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Choker
Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they're not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her "Choker" after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria.
Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.
But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?
Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.
But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?
233 pages, Hardcover
First published January 4, 2011
78 people are currently reading
9521 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Woods
29 books66 followersChoker is Elizabeth Woods' debut novel. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,029 reviews
January 1, 2013
WOW. Just Wow. I’m in SHOCK. I have GOOSEBUMPS. There are SHIVERS traveling down my spine. This was just plain CREEPY. And HOLLY starts with S and ends it HIT!!! O.O
This is the best creepiest, mysterious and creepy – yes I said creepy twice – Book I’ve ever read in my LIFE! – it’s the first book I read in its genre… who cares! – Now I’ll stop gushing and begin my review.
When I read the summary of Choker I thought I already knew how things were going to end up. Once I actually started reading, I assumed I was in for a very predictable ride, still, I was very interested in seeing how Elizabeth Woods – author of Choker – unraveled the whole situation.
This is how it works :
Warning: Fake spoilers ahead.
First Cara is bullied in her school and they call her Choker because she once choked in the cafeteria. Then her Best Fried Zoe comes along and things start getting weird. Then things get more weird. Cara starts acting like Zoe. Then Cara starts to look like Zoe. And then BAM, she is Zoe. And Cara. And she becomes Dr. Jekill and Mrs. Zoe. In other words: Hulk.
I’m Kidding xDD
Well, half kidding, because when Zoe arrives things do start getting weird, and you just can’t help but think, I know what’s gonna happen, I sooo know! And just when you think you have every single detail sort out, that you know everyone’s cards and the roles they're playing and you are just waiting for the next chapter to say what you already know when BAM! No, it is not Dr. Jekill and Mrs. Zoe, but something worse….
There are two options here. Option 1: I am the most naïve person in this planet and completely dumb for not seeing what was coming. Or Option 2: This book was as great as I am saying.
And now I swear to say the truth and nothing but the truth. (or something like that, I’m not so sure how that line goes)
If you are looking for a good book, with a creepy storyline, that takes some wide turns, and sometimes has way to much creepiness, then Choker is for you.
What are Great Books For?
This is the best creepiest, mysterious and creepy – yes I said creepy twice – Book I’ve ever read in my LIFE! – it’s the first book I read in its genre… who cares! – Now I’ll stop gushing and begin my review.
When I read the summary of Choker I thought I already knew how things were going to end up. Once I actually started reading, I assumed I was in for a very predictable ride, still, I was very interested in seeing how Elizabeth Woods – author of Choker – unraveled the whole situation.
This is how it works :
Warning: Fake spoilers ahead.
First Cara is bullied in her school and they call her Choker because she once choked in the cafeteria. Then her Best Fried Zoe comes along and things start getting weird. Then things get more weird. Cara starts acting like Zoe. Then Cara starts to look like Zoe. And then BAM, she is Zoe. And Cara. And she becomes Dr. Jekill and Mrs. Zoe. In other words: Hulk.
I’m Kidding xDD
Well, half kidding, because when Zoe arrives things do start getting weird, and you just can’t help but think, I know what’s gonna happen, I sooo know! And just when you think you have every single detail sort out, that you know everyone’s cards and the roles they're playing and you are just waiting for the next chapter to say what you already know when BAM! No, it is not Dr. Jekill and Mrs. Zoe, but something worse….
There are two options here. Option 1: I am the most naïve person in this planet and completely dumb for not seeing what was coming. Or Option 2: This book was as great as I am saying.
And now I swear to say the truth and nothing but the truth. (or something like that, I’m not so sure how that line goes)
If you are looking for a good book, with a creepy storyline, that takes some wide turns, and sometimes has way to much creepiness, then Choker is for you.
What are Great Books For?
April 7, 2011
The basic set-up of this book is terribly cliched, and kind of misleading. It's about Cara, a lonely teenager, who, when not completely invisible, is ruthlessly picked on by Alexis, the Queen Bitch of the school. She also has a crush on Ethan Grey, the most popular guy in school, who also so happens to be Alexis's boyfriend. After a particularly humiliating incident in the school cafeteria which earned her the moniker "Choker", Cara goes home to discover her childhood best friend, Zoe, had ran away from home and needs a safe and hidden place to stay. Zoe, a beautiful and confident girl, was Cara's only friend growing up, and ever since she moved away, Cara had felt terribly lonely and disconnected. Now that their friendship has a second chance, Cara is ecstatic, feeling that her life is finally turning around. With Zoe back in her life, Cara develops a new look, starts developing real friendships, flirts with her crush, and she finally begins to feel like a real teen. But not everything is perfect......a girl is murdered, another goes missing. Everyone is suspect. Zoe begins to act stranger and stranger, and Cara can't help but wonder.....is she hiding a killer?
Ooo boy, this book is creepy. The kind of creepy that gives you frown lines and a curled lip. In the beginning, I was perfectly prepared for this to be another cliched "I'm a teenager and my life sucks" story, but it didn't turn out that way. Not at all. I immediately knew something was off with Zoe, the author drops little hints and clues through out the novel as to what the resolution will be. It's all pretty subtle and gradual, building and building to that final chapter. Which would be fine and dandy if I hadn't guessed the ending jokingly. I was just theorizing, one of those "what-if" things.....I didn't expect to be right! Then again, I was simultaneously reading Hamlet along with this, so maybe that effected my thought process.
I wasn't sure if I liked the style of this book. The writing itself was nothing special, kind of bland. I felt detached from Cara, and she was kind of pathetic sometimes. I mean, I'm a high school student, so I can empathize. Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But Cara was too passive. And boring. That is why you got no friends, Cara! Show some personalitay! Crack a joke! Take a stand! Strike a pose!
Some parts were painfully realistic, others were outlandish. But one thing I liked was that Woods wasn't afraid to get to the ugly side of things. Don't let the misleading pink cover fool you, this book goes into some positively squicky things. I don't want to spoil it though.....
Read it.
It is nothing spectacular......but I want to see how people react to that helluva ending :)
Ooo boy, this book is creepy. The kind of creepy that gives you frown lines and a curled lip. In the beginning, I was perfectly prepared for this to be another cliched "I'm a teenager and my life sucks" story, but it didn't turn out that way. Not at all. I immediately knew something was off with Zoe, the author drops little hints and clues through out the novel as to what the resolution will be. It's all pretty subtle and gradual, building and building to that final chapter. Which would be fine and dandy if I hadn't guessed the ending jokingly. I was just theorizing, one of those "what-if" things.....I didn't expect to be right! Then again, I was simultaneously reading Hamlet along with this, so maybe that effected my thought process.
I wasn't sure if I liked the style of this book. The writing itself was nothing special, kind of bland. I felt detached from Cara, and she was kind of pathetic sometimes. I mean, I'm a high school student, so I can empathize. Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But Cara was too passive. And boring. That is why you got no friends, Cara! Show some personalitay! Crack a joke! Take a stand! Strike a pose!
Some parts were painfully realistic, others were outlandish. But one thing I liked was that Woods wasn't afraid to get to the ugly side of things. Don't let the misleading pink cover fool you, this book goes into some positively squicky things. I don't want to spoil it though.....
Read it.
It is nothing spectacular......but I want to see how people react to that helluva ending :)
February 13, 2017
I KNEW IT. This book was really predictable for me but I still liked it.
November 7, 2011
I went into this book with no particular assumptions, I’d read a few great reviews here and there, so didn’t really have my expectations set too high, but after finishing Choker, my feelings were kind of conflicted. Choker tells the story of Cara; a girl whose pretty much been ignored at school until the incident where she chokes on a carrot in the school cafeteria and Ethan the guy she’s likes helps her to lodge it from her throat, Alexis, Ethan’s on-off girlfriend thinks Cara’s choked on purpose to get Ethan’s attention and starts calling her choker and making gagging noises every time she’s close by. From then on mocking Cara becomes nonstop. Cara’s home life isn’t too great either, her parents are both lawyers and so they spend most of their time away from home and too focused on their work. Then Zoe, Cara’s childhood friend unexpectedly turns up claiming to have run away from her evil step-dad, Cara needing a friend more than ever agrees to hide her in her room. However soon after Zoe’s appearance, weird things start happening, but at the same time things start looking up for Cara, she comes in second at the track meet, she’s finally found a group of friends who actually acknowledge her and who she can hang out with and she’s spending a lot more time chatting with Ethan. But then Alexis goes missing and suspicions are flying all over the place
I immediately suspected Zoe, her behaviour had quickly become more and more erratic and her control she had over Cara I didn’t like at all, it’s like Cara couldn’t say a single thing wrong about her. And she certainly had a creepiness about her.
I found Choker for most of the time to be a bit too clichéd for my liking, I also found the writing at times didn’t really hold my attention and there were a few eye roll quotes;
“Oh my god she said to the ceiling
tiles. An entire conversation with
Ethan Gray - and he saw her in her
sports bra - and he gave her two compliments”
I would have probably ended up giving Choker two stars .
Overall Choker is a book I didn’t particularly enjoy, but if you’re looking for something different from your usual reads, something slightly creepy then Choker is the perfect Halloween read.
I immediately suspected Zoe, her behaviour had quickly become more and more erratic and her control she had over Cara I didn’t like at all, it’s like Cara couldn’t say a single thing wrong about her. And she certainly had a creepiness about her.
I found Choker for most of the time to be a bit too clichéd for my liking, I also found the writing at times didn’t really hold my attention and there were a few eye roll quotes;
“Oh my god she said to the ceiling
tiles. An entire conversation with
Ethan Gray - and he saw her in her
sports bra - and he gave her two compliments”
I would have probably ended up giving Choker two stars .
Overall Choker is a book I didn’t particularly enjoy, but if you’re looking for something different from your usual reads, something slightly creepy then Choker is the perfect Halloween read.
February 15, 2011
Don’t let the pretty pink color and swirly font and silhouetted flowers on the cover of Choker by Elizabeth Woods fool you. It may look like a sweet, girly book. But lurking beneath that lovely cover lies a twisted thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the very last page.
What Woods excels at best in Choker is building the dramatic tension. There’s almost a thread or a pulse of tension that is drawn throughout the entire novel, building quietly but surely. On the surface, everything appears one way — but as the reader, you get a sense that something isn’t quite right. It’s this mounting tension that really gives the book its edge. The result is a subtle but engaging thriller.
On the other hand, I think the book’s weakest point is its predictability. I guessed (correctly) very early on what the big twist would be at the end of the book. And while I kept reading to find out if I was right or wrong, I was a bit disappointed that I had called it. I had really hoped to be more surprised; that the author might have taken a different angle with the story. For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I won’t say any more — but I know that this is, at least in part, a personal preference (regarding how the story ended) — so just because I didn’t love the ending, doesn’t mean you won’t. It’s something you have to decide for yourself. Wood still delivers a satisfying climax, no matter what.
That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed Woods’ writing. She paints a very vivid picture with her words that really bring the story to life. Likewise, her characters are engaging and I enjoyed watching their various interactions as events unfolded.
But the real star of Choker is that pulse of tension. It almost has a life of its own, lurking beneath every word and page. It’s the type of drama that will keep you reading late into the night and turning pages until you’ve reached the very end.
What Woods excels at best in Choker is building the dramatic tension. There’s almost a thread or a pulse of tension that is drawn throughout the entire novel, building quietly but surely. On the surface, everything appears one way — but as the reader, you get a sense that something isn’t quite right. It’s this mounting tension that really gives the book its edge. The result is a subtle but engaging thriller.
On the other hand, I think the book’s weakest point is its predictability. I guessed (correctly) very early on what the big twist would be at the end of the book. And while I kept reading to find out if I was right or wrong, I was a bit disappointed that I had called it. I had really hoped to be more surprised; that the author might have taken a different angle with the story. For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I won’t say any more — but I know that this is, at least in part, a personal preference (regarding how the story ended) — so just because I didn’t love the ending, doesn’t mean you won’t. It’s something you have to decide for yourself. Wood still delivers a satisfying climax, no matter what.
That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed Woods’ writing. She paints a very vivid picture with her words that really bring the story to life. Likewise, her characters are engaging and I enjoyed watching their various interactions as events unfolded.
But the real star of Choker is that pulse of tension. It almost has a life of its own, lurking beneath every word and page. It’s the type of drama that will keep you reading late into the night and turning pages until you’ve reached the very end.
November 4, 2016
**INCLUDES SPOILER**
This book was interestingly good a 1st, in fact I really enjoyed the book, all the little plots twist inside of plot twist, the way I'm describing makes it seem like a total mess, and as the truth came out it was a total mess it was totally unexpected, which some people apparently like *cough Hannah *cough, and I usually like those types of huge plot twist were you-didn't-see-it-comming types of things, but for Cara to end up in a mental hospital because Zoe is apparently fake and made up, and then so many un answered questions that I have like for example:
how did Cara not realize that she ended up killing that girl early on?
why in the world did Cara's parents not tell her that her Friend Zoe was made up? I mean it was obvious it went to far...
And simple things like who messed up Cara's room, when her mom got mad at her for it being messy?
what the wind?!?!
it was good at 1st but over all i think the story was unorganized and all over the place, but if you did read this before you read the book, go ahead and read and see for your self, because i obviously don't know what the heck I'm talking about because there are so many other reviews that love it, what i say to you is Good Luck, because you will need it
This book was interestingly good a 1st, in fact I really enjoyed the book, all the little plots twist inside of plot twist, the way I'm describing makes it seem like a total mess, and as the truth came out it was a total mess it was totally unexpected, which some people apparently like *cough Hannah *cough, and I usually like those types of huge plot twist were you-didn't-see-it-comming types of things, but for Cara to end up in a mental hospital because Zoe is apparently fake and made up, and then so many un answered questions that I have like for example:
how did Cara not realize that she ended up killing that girl early on?
why in the world did Cara's parents not tell her that her Friend Zoe was made up? I mean it was obvious it went to far...
And simple things like who messed up Cara's room, when her mom got mad at her for it being messy?
what the wind?!?!
it was good at 1st but over all i think the story was unorganized and all over the place, but if you did read this before you read the book, go ahead and read and see for your self, because i obviously don't know what the heck I'm talking about because there are so many other reviews that love it, what i say to you is Good Luck, because you will need it
March 23, 2011
Not exactly sure what I expected after reading the synopsis.... but I didn't expect what I got.
If I had to use one word to describe Choker it would be creepy. The kind creepy where you have goosebumps all over because you feel like someone or something is watching you. Yeah, Choker was like that.
My favorite thing about this novel was the plot. It was simple, yet intense with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Despite the mere size of the novel with it's two-hundred some pages, It definitely delivers some punch! As far as characterization....I wasn't a fan of Cara... she was the worst pushover, but it worked for this story. Had Cara been any other way, I don't think the story would have had the desired effect. Zoe.... scared the crap out me... the other characters didn't really leave a lasting impression.
If you're looking for a quick mind blowing read, you should pick Choker up, don't let the pink cover fool you!
If I had to use one word to describe Choker it would be creepy. The kind creepy where you have goosebumps all over because you feel like someone or something is watching you. Yeah, Choker was like that.
My favorite thing about this novel was the plot. It was simple, yet intense with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Despite the mere size of the novel with it's two-hundred some pages, It definitely delivers some punch! As far as characterization....I wasn't a fan of Cara... she was the worst pushover, but it worked for this story. Had Cara been any other way, I don't think the story would have had the desired effect. Zoe.... scared the crap out me... the other characters didn't really leave a lasting impression.
If you're looking for a quick mind blowing read, you should pick Choker up, don't let the pink cover fool you!
February 16, 2014
The cover is pretty, but a little misleading. It looks like your average, run-of-the-mill YA PNR. There is some romance in this book, but it's limited. It's important to Cara, of course, but it isn't the most important thing, and it doesn't occupy her thoughts to the exclusion of all else. Especially later on in the book, as Zoe's behavior becomes more and more unpredictable, and stranger things happen around her.
I'll be honest and say that I saw the ending coming from very early on in the book. That didn't bother me as much as it maybe should have. I think that a lot of other readers, especially the teen girls who are the actual target audience, will take much longer to catch on, even be entirely surprised. And because I knew where it was going, I could see and appreciate how much thought and effort Woods put into making the ending work.
Cara's narration will probably make or break the book for many readers. She's painfully self-conscious around other people, verging on paranoia, and her train of thought goes off the rail with increasing frequency. This will, I'm sure, annoy some readers and leave others cold. But I found her narration to be painfully real in its details.
This is one of those books that just flew by as I was reading it. Yes, it's fairly short, but I was surprised at just how quickly I was taking it all in. Once I survived the painful second-hand embarrassment of the first chapter, I simply couldn't put it down. And I couldn't add Woods's second book, Figment, to my TBR fast enough.
I'll be honest and say that I saw the ending coming from very early on in the book. That didn't bother me as much as it maybe should have. I think that a lot of other readers, especially the teen girls who are the actual target audience, will take much longer to catch on, even be entirely surprised. And because I knew where it was going, I could see and appreciate how much thought and effort Woods put into making the ending work.
Cara's narration will probably make or break the book for many readers. She's painfully self-conscious around other people, verging on paranoia, and her train of thought goes off the rail with increasing frequency. This will, I'm sure, annoy some readers and leave others cold. But I found her narration to be painfully real in its details.
This is one of those books that just flew by as I was reading it. Yes, it's fairly short, but I was surprised at just how quickly I was taking it all in. Once I survived the painful second-hand embarrassment of the first chapter, I simply couldn't put it down. And I couldn't add Woods's second book, Figment, to my TBR fast enough.
March 19, 2011
I bought this simply because the cover was beautiful and, well, this is one of those DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER lessons for me because this sucked. It's definitely not worth the $16.99 I spent on this hardcover. The idea is decent but the execution is poor. Cara isn't likable -- and neither is anyone else that's in the book. The story itself needed work. This read like a draft, not a final published book. It needed to be fleshed out and expanded. In its current state, I really can't in good conscience recommend this.
October 28, 2015
I'm not going to lie, this book kind of scared me a little!
Although the plot was quite predictable,(I had already guessed what was going to happen come the end) it was still an enjoyable read and the fact that I had guessed what was going to happen almost made me anxious for the ending. The build up to the big twist at the end was incredible and the detail in such a short novel was expertly refined to give the reader the perfect amount of information.
If you haven't read this novel I strongly recommend that you do although I would warn anyone who doesn't like psychologically disturbing things to maybe give it a miss. I think if I read this story when I was around 15 it would have scared the hell out of me!
SPOILERS BELOW!
So the novel begins with a young girl named Cara, she has a best friend named Zoe and they get up to all kinds of mischief together, Zoe is the kind of character who's always egging Cara on to doing crazy things. When Cara's parents decide to move Cara away from Zoe both girls are devastated by this and plan to stay in contact.
So we move to around seven years later, Cara is at school and she's often picked on by other girls so she's not the most popular kid. One day Cara chokes on a carrot at school earning her the nickname 'Choker' which the other kids take on and use as an insult for the rest of the book.
After the choking incident Cara returns home to find her childhood friend Zoe is sat on her bed. Zoe claims to have run away from home and needs Cara to hide her until she sorts things out. THIS is when things start getting freaky.
So the day after Zoe arrives Cara's next door neighbour and one of her prime bullys turns up dead in the swimming pool. Other incidents like this happen which are all pointing towards Zoe being the culprit. Elizabeth Woods is hoping you fall into this trap and assume all of these bad happenings are down to Zoe. Zoe is made out to be a kind and protective friend but then it becomes a little too much for Cara, Zoe isn't washing, she stays in bed all day and some how knows a lot about things she shouldn't - she even kills Cara's cat and wears it as a scarf (...that bit scared me!).
Now I understand that the aim for Woods was for the reader to believe Zoe committed all of these crimes up until the end when it's revealed that in fact Zoe isn't real. Cara seems to have some sort of Schizophrenia in which she believes Zoe is a real person when in fact Zoe is actually her. I think if I had read when I was younger I would have not seen this coming at all and would have definitely believed Zoe to be real.
This book really reminds me of the film 'The Secret Window' starring Johnny Depp - they both have very similar outcomes!
Overall this was a fantastically written book and I really enjoyed it although I was super creeped out on a couple of occasions! The way Woods has written the novel, slowly leaving little hints about the outcome throughout is superb! Highly recommendable!
Although the plot was quite predictable,(I had already guessed what was going to happen come the end) it was still an enjoyable read and the fact that I had guessed what was going to happen almost made me anxious for the ending. The build up to the big twist at the end was incredible and the detail in such a short novel was expertly refined to give the reader the perfect amount of information.
If you haven't read this novel I strongly recommend that you do although I would warn anyone who doesn't like psychologically disturbing things to maybe give it a miss. I think if I read this story when I was around 15 it would have scared the hell out of me!
SPOILERS BELOW!
So the novel begins with a young girl named Cara, she has a best friend named Zoe and they get up to all kinds of mischief together, Zoe is the kind of character who's always egging Cara on to doing crazy things. When Cara's parents decide to move Cara away from Zoe both girls are devastated by this and plan to stay in contact.
So we move to around seven years later, Cara is at school and she's often picked on by other girls so she's not the most popular kid. One day Cara chokes on a carrot at school earning her the nickname 'Choker' which the other kids take on and use as an insult for the rest of the book.
After the choking incident Cara returns home to find her childhood friend Zoe is sat on her bed. Zoe claims to have run away from home and needs Cara to hide her until she sorts things out. THIS is when things start getting freaky.
So the day after Zoe arrives Cara's next door neighbour and one of her prime bullys turns up dead in the swimming pool. Other incidents like this happen which are all pointing towards Zoe being the culprit. Elizabeth Woods is hoping you fall into this trap and assume all of these bad happenings are down to Zoe. Zoe is made out to be a kind and protective friend but then it becomes a little too much for Cara, Zoe isn't washing, she stays in bed all day and some how knows a lot about things she shouldn't - she even kills Cara's cat and wears it as a scarf (...that bit scared me!).
Now I understand that the aim for Woods was for the reader to believe Zoe committed all of these crimes up until the end when it's revealed that in fact Zoe isn't real. Cara seems to have some sort of Schizophrenia in which she believes Zoe is a real person when in fact Zoe is actually her. I think if I had read when I was younger I would have not seen this coming at all and would have definitely believed Zoe to be real.
This book really reminds me of the film 'The Secret Window' starring Johnny Depp - they both have very similar outcomes!
Overall this was a fantastically written book and I really enjoyed it although I was super creeped out on a couple of occasions! The way Woods has written the novel, slowly leaving little hints about the outcome throughout is superb! Highly recommendable!
December 22, 2013
Where do I begin... This book was very, very disappointing..
I guessed what was happening a couple of chapters in (but I just hoped that I was wrong).
The plot was very predictable.. I don't like books like this at all. I had no idea that this would be so creepy and messed up.
I guess some people might have felt for the main character a bit, but I unfortunately didn't. She didn't have any friends at school, but did you ever see her really try? She was only concerned with trying to get Ethan to like her. She only sat at the table with the other track girls, but I'm sure that there was at least one nice girl in her school that she could have become friends with.
What about her parents though? Cara had AWFUL parents. Knowing what they did.. they left her alone SO much. That's not good for anyone.. I personally think that they may have been avoiding her. They were so edgy around her.
Poor Samson.. This book reminded me of a bit of the movie Secret Window with Johnny Depp. (That was the only movie that I didn't like with him in it.)
It also reminded me a bit of The Kissed by An Angel series by Elizabeth Chandler (the later books).. both were creepy and not what I like at all.
I don't recommend this book. I'm always so disappointed when I read a book like this because I have SUCH a huge TBR pile and I KNOW there are tons of amazing books in it.. I hate wasting time..
I guessed what was happening a couple of chapters in (but I just hoped that I was wrong).
The plot was very predictable.. I don't like books like this at all. I had no idea that this would be so creepy and messed up.
I guess some people might have felt for the main character a bit, but I unfortunately didn't. She didn't have any friends at school, but did you ever see her really try? She was only concerned with trying to get Ethan to like her. She only sat at the table with the other track girls, but I'm sure that there was at least one nice girl in her school that she could have become friends with.
What about her parents though? Cara had AWFUL parents. Knowing what they did.. they left her alone SO much. That's not good for anyone.. I personally think that they may have been avoiding her. They were so edgy around her.
Poor Samson.. This book reminded me of a bit of the movie Secret Window with Johnny Depp. (That was the only movie that I didn't like with him in it.)
It also reminded me a bit of The Kissed by An Angel series by Elizabeth Chandler (the later books).. both were creepy and not what I like at all.
I don't recommend this book. I'm always so disappointed when I read a book like this because I have SUCH a huge TBR pile and I KNOW there are tons of amazing books in it.. I hate wasting time..
June 16, 2012
I am on the fence as far as my opinion of Choker by Elizabeth Woods goes. Choker is one of those books that you pick up, finish in about 2 hours, and then think to yourself, what the heck just happened here.
We open with a prologue of main character Cara playing with her best friend Zoe. We see Zoe as kind of a loose cannon who dares Cara to take some depression/’zombie’ pills that Zoe’s mother has. Then we flash forward to the future. Cara is living in a new neighborhood. She’s having social trouble at school. The popular girls make fun of her because she choked on a carrot and her new nickname is choker. They sort of become excessive with making fun of Cara. Anyways, Cara also has a crush on this dude named Ethan who is pretty much a nice guy and dating one of the popular girls. As Cara is wallowing in her pain of being picked on, her friend Zoe, on the run from a bad family situation, shows up in Cara’s house one day. Of course, MYSTERIOUS things go down and Cara starts to suspect Zoe.
Click here to read the rest of my review
We open with a prologue of main character Cara playing with her best friend Zoe. We see Zoe as kind of a loose cannon who dares Cara to take some depression/’zombie’ pills that Zoe’s mother has. Then we flash forward to the future. Cara is living in a new neighborhood. She’s having social trouble at school. The popular girls make fun of her because she choked on a carrot and her new nickname is choker. They sort of become excessive with making fun of Cara. Anyways, Cara also has a crush on this dude named Ethan who is pretty much a nice guy and dating one of the popular girls. As Cara is wallowing in her pain of being picked on, her friend Zoe, on the run from a bad family situation, shows up in Cara’s house one day. Of course, MYSTERIOUS things go down and Cara starts to suspect Zoe.
Click here to read the rest of my review
June 13, 2011
Let me start out by saying that I had no idea what to expect from this book, and I was seriously surprised with what I got...in a good way! This book starts out as any other YA book, painting a picture perfect scene of your typical high school. Enter Cara, a normal teenager who tends to have trouble being herself around her classmates and tends to get teased by the most popular girls at school. Cara moved away from her best friend, Zoe, in elementary school and still can`t seem to deal with it...until Zoe walks right back into her life. And then this is where the story starts to take a little turn. What started out as a typical teen read, started turning into a very twisted and haunting story, that you would not have expected. This book kept me turning pages becase I was so curious to see what was going to happen next that I didn`t want to put it down. This book will literally have you guessing right up until the very end....and what you get will have you in shock!
July 23, 2018
⭐⭐⭐️ ┊ 3 stars
Woah. That was an intense last few chapters. It gave me hibby-jibbies!!!!!
I had a few theories - some were right while others were wrong. It was predictable in some part, hence the 3 stars, but I was still horrified.
Why did I read it just before bed!!!! Now I’ll be too scared and jumpy!! Haha for those who don’t personally know me, I’m a scaredy-cat. I get scared easy and my mind goes into overload and imagines everything that could possibly go wrong.
Anyways, it was a good concept. Cliche at most. But, it did make me feel scared so I’ll give it that.
Woah. That was an intense last few chapters. It gave me hibby-jibbies!!!!!
I had a few theories - some were right while others were wrong. It was predictable in some part, hence the 3 stars, but I was still horrified.
Why did I read it just before bed!!!! Now I’ll be too scared and jumpy!! Haha for those who don’t personally know me, I’m a scaredy-cat. I get scared easy and my mind goes into overload and imagines everything that could possibly go wrong.
Anyways, it was a good concept. Cliche at most. But, it did make me feel scared so I’ll give it that.
February 18, 2012
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November 4, 2017
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Years ago, Cara had to move away from her best friend Zoe and start at a new school by herself. She's never been very popular or had many friends. Adjusting has been difficult for her and after an unfortunate incident in her school cafeteria, her peers are all calling her "choker". Then one night Zoe returns saying that she's run away from home and asks Cara if she will help hide her from her parents. Cara agrees and a few days later Zoe offers to give her a makeover. Now, people are beginning to talk to her at school and invite her to parties where she can flirt with her crush, Ethan. Then tragedy strikes their town and a girl goes missing and everyone is a suspect... including Ethan.
This book was so predictable it was ridiculous. By page 30 I knew exactly how it would end - and I was correct. All the characters were boring and annoying. Cara really got on my nerves... She was always complaining about how she had no friends at school but then it didn't seem like she would try to make any. All she cared about was getting Ethan to like her but then when he would say hi to her she would basically hyperventilate.... AND WHY DOES SHE PUKE SO MUCH - MY GOD KEEP IT DOWN GIRL. The parents in this book also made no sense, if they knew about what was going on in her life I HIGHLY doubt they would be leaving her alone as much as they did...
Overall, not exciting or thrilling and way too predictable for my taste.
Years ago, Cara had to move away from her best friend Zoe and start at a new school by herself. She's never been very popular or had many friends. Adjusting has been difficult for her and after an unfortunate incident in her school cafeteria, her peers are all calling her "choker". Then one night Zoe returns saying that she's run away from home and asks Cara if she will help hide her from her parents. Cara agrees and a few days later Zoe offers to give her a makeover. Now, people are beginning to talk to her at school and invite her to parties where she can flirt with her crush, Ethan. Then tragedy strikes their town and a girl goes missing and everyone is a suspect... including Ethan.
This book was so predictable it was ridiculous. By page 30 I knew exactly how it would end - and I was correct. All the characters were boring and annoying. Cara really got on my nerves... She was always complaining about how she had no friends at school but then it didn't seem like she would try to make any. All she cared about was getting Ethan to like her but then when he would say hi to her she would basically hyperventilate.... AND WHY DOES SHE PUKE SO MUCH - MY GOD KEEP IT DOWN GIRL. The parents in this book also made no sense, if they knew about what was going on in her life I HIGHLY doubt they would be leaving her alone as much as they did...
Overall, not exciting or thrilling and way too predictable for my taste.
February 3, 2011
The first chapter sets up the high school world as I remember it perfectly. Nearly hellish. My heart went out to Cara as she is a loner, and there are bullies who thrive on her pain. It is sad to read about her absent parents and even though it is a trend in YA, it is also a reality. I hate seeing the resigned acceptance, it is almost worse than the acting out for attention.
The tagline had me questioning everything that happened, just wanting to figure out what is going on. I am horrible at mysteries, but I like to read them.
Choker is dark at times and it really explores depression/ low self esteem. It is a different take- rather than a jealous and possessive boyfriend, it is a best friend. This is something that I haven't seen explored very much, but I know can happen.
I really like that even though the love interest is popular, he has flaws, and he has a past that is not picture perfect. He is shown as having emotions, of making mistakes, and being vulnerable. I really appreciate that sort of honesty and reality in books.
And oh my GOSH. I never saw the end coming, it completely blew me away.
The tagline had me questioning everything that happened, just wanting to figure out what is going on. I am horrible at mysteries, but I like to read them.
Choker is dark at times and it really explores depression/ low self esteem. It is a different take- rather than a jealous and possessive boyfriend, it is a best friend. This is something that I haven't seen explored very much, but I know can happen.
I really like that even though the love interest is popular, he has flaws, and he has a past that is not picture perfect. He is shown as having emotions, of making mistakes, and being vulnerable. I really appreciate that sort of honesty and reality in books.
And oh my GOSH. I never saw the end coming, it completely blew me away.
March 26, 2021
دو و نیم.
شخصیت اصلی داستان، دختریه به اسم کارا. یکی از اون دخترای ساده و بیطرفداری که تو همه فیلما و کتابهای هایاسکولی پی��اشون میکنی. کارا تو مدرسه هیچ دوستی نداره، چند تا از این بچه پولدارهای لوس هستن که تحقیرش میکنن و پدر و مادرش هم حسابی پرمشغلهن و کاری به کارش ندارن.
کارا وقتی بچه بوده، دوستی داشته به اسم زوئی. تنها دوستش که وقتی خونهشون رو عوض میکنن ازش دور میشه و دیگه نمیبیندش.
داستان از جایی شروع میشه که سر و کلهی زوئی تو اتاق خواب کارا پیدا میشه و میگه که از دست ناپدریش فرار کرده و به جایی برای موندن احتیاج داره. همون شب، یکی از همون دخترهای عوضی تو مدرسه تو استخر خونهشون غرق میشه و چند روز بعد هم یکی دیگهشون گم میشه.
کتاب بدی نبود، اما خیلی خوب هم نبود.
یه جاهایی حس میکردم دیگه زیادی کش پیدا کرده و خسته میشدم و نمیتونستم ادامه بدم.
شخصیتپردازیش رو هم خیلی نپسندیدم.
اما این حالت... اسمش رو نمیدونم. حالت شک؟ اینطور که آدم یه چیزایی رو میدید و میگفت "عه، این چرا اینجاست، چه ربطی داره؟" خوب بود.
اون گره اصلی و نهایی رو همون اول حدس زدم، اما جلوتر که رفتم تقریبا مطمئن شدم که اشتباه کرده بودهم. ولی خب در نهایت معلوم شد که همون حدس اولیهم درست بوده. :دی
شخصیت اصلی داستان، دختریه به اسم کارا. یکی از اون دخترای ساده و بیطرفداری که تو همه فیلما و کتابهای هایاسکولی پی��اشون میکنی. کارا تو مدرسه هیچ دوستی نداره، چند تا از این بچه پولدارهای لوس هستن که تحقیرش میکنن و پدر و مادرش هم حسابی پرمشغلهن و کاری به کارش ندارن.
کارا وقتی بچه بوده، دوستی داشته به اسم زوئی. تنها دوستش که وقتی خونهشون رو عوض میکنن ازش دور میشه و دیگه نمیبیندش.
داستان از جایی شروع میشه که سر و کلهی زوئی تو اتاق خواب کارا پیدا میشه و میگه که از دست ناپدریش فرار کرده و به جایی برای موندن احتیاج داره. همون شب، یکی از همون دخترهای عوضی تو مدرسه تو استخر خونهشون غرق میشه و چند روز بعد هم یکی دیگهشون گم میشه.
کتاب بدی نبود، اما خیلی خوب هم نبود.
یه جاهایی حس میکردم دیگه زیادی کش پیدا کرده و خسته میشدم و نمیتونستم ادامه بدم.
شخصیتپردازیش رو هم خیلی نپسندیدم.
اما این حالت... اسمش رو نمیدونم. حالت شک؟ اینطور که آدم یه چیزایی رو میدید و میگفت "عه، این چرا اینجاست، چه ربطی داره؟" خوب بود.
اون گره اصلی و نهایی رو همون اول حدس زدم، اما جلوتر که رفتم تقریبا مطمئن شدم که اشتباه کرده بودهم. ولی خب در نهایت معلوم شد که همون حدس اولیهم درست بوده. :دی
June 24, 2015
Obwohl "Caras Schatten" von Anfang an sehr spannend klang und mich auch das sehr schlichte Cover angesprochen hat, hatte ich trotz allem ehrlich gesagt keinerlei Erwartungen an dieses Buch, was auch gut war, denn obwohl es schließlich sehr gut war, muss man sich tatsächlich erst einmal auf die Geschichte einlassen können.
Elizabeth Woods verwendet hierbei einen sehr angenehmen Schreibstil, der dafür gesorgt hat, dass ich recht flott durch die Seiten geflogen bin und es war stellenweise doch recht schade, dass ich das Buch viel zu schnell ausgelesen hatte. Die Dialoge sind gelungen, lesen sich oftmals sehr melancholisch, aber auch stellenweise sehr sarkastisch. Oftmals hatte ich auch den Eindruck, als wäre jedes Gespräch wie ein Geheimnis, an dem der Leser teilhaben darf. Die Figuren sind gut ausgearbeitet, nicht immer sympathisch, aber dennoch interessant genug, um immer mehr über sie erfahren zu wollen.
Cara und Zoe waren in Kindertagen die besten Freundinnen, haben sich jedoch aufgrund eines Umzugs von Caras Familie auseinandergelebt, sodass der Kontakt zwischen den Mädchen abgebrochen ist, bis Zoe vollkommen unerwartet wieder in Caras Leben tritt. Cara fühlt sich auf ihrer Schule wie eine Außenseiterin, ist einsam und wird von ihren Mitschülern gemobbt. Sie zieht sich immer mehr zurück und lässt auch ihre Eltern an ihrem Schicksal kaum teilhaben. Zoe ist dagegen das genaue Gegenteil: Sie ist sehr selbstbewusst, mimt für Cara die große Beschützerin und schreckt auch sonst vor nichts zurück. So unterschiedlich die beiden Mädchen auch sein mögen: Sie ergänzen sich sehr gut und durch Zoe blüht Cara immer mehr auf, was auch einigen Mitschülern nicht entgeht. Als dann allerdings Sydney, Caras größte Peinigerin, in einem Pool im Nachbarhaus stirbt, gehen immer mehr merkwürdige Dinge vor sich.
Die Geschichte selbst ist fast durchgehend spannend, aber auch sehr vorhersehbar. Ich habe leider bereits viel zu früh erkannt, in welche Richtung die Geschichte gehen wird, wurde am Ende aber dennoch nicht enttäuscht, da die Autorin die Auflösung trotz allem sehr spannend beschrieben hat. Am Ende wurden auch sämtliche Fragen beantwortet, die ich im Laufe der Geschichte hatte, sodass ich hiermit sehr zufrieden bin. Dennoch: Wäre die Geschichte an einigen Stellen nicht so vorhersehbar gewesen, hätte ich an dieser Geschichte sicherlich noch mehr Spaß gehabt und noch mehr mit Cara und Co. mitgezittert.
Das Cover ist schlicht, hat mich aber dennoch direkt angesprochen, da es sehr zerbrechlich wirkt. Die Kurzbeschreibung hat mich ebenfalls überzeugen können, sodass ich diesem Werk unbedingt eine Chance geben wollte.
Insgesamt ist "Caras Schatten" eine interessante Geschichte, die mich aufgrund ihres Verlaufs immer mehr nachdenklich stimmen konnte. Zwar ist die Geschichte an vielen Stellen vorhersehbar, aber dennoch mehr als nur eine Empfehlung wert. Ich hoffe, dass die Geschichte in Deutschland noch viele Leser finden wird, denn Elizabeth Woods ist einfach eine talentierte Autorin.
Elizabeth Woods verwendet hierbei einen sehr angenehmen Schreibstil, der dafür gesorgt hat, dass ich recht flott durch die Seiten geflogen bin und es war stellenweise doch recht schade, dass ich das Buch viel zu schnell ausgelesen hatte. Die Dialoge sind gelungen, lesen sich oftmals sehr melancholisch, aber auch stellenweise sehr sarkastisch. Oftmals hatte ich auch den Eindruck, als wäre jedes Gespräch wie ein Geheimnis, an dem der Leser teilhaben darf. Die Figuren sind gut ausgearbeitet, nicht immer sympathisch, aber dennoch interessant genug, um immer mehr über sie erfahren zu wollen.
Cara und Zoe waren in Kindertagen die besten Freundinnen, haben sich jedoch aufgrund eines Umzugs von Caras Familie auseinandergelebt, sodass der Kontakt zwischen den Mädchen abgebrochen ist, bis Zoe vollkommen unerwartet wieder in Caras Leben tritt. Cara fühlt sich auf ihrer Schule wie eine Außenseiterin, ist einsam und wird von ihren Mitschülern gemobbt. Sie zieht sich immer mehr zurück und lässt auch ihre Eltern an ihrem Schicksal kaum teilhaben. Zoe ist dagegen das genaue Gegenteil: Sie ist sehr selbstbewusst, mimt für Cara die große Beschützerin und schreckt auch sonst vor nichts zurück. So unterschiedlich die beiden Mädchen auch sein mögen: Sie ergänzen sich sehr gut und durch Zoe blüht Cara immer mehr auf, was auch einigen Mitschülern nicht entgeht. Als dann allerdings Sydney, Caras größte Peinigerin, in einem Pool im Nachbarhaus stirbt, gehen immer mehr merkwürdige Dinge vor sich.
Die Geschichte selbst ist fast durchgehend spannend, aber auch sehr vorhersehbar. Ich habe leider bereits viel zu früh erkannt, in welche Richtung die Geschichte gehen wird, wurde am Ende aber dennoch nicht enttäuscht, da die Autorin die Auflösung trotz allem sehr spannend beschrieben hat. Am Ende wurden auch sämtliche Fragen beantwortet, die ich im Laufe der Geschichte hatte, sodass ich hiermit sehr zufrieden bin. Dennoch: Wäre die Geschichte an einigen Stellen nicht so vorhersehbar gewesen, hätte ich an dieser Geschichte sicherlich noch mehr Spaß gehabt und noch mehr mit Cara und Co. mitgezittert.
Das Cover ist schlicht, hat mich aber dennoch direkt angesprochen, da es sehr zerbrechlich wirkt. Die Kurzbeschreibung hat mich ebenfalls überzeugen können, sodass ich diesem Werk unbedingt eine Chance geben wollte.
Insgesamt ist "Caras Schatten" eine interessante Geschichte, die mich aufgrund ihres Verlaufs immer mehr nachdenklich stimmen konnte. Zwar ist die Geschichte an vielen Stellen vorhersehbar, aber dennoch mehr als nur eine Empfehlung wert. Ich hoffe, dass die Geschichte in Deutschland noch viele Leser finden wird, denn Elizabeth Woods ist einfach eine talentierte Autorin.
February 23, 2011
Whoa. CHOKER is a mere 233 pages, but each and every page contributes to a conclusion that left me completely speechless.
Elizabeth Woods makes her debut with CHOKER which, at first, seems like a fairly routine story about a girl reunited with her evil, homocidal best friend. Much to my surprise, there is waaaay more going on than I ever would have guessed... Unfortunately, it's impossible to give details without spoiling the novel, so I suppose that means that you'll just have to read it for yourself!
CHOKER is one of the creepiest novels I've ever read. I'm not much for scary stories, especially when they involve realistic murders and killings that could actually happen. Woods kept the gore and gruesome detail to a minimum, for which I was grateful. There was just enough description to cause a few goosebumps and I didn't have to sleep with the light on after finishing.
I highly suggest picking up CHOKER and, if it all possible, refrain from reading spoilery reviews... CHOKER is one of those novels that packs the most punch when you have no idea what's going to happen next!
Elizabeth Woods makes her debut with CHOKER which, at first, seems like a fairly routine story about a girl reunited with her evil, homocidal best friend. Much to my surprise, there is waaaay more going on than I ever would have guessed... Unfortunately, it's impossible to give details without spoiling the novel, so I suppose that means that you'll just have to read it for yourself!
CHOKER is one of the creepiest novels I've ever read. I'm not much for scary stories, especially when they involve realistic murders and killings that could actually happen. Woods kept the gore and gruesome detail to a minimum, for which I was grateful. There was just enough description to cause a few goosebumps and I didn't have to sleep with the light on after finishing.
I highly suggest picking up CHOKER and, if it all possible, refrain from reading spoilery reviews... CHOKER is one of those novels that packs the most punch when you have no idea what's going to happen next!
October 31, 2016
I thought that it was a really good book. The storyline was great, but I do think the writing itself could have been a bit better. However, it definitely deserves more than one star. *cough* Harper *cough*
August 8, 2018
CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS
This was super predictable to me only because I'm a fuckin weirdo and read/watch stuff like this all the time. Like I knew immediately Cara was a little crazy and that the cat would die. I also knew that zoe was imaginary right of the bat. But! This was a really great and easy read. It was super creepy and I loved it.
This was super predictable to me only because I'm a fuckin weirdo and read/watch stuff like this all the time. Like I knew immediately Cara was a little crazy and that the cat would die. I also knew that zoe was imaginary right of the bat. But! This was a really great and easy read. It was super creepy and I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
HUH????!!!! WHAT THE HECK????? IM SO CONFUSED BUT ALSO IT KINDA MAKES SENSE
DID I KINDA CALL THE ENDING? YES. WAS I SUPRISED TO FIND OUT THAT I WAS KINDA WRONG/CONFUSED? YES.
this book was the definition of "GASLIGHT. GATEKEEP. GIRLBOSS." not exactly in that order but...
DID I KINDA CALL THE ENDING? YES. WAS I SUPRISED TO FIND OUT THAT I WAS KINDA WRONG/CONFUSED? YES.
this book was the definition of "GASLIGHT. GATEKEEP. GIRLBOSS." not exactly in that order but...
January 2, 2013
You can also find this review on: http://cr4teens.blogspot.com/2013/01/...
There is no way I can write this review without having some spoilers. So you have been warned. Read further at your own risk.
Cara is a girl nobody has paid much attention to since she moved to this new town full of fresh starts and new opportunities. But she doesn’t see this in that optimistic fashion, and therefore does not seem to make a huge effort to make any new friends. She is pretty much invisible until she gets distracted staring at Ethan and a baby carrot gets lodged in her windpipe, and that is where the bullying really begins.
Choker.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons Zoe dislikes Alexis and Sydney so much; firstly, because Alexis is Ethan’s girlfriend, and secondly, because Sydney and Alexis have never been on a good side with Cara, despite the fact that she did nothing to bother them besides that Heimlich situation. The thing is, Zoe is very close to Cara and would do absolutely anything to help her out.
Anything.
Lost in a web of accusations and crime, Cara practically watches from the sidelines as one girl is found dead, and not too long afterwards she hears of another girl missing. What little remorse Cara has for the fact that the two bullies are dead and missing is long gone. Or at least, it is for Zoe.
But lately, Zoe has been extremely odd. Cara’s mother’s cat is scratching at her at any chance he can get, and let’s not forget the fact that she continues leaving Cara’s room and going to the fairly-abandoned farm. Something is definitely up with Zoe, but she doesn’t let Cara even ask what her problem is. Now her parents are getting suspicious and, as it's always been, it’s all Zoe’s fault.
You should be grateful.
And Clara should be grateful she has her best friend back. And she is at first, until she watches her best friend slowly wither away before her very eyes. Is she sick? And why does she disappear in all the opportune moments?
I did all of this for you.
In Choker, you won’t just discover things aren’t always stated by-the-book, nor will you just understand more about Clara or Zoe. By the time you finish reading this thrilling adventure, you will also discover a little bit more about yourself. It will leave you thinking long after you finish it and then some.
But remember one last thing.
Be careful not to choke.
Cover: I really like this cover, but I wish it had more to do with the actual story behind it. I’m wondering if the rose on the cover relates to the phrase: “Every rose has its thorn.”
Setting: A small town, high school filled with drama, and a realization that puts Cara way in over her head.
Characters: Cara is a girl who feels secluded, nervousness, and slight depression because she moved away from her “friend.” Because of some of the things she said and did, she was not my favorite character, but the story leaks out strong emotion coming from her and her reactions were realistic, and I enjoyed that.
-Zoe: from who Cara remembers as a nice but mischievous friend she left back home is slowly dissipating the more she comes to know Zoe after she finds her randomly sitting on her bed.
-Cara’s parents: although caring, they can be a little overprotective of her at times. The amount of times they were asking her if she was okay made me sigh along with Cara. But as the story progressed, I understood the reason for their worries.
-Ethan, Alexis, and Sidney: also known as the popular crowd, Ethan, a sweet and thoughtful boy who Cara has a crush on but happens to be dating a very protective, jealous, rude, and catty Alexis. Sidney is Alexis’ best friend, who is more of the side-kick, but is very close to Alexis nonetheless.
Storyline: A depressed girl finds herself wound deep in a terrifying adventure after she finds her best friend she moved away from sitting on her bed one day.
Writing: Honestly, I liked the writing. It described the emotions of Cara very well and the descriptions of the murders weren’t over-the-topic but still specific, something the squeamish readers will appreciate.
Surprises: The end made my jaw drop. There was some predictability in this book, but the ending was heartbreaking.
Overall: 4.5 stars. If you want a quick read that’ll keep you interested, this one is for you.
Recommended: I would definitely recommend Choker. Read this if you love a good psychological thriller that isn’t freaky enough to make you sleep with the lights on, but is scary enough to make you look over your shoulder and sneak into your own intricate personalities.
There is no way I can write this review without having some spoilers. So you have been warned. Read further at your own risk.
Cara is a girl nobody has paid much attention to since she moved to this new town full of fresh starts and new opportunities. But she doesn’t see this in that optimistic fashion, and therefore does not seem to make a huge effort to make any new friends. She is pretty much invisible until she gets distracted staring at Ethan and a baby carrot gets lodged in her windpipe, and that is where the bullying really begins.
Choker.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons Zoe dislikes Alexis and Sydney so much; firstly, because Alexis is Ethan’s girlfriend, and secondly, because Sydney and Alexis have never been on a good side with Cara, despite the fact that she did nothing to bother them besides that Heimlich situation. The thing is, Zoe is very close to Cara and would do absolutely anything to help her out.
Anything.
Lost in a web of accusations and crime, Cara practically watches from the sidelines as one girl is found dead, and not too long afterwards she hears of another girl missing. What little remorse Cara has for the fact that the two bullies are dead and missing is long gone. Or at least, it is for Zoe.
But lately, Zoe has been extremely odd. Cara’s mother’s cat is scratching at her at any chance he can get, and let’s not forget the fact that she continues leaving Cara’s room and going to the fairly-abandoned farm. Something is definitely up with Zoe, but she doesn’t let Cara even ask what her problem is. Now her parents are getting suspicious and, as it's always been, it’s all Zoe’s fault.
You should be grateful.
And Clara should be grateful she has her best friend back. And she is at first, until she watches her best friend slowly wither away before her very eyes. Is she sick? And why does she disappear in all the opportune moments?
I did all of this for you.
In Choker, you won’t just discover things aren’t always stated by-the-book, nor will you just understand more about Clara or Zoe. By the time you finish reading this thrilling adventure, you will also discover a little bit more about yourself. It will leave you thinking long after you finish it and then some.
But remember one last thing.
Be careful not to choke.
Cover: I really like this cover, but I wish it had more to do with the actual story behind it. I’m wondering if the rose on the cover relates to the phrase: “Every rose has its thorn.”
Setting: A small town, high school filled with drama, and a realization that puts Cara way in over her head.
Characters: Cara is a girl who feels secluded, nervousness, and slight depression because she moved away from her “friend.” Because of some of the things she said and did, she was not my favorite character, but the story leaks out strong emotion coming from her and her reactions were realistic, and I enjoyed that.
-Zoe: from who Cara remembers as a nice but mischievous friend she left back home is slowly dissipating the more she comes to know Zoe after she finds her randomly sitting on her bed.
-Cara’s parents: although caring, they can be a little overprotective of her at times. The amount of times they were asking her if she was okay made me sigh along with Cara. But as the story progressed, I understood the reason for their worries.
-Ethan, Alexis, and Sidney: also known as the popular crowd, Ethan, a sweet and thoughtful boy who Cara has a crush on but happens to be dating a very protective, jealous, rude, and catty Alexis. Sidney is Alexis’ best friend, who is more of the side-kick, but is very close to Alexis nonetheless.
Storyline: A depressed girl finds herself wound deep in a terrifying adventure after she finds her best friend she moved away from sitting on her bed one day.
Writing: Honestly, I liked the writing. It described the emotions of Cara very well and the descriptions of the murders weren’t over-the-topic but still specific, something the squeamish readers will appreciate.
Surprises: The end made my jaw drop. There was some predictability in this book, but the ending was heartbreaking.
Overall: 4.5 stars. If you want a quick read that’ll keep you interested, this one is for you.
Recommended: I would definitely recommend Choker. Read this if you love a good psychological thriller that isn’t freaky enough to make you sleep with the lights on, but is scary enough to make you look over your shoulder and sneak into your own intricate personalities.
August 23, 2022
the cons of reading too many mystery/crime books, you pluck the plot out like a magnet.
the writing was okay but fell on the middle grade side more, but the horror aspect was legit terrifying.
the writing was okay but fell on the middle grade side more, but the horror aspect was legit terrifying.
January 29, 2020
“The Ethan of her dreams had disappeared. He was just another person who was sad. She was kind of glad, actually. Dreams disappeared when you woke up. The real thing was better anyway.”
4,5 stars (just because I guessed the plot twist).
I just read that this was Elizabeth Woods' first book. It's crazy to me that she wrote this as her first because it was really good.
Usually, I'm not a big fan of creepy books because they freak me out so much. This one did that as well, but the build-up was very slow and took slow steps until it came running at you. So YES I was creeped out but I couldn't put it down. Glad I picked this up!
I'm pleasantly freaked out at this point, but now I would like to turn on the lights and read a happy book.
I recommend it to everyone who wants to try a thriller/horror story, this is a good place to begin.
4,5 stars (just because I guessed the plot twist).
I just read that this was Elizabeth Woods' first book. It's crazy to me that she wrote this as her first because it was really good.
Usually, I'm not a big fan of creepy books because they freak me out so much. This one did that as well, but the build-up was very slow and took slow steps until it came running at you. So YES I was creeped out but I couldn't put it down. Glad I picked this up!
I'm pleasantly freaked out at this point, but now I would like to turn on the lights and read a happy book.
I recommend it to everyone who wants to try a thriller/horror story, this is a good place to begin.
December 14, 2010
Ha! This was a great book with such an unexpected ending that will leave you speechless - I promise!
Cara is an awkward, shy and insecure girl that never had many friends. She had to leave her only and best friend Zoe behind when she and her parents were moving into a new town.
Also here, Cara never really finds friends and the popular girls are always bitching her and never take her serious enough. She's pretty much alone, although she just would love to fit in! She got the mean nickname Choker after an incident at school, after this it seems like she'll never has a chance to fit in...
Even her parents are not really taking care of her. They are both lawyers and always working, always busy. They don't seem to see how Cara suffers from her loneliness. You do see glimpses of her mother showing some love (which seems weird that I even have to mention it...) but her father is nearly no existent! I felt so so bad for this poor shy girl, that has no friends and not even a real family!
Then at some day her old friend Zoe comes to her and asks if she can stay a little while and hide in her room. She had a really bad stepfather and something unknown happens, so she run off to hide at Cara's place.
Well, with her parents never really be there anyway, it seems like a good idea.
Cara is beyond happy that she finally has her friend back and isn't so alone anymore. Zoe gives her the confidence she needs to step up for herself. Things finally begin to chance for Cara - for the better!
Specially after the two meanest girls at school disappear! One of the those drowned in her pool and the other one - Alexis- disappeared. Alexis was the girlfriend of Ethan, who Cara admires from afar since a very long time. After Alexis disappearance Ethan and Cara start to get closer. Finally, Cara has nearly everything she ever dreamed off - friends at school, Ethan seems interested in her and she has her very best friend Zoe back!
But, something seems weird with Zoe. She starts getting jaelous that Cara now has friends beside her and shows no attempt to go home. Cara starts to wonder what happened at Zoe's home that made her run away and hide?
Cara and Zoe were incredible characters in this book. Seeing Cara's development from the loner to a poluar girl was amazingly describes and genuinely honest and real. You have to feel sorry for Cara, she's also so awkward sometimes!!! Zoe is a deep, fascinating but also mysterious character. She's the strong friend Cara needs to stand up for herself and move on. The friendship is deep and you see how much those girls love each other. Still, Zoe hides something and her moods start to change so abruptly!!
When those bitchy girls start to disappear you slowly get a feeling that something is off, but you can't point with a finger on it. This makes you turn the pages faster and faster and it's getting creepier and creepier. I was so scared at the end of the book but desperately needed to know the end of the book.
This is a mysterious, fascinating and enthralling novel about friendship and desperately wanting to fit in. Towards the end, the plot leaves you gasping and I promise you will never expect the end! Put this book on your list - you won't be disappointed! *shivers*
Cara is an awkward, shy and insecure girl that never had many friends. She had to leave her only and best friend Zoe behind when she and her parents were moving into a new town.
Also here, Cara never really finds friends and the popular girls are always bitching her and never take her serious enough. She's pretty much alone, although she just would love to fit in! She got the mean nickname Choker after an incident at school, after this it seems like she'll never has a chance to fit in...
Even her parents are not really taking care of her. They are both lawyers and always working, always busy. They don't seem to see how Cara suffers from her loneliness. You do see glimpses of her mother showing some love (which seems weird that I even have to mention it...) but her father is nearly no existent! I felt so so bad for this poor shy girl, that has no friends and not even a real family!
Then at some day her old friend Zoe comes to her and asks if she can stay a little while and hide in her room. She had a really bad stepfather and something unknown happens, so she run off to hide at Cara's place.
Well, with her parents never really be there anyway, it seems like a good idea.
Cara is beyond happy that she finally has her friend back and isn't so alone anymore. Zoe gives her the confidence she needs to step up for herself. Things finally begin to chance for Cara - for the better!
Specially after the two meanest girls at school disappear! One of the those drowned in her pool and the other one - Alexis- disappeared. Alexis was the girlfriend of Ethan, who Cara admires from afar since a very long time. After Alexis disappearance Ethan and Cara start to get closer. Finally, Cara has nearly everything she ever dreamed off - friends at school, Ethan seems interested in her and she has her very best friend Zoe back!
But, something seems weird with Zoe. She starts getting jaelous that Cara now has friends beside her and shows no attempt to go home. Cara starts to wonder what happened at Zoe's home that made her run away and hide?
Cara and Zoe were incredible characters in this book. Seeing Cara's development from the loner to a poluar girl was amazingly describes and genuinely honest and real. You have to feel sorry for Cara, she's also so awkward sometimes!!! Zoe is a deep, fascinating but also mysterious character. She's the strong friend Cara needs to stand up for herself and move on. The friendship is deep and you see how much those girls love each other. Still, Zoe hides something and her moods start to change so abruptly!!
When those bitchy girls start to disappear you slowly get a feeling that something is off, but you can't point with a finger on it. This makes you turn the pages faster and faster and it's getting creepier and creepier. I was so scared at the end of the book but desperately needed to know the end of the book.
This is a mysterious, fascinating and enthralling novel about friendship and desperately wanting to fit in. Towards the end, the plot leaves you gasping and I promise you will never expect the end! Put this book on your list - you won't be disappointed! *shivers*
November 20, 2010
It's not everyday that a book leaves me with a complete "WOW" feeling at the end, though I have to admit I knew from the first chapter Elizabeth Wood's Choker was going to be as far from ordinary as a book can get. A very, very good thing I must admit.
Choker tells the story of Cara, a girl who has felt lost since her best friend Zoe moved away in elementary school. Cara's miserable in all ways possible- the popular girls at her high school torment her everyday, she barley has any close friends, and the guy she likes never notices her. Though by now Cara's kind of okay with it...that is until one day she makes a fatal mistake that leads to her being called Choker and made fun of by everyone. Cara's devastated and truly thinks that her life will never be better, until Zoe shows at her house one night, saying that she's run away and she needs Cara more than ever now. Cara, happy at having her best friend back with her again, promises to help her stay hidden, while Zoe promises Cara to help her make her life better. But is there something odd about Zoe? Especially given the fact she seems oddly tied to the two deaths in Cara's neighborhood. Only time will tell in this deeply intriguing tale of a friendship gone wrong.
Cara and Zoe's friendship was extremely intriguing, strangely real, disturbing, and three dimensional from the get-go. It probably was even my favorite aspect of the novel and the part I feel will be the most discussed once the book is released. I always enjoyed reading more about both characters- Zoe, the strong and reckless one of the two, and Cara, the shy and weak one- because both were so different yet played so well off each other in their friendship.
I also adored the secondary characters in this, such as Ethan, the gorgeous jock Cara likes, the evil popular girls, and Cara's track friends. Just like Cara and Zoe, each brought something special to the table.
The mysteries behind everything- the popular girls' disappearances, Zoe, and everything else- was another great aspect of Choker. I never once truly knew how everything was going to turn because Ms. Woods has an extremely suspenseful novel in Choker, one filled with twists and turns that always left my mind reeling from all the action occurring.
And the end? Oh my gosh, I never once saw it coming. It just completely left me completely baffled but in a really, really good way. And that's all I'll say about that...
In all, Choker is something really special, in my opinion. It's messed up but so amazingly real that it makes it an absolute must-read in my book. Elizabeth Woods is someone I'm truly, truly looking forward to read more by in the future, especially if the said book is as good as Choker was.
Grade: A+
Choker tells the story of Cara, a girl who has felt lost since her best friend Zoe moved away in elementary school. Cara's miserable in all ways possible- the popular girls at her high school torment her everyday, she barley has any close friends, and the guy she likes never notices her. Though by now Cara's kind of okay with it...that is until one day she makes a fatal mistake that leads to her being called Choker and made fun of by everyone. Cara's devastated and truly thinks that her life will never be better, until Zoe shows at her house one night, saying that she's run away and she needs Cara more than ever now. Cara, happy at having her best friend back with her again, promises to help her stay hidden, while Zoe promises Cara to help her make her life better. But is there something odd about Zoe? Especially given the fact she seems oddly tied to the two deaths in Cara's neighborhood. Only time will tell in this deeply intriguing tale of a friendship gone wrong.
Cara and Zoe's friendship was extremely intriguing, strangely real, disturbing, and three dimensional from the get-go. It probably was even my favorite aspect of the novel and the part I feel will be the most discussed once the book is released. I always enjoyed reading more about both characters- Zoe, the strong and reckless one of the two, and Cara, the shy and weak one- because both were so different yet played so well off each other in their friendship.
I also adored the secondary characters in this, such as Ethan, the gorgeous jock Cara likes, the evil popular girls, and Cara's track friends. Just like Cara and Zoe, each brought something special to the table.
The mysteries behind everything- the popular girls' disappearances, Zoe, and everything else- was another great aspect of Choker. I never once truly knew how everything was going to turn because Ms. Woods has an extremely suspenseful novel in Choker, one filled with twists and turns that always left my mind reeling from all the action occurring.
And the end? Oh my gosh, I never once saw it coming. It just completely left me completely baffled but in a really, really good way. And that's all I'll say about that...
In all, Choker is something really special, in my opinion. It's messed up but so amazingly real that it makes it an absolute must-read in my book. Elizabeth Woods is someone I'm truly, truly looking forward to read more by in the future, especially if the said book is as good as Choker was.
Grade: A+
July 15, 2013
4.5/5
Wow. This book blew my mind. At first this book seems very realistic and then it starts to get a little darker and then cute and then the ending just punches you in the gut. Recently I've been in this mood where I don't want to read at all, but with this book I couldn't put it down! Not only is the plot simple and easy to follow, it's very fast and it doesn't have those scenes that shouldn't be there.
The characters were pretty good. I liked Cara, but at the same time there were little things that bothered me about her. I guess I thought she was easily pushed around by Zoe and usually did whatever Zoe wanted. I liked Zoe but was a little uncomfortable reading about her at the same time. (You'll know what I mean when you read it, hopefully.)
This book wasn't what I was expecting. I read all these reviews that were talking about how creepy this book was and yeah, I can understand how some parts were and disturbing, but I never got goosebumps or anything. I mostly felt a little uncomfortable reading scenes with Zoe, but I loved it. I think this book has more unsettling scenes than scary ones.
I'm the type of reader who will try and predict as many outcomes as possible to a book, so I kind of guessed what would happen and while what I predicted was similar, I didn't even guess what actually happened. If you're like me with all my predicting, you may think it's a little predictable ( I said "predict" way too much...). But if you're a reader who is just along for the ride I think this book will blow your head off.
Overall I enjoyed this book so much! It had it's unsettling parts, some good characters, thrilling scenes, and a little romance (not as much as you think). If you are looking for a romance book, this is probably not it. There are cute scenes, but in no way does the romance overpower the story.
Another thing I absolutley loved about this book was the title. I love how it goes along with the story so perfectly.
Wow. This book blew my mind. At first this book seems very realistic and then it starts to get a little darker and then cute and then the ending just punches you in the gut. Recently I've been in this mood where I don't want to read at all, but with this book I couldn't put it down! Not only is the plot simple and easy to follow, it's very fast and it doesn't have those scenes that shouldn't be there.
The characters were pretty good. I liked Cara, but at the same time there were little things that bothered me about her. I guess I thought she was easily pushed around by Zoe and usually did whatever Zoe wanted. I liked Zoe but was a little uncomfortable reading about her at the same time. (You'll know what I mean when you read it, hopefully.)
This book wasn't what I was expecting. I read all these reviews that were talking about how creepy this book was and yeah, I can understand how some parts were and disturbing, but I never got goosebumps or anything. I mostly felt a little uncomfortable reading scenes with Zoe, but I loved it. I think this book has more unsettling scenes than scary ones.
I'm the type of reader who will try and predict as many outcomes as possible to a book, so I kind of guessed what would happen and while what I predicted was similar, I didn't even guess what actually happened. If you're like me with all my predicting, you may think it's a little predictable ( I said "predict" way too much...). But if you're a reader who is just along for the ride I think this book will blow your head off.
Overall I enjoyed this book so much! It had it's unsettling parts, some good characters, thrilling scenes, and a little romance (not as much as you think). If you are looking for a romance book, this is probably not it. There are cute scenes, but in no way does the romance overpower the story.
Another thing I absolutley loved about this book was the title. I love how it goes along with the story so perfectly.
January 1, 2011
Going into Choker I was beyond excited to read it although I hadn’t heard too many things about it. Luckily it didn’t disappoint in the creepiness factor, but the fact that I figured out the twist towards the middle of the story ruined it for me.
Cara and Zoe were two of the most unique and complex characters I’ve ever read about. Cara was weak and followed Zoe relentlessly. At times I wanted to shake Cara and tell her that Zoe’s ideas and thoughts were dangerous and that she needed to think for herself. Some of the things Zoe did were terrifying and disgusting, and their friendship was almost disturbing.
There was a lot of mystery and intrigue involved in the story and at first I had no idea what to expect. As the novel progressed I started noticing little things that made me suspicious and I did start to suspect the ending. I have to say Elizabeth did a fantastic job of keeping the plot moving and throwing in surprising curve balls. Some of the scenes freaked me out so much and others left me anxious to keep reading. The ending was very original and twisted and I know it will shock most readers, but I did predict it. (Which may only be because I’ve seen a certain horror movie too many times).
The title is a perfect fit for the book. It ties in with the story in so many ways. I truly felt for Cara after she chokes on a carrot in the cafeteria and becomes the laughing stock of the whole school. High school can be hard enough without having to stress over bullies.
Murder, mystery, and suspense combine in this debut novel and I do recommend it. For me, suspecting the ending and not truly caring for the main character turned me away a little, but I know many others have loved this. Be prepared for a creepy, disturbing, and intense read when you pick this up! I am looking forward to seeing what Elizabeth Woods writes next.
Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
Cara and Zoe were two of the most unique and complex characters I’ve ever read about. Cara was weak and followed Zoe relentlessly. At times I wanted to shake Cara and tell her that Zoe’s ideas and thoughts were dangerous and that she needed to think for herself. Some of the things Zoe did were terrifying and disgusting, and their friendship was almost disturbing.
There was a lot of mystery and intrigue involved in the story and at first I had no idea what to expect. As the novel progressed I started noticing little things that made me suspicious and I did start to suspect the ending. I have to say Elizabeth did a fantastic job of keeping the plot moving and throwing in surprising curve balls. Some of the scenes freaked me out so much and others left me anxious to keep reading. The ending was very original and twisted and I know it will shock most readers, but I did predict it. (Which may only be because I’ve seen a certain horror movie too many times).
The title is a perfect fit for the book. It ties in with the story in so many ways. I truly felt for Cara after she chokes on a carrot in the cafeteria and becomes the laughing stock of the whole school. High school can be hard enough without having to stress over bullies.
Murder, mystery, and suspense combine in this debut novel and I do recommend it. For me, suspecting the ending and not truly caring for the main character turned me away a little, but I know many others have loved this. Be prepared for a creepy, disturbing, and intense read when you pick this up! I am looking forward to seeing what Elizabeth Woods writes next.
Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
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