Evermore by Alyson Noel

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch.   Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste . . .

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition.  He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets.  Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head.  She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is.  Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.-Macmillan Books Website

I feel very ambivalent about Evermore.  As I read it I found myself thinking it wasn't very well written and I kept asking myself, "Why is Ever so angry and how can she possibly have any friends at all with that anger?"  But it was also very clear to me why this book appeals to teens:  the characters are struggling to make their way in the world and the story is full of tension, suspense, and drama--- key ingredients in books that teens like.  The other thing that kept me going was the fact that I met the author, Alyson Noel, this Fall and she said that she was a very unhappy, angry teenager and she hated school.  Perhaps Ever's feelings toward school and authority in general came out of Ms. Noel's own experiences.

Whatever my thoughts on this book, both boy and girl readers seem to like it and often request the next books in the series.  In fact, it was a boy who dropped by my desk on Monday to see if the 5th book in the series was in yet.  I have to remind myself that I am a grown woman and what I look for in books doesn't necessarily match what kids want.  Evermore gets kids reading and the sequels keep them reading.  Good enough for me.

P.S.-I will be out-of-town for a few days and don't think I will have access to a computer.  But I will be reading so I should have some new books to review when I get back.  Happy Thanksgiving.  I'm thankful for my new blogging friends.