Book: We Were Liars
Author: E. Lockhart
Publisher and Publication Date: Delacorte Press, 05/13/14
Pages: 242
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary
Rating: 
My Review in a Nutshell:
The Publisher Overview is highly deceiving, which makes sense, since we are all liars around here. I thought I was picking up a romance! We Were Liars is in the YA section, and they’re all romances in there. This is supposed to be one of those dependable things in my life: YA= romance, done deal. Unfortunately, I can’t even elaborate on WTH this book is actually about, because it would give away the “surprise”. But not the kind of surprise I was hoping for, sadly.
What’s It All About?
Cadence Sinclair Eastman is going to her family’s private island for their annual summer vacation. This will be her first time to go in two years, due to an accident that left her with extensive memory loss, blinding headaches, and a feeling of unexplained brokenness. At the island Cadence has always found solace with her cousins. All of whom, including Cadence have been coined “the liars”, after years of their mischievousness. Also at the island, will be a boy who she has admired for years. Cadence hopes her return will help piece together the years missing from her memory, which will hopefully explain what happened to her. Since no one will tell her, not even her own mother. It seems there are more liars on the island than not.
My Thoughts?
I slightly enjoyed stepping out of my bubble and reading something different, emphasis on slightly. I found the idea of escaping to a little island with my rich relatives alluring and fun, as well as the intelligent and witty dialogue between them, Cadence especially. Although wittiness is spectacular, We Were Liars could have a little less talking and a little more plot-line; the lack of an obvious route left little sustenance. Cadence’s memory loss and array of medical problems was the mystery, it seems, but rarely touched on until the VERY end. The resolution made me bawl my eyes out, but didn’t match the theme of an already unclear story.
The cleverness of the story was lost on me until the final ten pages when everything was explained. It was an “OH, that’s the purpose of the book” moment, but a little too late in the story for my taste. I rated We Were Liars a three because it wasn’t unenjoyable. It’ll pass the time, so if you find yourself bored, go pick up a copy!
My Favorite Quotes:
“Be a little kinder than you have to.”
“Do not accept an evil you can change.”
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