The Book Associate: ARC Review | Stay by Deb Caletti

Stay by Deb Caletti

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Date Published: April 5, 2011 [on Hardcover]

Pages:320

Original Language: English

Source: Galley Grab*

Summary

Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

[via Goodreads]

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My friend recommends me this book, mentioning that it was a great read. As I can see, there were a lot of people enjoyed this book. So I was very eager to read it. And thankfully, Galley Grab offers me a eARC of this book for a review. Let's begin.

The Plot. It is a YA contemporary book and of course, a psychiatric-thriller. Which is very good to my taste. I really liked how my heart beats on suspense. I haven't read any obsession-related book before, until now. I usually watched a movie about it and it frightens me a lot. Anyway, the storyline is very impressive. Very, very, very detailed and precise. Obviously, Caletti's form of writing is amazing and very professional, a great author indeed.

It is surprising that the story is divided into two. Past and Present. At the first five chapters, I was really confused. I was asking myself, "Why does the first chapter is different on the next one and then on the other. Until I realized, it was written like that. All mentioned on POV though it was set up in two different events of our MC's life. I'll admit, I was stunned. Then at the end, all was blend in perfectly, it doesn't jump or skipped something inappropriate. It was so good, I can't give an exact word from it. Brilliant! :]

I like the part where Clara added some facts below from when she's telling her story. Great additional in fact. Though sometimes, I am not comfortable looking down to that information and went back from where you stopped reading. However, it was new to me, very fresh and original.

The Characters. Clara is a great character but she is my least favorite. I must've felt annoyed when she instantly fell in-love with Christian -- I know the reason, of course -- besides that's the reason why the story came up, so why am I bothered? I don't know, really.

Her father is my favorite. Not much an ordinary character. He lightens up the story, actually. Me and my friend really thought he is pretty good looking. lol!

'Til the end of the story, there is some part of me still wanting Christian for her and the other part don't. Well... I say, Finn is a great partner for Clara as well. And matter of fact, I don't feel so scared on how Christian acts on the book. Weired is it? :]

The Flaws. I hate to admit but I have uncomfortable vibes from this book. I feel bas on typing this part of my review but I have to be honest myself. I don't want to lie, it is even more bad than hiding you true feelings. So before you continue reading, I wanted to say I am sorry. Though all of it is just on my perception, besides everyone has its own opinions. I found 2 flaws:

Just as I mentioned earlier. I am very impressed on how it was written, it was in a exact point. However, for me, it is delivered in too much "point". It has been given a reason for you to understand how Clara feels, what she thought about or any other stuff but still, it wasn't enough. Clara, keeps giving more point to what she was saying. I feel sometimes dizzy reading it. I'm not against it, just to be sure, I know how you love this book. For me it is just, too much. I wanted it to be simple yet still on the point and feels. It's okay to add some of it but don't pour too much in the glass.
Climax is just good but not great or amazing. The thrill didn't gave me in. It was sort of unclimax-ish. I wanted to feel my heart beating hard in suspense, but I wasn't. It is supposed to be a thriller book and it is not what I expected. Obsession is a frightful word. I admit I don't want that to happen to me. For me, it was plain. Sorry guys! :[

Other Thoughts. I still wanted to read Caletti's writing. I am very much interested on how she writes because she is very talented and amazing. If there is another opportunity coming from her, I would love to accept it! :]

I do recommend this. I know you guys want to. lol! I enjoyed it, I swear. Anyway, if you want too see how guys turned obsessed from his girlfriend and how to handle it, this is the great book for you. :]

*I received this free eGalley via from publisher Simon Pulse via Simon and Schuster Galley Grab in exchange for my honest review. Thanks guys!^^

OVERALL RATING