Posted by Lauren in Book Reviews, Contemporary, Featured | 10 Comments
Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
Burn for Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release date: September 18, 2012
Pages: 368
Summary: Mary, Lillia, and Kat all want revenge on those who have wronged them. When they team up for payback, things don’t go exactly as planned.
My thoughts: Burn for Burn is easy to devour, as is the case with most of Han and Vivian’s books. Each vengeance-bound girl has an interesting story to tell, and all are easy to invest in. Although revenge is often difficult to read about, because of the fact that it sometimes goes too far (a clear message in Burn for Burn), you’ll find yourself unable to quit turning pages because the protagonists’ voices are just so compelling. Even though you know what they’re doing is horrible, you still feel an odd sort of anticipation for the shaming of a bully. I think that’s what makes Burn for Burn such an effective novel: the reader can easily put him or herself in the characters’ place.
Burn for Burn’s story might not be incredibly deep, but it is clever. The ways in which the three girls’ lives intersect is mapped out very well by the authors. It’s clear that Han and Vivian are meticulous about their storytelling—which is likely why it flows so well. Burn for Burn is suspenseful in all the right places.
If you’re in the mood for a quick, fun contemporary read, check out Burn for Burn. It’s perfect for fans of the TV show Revenge, because although there aren’t any armed holdups, these girls do get their hands dirty.
4.5/5 stars
For those who like: contemporary, high school stories, revenge
Find the authors at DearJennyHan.com and SiobhanVivian.com
Comment question: Is revenge ever justifiable, in your opinion? When’s the last time you did something in the name of revenge?
I think there are times when revenge is justifiable, especially when the other person doesn’t realize what they’ve done even if you’ve explained how hurtful they’ve been. Because what if they go on to do something awful to someone else? I’m not talking something dangerous or drastic, but you could always do something, give them a taste of what they’ve done, to get them to stop.
I did jam the locker combination on my boyfriend’s locker when he was awful to me – he got detention for being late. He got off easy:)
Wonderful review, hun! I loved these girls too, can’t wait for book 2!
VeganYANerds recently posted..Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
I always find the theme of revenge to be intersting. It’s sort of a vicious cycle that doesn’t seem to end and at some point you have to stop and think “Is this really worth it”? I really like Han’s writing and I’ve yet to read Vivian’s books, but I would definitely give this one a try.
Rummanah recently posted..Tiger Lily
This book doesn’t seem like one that I would pick up, but I do love both of these authors. I’ll probably have to pick this one up at some point!
Kapri (Book Fanatics) recently posted..Review: Dearly Departed by Lia Habel
I’ve been hearing SO many good things about this book so while I originally never thought to pick it up, I might just give it a shot now. I especially like novels which are clever, so I think I’ll enjoy this if I read it, so thanks for writing such a convincing review, Lauren! :)
In terms of revenge, I don’t ever think revenge is justifiable. I’m not saying I’ve never thought of seeking revenge on someone – because I have and I’m sure everyone does at some point or the other – but I simply don’t believe that you should degrade yourself as a person and sink to their level. I’m one of those “be the better person” people and while I’d love to get revenge on others, my anger simmers away quite quickly and I really can’t fathom coming up with clever ways to “get back” so I suppose my philosophy is a mix of all that! ;)
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings recently posted..ARC Review: Ashen Winter by Mike Mullin
Fabulous review Lauren!! I won a copy of this on Twitter (yay for Twitter giveaways!) and I was just about to start it today, actually. =) It looks like such a fun book! It’s great to hear that this book is compelling, albeit in an odd way. But I think that’s exactly the kind of thing I need right now!
As for your revenge question, I’d have to agree with Keertana. She says it perfectly! I understand the need for revenge, but I think it’s revenge enough when you just be a better person, if you get what I mean. I can’t even remember the last thing I did in the name of revenge, actually. Hmm. I think this makes me a pretty good kid! ;)
Fantastic review Lauren! I’m so excited to dive into this book now. <3
OK, I am SO curious about this one. And I kind of LOVE the cover.
As for vengeance? No. I don’t think I’ve ever done anything out of vengeance, nor do I think it’s OK.
WAIT. ONCE. But it wasn’t so much revenge as it was stupidity. We threw flour and toilet paper and ex’s house. And it was… uh… literally half my lifetime ago.
I like reading stories and watching movies about revenge? Kill Bill! ♥♥♥
Sarah (saz101) recently posted..Interview with Hannah Harrington, author of SPEECHLESS
I don’t have a vengeful nature & I can’t see myself ever looking for payback. Fabulous to read about though.
I really don’t know whether I would like this book or not. I think it would depend on the mood I was in when I picked it up.
I can’t say that in the past I had never tried to get revenge on someone, but I think now that I am older I see it as juvenile. I would rather take the high road.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Audiobook Review: Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Great review! I’m personally not into the idea of getting revenge on someone (it never does any good, it just keeps the cycle going), but I do love reading about it ;)
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