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Come Sit By Me
The boy who shot seven people in the school library is dead. But did his secrets die with him?
Something terrible happened at Hamilton High last year, and those who survived don't want to relive the past. But Paul has just arrived, and gets the same locker that the shooter used. He wants to know what really happened...and you know what curiosity did to the cat.
Something terrible happened at Hamilton High last year, and those who survived don't want to relive the past. But Paul has just arrived, and gets the same locker that the shooter used. He wants to know what really happened...and you know what curiosity did to the cat.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2015
50 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Hoobler
108 books22 followersThomas Hoobler has written nearly 100 books with his wife Dorothy, and some more by himself. The Hooblers are the co-authors of the Samurai Detective Series, which tells the adventures of a boy in 18th century Japan who helps his samurai father solve mysteries. The third book in the series, IN DARKNESS, DEATH, won an Edgar as the Best YA mystery of 2004. The Washington Post also chose the book as one of the Best Children's books of that year. Tom won $500,000 on the quiz show WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, making it easier for the Hooblers to follow their career. They have written history for children, young adults, and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 12, 2015
UPDATE: NetGallery Link:
https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
I had the pleasure to read this book before it comes out July, 15.
When you "know" the author of a book you're almost afraid of reading it. You feel like you "should" like it and then you feel obligated.
But first, I'm honest. For that reason, sometimes I get some hate. It's okay. That comes with the truth.
Second, this is definitely not the case.
I just love this book.
This book is about ugliness. The ugliness of humanity. The kind you don't see. It's the kind you don't feel until is very, very late. Paul is a boy who wants to know the truth about the school shooting, when everybody else just want to forget. He gets the same locker that Caleb, the shooter, used.So it makes him feel a special connection. But what Paul discovers is something deeper than he could think of. So deep that maybe he could feel Caleb under his own skin.
So deep that maybe Paul could get Caleb.
The human part of this book, the point of view of someone who is being bullying is really emotional and raw.
Where is the line between good and evil? Where is the sense of justice? What is justice? And what if I tell you than maybe, you could help someone to pull a trigger just for one word you say, or maybe, for one you didn't say.
I'm not saying we're all guilty about someone's decision to kill another one. I think that's beyond explanations. I'm saying that we could. Maybe, we could make a difference.
This book just leaves you wondering. And those are my favorite books.
Plus, I love the way the story is told. Fast paced and not cheesy at all (thanks God).
Favorite Quote:
"...the evil was so strong. Could just a little bit of kindness have overcome it?
Song for the book:
Centuries by Fall Out Boy is just PERFECT for this book.
Favorite Character:
Paul, male main character.
https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
I had the pleasure to read this book before it comes out July, 15.
When you "know" the author of a book you're almost afraid of reading it. You feel like you "should" like it and then you feel obligated.
But first, I'm honest. For that reason, sometimes I get some hate. It's okay. That comes with the truth.
Second, this is definitely not the case.
I just love this book.
This book is about ugliness. The ugliness of humanity. The kind you don't see. It's the kind you don't feel until is very, very late. Paul is a boy who wants to know the truth about the school shooting, when everybody else just want to forget. He gets the same locker that Caleb, the shooter, used.So it makes him feel a special connection. But what Paul discovers is something deeper than he could think of. So deep that maybe he could feel Caleb under his own skin.
So deep that maybe Paul could get Caleb.
The human part of this book, the point of view of someone who is being bullying is really emotional and raw.
Where is the line between good and evil? Where is the sense of justice? What is justice? And what if I tell you than maybe, you could help someone to pull a trigger just for one word you say, or maybe, for one you didn't say.
I'm not saying we're all guilty about someone's decision to kill another one. I think that's beyond explanations. I'm saying that we could. Maybe, we could make a difference.
This book just leaves you wondering. And those are my favorite books.
Plus, I love the way the story is told. Fast paced and not cheesy at all (thanks God).
Favorite Quote:
"...the evil was so strong. Could just a little bit of kindness have overcome it?
Song for the book:
Centuries by Fall Out Boy is just PERFECT for this book.
Favorite Character:
Paul, male main character.
September 12, 2015
Mixed bag of thoughts on this one.
First off, the cover just doesn't fit for the story. The story is about a new kid to a school that had a shooting the prior year. Of all the lockers in the school, HE is given the shooter's locker. Paul becomes interested in trying to figure out more about the shooter and why he did it.
I didn't much care for Paul (the MC). Yeah, he's a teenager, so he's led around by hormones... But he was sleazy about it. He seems more interested in girls as objects than as friends.
"I did manage to sneak a look at her boobs, and was a little surprised to see that they didn't appear quite as big as before. Or perky. Or something. Well, they were still in the high percentile of breasts I'd observed up close, so I wasn't feeling buyer's remorse." FIVE times in the book he gets a woody and announces it to the reader by stating, "Bump." Ew.
When we get to hear Caleb's point of view (shooter), it is written like a 6 year old. I finally decided that this boy had to be developmentally delayed, which adds it's own weird factor to the story. Caleb doesn't have good coping skills and although the story tries to make him a bit sympathetic, he would have grown up to become violent regardless of circumstances.
The ending is OK, but I came out just feeling gross and yucky about the entire concept and characters.
After writing the review and some reflection I really didn't like this book. I can't think that it added anything to my life or changed my perspective on the stories behind shootings. I needed someone to come out of the situation learning something about putting themselves in someone else's shoes or being a better person for what they learned, but nope.
Thank you Netgalley and Booktrope for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
First off, the cover just doesn't fit for the story. The story is about a new kid to a school that had a shooting the prior year. Of all the lockers in the school, HE is given the shooter's locker. Paul becomes interested in trying to figure out more about the shooter and why he did it.
I didn't much care for Paul (the MC). Yeah, he's a teenager, so he's led around by hormones... But he was sleazy about it. He seems more interested in girls as objects than as friends.
"I did manage to sneak a look at her boobs, and was a little surprised to see that they didn't appear quite as big as before. Or perky. Or something. Well, they were still in the high percentile of breasts I'd observed up close, so I wasn't feeling buyer's remorse." FIVE times in the book he gets a woody and announces it to the reader by stating, "Bump." Ew.
When we get to hear Caleb's point of view (shooter), it is written like a 6 year old. I finally decided that this boy had to be developmentally delayed, which adds it's own weird factor to the story. Caleb doesn't have good coping skills and although the story tries to make him a bit sympathetic, he would have grown up to become violent regardless of circumstances.
The ending is OK, but I came out just feeling gross and yucky about the entire concept and characters.
After writing the review and some reflection I really didn't like this book. I can't think that it added anything to my life or changed my perspective on the stories behind shootings. I needed someone to come out of the situation learning something about putting themselves in someone else's shoes or being a better person for what they learned, but nope.
Thank you Netgalley and Booktrope for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2015
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars.
I'm not entirely sure how to review Come Sit By Me. I read it from page one until the end in one sitting without a break, where I now find myself moments later trying to put my thoughts into words. Being speechless is not a common place a writer often finds themselves.
I'll start by saying that if this book had been written in anything other than 1st person, it would not have had its intended impact. The narration runs like a constant stream of thought, actions being told in a storytelling fashion versus being shown. If written any other way, it wouldn't have felt as authentic.
Paul moves to a small town in Pennsylvania (my home state) after devastation rocks the community in the form of a school shooting, taking eight souls: seven innoncents and their suspected killer.
Paul begins his senior year, only to find out he was given Caleb's locker- the killer. Interested in journalism, Paul beings sticking his nose where it doesn't belong, connecting events from the 1920s through present time, trying to solve the one question everyone asks but can never answer.
Why?
Tenacious to a fault, to the point he loses focus on his own self-preservation, Paul finds out why. During the journey, he connects to Caleb in a way no one had while the boy was alive.
It was an interesting point of view, being able to be empathetic enough to understand what courses of action brought a boy to commit a string of heinous murders. I, the reader, understood how just a nudge in the wrong direction can derail your entire existence, until you do something you never thought possible.
The narrator takes us on the journey with him, not only seeking truths but showing us how Caleb spiraled down via his own actions, only he had the strengths and intelligence to walk a different path.
I found Come Sit By Me to be a highly intelligent read, with a great wealth of compassion, understanding, and realism.
A lot of healing could be achieved if we all took a step back and looked at every situation with the fresh eyes of someone who wasn't directly involved, leaving our own emotions out of the tragedy.
Right or wrong, there is always more than one side of a story to be told. Just because the point of view being voiced is on the side deemed wrong, doesn't mean the voice holds any less truth.
5 Stars.
I'm not entirely sure how to review Come Sit By Me. I read it from page one until the end in one sitting without a break, where I now find myself moments later trying to put my thoughts into words. Being speechless is not a common place a writer often finds themselves.
I'll start by saying that if this book had been written in anything other than 1st person, it would not have had its intended impact. The narration runs like a constant stream of thought, actions being told in a storytelling fashion versus being shown. If written any other way, it wouldn't have felt as authentic.
Paul moves to a small town in Pennsylvania (my home state) after devastation rocks the community in the form of a school shooting, taking eight souls: seven innoncents and their suspected killer.
Paul begins his senior year, only to find out he was given Caleb's locker- the killer. Interested in journalism, Paul beings sticking his nose where it doesn't belong, connecting events from the 1920s through present time, trying to solve the one question everyone asks but can never answer.
Why?
Tenacious to a fault, to the point he loses focus on his own self-preservation, Paul finds out why. During the journey, he connects to Caleb in a way no one had while the boy was alive.
It was an interesting point of view, being able to be empathetic enough to understand what courses of action brought a boy to commit a string of heinous murders. I, the reader, understood how just a nudge in the wrong direction can derail your entire existence, until you do something you never thought possible.
The narrator takes us on the journey with him, not only seeking truths but showing us how Caleb spiraled down via his own actions, only he had the strengths and intelligence to walk a different path.
I found Come Sit By Me to be a highly intelligent read, with a great wealth of compassion, understanding, and realism.
A lot of healing could be achieved if we all took a step back and looked at every situation with the fresh eyes of someone who wasn't directly involved, leaving our own emotions out of the tragedy.
Right or wrong, there is always more than one side of a story to be told. Just because the point of view being voiced is on the side deemed wrong, doesn't mean the voice holds any less truth.
July 27, 2015
Title: Come Sit By Me
Series: No; it's a standalone
Author: Thomas Hobbler
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery
Rating: 2.5/3-Stars
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
"Something bad happened here, and it left a mark on everybody. The innocent and the guilty."
From the very first page, I thought that Come Sit By Me was written with so much voice; it felt real and true, like the narrorator—Paul—was talking to me, telling me his story.
"What did I need to know? Nothing. But what I wanted to know was why Cale shot those people. I admit it."
But I also loved how the book was split into three parts: Paul, Caleb, and then Paul again. It was such a unique, important part of the story to read Caleb's POV. His thoughts and feelings made me understand and sympathize with his character—even though he committed a horrible, terrible crime. I really give the author kudo's for making me feel for him, to understand his story.
"He was crazy, sure. But he had some reasons."
And the story itself was interesting, if a little slow and steady. It had a light, mysterious undertone that slowly grows as the pages go on and everything is revealed with a bang!—literally.
"If I were you, I'd avoid pursuing the subject. It's something that we have to put behind us." That was the same advice everybody seemed to have for me. I should have taken it."
Although I have to say, my favorite part of the book was the ending...because the very last sentence gave me chills; goosebumps pebbled the skin on my arms and I shivered. Overall, it was a pretty good read.
"They cant hert you when your ded."
PS: *I was given an ARC of this book from NetGalley. But I do solemnly swear that I am up to... good on Goodreads. ;) This is a fair and honest review of this book. Pinky promise.*
August 11, 2015
*I received a free copy for an unbiased review*
The first thing which literally grabbed my attention and didn't let go of me was the book cover. And then adding the first sentence of the blurb to it, it was a total have-to-read book. And the story did justice to the anticipation created on first impression.
The story was strong in my opinion. It's a mix of mystery and paranormal. It felt like Caleb's imprint was guiding Paul's actions at all points without being in the scenes. One crucial point was the assigning of Caleb's locker to Paul. If that hadn't happened, Paul wouldn't have been obsessed with the story behind the killings. The entire story's focus is on Paul and Caleb and there was nothing which would have diverted my attention from them. From the first page, the events unfolding held my focus and it kept on increasing my dread and my interest along with Paul's.
The way the book was divided into Paul's and Caleb's POV in sections added clarity and also being able to know the actions and reactions of both of them kept hold of my attention. Caleb's journal part alone was very interesting to read. The language used was realistic and the peek into his mind made me understand him more. And that led me to understand the identity of the antagonist. I think the author gave the secret away easily in the beginning part of Caleb's journal entries. After that, the only thing which kept me reading was how the ending would be brought about.
The ending didn't disappoint and it took a while to digest the finale for me because seriously it kind of stayed with me even after I started reading another book. It's rare which has that kind of psychological effect.
Overall, I would rate it a 4 star. The only negative being that it became a bit predictable in the near end part. Otherwise, it was a good paranormal mystery to get lost in during the nights!
My one line review : A good paranormal mystery to get lost in during the nights!
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 4/5
Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com
The first thing which literally grabbed my attention and didn't let go of me was the book cover. And then adding the first sentence of the blurb to it, it was a total have-to-read book. And the story did justice to the anticipation created on first impression.
The story was strong in my opinion. It's a mix of mystery and paranormal. It felt like Caleb's imprint was guiding Paul's actions at all points without being in the scenes. One crucial point was the assigning of Caleb's locker to Paul. If that hadn't happened, Paul wouldn't have been obsessed with the story behind the killings. The entire story's focus is on Paul and Caleb and there was nothing which would have diverted my attention from them. From the first page, the events unfolding held my focus and it kept on increasing my dread and my interest along with Paul's.
The way the book was divided into Paul's and Caleb's POV in sections added clarity and also being able to know the actions and reactions of both of them kept hold of my attention. Caleb's journal part alone was very interesting to read. The language used was realistic and the peek into his mind made me understand him more. And that led me to understand the identity of the antagonist. I think the author gave the secret away easily in the beginning part of Caleb's journal entries. After that, the only thing which kept me reading was how the ending would be brought about.
The ending didn't disappoint and it took a while to digest the finale for me because seriously it kind of stayed with me even after I started reading another book. It's rare which has that kind of psychological effect.
Overall, I would rate it a 4 star. The only negative being that it became a bit predictable in the near end part. Otherwise, it was a good paranormal mystery to get lost in during the nights!
My one line review : A good paranormal mystery to get lost in during the nights!
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 4/5
Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com
August 28, 2015
I received a copy via net galley.
I really liked this book. The book is written in the main character POV. The book is split up in 3 parts: Paul,Caleb and Paul.
I wanted to know just as Paul did what really happened that day. The more he searches into Caleb’s past and discovers who he was, the more Paul realizes that something about the shooting isn’t right. That was so interesting.
I don’t know what to think about Caleb. His diary made me understand him more. His thoughts were really sad. But at the end we really understand who he was.
Perfect for late-night reading.
I really liked this book. The book is written in the main character POV. The book is split up in 3 parts: Paul,Caleb and Paul.
I wanted to know just as Paul did what really happened that day. The more he searches into Caleb’s past and discovers who he was, the more Paul realizes that something about the shooting isn’t right. That was so interesting.
I don’t know what to think about Caleb. His diary made me understand him more. His thoughts were really sad. But at the end we really understand who he was.
Perfect for late-night reading.
June 30, 2015
WOAH!!!
Review to follow as soon as I can wrap my head around this one!
Review to follow as soon as I can wrap my head around this one!
August 11, 2015
Review: COME SIT BY ME by Thomas Hoobler
Now this book is exceptional. Thomas Hoobler makes the reader live the story through the eyes of narrator Paul, a high school student. We also see through other eyes, but I'm not going into detail in order not to spoil the story. These characters are tautly defined, and Mr. Hoobler's grasp of their motivations is nothing short of amazing. A certain two characters [not the obvious] chilled my blood, and they are cleverly designed portrayals of the ability of sociopaths, like chameleons, to blend into our society---and make us like it. This is the first novel dealing with school shootings I've been able to read, and it is highly worth reading.
Release Aug. 11, 2015
Now this book is exceptional. Thomas Hoobler makes the reader live the story through the eyes of narrator Paul, a high school student. We also see through other eyes, but I'm not going into detail in order not to spoil the story. These characters are tautly defined, and Mr. Hoobler's grasp of their motivations is nothing short of amazing. A certain two characters [not the obvious] chilled my blood, and they are cleverly designed portrayals of the ability of sociopaths, like chameleons, to blend into our society---and make us like it. This is the first novel dealing with school shootings I've been able to read, and it is highly worth reading.
Release Aug. 11, 2015
July 8, 2015
ARC from NetGalley for review.
Some really mixed reviews on this one. First, ignore the cover. I kind of get where the artist might have been going, but it doesn't really work, and the book is better than that.
The book is divided into three sections, "Paul's Book" (Paul's our main character and the hero of the piece", "Caleb's Book" (Caleb was a school shooter last year at Paul's new school. Paul has his locker.) Then back to "Paul's Book."
Hoobler had me up through "Paul's Book" the first - interesting story, generally believable teenagers doing typical teenage things and a great main character in Paul. There were even some puzzle mystery aspects (and if you know me, I live and die by a good puzzle mystery). So, enjoying it all.
And then.....
"Caleb's Book" which might be subtitled "Flowers for Calebnon." Look, I've taught kids at Junior College who were, perhaps, not the brightest bulbs when it came to English/spelling/grammar. Caleb's Book was written as if Caleb were in third grade. It was ridiculous and annoying. Any high school kid can spell "dead." Find me a high school kid who spells "any" "enny." C'mon Hoobler, you were better than that. Plus, the story becomes predictable and whatever magic I found in the first half of the book was long gone by the time I finished.
I would be willing to read more from Hoobler based on the first half of this one, but overall it was a disappointment.
Some really mixed reviews on this one. First, ignore the cover. I kind of get where the artist might have been going, but it doesn't really work, and the book is better than that.
The book is divided into three sections, "Paul's Book" (Paul's our main character and the hero of the piece", "Caleb's Book" (Caleb was a school shooter last year at Paul's new school. Paul has his locker.) Then back to "Paul's Book."
Hoobler had me up through "Paul's Book" the first - interesting story, generally believable teenagers doing typical teenage things and a great main character in Paul. There were even some puzzle mystery aspects (and if you know me, I live and die by a good puzzle mystery). So, enjoying it all.
And then.....
"Caleb's Book" which might be subtitled "Flowers for Calebnon." Look, I've taught kids at Junior College who were, perhaps, not the brightest bulbs when it came to English/spelling/grammar. Caleb's Book was written as if Caleb were in third grade. It was ridiculous and annoying. Any high school kid can spell "dead." Find me a high school kid who spells "any" "enny." C'mon Hoobler, you were better than that. Plus, the story becomes predictable and whatever magic I found in the first half of the book was long gone by the time I finished.
I would be willing to read more from Hoobler based on the first half of this one, but overall it was a disappointment.
September 4, 2015
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
I didn't enjoy this one at all unfortunately.
I didn't like any of the characters, I lost interest in the story very early on, and it dragged really badly. It felt a lot longer than 179 pages.
Overall, Not an enjoyable read for me.
I didn't enjoy this one at all unfortunately.
I didn't like any of the characters, I lost interest in the story very early on, and it dragged really badly. It felt a lot longer than 179 pages.
Overall, Not an enjoyable read for me.
July 9, 2015
4 Stars!
I saw this book on Netgally and the cover immediately cached my eye, after reading the blurb the decision was made – I have to read this one.
(And it was a male author, I realized that in the last years I haven’t read any books written by men)
This is not the usual kind of book I read, but I was hooked from the first page.
The book is written in the main character POV and I really liked the way it was written.
The story building was fast, not to many or unnecessary descriptions, keeping the focus to the characters in the book.
The book is split up in 3 parts: Paul – Caleb – Paul
The first part describes how Paul ended up at for his senior high school year at Hamilton High and the first months being there at school, after the school shooting.
The second part of the book is the “diary” of Caleb
(At first I was a little shocked about the spelling, but it all made sense to me after a few seconds.)
Caleb thoughts were really sad.
The third part of the book is how Paul handle all the information’s he discovered
ARC KINDLY PROVIDED VIA NETGALLEY, IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
I saw this book on Netgally and the cover immediately cached my eye, after reading the blurb the decision was made – I have to read this one.
(And it was a male author, I realized that in the last years I haven’t read any books written by men)
This is not the usual kind of book I read, but I was hooked from the first page.
The book is written in the main character POV and I really liked the way it was written.
The story building was fast, not to many or unnecessary descriptions, keeping the focus to the characters in the book.
The book is split up in 3 parts: Paul – Caleb – Paul
The first part describes how Paul ended up at for his senior high school year at Hamilton High and the first months being there at school, after the school shooting.
The second part of the book is the “diary” of Caleb
(At first I was a little shocked about the spelling, but it all made sense to me after a few seconds.)
Caleb thoughts were really sad.
The third part of the book is how Paul handle all the information’s he discovered
ARC KINDLY PROVIDED VIA NETGALLEY, IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
July 8, 2015
I fell in love with this book fast and I am not really sure why. It was just one of those reads that grabs you by hand and takes you on a fast ride.
This was a quick read, probably because I devoured the book. The author wrote with so much personality that it really made me want to know why the boy Cale opened fire on the school. It was very realistic, especially in this day.
I liked the mystery around this story, the clues were picked up right away so that the main character Paul actually seemed real. The sexual scene's were glossed over and brief in such a comical way that it created the perfect breaks between intense moments.
The only part I disliked was reading Cale's diary, I understand why it was written the way it was but it made it a challenge to read and stay connected to the story.
I actually love the ending, I saw parts of it coming but not the actual solution.
This was a quick read, probably because I devoured the book. The author wrote with so much personality that it really made me want to know why the boy Cale opened fire on the school. It was very realistic, especially in this day.
I liked the mystery around this story, the clues were picked up right away so that the main character Paul actually seemed real. The sexual scene's were glossed over and brief in such a comical way that it created the perfect breaks between intense moments.
The only part I disliked was reading Cale's diary, I understand why it was written the way it was but it made it a challenge to read and stay connected to the story.
I actually love the ending, I saw parts of it coming but not the actual solution.
July 14, 2015
I was provided with an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Booktrope for letting me read this!
I picked this book up mostly because of the cover, but when I read the synopsis, I knew I was going to like this book. And I really did. Come Sit By Me comes out tomorrow (July 15th), so I'm writing this review kind of last minute, but whatever. I highly enjoyed this book, though I don't think it's for everyone.
The premise sounded really interesting to me and I really liked the mystery at the beginning. Thomas Hoobler introduced us with the setting and the characters on an interesting way, and the beginning of the book was neither too fast or too slow. I liked how Paul quickly met all the important characters and he was soon just another student, not a newbie (which was very weird for me, since I am not very social, but that's my problem). But the more he fit in the school and the more stuff he discovered, I realized I knew how this book is going to end. Whenever I read a mystery book, I try to guess 'the bad guy' and I usually epicly fail so at the end the twist blows my mind. With this book, I guessed correctly and I was even right about what exactly happened, which odd out from my enjoyment a bit. It's not that the twist is not good, I actually really like it, but the clues we got through the book were just way too obvious. But other than that, I really liked the plot, it was exciting and intense and I just flew through this book in two sittings. Another thing I really appreciate about this book is that there is no romance. Yes, a YA book without romance. Surprised, ha? Okay, there are some boy/girl scenes and our main character does talk about girls, but there is no real romance. Paul does hook up with girls, but does he fall deeply in love with that one perfect girl and then the entire book is about him swooning over her? Nope. Not in this book. And I find THAT realistic.
I really liked Paul as a protagonist. His obsession with wanting to find out what happened was very interesting and I was excited just as much as he was whenever he found another clue. I found him to be a very realistic character, and not this idealized main character who does everything right. He was portrayed as a curious teenage boy who wanted to be accepted. He got in trouble, he made stupid decisions, he was very interested in girl's boobs and he kept secrets, but you can't really blame him for any of that. Which teenager isn't like Paul?
I really like Terry. She was a bit stereotypical and she reminded me a lot of Annabeth or Hermione (you know, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter). But I liked her relationship with Paul and how it all played out between them at the end (I already said there is no romance, so don't expect it).
When it comes to Cale, I have no idea what to think about him. I really appreciate him as a character and it was definitely interesting to unravel that mystery surrounding him. He was weird, but he was also very naive and dumb. No wonder it was so easy to manipulate with him.
Overall, characters in this book were all very different and unique and I enjoyed reading about all of them. They all added a lot to the whole story, but Cale's backstory was just wow. I even feel a bit sorry for him. Though he is very weird and very creepy.
Through the first part of the book, I though the writing was okay. It was good, pace was fitting to the storyline, protagonist was funny and I really liked his voice, but I wasn't really impressed. You know, just a regular, high-quality writing style. But then, the second part of the book came, Caleb's Book, and I was completely blown away. All that misspelling and confused writing, but also some beautiful quotes at the same time, made me really appreciate Thomas Hoobler. Yeah, it was painful to read all these words misspelled and I felt like I won't be able to spell properly after reading this book, but I also really enjoyed decipering all the words. Also I have to mention this beautiful, but morbid, quote: They can't hurt you when you're dead. I know I'm a weird person, but I find this quote to be very cool and very empowering.
If you're okay with reading a book about a weird, crazy character, I definitely recommend this book to you. I highly enjoy it and I am very happy that I got to review this book. It was an insane ride and I would be really happy if this book becomes popular in the book community (though I don't think it will, unfortunately). But YOU can read it and spread the word. It definitely deserves a lot of love.
I picked this book up mostly because of the cover, but when I read the synopsis, I knew I was going to like this book. And I really did. Come Sit By Me comes out tomorrow (July 15th), so I'm writing this review kind of last minute, but whatever. I highly enjoyed this book, though I don't think it's for everyone.
The premise sounded really interesting to me and I really liked the mystery at the beginning. Thomas Hoobler introduced us with the setting and the characters on an interesting way, and the beginning of the book was neither too fast or too slow. I liked how Paul quickly met all the important characters and he was soon just another student, not a newbie (which was very weird for me, since I am not very social, but that's my problem). But the more he fit in the school and the more stuff he discovered, I realized I knew how this book is going to end. Whenever I read a mystery book, I try to guess 'the bad guy' and I usually epicly fail so at the end the twist blows my mind. With this book, I guessed correctly and I was even right about what exactly happened, which odd out from my enjoyment a bit. It's not that the twist is not good, I actually really like it, but the clues we got through the book were just way too obvious. But other than that, I really liked the plot, it was exciting and intense and I just flew through this book in two sittings. Another thing I really appreciate about this book is that there is no romance. Yes, a YA book without romance. Surprised, ha? Okay, there are some boy/girl scenes and our main character does talk about girls, but there is no real romance. Paul does hook up with girls, but does he fall deeply in love with that one perfect girl and then the entire book is about him swooning over her? Nope. Not in this book. And I find THAT realistic.
I really liked Paul as a protagonist. His obsession with wanting to find out what happened was very interesting and I was excited just as much as he was whenever he found another clue. I found him to be a very realistic character, and not this idealized main character who does everything right. He was portrayed as a curious teenage boy who wanted to be accepted. He got in trouble, he made stupid decisions, he was very interested in girl's boobs and he kept secrets, but you can't really blame him for any of that. Which teenager isn't like Paul?
I really like Terry. She was a bit stereotypical and she reminded me a lot of Annabeth or Hermione (you know, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter). But I liked her relationship with Paul and how it all played out between them at the end (I already said there is no romance, so don't expect it).
When it comes to Cale, I have no idea what to think about him. I really appreciate him as a character and it was definitely interesting to unravel that mystery surrounding him. He was weird, but he was also very naive and dumb. No wonder it was so easy to manipulate with him.
Overall, characters in this book were all very different and unique and I enjoyed reading about all of them. They all added a lot to the whole story, but Cale's backstory was just wow. I even feel a bit sorry for him. Though he is very weird and very creepy.
Through the first part of the book, I though the writing was okay. It was good, pace was fitting to the storyline, protagonist was funny and I really liked his voice, but I wasn't really impressed. You know, just a regular, high-quality writing style. But then, the second part of the book came, Caleb's Book, and I was completely blown away. All that misspelling and confused writing, but also some beautiful quotes at the same time, made me really appreciate Thomas Hoobler. Yeah, it was painful to read all these words misspelled and I felt like I won't be able to spell properly after reading this book, but I also really enjoyed decipering all the words. Also I have to mention this beautiful, but morbid, quote: They can't hurt you when you're dead. I know I'm a weird person, but I find this quote to be very cool and very empowering.
If you're okay with reading a book about a weird, crazy character, I definitely recommend this book to you. I highly enjoy it and I am very happy that I got to review this book. It was an insane ride and I would be really happy if this book becomes popular in the book community (though I don't think it will, unfortunately). But YOU can read it and spread the word. It definitely deserves a lot of love.
July 16, 2015
When I came across Come Sit by Me on NetGalley the first thing that struck me & made me click on it was the cover, I was totally intrigued by the ominous tone; who was this boy and what secrets was he hiding? When I read the synopsis I thought it sounded fascinating and dark, once I pared that feeling with my initial questions from the book cover I was instantly excited at the prospect of a truly gritty, contemporary YA read. This is one that made me itchy with excitement so the moment I was approved for it I settled down, began to read and then didn’t get up again until after I finished it.
Paul is new in town, he just moved here with his younger sister and their writer father. While enrolling for his senior year at his new school he learns he’s been assigned a locker that previously belonged to Caleb, the boy responsible for shooting and killing 7 people last year before turning the gun on himself. For reasons Paul’s unable to explain; he feels an instant connection to Caleb, one that causes him to seek out answers to why Caleb did what he did. The rest of the town and the students just want to put it behind them and forget but Paul isn’t satisfied with that conclusion and sets out to uncover the story behind Caleb’s motive. The more he searches into Caleb’s past and discovers who he was, the more Paul realizes that something about the day of the shooting isn’t quite adding up and his search for answers could cost him more than he bargained for!
I loved Come Sit by Me, I started reading it early one morning and I don’t think I moved for the rest of the day until I finished it. Right from page one I was completely engrossed in this story and I wanted to know just as Paul did what really happened that day, it was obvious to me that something didn’t fit but I wasn’t sure what it was. I loved Paul’s voice, everything about it. He’s certainly a character that a lot of people won’t like; he’s rude, crass and makes some pretty disturbing comments towards a few of the girls in regards to their looks. But the thing is, were inside Paul’s head and these are his thoughts, honestly he’s a 17 year old boy and I think this was a pretty accurate depiction of the thoughts running through their head. I personally feel this is WAY more authentic then when you read a teen boy’s POV and he’s super sweet, sensitive and kind. Not that these boys don’t exist because they do, I just think Paul’s voice was more realistic.
This is definitely a book that will split adults, you’ll either love it or you’ll hate it. With teens I can see this book being hugely popular, not only does it deal with things that are prevalent to their world but each character, good and bad, is easy to connect with. Combine that with a clear writing style, fast paced plot & some juicy twists and teens will gobble this one up! Highly recommended to all YA teens ages 14 and up, this is a must read! I would also highly recommend this to adults who are interested in getting inside the true psyche of today’s American teenager, regardless of what you might find there!
Thank you to publishers, Booktrope and to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary, advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Paul is new in town, he just moved here with his younger sister and their writer father. While enrolling for his senior year at his new school he learns he’s been assigned a locker that previously belonged to Caleb, the boy responsible for shooting and killing 7 people last year before turning the gun on himself. For reasons Paul’s unable to explain; he feels an instant connection to Caleb, one that causes him to seek out answers to why Caleb did what he did. The rest of the town and the students just want to put it behind them and forget but Paul isn’t satisfied with that conclusion and sets out to uncover the story behind Caleb’s motive. The more he searches into Caleb’s past and discovers who he was, the more Paul realizes that something about the day of the shooting isn’t quite adding up and his search for answers could cost him more than he bargained for!
I loved Come Sit by Me, I started reading it early one morning and I don’t think I moved for the rest of the day until I finished it. Right from page one I was completely engrossed in this story and I wanted to know just as Paul did what really happened that day, it was obvious to me that something didn’t fit but I wasn’t sure what it was. I loved Paul’s voice, everything about it. He’s certainly a character that a lot of people won’t like; he’s rude, crass and makes some pretty disturbing comments towards a few of the girls in regards to their looks. But the thing is, were inside Paul’s head and these are his thoughts, honestly he’s a 17 year old boy and I think this was a pretty accurate depiction of the thoughts running through their head. I personally feel this is WAY more authentic then when you read a teen boy’s POV and he’s super sweet, sensitive and kind. Not that these boys don’t exist because they do, I just think Paul’s voice was more realistic.
This is definitely a book that will split adults, you’ll either love it or you’ll hate it. With teens I can see this book being hugely popular, not only does it deal with things that are prevalent to their world but each character, good and bad, is easy to connect with. Combine that with a clear writing style, fast paced plot & some juicy twists and teens will gobble this one up! Highly recommended to all YA teens ages 14 and up, this is a must read! I would also highly recommend this to adults who are interested in getting inside the true psyche of today’s American teenager, regardless of what you might find there!
Thank you to publishers, Booktrope and to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary, advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
October 3, 2015
I think that losing your virginity at prom is a cliche that we should not encourage any more. I read about teens in YA books and it all revolves around the same old concept of prom, virginity, and sex. Perhaps in our society is not possible to write about YA without covering the same old prom pressure, virginity shame, and traditional sex on prom night. I'm sure authors can move past that already.
I loved this book in every little detail. Call it coincidence that I started reading it a day before the shooting of Oregon Community College.
I liked that Come Sit By Me gave me ore on what've always wondered about mass murderers. Well, the book didn't answer specific questions, but it did gave me a nice and interesting look into the mind of a person who does something like that. Those killers out there must have their own unjustified reasons, I just found this book went a little deeper on the subject.
Hoobler did a wonderful, wonderful job. He doesn't uses words necessarily and everything is said in a smooth way that ate its way to my heart.
I didn't like the ending of the story because I don't think that covering the truth is ever right. Who am I to judge? But North was the way he was because of his father, so I wanted his father to be accounted for his actions.
I was reading that the name of the killer at Oregon Community College wasn't worth saying but, would you clean up the name of a killer if it turned out to be a reason?
This book also depicted what we see in the news when a tragedy like this happens: everybody who died was almost a saint. Well, it is never good to speak ill of the dead, right? I wonder if journalism would one day turn around to be less compromising.
Back to Come Sit By Me, I loved everything but the cliched sex at prom (maybe because I just think is time YA moves on), and how we, the reader, know about Caleb, the killer, but other people in the story didn't.
Lastly, Paul did take justice on his own which, in this case, didn't seem fit to me.
In all, this is a powerful story that will give you something new to think about.
I read a blogger write that the author exploited a school shooting to write this story. That makes think, when authors write about zombies, vampires, a plane crash, rape, kidnapping, and so on, what exactly are they exploiting? I wish more YA based on real events were written rather than the usual bs about vampires, ghosts, and angels.
This book portrayed real teenagers (at least the teens I know). Real reactions to a tragedy, and I a disturbed mind that didn't received the help needed but, as we know, schools have thousands of students and just go through the motion of "counseling" without really doing anything substantial.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this title.
I loved this book in every little detail. Call it coincidence that I started reading it a day before the shooting of Oregon Community College.
I liked that Come Sit By Me gave me ore on what've always wondered about mass murderers. Well, the book didn't answer specific questions, but it did gave me a nice and interesting look into the mind of a person who does something like that. Those killers out there must have their own unjustified reasons, I just found this book went a little deeper on the subject.
Hoobler did a wonderful, wonderful job. He doesn't uses words necessarily and everything is said in a smooth way that ate its way to my heart.
I didn't like the ending of the story because I don't think that covering the truth is ever right. Who am I to judge? But North was the way he was because of his father, so I wanted his father to be accounted for his actions.
I was reading that the name of the killer at Oregon Community College wasn't worth saying but, would you clean up the name of a killer if it turned out to be a reason?
This book also depicted what we see in the news when a tragedy like this happens: everybody who died was almost a saint. Well, it is never good to speak ill of the dead, right? I wonder if journalism would one day turn around to be less compromising.
Back to Come Sit By Me, I loved everything but the cliched sex at prom (maybe because I just think is time YA moves on), and how we, the reader, know about Caleb, the killer, but other people in the story didn't.
Lastly, Paul did take justice on his own which, in this case, didn't seem fit to me.
In all, this is a powerful story that will give you something new to think about.
I read a blogger write that the author exploited a school shooting to write this story. That makes think, when authors write about zombies, vampires, a plane crash, rape, kidnapping, and so on, what exactly are they exploiting? I wish more YA based on real events were written rather than the usual bs about vampires, ghosts, and angels.
This book portrayed real teenagers (at least the teens I know). Real reactions to a tragedy, and I a disturbed mind that didn't received the help needed but, as we know, schools have thousands of students and just go through the motion of "counseling" without really doing anything substantial.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this title.
October 28, 2015
I received this book from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Come Sit by Me is a novel that mainly focuses on a school shooting that happened a year ago. It didn't have to focus on that, but the main character was obsessed.
I have never read a book about a topic like this before so I looked forward to getting into it. This is a tough topic that I don't think would be easy to write no matter who the writer is.
Paul Sullivan- the main character- transfers to a new school where a school shooting took place and unfortunately for him, happens to get the shooter's -Cale- old locker. This opens up a whole can of worms that people told him to leave alone but his ear drums must've been busted because he ignores it completely.
I didn't like the characters all that much. Something or the other always seemed to bother me about them. I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit. Also, it took me more than a month to finish this book and usually it's because I'm busy but this time it was because I couldn't get into this book.
North- a guy that oozes aggressiveness, and a need to always be in charge- believes that if everyone carried guns, they'll have a chance at defending themselves. I understand the point, but I disagree. Opinions differ and all that.
I really didn't like the book. I won't say that I can't relate to it because in cases like this, I wouldn't want to. This book is not about being relatable. I don't know what this story was supposed to achieve. Paul was a sex-crazed teenager that opened up old wounds just because he was curious, which I don't think is a good reason to do something.
This was a sad topic but I felt like the killer was being 'glorified'- if that's a word I could use. No one wants to remember the person who committed such a horrible act and in this case, the person in question is dead. All people want is to know that justice has been served, and here it has. Paul brings Cale up constantly and forces everyone to remember, which I thought was insensitive of him.
I'm glad I finally managed to finish this book, no matter how long it took. It certainly seemed a lot longer than it actually was.
2.5 stars from me.
Come Sit by Me is a novel that mainly focuses on a school shooting that happened a year ago. It didn't have to focus on that, but the main character was obsessed.
I have never read a book about a topic like this before so I looked forward to getting into it. This is a tough topic that I don't think would be easy to write no matter who the writer is.
Paul Sullivan- the main character- transfers to a new school where a school shooting took place and unfortunately for him, happens to get the shooter's -Cale- old locker. This opens up a whole can of worms that people told him to leave alone but his ear drums must've been busted because he ignores it completely.
I didn't like the characters all that much. Something or the other always seemed to bother me about them. I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit. Also, it took me more than a month to finish this book and usually it's because I'm busy but this time it was because I couldn't get into this book.
North- a guy that oozes aggressiveness, and a need to always be in charge- believes that if everyone carried guns, they'll have a chance at defending themselves. I understand the point, but I disagree. Opinions differ and all that.
I really didn't like the book. I won't say that I can't relate to it because in cases like this, I wouldn't want to. This book is not about being relatable. I don't know what this story was supposed to achieve. Paul was a sex-crazed teenager that opened up old wounds just because he was curious, which I don't think is a good reason to do something.
This was a sad topic but I felt like the killer was being 'glorified'- if that's a word I could use. No one wants to remember the person who committed such a horrible act and in this case, the person in question is dead. All people want is to know that justice has been served, and here it has. Paul brings Cale up constantly and forces everyone to remember, which I thought was insensitive of him.
I'm glad I finally managed to finish this book, no matter how long it took. It certainly seemed a lot longer than it actually was.
2.5 stars from me.
July 16, 2015
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm pretty disgusted by this book, but I read the whole thing in the hopes that it would redeem itself, and I can tell you not to bother. This book was disturbing on many levels. First, it exploited a school shooting for the sole purpose of plot. The characters come across as insensitive and callous about the tragedy, and not just in the way that teens try to deal with overwhelming emotions. The new kid prompts conversation at the memorial service by taking jabs at the appearance of the victims, and the kids who grew up and went to school all their lives with these people join in. On top of that, there were no themes or lessons to be taken away from this book. It is intended to be solely a pleasure read of the suspense/thriller variety, and that kind of makes me want to throw up. Next, the book is full of stereotypes about not only the types of people who are school shooters but about "country" people, and even about cheerleaders, jocks, and teen boys in general. I honestly don't think a single person in this book had a real emotion other than the shooter. Seriously. Finally, as an avid reader of YA, I read my share of sex scenes. There is a way to be honest and edgy without being crude, but this wasn't what went down here. Every time the main character brought up sex, and he does so frequently, he manages to convey the feeling that he is telling a dirty, degrading joke in the locker room. Every time. Yuck. I object to this book as a female, as a teacher, as a mom, and as a human. I am fairly open minded about books, and I would never suggest banning or censoring a book, but this isn't one I would recommend to any of my students or friends.
September 11, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Paul arrives at Hamilton High for his senior year. There was a school shooting the year before and Paul is tasked with writing a story for the school newspaper for those who died. Well all those who died except for the shooter, Cale.
Paul soon sees the things people say about Cale and the shooting don't add up. The story follows Paul's final year of high school as he investigates Cale's life and tries to figure out what Cale's motive was for the shooting.
I loved the mystery and suspense that is created by this story about a very tragic event. But the highlight of the story for me is Paul himself. I loved see the world and the high school experience through Paul's eyes.
While the author treats the events and issues surrounding them seriously, Paul's humorous observations about those around him had me snorting and laughing out loud early in the book and this helped the story avoid becoming oppressive. Paul's character and high school issues like girls and bulling keep the story real.
I was sucked in right from the start and read it in less than a day. Come Sit By Me is an excellent read.
Paul arrives at Hamilton High for his senior year. There was a school shooting the year before and Paul is tasked with writing a story for the school newspaper for those who died. Well all those who died except for the shooter, Cale.
Paul soon sees the things people say about Cale and the shooting don't add up. The story follows Paul's final year of high school as he investigates Cale's life and tries to figure out what Cale's motive was for the shooting.
I loved the mystery and suspense that is created by this story about a very tragic event. But the highlight of the story for me is Paul himself. I loved see the world and the high school experience through Paul's eyes.
While the author treats the events and issues surrounding them seriously, Paul's humorous observations about those around him had me snorting and laughing out loud early in the book and this helped the story avoid becoming oppressive. Paul's character and high school issues like girls and bulling keep the story real.
I was sucked in right from the start and read it in less than a day. Come Sit By Me is an excellent read.
July 22, 2015
When I saw this book on NetGalley I told myself: "I have to read it. This looks like an amazing story, the premise sounded fantastic and talking about such a such a sensitive subject is quite brave."
Come Sit By Me got my curiosity, unfortunately my curiosity became frustration and shock as I got through this book.
First of all Paul is not a character I could sympathized with, falling into the stereotypical high school guy who can't control his hormones, his comments were sometimes really too sexist and even out of place.
Secondly, the writing style in some parts of the book was painful to read. I do understand it was for the story purpose but it could still have been better without losing its purpose.
Finally and most importantly, the end of the story and its moral was an utter shock for me. It wasn't just not good, IT IS BAD. For a subject as sensitive as high school shootings I was really shocked to see which path the author decided to take.
Overall it was an okay book to read but considering the subject I wouldn't put it in everyone's hands.
Come Sit By Me got my curiosity, unfortunately my curiosity became frustration and shock as I got through this book.
First of all Paul is not a character I could sympathized with, falling into the stereotypical high school guy who can't control his hormones, his comments were sometimes really too sexist and even out of place.
Secondly, the writing style in some parts of the book was painful to read. I do understand it was for the story purpose but it could still have been better without losing its purpose.
Finally and most importantly, the end of the story and its moral was an utter shock for me. It wasn't just not good, IT IS BAD. For a subject as sensitive as high school shootings I was really shocked to see which path the author decided to take.
Overall it was an okay book to read but considering the subject I wouldn't put it in everyone's hands.
July 17, 2015
I received an ebook from the publisher in Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book cover caught my eye and the synopsis seemed very interesting. The book kept me captivating but the boy's diary seemed very hard for me to read and it gave me a headache with all those misspelled words. It was a mystery and a thrill to read and find out what had happened during that horrific day. Events seemed to overlap and connect to each other. I was not satisfied with the ending as the book didn't seem very finished. I felt the last few chapters were rushed and bits and pieces were missing. Like Terry suddenly knew about the situation and it seemed weird. Also, I didn't like how at the end, the boy who discovered the secret was also the one to keep another secret. I would have expected the diary to be published and the characters in the book would seemed justified. Overall, I do give this book 4 stars!
September 10, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This thought provoking book left me in a state of speechless. Not something many books can do. The author took on a taboo but very real issue in writing about school shooting not from the survivor or even shooters POV but instead from a young student who has to know why. It's the reporting in him coming to life. The author presented with a complex and puzzling why. And even when I thought I knew the answer I was way wrong. The author twist the story and makes you want to know more about the shooter. I was engrossed in the story and found it hard to put down. I will be reading more of this author.
WICKED READS REVIEW TEAM
This thought provoking book left me in a state of speechless. Not something many books can do. The author took on a taboo but very real issue in writing about school shooting not from the survivor or even shooters POV but instead from a young student who has to know why. It's the reporting in him coming to life. The author presented with a complex and puzzling why. And even when I thought I knew the answer I was way wrong. The author twist the story and makes you want to know more about the shooter. I was engrossed in the story and found it hard to put down. I will be reading more of this author.
WICKED READS REVIEW TEAM
September 30, 2015
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I felt Come Sit By Me was written by a guy for a guy. The girls in this book pretty much sleep around (what was the point of Colleen?) and by the end I lost all respect for Terry who didn't seem to know Paul all that well. I found it quite ridiculous how everyone's sex life was ruined by Paul getting caught looking around a grave in the cemetery at night. The book didn't really appeal to me other than the mystery surrounding Cale but at least it wasn't too draggy. I quite enjoyed the search and clues that led to Cale's book. The ending was quite surprising. How did Paul get away with what he did? 2.5 stars
I felt Come Sit By Me was written by a guy for a guy. The girls in this book pretty much sleep around (what was the point of Colleen?) and by the end I lost all respect for Terry who didn't seem to know Paul all that well. I found it quite ridiculous how everyone's sex life was ruined by Paul getting caught looking around a grave in the cemetery at night. The book didn't really appeal to me other than the mystery surrounding Cale but at least it wasn't too draggy. I quite enjoyed the search and clues that led to Cale's book. The ending was quite surprising. How did Paul get away with what he did? 2.5 stars
August 14, 2015
This novel is fast-paced, confonting and probably not appropriate for anyone under 18. That being said it is well written, original and shows a different side to the horrific area of school shootings.
This novel takes the reader down the path of an insiders view of school shootings, and that in itself makes this novel chilling. The characters feel real, grow with the story and the actiond of the characters are reminiscient of those of their age, making it seem real and relateable.
This is a super confronting novel and definitely is not for the faint hearted. It is a quick read, I finished it in 2 hours, but I have a feeling it will be lingering for a while yet.
All in all, a good read.
This novel takes the reader down the path of an insiders view of school shootings, and that in itself makes this novel chilling. The characters feel real, grow with the story and the actiond of the characters are reminiscient of those of their age, making it seem real and relateable.
This is a super confronting novel and definitely is not for the faint hearted. It is a quick read, I finished it in 2 hours, but I have a feeling it will be lingering for a while yet.
All in all, a good read.
June 29, 2015
Weak is my word for this book.
Doing my best not to judge the book by the cover, I requested this book on NetGalley, and I got approved, obviously. I'm not terribly sorry that I did, it wasn't horrible to read, but it was way too weak and disappointing, even when I had practically no expectations. The plot is not that great, though I liked a piece or two, the writing is on the verge of being boring, the characters (including Paul, the MC) are not that well-written. I wish this would be the first book of the author, so I could blame that, but unfortunately, it's not. So.
1.5/5
Doing my best not to judge the book by the cover, I requested this book on NetGalley, and I got approved, obviously. I'm not terribly sorry that I did, it wasn't horrible to read, but it was way too weak and disappointing, even when I had practically no expectations. The plot is not that great, though I liked a piece or two, the writing is on the verge of being boring, the characters (including Paul, the MC) are not that well-written. I wish this would be the first book of the author, so I could blame that, but unfortunately, it's not. So.
1.5/5
August 11, 2016
I received a copy via NetGalley
I really liked the beginning of this story and Paul's interactions with the other characters. I thought his views/reactions were realistic to the situation at the school.
Although the story kept me engaged until the end, it was predictable and I didn't like the ending.
I would read another book by this author.
I really liked the beginning of this story and Paul's interactions with the other characters. I thought his views/reactions were realistic to the situation at the school.
Although the story kept me engaged until the end, it was predictable and I didn't like the ending.
I would read another book by this author.
July 13, 2015
I received an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book sounded amazing, it sounded like something so interesting, fascinating, dark and even enlightening.. but it was nothing like that. I'm still not entirely sure what I think about this book, all I know is that I'm definitely disappointed.
Full review on my blog!
http://originalbooker.blogspot.co.uk/...
The premise of this book sounded amazing, it sounded like something so interesting, fascinating, dark and even enlightening.. but it was nothing like that. I'm still not entirely sure what I think about this book, all I know is that I'm definitely disappointed.
Full review on my blog!
http://originalbooker.blogspot.co.uk/...
February 3, 2016
I received this as an arc from netgally in exchange for an honest review.
The boy who shot seven people in the school library is dead. But did his secrets die with him? Something terrible happened at Hamilton high last year, and those who survived don't want to relive the past.
Wow. OMG. Wow.
Absolutely fantastic read.
CUPID.
I loved the story and the characters.
I loved the ending too.
Highly recommended.
Definitely worth more than 5*.
The boy who shot seven people in the school library is dead. But did his secrets die with him? Something terrible happened at Hamilton high last year, and those who survived don't want to relive the past.
Wow. OMG. Wow.
Absolutely fantastic read.
CUPID.
I loved the story and the characters.
I loved the ending too.
Highly recommended.
Definitely worth more than 5*.
November 12, 2015
Well written and emotionally compelling. I highly recommend.
April 14, 2016
The boy who shot seven people in the school library is dead. But did his secrets die with him?
Something terrible happened at Hamilton High last year, and those who survived don't want to relive the past. But Paul has just arrived, and gets the same locker that the shooter used. He wants to know what really happened...and you know what curiosity did to the cat.
I was already intrigued by the short synopsis - it doesn't give much information away about the plot or how the story will pan out, but using such an emotive and controversial topic choice meant that this book was bound to be interesting. However, I couldn't really see it having much of a plot. I believed it would dive into the mentality of the mass murderer, understand why he did what he did and that would be all, but there is a lot more going on than just that.
When Paul joins Hamilton High, he joins up as editor-in-chief at the school's newspaper. His first assignment is to interview surviving students at the memorial service for the fallen that is being held at the start of term. It seems to him that all is not as it seems - Cale, the murderer, being able to hold off police and wipe out seven people, all by himself? Something doesn't add up. So Paul decides to start investigating the possibility that someone could have been helping Cale all along...
The novel is split into three parts - Paul's story, Caleb's story, returning to Paul's story for the final segment. The first half of the novel is definitely a slow burner, because Paul needs to settle into the school and start to learn the dynamics between the students, and he also needs to try and retrospectively understand where Cale fitted in to the hierarchy. Early on Paul talks to Cale's only friend, Cecil, and discovers that Cale used to type on his laptop all the time - attempting to understand his thoughts and feelings - and kept everything saved on a USB. This little nugget of information is given at the very start of the novel, but because Cale hid his USB it takes a long time for Paul to work out exactly where it is and how to access it, so a lot of the novel is building up to this discovery.
After Paul recovers the USB, we get to read Cale's deepest and darkest thoughts about the school and the people around him. Cale is utterly illiterate, which means that this section is ritten a bit lyk dis. It's a bit of an extreme turn around at the start, but once you settle into the flow of reading his writing, it's easier to enjoy and empathise with his character. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book if you find it difficult to empathise with villains or bad guys. Because we get to read Cale's innermost wondering, you do feel rather attached to him, and can feel completely and utterly sorry for him for his lot in life. His parents are unemotive, his grandmother dies, he's bullied at school and he's exploited in the worst kind of way. However, if you really appreciate deep, psychological writing, this will be the perfect book for you. I always enjoy novels where I can completely hate a character - have no positive inclinations towards them in the slightest - but then feel it get turned around because of the author's writing skill, and that's something that occurs during this story.
I'm not going to give any spoilers towards who Cale's accomplice could be, but I will say that I did work it out very early on in the novel.
Read the rest of my review here!
Something terrible happened at Hamilton High last year, and those who survived don't want to relive the past. But Paul has just arrived, and gets the same locker that the shooter used. He wants to know what really happened...and you know what curiosity did to the cat.
I was already intrigued by the short synopsis - it doesn't give much information away about the plot or how the story will pan out, but using such an emotive and controversial topic choice meant that this book was bound to be interesting. However, I couldn't really see it having much of a plot. I believed it would dive into the mentality of the mass murderer, understand why he did what he did and that would be all, but there is a lot more going on than just that.
When Paul joins Hamilton High, he joins up as editor-in-chief at the school's newspaper. His first assignment is to interview surviving students at the memorial service for the fallen that is being held at the start of term. It seems to him that all is not as it seems - Cale, the murderer, being able to hold off police and wipe out seven people, all by himself? Something doesn't add up. So Paul decides to start investigating the possibility that someone could have been helping Cale all along...
The novel is split into three parts - Paul's story, Caleb's story, returning to Paul's story for the final segment. The first half of the novel is definitely a slow burner, because Paul needs to settle into the school and start to learn the dynamics between the students, and he also needs to try and retrospectively understand where Cale fitted in to the hierarchy. Early on Paul talks to Cale's only friend, Cecil, and discovers that Cale used to type on his laptop all the time - attempting to understand his thoughts and feelings - and kept everything saved on a USB. This little nugget of information is given at the very start of the novel, but because Cale hid his USB it takes a long time for Paul to work out exactly where it is and how to access it, so a lot of the novel is building up to this discovery.
After Paul recovers the USB, we get to read Cale's deepest and darkest thoughts about the school and the people around him. Cale is utterly illiterate, which means that this section is ritten a bit lyk dis. It's a bit of an extreme turn around at the start, but once you settle into the flow of reading his writing, it's easier to enjoy and empathise with his character. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book if you find it difficult to empathise with villains or bad guys. Because we get to read Cale's innermost wondering, you do feel rather attached to him, and can feel completely and utterly sorry for him for his lot in life. His parents are unemotive, his grandmother dies, he's bullied at school and he's exploited in the worst kind of way. However, if you really appreciate deep, psychological writing, this will be the perfect book for you. I always enjoy novels where I can completely hate a character - have no positive inclinations towards them in the slightest - but then feel it get turned around because of the author's writing skill, and that's something that occurs during this story.
I'm not going to give any spoilers towards who Cale's accomplice could be, but I will say that I did work it out very early on in the novel.
Read the rest of my review here!
September 3, 2015
Come Sit By Me is a morbid book. It's not extremely graphic or anything, it just doesn't shy away from censoring or keeping things clean. It gives an accurate portrayal of high school and how us human beings can be driven to our breaking point. That's what I mean.
Hamilton High suffered a school shooting, an occurrence that's far too common in modern-day USA. People typically flee town when such a thing happens, there's too many bad memories associated now. But Paul's family is different. Houses are cheap in the area so Paul's dad decided that the three of them - Paul, his dad, and younger sister, were leaving New York and moving to Hamilton, Pennsylvania.
The book opens post-move, right before the school year begins for Paul and his sister. Only several months prior did a boy named Cale shoot up the school. It turns out Paul got assigned Cale's locker, and he gets the feeling that there was more than meets the eye with Cale deciding to kill multiple students and several faculty members. Paul decides to secretly investigate if Cale left anything behind that would say why he did it, and his job working for the school newspaper alongside his new friend Terry allows him to be nosey without raising much suspicion.
What I liked about the book is that it gives an accurate portrayal. We question life and death and we're sexual beings, especially in high school. The book doesn't shy away from including stuff of the sexual nature, but it doesn't go all out with 50 Shades of Grey-esque descriptions. Just your typical teenage shenanigans with boobs always being on Paul's mind. I can see some of myself in Paul, but let's not go there. I also enjoyed the humour throughout. A few times I chuckled as I found some bits to be pretty funny. For example, at one point Paul actually turned down a BJ and it says "I know that if you're a boy, you probably think I was an idiot". That I definitely agree with and laughed at. The book also has some other moments of crude humor, for example saying that the football coach, Mr. Hardin, was called Mr. Hard On by the students. Yep, I'm such a guy for finding that funny.
The book mostly falls under the mystery genre, as Paul is trying to figure out what Cale's motives were, as the case is sealed shut and people are trying to move on. However he feels that it's his own personal objective to solve the mystery on why Cale decided to do it. It does have a little bit of a paranormal tie-in but it's minor.
Although I'm giving the book a 5 star rating because I really enjoyed it, there was a few small things I didn't care for. First up is a random little hookup between Paul and a cheerleader from the football team. I don't mind that it was included but it didn't really do much of anything for the plot. I also didn't care for the journey spelling. I understand it was done purposefully but it definitely took a bit to read. I'd go into specifics but it'd be a bit spoiler-ish. Finally, I found a certain character (again, not going into specifics due to spoilers) to be too predictable. Even so, I really enjoyed the story between the plot, catchy writing (I was hooked from page 1), and the fact that the book didn't shy away from human nature and giving an accurate portrayal of the thoughts and actions of humans. I definitely wouldn't have minded more Paul and Terry moments.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author for reviewing purposes.
You can find more of my reviews @ Devin's Book Hub.
Hamilton High suffered a school shooting, an occurrence that's far too common in modern-day USA. People typically flee town when such a thing happens, there's too many bad memories associated now. But Paul's family is different. Houses are cheap in the area so Paul's dad decided that the three of them - Paul, his dad, and younger sister, were leaving New York and moving to Hamilton, Pennsylvania.
The book opens post-move, right before the school year begins for Paul and his sister. Only several months prior did a boy named Cale shoot up the school. It turns out Paul got assigned Cale's locker, and he gets the feeling that there was more than meets the eye with Cale deciding to kill multiple students and several faculty members. Paul decides to secretly investigate if Cale left anything behind that would say why he did it, and his job working for the school newspaper alongside his new friend Terry allows him to be nosey without raising much suspicion.
What I liked about the book is that it gives an accurate portrayal. We question life and death and we're sexual beings, especially in high school. The book doesn't shy away from including stuff of the sexual nature, but it doesn't go all out with 50 Shades of Grey-esque descriptions. Just your typical teenage shenanigans with boobs always being on Paul's mind. I can see some of myself in Paul, but let's not go there. I also enjoyed the humour throughout. A few times I chuckled as I found some bits to be pretty funny. For example, at one point Paul actually turned down a BJ and it says "I know that if you're a boy, you probably think I was an idiot". That I definitely agree with and laughed at. The book also has some other moments of crude humor, for example saying that the football coach, Mr. Hardin, was called Mr. Hard On by the students. Yep, I'm such a guy for finding that funny.
The book mostly falls under the mystery genre, as Paul is trying to figure out what Cale's motives were, as the case is sealed shut and people are trying to move on. However he feels that it's his own personal objective to solve the mystery on why Cale decided to do it. It does have a little bit of a paranormal tie-in but it's minor.
Although I'm giving the book a 5 star rating because I really enjoyed it, there was a few small things I didn't care for. First up is a random little hookup between Paul and a cheerleader from the football team. I don't mind that it was included but it didn't really do much of anything for the plot. I also didn't care for the journey spelling. I understand it was done purposefully but it definitely took a bit to read. I'd go into specifics but it'd be a bit spoiler-ish. Finally, I found a certain character (again, not going into specifics due to spoilers) to be too predictable. Even so, I really enjoyed the story between the plot, catchy writing (I was hooked from page 1), and the fact that the book didn't shy away from human nature and giving an accurate portrayal of the thoughts and actions of humans. I definitely wouldn't have minded more Paul and Terry moments.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author for reviewing purposes.
You can find more of my reviews @ Devin's Book Hub.
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