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Accomplice
Would you fake your own kidnapping to get into a good school?
Finn and Chloe have it all figured out. Their school guidance counselor has told everyone that it's not enough to get good grades or do community service anymore - kids like that are everywhere, and colleges are bored of them. So what do you do? Chloe decides they should get attention another way. She and Finn will stage her own disappearance - and then Finn will be the only who finds and saves her. What college wouldn't want them after that kind of attention? It seems like a good plan -- until things start going very wrong.
Finn and Chloe have it all figured out. Their school guidance counselor has told everyone that it's not enough to get good grades or do community service anymore - kids like that are everywhere, and colleges are bored of them. So what do you do? Chloe decides they should get attention another way. She and Finn will stage her own disappearance - and then Finn will be the only who finds and saves her. What college wouldn't want them after that kind of attention? It seems like a good plan -- until things start going very wrong.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 5, 2010
96 people are currently reading
1176 people want to read
About the author
Eireann Corrigan
10 books131 followersEireann Corrigan was born in 1977. She is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and New York University. She currently lives in New Jersey with her kitten Sumo. When she grows up, she hopes to marry Bob Dylan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
September 30, 2010
One thing that drove me crazy was the author's bad habit of using inappropriate similes. Maybe that was her way of trying to achieve an authentic teenage voice. But it had the opposite effect.
Here's an example: "Chloe sounded stoned. She sounded like kids had that time they had a hypnotist get people to cluck like a chicken and stuff at our eighth-grade formal."
First of all, only the first sentence makes sense. Chloe sounded stoned. Fine. Forget about the fact that stoned people don't all sound the same. Or that the narrator has probably never seen Chloe stoned. I can overlook that, maybe. But how does she sound like kids had that time a hypnotist made them cluck like a chicken? Is Chloe currently clucking like a chicken? No. She's talking. So that second line reeks of an author who's showing off and showing off badly. What she means to say is that Chloe sounded hypnotized or monotone. Say that then. Why mention clucking chickens?
Here's another example: "'What makes you think that?' She hung each word up carefully, the way we handle my grandmother's glass Christmas ornaments."
This one isn't as bad, but it still isn't good. You don't really hang words when you speak. You might say them slowly or with special emphasis, but you don't hang them like Christmas ornaments. Sorry.
Here's one last example. When the narrator thinks about how she'll feel if/when she finally confesses to her crime, she says: "I decided it would probably feel like having a lung transplant or heart surgery. I mean -- afterward, it would feel like I could finally breathe."
Maybe I'm being nitpicky, but having a lung transplant or heart surgery is pretty painful. You have to stay in the hospital for a long time and take all kinds of medication and worry about rejecting the organ and blah blah blah. The narrator is trying to say that she would feel relief, and yet she's talking about having surgery. Why not delete that part and just use the second part: "It would feel like I could finally breathe." That's fairly cliche, but at least it makes sense.
Anyway, aside from the similes, the plot was anticlimactic and the narrator had no discernible personality. I liked the ending (as in the very last page), but I'm annoyed that i stayed up late to finish this when I could have been sleeping. I like sleep much better than this book.
Here's an example: "Chloe sounded stoned. She sounded like kids had that time they had a hypnotist get people to cluck like a chicken and stuff at our eighth-grade formal."
First of all, only the first sentence makes sense. Chloe sounded stoned. Fine. Forget about the fact that stoned people don't all sound the same. Or that the narrator has probably never seen Chloe stoned. I can overlook that, maybe. But how does she sound like kids had that time a hypnotist made them cluck like a chicken? Is Chloe currently clucking like a chicken? No. She's talking. So that second line reeks of an author who's showing off and showing off badly. What she means to say is that Chloe sounded hypnotized or monotone. Say that then. Why mention clucking chickens?
Here's another example: "'What makes you think that?' She hung each word up carefully, the way we handle my grandmother's glass Christmas ornaments."
This one isn't as bad, but it still isn't good. You don't really hang words when you speak. You might say them slowly or with special emphasis, but you don't hang them like Christmas ornaments. Sorry.
Here's one last example. When the narrator thinks about how she'll feel if/when she finally confesses to her crime, she says: "I decided it would probably feel like having a lung transplant or heart surgery. I mean -- afterward, it would feel like I could finally breathe."
Maybe I'm being nitpicky, but having a lung transplant or heart surgery is pretty painful. You have to stay in the hospital for a long time and take all kinds of medication and worry about rejecting the organ and blah blah blah. The narrator is trying to say that she would feel relief, and yet she's talking about having surgery. Why not delete that part and just use the second part: "It would feel like I could finally breathe." That's fairly cliche, but at least it makes sense.
Anyway, aside from the similes, the plot was anticlimactic and the narrator had no discernible personality. I liked the ending (as in the very last page), but I'm annoyed that i stayed up late to finish this when I could have been sleeping. I like sleep much better than this book.
November 21, 2010
I'm currently in my last year of high school, and in the next month, I will have submitted my applications to University. I know that Canada is nowhere near as competitve as the US when it comes to Univeristy, but it is still a lot of pressure. So i feel like I was at the perfect point to read this book, because I could relate to the girls, and even though their plan was completely insane and selfish, i felt like I could understand where they were coming from.
Chloe and Finn are honour roll students who are concerned that it just isn't enough. They decide that to really stand out to a university, they need to be something extraordinary. They need to be someone that everybody knows. So they decide to fake an abduction. Chloe will 'go missing,' and Finn will be the heroic friend that finds her. At first, it seems simple. They have everything meticulously planned down to a tee.
Then things start to get complicated. Finn is guilt-ridden over the pain that she is causing people and all of the lies that she tells. She second guesses the plan, but Chloe continues to push her. Things get heated when a local boy is pulled in as a suspect, when Finn knows very well that he is innocent, but cannot prove it without incriminating herself.
I love the conflicts that grow in this book, and all that I wish is that we could have seen more of the aftermath. You could almost have a whole second book about what comes after the last page.
This story wasn't what i expected. When the jacket cover said that there would be complications, i thought that Chloe was actually going to be kidnapped or murdered, but it was more about the psychological aspects of what the girls did, and I think that it was very well written. There are some parts that were a bit unbelievable, but overall, it was a very interesting and entertaining read.
Chloe and Finn are honour roll students who are concerned that it just isn't enough. They decide that to really stand out to a university, they need to be something extraordinary. They need to be someone that everybody knows. So they decide to fake an abduction. Chloe will 'go missing,' and Finn will be the heroic friend that finds her. At first, it seems simple. They have everything meticulously planned down to a tee.
Then things start to get complicated. Finn is guilt-ridden over the pain that she is causing people and all of the lies that she tells. She second guesses the plan, but Chloe continues to push her. Things get heated when a local boy is pulled in as a suspect, when Finn knows very well that he is innocent, but cannot prove it without incriminating herself.
I love the conflicts that grow in this book, and all that I wish is that we could have seen more of the aftermath. You could almost have a whole second book about what comes after the last page.
This story wasn't what i expected. When the jacket cover said that there would be complications, i thought that Chloe was actually going to be kidnapped or murdered, but it was more about the psychological aspects of what the girls did, and I think that it was very well written. There are some parts that were a bit unbelievable, but overall, it was a very interesting and entertaining read.
October 7, 2011
Eireann Corrigan
Accomplice
New York Scholastic Press 2010
296 pp. $17.99
978-0-545-05236-8
Have you ever considered committing a crime in order to sure your spot in college? In Accomplice by Eirrean Corrigan, the author attempts to have a gripping plot about two girls faking a kidnapping in order to get into college, but as the book progresses Corrigan’s story becomes monotonous and falls apart. She intends to create suspense with the plot, but the story becomes unbelievable and somewhat tedious. The characters are expected to be relatable to, but they are flat, and you never know what they are thinking. Also, the dialogue seems to act as filler, and really adds no content to the book.
Corrigan attempts to make the characters relatable by using a topic that all teenagers will face, college. However, she describes the characters in such a way that they become somewhat fake, and unlike normal people. Also, the author uses dialogue to try and allow the reader to enter the character’s mind, but it seems useless and becomes just filler. For instance, Corrigan describes the mother, but is repetitive and confusing. She writes, “My mom is great and all, but she wasn’t the really waiting0with-cookies-at the door kind of mother. If it was before four she was usually at some scrap booking class. If it was after, she had her appointment with Oprah. But that day, I could see her from all the way down by the mailboxes. She stood on the steps, her hands on her hips.” (36) Corrigan doesn’t need to describe every detail about the main character’s mother and since she does do this it becomes boring.
The author’s inability to make interesting characters also affects the plot. Corrigan has an interesting idea for a story in that, two girls fake a kidnapping to get into college, but her characters are unbelievable, so the plot falls apart too. The reader ends up not believing that these events are possible, and as you continue to read, the story just drags on and on, and there is no suspense to keep the pages turning.
Corrigan fails to keep the reader and my attention with her new book Accomplice. She is unable to make the characters relatable, and also fails to make a suspenseful gripping plot.
Accomplice
New York Scholastic Press 2010
296 pp. $17.99
978-0-545-05236-8
Have you ever considered committing a crime in order to sure your spot in college? In Accomplice by Eirrean Corrigan, the author attempts to have a gripping plot about two girls faking a kidnapping in order to get into college, but as the book progresses Corrigan’s story becomes monotonous and falls apart. She intends to create suspense with the plot, but the story becomes unbelievable and somewhat tedious. The characters are expected to be relatable to, but they are flat, and you never know what they are thinking. Also, the dialogue seems to act as filler, and really adds no content to the book.
Corrigan attempts to make the characters relatable by using a topic that all teenagers will face, college. However, she describes the characters in such a way that they become somewhat fake, and unlike normal people. Also, the author uses dialogue to try and allow the reader to enter the character’s mind, but it seems useless and becomes just filler. For instance, Corrigan describes the mother, but is repetitive and confusing. She writes, “My mom is great and all, but she wasn’t the really waiting0with-cookies-at the door kind of mother. If it was before four she was usually at some scrap booking class. If it was after, she had her appointment with Oprah. But that day, I could see her from all the way down by the mailboxes. She stood on the steps, her hands on her hips.” (36) Corrigan doesn’t need to describe every detail about the main character’s mother and since she does do this it becomes boring.
The author’s inability to make interesting characters also affects the plot. Corrigan has an interesting idea for a story in that, two girls fake a kidnapping to get into college, but her characters are unbelievable, so the plot falls apart too. The reader ends up not believing that these events are possible, and as you continue to read, the story just drags on and on, and there is no suspense to keep the pages turning.
Corrigan fails to keep the reader and my attention with her new book Accomplice. She is unable to make the characters relatable, and also fails to make a suspenseful gripping plot.
August 7, 2010
Have you guys ever seen a British film called The Hole? It's about a group of teenagers who hatch a plan to disappear during a school trip, not knowing that their actions will forever change all of their lives. Accomplice reminded me of that right from the beginning, which is good for me, because I love that movie.
In Accomplice, best friends Finn and Chloe come up with a plan for Chloe to disappear, making it look like a kidnapping. It's unnerving to see how meticulous and calculating they are, not to mention how selfish. They put their parents, friends and town through utter hell, and never seem to fully realise the extent of what they're doing. These are supposed to be clever girls, with aspirations of attending a good college and getting a decent education. Instead they make the worst decisions known to man, ruin lives and endanger their own.
The plot itself is very well thought out, though a couple of things bothered me. Chloe's hiding place seemed far too convenient, and the fact that no-one discovered her didn't seem realistic. In fact, the whole plan seemed a little too easy, especially given the tiny town where both girls lived. I don't think disappearing would have been that easy but, having never done it, I'm no authority on the subject.
Corrigan's writing is noticeably good, and her characterisation is top notch. She made me follow these girls through every bad decision and, most importantly, she made me trust them. Over the course of the novel, my feelings towards Finn and Chloe changed, until finally everything fell into place and I understood the meaning behind their plan. If I read it again, I think I'd pick up clues earlier on, which I didn't think to look for the first time around.
Accomplice is a book that will make you think, and one that will make you question trust and loyalty. Friendships have to have boundaries, because without them things fall apart, just like it did for Finn and Chloe. As the front of the books says: how far would you go for a friend?
In Accomplice, best friends Finn and Chloe come up with a plan for Chloe to disappear, making it look like a kidnapping. It's unnerving to see how meticulous and calculating they are, not to mention how selfish. They put their parents, friends and town through utter hell, and never seem to fully realise the extent of what they're doing. These are supposed to be clever girls, with aspirations of attending a good college and getting a decent education. Instead they make the worst decisions known to man, ruin lives and endanger their own.
The plot itself is very well thought out, though a couple of things bothered me. Chloe's hiding place seemed far too convenient, and the fact that no-one discovered her didn't seem realistic. In fact, the whole plan seemed a little too easy, especially given the tiny town where both girls lived. I don't think disappearing would have been that easy but, having never done it, I'm no authority on the subject.
Corrigan's writing is noticeably good, and her characterisation is top notch. She made me follow these girls through every bad decision and, most importantly, she made me trust them. Over the course of the novel, my feelings towards Finn and Chloe changed, until finally everything fell into place and I understood the meaning behind their plan. If I read it again, I think I'd pick up clues earlier on, which I didn't think to look for the first time around.
Accomplice is a book that will make you think, and one that will make you question trust and loyalty. Friendships have to have boundaries, because without them things fall apart, just like it did for Finn and Chloe. As the front of the books says: how far would you go for a friend?
June 18, 2015
When I first found the book I was already very intrigued from the book cover. It looked very interesting yet simple. Eireann Corrigan does a great job in letting the reader understand each character and what they were thinking and also helps us understand each character’s personality. The book goes with the flow very well, there never is a really sudden or bad transition but the book goes very smoothly. I love mystery and crime books, so for me, this book was good, but I believed it could be better. I loved the plot and the characters, but it didn’t really entrance me. And after a while, the book could get a little boring.
Eireann Corrigan did an amazing job in describing the scene, it made it easy for the readers to imagine what’s happening. But she didn’t explain much about the appearance of the characters.
In Accomplice, two kids, Chloe and Finn are trying to get into a good college. They have done everything possible- aceing classes, joining community service- but they don’t think it’s enough. If they want to stand out, they need to do something different, something that the media would notice. They decide to fake a disappearance, that Chloe would be ‘kidnapped’ and Finn would be the hero that finds and saves her, since they had a lot of experience with this while playing pretend games. They both knew that this would affect their lives dramatically, that they would hurt their family, friends and the school, but they thought they had planned everything out, perfectly, that nothing was going to go wrong. But it did. Things went very wrong and did not go as planned and what was once innocent was now deadly. They had to make a plan B, and quick - which made even more problems. They not only hurt others, but they hurt themselves.
The ending of this book was not what I expected, but don’t take it the wrong way, it doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. But it was just a bit surprising. I would like to read a part 2 of this book. I wished it had gone on a bit longer.
Accomplice is a book that is more suitable for readers aged 12 - 16. There is a bit of inappropriate language in the book for more mature readers. I rated this book a 4 out of 5. It was a really good book, but not great. Especially when you know who is behind everything. But overall, this book was enjoyable. :D
Eireann Corrigan did an amazing job in describing the scene, it made it easy for the readers to imagine what’s happening. But she didn’t explain much about the appearance of the characters.
In Accomplice, two kids, Chloe and Finn are trying to get into a good college. They have done everything possible- aceing classes, joining community service- but they don’t think it’s enough. If they want to stand out, they need to do something different, something that the media would notice. They decide to fake a disappearance, that Chloe would be ‘kidnapped’ and Finn would be the hero that finds and saves her, since they had a lot of experience with this while playing pretend games. They both knew that this would affect their lives dramatically, that they would hurt their family, friends and the school, but they thought they had planned everything out, perfectly, that nothing was going to go wrong. But it did. Things went very wrong and did not go as planned and what was once innocent was now deadly. They had to make a plan B, and quick - which made even more problems. They not only hurt others, but they hurt themselves.
The ending of this book was not what I expected, but don’t take it the wrong way, it doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. But it was just a bit surprising. I would like to read a part 2 of this book. I wished it had gone on a bit longer.
Accomplice is a book that is more suitable for readers aged 12 - 16. There is a bit of inappropriate language in the book for more mature readers. I rated this book a 4 out of 5. It was a really good book, but not great. Especially when you know who is behind everything. But overall, this book was enjoyable. :D
September 2, 2010
3.5 stars. The strongest qualities of this book was its suspenseful story and original plot. In other areas such as character development it did not quite cut it.
Accomplice is about best friends Finley and Chloe, two determined teenagers willing to do whatever it takes to guarantee an admission to the most prestigious colleges. They are feeling the pressure, and desperate times call for desperate measures - they devise a maniacal scheme that will attract media attention. A fake kidnapping. Chloe decides to be the victim, and Finley, the grief-struck best friend. But as the days pass and things get complicated, will the girls back out? Or even worse, get caught?
I give major kudos to the author for creating such an original story and making it work. The idea of two high students so obsessed with their studies that they would actually do something illegal... it is unsettling, but realistic all the same. It makes me question where to draw the line - in academics, and friendship. Also, the suspense of whether or not they would get caught had me on edge and flipping the pages to finish the book.
While Accomplice did possess problems, like unsympathetic side characters, I still recommend it to anyone seeking a refreshing read.
Accomplice is about best friends Finley and Chloe, two determined teenagers willing to do whatever it takes to guarantee an admission to the most prestigious colleges. They are feeling the pressure, and desperate times call for desperate measures - they devise a maniacal scheme that will attract media attention. A fake kidnapping. Chloe decides to be the victim, and Finley, the grief-struck best friend. But as the days pass and things get complicated, will the girls back out? Or even worse, get caught?
I give major kudos to the author for creating such an original story and making it work. The idea of two high students so obsessed with their studies that they would actually do something illegal... it is unsettling, but realistic all the same. It makes me question where to draw the line - in academics, and friendship. Also, the suspense of whether or not they would get caught had me on edge and flipping the pages to finish the book.
While Accomplice did possess problems, like unsympathetic side characters, I still recommend it to anyone seeking a refreshing read.
August 9, 2010
was intrigued by the sound of Accomplice when I first read the back cover. It wasn't like anything I've read before so I was really excited to get into it.
The book is told from the point of view of Finley Jacobs, know as Finn, and follows her from just after the 'disappearance' of her best friend Chloe Caffery. Finn's the one who's having to deal with all the questions, the police, the media, their parents and classmates; pretending like she's just as worried and concerned with Chloe being missing, when in reality she knows Chloe's hiding out in Finn's grandma's basement reading trashy novels and eating junk food.The girls thought they's planned for every possibility of the staged kidnapping but it didn't take long for things to get out of hand and Finn's the one who's got to deal with it - alone.
On the emotional rollercoster that becomes Finn's life, the reader really gets to know her character, as well as that of Chloe, seen through a best friends eyes. It's hard not to like these two girls, despite their plan, as we see their insecurities. To start with I did think them to be a little immature for how old they were supposed to be, in fact until a short way into the book when it said that they were in their Junior year, I thought them to be about twelve or thirteen. However, through the book, as more details about the reason for doing what they did it doesn't seem so much. Also, they live in a small farming town and so naturally, wouldn't be so street savvy. In fact, it was refreshing to read of girls this age not being completely obsessed with boys and sex. That's not to say there wasn't a little romantic interest but it didn't take over the story or the characters.
There was also a good cast of other characters including omg parents! Actual real, present and developed parents! In a YA book!
I really liked Eireann Corrigan's writing style, it's simple with lots of dialogue and not too much overly flowery prose. It was easy to read and one of those books that you just had to keep reading a bit more. On more than one occasion I found myself reading well after I was supposed to have stopped to do something else - like sleep.
I will definitely be looking out for other books from this author.
The book is told from the point of view of Finley Jacobs, know as Finn, and follows her from just after the 'disappearance' of her best friend Chloe Caffery. Finn's the one who's having to deal with all the questions, the police, the media, their parents and classmates; pretending like she's just as worried and concerned with Chloe being missing, when in reality she knows Chloe's hiding out in Finn's grandma's basement reading trashy novels and eating junk food.The girls thought they's planned for every possibility of the staged kidnapping but it didn't take long for things to get out of hand and Finn's the one who's got to deal with it - alone.
On the emotional rollercoster that becomes Finn's life, the reader really gets to know her character, as well as that of Chloe, seen through a best friends eyes. It's hard not to like these two girls, despite their plan, as we see their insecurities. To start with I did think them to be a little immature for how old they were supposed to be, in fact until a short way into the book when it said that they were in their Junior year, I thought them to be about twelve or thirteen. However, through the book, as more details about the reason for doing what they did it doesn't seem so much. Also, they live in a small farming town and so naturally, wouldn't be so street savvy. In fact, it was refreshing to read of girls this age not being completely obsessed with boys and sex. That's not to say there wasn't a little romantic interest but it didn't take over the story or the characters.
There was also a good cast of other characters including omg parents! Actual real, present and developed parents! In a YA book!
I really liked Eireann Corrigan's writing style, it's simple with lots of dialogue and not too much overly flowery prose. It was easy to read and one of those books that you just had to keep reading a bit more. On more than one occasion I found myself reading well after I was supposed to have stopped to do something else - like sleep.
I will definitely be looking out for other books from this author.
June 2, 2010
It was a perfect plan, but then it all went wrong. When their college prep advisor tells them that it takes more than good grades and community service to get into the best schools, Finn and Chloe decide to make themselves and their college essays very special. They stage Chloe’s kidnapping, hiding her in the basement of Finn’s grandmother’s house because she is out of town. It was supposed to be simple, but their carefully staged deception starts to wear on Finn as she is forced to lie to everyone, carefully staging her emotions and reactions to not only keep the lie going but to make sure that they get enough attention from the media. When CNN shows up to cover the kidnapping, Finn and Chloe know that it cannot end the way they had planned and are forced to make dreadful choices. Don’t pick up this page turner without clearing your day first, it is impossible to put down!
With a great premise, the book opens with Finn in the midst of the situation already. There is little time to draw breath as readers are immediately plunged into a faked kidnapping staged by two very smart but very naive girls. The drive to have a bit of fame combined with the pressures of college applications make for a potent combination for a book.
The story is told from Finn’s point of view as she deals with attending school and lying to everyone in her life, including Chloe’s parents and her own. Finn is in denial about a lot of things throughout the book, facing complicated feelings about her best friend. This tension about their relationship and what is at the heart of it makes the book even more compelling as Finn tries to navigate a situation of her own making.
This riveting novel is tightly written. The book builds tension as Finn struggles with her emotions and with the fallout from the kidnapping. It is not breakneck paced, rather it is woven into an intense read.
Ideal for booktalking to teens, this book will have everyone right from the premise. It completely lives up to its promise as a thrilling look at lies and fame. Appropriate for ages 14-17.
With a great premise, the book opens with Finn in the midst of the situation already. There is little time to draw breath as readers are immediately plunged into a faked kidnapping staged by two very smart but very naive girls. The drive to have a bit of fame combined with the pressures of college applications make for a potent combination for a book.
The story is told from Finn’s point of view as she deals with attending school and lying to everyone in her life, including Chloe’s parents and her own. Finn is in denial about a lot of things throughout the book, facing complicated feelings about her best friend. This tension about their relationship and what is at the heart of it makes the book even more compelling as Finn tries to navigate a situation of her own making.
This riveting novel is tightly written. The book builds tension as Finn struggles with her emotions and with the fallout from the kidnapping. It is not breakneck paced, rather it is woven into an intense read.
Ideal for booktalking to teens, this book will have everyone right from the premise. It completely lives up to its promise as a thrilling look at lies and fame. Appropriate for ages 14-17.
August 1, 2012
I was expecting a totally different story from this. I was quite dissapointed after reading this book. First of all, the story is dragging. Even the opening fails to interest me. The story is about Finn and Chloe who is staging a dissapearance so they will get an attention for themselves and are hoping that they can use that as a catapult to enter college. Chloe is the one to dissapear and Finn is the one who will cry in front of the TV. The idea of the story is promising enough but the plot is not engaging enough for readers.
The characters is not really likable. Don't even mention Chloe. There's something wrong with her. The story is told entirely from Finn's point of view. Even so, I still can't relate to Finn's problems. I hate people who have no opinions of themselves and find it hard to say no. But I am quite proud that Finn finally take up the courage to do the right thing in the end.
The story have some unnecessary moments that should have been replaced. Like the part where Finn kissed Chloe. That just makes the story more complicated. The only part where my heart starts to race is at the ending. When Finn is about to confess and *BOOM* it ends... just like that.. Ughh... I really hate that. This book can really be a hit if the author just put the right thing at the right moment. Really I am dissapointed by this book. The only thing that keeps me from chucking it down the trash (apart of it being bought with money!) is because of the ending. The ending is not really a happy ending but it's interesting and there's lessons to learn. There's a lot of "o'ooohh" moments in this book.
Overall, I am not entirely satisfied with this book but the story is interesting if you are patient enough to read. Recommended to anyone who enjoys reading mystery!
The characters is not really likable. Don't even mention Chloe. There's something wrong with her. The story is told entirely from Finn's point of view. Even so, I still can't relate to Finn's problems. I hate people who have no opinions of themselves and find it hard to say no. But I am quite proud that Finn finally take up the courage to do the right thing in the end.
The story have some unnecessary moments that should have been replaced. Like the part where Finn kissed Chloe. That just makes the story more complicated. The only part where my heart starts to race is at the ending. When Finn is about to confess and *BOOM* it ends... just like that.. Ughh... I really hate that. This book can really be a hit if the author just put the right thing at the right moment. Really I am dissapointed by this book. The only thing that keeps me from chucking it down the trash (apart of it being bought with money!) is because of the ending. The ending is not really a happy ending but it's interesting and there's lessons to learn. There's a lot of "o'ooohh" moments in this book.
Overall, I am not entirely satisfied with this book but the story is interesting if you are patient enough to read. Recommended to anyone who enjoys reading mystery!
January 25, 2011
I found this tale of an amazingly hare-brained teenage scheme to become famous, and therefore more easily gain entrance into a top tier Eastern university by leap-frogging over the millions of applicants, to be riveting. What fascinated me the most was the narrator's rather naive belief that this could actually work, and her resolve to maintain the illusion even when so many innocent people were being destroyed emotionally, or their futures were being wrecked.
The novel highlighted the self-absorption of the teenage mind, the inability at times to realize the effect one's actions have on, well, everything and everyone. So many times Finn could have stopped the game and told the truth. The issue of truth is front and center in this novel, as is friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and how one judges someone to be of good character. I kept wondering if what was imagined would actually turn out to happen because these girls were so stupid. And the twists at the end were worthy of an adult mystery novel.
Whether these girls could have actually pulled this off is almost irrelevant, as the book is really a character study. Who turns out to be the most admirable will not surprise you.
The novel highlighted the self-absorption of the teenage mind, the inability at times to realize the effect one's actions have on, well, everything and everyone. So many times Finn could have stopped the game and told the truth. The issue of truth is front and center in this novel, as is friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and how one judges someone to be of good character. I kept wondering if what was imagined would actually turn out to happen because these girls were so stupid. And the twists at the end were worthy of an adult mystery novel.
Whether these girls could have actually pulled this off is almost irrelevant, as the book is really a character study. Who turns out to be the most admirable will not surprise you.
August 5, 2010
Chloe and Finn are in high school and attend one of those getting into college seminars. They've got good grades and plenty of extracurricular activities, but turns out that may not be good enough.
So they develop a plan. They're going to fake Chloe's disappearance (and presumed abduction). After a few days, Finn's going to miraculously "find" her and then they will have the best college essays EVER.
But they didn't think of a couple things. They didn't think about how Chloe's family will implode or how her boyfriend Dean will be suspected of kidnapping and/or killing her. And they didn't think about how hard it will be for Finn to lie to her parents or to Chloe's.
I really enjoyed this book. While reading it, I couldn't wait to find out if they'd "get away with it" or if Finn would crack and tell. I wanted to know what would happen after Chloe was "found" and if the police would buy their story.
Really fun read, but probably not the best way to get into college. :)
So they develop a plan. They're going to fake Chloe's disappearance (and presumed abduction). After a few days, Finn's going to miraculously "find" her and then they will have the best college essays EVER.
But they didn't think of a couple things. They didn't think about how Chloe's family will implode or how her boyfriend Dean will be suspected of kidnapping and/or killing her. And they didn't think about how hard it will be for Finn to lie to her parents or to Chloe's.
I really enjoyed this book. While reading it, I couldn't wait to find out if they'd "get away with it" or if Finn would crack and tell. I wanted to know what would happen after Chloe was "found" and if the police would buy their story.
Really fun read, but probably not the best way to get into college. :)
September 17, 2010
I found it quite good. It started off well and I enjoyed reading it.
Finn's struggle with guilt is pretty well written. I started to feel a lot of the emotions Finn was experiencing.
The whole idea was pretty realistic for how impossible the whole thing really is. I do like how Corrigan had Chloe turn on Finn near the end and threaten her.
Chloe's character was well written also. It's hard to pull off a twisted, crazy teenage girl like Corrigan did in this book.
Chloe is the twisted one and Finn is the one who got sucked into Chloe's craziness. Finn is the one that actually has the heart because she's the one who felt guilty, not Chloe.
Cam was a nice touch. It made the whole Chloe ran away thing more believable because their parents really did pay more attention to him than her. Dean was definitely the one who caused Finn a lot of her guilt and the whole main reason that the book ended the way it did. He pushed Finn far with the guilt he caused. I love how in the end Finn and we the readers find out that Chloe had a whole side plan to their plan.
Overall, a good, enjoyable, and twisted book.
Finn's struggle with guilt is pretty well written. I started to feel a lot of the emotions Finn was experiencing.
The whole idea was pretty realistic for how impossible the whole thing really is. I do like how Corrigan had Chloe turn on Finn near the end and threaten her.
Chloe's character was well written also. It's hard to pull off a twisted, crazy teenage girl like Corrigan did in this book.
Chloe is the twisted one and Finn is the one who got sucked into Chloe's craziness. Finn is the one that actually has the heart because she's the one who felt guilty, not Chloe.
Cam was a nice touch. It made the whole Chloe ran away thing more believable because their parents really did pay more attention to him than her. Dean was definitely the one who caused Finn a lot of her guilt and the whole main reason that the book ended the way it did. He pushed Finn far with the guilt he caused. I love how in the end Finn and we the readers find out that Chloe had a whole side plan to their plan.
Overall, a good, enjoyable, and twisted book.
November 12, 2010
Wow. I just this minute finished reading this page-turner. Spoiler alert. I can hardly review this book without giving away more than I should. The genius of this book is that it introduces you to two seemingly regular people who had a very very bad idea and slowly allows us to see the true rottenness of their characters (one in particular). Like a bruised onion, you can see it has some bad spots but overall it looks okay and then, as you peel away each layer, it just gets worse and worse until you reach the wormy, maggoty center. Great book discussion book.
Finn and Chloe are two high school juniors eager to find something that will present them to college application offices as very special someones. I would love to discuss this book with anyone out there.
Finn and Chloe are two high school juniors eager to find something that will present them to college application offices as very special someones. I would love to discuss this book with anyone out there.
May 7, 2011
I loved loved loved the premise here-- seriously, girls faking a kidnapping to have something spectacular to put on college applications? I so relate. But the plot itself was lacking-- I love Finn's conflict and their complicated relationship, but I kept wanting the stakes to be raised to something other than Finn's guilt. I wanted someone to actually get lost in the woods, or someone to get too close to findign Chloe, or something that would make me gasp and make me actually able to root for these girls. It just seemed like a lot of emotional build-up with press interviews full of lies and the slow deterioration of their friendship. A fantastic premise, but needing some more oomph to keep readers engaged after the initial excitement.
Read
September 28, 2023I can't rate this book, because I have such mixed feelings about it! On the one hand, the writing was gripping and I couldn't stop reading (5 stars). On the other hand, I had such a visceral revulsion to Chloe that I couldn't stand the book even while I couldn't stop reading it (0 stars!!)! As a mom, Chloe's decisions were painful for me to even contemplate. Being a mom, I know I'm not the target audience, but my teenage daughter ALSO felt Chloe was completely selfish and uncaring of the major trauma she inflicted in everyone's lives - and then she just left town with no remorse whatsoever (even for the innocent boy she framed)! She just left feeling happy and excited that she'd gotten what she wanted. As my daughter said, it would be interesting to see a sequel about the aftermath of the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2011
My Review:
Much better than I originally thought it would be. I guess this means I should stop assuming things about books before I read them.
Accomplice was good, and intense. I couldn't set the book down once I started it, so that means I was up reading till about one in the morning. Thank goodness school hasn't started yet or else I'd be dead.
What made Accomplice such a great read was basically it's story. Personally, I've never read a book where two girls planned their own kidnapping to get famous, and then get into good colleges. It helped that it was just filled with good and interesting characters.
In a way, I almost seemed to connect with the book. Being a junior in high school like the characters, the idea of college is kind of stressing me out. And that essay I'm supposed to right is even more stressful. To write about something you're really good at/or compassionate about but haven't mentioned it in your transcript is how my college counselor put it.
But it would have never occurred to me to plan my own kidnapping.
Let's talk about the characters:
Finn. At first, I thought she was a girl. Then I found out her name was Finley, and went by Finn so then I thought she was a he due to the name (another assumption) and then I just settled with Finn being a girl because of the way she spoke, the friends she hung out with.
I felt like Eireann Corrigan wrote this character well. Constantly, Finn was having internal struggles about doing what was right and her loyalty to her best friend. She went from being sort of naive to truthfully understand of situations.
She wasn't perfect. She didn't lead the student body, didn't have a boyfriend, didn't have boys secretly fawning for her. She was just Finn, just a country girl and I liked that. I liked how Finn felt invisible, the one cut out from the frame. It made her more realistic.
I just wish she had more guts to say no. I honestly do. But then, I guess the book wouldn't have turned out the way it did.
Chloe. Oh Chloe. She was a special character. I figure her as being slightly insane. Honestly though, I didn't really like her that much. She had this obsessive personality and I secretly think she was just doing anything possible to get out of the country.
Dean. I loved Dean! He was all time favorite character! I hated how they were mean to him. Stuttering Dean. Stupid children, calling people names. This guy had real dreams and honestly he was such a good guy. I wish things had turned out better for him.
I categorize this book as realistic-fiction, because it goes through the story, then it goes through the afterwards and it reminds you that stories don't always have HEAs (Happily-Ever-After).
Overall:
Did I fall in love with this book? Honestly I didn't fall in love with it, but I really liked it. Definitely going on my wish list.
Would I recommend it: Hell yeah!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Karina
Much better than I originally thought it would be. I guess this means I should stop assuming things about books before I read them.
Accomplice was good, and intense. I couldn't set the book down once I started it, so that means I was up reading till about one in the morning. Thank goodness school hasn't started yet or else I'd be dead.
What made Accomplice such a great read was basically it's story. Personally, I've never read a book where two girls planned their own kidnapping to get famous, and then get into good colleges. It helped that it was just filled with good and interesting characters.
In a way, I almost seemed to connect with the book. Being a junior in high school like the characters, the idea of college is kind of stressing me out. And that essay I'm supposed to right is even more stressful. To write about something you're really good at/or compassionate about but haven't mentioned it in your transcript is how my college counselor put it.
But it would have never occurred to me to plan my own kidnapping.
Let's talk about the characters:
Finn. At first, I thought she was a girl. Then I found out her name was Finley, and went by Finn so then I thought she was a he due to the name (another assumption) and then I just settled with Finn being a girl because of the way she spoke, the friends she hung out with.
I felt like Eireann Corrigan wrote this character well. Constantly, Finn was having internal struggles about doing what was right and her loyalty to her best friend. She went from being sort of naive to truthfully understand of situations.
She wasn't perfect. She didn't lead the student body, didn't have a boyfriend, didn't have boys secretly fawning for her. She was just Finn, just a country girl and I liked that. I liked how Finn felt invisible, the one cut out from the frame. It made her more realistic.
I just wish she had more guts to say no. I honestly do. But then, I guess the book wouldn't have turned out the way it did.
Chloe. Oh Chloe. She was a special character. I figure her as being slightly insane. Honestly though, I didn't really like her that much. She had this obsessive personality and I secretly think she was just doing anything possible to get out of the country.
Dean. I loved Dean! He was all time favorite character! I hated how they were mean to him. Stuttering Dean. Stupid children, calling people names. This guy had real dreams and honestly he was such a good guy. I wish things had turned out better for him.
I categorize this book as realistic-fiction, because it goes through the story, then it goes through the afterwards and it reminds you that stories don't always have HEAs (Happily-Ever-After).
Overall:
Did I fall in love with this book? Honestly I didn't fall in love with it, but I really liked it. Definitely going on my wish list.
Would I recommend it: Hell yeah!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Karina
May 10, 2011
GREAT PLOT BUT CAN CUT DOWN THE BOOK TO FEWER PAGES
The Accomplice is mainly in informal language because the writer wanted to make it realistic since teenagers always speak informal languages. The informal languages are mainly slang and profane. There weren’t many figurative devices in this book but there were a lot of description of the main character’s feeling. Accomplice is a contemporary Fiction. The Accomplice’s audience is mainly 14-20 because if you are too small, you may not understand the ‘love’ relationship between Dean and Finn. Since this book is for teenagers, you can’t be too old to read. The main theme of the book is that Chloe and Finley were both high school students. They had good grades and spent time on community service but they thought they were not special enough to stand out so they decided to grab everyone’s attention by planning a fake kidnapping. Chloe hid and Finn went to save her. The character development is also very good, the writer has described in details which cause readers to understand what they were think every second.
I have to praise the book first. The idea of the book was really excellent. They wanted to grab their parent’s attention, their friends’ attention and the media’s attention because they didn’t want to be normal people. I think this idea was really fresh to me because I have never heard of a plot like this. I also like the way that the author described Finn’s mood when she felt guilty about what she had done. While Chloe was hiding in Finn’s basement, she could see that Finn’s parents were really worried and their hearts had broken into pieces. Finn said,’ Chloe, we need to end this now. You need to come home.’ (104) The last part that I have to praise is that it was quite funny when reading Finn ‘dating’ with Dean. She wore make up and dressed beautifully, she even didn’t know whether she loved Dean or not, maybe she felt guilty again because Dean had become the suspect in Chloe’s fake abduction case.
I have to criticize on the book a bit. I think the book is really slow moving. While I was reading the book, I kept asking when Finn will save her best friend. When I was half way through the book, I actually felt bored and didn’t want to go on with book. The writer kept talking about the cops asked Finn and Dean a lot of questions, they answered and Finn felt really wrong again. The book kept talking about one idea. And the last thing I am not really appreciated is the ending. The ending was what I expected; it was not surprising at all. I thought the ending could be much more unpredictable.
I like the book more than I dislike it. I will recommend this book to someone else because this is actually a very good book although it is a bit slow moving.
The Accomplice is mainly in informal language because the writer wanted to make it realistic since teenagers always speak informal languages. The informal languages are mainly slang and profane. There weren’t many figurative devices in this book but there were a lot of description of the main character’s feeling. Accomplice is a contemporary Fiction. The Accomplice’s audience is mainly 14-20 because if you are too small, you may not understand the ‘love’ relationship between Dean and Finn. Since this book is for teenagers, you can’t be too old to read. The main theme of the book is that Chloe and Finley were both high school students. They had good grades and spent time on community service but they thought they were not special enough to stand out so they decided to grab everyone’s attention by planning a fake kidnapping. Chloe hid and Finn went to save her. The character development is also very good, the writer has described in details which cause readers to understand what they were think every second.
I have to praise the book first. The idea of the book was really excellent. They wanted to grab their parent’s attention, their friends’ attention and the media’s attention because they didn’t want to be normal people. I think this idea was really fresh to me because I have never heard of a plot like this. I also like the way that the author described Finn’s mood when she felt guilty about what she had done. While Chloe was hiding in Finn’s basement, she could see that Finn’s parents were really worried and their hearts had broken into pieces. Finn said,’ Chloe, we need to end this now. You need to come home.’ (104) The last part that I have to praise is that it was quite funny when reading Finn ‘dating’ with Dean. She wore make up and dressed beautifully, she even didn’t know whether she loved Dean or not, maybe she felt guilty again because Dean had become the suspect in Chloe’s fake abduction case.
I have to criticize on the book a bit. I think the book is really slow moving. While I was reading the book, I kept asking when Finn will save her best friend. When I was half way through the book, I actually felt bored and didn’t want to go on with book. The writer kept talking about the cops asked Finn and Dean a lot of questions, they answered and Finn felt really wrong again. The book kept talking about one idea. And the last thing I am not really appreciated is the ending. The ending was what I expected; it was not surprising at all. I thought the ending could be much more unpredictable.
I like the book more than I dislike it. I will recommend this book to someone else because this is actually a very good book although it is a bit slow moving.
January 4, 2015
If you like stories about people doing dangerous things to get what they want then this is the book for you. The book was good but it was also kind of boring so I didn't really like it. The genre of this book is realistic fiction. The type of conflict is person vs. self because Finn feels bad that she has to lie to everybody for Chloe.
Finn and Chloe wanted to go to college but their college adviser said they needed a way to stand out. So Chloe faked being kidnapped. They planned everything carefully. Chloe was going to hide in Finn's grandmother's basement. A boy named Dean liked Chloe and Chloe liked him. She sent him anonymous love notes and ripped pieces of a picture of her so when he got all the pieces he would know that she sent the notes to him. *Spoiler alert* The police looked through every student locker for evidence of Chloe's kidnapper. When they went to Deans locker they found the picture of Chloe ripped into pieces. So Dean became a suspect and then they searched his car and found Chloe's clothes with blood on it, so he was charged for murder and everybody decided that Chloe was dead. Finn and Chloe met at the woods and Finn had to hit her on the head so it looked like she got beaten up. Finn ran to her house and pretended to work on Chloe's memorial poster and when she saw Chloe she ran to her and screamed for her and Chloe's parents. Chloe went to the hospital, when she got back Chloe got home-schooled and went to a good college. *Spoiler alert*Finn and Chloe stopped talking. Finn saw Dean and she asked him why he had Chloe's clothes with blood on it and he said that they were dating and while they were in his car she started bleeding so she changed her clothes and forgot it in his car.
Finn's problem was that she was mad at Chloe because all Chloe had to do was stay in Finn's grandmother's basement and keep quiet while Finn was the one that had to lie to everyone and she had to do all the interviews. I could not understand why Finn would agree to help fake Chloe's abduction even though she didn't want to do it.
I had predicted that Finn and Chloe were going to get caught, but it turned out that their plan actually worked for Chloe because she got into a good college. I thought the ending of the book was good but I just didn't like that even though Finn had helped Chloe, Chloe stopped talking to her but maybe it would have just been awkward between them.
I give this book 3 stars because it's not really the type of books I like to read and the book was kind of boring for me but I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books about two best friends doing something that can get them into trouble. Even though Finn didn't want to fake Chloe's kidnapping as much as Chloe wanted to she still did it because they were best friends.
Finn and Chloe wanted to go to college but their college adviser said they needed a way to stand out. So Chloe faked being kidnapped. They planned everything carefully. Chloe was going to hide in Finn's grandmother's basement. A boy named Dean liked Chloe and Chloe liked him. She sent him anonymous love notes and ripped pieces of a picture of her so when he got all the pieces he would know that she sent the notes to him. *Spoiler alert* The police looked through every student locker for evidence of Chloe's kidnapper. When they went to Deans locker they found the picture of Chloe ripped into pieces. So Dean became a suspect and then they searched his car and found Chloe's clothes with blood on it, so he was charged for murder and everybody decided that Chloe was dead. Finn and Chloe met at the woods and Finn had to hit her on the head so it looked like she got beaten up. Finn ran to her house and pretended to work on Chloe's memorial poster and when she saw Chloe she ran to her and screamed for her and Chloe's parents. Chloe went to the hospital, when she got back Chloe got home-schooled and went to a good college. *Spoiler alert*Finn and Chloe stopped talking. Finn saw Dean and she asked him why he had Chloe's clothes with blood on it and he said that they were dating and while they were in his car she started bleeding so she changed her clothes and forgot it in his car.
Finn's problem was that she was mad at Chloe because all Chloe had to do was stay in Finn's grandmother's basement and keep quiet while Finn was the one that had to lie to everyone and she had to do all the interviews. I could not understand why Finn would agree to help fake Chloe's abduction even though she didn't want to do it.
I had predicted that Finn and Chloe were going to get caught, but it turned out that their plan actually worked for Chloe because she got into a good college. I thought the ending of the book was good but I just didn't like that even though Finn had helped Chloe, Chloe stopped talking to her but maybe it would have just been awkward between them.
I give this book 3 stars because it's not really the type of books I like to read and the book was kind of boring for me but I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books about two best friends doing something that can get them into trouble. Even though Finn didn't want to fake Chloe's kidnapping as much as Chloe wanted to she still did it because they were best friends.
July 31, 2010
I was intrigued by the sound of Accomplice when I first read the back cover. It wasn't like anything I've read before so I was really excited to get into it.
The book is told from the point of view of Finley Jacobs, know as Finn, and follows her from just after the 'disappearance' of her best friend Chloe Caffery. Finn's the one who's having to deal with all the questions, the police, the media, their parents and classmates; pretending like she's just as worried and concerned with Chloe being missing, when in reality she knows Chloe's hiding out in Finn's grandma's basement reading trashy novels and eating junk food.The girls thought they's planned for every possibility of the staged kidnapping but it didn't take long for things to get out of hand and Finn's the one who's got to deal with it - alone.
On the emotional rollercoster that becomes Finn's life, the reader really gets to know her character, as well as that of Chloe, seen through a best friends eyes. It's hard not to like these two girls, despite their plan, as we see their insecurities. To start with I did think them to be a little immature for how old they were supposed to be, in fact until a short way into the book when it said that they were in their Junior year, I thought them to be about twelve or thirteen. However, through the book, as more details about the reason for doing what they did it doesn't seem so much. Also, they live in a small farming town and so naturally, wouldn't be so street savvy. In fact, it was refreshing to read of girls this age not being completely obsessed with boys and sex. That's not to say there wasn't a little romantic interest but it didn't take over the story or the characters.
There was also a good cast of other characters including omg parents! Actual real, present and developed parents! In a YA book!
I really liked Eireann Corrigan's writing style, it's simple with lots of dialogue and not too much overly flowery prose. It was easy to read and one of those books that you just had to keep reading a bit more. On more than one occasion I found myself reading well after I was supposed to have stopped to do something else - like sleep.
I will definitely be looking out for other books from this author.
The book is told from the point of view of Finley Jacobs, know as Finn, and follows her from just after the 'disappearance' of her best friend Chloe Caffery. Finn's the one who's having to deal with all the questions, the police, the media, their parents and classmates; pretending like she's just as worried and concerned with Chloe being missing, when in reality she knows Chloe's hiding out in Finn's grandma's basement reading trashy novels and eating junk food.The girls thought they's planned for every possibility of the staged kidnapping but it didn't take long for things to get out of hand and Finn's the one who's got to deal with it - alone.
On the emotional rollercoster that becomes Finn's life, the reader really gets to know her character, as well as that of Chloe, seen through a best friends eyes. It's hard not to like these two girls, despite their plan, as we see their insecurities. To start with I did think them to be a little immature for how old they were supposed to be, in fact until a short way into the book when it said that they were in their Junior year, I thought them to be about twelve or thirteen. However, through the book, as more details about the reason for doing what they did it doesn't seem so much. Also, they live in a small farming town and so naturally, wouldn't be so street savvy. In fact, it was refreshing to read of girls this age not being completely obsessed with boys and sex. That's not to say there wasn't a little romantic interest but it didn't take over the story or the characters.
There was also a good cast of other characters including omg parents! Actual real, present and developed parents! In a YA book!
I really liked Eireann Corrigan's writing style, it's simple with lots of dialogue and not too much overly flowery prose. It was easy to read and one of those books that you just had to keep reading a bit more. On more than one occasion I found myself reading well after I was supposed to have stopped to do something else - like sleep.
I will definitely be looking out for other books from this author.
July 6, 2010
Finn and Chloe are next door neighbors and best-friends. It's the fall of their junior year and the guidance lady has them convinced they won't have that ONE unique thing that will get them into college. They have spent so much time being well-rounded they don't have anything unique. Until, Chloe dreams up a plan where she can disappear and Finn can find her. Just like that Margaret Cook girl who was on alll the magazines and on the tv shows. She was gone for a YEAR and then she just showed up at her parents door. This will put them both on the map and guarantee them a spot at a college and the limelight all on the them
The girls actually do plan really well and cross all the t's and dot all the i's. Everyone is frantic to find Chloe and they worry the worst has happened. Finn plays the role as devote friend searching. Then the police pull Dean West in for questioning. The same Stuttering Dean that Chloe tried to befriend and give confidence to, earlier in the school year with Finn. Finn tries to get Chloe to come clean. They can't do this to Dean. Plus, Finn tries to tell her about how her parents are sick with worry. Chloe blows it off.
Chloe's plan gets more and more twisted and creepy and Finn tries to back out but she is a follower. She adores Chloe and will do anything she says. And then they kiss. Then Dean gets charged with murder. Finn tries to grow a conscientious but allows Chloe to talk her out of it. Will Dean go away to prison? How will the nightmare EVER end?
For a novel about two teenager girls, I thought this was really well done. The relationship where Chloe has the power and the prestige of being the 'city' girl and Finn feels like a second fiddle. It's also interesting to watch Finn realize that her best-friend and her family aren't as perfect as Finn always thought.
The girls actually do plan really well and cross all the t's and dot all the i's. Everyone is frantic to find Chloe and they worry the worst has happened. Finn plays the role as devote friend searching. Then the police pull Dean West in for questioning. The same Stuttering Dean that Chloe tried to befriend and give confidence to, earlier in the school year with Finn. Finn tries to get Chloe to come clean. They can't do this to Dean. Plus, Finn tries to tell her about how her parents are sick with worry. Chloe blows it off.
Chloe's plan gets more and more twisted and creepy and Finn tries to back out but she is a follower. She adores Chloe and will do anything she says. And then they kiss. Then Dean gets charged with murder. Finn tries to grow a conscientious but allows Chloe to talk her out of it. Will Dean go away to prison? How will the nightmare EVER end?
For a novel about two teenager girls, I thought this was really well done. The relationship where Chloe has the power and the prestige of being the 'city' girl and Finn feels like a second fiddle. It's also interesting to watch Finn realize that her best-friend and her family aren't as perfect as Finn always thought.
January 17, 2011
This thriller is about two teens who stage a fake “disappearance,” unleashing a manhunt and consequences that neither of them could imagine. They concoct this elaborate ruse in order to bring a lot of publicity and attention to the teen who has mysteriously vanished. And why do they do this? So the vanished teen can miraculously appear and thus have an interesting background/story that will help her get into the college of her dreams. Does this seem a bit far-fetched to you? It did to me. In many other respects, this was a fascinating novel, but I just did not buy the initial premise.
I could even believe it more if it was just two bored teens hatching a plot just to see if they could get away with it. There is certainly that element in the whole plan, but to bring horrible pain to the parents, cause an innocent teen to be the prime suspect, and create an uproar throughout the entire community—just to advance one’s chances at college? Nah.
Still this novel has some very interesting things to explore about decisions and consequences, especially upon the innocent. It is also a very dark look at friendship, especially about dominance in a relationship. Chloe, who is the teen who disappears, dominates Finn, the co-conspirator. Chloe is a bit of a sociopath in her lack of caring how her disappearance impacts her family and others—in fact she is completely cold and callous. Finn is definitely in thrall to Chloe, although as the consequences start piling up, she becomes more aware of how the plot is destroying lives. The author also introduces a sexual aspect to Finn’s relationship to Chloe, which seems also just doesn’t really ring true. It seems forced and deliberately inserted to add “complexity” to the relationship between the two girls.
I could even believe it more if it was just two bored teens hatching a plot just to see if they could get away with it. There is certainly that element in the whole plan, but to bring horrible pain to the parents, cause an innocent teen to be the prime suspect, and create an uproar throughout the entire community—just to advance one’s chances at college? Nah.
Still this novel has some very interesting things to explore about decisions and consequences, especially upon the innocent. It is also a very dark look at friendship, especially about dominance in a relationship. Chloe, who is the teen who disappears, dominates Finn, the co-conspirator. Chloe is a bit of a sociopath in her lack of caring how her disappearance impacts her family and others—in fact she is completely cold and callous. Finn is definitely in thrall to Chloe, although as the consequences start piling up, she becomes more aware of how the plot is destroying lives. The author also introduces a sexual aspect to Finn’s relationship to Chloe, which seems also just doesn’t really ring true. It seems forced and deliberately inserted to add “complexity” to the relationship between the two girls.
August 10, 2010
Supremely talented writer Eireann Corrigan brings us her second work of fiction following the excellent Ordinary Ghosts. Accomplice is an equally suspenseful story, but one with a more emotional core.
Exploring a complicated relationship between teenage girls in a suburban area outside of New York City, the book tackles everything from modern pressure to gain admittance to a good college to the tentative thrill of high school crushes. At heart, however, it is the fraught friendship between the main characters, Chloe and Finn, rather than their interaction with the world around them, which is most compelling. Female friendships are an often-misunderstood balance of camaraderie and competition, and although Accomplice is driven by Chloe and Finn’s scheme, it is the wedge it drives between them which keeps us interested. Advanced and recognizable expressions of devotion, envy, obsession, anxiety and alienation define Finn, whose narration of events is an honest window into what it means to be a teenager.
Corrigan deftly and naturally unfolds her character’s self-discovery, moving Finn's development along until she is changed, not in one dramatic moment, but in the realistic crawl we all experience in life. Above all, it is this finely tuned ear for the details of interior life which sets this writer and her work apart.
Though the book is categorized as Young Adult, I'd recommend Accomplice to readers of all ages for it's truthful depiction of the difficultly of friendship.
Eireann Corrigan
Exploring a complicated relationship between teenage girls in a suburban area outside of New York City, the book tackles everything from modern pressure to gain admittance to a good college to the tentative thrill of high school crushes. At heart, however, it is the fraught friendship between the main characters, Chloe and Finn, rather than their interaction with the world around them, which is most compelling. Female friendships are an often-misunderstood balance of camaraderie and competition, and although Accomplice is driven by Chloe and Finn’s scheme, it is the wedge it drives between them which keeps us interested. Advanced and recognizable expressions of devotion, envy, obsession, anxiety and alienation define Finn, whose narration of events is an honest window into what it means to be a teenager.
Corrigan deftly and naturally unfolds her character’s self-discovery, moving Finn's development along until she is changed, not in one dramatic moment, but in the realistic crawl we all experience in life. Above all, it is this finely tuned ear for the details of interior life which sets this writer and her work apart.
Though the book is categorized as Young Adult, I'd recommend Accomplice to readers of all ages for it's truthful depiction of the difficultly of friendship.
Eireann Corrigan
Read
January 26, 2014The summary of Accomplice pretty much... sums it up. Two girls fake a kidnapping. Upon reading this, I was under the impression that there was a large part of the plot not revealed here, but I was wrong.
Basically I got slightly bored while reading this book - I already knew what was happening because I had read the summary, and the other events in the book that happen because of this 'kidnapping' are pretty predictable - police searches, upset friends. I kept reading, waiting for a major twist or scandal, and didn't really get one, which left me even more disappointed.
I think that this book could have been better if it would have dealt slightly more with the transformation of a few characters throughout the process - how it affected them, how their lives had changed. It did touch on this a little, but an in depth study of this (with perhaps more dialogue happening between our narrator and individuals that weren't her family or her friend's family) would have intrigued me more. As it stood, I pretty much expected all of what happened to happen. None of the characters really stood out to me, and I was actually very irritated that the girls had decided it was a good idea to do this kidnapping in the first place.
A pretty quick read, Accomplice just simply was not for me. I was able to finish it, but I'm not sure I can pinpoint a demographic it would be better suited for. If the plot summary intrigues you quite a bit, you may be more interested in the story and the characters than I was.
Basically I got slightly bored while reading this book - I already knew what was happening because I had read the summary, and the other events in the book that happen because of this 'kidnapping' are pretty predictable - police searches, upset friends. I kept reading, waiting for a major twist or scandal, and didn't really get one, which left me even more disappointed.
I think that this book could have been better if it would have dealt slightly more with the transformation of a few characters throughout the process - how it affected them, how their lives had changed. It did touch on this a little, but an in depth study of this (with perhaps more dialogue happening between our narrator and individuals that weren't her family or her friend's family) would have intrigued me more. As it stood, I pretty much expected all of what happened to happen. None of the characters really stood out to me, and I was actually very irritated that the girls had decided it was a good idea to do this kidnapping in the first place.
A pretty quick read, Accomplice just simply was not for me. I was able to finish it, but I'm not sure I can pinpoint a demographic it would be better suited for. If the plot summary intrigues you quite a bit, you may be more interested in the story and the characters than I was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2015
Chloé et Finn avaient mis en place un projet pour le moins saugrenu : simuler un enlèvement pour décrocher la une des journaux et obtenir leur droit d'entrée dans l'université de leur choix.
Le plan des deux ados peut sembler stupide, naïf et irréfléchi, mais il est dénonciateur des défauts de notre société, comme la pression sociale, la spirale médiatique et ses effets pervers. Difficile alors de ne pas se sentir concernée, ou littéralement happée, par le fil de l'histoire, qui se déroule selon une orchestration simple en apparence, avant de se révéler féroce et implacable.
La lecture est en effet hallucinante, voire frustrante, car les deux héroïnes sont rudement agaçantes par leur égoïsme et leurs mauvaises décisions. On n'éprouve aucune empathie pour elles, au contraire on s'indigne et on a envie qu'elles se ressaisissent (peut-on infliger pareille torture à sa famille ?!). Même leur amitié sera mise à rude épreuve, faisant voler en éclats le vernis des apparences.
L'histoire est donc d'une redoutable efficacité, avec un suspense au taquet et la démonstration d'une supercherie aux conséquences dévastatrices. Un roman qui se veut captivant, poignant, tordu... scotchant !
Le plan des deux ados peut sembler stupide, naïf et irréfléchi, mais il est dénonciateur des défauts de notre société, comme la pression sociale, la spirale médiatique et ses effets pervers. Difficile alors de ne pas se sentir concernée, ou littéralement happée, par le fil de l'histoire, qui se déroule selon une orchestration simple en apparence, avant de se révéler féroce et implacable.
La lecture est en effet hallucinante, voire frustrante, car les deux héroïnes sont rudement agaçantes par leur égoïsme et leurs mauvaises décisions. On n'éprouve aucune empathie pour elles, au contraire on s'indigne et on a envie qu'elles se ressaisissent (peut-on infliger pareille torture à sa famille ?!). Même leur amitié sera mise à rude épreuve, faisant voler en éclats le vernis des apparences.
L'histoire est donc d'une redoutable efficacité, avec un suspense au taquet et la démonstration d'une supercherie aux conséquences dévastatrices. Un roman qui se veut captivant, poignant, tordu... scotchant !
August 14, 2011
Finn and her best friend Chloe are high school juniors. When the guidance counselor stresses that good grades are not enough to get into a good college, Chloe and Finn decide they need to come up with a way to stand out. They decide to stage Chloe's disappearance - figuring that when Finn is the one to find her when she comes home after being "kidnapped", they will both be so famous that any college will want them. In typical adolescent fashion, they neglected to take into account how their plan would affect the other people in their lives and town.
Finn is the narrator of this book and the author did a fantastic job of giving her an authentic teenage voice. Finn's relationship with Chloe is complicated. Chloe is the pretty one, the charming one. It's only after their plan is set into motion that Finn begins to see Chloe's true colors.
This was a quick read and full of suspense and surprises. I read most of it with a knot in my stomach, knowing that no good could come of the girls' hare-brained plan. The plot is timely too - there are so many people today who think that getting on TV will solve all their problems. (Balloon-boy anyone?) Teenagers will enjoy this book but I think most adults will enjoy this book as well, remembering their naive teenage years when they thought the world revolved around them (that wasn't just me, was it?).
Finn is the narrator of this book and the author did a fantastic job of giving her an authentic teenage voice. Finn's relationship with Chloe is complicated. Chloe is the pretty one, the charming one. It's only after their plan is set into motion that Finn begins to see Chloe's true colors.
This was a quick read and full of suspense and surprises. I read most of it with a knot in my stomach, knowing that no good could come of the girls' hare-brained plan. The plot is timely too - there are so many people today who think that getting on TV will solve all their problems. (Balloon-boy anyone?) Teenagers will enjoy this book but I think most adults will enjoy this book as well, remembering their naive teenage years when they thought the world revolved around them (that wasn't just me, was it?).
July 29, 2011
This book is so disturbing in so many different ways. The story is told by high school senior Fin, who, with her friend Chloe, has orchestrated Chloe's disappearance as a great way to garner some media attention and insure acceptance to a top college. Seriously!?! First, you have to suspend a little disbelief that two girls would really go through with the pretend abduction of one of them - and get away with it for over a week! I could see why a few teens would relish the idea of becoming "famous" in whatever way possible, but I also had a hard time believing many teens could successfully pull off such a long-term caper. However, the girls planned for months prior to the event, and the author does a good job making it seem feasible. Without giving away too much of the plot, I will just say that most of the story focuses on how Fin feels about what they are doing (She is left to answer investigators' questions and comfort Chloe's distraught family.) and what she learns about herself and her friend through the process. There are a couple of good twists in the plot, and I gave this four stars because it was well written, and I read it quickly because I wanted to find out how the whole thing would end!
August 27, 2010
How do two good kids end up in a story of kidnapping? That crazy answer to that would be when they want the chance at stardom and a ivy league future. This was a very intense story that will leave the readers questioning the characters through the last page. I was awestruck by the planning of this lie by minors, but what was even more astounding was the dedication that they carried to fulfill this plan in its entirety. I found myself on the edge of my seat with every unexpected twist and turn that this story took. In light of the self deserved drama of this story; I still found myself sympathizing with the characters for the situation they were living. This is the major lesson of what a lie can become, and that the right lie can change lives and ruin reputations. Be prepared to follow this gut wrenching journey were you quickly learn riding allow is just as stressful.
August 30, 2010
How do two good kids end up in a story of kidnapping? That crazy answer to that would be when they want the chance at stardom and a ivy league future. This was a very intense story that will leave the readers questioning the characters through the last page. I was awestruck by the planning of this lie by minors, but what was even more astounding was the dedication that they carried to fulfill this plan in its entirety. I found myself on the edge of my seat with every unexpected twist and turn that this story took. In light of the self deserved drama of this story; I still found myself sympathizing with the characters for the situation they were living. This is the major lesson of what a lie can become, and that the right lie can change lives and ruin reputations. Be prepared to follow this gut wrenching journey were you quickly learn riding allow is just as stressful.
March 17, 2011
Really like 2 1/2 stars
Watch CSI or other similar shows? Then you've probably seen this book (or similar theme) on T.V. And just like the tv version, it just seems crazy. Really? Two *smart* teens decide that to get into their dream colleges they'll fake a kidnapping? And everything will just magically work out?
I'd buy this if it were two idiots sitting around with nothing to do....or life real-life where the teens do it for a YouTube video or to cover for running away from home. But two smart girls? Surely they'd recognize the pain they'd cause their families and communities. That the police would try to pin it on someone, who would obviously be wrongly accused.
All over-blown and the premise is overdone. There wasn't even a good twist here.
NOTE: cursing and kiss between two girls
Watch CSI or other similar shows? Then you've probably seen this book (or similar theme) on T.V. And just like the tv version, it just seems crazy. Really? Two *smart* teens decide that to get into their dream colleges they'll fake a kidnapping? And everything will just magically work out?
I'd buy this if it were two idiots sitting around with nothing to do....or life real-life where the teens do it for a YouTube video or to cover for running away from home. But two smart girls? Surely they'd recognize the pain they'd cause their families and communities. That the police would try to pin it on someone, who would obviously be wrongly accused.
All over-blown and the premise is overdone. There wasn't even a good twist here.
NOTE: cursing and kiss between two girls
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2012
This was a very interesting read. It's a story of two girls who are best friends. One decides that it would be a good idea to fake her disappearance, with the other's help. The story is told from the perspective of the accomplice, and explores what emotions happen in her, but not her friend, as the fall out happens.
Overall I liked the book, but wasn't sure about the ending. I found that near the ending I started to figure out different directions the book could take, but might not. I think it would have been a better book had the ending been slightly different.
Also, found it a bit obvious what the inspiration for the kidnapping mentioned in the book as the inspiration for the girls plot was. When I can pinpoint the inspiration behind the writing, it sometimes is more of a detriment to my enjoyment of the book, which was the case in this one.
Overall I liked the book, but wasn't sure about the ending. I found that near the ending I started to figure out different directions the book could take, but might not. I think it would have been a better book had the ending been slightly different.
Also, found it a bit obvious what the inspiration for the kidnapping mentioned in the book as the inspiration for the girls plot was. When I can pinpoint the inspiration behind the writing, it sometimes is more of a detriment to my enjoyment of the book, which was the case in this one.
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