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Unloved #1
The Unloved
Sometimes the love our heart needs to heal can be found in the familiar eyes of a childhood friend...
Julie Porter learned the hard way that trust is something which must be earned and not something to be given out lightly, those who say they love you are those who hold the power to hurt you most, and best friends can help you survive anything—until they move away.
Nick Owen knows a thing or two about a hard life. At a young age Nick learned how to take a hit and to make lemonade out of the lemons life tossed his way. Returning home after nearly two years of being away, all Nick cares about now is protecting his mom from the abusive hands of his father and catching up with his best friend—the girl who lived across the street, the girl he can’t seem to stop thinking about.
Finally reunited after two years apart, Nick and Julie are about to learn that age does nothing to protect you from life’s trials and tribulations, heartache and loss, but maybe together they’ll find a way to survive.
(Mature Young Adult, contains violence, language, and sexual situations.)
Julie Porter learned the hard way that trust is something which must be earned and not something to be given out lightly, those who say they love you are those who hold the power to hurt you most, and best friends can help you survive anything—until they move away.
Nick Owen knows a thing or two about a hard life. At a young age Nick learned how to take a hit and to make lemonade out of the lemons life tossed his way. Returning home after nearly two years of being away, all Nick cares about now is protecting his mom from the abusive hands of his father and catching up with his best friend—the girl who lived across the street, the girl he can’t seem to stop thinking about.
Finally reunited after two years apart, Nick and Julie are about to learn that age does nothing to protect you from life’s trials and tribulations, heartache and loss, but maybe together they’ll find a way to survive.
(Mature Young Adult, contains violence, language, and sexual situations.)
ebook
First published July 28, 2012
21 people are currently reading
2085 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Snyder
130 books672 followersJennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina where she spends most of her time writing New Adult and Young Adult Fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 9, 2013
The Unloved is a heart and gut wrenching story that will leave you breathless. I can't stress enough to readers that this is one of those YA books that takes you on such a roller coaster of nerves and biting your nails because you have two broken teens just trying to survive a terrible life the cards have dealt them. I love the statement you don't chose who your parents are because you are born to them. This statement is so true in this case ad what you will read will bring you to tears of joy and tears of sadness at the level of abuse these two will face.
Julie Porter is just trying to survive life and take care of her siblings. Her mother is a stripper and a drug addict also addicted to idiot men who come and go and take what they want and when they are done they leave. So Julie is left with the aftermath of men in and men out that are strangers and she has to protect herself from some of these pigs. Julie has hardened her heart towards the world and does not plan on letting anyone in except her best friend Nick. See Julie and Nick know what it is like to have to deal with pain because Nick is suffering from his own personal hell.
Nick Owens is just trying to survive one more night without being the punching bag for his father. He tries so hard to keep his distance and do everything just right so he does not receive the wrath of his father. But doing that is never enough and his mother is afraid of his father so she finally sends Nick away to save him. For two years Nick and Julie are separated and life throws them some curve balls but Nick is determined to get back to his mother and Julie.
When Nick comes back what he finds with Julie crushes him because she is not the same Julie of two years ago. She has closed her heart and trusts no one. She keeps to herself and is living life like a shell. Nick is determined to get through those barriers and break down Julies walls because he loves her and wants to be with her and take care of her. No matter what they suffer or go through he will take care of her. The only thing is is Julie ready to let those walls down and chance getting hurt again? Or will she just remain the shell of a girl she is?
Nicks motto is when life throws you lemons you make lemonade. Will they make it together or will Julie keep sucking on lemons? This is such a must read story of love loss and love gained that I laughed and cried reading it but in the end I really loved it!
Julie Porter is just trying to survive life and take care of her siblings. Her mother is a stripper and a drug addict also addicted to idiot men who come and go and take what they want and when they are done they leave. So Julie is left with the aftermath of men in and men out that are strangers and she has to protect herself from some of these pigs. Julie has hardened her heart towards the world and does not plan on letting anyone in except her best friend Nick. See Julie and Nick know what it is like to have to deal with pain because Nick is suffering from his own personal hell.
Nick Owens is just trying to survive one more night without being the punching bag for his father. He tries so hard to keep his distance and do everything just right so he does not receive the wrath of his father. But doing that is never enough and his mother is afraid of his father so she finally sends Nick away to save him. For two years Nick and Julie are separated and life throws them some curve balls but Nick is determined to get back to his mother and Julie.
When Nick comes back what he finds with Julie crushes him because she is not the same Julie of two years ago. She has closed her heart and trusts no one. She keeps to herself and is living life like a shell. Nick is determined to get through those barriers and break down Julies walls because he loves her and wants to be with her and take care of her. No matter what they suffer or go through he will take care of her. The only thing is is Julie ready to let those walls down and chance getting hurt again? Or will she just remain the shell of a girl she is?
Nicks motto is when life throws you lemons you make lemonade. Will they make it together or will Julie keep sucking on lemons? This is such a must read story of love loss and love gained that I laughed and cried reading it but in the end I really loved it!
October 28, 2012
I have guilty pleasure reading books about dysfunctional family. Those books always sad yet feel real, because after all life is never easy.
The Unloved is one of that book. I liked the way Snyder wrote it, harsh yet honest. I enjoyed Nick & Jules' rollercoaster relationship, on and off a couple of times but in the end always forgive each other mistake. I also liked Nick and Jules' friends, their life wasn't easy but they have friends whom they can count on although it was a simple thing to make their life bearable.
But, I couldn't understand why Jules left Cole so easily. That pole hole quiet annoyed me or was it Snyder's clue for the sequel? I hope she would give me an answer.
The Unloved is one of that book. I liked the way Snyder wrote it, harsh yet honest. I enjoyed Nick & Jules' rollercoaster relationship, on and off a couple of times but in the end always forgive each other mistake. I also liked Nick and Jules' friends, their life wasn't easy but they have friends whom they can count on although it was a simple thing to make their life bearable.
But, I couldn't understand why Jules left Cole so easily. That pole hole quiet annoyed me or was it Snyder's clue for the sequel? I hope she would give me an answer.
September 15, 2012
The Unloved is not your happy kind of book. The characters go through real, emotional stuff. It's honest and raw, and I loved every minute of it.
Julie and Nick are neighbors who were best friends growing up. Between Nick's abusive dad and Julie's druggie mom, the two of them only had each other. Two years ago, Nick was sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle, leaving Julie to deal with everything at home by herself. Nick's mom finally kicks the dad out, and Nick is able to come home. Nick is bigger and stronger, and vows to not only protect his mother if his dad comes back, but protect Julie too.
Poor, poor Nick. The first time his dad came back, he ended up getting the shit kicked out of him like the old days. All he wants to do is protect the women in his life, but it never works out for him. I thought Nick has it bad, but Julie's life is much, much worse. Her mom has the worst taste in men, and many of them have a thing for young girls. For most of her life she has had to fend off their looks, knowing one day it might get worse. She also has to deal with her ex boyfriend, who her mom is now sleeping with for drugs. Nick and Julie are broken characters who need each other. They both deserve to be happy, but for both of them, it is going to get a lot worse, before it can get better.
I really felt for these two characters. I couldn't believe what was happening to them and I was so connected to them, I wished there was something I could do to help them.
Overall, this book was heartbreaking, but in a good way. There really is a message of hope at the end, which I liked. It reminded me a lot of Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine, which was one of my favorite books that I read last year. The Unloved is definitely worth the read! It's a quick read that will leave you thinking about it days after you finish it.
Julie and Nick are neighbors who were best friends growing up. Between Nick's abusive dad and Julie's druggie mom, the two of them only had each other. Two years ago, Nick was sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle, leaving Julie to deal with everything at home by herself. Nick's mom finally kicks the dad out, and Nick is able to come home. Nick is bigger and stronger, and vows to not only protect his mother if his dad comes back, but protect Julie too.
Poor, poor Nick. The first time his dad came back, he ended up getting the shit kicked out of him like the old days. All he wants to do is protect the women in his life, but it never works out for him. I thought Nick has it bad, but Julie's life is much, much worse. Her mom has the worst taste in men, and many of them have a thing for young girls. For most of her life she has had to fend off their looks, knowing one day it might get worse. She also has to deal with her ex boyfriend, who her mom is now sleeping with for drugs. Nick and Julie are broken characters who need each other. They both deserve to be happy, but for both of them, it is going to get a lot worse, before it can get better.
I really felt for these two characters. I couldn't believe what was happening to them and I was so connected to them, I wished there was something I could do to help them.
Overall, this book was heartbreaking, but in a good way. There really is a message of hope at the end, which I liked. It reminded me a lot of Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine, which was one of my favorite books that I read last year. The Unloved is definitely worth the read! It's a quick read that will leave you thinking about it days after you finish it.
July 31, 2012
It may be called The Unloved, but there is nothing unlovable about this mature YA contemporary. Pulled in from the start, I especially enjoyed the dual narration that gives the reader extra insight into the relationship of the characters. An emotional read, I found myself thinking about this book long after I finished reading it. This is a fantastic read for YA contemporary fans looking for a story that is real, engaging, and has a more mature edge to it.
April 8, 2013
*A copy was provided for review purposes*
You will not believe the number of times I cooed and gushed over many of the scenes in this book. But don’t be fooled as the cooing and gushing did not make up the entirety as there were also some pretty horrifying scenes at which my eyes were watering. I have to say that this book surprised me with the amount of emotion that the author conveyed through it. Even if a person attempts at writing a book about serious matters such as drinking or abuse, it’s really hard to give that writing enough meaning that it makes a significant impact on the reader. And to be honest, that’s exactly what Snyder did when she put together this heart-felt and disturbed world in which two troubled teenagers find love with each other and make it through the harsh realities in their lives together.
The plot in this book revolves around two teenagers, Nick and Julie. They were both neighbors and were best friends once in their lives until Nick had to move. This left Julie devastated at the loss. But two years later, Nick comes back and tries to enter Julie’s life once more. The problem is, is Julie ready to let him in and be ready for another possible heart-break, or will they find themselves walking towards the path of love?
I have to say that as much as I loved the plot-line in this book, what really appealed to be were the characters. The raw emotion and depth I felt behind much of the dialogue between Nick and Julie in this book was truly heart-warming yet bittersweet at the same time. They both had tough childhoods to deal with and even tougher lives as teenagers. What they go through in their lives is something I would never wish upon even the worst or most spoiled of a teen today. Julie has to live with a mother whose attitude clearly displays her instability when it comes to responsibility, inability when it comes to parenting, and lack of maturity through her actions. She doesn't for one instance, think about how her actions might affect her daughter. Instead, she’s constantly bringing home a number of boyfriends who seem to take on a disgusting interest in Julie, leaving her feeling uncomfortable in her own home.
Nick on the other hand, shares a loving and caring relationship with his mother, but a nightmarish one with his abusive father. Growing up, Nick and his mother have had to deal with both the taunts and the constant drinking and physical abuse ever since Nick can remember. What troubled me the most about what Nick went through was the amount of helplessness that he developed growing up. Yes, as a grown up teenager now he’s developed the strength and outer exterior to fight back at his father and try to get even for what he had done to Nick and his mother, but that doesn't erase the pain of what was. Nick will forever remember his father, who should’ve been one of the most important people in his life, as a man who never loved him. And behind all the abusive behavior, that’s what probably hurts Nick the most.
I can’t say that this book is a jolly ride in the park because it doesn't even come close to touching that. This book is a constant flow of lies, betrayals, sad truths, abusive behaviors, and horrifying cases of violence. It covers so much of what goes unnoticed in our world today that it’s hard not to be spellbound and struck by the reality of the entire situation. But there’s also the innocent and magical relationship that it shared by the main characters of this book which hints that even through the darkest times, there’s someone out there for you and you don’t need to feel alone. I know that this all of this sounds very dramatic but it’ll probably surprise you to know that the emotions I’m describing right now are only a fourth of what you will feel when actually reading the book. Snyder is truly amazing. Her ability to weave together a tale this beautiful and bittersweet is one that should definitely be applauded. I’ll be wishing for anyone who is stuck with the same situations that this book displays to find what Julie and Nick have found in each other.
You will not believe the number of times I cooed and gushed over many of the scenes in this book. But don’t be fooled as the cooing and gushing did not make up the entirety as there were also some pretty horrifying scenes at which my eyes were watering. I have to say that this book surprised me with the amount of emotion that the author conveyed through it. Even if a person attempts at writing a book about serious matters such as drinking or abuse, it’s really hard to give that writing enough meaning that it makes a significant impact on the reader. And to be honest, that’s exactly what Snyder did when she put together this heart-felt and disturbed world in which two troubled teenagers find love with each other and make it through the harsh realities in their lives together.
The plot in this book revolves around two teenagers, Nick and Julie. They were both neighbors and were best friends once in their lives until Nick had to move. This left Julie devastated at the loss. But two years later, Nick comes back and tries to enter Julie’s life once more. The problem is, is Julie ready to let him in and be ready for another possible heart-break, or will they find themselves walking towards the path of love?
I have to say that as much as I loved the plot-line in this book, what really appealed to be were the characters. The raw emotion and depth I felt behind much of the dialogue between Nick and Julie in this book was truly heart-warming yet bittersweet at the same time. They both had tough childhoods to deal with and even tougher lives as teenagers. What they go through in their lives is something I would never wish upon even the worst or most spoiled of a teen today. Julie has to live with a mother whose attitude clearly displays her instability when it comes to responsibility, inability when it comes to parenting, and lack of maturity through her actions. She doesn't for one instance, think about how her actions might affect her daughter. Instead, she’s constantly bringing home a number of boyfriends who seem to take on a disgusting interest in Julie, leaving her feeling uncomfortable in her own home.
Nick on the other hand, shares a loving and caring relationship with his mother, but a nightmarish one with his abusive father. Growing up, Nick and his mother have had to deal with both the taunts and the constant drinking and physical abuse ever since Nick can remember. What troubled me the most about what Nick went through was the amount of helplessness that he developed growing up. Yes, as a grown up teenager now he’s developed the strength and outer exterior to fight back at his father and try to get even for what he had done to Nick and his mother, but that doesn't erase the pain of what was. Nick will forever remember his father, who should’ve been one of the most important people in his life, as a man who never loved him. And behind all the abusive behavior, that’s what probably hurts Nick the most.
I can’t say that this book is a jolly ride in the park because it doesn't even come close to touching that. This book is a constant flow of lies, betrayals, sad truths, abusive behaviors, and horrifying cases of violence. It covers so much of what goes unnoticed in our world today that it’s hard not to be spellbound and struck by the reality of the entire situation. But there’s also the innocent and magical relationship that it shared by the main characters of this book which hints that even through the darkest times, there’s someone out there for you and you don’t need to feel alone. I know that this all of this sounds very dramatic but it’ll probably surprise you to know that the emotions I’m describing right now are only a fourth of what you will feel when actually reading the book. Snyder is truly amazing. Her ability to weave together a tale this beautiful and bittersweet is one that should definitely be applauded. I’ll be wishing for anyone who is stuck with the same situations that this book displays to find what Julie and Nick have found in each other.
September 4, 2012
“So, I have to ask, what is it that you have against a guy giving a
girl flowers?” Nick asked with a smirk.
“Seriously?” I raised an eyebrow at him. Wasn’t it obvious why?
“Seriously.”
“Well, think about it for a minute. A guy tells you that he loves
you and then turns around and buys you flowers…or worse, tells
you that he loves you with flowers. Cut flowers die. They die in a
few days after being cut…and this is what you guys choose to use
as proof of your love? Something that dies in a few days? To me it
seems like foreshadowing or something, like your basically saying
that our love is beautiful but only for a limited time and then it will
wither away to nothing like your flowers.”
Nick stared at me, dumbfounded. “Who thinks like that? Wow,
I get what you mean, but dang.”
“I’m a live plant kind of girl.” I winked.
As much as I liked the book the ending was bad. Yes it was a happily ever after but it did not feel it to me. Being from a bad childhood I love my sister more then anything. How Julie could just go off and leave Cole was unthinkable to me. There was a loss of a story to me. So I still give it a 4 star just a little disappointed.
girl flowers?” Nick asked with a smirk.
“Seriously?” I raised an eyebrow at him. Wasn’t it obvious why?
“Seriously.”
“Well, think about it for a minute. A guy tells you that he loves
you and then turns around and buys you flowers…or worse, tells
you that he loves you with flowers. Cut flowers die. They die in a
few days after being cut…and this is what you guys choose to use
as proof of your love? Something that dies in a few days? To me it
seems like foreshadowing or something, like your basically saying
that our love is beautiful but only for a limited time and then it will
wither away to nothing like your flowers.”
Nick stared at me, dumbfounded. “Who thinks like that? Wow,
I get what you mean, but dang.”
“I’m a live plant kind of girl.” I winked.
As much as I liked the book the ending was bad. Yes it was a happily ever after but it did not feel it to me. Being from a bad childhood I love my sister more then anything. How Julie could just go off and leave Cole was unthinkable to me. There was a loss of a story to me. So I still give it a 4 star just a little disappointed.
July 26, 2012
I absolutely love this authors style of writing. I am tickled that she is giving us another great book to read. I will by it in ebook form also in paperback form.I have read all of her books,everyone of them are unique in there own way. I can't wait to read this on
January 8, 2013
My full review in all of its glory can be found on my blog!
*WARNING* this book contains some emotional and sensitive material. I would not recommend this to anyone under 18 or who is offended by certain mature material. (Mature Young Adult, contains violence, language, and sexual situations.)
Turn on the Internet, turn off your phone, make a cup of coffee (or tea) grab a box of tissues and strap yourself in. The Unloved is going to suck you in and you will want no disturbances while you explore the unpredictable and heartbreaking world that Nick and Julie grew up in.
Ok seriously! What the hell did I just read? I was pulled in about 80 different directions when I was reading this baby. I got totally sucked in by the characters. Nick and Julie are fucking troopers!!! I was upset at everything that happened to these two; I was crying when the shit got shittier for these two; I was laughing at the loyalty of their friends (LOVE Emily), I was swooning hard over Nick and I was on their cheering squad, praying that everything would work out for them.
The Unloved is an utterly heart breaking tale of how life isn’t always perfect and how two people found the strength in each other to survive. Everything that happens in this book had me going “ARE YOU SERIOUSLY!!! You are going to do that to them!!! WHY!!!!!” Or “WHAT THE HOLY HELL!!!” and then I would throw my kindle across the room; take a sip of my coffee and a couple deep breaths, then rescues my heart from the floor (which was next to my kindle, shattered in a million pieces.)
I had some problems with this book at times, and I think I was just getting so mad that all this crap just kept happening to the two of them. Not just life stuff but normal relationship stuff. But honestly, looking back, it’s great. I have been thinking lately that I want books that are different. I'm tired of all this boy meets girl and falls in love crap. Or super awesome heroine is all good and normal (Seriously, how many of you want Elana (from Vampire Diaries (on TV not the books (and this is going to get a little spolie now))) to just go bad!! For reals!!! Like now she needs to ditch Stephen and hook up with Damon and just be all evil vampire!!! I want everyone to be evil and just have crazy shit happen!!! But in this book, man! It was hard to get through. But I was so happy that I did. This delivers totally different and wonderfulness!
This isn’t just your typical contemporary romance novel. This book is so emotional and raw and it hits some hard topics (and when you read them you will know what I mean) but the author did such an amazing job dealing with them, I was blown away and found myself just gripping the edges of my kindle. It is written beautifully (except for a few moments. I have issues when we go though a large amount of time to get to some future event to make a relationship point work. Like we go from Christmas to May in a paragraph just to move them to the next step in their relationship. I think that is a problem with stand-alone books. You have to get through a large amount of time in only one book. And then there is the “well you can’t just have people meet, fall in love, and get married in a few weeks”. IDK, it’s just a hard thing for me to get over because I tend to want more out of my books and when a large gap of time passes I feel cheated. Again it’s just a pet peeve of mine.)
My other issues that just kind of rubbed me the wrong way was how Julie always covered herself up, trying to hid and be unattractive, yet she had almost EVERY GUY coming at her. IDK why this just bothered me (maybe because I was that girl who wore the baggie hoodies and never got an ounce of attention that she does in HS) but it just did. But like I say, I'm kind of just nit picking.
Overall, The Unloved is a beautifully heartbreaking tale of finding love in the darkness. Fans of Pushing The Limits and Easy will devour this book. Beautifully written, gripping, heartbreaking and an emotional roller coaster that will change your reading world. The Unloved with tip you upside down and torture you. But of course, in the best possible way.
Favorite Quotes
“…Everything was stripped bar and all was exposed. Nature in its purest, most fragile, venerable form. There were no leaves protecting the trees, no flowers to put up a colorful front. Everything was just raw. ~Kindle Location 1748
“If I tell you that I love you, right now, with this, can I keep you forever?” he asked, his eyes never wavering from mine. ~Kindle Location 2281
*WARNING* this book contains some emotional and sensitive material. I would not recommend this to anyone under 18 or who is offended by certain mature material. (Mature Young Adult, contains violence, language, and sexual situations.)
Turn on the Internet, turn off your phone, make a cup of coffee (or tea) grab a box of tissues and strap yourself in. The Unloved is going to suck you in and you will want no disturbances while you explore the unpredictable and heartbreaking world that Nick and Julie grew up in.
Ok seriously! What the hell did I just read? I was pulled in about 80 different directions when I was reading this baby. I got totally sucked in by the characters. Nick and Julie are fucking troopers!!! I was upset at everything that happened to these two; I was crying when the shit got shittier for these two; I was laughing at the loyalty of their friends (LOVE Emily), I was swooning hard over Nick and I was on their cheering squad, praying that everything would work out for them.
The Unloved is an utterly heart breaking tale of how life isn’t always perfect and how two people found the strength in each other to survive. Everything that happens in this book had me going “ARE YOU SERIOUSLY!!! You are going to do that to them!!! WHY!!!!!” Or “WHAT THE HOLY HELL!!!” and then I would throw my kindle across the room; take a sip of my coffee and a couple deep breaths, then rescues my heart from the floor (which was next to my kindle, shattered in a million pieces.)
I had some problems with this book at times, and I think I was just getting so mad that all this crap just kept happening to the two of them. Not just life stuff but normal relationship stuff. But honestly, looking back, it’s great. I have been thinking lately that I want books that are different. I'm tired of all this boy meets girl and falls in love crap. Or super awesome heroine is all good and normal (Seriously, how many of you want Elana (from Vampire Diaries (on TV not the books (and this is going to get a little spolie now))) to just go bad!! For reals!!! Like now she needs to ditch Stephen and hook up with Damon and just be all evil vampire!!! I want everyone to be evil and just have crazy shit happen!!! But in this book, man! It was hard to get through. But I was so happy that I did. This delivers totally different and wonderfulness!
This isn’t just your typical contemporary romance novel. This book is so emotional and raw and it hits some hard topics (and when you read them you will know what I mean) but the author did such an amazing job dealing with them, I was blown away and found myself just gripping the edges of my kindle. It is written beautifully (except for a few moments. I have issues when we go though a large amount of time to get to some future event to make a relationship point work. Like we go from Christmas to May in a paragraph just to move them to the next step in their relationship. I think that is a problem with stand-alone books. You have to get through a large amount of time in only one book. And then there is the “well you can’t just have people meet, fall in love, and get married in a few weeks”. IDK, it’s just a hard thing for me to get over because I tend to want more out of my books and when a large gap of time passes I feel cheated. Again it’s just a pet peeve of mine.)
My other issues that just kind of rubbed me the wrong way was how Julie always covered herself up, trying to hid and be unattractive, yet she had almost EVERY GUY coming at her. IDK why this just bothered me (maybe because I was that girl who wore the baggie hoodies and never got an ounce of attention that she does in HS) but it just did. But like I say, I'm kind of just nit picking.
Overall, The Unloved is a beautifully heartbreaking tale of finding love in the darkness. Fans of Pushing The Limits and Easy will devour this book. Beautifully written, gripping, heartbreaking and an emotional roller coaster that will change your reading world. The Unloved with tip you upside down and torture you. But of course, in the best possible way.
Favorite Quotes
“…Everything was stripped bar and all was exposed. Nature in its purest, most fragile, venerable form. There were no leaves protecting the trees, no flowers to put up a colorful front. Everything was just raw. ~Kindle Location 1748
“If I tell you that I love you, right now, with this, can I keep you forever?” he asked, his eyes never wavering from mine. ~Kindle Location 2281
April 12, 2013
Nick had an abusive father and Jules had an alcoholic, absent mother with perverts for boyfriends. They both escaped from their horrible home lives and found comfort and safety with each other. They looked out for one another. But then Nick had to move away to live with his aunt and uncle. Jules was left behind and still had to fight off the hands of her mother's groping boyfriends. She started wearing baggy clothes, hiding herself from everyone.
After two years, Nick is back and the story starts with him and Jules reconnecting and attempting to cross the line between friendship and love while still trying to deal with H.H.L.M.s (Horrible Home Life Moments)
Julie is trying to push him away because she doesn't want to get hurt and her heart broken again.
"I’d learned as a kid that once you let people in, they hold the power to disappoint you, upset you, and break you."
But Nick wants to be more than friends and he is determined to do so.
I was heartbroken with the pain that Julie and Nick had to suffer. Childhood should always be filled with love. It really amazes me how some people can live with themselves after doing such terrible things. It's infuriating that Jules had to live a life where she felt dirty and tainted everyday. She was not at fault. The sick people who do such things don't need reasons. What she was wearing and where she was, cannot be a defense. I so hated Vincent. He was so creepy and disgusting. I wanted Nick to beat him more. He stopped too soon.
The book is honest, raw and real. The author has done a great job with character development. She doesn't shy away from showing the ugly truths and the harsh realities. I was shouting at problems to stop coming their way. One unfortunate event after another, it was emotionally exhausting, really.
But the book isn't entirely hopeless even if it makes you feel that majority of men are sex crazed jerks. Jules and Nick have some great friends who were always there and sometimes I wished Jules had shared what she was going through with them. I loved Emily and Blake. They made me happy.
The romance is all you need to mend your broken heart. Jules and Nick are perfect together. I'm glad Jules decided to take the leap of faith and that Nick never gave up on them. I liked Nick from the very first scene. He is adorably cute. I loved that he always knew the right words and he is just a nice guy who is kind, forgiving and caring. All the bad boys, watch out!
“I love you, Jules. Even with all of the baggage that you claim comes with you, even with all of the shit that you've been through. You’re not a reminder of my past, not a stain or a scar that won’t let me forget… you’re my sunshine. A reminder that with you by my side I can get through even the darkest of my nightmares. Our childhood was proof of that, Jules. We were the unloved—you by your mom and me by my dad—and now it’s our time to finally be loved.”
I really liked the book. I was hooked and completed it in one sitting. There are few things that I have a problem with but they didn't make me want to put the book down or anything so I guess they aren't big issues. Mainly, I wanted to see more of Cole. When you suffer through an abusive relationship together, you are bound to develop a strong bond, right? So it made no sense to me why Jules wasn't close to her brothers Cole and Logan. Even if Logan has left and gone away, he could still check on his siblings.
After two years, Nick is back and the story starts with him and Jules reconnecting and attempting to cross the line between friendship and love while still trying to deal with H.H.L.M.s (Horrible Home Life Moments)
Julie is trying to push him away because she doesn't want to get hurt and her heart broken again.
"I’d learned as a kid that once you let people in, they hold the power to disappoint you, upset you, and break you."
But Nick wants to be more than friends and he is determined to do so.
I was heartbroken with the pain that Julie and Nick had to suffer. Childhood should always be filled with love. It really amazes me how some people can live with themselves after doing such terrible things. It's infuriating that Jules had to live a life where she felt dirty and tainted everyday. She was not at fault. The sick people who do such things don't need reasons. What she was wearing and where she was, cannot be a defense. I so hated Vincent. He was so creepy and disgusting. I wanted Nick to beat him more. He stopped too soon.
The book is honest, raw and real. The author has done a great job with character development. She doesn't shy away from showing the ugly truths and the harsh realities. I was shouting at problems to stop coming their way. One unfortunate event after another, it was emotionally exhausting, really.
But the book isn't entirely hopeless even if it makes you feel that majority of men are sex crazed jerks. Jules and Nick have some great friends who were always there and sometimes I wished Jules had shared what she was going through with them. I loved Emily and Blake. They made me happy.
The romance is all you need to mend your broken heart. Jules and Nick are perfect together. I'm glad Jules decided to take the leap of faith and that Nick never gave up on them. I liked Nick from the very first scene. He is adorably cute. I loved that he always knew the right words and he is just a nice guy who is kind, forgiving and caring. All the bad boys, watch out!
“I love you, Jules. Even with all of the baggage that you claim comes with you, even with all of the shit that you've been through. You’re not a reminder of my past, not a stain or a scar that won’t let me forget… you’re my sunshine. A reminder that with you by my side I can get through even the darkest of my nightmares. Our childhood was proof of that, Jules. We were the unloved—you by your mom and me by my dad—and now it’s our time to finally be loved.”
I really liked the book. I was hooked and completed it in one sitting. There are few things that I have a problem with but they didn't make me want to put the book down or anything so I guess they aren't big issues. Mainly, I wanted to see more of Cole. When you suffer through an abusive relationship together, you are bound to develop a strong bond, right? So it made no sense to me why Jules wasn't close to her brothers Cole and Logan. Even if Logan has left and gone away, he could still check on his siblings.
September 9, 2012
This book definitely surprised me. I was expecting just a cute little love story that would merely be a joyous journey through these characters finding their love for each other. But, what I didn't expect was the love story being darkened by their horrible home lives. What a mix of emotions brought on by this book! One minute I'm all happy and enjoying seeing the romance unfold and the next my heart is being wrenched out. This novel is so much more than a love story -- it has very dark elements that just break your heart.
The characters are extremely well done. There is a lot of depth to both main characters, Julie and Nick. Both have horrible home lives and just want to escape those lives and be happy together. But, they find it very difficult. Julie's mom is a stripper and a drug user, who always has a new boyfriend in the house. The majority of the boyfriends are creeps who try to take advantage of Julie. Nick has an abusive alcoholic as a father, who constantly beats him and his mom. There is so much depth to these characters and, if you read this book, you will find your heart breaking for them so many times throughout the book.
The writing quality is decent enough. There are quite a few mistakes, but I've seen worse. Snyder's story-telling abilities, however, are very good. She has a way of making the story seem very realistic and makes the reader feel deeply for these poor kids. The story is told through the POV of both Julie and Nick, alternating with the chapter changes. I liked this aspect, as it allows the reader to see into the minds of both characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I was going to. I would recommend this book to mature young adult and adult readers who are fans of realistic YA fiction. I can't get over the unexpected dark qualities of this book and how they darkened what should have been a happy love story. Poor Nick and Julie -- it seemed as though nothing could go right for them! I just want to go on and on about how sad these kids' home lives were and how sad it is that these things actually happen in real life...but, I will stop now and let you read the book to see for yourself!
This review was originally published on SIK Book Reviews
The characters are extremely well done. There is a lot of depth to both main characters, Julie and Nick. Both have horrible home lives and just want to escape those lives and be happy together. But, they find it very difficult. Julie's mom is a stripper and a drug user, who always has a new boyfriend in the house. The majority of the boyfriends are creeps who try to take advantage of Julie. Nick has an abusive alcoholic as a father, who constantly beats him and his mom. There is so much depth to these characters and, if you read this book, you will find your heart breaking for them so many times throughout the book.
The writing quality is decent enough. There are quite a few mistakes, but I've seen worse. Snyder's story-telling abilities, however, are very good. She has a way of making the story seem very realistic and makes the reader feel deeply for these poor kids. The story is told through the POV of both Julie and Nick, alternating with the chapter changes. I liked this aspect, as it allows the reader to see into the minds of both characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I was going to. I would recommend this book to mature young adult and adult readers who are fans of realistic YA fiction. I can't get over the unexpected dark qualities of this book and how they darkened what should have been a happy love story. Poor Nick and Julie -- it seemed as though nothing could go right for them! I just want to go on and on about how sad these kids' home lives were and how sad it is that these things actually happen in real life...but, I will stop now and let you read the book to see for yourself!
This review was originally published on SIK Book Reviews
January 26, 2014
5 stars - An emotional journey that I couldn't put down!
The test of a really good book, for me, is always how I feel when I get interrupted while reading it. If I'm like, okay bed time or sure I can help you with that, then it's probably NOT a five star book for me. If I'm like, leave me alone I'm reading, then I'm sure. This was a GO AWAY - CAN'T YOU SEE I'M STUCK IN A BOOK RIGHT NOW! So yeah, it's a five star read. And it was a fast read. Read it in one sitting over a few hours.
It's not the kind of book you can say you enjoyed or whatever because the things that are going on in this book are emotional and hard. But it's not a hard book to read. See, no matter how bad things seem to get Nick has Jules and Jules has Nick. While it does take them a while to figure that all out, it's sure wonderful to see them cling to each other through the struggle. There's no love triangle going on. There's just two broken souls that need each other. I loved how honest Nick was with himself. He took a while to speak that honesty but it was wonderful knowing how he felt as I read from his POV. This book rotates between the two MCs and that makes things interesting. I didn't have to guess why one of them did that stupid thing because I could hear their thought process. And really that made the whole thing real.
While this was an emotional journey that I couldn't put down, it was also comforting to read. It's hard to express why that is for sure. As I really think about the story, it was the strength of the characters that made it comfortable. I just knew they would figure it out. I never felt stressed like this read would end in a place I couldn't deal with. I was hanging on to watch as they learned to heal each other. It was really a beautiful thing to watch.
If you love YA contemporary than this is for sure one you should pick up. Don't let the emotional keep you away.
The test of a really good book, for me, is always how I feel when I get interrupted while reading it. If I'm like, okay bed time or sure I can help you with that, then it's probably NOT a five star book for me. If I'm like, leave me alone I'm reading, then I'm sure. This was a GO AWAY - CAN'T YOU SEE I'M STUCK IN A BOOK RIGHT NOW! So yeah, it's a five star read. And it was a fast read. Read it in one sitting over a few hours.
It's not the kind of book you can say you enjoyed or whatever because the things that are going on in this book are emotional and hard. But it's not a hard book to read. See, no matter how bad things seem to get Nick has Jules and Jules has Nick. While it does take them a while to figure that all out, it's sure wonderful to see them cling to each other through the struggle. There's no love triangle going on. There's just two broken souls that need each other. I loved how honest Nick was with himself. He took a while to speak that honesty but it was wonderful knowing how he felt as I read from his POV. This book rotates between the two MCs and that makes things interesting. I didn't have to guess why one of them did that stupid thing because I could hear their thought process. And really that made the whole thing real.
While this was an emotional journey that I couldn't put down, it was also comforting to read. It's hard to express why that is for sure. As I really think about the story, it was the strength of the characters that made it comfortable. I just knew they would figure it out. I never felt stressed like this read would end in a place I couldn't deal with. I was hanging on to watch as they learned to heal each other. It was really a beautiful thing to watch.
If you love YA contemporary than this is for sure one you should pick up. Don't let the emotional keep you away.
November 12, 2012
The Unloved is one of those books where all of these awful things happen and in the midst of it all, a guy and a girl are just trying to find some happiness. I really was moved by the story. (I was just typing "I really enjoyed the story" but that isn't really 100% accurate. A ton of awful, awful things happened to two really good people, and I didn't enjoyed that, but The Unloved is a great book.) The Unloved drops you into the lives of Julie and Nick, and through all of the horrible things they have to endure, I was just wishing for them to get a happy ending. The Unloved is one of those books that makes you feel for the characters, and even though there is abuse and loss, there is also love and growth and a beautiful story about two beautiful people.
Let's start with Julie. Man, talk about people having it rough. Poor Julie. I just felt so bad for her. I couldn't believe that she blamed herself for everything, and that she assumed that everyone thought the worst about her. She was a total victim of her circumstances, and she was just doing the best she could.
Nick is just so unique. I don't know quite how to describe him. He is patient and loyal. Brave and kind. He has this quite reserve surrounding him, but when it comes to someone he loves he will pretty much do anything for them. And he totally loves Julie. I could tell that from page one. I loved Nick even more than Julie.
The Unloved is my favorite Jennifer Snyder book that I have read so far. It is well written, and touching. It is so nice to see something good come out of a series of horrible things. I couldn't stop reading The Unloved and I didn't want to. I had to know what was going to happen them. It is just one of those books that gets to you. The Unloved got under my skin. Fans of the more gritty contemporaries and realistic fiction will like The Unloved.
Let's start with Julie. Man, talk about people having it rough. Poor Julie. I just felt so bad for her. I couldn't believe that she blamed herself for everything, and that she assumed that everyone thought the worst about her. She was a total victim of her circumstances, and she was just doing the best she could.
Nick is just so unique. I don't know quite how to describe him. He is patient and loyal. Brave and kind. He has this quite reserve surrounding him, but when it comes to someone he loves he will pretty much do anything for them. And he totally loves Julie. I could tell that from page one. I loved Nick even more than Julie.
The Unloved is my favorite Jennifer Snyder book that I have read so far. It is well written, and touching. It is so nice to see something good come out of a series of horrible things. I couldn't stop reading The Unloved and I didn't want to. I had to know what was going to happen them. It is just one of those books that gets to you. The Unloved got under my skin. Fans of the more gritty contemporaries and realistic fiction will like The Unloved.
October 1, 2012
3.5 stars
This one's very much like Callum and Harper by Fisher Amelia and Sophie and Carter by Chelsea FIne.
The thing with this kind of novel is that it totally bothers me.. in a good way and in a bad way.
In a good way - There are people who care.. no matter what you say or feel. According to Mencius, "human beings are fundamentally good". While reading this, you have to believe in that philosophy.
In a bad way - These novels show that not everyone experiences a good family life. Some has it bad, and some has it REALLY REALLY BAD. I think Julie's and Nick's lives were in the "really really bad" side. I'm happy that they had each other though. I'm glad that they were able to reconnect and all that. It's just that there were too many issues here. TRUST for one.. I don't believe that both characters completely trust one another. Secondly, there's what we call being "unlucky" and what we call STUPIDITY. There were just some scenes that I wanted to yell at either one of them because they were doing something stupid. They could have avoided some heartaches if only they'd been smarter. Thirdly, there's COMMUNICATION. I don't think that both characters know how to communicate well. They either keep something from each other or they MISUNDERSTAND what the other is saying.
I know that this has a happy ending, but there were just too many things that nagged me so I couldn't give it a perfect five. There were also some plot holes.. for example.. what happened to Julie's brothers when she went away?
Anyhoo.. for those who're looking for novels like Callum and Harper, Sophie and Carter or even Heart on a chain.. I think this one's for you.
This one's very much like Callum and Harper by Fisher Amelia and Sophie and Carter by Chelsea FIne.
The thing with this kind of novel is that it totally bothers me.. in a good way and in a bad way.
In a good way - There are people who care.. no matter what you say or feel. According to Mencius, "human beings are fundamentally good". While reading this, you have to believe in that philosophy.
In a bad way - These novels show that not everyone experiences a good family life. Some has it bad, and some has it REALLY REALLY BAD. I think Julie's and Nick's lives were in the "really really bad" side. I'm happy that they had each other though. I'm glad that they were able to reconnect and all that. It's just that there were too many issues here. TRUST for one.. I don't believe that both characters completely trust one another. Secondly, there's what we call being "unlucky" and what we call STUPIDITY. There were just some scenes that I wanted to yell at either one of them because they were doing something stupid. They could have avoided some heartaches if only they'd been smarter. Thirdly, there's COMMUNICATION. I don't think that both characters know how to communicate well. They either keep something from each other or they MISUNDERSTAND what the other is saying.
I know that this has a happy ending, but there were just too many things that nagged me so I couldn't give it a perfect five. There were also some plot holes.. for example.. what happened to Julie's brothers when she went away?
Anyhoo.. for those who're looking for novels like Callum and Harper, Sophie and Carter or even Heart on a chain.. I think this one's for you.
November 3, 2012
I had a few problems with this novel.
The main thing that irked me was an overall sense of "slut shaming". Jules did it to her mother for being a stripper, her brother slut shamed both his mom and his sister, her ex boyfriend, etc.
Jules mother has a string of boyfriends who all lust after Jules. She wears baggy clothes so men won't want her.
Keep Holding On had it's flaws but ultimately the lead realised adults were people with problems too. The book was trying too hard to fit in different social issues but at least it grasped [in a heavy handed way] that actions have consequences and everyone has it bad in some way.
I'd recommend skipping this book and renting the film Fish Tank instead.
The main thing that irked me was an overall sense of "slut shaming". Jules did it to her mother for being a stripper, her brother slut shamed both his mom and his sister, her ex boyfriend, etc.
Jules mother has a string of boyfriends who all lust after Jules. She wears baggy clothes so men won't want her.
Keep Holding On had it's flaws but ultimately the lead realised adults were people with problems too. The book was trying too hard to fit in different social issues but at least it grasped [in a heavy handed way] that actions have consequences and everyone has it bad in some way.
I'd recommend skipping this book and renting the film Fish Tank instead.
November 20, 2012
This story wasn't your typical fluffy story. Boy and girl falls in love, end of story. That's not how it happens here. Both of these characters come from dysfunctional homes where their life haven't seen an easy day at all. Nick and Julie go through really disturbing and emotional stuff. But together they're perfect for each other. They help each other through it all.
This was an easy, straight forward read. With the home life they both lead, they leaned on each other for support. Synder wrote The Unloved in both Julie and Nick's point of view. I actually enjoyed reading how they both felt towards one another, rather than reading one point of view. You can see how emotionally scared they both are. You can see how they dealed with their daily struggles.
Both face very personal demons. Julie has a drug addicted mother who doesn't care for her kids well being at all. Her main focus is her drugs and the next guy. And Nick, he's the one I feel for the most. He has an alcoholic abusive father who beats on him and his mother. Together both Nick and Julie was a poster child for neglected kids.
I enjoyed reading this book. But this story was sad and very realistic. I can imagine how many kids are living out there with abusive parents and not say a word to anyone. Thankfully in this story Nick and Julie had each other. Many other people aren't lucky enough. Synder give you a peek into the world of verbally and physically abused kids. A world where no one deserves to be. That's why she gave them a H.E.A. I give The Unloved a 4 out of 5 stars.
This was an easy, straight forward read. With the home life they both lead, they leaned on each other for support. Synder wrote The Unloved in both Julie and Nick's point of view. I actually enjoyed reading how they both felt towards one another, rather than reading one point of view. You can see how emotionally scared they both are. You can see how they dealed with their daily struggles.
Both face very personal demons. Julie has a drug addicted mother who doesn't care for her kids well being at all. Her main focus is her drugs and the next guy. And Nick, he's the one I feel for the most. He has an alcoholic abusive father who beats on him and his mother. Together both Nick and Julie was a poster child for neglected kids.
I enjoyed reading this book. But this story was sad and very realistic. I can imagine how many kids are living out there with abusive parents and not say a word to anyone. Thankfully in this story Nick and Julie had each other. Many other people aren't lucky enough. Synder give you a peek into the world of verbally and physically abused kids. A world where no one deserves to be. That's why she gave them a H.E.A. I give The Unloved a 4 out of 5 stars.
November 10, 2012
If you know me, you know by now that I love a good drama filled story. This story gave me just that. It's had so much emotion, so much history that after reading the story, it changed me.
What I loved most about this story is the great plot. We have two kids forced to live life's silently and alone. Well, not alone but all they had were each other. They grew up finding solace in one another, creating a friendship of a lifetime. Then life happens. They are separated and one is left to suffer alone. When they finally come back to each other, it's like everything stopped. As the reader, you felt the need for them to find each other once again. You want them to find peace and have the other save the friendship that is lost.
I like the their love didn't come back together in one night. It's takes time for them to open up and trust one another again. I loved that they found stolen peaceful moments that created such life in them. You can immediately tell that once their with one another, their whole personalty changes.
The Unloved is a highly emotional book that can capture any reader. The moments that dazzle the reader are the one that touch deeper into the soul. The gripping moment along with the loved that is form is a highly entertaining read. The Unloved is enriched with a great plot and moving characters. The Unloved is awesome!
What I loved most about this story is the great plot. We have two kids forced to live life's silently and alone. Well, not alone but all they had were each other. They grew up finding solace in one another, creating a friendship of a lifetime. Then life happens. They are separated and one is left to suffer alone. When they finally come back to each other, it's like everything stopped. As the reader, you felt the need for them to find each other once again. You want them to find peace and have the other save the friendship that is lost.
I like the their love didn't come back together in one night. It's takes time for them to open up and trust one another again. I loved that they found stolen peaceful moments that created such life in them. You can immediately tell that once their with one another, their whole personalty changes.
The Unloved is a highly emotional book that can capture any reader. The moments that dazzle the reader are the one that touch deeper into the soul. The gripping moment along with the loved that is form is a highly entertaining read. The Unloved is enriched with a great plot and moving characters. The Unloved is awesome!
September 5, 2012
I love this cover!
This is a story about two kids who form a bond based on their mutual understanding of living with terrible home lives. As they grow their friendship becomes very important to them. While they hide the truth from everyone else, Jules and Nick have the comfort of each other's understanding. Nick was forced to move away for 2 years and it was lovely to see them reconnect on his return.
As is often the case, their journey wasn't a smooth one. The thing I loved most was watching their past connection evolving into something more.
This is a story about two kids who form a bond based on their mutual understanding of living with terrible home lives. As they grow their friendship becomes very important to them. While they hide the truth from everyone else, Jules and Nick have the comfort of each other's understanding. Nick was forced to move away for 2 years and it was lovely to see them reconnect on his return.
As is often the case, their journey wasn't a smooth one. The thing I loved most was watching their past connection evolving into something more.
October 15, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. It just goes to show that there are so many children out there who suffer at the hands of their parents in one way or another, but are still able to find happiness.
April 12, 2013
The Unloved, by Jennifer Snyder is one of the best books I've read this year. I rank it up there with Hopeless, by Colleen Hoover. This novel is the story of two young teens, Nick Owen, and Julie (Jules) Porter, and is written in dual narration from each of their perspectives. Nick and Jules share a common bond, the shame in their lives, and don't tell a soul other than one another. They grow to care deeply for each other, and share their mutual hiding place in an old abandoned house next door to Nick's house, where they confide their deepest secrets and fears to each other.
Nick is living in a dysfunctional home, with his alcoholic father, and a loving mother. Nick and his mom take turns getting beatings on a regular basis. His mother doesn't know how to leave, or have the strength to get out. Jules lives across the street in a similar state of dysfunction. She lives with her stripper mother, who brings home the flavor of the week, pops pills, while her children starve, because there is never food in the refrigerator. Jules' friends never know, because her and her brothers have made a pact never to allow their friends in the house to see how they live.
Nick's mom decides to send her son away for two years to his Aunt and Uncle's house, till his father gets his act together, (she is forever hopeful.) Jules is completely destroyed when Nick is sent away, and feels alone, and helpless. Nick is allowed to return in his senior year of high school, and he and Jules are reunited, but not without a lot of conflict along the way. Not only does Jules live with the shame of her mother's chosen profession, but also the shame that comes from living in a small town, and everyone knowing your business. The towns people think she is awkward, and white trash, because of her mother. Her mother pimps herself out for drugs, and her boyfriends take turns, as they come along making advances and groping Jules, which her mother refuses to believe. Jules has two brothers, the elder of the two, Logan, that got the hell out at 18, and a younger brother, Cole, that is still at home. Jules' plan is to graduate this year, and move out as soon as possible. When Nick returns, he recognizes Jules immediately. She is as beautiful as he remembers. Especially her big green eyes. Yet, her appearance is disturbing to him. She wears baggy clothes, hoodies, and very large sweaters to cover her lithe shape. Jules dresses this way, because she doesn't want to call attention to herself. This is the consequences of her mother's perverted boyfriends. Jules recognizes Nick's beautiful hazel eyes, but doesn't remember where she's seen them before. Nick's bulked up, good looking appearance doesn't resemble anyone she knows, and she doesn't understand why he keeps staring at her.
The Unloved, was filled with an abundance of disturbing content, such as, child abuse, starvation, battery, assault, self-loathing, humiliation, rape, drug-dealing, and loneliness that resulted from Nick and Jules feeling unloveable. All of these subjects I found very disturbing, yet, I couldn't put this book down. The reader is able to get alternating perspectives, is given the full picture, and an explanation of why there are misunderstandings throughout the book. I sobbed in so many parts of The Unloved. It was emotionally draining. There were so many twists in this book, and it was gut-wrenching. The Unloved, tore at my soul. Ms. Snyder does it to me every time. She describes the feelings between Nick and Jules so intriquitly, and when Nick looks at Jules so tenderly, with his heart full of love, you will feel it too. She knows how to tug on my heartstrings, and she will tug on yours too.
This is a must read book!!! Don't be afraid because of the content. This love story has so many messages, such as hope, faith, redemption, love, courage, survival, loyalty, and never giving up on your dreams. Put it on your TBR list! I guarantee that it will stay with you for a very long time to come. I give The Unloved, by Jennifer Snyder 5 love-starved, star-crossed, constant-yearning for love and acceptance stars!
Nick is living in a dysfunctional home, with his alcoholic father, and a loving mother. Nick and his mom take turns getting beatings on a regular basis. His mother doesn't know how to leave, or have the strength to get out. Jules lives across the street in a similar state of dysfunction. She lives with her stripper mother, who brings home the flavor of the week, pops pills, while her children starve, because there is never food in the refrigerator. Jules' friends never know, because her and her brothers have made a pact never to allow their friends in the house to see how they live.
Nick's mom decides to send her son away for two years to his Aunt and Uncle's house, till his father gets his act together, (she is forever hopeful.) Jules is completely destroyed when Nick is sent away, and feels alone, and helpless. Nick is allowed to return in his senior year of high school, and he and Jules are reunited, but not without a lot of conflict along the way. Not only does Jules live with the shame of her mother's chosen profession, but also the shame that comes from living in a small town, and everyone knowing your business. The towns people think she is awkward, and white trash, because of her mother. Her mother pimps herself out for drugs, and her boyfriends take turns, as they come along making advances and groping Jules, which her mother refuses to believe. Jules has two brothers, the elder of the two, Logan, that got the hell out at 18, and a younger brother, Cole, that is still at home. Jules' plan is to graduate this year, and move out as soon as possible. When Nick returns, he recognizes Jules immediately. She is as beautiful as he remembers. Especially her big green eyes. Yet, her appearance is disturbing to him. She wears baggy clothes, hoodies, and very large sweaters to cover her lithe shape. Jules dresses this way, because she doesn't want to call attention to herself. This is the consequences of her mother's perverted boyfriends. Jules recognizes Nick's beautiful hazel eyes, but doesn't remember where she's seen them before. Nick's bulked up, good looking appearance doesn't resemble anyone she knows, and she doesn't understand why he keeps staring at her.
The Unloved, was filled with an abundance of disturbing content, such as, child abuse, starvation, battery, assault, self-loathing, humiliation, rape, drug-dealing, and loneliness that resulted from Nick and Jules feeling unloveable. All of these subjects I found very disturbing, yet, I couldn't put this book down. The reader is able to get alternating perspectives, is given the full picture, and an explanation of why there are misunderstandings throughout the book. I sobbed in so many parts of The Unloved. It was emotionally draining. There were so many twists in this book, and it was gut-wrenching. The Unloved, tore at my soul. Ms. Snyder does it to me every time. She describes the feelings between Nick and Jules so intriquitly, and when Nick looks at Jules so tenderly, with his heart full of love, you will feel it too. She knows how to tug on my heartstrings, and she will tug on yours too.
This is a must read book!!! Don't be afraid because of the content. This love story has so many messages, such as hope, faith, redemption, love, courage, survival, loyalty, and never giving up on your dreams. Put it on your TBR list! I guarantee that it will stay with you for a very long time to come. I give The Unloved, by Jennifer Snyder 5 love-starved, star-crossed, constant-yearning for love and acceptance stars!
January 30, 2016
Review:
I had this book on my TBR since the tour last summer when the book was released. I am glad I finally had the chance to read it. Its a sweet romance between childhood friends who once lost each other, but now found their way back. It was a book full of hurting, healing, and hope. I enjoyed the book and closed the last page with warm fuzzies and a smile.
Long Story Short:
Julie and Nick are broken. Julie lives with a drugged up stripper mother, who brings home different creeps almost every night. The creeps are pervs and Julie has to run from them constantly. Nick has an alcholic, abusive father who also beats his mother. BROKEN. As children they would hide together, distract each other, and depend on each other. After a pretty bad beating from his dad, Nick's mother sends Nick away to live somewhere safe. Two years later, he comes home. Julie and Nick drifted apart, but they find their way back to each other and once again help each other survive the horrible life they been given.
My Thoughts:
It was a really good book. I loved the brokeness of the main characters, the way they dealt with their lives, they way they loved even after being so broken. I felt the characters were pretty honest for the home lives they had.
Julie is the more messed up out of the two... She suffered the most. Nick did get a reprieve when he was able to leave his home, however he still has scars. Julie had really one good person in her life, Nick, when he moved it was down hill. She does have a couple of really good friends, but she doesn't share her pain with them. I really believe they would have been there for her and helped her out as much as possible if she just would of let them in. Julie had a lot of shame, fear, anger, and so much more. I hated her mother, I hated her life. Julie seemed beyond repair for most of the book.
Nick was more of a fighter to Julie's survivor. He tried not to let his life effect him as a person. Julie really never had anyone love her, Nick had his mother. Granted she has made some very poor decisions... lets send Nick away, but keep the drunken butt-head that beats me... kind of decisions, but she loved Nick. When he moved back home, it was easy to see how much she loved Nick. She was a sweet hearted woman that worked hard to keep her family going. I think having her made Nick want to fight for his life.
The romance was sweet, it seemed sort of fast because the book is short, but months pass and Julie and Nick already had a strong connection. It took so much for Nick to help Julie open up and let someone love her that I wanted to cheer loudly when it happened.
The writing was good, the pacing was great, I just wish that the book would have been a bit longer. I felt the emotions and heartache from Julie's and Nick's life, and loved the ending, but I feel I would have been more connected to them if their story would have been just a bit longer.
There are some pretty horrible scenes in the book, just a warning. Violence is a big part of Nick and Julie's story. I do appreciate the scenes, they bring understand and feeling to the story, and I really appreciate the author including them, but keeping them short and as few as possible.
In The End:
I love a good story about about love healing and love giving hope and I love a good ending. It was a pretty good read and I would love to see more from the author.
August 14, 2020
I read Jennifer Snyder's Exhale and fell in love with her book and her way of capturing a reader's attention! ;) So I went on her blog and sent her a review request for another one of her books. She was so nice, she allowed me to choose which book and gave the book to me in the ebook format I preferred. ;D So I got The Unloved since that sounded super interesting. So, thanks to Jennifer Snyder for this copy of The Unloved!
The Cover:
Sweet. Romantic. That's the feeling you get when you see it. And cute.
The Characters:
Julie Porter - So Julie Porter lives with a mom whose a stripper. Yeah. You saw that right. And beyond that, her mom brings home boyfriends everyday. And not a single one of those boyfriends are decent. None. Julie, being pretty and quiet gets raped ( I think ) by one of her mother's boyfriend, but when she tells her mother, her mother dismisses it like she's lying, so there's only one person who she could ever tell. Julie is kind of the shy kind of girls, but she actually have two best friends. So she's not that low on the popular chart, just not way high up there, but she isn't exactly tat low. All I remember about Julie is that she has big, green eyes. That was from Nick keeping on repeating that line. LOL.
Nick Owen - Nick Owen lives across the street from Julie. Like Julie, he also got some family problems. He gets beaten by his dad. And like Julie, there's only one person who he could tell it to. What can I say? Nick isn't the most popular guy in the school, but you can say he's friends with them. Girls do oogle at him. That's Nick's character.
Julie and Nick would have a secret hiding to hide away their parents. They would tell each other their stories, secrets, etc. That is until one day, Nick leaves. Julie was 15. Nick left Julie alone to fend off everything herself. When Nick came back two years later, the problems were still there. And in the end, Julie and Nick did have to work together to help solve the problems.
Of course, along the way, they would totally fall for each other and start dating.
The Extras:
This book was told in two POVs. One is Nick and the other is Julie. They each express their own problems through their point of views.
I love their love-hate relationship things. Julie and Nick does get into relationship problems, so it isn't just about the family business, which is what I like about. This book includes all those different dramas in a teen's life plus the extra things they have to go through at home.
Another thing is that no one at school knows about Julie's and Nick's home incidents. At all. So that explains another reason why Julie and Nick only have each other and why they're so close.
Cole is Julie's brother. And he sounds so cute. LOL. I think he's fifteen. He's popular though, so he actually hangs out with the popular crowd and girls coo over him and all that. And seriously though, he sounds cute.....
Yeah, my awkward review is over. LOL.
Rating: (1-10): 8.9~
The Cover:
Sweet. Romantic. That's the feeling you get when you see it. And cute.
The Characters:
Julie Porter - So Julie Porter lives with a mom whose a stripper. Yeah. You saw that right. And beyond that, her mom brings home boyfriends everyday. And not a single one of those boyfriends are decent. None. Julie, being pretty and quiet gets raped ( I think ) by one of her mother's boyfriend, but when she tells her mother, her mother dismisses it like she's lying, so there's only one person who she could ever tell. Julie is kind of the shy kind of girls, but she actually have two best friends. So she's not that low on the popular chart, just not way high up there, but she isn't exactly tat low. All I remember about Julie is that she has big, green eyes. That was from Nick keeping on repeating that line. LOL.
Nick Owen - Nick Owen lives across the street from Julie. Like Julie, he also got some family problems. He gets beaten by his dad. And like Julie, there's only one person who he could tell it to. What can I say? Nick isn't the most popular guy in the school, but you can say he's friends with them. Girls do oogle at him. That's Nick's character.
Julie and Nick would have a secret hiding to hide away their parents. They would tell each other their stories, secrets, etc. That is until one day, Nick leaves. Julie was 15. Nick left Julie alone to fend off everything herself. When Nick came back two years later, the problems were still there. And in the end, Julie and Nick did have to work together to help solve the problems.
Of course, along the way, they would totally fall for each other and start dating.
The Extras:
This book was told in two POVs. One is Nick and the other is Julie. They each express their own problems through their point of views.
I love their love-hate relationship things. Julie and Nick does get into relationship problems, so it isn't just about the family business, which is what I like about. This book includes all those different dramas in a teen's life plus the extra things they have to go through at home.
Another thing is that no one at school knows about Julie's and Nick's home incidents. At all. So that explains another reason why Julie and Nick only have each other and why they're so close.
Cole is Julie's brother. And he sounds so cute. LOL. I think he's fifteen. He's popular though, so he actually hangs out with the popular crowd and girls coo over him and all that. And seriously though, he sounds cute.....
Yeah, my awkward review is over. LOL.
Rating: (1-10): 8.9~
January 25, 2015
Uh it's not even a .25
How do books like these even get published yo?
Firstly, this review is gonna contain a lot of spoilers so if you wanna be an idiot and indulge in this pathetic book then kindly don't read this realistic review.
Now, let's start with the girl.
JULES- AS NICK CALLS HER -IS A FUCKING CRY BABY WHO CRIES LIKE A BABY ALL THE BABY-CRYING TIME. I MEAN, DUDE, I GET SELF-PITY AND SHIT BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU FILL THE ENTIRE GODDAMN BOOK ABOUT HOW NO ONE LOVES YOU AND HOW YOU'RE ALL ALONE AND YADDA YADDA YADDA. I'M NOT CRITICIZING HER FEELINGS OR THOUGHTS, I'M CRITICIZING HOW THE WHOLE CHAPTERS OF HER POVs ARE JUST THAT. THERE'S SERIOUSLY NOTHING INTERESTING ABOUT HER CHARACTER YO SNYDER WHERE YOU AT?
Moving on to the boy.
Oh, so Nick's entire POV chapters are just as follows:
-I wanted to make her smile. [seriously?]
-She is my sunshine. [you have got to be kidding me.]
-I have a ton of muscle and I work out everyday but I can never seem to beat up my dad who treats me like a piece of shit. [uh, what?]
-I loved her since we were young. I always had a thing for her. [yeah, okaY, bruh.]
OH WAIT WHAT'S THE BEST PART? I'LL TELL YOU WHAT'S THE BEST PART. THEY ENTWINE THEIR LIVES IN HOLY FUCKING MATRIMONY AT THE END. TWO WORDS: CHEESINESS OVERLOAD.
One thing I absolutely hated (yes, more than the character's characteristics (haha)) was the death of his mother. LIKE WHAT POINT DID YOU EXACTLY WANTED TO ACCOMPLISH BY KILLING A POOR MOTHER WHO LIVED HER LIFE DOING NOTHING BUT GETTING BEAT UP? WHAT'S THE GODDAMN POINT?
OH AND LETS NOT FORGET THE CLIMAX OF THE STORY. SO NICK ENDS UP SEEING JULES KISSING BRIAN WHO IS HER MOTHER'S DRUG DEALER AND HE GETS SO SAD AND COLD AND ANGRY AND LITTLE JULES IS JUST LIKE SITTING THERE NOT GIVING ONE EXPLANATION, CRYING LIKE A FUCKING GIRAFFE AS HE WALKS AWAY. (Oh yeah, for the record, Brain just kissed her and she 'froze' and so couldn't push him off her) Jennifer. Really?
LIKE HONEY THERE'S THIS THING CALLED TALKING. BUT NO THEY'RE GONNA DO IT AT THE END OF THE BOOK AND OOOH LOOK AT HER EYES THEY'RE SO BRIGHT AND GLOSSY I KNOW SHE'S TELLING THE TRUTH. LIKE WHAT THE FUCK MAN? YOU CAN'T TELL IF PEOPLE ARE TELLING THE TRUTH OR NOT. NOT UNLESS YOU'RE SOME REALLY COOL DUDE WHICH HELLO YOU'RE NOT. FOR ALL YOU KNOW JULES IS JUST A FUCKING ACTRESS GETTING YOU PUNKED GAh.
IN CONCLUSION, DON'T READ THIS BOOK. DON'T THINK ABOUT IT, DON'T LOOK AT IT, DON'T CONSIDER IT, DON'T DO ANYTHING IF YOU WANNA REMAIN SANE.
How do books like these even get published yo?
Firstly, this review is gonna contain a lot of spoilers so if you wanna be an idiot and indulge in this pathetic book then kindly don't read this realistic review.
Now, let's start with the girl.
JULES- AS NICK CALLS HER -IS A FUCKING CRY BABY WHO CRIES LIKE A BABY ALL THE BABY-CRYING TIME. I MEAN, DUDE, I GET SELF-PITY AND SHIT BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU FILL THE ENTIRE GODDAMN BOOK ABOUT HOW NO ONE LOVES YOU AND HOW YOU'RE ALL ALONE AND YADDA YADDA YADDA. I'M NOT CRITICIZING HER FEELINGS OR THOUGHTS, I'M CRITICIZING HOW THE WHOLE CHAPTERS OF HER POVs ARE JUST THAT. THERE'S SERIOUSLY NOTHING INTERESTING ABOUT HER CHARACTER YO SNYDER WHERE YOU AT?
Moving on to the boy.
Oh, so Nick's entire POV chapters are just as follows:
-I wanted to make her smile. [seriously?]
-She is my sunshine. [you have got to be kidding me.]
-I have a ton of muscle and I work out everyday but I can never seem to beat up my dad who treats me like a piece of shit. [uh, what?]
-I loved her since we were young. I always had a thing for her. [yeah, okaY, bruh.]
OH WAIT WHAT'S THE BEST PART? I'LL TELL YOU WHAT'S THE BEST PART. THEY ENTWINE THEIR LIVES IN HOLY FUCKING MATRIMONY AT THE END. TWO WORDS: CHEESINESS OVERLOAD.
One thing I absolutely hated (yes, more than the character's characteristics (haha)) was the death of his mother. LIKE WHAT POINT DID YOU EXACTLY WANTED TO ACCOMPLISH BY KILLING A POOR MOTHER WHO LIVED HER LIFE DOING NOTHING BUT GETTING BEAT UP? WHAT'S THE GODDAMN POINT?
OH AND LETS NOT FORGET THE CLIMAX OF THE STORY. SO NICK ENDS UP SEEING JULES KISSING BRIAN WHO IS HER MOTHER'S DRUG DEALER AND HE GETS SO SAD AND COLD AND ANGRY AND LITTLE JULES IS JUST LIKE SITTING THERE NOT GIVING ONE EXPLANATION, CRYING LIKE A FUCKING GIRAFFE AS HE WALKS AWAY. (Oh yeah, for the record, Brain just kissed her and she 'froze' and so couldn't push him off her) Jennifer. Really?
LIKE HONEY THERE'S THIS THING CALLED TALKING. BUT NO THEY'RE GONNA DO IT AT THE END OF THE BOOK AND OOOH LOOK AT HER EYES THEY'RE SO BRIGHT AND GLOSSY I KNOW SHE'S TELLING THE TRUTH. LIKE WHAT THE FUCK MAN? YOU CAN'T TELL IF PEOPLE ARE TELLING THE TRUTH OR NOT. NOT UNLESS YOU'RE SOME REALLY COOL DUDE WHICH HELLO YOU'RE NOT. FOR ALL YOU KNOW JULES IS JUST A FUCKING ACTRESS GETTING YOU PUNKED GAh.
IN CONCLUSION, DON'T READ THIS BOOK. DON'T THINK ABOUT IT, DON'T LOOK AT IT, DON'T CONSIDER IT, DON'T DO ANYTHING IF YOU WANNA REMAIN SANE.
April 10, 2013
I have to mention at the beginning that this did remind me very much of Sophie and Carter by Chelsea Fine (which I still have to do the review for) but I am not going to do a compare and contrast for them I only wanted to mention it is a very similar basis.
Told in dual first person narrative giving insight and understanding in a way that wouldn't be possible with a single perspective. Nick and Julie, live next door to each other and have truly terrible home lives; Julie's mother is a stripper and addicted to prescription drugs while Nick is physically abused by his alcoholic father. They have always taken comfort in each other when hiding out from their problems (not in a physical way).
Both are very ashamed of their home lives and try to keep it hidden from people at school. After a particularly bad incident at home Nick is sent to life with his relatives leaving Julie without the comfort she has come to rely on. While she withdraws into herself at home and tries to be unnoticeable she does have some wonderful friends at school although they are unaware of the problems she has at home.
Nick has constantly thought about Julie while he has been away and upon his return he is determined to prove his feelings to Julie. It did make me wonder if their feelings for each other were just a product of their situation and would they feel the same way if they had met under different circumstances.
The chapters are short and sharp adding a punch to the plot and the flow is very fast making it a very compulsive read to be devoured in a single sitting. There were a few incidents within the plot that I felt were a little like overkill and could have probably benefitted the story from being omitted, the scene at the bonfire is my prime example for those of you that have read it already. The story had an air of continual devastation, you know the saying that bad things come in threes it can certainly be applied here. Although the incidents do add to the relationship with the mutual comfort and support they gain from each other. It was heartbreaking to witness how worthless Nick and Julie were made to feel by the people who were supposed to protect and nurture them.
While I did have little niggles with aspects of the plot there are some truly swoon-worthy moments which make up for all the heart-ache and a building sense of hope. I would love to see what happens next for Julie and Nick.
Told in dual first person narrative giving insight and understanding in a way that wouldn't be possible with a single perspective. Nick and Julie, live next door to each other and have truly terrible home lives; Julie's mother is a stripper and addicted to prescription drugs while Nick is physically abused by his alcoholic father. They have always taken comfort in each other when hiding out from their problems (not in a physical way).
Both are very ashamed of their home lives and try to keep it hidden from people at school. After a particularly bad incident at home Nick is sent to life with his relatives leaving Julie without the comfort she has come to rely on. While she withdraws into herself at home and tries to be unnoticeable she does have some wonderful friends at school although they are unaware of the problems she has at home.
Nick has constantly thought about Julie while he has been away and upon his return he is determined to prove his feelings to Julie. It did make me wonder if their feelings for each other were just a product of their situation and would they feel the same way if they had met under different circumstances.
The chapters are short and sharp adding a punch to the plot and the flow is very fast making it a very compulsive read to be devoured in a single sitting. There were a few incidents within the plot that I felt were a little like overkill and could have probably benefitted the story from being omitted, the scene at the bonfire is my prime example for those of you that have read it already. The story had an air of continual devastation, you know the saying that bad things come in threes it can certainly be applied here. Although the incidents do add to the relationship with the mutual comfort and support they gain from each other. It was heartbreaking to witness how worthless Nick and Julie were made to feel by the people who were supposed to protect and nurture them.
While I did have little niggles with aspects of the plot there are some truly swoon-worthy moments which make up for all the heart-ache and a building sense of hope. I would love to see what happens next for Julie and Nick.
April 11, 2013
Find my original review here: Link text
The Unloved turned out to me a beautiful story, filled of heartbreak, but also with love and a sense of redemption.
Julie and Nick are neighbors and best friends, and throughout the years they learned to lean on each other and shield each other from the harshness of reality. You can tell from the synopsis that they had a really hard home life. Honestly, I thought that Julie’s life was just too horrible to feel real, but in the acknowledgment Ms. Snyder explains that she heard true stories similar to Julie’s. Nick’s story is, sadly, more common; due to his father’s constant abuse his mom sends him away for about two years. However, Nick and Julie have not forgotten each other.
Julie is a pretty girl that hides behind oversized clothes and behind her locked door. I really felt awful for Julie, her life was so hard, full of abuse, exposure to danger, drugs, and all kinds of vices. All of these things have seriously diminished her self-esteem and makes it hard for her understand what being loved means. Nick was a bit more stable and stronger. I liked Nick a lot, and he sure had the patience of a saint.
Their group of friends is really tight and I’m sure that if they were to share their troubles, they would have gotten a lot of help from them (and from the community too).
The story is told from alternating points of view, this way we get to know both, Nick and Julie really well. The plot was a series of tragedies, misunderstandings, lows, and highs. The writing is straightforward and insightful. There are some things that, on principles, I don’t agree with. For instance, being quiet about their wrecked home life, and involvement with drugs; although I do understand their reasons. The ending was really good and more that I was expecting. I wish the best of luck for Nick and Julie!
“We were the unloved-you by your mom and me by my dad-and now it’s our time to finally be loved.”
About the cover: It’s a beautiful cover of two friends holding onto each other through their upside-down-life. I love the font and also the pop of color.
November 12, 2012
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. I'm sure I would have bought it at some point anyway though, because I like this author. The Unloved was certainly an emotional journey that had my heart aching one minute and swooning the next.
At a very young age, Julie learned to hide. She had to. Her mother is a drug addicted stripper and often brought men home who made attempts at Julie. She found comfort in Nick, who also had a rough home life. Nick's father was an abusive alcoholic. Together they came to rely on each other and became best friends. But when Nick is sent away, Julie had to learn how to be ok on her own.
Then, two years later Nick returns. It's their senior year of high school and they're both anxious to get out of their situations at home. Their friendship turns into a romantic relationship. One where they both learn to open their hearts and believe in love and being loved.
Both Nick and Julie touched a place in my heart. While I never experienced this type of situation personally, I do have family members that have. It was difficult to read about the abuse Nick's father gave. His mother did her best to remove them from a bad situation, but also had hope that her husband would recover and change. That was hard for Nick to stomach. I would've felt the same as Nick. There was definitely no love lost between he and his father. He did have a nice relationship with his mother despite their differences about his father.
In some ways I felt that Julie was more vulnerable. Once her older brother left home, she was left to fend for herself and her younger brother. The constant sexual attempts on her made me sick. Her mother was an addict, completely selfish, and manipulative. I couldn't wait for Julie to get out of there. However, I did wonder about what happened with her younger brother Cole.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Unloved. Yes, it was emotional, but it does have a happy ending despite all the heart ache. There were some extremely difficult parts in the book to read, so I would only recommend this book to an 18+ reader.
At a very young age, Julie learned to hide. She had to. Her mother is a drug addicted stripper and often brought men home who made attempts at Julie. She found comfort in Nick, who also had a rough home life. Nick's father was an abusive alcoholic. Together they came to rely on each other and became best friends. But when Nick is sent away, Julie had to learn how to be ok on her own.
Then, two years later Nick returns. It's their senior year of high school and they're both anxious to get out of their situations at home. Their friendship turns into a romantic relationship. One where they both learn to open their hearts and believe in love and being loved.
Both Nick and Julie touched a place in my heart. While I never experienced this type of situation personally, I do have family members that have. It was difficult to read about the abuse Nick's father gave. His mother did her best to remove them from a bad situation, but also had hope that her husband would recover and change. That was hard for Nick to stomach. I would've felt the same as Nick. There was definitely no love lost between he and his father. He did have a nice relationship with his mother despite their differences about his father.
In some ways I felt that Julie was more vulnerable. Once her older brother left home, she was left to fend for herself and her younger brother. The constant sexual attempts on her made me sick. Her mother was an addict, completely selfish, and manipulative. I couldn't wait for Julie to get out of there. However, I did wonder about what happened with her younger brother Cole.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Unloved. Yes, it was emotional, but it does have a happy ending despite all the heart ache. There were some extremely difficult parts in the book to read, so I would only recommend this book to an 18+ reader.
November 1, 2012
"We were the unloved - you by your mom and me by my dad - and now it's our time to finally be loved." - Nick
Jules and Nick are both victims. Who wants to have an alcoholic father that has a habit to beat the shit out of you and your mother when he got drunk? And who wishes to have a mother a.k.a stripper that has an addiction in pills? Clearly not every single person in this world.
Can you imagine to live your life like that? I feel bad for them instantly after I read the first page. It feels so horrible just to think about it. Jules and Nick are best friends since like forever and when Nick decided to leave for good, it just broke Jules' heart like she just lost one of her wings.
"I felt like my soul had been killed while my body remained alive."
But life must go on. Jules tries to stay off the spotlight so her mother's boyfriends don't notice her as a 'meal'. And Nick had worked really hard to build up muscles and everything just to make the score even with his Dad. But who knows what life will bring right? Nick had come back, to his mom and Jules. But how will Jules react towards his coming?
Well, at last, two is better than one right? Maybe we have friends, families, and all. But at the end, we always need someone other than friends to comfort us, to enlighten our days in a different way as how we are always doing with our friends,etc.
"It's my heart to break; I'll be the one to decide if I want to risk it or not."
"The Unloved" is good and heartbreaking at the same time. I can find the honesty in this book. Like all that the author wrote was as real as it sounded. Rape, bullying, and violence - it's so sad to know that the one who did it was the one who you think might protect you from all of it. It annoys me a bit when I don't know Cole's fate after being left so easily by Jules and Nick. I mean, 'you are not possibly want him to be the next 'Jules' right?
To completely know what I mean by saying those words, you need to read it yourself :) :)
Jules and Nick are both victims. Who wants to have an alcoholic father that has a habit to beat the shit out of you and your mother when he got drunk? And who wishes to have a mother a.k.a stripper that has an addiction in pills? Clearly not every single person in this world.
Can you imagine to live your life like that? I feel bad for them instantly after I read the first page. It feels so horrible just to think about it. Jules and Nick are best friends since like forever and when Nick decided to leave for good, it just broke Jules' heart like she just lost one of her wings.
"I felt like my soul had been killed while my body remained alive."
But life must go on. Jules tries to stay off the spotlight so her mother's boyfriends don't notice her as a 'meal'. And Nick had worked really hard to build up muscles and everything just to make the score even with his Dad. But who knows what life will bring right? Nick had come back, to his mom and Jules. But how will Jules react towards his coming?
Well, at last, two is better than one right? Maybe we have friends, families, and all. But at the end, we always need someone other than friends to comfort us, to enlighten our days in a different way as how we are always doing with our friends,etc.
"It's my heart to break; I'll be the one to decide if I want to risk it or not."
"The Unloved" is good and heartbreaking at the same time. I can find the honesty in this book. Like all that the author wrote was as real as it sounded. Rape, bullying, and violence - it's so sad to know that the one who did it was the one who you think might protect you from all of it. It annoys me a bit when I don't know Cole's fate after being left so easily by Jules and Nick. I mean, 'you are not possibly want him to be the next 'Jules' right?
To completely know what I mean by saying those words, you need to read it yourself :) :)
August 3, 2012
Thank You so so much to Jennifer Snyder for providing me a free copy of the novel The Unloved. The Unloved, by Jennifer Snyder was a terrific novel. The book was so deep, yet so good.
Fifteen year old, Julie Porter and Nick Owen have been best friends since forever. They share the same typical life style they were born into and they share the same secret. There home is a living hell hole. Yet, there friendship is torn apart when Nick is sent to live with his aunt and uncle. And Julie is left with no one. Two years later, nothing's changed for Julie. She still leaves with her bitchy mom (who considers stripping as an occupation & who pimps out her daughter for drugs) and her mother's numerous ass holes of boyfriends. Nick Owen finally returns stronger and braver. Yet, Nick's life changed for the better, since Nick's mom kicked her son of a bitch, abusive husband out. As Nick and Julie spent more time together, can Julie have the courage to trust Nick? Can Nick save Julie from her horrible life?
My favorite part of the book would have to be the ending. I really enjoyed the happy ever after Nick and Julie. It's really heart breaking how two amazing people have crappy lives. Yet, at the end it changed all for the better.
It really disappoints me that this book is only out on Kindle edition. I think the book is so good, that it deserves to printed out on actually paper and to be placed on a book shelf... Well, I suppose Kindle edition is better than nothing.
Buy and read The Unloved, it was so good that it left me wanting a sequel. NO JOKE!! I personally think the book is worth every cent.
Fifteen year old, Julie Porter and Nick Owen have been best friends since forever. They share the same typical life style they were born into and they share the same secret. There home is a living hell hole. Yet, there friendship is torn apart when Nick is sent to live with his aunt and uncle. And Julie is left with no one. Two years later, nothing's changed for Julie. She still leaves with her bitchy mom (who considers stripping as an occupation & who pimps out her daughter for drugs) and her mother's numerous ass holes of boyfriends. Nick Owen finally returns stronger and braver. Yet, Nick's life changed for the better, since Nick's mom kicked her son of a bitch, abusive husband out. As Nick and Julie spent more time together, can Julie have the courage to trust Nick? Can Nick save Julie from her horrible life?
My favorite part of the book would have to be the ending. I really enjoyed the happy ever after Nick and Julie. It's really heart breaking how two amazing people have crappy lives. Yet, at the end it changed all for the better.
It really disappoints me that this book is only out on Kindle edition. I think the book is so good, that it deserves to printed out on actually paper and to be placed on a book shelf... Well, I suppose Kindle edition is better than nothing.
Buy and read The Unloved, it was so good that it left me wanting a sequel. NO JOKE!! I personally think the book is worth every cent.
April 29, 2013
I have fallen in love with Jennifer Snyder’s writing after reading Exhale last month. I was totally blown away by that book and the story she had to tell. In The Unloved I fell in love with some new characters and a whole new moving story.
Julie is such a fragile girl, but she tries so hard to keep her walls up. She has an unpleasant home life and does everything she can to keep her friends separate from the awful home she has grown up in. The only person she shared her secrets with left her all alone, so she has learnt to be as tough on the outside as she can.
Nick’s life was horrible too and has returned a different person than the boy that left two years ago. His heart is harder and has no intention on being helpless anymore. His favourite people in the world are his mother and Julie. But Julie is not the same person that he left two years ago.
Together these characters work hard to rebuild their friendship and face the demons of the past and the present. I loved both of these characters and the journey they both endure is a very emotional one. There are so many ups and downs (and some of the downs are truly horrible) and I found that I was totally sucked into the story!! Jennifer has beautiful way of telling a story and in The Unloved we alternate between Julie and Nick’s POV’s and I was able to grasp both sides of their stories. It was simply amazing and I loved every second of reading this touching story.
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Julie is such a fragile girl, but she tries so hard to keep her walls up. She has an unpleasant home life and does everything she can to keep her friends separate from the awful home she has grown up in. The only person she shared her secrets with left her all alone, so she has learnt to be as tough on the outside as she can.
Nick’s life was horrible too and has returned a different person than the boy that left two years ago. His heart is harder and has no intention on being helpless anymore. His favourite people in the world are his mother and Julie. But Julie is not the same person that he left two years ago.
Together these characters work hard to rebuild their friendship and face the demons of the past and the present. I loved both of these characters and the journey they both endure is a very emotional one. There are so many ups and downs (and some of the downs are truly horrible) and I found that I was totally sucked into the story!! Jennifer has beautiful way of telling a story and in The Unloved we alternate between Julie and Nick’s POV’s and I was able to grasp both sides of their stories. It was simply amazing and I loved every second of reading this touching story.
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2013
My rating: 3/5 stars
Remember to stop by my blog!
May contain some spoilers
Like I've mentioned so many times earlier, I have a thing for sad and even disturbing stories. So I was absolutely thrilled to read this book!
Jules and Nick have always had it hard, but together they stayed strong. Until one day Nick was gone and Jules was left all alone against the world. But now it's two years later and Nick is back.
Like I said, I had some high hopes for this, and I wasn't really disappointed. In occasions, I managed to take the heartache and pain and feel like it was my own. And who doesn't love that??
Yet I had some trouble with connecting the characters. Some of the things were just so over the top, I couldn't take them seriously. Like how Jules feels so many times every guy is a potential rapist, or just a total creep, except for Nick of course. But everyone else seem to be a threat. And how she dresses to shirts 10 sizes too big. It was just taken too far.
And the beginning with Nick coming back to home.. To a mum, who just didn't seem to give a ****. Absolutely.. don't even know what.
Definitely too much sometimes, and sometimes just not enough.
I still managed to enjoy this, and even though I shouldn't describe this as "good time", that's exactly what I'm going to do. This didn't change my life, but was some pretty good time!
Love,
Monaliz @ Mind Reading?
Remember to stop by my blog!
May contain some spoilers
Like I've mentioned so many times earlier, I have a thing for sad and even disturbing stories. So I was absolutely thrilled to read this book!
Jules and Nick have always had it hard, but together they stayed strong. Until one day Nick was gone and Jules was left all alone against the world. But now it's two years later and Nick is back.
Like I said, I had some high hopes for this, and I wasn't really disappointed. In occasions, I managed to take the heartache and pain and feel like it was my own. And who doesn't love that??
Yet I had some trouble with connecting the characters. Some of the things were just so over the top, I couldn't take them seriously. Like how Jules feels so many times every guy is a potential rapist, or just a total creep, except for Nick of course. But everyone else seem to be a threat. And how she dresses to shirts 10 sizes too big. It was just taken too far.
And the beginning with Nick coming back to home.. To a mum, who just didn't seem to give a ****. Absolutely.. don't even know what.
Definitely too much sometimes, and sometimes just not enough.
I still managed to enjoy this, and even though I shouldn't describe this as "good time", that's exactly what I'm going to do. This didn't change my life, but was some pretty good time!
Love,
Monaliz @ Mind Reading?
September 7, 2012
Also posted at my blog along with excerpt post and giveaway: http://perrytheplatypus1102-3daydream...
The Unloved is an unexpectedly cute story with a beautiful ending.In this stand-alone contemporary romance novel, the author shows that there can be happy endings in real life as well,even when it seems that the world around you is falling apart.Jennifer Snyder makes this very convincing by the way she portrays her characters;Jules a stripper's daughter and Nick who,along with his mother are the victims of his abusive father's rage.But even through all these hardships the fact that they find a happy ending is quite astonishing.The plot of the story itself is not as complex as it might sound.In fact,as you go through the story,you'll find it quite simple.But it's the author's writing style that makes the story really easy to get into.Even those who do not read contemporary romances much will find themselves being easily drawn into the characters' world.Definitely worth reading,though I'd recommend it to readers aged fourteen and above as the book contains violence,a bit of strong language and other content which may not be suitable for younger readers.
The Unloved is an unexpectedly cute story with a beautiful ending.In this stand-alone contemporary romance novel, the author shows that there can be happy endings in real life as well,even when it seems that the world around you is falling apart.Jennifer Snyder makes this very convincing by the way she portrays her characters;Jules a stripper's daughter and Nick who,along with his mother are the victims of his abusive father's rage.But even through all these hardships the fact that they find a happy ending is quite astonishing.The plot of the story itself is not as complex as it might sound.In fact,as you go through the story,you'll find it quite simple.But it's the author's writing style that makes the story really easy to get into.Even those who do not read contemporary romances much will find themselves being easily drawn into the characters' world.Definitely worth reading,though I'd recommend it to readers aged fourteen and above as the book contains violence,a bit of strong language and other content which may not be suitable for younger readers.
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