Young Adult Book Reading Challenges discussion

What are your first impressions? What did you think of the opening chapters of Wither? Are you interested to continue?

I am enjoying Wither so far. I am only a few chaps in.
I am fascinated by this world of the future and am excited to meet all of the different characters.
The book has already stirred strong feelings in me. I am mad and want to learn how things are allowed to happen as they do.
Is anyone going to do anything? Is it as helpless as it seems?

I read this novel more than a year ago, so I will stay mum until you all catch up:)

I read this one a couple months ago. Some things I really liked about this book, and other things that frustrated me.

What upsets me is how quickly we're hurtling towards a society where women are no more than property and broodmares. This book hit really really close to home for me.

I'll be starting this soon!!

I hated the beginning - so many questions and no answers, ever, not even at the end. I'll list my questions in another thread. I've finished the book and, although I liked the writing, there are so many weaknesses I just could not like the book overall.

I'm just a few chapters in but I'm really liking the story so far. It's an interesting future that could possibly happen. I can't wait to learn more about this world.

I wasn't expecting it to jump right into the action the way it did. I think I prefer a normal exposition instead of the flashbacks we get, but that definitely sets Wither apart from a lot of other YA novels. I'm liking it so far, but I'm not quite sure what to make of all the characters yet. Lots of questions. I hope they all get answered! *crosses fingers*

One thing I remember about the first chapter is that it does indeed start quite intensely and gruesomely.

It seems like its going to be really interesting. Dark and intense but interesting:)

I didn't know anything about Wither when I picked it up from the library for the book club. I'm kind of let down it's another highly specialized dystopian world (but I could've figured this out on my own if I'd read the description first- derp!). I am intrigued about the sister wives aspect since I've always had a curiosity about that factor in outcasted Mormon sects. But I'm not sure if I'm on board for this. I'll give it a few more chapters.

I really like the novel so far. I did enjoy the introduction. I felt it was gruesome and very creepy - that's especially what I like. I also like the way DeStefano is setting up Lady Rose and Rhine; perhaps we're meant to see them as mirrors to each other? Doppelgängers, perhaps?

About 100 pages in and enjoying it so far!!

I read this a few months ago, but here are my memories of first impressions.

It took me a few chapters to get comfortable in the story. The world-building seemed a little shaky and I didn't especially feel the pull to keep reading.

Probably I'm just desensitized, but the dark early chapters didn't horrify me much. I was too busy being confused about how killing all these girls (and their valuable wombs) made any logical sense in this world. (Answer: It doesn't.)

I'm only about 100 pages in as well and I think that the worldbuilding is a little shaky. That is, it could be better, but the story is interesting and keeping my attention. The plot so far is very expected and whatnot, but the promise of what is to come is very well developed and I hope that the ending is worth it. This being the first of a trilogy (I think), I'm guessing it's one of those stories that doesn't get good until the second book? Maybe. Just my impression atm. :)

I'm about 75 pages in, and enjoying it. For me, keeping character names and descriptions straight in my mind can sometimes be complicated when there are a lot of them, but I seem to be doing alright so far. I'm reading this right after finishing A Clash of Kings, so I'm just flowing right through this book. Everything seems easier to read after you get done a pretty large novel.

This first sentence in this book made me say "wow".The world that was based in Wither was realistic and sounded what could possibly happen in out future.

I liked the book so far. It is very interesting. A lot of the things that happen to Rhine are unbelievable, in the sense that I see how she doesn't want to lose herself and the fact that she misses her twin brother.

I really don't know what people are complaining about (going from negative reviews I've read) I really like this book. It's fast and easy to read and interesting. Different from things I've read before. I've never thought about how that kind of live would be and though the story was very interesting, I am thankful, I live in a different life then they do, but I do not judge those who do live in that life.

But, I really liked the characters and the way it was written and all that.

First impressions? I'm a little confused & have a bunch of questions. I want to like this book (I usually love dystopian fiction), but so far it feels too improbable. I also dot understand why girls who aren't chosen to be brides are murdered - why??? All based on whether or not one man sees potential in them or not as his bride? It doesn't make sense to me. I'm intrigued enough to keep reading, but I'm definitely not blown away by this yet.

Liz wrote: "First impressions? I'm a little confused & have a bunch of questions. I want to like this book (I usually love dystopian fiction), but so far it feels too improbable. I also dot understand why girl..."

Can't wait to see what you think when you are done!

I dont usually read dystopian but i got this book since you all read it last month :) Im a little ways into it and I actually do like it... but it kind of reminds me why I don't read this stuff too often, its pretty depressing to think of a world like this.

I think I like to read contemporary better because it's cool to read about other people's problems and mostly I can either relate to them or feel for them. This kind of stuff is a little scary and nonrelatable. Reading is sort of like an escape for me, and I don't want to escape to a world where we all die at age 20!!