The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #1) by Michelle Hodkin

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

Published September 27th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

The first chapter itself was spooky and built up the suspense. This book came across as more of a psychological thriller than paranormal, which is awesome because that’s exactly what I like. The plot is mysterious and dark.

Mara Dyer was a unique character. I liked that she was totally messed up. As a narrator she was unreliable and that just made the plot more intriguing. She gets nightmares and hallucinations to the point where its difficult to know what is real and what’s not.

And what do I need to say about Noah Shaw? Noah Shaw is probably gonna get girls swooning all over. But I found him exactly like all other YA love interests. And I am probably gonna get killed for saying this but I am honestly tired of all these YA male protagonists. They are hot and amazing and rich and blah blah blah. Are any of us dating someone that perfect!? I don’t even know guys like these fictional ones! It’s just so unrealistic and I find all of them interchangeable. It wouldn’t even make a difference because basically their job is to be an eye candy. Noah Shaw- hottest guy in high school- most popular girl’s ex bf- she still likes him as do all other girls –he likes Mara- they fall in love- the end. SOUND FAMILIAR!?
So yeah I am not gonna comment on the romance.

Moving on, I LOVED her brothers. I wanted them for myself! She even has a pretty rad male BFF.
I loved the plot twist that is revealed in the last few chapters. That was like the best part if this book. It left me gasping in pure joy!
I don’t wanna give any spoilers away but it was A-MA-ZIIIIIIIIIING.

Also, I must say the title, the cover and the marketing for this book was nothing short of genius.
And brutal Cliffhanger alert! I needz the sequel now!

P.S- Did I mention there are alligators!?!!! ALLI-FREAKING-GATORS!

LAST WORDS:

Eerie, captivating and well-written.