Monday, June 28, 2010

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Reading level: Young Adult
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Release Date: August 1, 2009
Language: English

Synopsis: For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.
With its poetic prose and emotionally charged characters, Shiver took my breath away with how captivating it was. I didn't know I could  love a novel this much until I started reading Shiver. Told in alternating points of view, Grace and Sam show the reader all the ups and downs of their tender courtship. The transition between narratives moves smoothly without any interruption; the reader can admire Stiefvater's wonderful writing style while also enjoying the story at its light and leisurely pace. Neither Grace nor Sam's voice overpowered each other while telling their story which demonstrates Stiefvater's ability to balance to her two main characters perfectly. Grace and Sam's personalities were markedly different: Grace, the voice of the reason and the more rational one of the pair, contrasted nicely with Sam's more passionate, artistic nature. The relationship that Grace and Sam have showed all the signs of teenage love--fragile and unpredictable--and yet it also had a somber, mature touch to it. Needless to say, these two instantly won me over; as well as Stiefvater's writing--she made even the most mundane things in life (like making food or a trip to the bookstore for example) seem adventorous and every moment between Sam and Grace, from the silliest to the most intense, was absolutely magical.

Brilliant, beautiful and heartbreaking, Shiver is one of the loveliest novels I've ever read. I adored this book so much that when I can, I'm planning on buying it in Spanish. (and if you know me well, you know that means I'm in love!) It was an absolute delight reading this book--Maggie Stiefvater's voice is a gift among the other voices in literature, and like Sam's voice in his wolf pack, hers rises above all the others.

Rating: 5.0

17 comments:

  1. Wow! That review really puts mine to shame. O_O So very well written; you go girl. :D

    I've got this book sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. Sounds like I need to try and get to it soon. lol.

    ~Briana :D

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  2. EEP! Such a good book and a lovely review! :)

    I agree. Never was a kitchen scene so adorable! AND THE CROOKED SHELF. AH. YOUNG LOVE BUT NOT YOUNG AT ALL.

    Best review from you yet :)

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  3. I loved this book so much, and your review makes me want to reread it now! Grace and Sam are adorable, and the writing blew me away. Glad you liked it!

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  4. Great review! I'm glad you really loved it (and enough to want to buy it in Spanish!)
    =)

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  5. HOMYGOSH. IS THIS A POST?!! :D <333

    And awesome review! Maggie Stiefvater's writing IS beautiful. Now we can rave about this book, and hopefully Linger, together!

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  6. Mmm... you're convincing me to give it a try... Alright. I'll do it.

    LOL

    Great review *gives cookie*

    AG

    PS - Is it already out in Spanish? I might be able to find it quick if it is.

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  7. Brilliant, beautiful, and heart breaking? I want it!

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  8. <3 Maggie books. I have 2 read shiver. It's a must i know lol :D

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  9. Great review! I just bought a copy myself - need to move it up to the top of my reading pile I think :)

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  10. GASP! YOUR SHIVER REVIEW!!! (Ooh, mine is scheduled already!) YAAAAAAY!

    I'm so so so glad you loved it. I agree with your description of both Grace + Sam. And it's so true that Stiefvater makes normal things sound pretty exciting. Hehe. I wish I was a character in her mind. That would totally awesome.

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  11. Yes! You've finally read it! And you liked it! ^__^ Great review. Your totally write about her writing style. It's beautiful!

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  12. Wonderful review Sandy! I actually started reading Shiver yesterday night and I haven't been able to put it down! Now I understand why everyone is so in love with Shiver. I am too! Is it out in Spanish? Oooh I would love to read it in Spanish. =)

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  13. ABOUT TIME! I'm kind of reluctant to read Linger, because there are 4 POVs... It scares me a little.

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  14. Totally Agree!! Is an awesome book, so beautiful, I cant wait to read Linger ^.^
    Great Review!

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  15. Maggie Steifvater's books are so great. I loved Shiver and I thought Linger was even better.

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  16. Such a lovely review, Sandy! Apparently three am agrees with you. :)

    I have Shiver on my shelf, as well as Lament and Ballad, and I really need to read them. I've heard nothing but good things.

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  17. Eeee a post! And a lovely one at that. The poetic quality of Maggie Stiefvater's writing really won me over, too-- "Brilliant, beautiful and heartbreaking" is the perfect way describe this book. <3

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