TITLE: Slammed
AUTHOR: Colleen Hoover
RATING: 5 STARS
PUBLISHED: January 2012 - Colleen Hoover
SERIES: Yes; Series Complete:
- Slammed (January 2012)
- Point of Retreat (February 2012)
"After the unexpected death of her father forces eighteen year old Layken and her family to move across the country, away from everyone and everything she knows, her outlook on life is anything but hopeful.
Enter Will Cooper: the attractive twenty-one year old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry. After a night together that turns out to be everything but the expected, both Layken and Will are left with feelings they never knew they could have. Unfortunately in Layken's life, things are never what they seem. Just as quickly as it develops, their relationship is derailed by a shocking revelation, sparking a tumultuous battle between their hearts and their ethics.
As if the dramatic turn of events in her life isn't enough, Layken is slammed again when her mother reveals a secret of her own. A secret so intense, all of Layken's current problems pale in comparison to her seemingly insurmountable future. Unable to confront the changes that lie ahead of her, Layken ignores her conscience as she turns to Will for solace. Struggles ensue as both Layken and Will search for a balance between that which keeps them apart and the feelings that pull them together.
Slammed is the first installment of a two-part series. The second installment, Point of Retreat, will be available on Amazon beginning March 2nd, 2012."
MY REVIEW:
"That's unreal."
"Yeah, it is. But it's my real."
Slammed is one of the BEST books I've ever read. So far, it's the best book I've read in 2012, and I seriously doubt that it will be knocked out of the top spot anytime soon.
I started Slammed last night right before my bedtime, and I ended up staying awake until two o'clock in the morning to finish it. You couldn't pry this book from my fingers. I'm not kidding when I tell you that I seriously considered re-reading this novel immediately after I finished, and if it weren't for the sequel, Point of Retreat, then I probably would have. It's that good!
I'm not going to write a summary for this book or tell you what it's about because it's definitely a book that you have to read and discover for yourself, but I will tell you that Slammed is the perfect example of PERFECTION. Slammed is an all-consuming, emotional story that will take over your life. It's a realistic coming-of-age story about death, life, and love. This story is an emotional rollercoaster: it's heartbreaking, hilarious, sweet, scary, lovely, depressing, and hopeful. It's everything you'd ever hope for in a story. It's the type of book that will have you balling your eyes out, smiling like a Cheshire cat, and laughing like a hyena- all at the same. It's the kind of story that touches your heart and leaves you breathless.
I will tell you that I was a little apprehensive about the whole slam poetry thing. I had no clue what slam poetry was, and I expected it to either be weird, boring, or pretty cool. It was none of those things. It was one of the most bad a$$ things that I've ever read. We learned a lot about the characters through their slams, and every poem either moved me to tears or cracked me up.
The characters in Slammed are unique, thoughtfully created, and beautifully written. They are three-dimensional characters who are entertaining and full of life. They are easy to love ;), and they make a lasting impression.
Readers will fall in love with Will because of his passion for poetry, his love for his younger brother, and his need to do the right, responsible thing. Readers will fall in love with Lake for her strength, her setbacks, her humor, her maturity, and her honesty. Readers will fall in love with Lake's younger brother Kel for his innocence, his inappropriate questions, and his backwards days. Readers will fall in love with Lake's best friend Eddie because she's an in-your-face, optimistic person who doesn't close off her heart even though she's been hurt numerous times. Readers will fall in love with Lake's mom for her amazing advice and her unconditional love. And, readers will fall in love with Lake's father for the man he was and his ability to take away Lake's worries with a magic clip.
Honestly, I don't really understand the advantages and disadvantages of being a self-published v. published author; I just know that the majority of my recent favorite novels are by self-published authors. I love discovering Indie authors. I really wish that I had the funds, credentials, and the notoriety to get my favorite authors published, but unfortunately, I don't. However, hypothetically speaking, if I could choose one book to back from 2012, it'd be this one. I know it's not my book, but I fiercely believe in this book.
If you're familiar with my reviews then you know that I don't hand out 5 STAR ratings often. I only give 5 STAR ratings to the best of the best. Slammed by Colleen Hoover is the best of the best, and it definitely deserves a 5 STAR rating. I never questioned, not even for a second, whether or not this novel was worthy of 5 STARS. This novel was FLAWLESS from beginning to end. I wouldn't change a single thing about it.
In my opinion, Slammed is perfect for EVERYONE. I honestly can't fathom anyone not loving this story. I really encourage everyone to follow my 5 STAR advice: BUY THIS NOVEL NOW!
