Review by A Cup of Positivity -- Something by Shelby Lamb

[A Cup of Positivity]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Something" by Shelby Lamb.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Shelby Lamb’s novel, “Something: Book 1 of Wisteria,” has a fitting title. It sure is something. When I use the word something, either in my thinking, speaking, or writing, I’m trying to describe ‘it.’ Lamb did make me have a hard time understanding the driving force of this novel. Thus, this is what I gathered for the most part and if it is vague, please know that I tried my best to make sense of the content.

The story’s plot was abysmal. Sometimes it was about a girl named Kendra who just had newborn twins. Sometimes it was about an aspiring porn star named Bella. Sometimes it was about a girl named Aubrey, who relentlessly couldn’t stop making bad decisions and obsessing over her ex, Nathan. Then, sometimes, it was about Nathan running his family’s motel. From what was just said, the book revolves around multiple perspectives and the only connections these characters have is that a disturbing book messes up their lives.

Yes, you read it right—a book throws the characters' lives in disarray and propels them into dark forces they don’t understand as they try to pursue their dreams and move forward (or backwards) in their lives.

When I first saw the eerie cover of this book and its description, I was prepared to be scared, but that didn’t happen. Instead I got many pages of Aubrey moaning about how her life is imperfect, yet she never helps herself. Oh, and a lot of text about how much Aubrey needed Nathan in her life. Any time this happened, I could not help but think back to “Twilight,” and recall how Bella would spend more than hundreds of pages thinking about how she longed to be with Edward. If that irked you in any way, steer clear from this book—you’ll definitely be annoyed. I also read a lot of unnecessary sex scenes, which I guess goes back to the trigger warning displayed in the beginning of this book: nihilism.

After I’ve said all of that, I’m guessing you’re thinking: “what made me continue reading, “Something: Book 1 of Wisteria?,”’ I decided to finish it for two reasons: 1) I don’t like to stop reading books midway and 2) I wanted to find a redeeming quality about this novel. Did I accomplish the latter? Yes, yes, I did.

For all of the unlikeable characters and the lack of plot, Lamb made me curious about the other world. I have questions about what these creatures want from the characters, how these creatures exist, and how these characters are going to survive.

Although I want to know the meaning behind the other world and the book does end on an engaging cliff-hanger, I don’t want to read more books from this series. It was over 300 pages, and I don’t know if it was justified. There were plenty of unneeded scenes, wordy descriptions, and again—unfavorable characters (I really can’t say that enough, one of the best parts about reading novels for me are the characters). I rate this book 2 out of 4, because I was hooked for its mystery but not for anything else. This also wasn’t the worst book I have ever encountered in my life.

I recommend this book for people who enjoy slices-of-life, mystery, are amazingly good at finding redeeming qualities in characters, and who can stomach graphic scenes. This is definitely not a book I would hand to a teenager; I would say that an adult (18 or older) should read this book.

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Something
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