard to do what is right.
After reading Capricious, I felt like I needed to really go back and read the first in the series, Audacious. Audacious means to have a willingness to take bold risks. In the first novel, Raphaelle is certainly audacious. By reading this first story I felt like I understood Ella as a character better and the situations that brought her to the state of mind that we see in the second book, Capricious. In the first book, she takes a huge risk by creating a piece of art based on a body part that is considered to be pornographic and then her artwork is spread around the school by a young boy. While Capricious can be a stand alone story, I do highly recommend reading Audacious first to really get a sense of the character and her situations and angst. Both books are very fast paced reads and recommended for readers ages 14 and above.
Capricious is the sequel to Audacious by Gabrielle Prendergast. Capricious meaning given to a sudden unaccountable change in mood or behavior fits the description of the main character Raphaelle, or Ella for short in the second book. This fabulously crafted work in prose is all about teenage angst that really hits home with real problems and situations, and most importantly real feelings from an authentic character. This is also a coming of age story that has familial and societal dysfunction. In Capricious, Ella has two boyfriends, is tormented at school, has problems at home and tries hard to do what is right.
After reading Capricious, I felt like I needed to really go back and read the first in the series, Audacious. Audacious means to have a willingness to take bold risks. In the first novel, Raphaelle is certainly audacious. By reading this first story I felt like I understood Ella as a character better and the situations that brought her to the state of mind that we see in the second book, Capricious. In the first book, she takes a huge risk by creating a piece of art based on a body part that is considered to be pornographic and then her artwork is spread around the school by a young boy. While Capricious can be a stand alone story, I do highly recommend reading Audacious first to really get a sense of the character and her situations and angst. Both books are very fast paced reads and recommended for readers ages 14 and above.
December 17, 2014
After that awesome ending to Audacious, I was excited to read Capricious to see how that situation would play out. Ella is finally back at school after her suspension, and she's trying to get her life back on track. She doesn't want to fit in anymore than she did before, but she's reigning it in a bit. She's back with Samir, although secretly. She also has David, who she feels is the other half to her perfect whole boyfriend. Ella is also trying to get a job, but her skills at creating controversial and illegal art isn't helping her any.
Capricious does focus a lot on the love triangle, which I really enjoyed. I loved seeing Ella and Samir's relationship develop in the previous book, even though I never thought they'd work out. Her relationship with David was unexpected, but also interesting. He's more quiet than Samir is, and is there for her when she needs him and vice versa. This could not end well though, since Ella and Samir are secretly together, and he thinks David is just a friend, while David thinks she's over Samir. Ella selfishly wants to keep them both, but of course, their paths must cross as some point and it all blows up in her face.
I really liked Capricious, although not quite as much as Audacious, since I don't think anything could top Ella's masterpiece. I did like watching her slowly realize that she's not only hurting herself with her actions, but those around her. Samir also continued to intrigue me, since he's quite a hypocrite when it comes to his faith, so it was no wonder Ella wanted David, too. Now that Ella has made it through her junior year, I do have to wonder what being a senior will bring for her!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Capricious does focus a lot on the love triangle, which I really enjoyed. I loved seeing Ella and Samir's relationship develop in the previous book, even though I never thought they'd work out. Her relationship with David was unexpected, but also interesting. He's more quiet than Samir is, and is there for her when she needs him and vice versa. This could not end well though, since Ella and Samir are secretly together, and he thinks David is just a friend, while David thinks she's over Samir. Ella selfishly wants to keep them both, but of course, their paths must cross as some point and it all blows up in her face.
I really liked Capricious, although not quite as much as Audacious, since I don't think anything could top Ella's masterpiece. I did like watching her slowly realize that she's not only hurting herself with her actions, but those around her. Samir also continued to intrigue me, since he's quite a hypocrite when it comes to his faith, so it was no wonder Ella wanted David, too. Now that Ella has made it through her junior year, I do have to wonder what being a senior will bring for her!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
July 12, 2016
I’ve had many books shock me lately and Capricious is no exception. It’s easy to dismiss this book because it’s written in verse, but the short, sharp phrases perfectly match the snarky narrative of the rebellious and fearful main character, Ella. Just like the way this book as written, she’s easy to dismiss. She could be mistaken for the typical whiny and shallow teenager, but her social anxiety and fear of people turning against her makes her a more three dimensional character than many other main characters of the young adult books I've read. Not only that, but Ella is so outspoken and so unexpectedly funny. Admittedly some of her jokes are inappropriate, but I can’t help it – she says most of what she thinks without filtering it, which makes everything she says all the more hilarious. But Ella’s not too self-absorbed to prevent from criticizing herself for being “obnoxious” as she sees it. I feel a bond that makes me understand her a little more as she goes a little bit deeper into the hatred she feels for herself, the worry of losing the people she loves that causes her to juggle two boys at once. My only complaint (which if it was a dish at a restaurant, I would send it back) is that the ending doesn't sum up everything that the book represents - it's a wimpy ending designed to give the reader what they want. Otherwise, Prendergast masterfully pulls together every teen novel cliche, including the infamous love triangle, and adds extra depth to each plot device and character she plants into her story. Hold onto your hats… we've got another YA author who deserves more praise than she receives.
See the full review here: http://misinterpretedunrepresented.bl...
See the full review here: http://misinterpretedunrepresented.bl...
March 1, 2014
Capricious is a YA novel for readers aged 12 & up, to be released in April 2014 by Orca Book Publishers. I received an ARC of Capricious via LibraryThing last month, and after reading this novel, I'm even more thrilled that I was chosen to review the book!
Capricious was an unexpectedly addictive read. The narrative is told in verse, and is divided into different poems (or chapters), but it reads like a regular novel. Bitterly real, Ella's bad choices and low self-esteem haunt her as she spirals through life, apparently unable to resist any chance at happiness, regardless of the cost to herself, her image, and to the people she loves. Ella's redeeming quality is that she has a desperate wish to do better; something we can all relate to. Her story is full of raw emotion and will strongly resonate with high school students. We have ALL felt the despair and shame that comes naturally to impulsive teenagers, to being in love, and of our bewildering bad choices at this age.
Bullying, sex, love, weed, virtue, religion, identity, and mental illness all have a place in Capricious. It's essentially all of life's bullshit wrapped up in a beautiful story, told in verse. Capricious could be studied in high school as an example of how poetry is so much MORE than rhyming words and difficult interpretations. Much like poets such as William Carlos Williams, Capricious uses the arrangement of lines and words to convey as much emotion and meaning, if not more, than what the actual words give the reader.
This is by far, one of the BEST Canadian novels I've read in a very long time. Prendergast is extraordinary. I sincerely hope Capricious gets the recognition it deserves.
4 Stars
Capricious was an unexpectedly addictive read. The narrative is told in verse, and is divided into different poems (or chapters), but it reads like a regular novel. Bitterly real, Ella's bad choices and low self-esteem haunt her as she spirals through life, apparently unable to resist any chance at happiness, regardless of the cost to herself, her image, and to the people she loves. Ella's redeeming quality is that she has a desperate wish to do better; something we can all relate to. Her story is full of raw emotion and will strongly resonate with high school students. We have ALL felt the despair and shame that comes naturally to impulsive teenagers, to being in love, and of our bewildering bad choices at this age.
Bullying, sex, love, weed, virtue, religion, identity, and mental illness all have a place in Capricious. It's essentially all of life's bullshit wrapped up in a beautiful story, told in verse. Capricious could be studied in high school as an example of how poetry is so much MORE than rhyming words and difficult interpretations. Much like poets such as William Carlos Williams, Capricious uses the arrangement of lines and words to convey as much emotion and meaning, if not more, than what the actual words give the reader.
This is by far, one of the BEST Canadian novels I've read in a very long time. Prendergast is extraordinary. I sincerely hope Capricious gets the recognition it deserves.
4 Stars
May 6, 2014
In this satisfying sequel to the story begun in Audacious, sixteen-year-old Ella tries to juggle two boyfriends while she tries to figure out what she wants from life. As she deals with cruel comments and actions from some of her high school's Mean Girls, she loses her way at several points and engages in behavior that skirts closely to being self-destructive. And yet, there is so much to like about Ella too. It will take a not-entirely-unexpected loss to force her to be honest with herself and those around her. This novel in verse will please fans of Ellen Hopkins because the outspoken Ella is so likeable and yet so drawn to situations that will result in heartbreak. The book tackles several issues of interest to teen readers, including bullying, addiction, romance, eating disorders, and death, but it does so in empathetic fashion. One of the aspects of the book that I particularly liked was how Ella enjoyed expressing herself through art. Although it helps to have read the book's predecessor, readers will still be able to read between the lines and figure things out without too much trouble.
August 4, 2014
It’s been a few months since Ella’s controversial art project created a firestorm that resulted in an arrest. Everything has been smoothed over, Ella’s been seeing a counselor and now she has a boyfriend – actually two.
In this sequel to Audacious, Prendergast again writes a touching, tense novel in verse. Ella’s experiment in juggling two boyfriends spirals out of control, as expected. This series should appeal to fans of Ellen Hopkins’ books. Although I don’t think these have quite the impact, Prendergast is gifted in writing intriguing poetry that grips the reader and elicits emotions in ways that prose cannot. Ella is a strong, if flawed, character and this is a book you can’t put down. Recommended for high school because of sexuality and profanity.
In this sequel to Audacious, Prendergast again writes a touching, tense novel in verse. Ella’s experiment in juggling two boyfriends spirals out of control, as expected. This series should appeal to fans of Ellen Hopkins’ books. Although I don’t think these have quite the impact, Prendergast is gifted in writing intriguing poetry that grips the reader and elicits emotions in ways that prose cannot. Ella is a strong, if flawed, character and this is a book you can’t put down. Recommended for high school because of sexuality and profanity.
February 3, 2014
I hadn’t read the first one, and was worried about starting with Book 2, but I needn’t have; Capricious works as a stand-alone. The first book, Audacious got rave reviews so I was looking forward to picking this one up. Another one of my hesitations was that it was in verse. However, by the second page I was hooked and fell quickly into Pendergast’s rhythm. She is an amazing writer and really captures the angst of being a teenager.
August 31, 2014
I got this book as a first read program. I liked this book. I have not read many verse books so that took a little bit to get use to. However I do like how each thing was like a new poem many lasting only a page but packing a wallop. I like how the author deals with realistic teen issues in a real way. I would read this author again. Recommended this one to fans of verse books and fans of realistic Y.A.
June 22, 2014
I feel no sympathy for this girl. She made so many bad decisions, knowing that there would be repercussions and she still did stupid stuff. Then she would be all angsty about being in a difficult position when it was only her fault! Finished in 47 minutes but I guess that it the beauty of books written in verse.
August 2, 2014
I had a great time with Capricious. A fast read with a really gripping voice. I've never read novels in verse before, but this was so cool. I could so identify with Raphaelle and her struggle for identity. A solid window into what it's like to be a young woman. And funny, sweet, sad and ultimately grounded in her character arc of growing maturity. A lovely read.
March 12, 2014
Loved this book in verse! The poems were varied, clever, unique and an excellent vehicle for this story. Great voice, I emphasized with narrator/protagonist, and interesting plot. Although the ending (I questioned several events) kept it from being a 5 for me, it's definitely a "must read."
September 29, 2014
A good continuation of Ella's story. Recommend to readers of Ellen Hopkins who are looking for more.
March 12, 2017
I received this copy as a part of LibraryThing Early Review program.
This is a sequel. I did not know that, so clearly I haven't read the first part of the series. I can happily say that reading "Audacious" is not 100% necessary to understand 'Capricious'. For the most part, what you need to know about the first book is sprinkled in here and there when needed, which is great. There is nothing worse than page after page of a half-assed recap. Of course, there are a few things that I wish were elaborated on a bit more. Such as the relationship between Ella and Genie and Sarah. The lack of knowledge doesn't make anything incomprehensible, just a tiny bit confusing. Though truly, this just makes me want to read "Audacious" even more. So that's clever on the authors part.
A big thing with this book is that despite being teenagers, they don't talk how teenagers talk. But at the same time, they do. The subjects, the feelings, they're definitely relatable. It's the delivery that is unrealistic. But for this type of book it's fine. I might even say great. It works because this is a story written in verses. I think verses, I obviously think of poetry. And what they are saying, how Ella is thinking, it's poetic. Without a doubt. If this were written like the average novel, I would have ripped this book a new one. But it's not. So I applaud it.
I've attempted reading a verse novel before, what a disaster that was. It came out seeming like the author was just too lazy to write an actual novel; I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried this would be the same. 'Capricious' is not like that- for the most part. There are sections which do feel like that, but I think it's a bit necessary to further the plot. I do wish that they had just a little something though.
I was not a fan of the ending. I feel the final conversation between Ella and David isn't something Ella would've ultimately accepted. But given that she did,I felt that there needed to be some type of follow up to it. Then, the actual ending is a bit of a cliffhanger. That would be fine if there were a book chronicling her 12th grade year and her school trip, relationship with Genie, etc. But there doesn't seem to be one. Which is unfortunate as it leaves a lot unanswered.
All in all, this is a quick (It took me roughly 4 hours to finish) and beautifully written book that does a good job at capturing the emotion and thoughts and irrational actions of a teenage girl. I give it 4 stars because of the ending. But I give the cover a perfect 10, wowza!
And I need to find a copy of 'Audacious' ASAP.
This is a sequel. I did not know that, so clearly I haven't read the first part of the series. I can happily say that reading "Audacious" is not 100% necessary to understand 'Capricious'. For the most part, what you need to know about the first book is sprinkled in here and there when needed, which is great. There is nothing worse than page after page of a half-assed recap. Of course, there are a few things that I wish were elaborated on a bit more. Such as the relationship between Ella and Genie and Sarah. The lack of knowledge doesn't make anything incomprehensible, just a tiny bit confusing. Though truly, this just makes me want to read "Audacious" even more. So that's clever on the authors part.
A big thing with this book is that despite being teenagers, they don't talk how teenagers talk. But at the same time, they do. The subjects, the feelings, they're definitely relatable. It's the delivery that is unrealistic. But for this type of book it's fine. I might even say great. It works because this is a story written in verses. I think verses, I obviously think of poetry. And what they are saying, how Ella is thinking, it's poetic. Without a doubt. If this were written like the average novel, I would have ripped this book a new one. But it's not. So I applaud it.
I've attempted reading a verse novel before, what a disaster that was. It came out seeming like the author was just too lazy to write an actual novel; I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried this would be the same. 'Capricious' is not like that- for the most part. There are sections which do feel like that, but I think it's a bit necessary to further the plot. I do wish that they had just a little something though.
I was not a fan of the ending. I feel the final conversation between Ella and David isn't something Ella would've ultimately accepted. But given that she did,I felt that there needed to be some type of follow up to it. Then, the actual ending is a bit of a cliffhanger. That would be fine if there were a book chronicling her 12th grade year and her school trip, relationship with Genie, etc. But there doesn't seem to be one. Which is unfortunate as it leaves a lot unanswered.
All in all, this is a quick (It took me roughly 4 hours to finish) and beautifully written book that does a good job at capturing the emotion and thoughts and irrational actions of a teenage girl. I give it 4 stars because of the ending. But I give the cover a perfect 10, wowza!
And I need to find a copy of 'Audacious' ASAP.
June 21, 2017
I did not know when I read this that it was a sequel, but I had no trouble following the story. Although, now I want to go back and read Audacious. The free verse style fit the character and the story, I felt it was a quick and powerful read. The emotions portrayed were strong and realistic. While I cringed at some of the decisions Ella made, I respected her right to make them and felt her confusion as she tried to wade through the consequences. I felt Ella to be a strong character with a mind of her own, creative and individualistic. Recommended for 14+
March 2, 2017
For a book that is the sequel to another book that I never read, I have to say this was pretty good ?
March 19, 2015
Capricious is the sequel to Audacious by Gabrielle Prendergast. Every page is populated by beautiful verse. The poetry of it delights me. The imagery and stream of consciousness flow in a way that convincingly portrays the angst of teen life.
I felt it begun too abruptly, jumping right into her loss of virginity. The rest of the book I loved the gritty bits of desire and drugs but they were always framed successfully by her quirky observations of the world. The first page and chapter only work well if you've read the first book - which is unfortunate.
I can forgive this false step because of the mastery in the rest of the writing. From comparing a bikini wax to the chopping down of rain forests to the musings about loss of faith, Prendergast makes words into art with fantastic diction and tempo.
Often flawed characters are the most endearing. Ella's questionable morals and decisions such as juggling two men don't make the reader hate her because of the way Prendergast writes her internal struggle. She is finding pieces of what she needs in each of the young men- but neither of them is capable of making her feel whole. I think the struggle to understand relationships and love is well played out. The narrator is not a shining role model for teens, but feels like a real person shaped by her traumas, hopes and fears.
One of my favourite passages was where she describes the bus kneeling in supplication for Marika. The girl who's disabilities don't detract from her beauty and queenly personality. At one point she describes school as a "dystopian death match" with students writing essays in the blood of their classmates. The competitive nature of high school is reflected on repeatedly- comparing students to coyotes who are fighting for territory and dominance. This is a novel that tackles the tough topics of peer pressure, addiction, religion, relationships, illness, and depression. It doesn't choose one above others and feel forced or didactic. Instead it succeeds in demonstrating how all the issues can pile up, drowning the people who are surrounded by varied struggles.
I felt it begun too abruptly, jumping right into her loss of virginity. The rest of the book I loved the gritty bits of desire and drugs but they were always framed successfully by her quirky observations of the world. The first page and chapter only work well if you've read the first book - which is unfortunate.
I can forgive this false step because of the mastery in the rest of the writing. From comparing a bikini wax to the chopping down of rain forests to the musings about loss of faith, Prendergast makes words into art with fantastic diction and tempo.
Often flawed characters are the most endearing. Ella's questionable morals and decisions such as juggling two men don't make the reader hate her because of the way Prendergast writes her internal struggle. She is finding pieces of what she needs in each of the young men- but neither of them is capable of making her feel whole. I think the struggle to understand relationships and love is well played out. The narrator is not a shining role model for teens, but feels like a real person shaped by her traumas, hopes and fears.
One of my favourite passages was where she describes the bus kneeling in supplication for Marika. The girl who's disabilities don't detract from her beauty and queenly personality. At one point she describes school as a "dystopian death match" with students writing essays in the blood of their classmates. The competitive nature of high school is reflected on repeatedly- comparing students to coyotes who are fighting for territory and dominance. This is a novel that tackles the tough topics of peer pressure, addiction, religion, relationships, illness, and depression. It doesn't choose one above others and feel forced or didactic. Instead it succeeds in demonstrating how all the issues can pile up, drowning the people who are surrounded by varied struggles.
March 3, 2014
See my review of Audacious too, but seriously this is great stuff. If you have never given verse novels a try, start with Audacious, then grab Capricious as soon as it comes out. In Capricious our misfit heroine is one year older. Ella continues to navigate several complex relationships with her school peers, her two love interests and her family. Ella awkwardly navigates her final year of high school: she copes with some serious nastiness from her peers and has some serious angst about her two boy/friends, Samir and David. No spoilers, just get Audacious read asap and get ready for more with Capricious.
Read
November 14, 2014I liked this a bit less than Audacious, but I still really loved it and think it deals with alienation and sex very realistically. I was wondering if maybe the two would have been better as one long novel, but I'm not sure. The crunch of being into two guys, one who is Jewish and one who is Palestinian, could have been complicated some more, the way Samir himself was pretty complex in the first book. I think just the liking two guys was very well done, but that potential for conflict beyond sharing the same girl was underutilized.
At any rate, I'm glad this book exists.
At any rate, I'm glad this book exists.
March 8, 2015
I may have liked this better than the first book in this series. Prendergast writes lovely verse, and the characters are offbeat and unusual and the plot twists are often quite unpredictable -- which all makes it more realistic, somehow.
Read
August 3, 2015For some reason, I was drawn to read this after Audacious. I should have followed me initial reaction to Ella. I don't like her. It is tough to root for a protagonist who is selfish and without many redeeming qualities. I tried, but I have moved on from this one.
March 1, 2016
This book isn't like what I have read in the past. The cover and the name pulled me in and I was so interested to what is was about. At first I thought is was just poems but it was quiet good. It was unusual but it made sense in the end.
April 30, 2014
A stunning sequel to an equally fabulous debut YA verse novel.
May 9, 2015
I thought it was as amazing as the first one
May 12, 2016
This was a really good read. Set up in a sort of poem style. Well, verse novel. It definitely made it to my favorites list.
April 26, 2015
*3.5*
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