STAY by Deb Caletti
Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is--and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....
MY THOUGHTS:
Very, very, very poignant.
Stay is one of the most insightful reads in the YA circuit, dealing with relationship issues of all kinds - friends, family, significant others. It's chilling and not at all a light read. It makes you question things; it makes you think. When a book can do that, you know it's special. Stay is special.
Caletti handles the topics of abuse well, almost tenderly. Her writing is smooth and soft. She incorporates soothing images into difficult themes, which keeps the book moving. The balance created between the two levels the bad with the good.
Clara is an annoying character at times because it's almost like she purposely frustrates the reader; every decision she makes, every little word she says, it's all unbelievable. But the deeper into the story you get, the more you understand why. This is what I enjoyed most about the story: it develops. It's not a swift, action-packed tale. It's heartbreak, it's discovery, it's learning, it's healing. It's all of these feelings packaged into one, and while that comes off messy and unsettling to dive into, Caletti manages them so seamlessly.
Stay is a story you won't easily forget. It's troubling, but it resonates.
I know I've already told you that I loved this book, but it's more than just a story, it's a call out to all girls (and boys) that find themselves in a similar situation. I spread the word far and wide on this one. The writing was gorgeous and I can't wait to read more by her.
ReplyDeleteI liked how Caletti depicted abusive relationships in Stay because it's not a topic that I read a lot about in YA and it was interesting to see her take on it. The enjoyed the plot and characters (Clara's father was so cool!) but the climax flopped for me. Still liked the book though!
ReplyDeleteOMG your review is so methodical and well worded. Great job! I read STAY and adored it. It left me feeling enlightening.
ReplyDeleteI've already told you in a past comment how much I love your blog. So bright!
Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Cory @ Anti-Drug Reads
I haven't read Stay, but it definitely sounds intriguing. The only book I've ever read on a similar topic is Dreamland by Sarah Dessen, so I think I might have to read this one and see what's it's like! Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the review :).
ReplyDelete