Publication Date: April 27, 2011
Pages: 350
Source: Borrowed from Heise Reads & Recommends
From Goodreads:
When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.
Against a backdrop of poverty, clannishness, drugs, and intolerance, Myracle has crafted a harrowing coming-of-age tale couched in a deeply intelligent mystery. Smart, fearless, and compassionate, this is an unforgettable work from a beloved author.
***
Reminiscent of an unfortunate true story, Shine dares to delve into the intolerance and hate that still exists today. I was sucked in from the very first pages and instantly disgusted at what people are capable of and their rationalization of their stupid and hateful actions. I just had to know what happened and was immediately rooting for Cat to get to the bottom of the horrific event that happened to her best friend.
As someone who grew up in a very rural community, I know first-hand that some people are fearful of diversity and don’t know how to interact with people different than them. It’s sad and heartbreaking the prejudices people have solely because that’s the way they were brought up, and they don’t know any better – pure ignorance. While the southern setting in Shine was much different than where I grew up, I couldn’t help but see the similarities between the two and it made me incredibly grateful that I was able to experience life outside of the small town I grew up in.
I’m so happy that Shine is out in the world and I praise Lauren Myracle for writing about such a sad yet all-to-real world we live in. Tolerance and understanding is so important, and Shine helps you understand just how crucial it is to be kind and think how your words and actions affect others.
I've been meaning to read this book forever! I got to have dinner with Lauren back in November and was so impressed with her. I'll have to move it up on my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this book! I remember being haunted by the ending for quite some time after I finished. I remember driving home from work the day after I finished the book and reliving that last climactic scene in vivid detail as I was driving. It was quite eerie.
ReplyDeleteI have to bump this one up on my TBR pile. It sounds like a really powerful read. I've heard such great things about it.
ReplyDeleteI had this one for a while and then returned it to the library because it just didn't catch my interest like some of the others I had out.
ReplyDeleteI definitely remember next time I feel in the mood for a heavier read.
Souds like this book definitely touched you! I had it on NG awhile back but never got around to reading it; maybe I should pick it up from the library.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your honest thoughts and opinions about the book. It sounds like a great read!!
ReplyDelete~Sherry
Sherry Soule Official Author Website
ABSOLUTELY going to read this one. We as a culture are closer than ever to eliminating intolerance and ignorance of diverse peoples, and books like this push us ever closer to seeing acceptance being the norm, rather than hatred. Kudos to Myracle for being brave enough to put this book out there.
ReplyDeleteSmiles!
Lori
I thought this book was fantastic as well!
ReplyDeletewow, from historical thrillers to contemparary fiction. it seems laurem myracle can write it all.
ReplyDeleteI just can't get over the cover of this book, it is so striking!
ReplyDelete-Kate the Book Buff
The Book Buff: Book Reviews for Regular People