Willow

Great story and characters! Really recommend!

I ordered this and I wasn’t how I would like it. It happens to be my bee favorite book!!

Let me preface by saying both that I have read a LOT of books and that usually I do not care for teen angst. Where Teen suicide, drinking, drug use, or disorder is the theme, I tend to steer clear. The temptation for adult authors writing about teen disorder, is to make their character (and the character's disorder) too... syrupy, too convenient, too rational, too accessible/acceptable to today's teens. I don't like that. Having said that, I do not know why I picked "Willow" up and scanned the first page. But I did. I don't know why the voice of the main character was so compelling. But she was. I read the whole book in a little under four hours. Willow is an extraordinary character. Absolutely real, utterly believable, surprising, refreshing, and strong despite what she does to herself, and despite what has happened to her. That's the amazing thing. Willow is still strong. I would say that you should read the book if only to get to know this character, but there are so many other reasons as well!! There was humor, there were parts where I had to close the book and cry, and there were parts that were so subtly triumphant that I cheered. All types can appreciate this book, which should become a classic of teen literature. Move over, Speak! Cut, your time is over

Willow is a real, honest, and emotional book. From the moment you pick the book up, you are invested in Willow and her well-being. Not only is this story about grief and guilt, it is about love and never giving up. It's beautiful. The characters in Willow are real people with complex emotions and personalities. So many books are just full of stereotypes but Willow is full of character's so lifelike it's hard to believe they aren't actual people. I also really love the world that the author has created for these characters. I couldn't help wishing that I was one of the people hanging out in the library that Willow worked at or enjoying the park or a walk through the city. I wanted to be there in that world. My only initial concern about reading the book was that it would be sad for me to handle or that the cutting would scare me away. None of those things happened, I think having the deep emotional factor that it has only enhanced the reading experience and made it that much more meaningful. The author's skill is so great that for the first time in my life I feel like I understand the reason that people can do such horrible things to their own body. It's always shocked and saddened me but I had never fully understood it until I heard it through Willow's voice. I don't want to talk too much about the plot itself because I think this is one that's best discovered as you read, as you let it reveal itself to you. Reading Willow was definitely one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I've had in a long time. Every time I had to put the book down I daydreamed of picking it back up and re-joining Willow's world.

I'm not even sure where to start this review. I've honestly written this review almost five times and haven't been happy with what I've spit out. I'm not sure I can do this book justice. To say that it was spectacular would be an understatement. To say that I had a hard time putting it down, widely understated! Yet, why? Because in all seriousness, reading a story about a `cutter' didn't really appeal to me. I mean sure it sounded interesting, and I've read books about eating disorders, drugs, so why not try cutting. So I did. I totally agree with Hoban's choice to write this novel in third person. Had it not been written from Willow's POV, I know I wouldn't have found it as impressive as I did. I needed that insight, I needed to know why someone would do that to their self. And I hate to admit it but I understood, I empathized, I accepted it. Hoban doesn't dance around the fact, there are some shockingly graphic scenes, but instead of grotesque they are honest and revealing. And it's not only the characterization of Willow that's impressive. It's the disheartening portrayal of Willow's brother David, and her warped sense of his withdrawal. It's the eccentric relationship between Willow and Guy. It's the secondary characters that have some of the smallest parts but remain prominent in your mind. For me I, couldn't stop thinking about the girl at the restaurant. Willow is about so much more than cutting. It's about love. Not only first love, but the power of redemption that only love can posses. Still haven't done the book justice, but I'll leave you with this. Yes, cutting is a painful subject to read about. But Willow was skillfully and uniquely told. Essentially the message is uplifting, even the worst of situations can improve. Glad I did.

Willow has been living in a fog for seven months. She performs basic functions--eating communicating, and going to school, but inside she's struggling to deal with a torrent of guilt and pain brought on by the events of a rainy night seven months previously when her parents died in the car she was driving after Willow had lost control of the vehicle. Isolated and lonely, Willow has turned to her only outlet for her grief--cutting. She manages to keep her growing obsession with the razor blade a secret from everyone--until one day easygoing and hardworking Guy discovers her secret. Rather than look the other way, he becomes determined to help Willow, even though her attitude to him is far from warm. But as time goes by, Willow finds the perhaps a friend is what she needs, and slowly Guy draws her out of her shell. But is Willow strong enough to let go of her only release for her pain, and discover new ways of living? Willow is a striking and mesmerizing read. What stands out the most is the fact that Hoban focuses just as much on the developing emotions of her characters rather than making the act of cutting the only forefront issue, which gives the book a very sincere and captivating quality. Willow is an intelligent and sensitive character who, though some people may not be able to empathize with on some levels, is a very natural and dynamic character that readers can identify with. The issue of cutting is handled very smoothly and is looked at from both sides, which will placate a diverse group of readers. Another element of the novel that stands out is the vivid imagery Hoban employs to set the scene of the book without being overly elaborate, creating a tangible universe for her story. The plot flows at a smooth and steady pace that is easy to follow and completely realistic. Willow is a beautifully written story, wrought with grief, pain, hope, and love that is tender without being cheesy, and optimistic without being cliché or improbable. At the close of the novel, Hoban continues in her practice of keeping it real with a step towards healing that isn't highly dramatic, but hopeful and plausible, leaving readers wishing and hoping for the very best, and unwilling to say goodbye to Willow.