With the end of February approaching and the announcement of March’s bookclub, I thought we would try something different this month. If you haven’t already read One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus*, then now is the time to skip to the very end for March’s pick. Otherwise, proceed with caution because this is going to be fill with spoilers.
I mentioned going into February’s pick that I had some mixed feelings. And while in my original blip I described the book as Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars meets The Breakfast Club there is one other one I’d add in: 13 Reasons Why. If you’ve read the book or seen the show, you’ll know that the reference would probably giveaway the plot. Nevertheless, it’s one I also feel fits the genre.
The Plot
One Of Us Is Lying is very much a high school mystery. And I definitely feel like this one falls squarely in the Young Adults section. Will you enjoy if it you’re not a young adult? Possibly. But I’d keep in mind it’s not written for someone who’s 32 rather someone who’s 16. The story develops well keeps you on your toes. I found myself enticed enough that I couldn’t put it down. It was enough to keep me up reading late into the night! I love a good puzzle and this book was one I couldn’t wait to solve.
The Characters
If you read the about for One Of Of Us Lying, I think you’d probably agree with that this novel has it’s set of Breakfast Club characters. The popular girl, the criminal, the jock, the outcast and the smart chick are all in the room. Each has their own journey of self development with a bit of back history thrown in. Is it original to have Bronwyn (the smart chick) and Nate (the criminal) end up together? Not really but what story is? However, watching each of the characters learn more about themselves and be willing to fight for each other despite not knowing exactly who killed Simon made for great development. As a reader, I truly enjoyed getting to know the main bunch.
The Twist
As far as twists go, McManus made sure to give a few throughout the book and then a rather large one towards the end. Every time we learn a new secret about the main kids, there’s a new plot point to explore. But there were definitely a few things I didn’t see coming. Did you suspect that the brainy girl cheated on a test or maybe that the jock was gay and hadn’t come out yet? Possibly. However, I didn’t expect that Nate lied about his mother being dead or for Addy to really embrace her new life with such energy. The twists did a great job at keeping the story spinning and kept me intrigued. Although it’s really the ending we need to discuss.
THE ENDING
This is where I got stuck with my thoughts about this book. And I know it’s over one singular part. I definitely wasn’t expecting that Addy’s ex knew the entire time and was in on the post death social media. He definitely gave off the creepy vibes from the very beginning whether it was in conversation with Addy or through how others described him. But I think I struggled the most to get past the idea that Simon was pulling the strings all along.
If I’m honest, I would have rather found out that Simon faked his death and seen him come to justice. As a person who has lost someone very close to me due to suicide, I find I’m extra sensitive to that particular storyline. With all the conversations after the first season of 13 Reasons Why, I often wonder if there’s ever really a good way to incorporate it into a story. Nevertheless, Simon’s choice of suicide and his manipulation are the reasons I chose this book for February.
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
I still really don’t know if I would recommend One Of Us Is Lying*. The characters are fab and the twist is unexpected. I just have a hard time suggesting books with suicide story lines to anyone. It’s definitely not so overly glamorized in McManus’s story. And I think I would have liked to see a bit more into Simon’s mind to understand everything leading up to that point. But overall, it’s well written and a page turned. You just have to decide if you’re comfortable with the ending. And maybe you’re not which could also be the point.
MARCH’S PICK
I did an amazon book haul a month or so ago. And despite all the books currently sitting on my nightstand, I just had to pick this series. If you haven’t heard already, March’s What Savvy Read book club pick is A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness*. I’ve been talking about this one a lot on the blog, instagram & in vlogs. But I just got so sucked in. BBC did an amazing job with turning the first book into an 8 episode series. I’m excited to see what they do with the next season!
If you don’t know what it’s about: Diana, our main gal, wants nothing to do with her heritage as a witch and has spent most of her life trying to do everything to avoid it. But when she calls up a book from the library in Oxford that has been missing for ages, everything changes. From an overprotective vampire with many secrets to hide to the many things Diana has yet to learn about herself, the novels create an enchanting world to get lost in.
I’m super excited to be reading this one with you guys this month! And I can’t wait to hear what you think. If you haven’t entered yet I’m giving away the full series. The giveaway ends Feb. 27 at 11:45pm central.
What did you guys think of February’s bookclub pick? Are you as torn about the ending as I am? I’d love to hear what you think in the comment below. And if you have any suggestions for what I should read next or what bookclub should read in April, let me know! I love to hear from you guys. Happy reading!
