Posted by Lauren in Book Reviews, Contemporary, Featured | 5 Comments
Smashed by Lisa Luedeke
Smashed by Lisa Luedeke
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release date: August 21, 2012
Pages: 336
Summary: Katie is a star field hockey player, set to get a big scholarship from the University of Maine. But one night changes everything: Katie gets drunk with a new friend Alec, and the two end up in a terrible accident. Alec takes the blame, but he holds the truth over Katie’s head.
My thoughts: Lisa Luedeke is a fantastic storyteller. Katie’s journey—from first meeting Alec to the aftermath of the accident—is so full and flawless. The pacing is spot on: the story isn’t a quick one, but it never drags, either. Luedeke infuses her writing with a sense of foreboding in order to encourage the reader to continue.
Smashed is an issue book—it examines underage drinking and its consequences—but it’s not overly so. Luedeke doesn’t push an agenda, she merely tells the story of a girl and allows the reader to take from it what they want. Before starting Smashed, I was concerned that it would be too focused on drinking, that it would be non-stop vomit and headaches. But Smashed is more than its “issues”—Katie has a life outside of parties that sends as meaningful a message as the consequences for her drinking.
The thing that will really draw readers into Smashed is Alec. He’s an enigmatic character, written in such a way that we can never tell his true intentions. Alec certainly isn’t a likable guy, but he’s a great character. Lisa Luedeke has the “creeper” persona down pat.
Fans of contemporary fiction, especially the darker variety, will love Smashed. The voice is authentically teen, and the story is easy to sink into.
4/5 stars
For those who like: issue books, books about drinking, creepy guys
You can find more about Lisa Luedeke at LisaLuedeke.com
“Smashed is an issue book—it examines underage drinking and its consequences—but it’s not overly so. Luedeke doesn’t push an agenda, she merely tells the story of a girl and allows the reader to take from it what they want.”
YAY! I usually stay away from issue books because I feel like I’m being pressured to take something away from them when I’m done reading, so I’m excited to know that’s not the case with this book and she just allows the story to unfold. I haven’t heard much about this one, so I’m glad you posted this review Lauren!
Jenny recently posted..Review: Monstrous Beauty
OH MY GOODNESS. Must read this ASAP! I love the cover for this book & I’m so intrigued by the story! Awesome review! :)
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haha – for those who like “creepy guys.” i am not sure what that means but there are probably people who fall into this category.
i am not usually a big fan of issue books, but i might give this one a go. it sounds like an interesting story and i like that isn’t too preachy. thanks for the view, lauren!
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Wow, this sounds really good! I love that Alec isn’t a likable character – that always makes me like characters more because of how realistic they are. I picked up Smashed after your vlog post about it and now I can’t wait to start it! I wasn’t very into issue books before, but after reading The Waiting Sky, I’m ready for similar novels as I absolutely loved that story. Stunning review, Lauren! :D
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I’m always looking for an edgier contemporary book and this sounds like a great one. I’m not a huge fan of issue books but this looks like it was done well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Lauren!
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