The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #1) by Michelle Hodkin
“I didn’t know what was real, what was a nightmare, what was a memory.”
Mara Dyer survives an accident where three of her friends die. She has no idea what happened or what is happening to her. In her recovery strange things start to happen around her and she can hardly handle the stress that is honing in around her life, including the attention of heartthrob Noah Shaw.
The Story
Okay, to start I was pretty intrigued about the plot. I just really, really wanted to know what was going on. At about 70% I had a major “why is this even happening” moment. It sort of felt like this story was jumping from scene to scene of Mara’s delusions. I’m not sure if it comes up again later, but there were a few things that I felt sort of just dropped off in the story line, and I am not sure if it’s for mysteriousness or…? I think my biggest issue with the book besides it sort of being jumbled was the fact that Noah would speed off in his Prius…I am pretty sure those go zero to sixty in about an hour, so it was really hard for me to imagine him doing that.
Truthfully, as a whole I didn’t care for the book, and I think a big part was also the characters. The only reason why I even went more towards a 2 star than a 1 was because I finished it so quickly. Despite its flaws I still kept turning the pages, and you know what? I actually want to read the next book…even though I almost want to hate this one.
The Characters
Guys, these characters made me want trap them inside a building where they can all die when it crumbles.
Mara-I really hate girls who know to stay away from a guy and then melt into a puddle when they come near. Like really Mara, just because a guy tells you to do something and is grossly charming doesn’t mean you have to do what he says or follow along. Get a back bone.
Noah-Can we just point out how awful this guy is? Somehow we get through the story with only Jamie telling Mara that it’s basically a bad idea to get involved with him. Honestly, great, he’s not perfect, but you know what? Maybe he could feel just a little bit ashamed about how he used the girls at his high school. Oh and his possessiveness was really not attractive, despite how often we are told that he is basically McDreamy. Hey Noah, when a girl says no, that means no. That doesn’t mean pursue her more just because you have some weird fascination with her as well as a disposition of getting everything that you want. Also, I really hate when writers point out how much someone is smiling. Okay enough already with the smiling, smirking, and upturned lips!
Joseph-How can this kid be so smart but then just roll over and take Mara & Noah’s word for something that happened that was incredibly sketchy.
Daniel-What kind of dick big brother pushes his sister to spend time with a known playboy?
