Friday

You by Charles Benoit

Title: You
Author: Charles Benoit
Pages:  240
Genre: YA
This wasn't the way it was supposed to go.

You're just a typical fifteen-year-old sophomore, an average guy named Kyle Chase. This can't be happening to you. But then, how do you explain all the blood? How do you explain how you got here in the first place?

There had to have been signs, had to have been some clues it was coming. Did you miss them, or ignore them?

Maybe if you can figure out where it all went wrong, you can still make it right. Or is it already too late?

Think fast, Kyle. Time's running out. How did this happen?[via GoodReads]
When you open a book and find this:  

“You’re surprised at all the blood. He looks over at you, eyes wide, mouth dropping open, his face almost as white as his shirt. He’s surprised, too.” 

You find yourself instantly hooked.  Right away I got Kyle.  He's an average kid.  He's not the best of students, has parents who nag and nag, he likes a girl who has no idea about his feelings.... he's no one ,yet he's everyone... he's YOU.  We can all relate with Kyle - one way or another. You really get to understand Kyle since the story is told in 2nd person.  It is almost as if you are Kyle. 

I found myself devouring this book rapidly as I watched Kyle make the wrong choices and the circumstances that led him to the moment at the start of our story.  Mr. Benoit's writing is sparse but it is also very profound.  He does a wonderful job in creating a character that is very believable - his actions, his thoughts, etc.  His insights into other kids, teachers and administrators ring true. 

You is a fast-paced, suspenseful novel that you will not want to put down.  It is disturbing, haunting, and intense - it is one that I'd recommend to teachers, teen boys and especially parents.  Although its dark subject matter might not be one for everyone it is still one that when you read it, you will want to talk about  it and then you'll find yourself recommending it because of how strong and powerful it is.  A must read.

My Rating: 

6 comments:

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

I've been wondering about this one! I'm not sure why the cover doesn't capture me, but the premise sure as heck does! Awesome review...I'm picking this up for sure! :)

Book Club Reviewer said...

I agree with Melissa. Sounds like an interesting read, but the cover doesn't live up to the hype. I've never really read anything written in the second person. Maybe I oughta give it a try.

http://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com

Nely said...

I agree with you guys. The cover was definitely not what attracted me to this book - but I also want to say that it is very fitting with the book. Once you read it, you'll see that the cover is perfect... it makes sense.

carla said...

I hadn't heard of this one but now I am very curious about it.

Edna said...

This book sounds SO intriguing and it's definitely unique especially with the POV. I'll have to keep my eye out for it. Thanks for the review.

Cindy said...

This sounds really good, I'll have to read this for sure :)

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