*Read as an ARC copy received from the author

Tiffany King has yet again wowed me with her writing. I’ve read all of her books since Wishing For Someday Soon was published earlier this year, and I’ve never been disappointed.

In her newest novel, Miss Me Not, King has stepped outside of her comfort zone to write a story that packs a punch for anyone who reads it. It’s edgy. It’s hard-hitting. It’s going to make any reader stop in their tracks and rethink various aspects of life. It might even make some readers feel more grateful for the life they lead.

What I enjoyed most was seeing the inner workings of Madison’s mind. This novel is told in the first person point of view, though Madison’s eyes. I don’t think it could have worked better if done much differently. Without that window into how Madison saw things, I don’t think the reader would be able to sympathize with her character as much. The experience of various events would have been to limited from an outsider’s perspective. On the topic of POV, I did think that at certain times, it would have been nice to get to see Dean’s view on things. I think knowing his motivations in a less limited way would have furthered my understanding of the story, as a whole. What was his plan from the beginning? How did everything factor in together? I think knowing from his POV earlier one would have worked well. Don’t get me wrong though, aside from my wish for some of Dean’s point of view, the first person from Madison worked very well.

Another thing worth mentioning is that the pacing of the story is definitely different from King’s books like Forever Changed and Unlikely Allies. It wasn’t as fast paced when I read it. In a way this worked very well to allow me to soak in what I read. And on the other hand, I enjoy a book that goes, goes, and keeps going. King has a gift when it comes to a smooth and fast paced story-line, all while not hindering the reader from grabbing every detail of a story. Again, another personal opinion here.

The darker subject matter and emotional ride Miss Me Not holds within its pages made me at times put down the book and take a step back. It’s not the easier stuff to deal with. There’s bullying, broken families/friendships, thoughts of suicide, and other topics I won’t bring up in the review. Let this be known: Miss Me Not might not be for every reader. There were times when even I didn’t know if I wanted to pick the book back up. This isn’t saying that it’s a terrible book. It’s the opposite of that. It hits close to home in many areas and in relating to some parts of the story it makes too a little uncomfortable. I feel this is the work of genius storytelling.

In closing, I feel that this story, for me, deserves another read through sooner rather than later. Now that I’ve finished it, I think I’ll appreciate it even more than I already do by experiencing it all over again. ( )

08.02.'13. Free today in the Kindle store!

Despite not really loving the one book by Tiffany King I read, this sounded interesting and I really wanted to give her another chance and read it.

If you've ever thought about suicide (and seriously, who hasn't?), you should read this. I won't say that there weren't things I disliked about it, but Tiffany King does deal with this sensitive subject with respect and it's not just empty words.

Honestly, I didn't like Madison so much, but this is mainly because I spent the book worrying about James because she just left him behind. We all know how that turned out. She just left him, knowing what she knows about him, ugh. I was so angry. But you can see the change in her from this non-existence to learning to want to live.

Other than this, I did love the story. When you find something worth living for, no matter how small - just something to appreciate life for, like a beautiful tree in the park - it's easy to make that choice to live, and that's the message Tiffany King sends.

Dean was great and I was so glad he never gave up on her. His whole family was beyond awesome.
As for Madison's mom - ugh. I have nothing else to say.

The ending was a bit rushed, but it will leave you satisfied.

I'm glad I gave this author another chance. ( )

This book leaves you with so many different feelings; love, betrayal, grief, loss, joy and so much more. Being a very emotional person reading a book is stepping into someone's life, stepping into Madison's made me see how good mine is. It's not a given that your family loves you and that you have friends that support you.

Madison had a troubled youth; it's even up to a point that she wants to turn into a shadow and just dreams of being forgotten. After reading the first few chapters I was a little disturbed about the way Madison saw herself, I felt so sad and could not even belief that any sort of action could lead to this. No parent should ever abandon their child as Madison's parents did. It is heart wrenching to think about a life where you believe no one really cares about you.

A logical step, at least to Madison was making an end to her life. It is hard for me to understand why someone would want to take their life. Yes, I've also been in bad places and there were times when I thought what am I doing here, but still suicide is a big step. Walking in Madison's footsteps made me more aware of the way a person in a depression thinks and also made me realize that they really do not see another way out.

So, Madison's big plan is to go out in the smallest way possible and she thinks this is suicide. She is convinced no one would even notice she's gone. But when a boy from her school takes his life before she even gets the chance she sees the impact it has on her community. And let's say this is not what she expected. She didn't want people to fake-cry over her; she didn't want the 'populars' to shed only one tear. And before Madison even knows it her new tutor has pushed him in her life, with only one goal; saving her.

With every page you feel a bit more light coming into the story, this book really made me see things and also believe in the good on people a little more. This book really is about the good, it might seem dark and angry, but it really isn't.

I'll stop rambling, I very much advise you to read this book. It might confront you and make you feel all sad inside, but it's definitely worth it!

Love,
Anne

http://pursuit-of-books.blogspot.com ( )