Review: Want to Go Private

Author: Sarah Darer Littman
Pages: 330
Publisher: Scholastic
Source: Library
Synopsis: Abby and Luke chat online. They've never met. But they are going to. Soon.


Abby is starting high school--it should be exciting, so why doesn't she care? Everyone tells her to "make an effort," but why can't she just be herself? Abby quickly feels like she's losing a grip on her once-happy life. The only thing she cares about anymore is talking to Luke, a guy she met online, who understands. It feels dangerous and yet good to chat with Luke--he is her secret, and she's his. Then Luke asks her to meet him, and she does. But Luke isn't who he says he is. When Abby goes missing, everyone is left to put together the pieces. If they don't, they'll never see Abby again.


Buy the Book (Amazon/The Book Depository)

Want To Go Private was another of those incredible contemporary books that need to be on your shelf like If I Stay or Thirteen Reasons Why. There's so much realism and emotion.

Abby is your typical, awkward 14 year old. It's her first year of high school and she isn't too excited about it. Abby doesn't want things to change and has a hard time meeting and accepting new people into her life. She eventually feels very lonely.

What part of that could I not relate to? I started high school two years ago and for the first few months, I hated it. I hated that all my friends were at different schools, that there were these cliques and it was hard to hang out with new people outside of class. I felt the same way as her- alone. Gradually it got much better but I can totally see where she's coming from when she starts talking to Luke.

Abby is relatable. Her relationship with her friend Faith was real, as was her conflict with Lily. She has parents she loves but sometimes can't stand like all of us. She gets high marks in math and science and she's on the honor roll. She's not a stupid or particularly weak girl. When you think of online predators taking advantage of girls, you think "Gosh, how stupid were these girls? That would never happen to me." Want to Go Private was so important in the way that it raises awareness in a way that doesn't insult or belittle the characters.

Also, since the story was told in alternating perspectives, readers will appreciate the impact of what happened on everyone from Abby's family to her friends. We even see how people in school would react. Everyone had their own view which weaves together to create a story so real you can see it happening.

Bloggers most importantly should take warning from this book. We're a group of people who spend hours promoting and building relationships on the web. Also, it's just a really good book that should be often featured.

Want to Go Private was a real, strong view of an important issue. Abby's story is one that will have you emotionally involved and hoping for the best. If I had a kid, I'd give this book to them. If I were a teacher, I'd make my students read it. (Even the most reluctant reader would be able to relate to Abby's troubles.) Want to Go Private fully deserves 4.5 stars. I really thought it was a super read.

**** & 1/2 *

Spotlight on... The Dark Unwinding

Spotlight on... is a very random feature about anything and everything, though it usually pertains to books. It's basically about something I want to give attention to. 

As I was Goodreads searching books, I came by a list of 2012 releases. I haven't been around for much of 2012 yet, but I want to know what books to look out for, so I decided to look at the list. The first titles were books I was really excited for, and they were all familiar. But I wanted to see books I haven't heard about yet, so I went to the last page of the list where I saw a title that piqued my interest: The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron. 

My initial thoughts when I saw the cover was that it looked like my type of read (you know, paranormal/dystopian/action type book). I honestly am not the hugest fan of the cover (I don't like the colour combination, or the fonts) but I think it will look way better in person. 

Anyway, it's the synopsis that intrigues me. Inheritance? Steampunk? Eccentric family members? Why not? 

Here it is: 

A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

Sounds interesting, huh? I've generally liked most steampunk, with one of my favourites being The Girl in the Steel Corset  so I'm totally interested in reading about this book. It has a lot of potential and the plot sounds really original. I also like the idea of a twisty plot, with adventure and a bit of romance. This is definitely a must read. 

Remember, the book releases September 1st from Scholastic. So far, there aren't many reviews on Goodreads but lots of positive star ratings.

Some more cool stuff: 

This website.  Seriously, I love the little animation and the wind! Probably one of the coolest author websites I've seen. 

Some extras about her book including a teaser, some photos about her inspiration for the setting, and some videos of automatons! 

Sharon Cameron won the 2009 Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. I haven't heard of that, but congratulations to her anyway! Since she won it for this novel, it better be good, right? 

What do you think? Sounds good? Any other 2012 recs for me?