Official Review: Words Unspoken by Raeanne Parks
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Amber9731
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Official Review: Words Unspoken by Raeanne Parks
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Words Unspoken" by Raeanne Parks.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Words Unspoken is a young adult fiction novella by Raeanne Parks. The book tells the love story of Taylor and Ben. In their senior year, the two fell deeply in love. They laughed together, spent much time together and like most couples, argued with each other. There was no denying that there was something special and a "once in a lifetime" kind of love between them. As they made plans for the future, the unthinkable happens. Ben's sudden death separates them and changes everything for Taylor. She is left mourning and alone, so depressed that it is hard for her to participate in normal activities. Their "epic love story," as Taylor describes it, is told from a letter that Taylor wrote for Ben after he passed away and her memories of their time together.
The author's writing is very descriptive. With her words, she places the reader in the perspective of the characters very well. This and the storyline in general is what I liked about the book. Also, the way that the book switches between the present and the past so smoothly is what I liked most about the book. The story is told from Taylor's perspective. While reading, I felt her heartbreak and longing for Ben as if they were my own feelings. As Taylor reads her letter to Ben's tombstone in the present, the reader is transported back in time periodically through her memories. The transition is very smooth and it was easy to follow the storyline, even though it switched back and forth so much.
Though I enjoyed the book, I also had a few issues with it. There were many errors in the book that were slightly distracting to the storyline. Many words were in place of other words that would have made more sense in the sentences such as; one rather than once, party me rather than part of me, and engaged rather than engraved. These specific examples occurred in the first chapter but errors like them can be found in other parts of the book as well. Another thing I disliked about the book was how the end of the book seemed so final. On the "Other books by this author" page, a second book was mentioned that would form a series with this book. There was no real cliffhanger that made me look forward to reading the next book. Finally, there were two characters, Anne and Dale, that were briefly mentioned in the book without much explanation of who they are.
This book is best geared towards older teens. The characters are teenagers in high school and the book would be most relatable to those around the same age as the characters. It is also a story about love and what happens after you lose the love of your life. I feel that those in similar situations would enjoy the book as well.
Overall, I give Words Unspoken by Raeanne Parks 3 out of 4 stars. The story is well developed and organized, as well as interesting. The author took me on a roller coaster of ups and downs that had me hanging on to the edge of my Kindle, unable to put it down. I feel that if the writing errors were to be corrected, I could give the book 4 stars rather than 3. I may read the second book when it comes out to satisfy some of my curiosity, but I feel that this novella stands well on its own.
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Words Unspoken
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3 out of 4 stars
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Words Unspoken is a young adult fiction novella by Raeanne Parks. The book tells the love story of Taylor and Ben. In their senior year, the two fell deeply in love. They laughed together, spent much time together and like most couples, argued with each other. There was no denying that there was something special and a "once in a lifetime" kind of love between them. As they made plans for the future, the unthinkable happens. Ben's sudden death separates them and changes everything for Taylor. She is left mourning and alone, so depressed that it is hard for her to participate in normal activities. Their "epic love story," as Taylor describes it, is told from a letter that Taylor wrote for Ben after he passed away and her memories of their time together.
The author's writing is very descriptive. With her words, she places the reader in the perspective of the characters very well. This and the storyline in general is what I liked about the book. Also, the way that the book switches between the present and the past so smoothly is what I liked most about the book. The story is told from Taylor's perspective. While reading, I felt her heartbreak and longing for Ben as if they were my own feelings. As Taylor reads her letter to Ben's tombstone in the present, the reader is transported back in time periodically through her memories. The transition is very smooth and it was easy to follow the storyline, even though it switched back and forth so much.
Though I enjoyed the book, I also had a few issues with it. There were many errors in the book that were slightly distracting to the storyline. Many words were in place of other words that would have made more sense in the sentences such as; one rather than once, party me rather than part of me, and engaged rather than engraved. These specific examples occurred in the first chapter but errors like them can be found in other parts of the book as well. Another thing I disliked about the book was how the end of the book seemed so final. On the "Other books by this author" page, a second book was mentioned that would form a series with this book. There was no real cliffhanger that made me look forward to reading the next book. Finally, there were two characters, Anne and Dale, that were briefly mentioned in the book without much explanation of who they are.
This book is best geared towards older teens. The characters are teenagers in high school and the book would be most relatable to those around the same age as the characters. It is also a story about love and what happens after you lose the love of your life. I feel that those in similar situations would enjoy the book as well.
Overall, I give Words Unspoken by Raeanne Parks 3 out of 4 stars. The story is well developed and organized, as well as interesting. The author took me on a roller coaster of ups and downs that had me hanging on to the edge of my Kindle, unable to put it down. I feel that if the writing errors were to be corrected, I could give the book 4 stars rather than 3. I may read the second book when it comes out to satisfy some of my curiosity, but I feel that this novella stands well on its own.
******
Words Unspoken
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
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Latest Review: "Masked Desire" by Elaine Angelus Kehler
