Title: If I Lie
Author: Corrine Jackson
Release date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 276
Source: Bookstore
Reading level: YA
Challenge(s): None (read in 2012)
A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.
Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.
Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise.
If I Lie is one of the best contemporary novels I have read ever! From the very first page I was hooked and I could not stop reading until the very last page was turned. Corrine Jackson’s debut novel is one you don’t want to miss!
From the summary I expected this huge secret that wouldn’t be revealed until the end of the book. While the secret was a pretty big one, it was revealed rather early on in the story. I thought I might lose a little interest after that but that was so not the case. There is so much more to the story than just one secret.
Quinn is a very strong character who, while not immediately easy to relate to, is immediately easy to sympathize with. Not only does the whole town think she’s a slut who cheated on her marine boyfriend, her father thinks the same thing. She has no one left until she starts to volunteer at the Veterans hospital. There she finally meets some people who don’t judge her for what they don’t know. Quinn’s time spent with George at the hospital is what really made me start to love her. She is a different person with him. For a good part of the book she comes off a little standoffish but that’s because of her terrible situation and I didn’t dislike her for it. I just really loved seeing a friendlier side of her with George. Really for a good part of the book she is alone with nobody to talk to but herself and so readers see every side of Quinn; the good, the bad, and the ugly. It made her such a real character.
Like I said earlier, there is so much more to the story than just a secret. There are family problems, friendship and trust issues, growing up and moving on, and just so much more. I have to say that while romance does play a big part in the story, it’s not a focal point. Quinn spends some time worrying about love but she spends more time worrying about Carey, her family, her friends, George, and everyone else but herself. She’s a very mature girl who I admire for her strength. And while I normally hate books without romance, that wasn’t the case with this one. I thought it was perfect just the way it was.
Corrine Jackson’s writing must also be mentioned but I feel like I’m just going to ramble on about how awesome and fantastic it was. I loved her writing. It wasn’t a super eloquent writing style. It was a more simple style that will take readers no time to get used to. I think the simplicity of the writing style really made this book more enjoyable for me and I think I will enjoy it in Corrine’s future books.
Overall, I can’t really put into words how awesome If I Lie is. You just have to read it for yourself. It will have you crying your eyes out (or trying your hardest not to, if you’re in public, like I was.) I commend Corrine Jackson for tackling such a tough topic and making it the perfect read for young adults. Get a copy of this book now!
What others are saying about If I Lie:
Readergirl Reviews a Teen Book’s review: “I loved it from the first page.”
Poetry to Prose’s review: “Corrine Jackson’s If I Lie is raw and often painful, but it will get under your skin and have you thinking about it for days after.”
The Garden of Books’ review: “Corrine Jackson blew me away with this debut novel and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.”
I loved this one too – I think more people need to read it! It’s such an important story 🙂
This was one of my favorite reads from last year. Such a strong story overall. Loved it!
This one sounds really good. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I’ve had this book on my TBR since a long time, but I haven’t had the chance to get to it.
It sounds like it’s wonderfully well-written. I love that family and friendship are main themes in the book. I already feel bad for the main character although I can tell that I won’t relate with her either.
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Katie.
Beautiful review! 🙂
This sounds like a really good novel. I love that there is more than just her secret to it. Thanks for sharing your review!
Laureen @ Ms. Bibliophile.
I enjoy characters that are easy to sympathize with. This sounds like a really good book and I’m glad you enjoyed it! Great review:)
-Danna
I love your review. I want to read this as soon as possible. Quinn seems like a strong character 🙂
You portrayed the book so wonderfully well. It sounds like it has strong characters, a great plot line and fantastic writing. I’m going to have to check this book out. Thanks for the amazing review, Katie. Loved it! 🙂
I’ve never really considered this one before, but you definitely have me curious about it now. I’m glad to hear that it worked so well for you. Fantastic review!
I really enjoyed this book too Katie, I have to agree Jackson’s writing was so beautiful that she lured me into the story straight away from the very first page. Lovely review! 🙂
I’ve heard that If I Lie is realyl good, but I haven’t read it yet. I’ve read Corrine Jackson’s Touched, and I loved that! It’s a completely different story. It’s YA paranormal romance. You should check it out.
I think I would have liked this more if the secret had been more secret-instead I was just waiting for everyone to find out and frustrated with the MC in the meantime. I did love her time with George though, very worthwhile segment of the plot.
I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while, and reading your review just solidified that desire for me. I’m so curious as to what the secret is, but, more than that, and the book just sounds wonderful in general. Like something I’d actually enjoy, despite not loving contemps. Lovely review!
I didn’t want to read it because I too need romance in the story, but it seems like the characters here and Quinn’s becoming hopeful more than make up for it.
I’ve heard nothing but awesomeness about George and I love it when stories include volunteer work and how fulfilling it is 🙂
Lovely review 🙂