Lovin' los libros

Hopeless (Hopeless #1)
   by: Colleen Hoover

Publication Date: Dec. 19, 2012
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: Mature Young Adult/ New Adult
Source: Purchased for Nook
Page Count: 327 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

Oh boy. I don't even know that I can form a coherent review. This book shattered me. It seriously eviscerated my heart and I am still reeling over this book. Books like this don't come along very often. In fact, I can only think of two others that made my heart hurt this badly: Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker and The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay. Everyone has been talking about how amazing this book is and how I need to hurry up and read it already! I had bought it earlier in the year, but never got a free moment to read it. Until this past weekend. I wanted it to be my last summer read before school started and wow. I'm still blown away. I loved Colleen's Slammed series, so I had no doubts I would enjoy this book also. Let me just say, as heartbreaking and difficult this book was at times- there is such a powerful, underlying message of hope. Which is ironic, considering the title. But it's true.

Sky is our main character and I took a liking to her instantly. I really felt for this girl because one of the first things we learn about her is that she uses making out and fooling around in order to NOT feel. She is completely numb when it comes to guys. Even though she's been home-schooled, she has earned quite the reputation already at the local high school. Her best friend Six is also in a similar situation, but for their senior year, Sky is going to attend public school and Six is going to be in Italy. These two are inseparable, so having Six gone for the first and last year of her high school career, will be a challenge for Sky.

I really liked Sky's personality- she doesn't let hateful insults get to her and she ends up befriending Breckin, a gay Mormon kid. Their friendship is beautiful and I love the way they care for each other and watch out for one another. He doesn't hesitate in offering the hand of friendship to Sky, which is good since she doesn't have anyone else.

Sky was also adopted at age 5 and doesn't remember much beforehand. This will end up playing a pivotal role in the story, so get your tissues ready folks.

And then there's Dean Holder. What can I even say about him? At first, this guy had me freaked out. I didn't know what to make of him. I almost thought he was bipolar to be quite honest. His first meeting with Sky was strange and he is just so complex and confusing. Sky didn't know which Holder she'd be dealing with- she has seen so many different sides to him. One minute he would be sweet and kind and the next he'd be angry and withdrawn. Their relationship was a complicated one.

However, there is a reason for all of this. And oh my freaking heart. The way Hoover pulls everything together and unravels Sky's life and history is absolutely horrifying. Yet, I never saw any of it coming. But once it does, OMG. My hands were shaking as I tweeted some of the #GwB girls.

As complicated as Holder and Sky's relationship is, he wants to take things slow with her. He is the first one who has made her feel anything. His touch doesn't numb- it ignites. This book takes them to the gates of hell and into the pits of darkness, yet they end up saving each other. They will probably never live their lives without struggle or pain, but they are determined to survive as long as they have each other.

Dean isn't perfect though. He loses his shit on Sky, resulting in them not speaking for a month. He won't apologize because he said he doesn't want to be forgiven. He offers no explanation, but later we do learn why he acted the way he did.

He is careful with Sky though. He never once pushes her into anything she doesn't want and he knows when to pull back and let her be. Honestly, he is the shining beacon of light in this book. It does get very dark and you wonder how anyone can come back from the things Sky has to endure and go through.

This is such a moving, emotional read and I highly recommend it.