Book: The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard
Release date: January 7, 2010
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
From: Publisher
Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Colt has been sneaking out at night to meet Julia, a girl from an upper-class neighborhood unlike his own. They’ve never told anyone else about their relationship: not their family or friends, and especially not Julia’s boyfriend.When Julia dies suddenly, Colt tries to cope with her death while pretending that he never even knew her. He discovers a journal she left behind. But he is not prepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship, nor to pay the price for the secrets he’s kept.
The Secret Year is the story of Colt Morrissey, a guy from the flats. It’s also the story of Julia Vernon, a girl from Black Mountain Road. Those two types of people don’t mix, at least not well but for a year that’s what Colt and Julia did, up to the day that Julia was killed. Now Colt is the one person left who knows their secret. At least, that’s what he thinks, until he gets the journal. Julia’s journal, all about their time together.
The Secret Year is super unique seeing as it’s told from a guy’s point-of-view. Until recently I hadn’t read many books like that and the ones that I had read I didn’t like. They seem to be popping up more often in YA literature these days and the ones that I have read are wonderfully written. Jennifer Hubbard did a spectacular job with this story. Seeing as it’s all about love and relationships and sex, I didn’t expect it to be very good told from a guy. Surprisingly, it made it even better. It wasn’t vulgar or crude. It was beautifully done.
Overall, The Secret Year is a book I think everyone should read. Jennifer Hubbard is a debut novelist that I will definitely be on the lookout for in the future. The Secret Year has been added to my list of all time favorite books and if you give it a shot, maybe yours too.
Writing: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Originality: 9/10
Overall: 47/50=A-
Cover: 9/10=A-
Another amazing review about this book. That’s why I definitely NEED to read it!
Awesome review! I really loved how well Hubbard wrote Colt’s character, he seemed so real.
I’ve been wanting to read this since I first heard of it. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Good review. I, however, am basically the only person on the planet who didn’t enjoy the book. haha It’s always good to hear other opinions though. =]