I received this book for free from Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Six Months Later by Natalie Richards Published by Sourcebooks Fire on October 1st 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Thriller, YA
Source: Sourcebooks Fire
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Chloe didn't think about it much when she nodded off in study hall on that sleepy summer day. But when she wakes up, snow is on the ground and she can't remember the last six months of her life. Before, she'd been a mediocre student. Now, she's on track for valedictorian and being recruited by Ivy League schools. Before, she never had a chance with super jock Blake. Now he's her boyfriend. Before, she and Maggie were inseparable. Now her best friend won't speak to her.
What happened to her?
And why can't she remember?
I know I’m in the minority here but I think all the 5 stars gave me too-high expectations for this one. It is very close to a 4 star read so I’m far from hating it but, I expected more – or at least different.
I can understand why so many love it though. Suddenly waking up with no memory of the last 6 months is a very terrifying premise. One that had me completely stupefied, and thus absolutely engrossed. Chloe’s narrative is written with all the disorientation, annoyance, and anxiety of someone who may or may not be going crazy. As you can expect no one believes the “nonsense” she seems to be spouting. She’s an easy to like character with a fierce determination to get to the bottom of things. She knew something just wasn’t right and I liked that about her. The more we read, the more Chloe finds out things that deepens the mystery, increasing the anticipation in turn. It is definitely very addicting and made reading this book a real thrill.
On the other hand – the one not making fist pumps of awesome – when we finally do get answers for the big old mysterious missing 6 months, I was pretty disappointed. It was a touch too out there for me. I was hoping for something more psychological, and thus more poignant. As it stands, not only does it feel like a familiar plot to me now, but the big reveal left a lot to be desired. Answers are thrown at us without delving into them, leaving me with nothing but new questions and cocked eyebrows.
One thing that was a hit or miss was the romance. I really enjoyed the connection between Adam and Chloe. Adam himself I grew to adore. I liked seeing Chloe kick Mr Donkeyface to the curb. I loved that it was kept secondary to the mystery. But then.. what I did not like was how it all turned out. I kind of ended up disliking Adam despite any regret he had. It may not even be fair to him since some of it was out of his control, but alas. I think it’s the fact he kept it from her. Lastly, I wished Chloe didn’t over analyze and/or obsess over Adam so often – though this is really a minor complaint as it was easy to ignore.
All in all, I was expecting something that would just BLOW my freaking socks off, you know, and then it just didn’t. It’s certainly not a bad book by any means. I was fully entertained and it had my gears turning at full steam throughout. I was simply expecting a massive psychological-thriller that, although started that way, ended up being something else.
3 Hot Espressos
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Melliane
ah… it’s always difficult when you have high expectations for a book… we’re easily disappointed, I can understand that. I didn’t know this one or I don’t think so I confess…
JennRenee
Its really hard when you go in with expectations. Sorry it wasnt as you hoped for. I try to remember that ratings differ for everyone, meaning the way or reasoning for the rating. I rate mainly on the amount of entertainment provided for me. If I can’t put the book down, can’t stop thinking about it, and end it with a full sense of satisfaction and sadness that its over… Its a 5. So that may differ from how you choose your rating. I can completely agree that the mystery solved part seemed lessened from the strength of the mystery. That was the one downer for me. I was one that really absolutely loved the book though. Great review.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I was no fan of the reason behind the memory loss, it’s such a pity because everything else was pretty enjoyable. I was okay about the romance, I wasn’t awfully convinced at times.
Lovely review Giselle! <33
Candace
Sorry it wasn’t as good as you hoped. I suppose I felt kind of the same about Adam at the end. Sometimes expectations kind of make you enjoy a book less too. I hate when that happens.
Jasprit
I’m sorry this book didn’t end up working for you Giselle, I can imagine you going into this book with somewhat high expectations because of the initial praising reviews. Books dealing with memory loss, have been a real miss for me, so I was hoping this book would be different. I think I will still end up giving it a go one day. Great review!
Nick @ Nick's Book Blog
I know what you mean about being disappointed because of high expectations. It recently happened to me with All Our Yesterdays. I didn’t like it as much as everyone else did.
Anyways, I’m sorry you were disappointed by this book, Giselle. I actually really liked it although I think it’s because I don’t read many psychological thrillers and I thought it was cool.
Also, I liked how Chloe wasn’t a dumb character. The only problem I had was the frustrating love interest.
I hope your next read is better, Giselle! 🙂
Kristin@Blood,Sweat and Books
Hmm sounds like this could go either way. I’m tempted to read it still but will certainly lower my expectations if I do.
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Ah, the dreaded too high of expectations curse. It can totally be a let down for movies and books. I hate going in to something, expecting to love it and then liking it but still feeling kind of let down.
This one looks interesting though. Great review Giselle!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Molli
This is why I SO dislike hype. Ugh. I wish it really HAD knocked your socks off, girl. But I’m glad you found other things in this book to really enjoy.
ShootingStarsMag
I think if this was more psychological, I would really like it. Based on your review though, I’m not sure I’d LOVE it.
Bethzaida (bookittyblog)
I haven’t heard of this book until now. Sometimes when a book gets too much hype it makes me not want to read it. My expectations get too high and then at the end I feel like it wasn’t worth it. Too bad it didn’t work out like you expected it to.
Tina
Wooo added to my to-read shelf… looks good!
Aylee
This is actually the first review of this book I’ve read so I have no prior impression of what this book is about or how good it is. I can definitely see why you say it’s a hit among other people though because who doesn’t love psychological thrillers? That is, one that is well done and really makes you think. It’s too bad this one didn’t have the payoff you were wanting – I know I would be disappointed, as well!
kimbacaffeinate
I dread when that happens. Everyone is raving and then I finally read it and it’s just ok. I like the sound of certain elements, and actually have it on my wishlist. Now my expectations are lower since you pointed out things that are making me go..meh and I will probably enjoy it more now..LOL Wonderful review, so sorry your socks are still on!
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter)
I really liked this one. I went into it not really knowing what to expect and I’m happy that it really impressed me. Kind of reminds me of Liane Moriarty’s What Alice Forgot, but a YA version of it. Oh, and I love the cover — very pretty!
Chel @ The Procrastinator's Corner
I think it’s strange that I’m seeing way too many books with the same premise as this lately-with the main character suddenly waking up with no recollection of what happened prior. Good to know that you still enjoyed this even though it was a bit of a disappointment also. I have only heard of this book now so thanks for sharing, Giselle!
Siiri
I’ve been meaning to read this and your thoughts really aren’t ones to turn me away from the book. I think the big reveal really depends on the person and I hope that when I do decide to give it a try, I’ll not be so disappointed with it. Sorry you disliked Adam a bit at the end. I love the premise and I’ve yet to have been blown away by this kind of a novel (memory loss and all) so I would really love for this to be the one that knocks my socks off. Thanks for your thoughts, Giselle!
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
It’s always disappointing when you expect amazing and get something different. It sounds like ti has some potential to be a good read. Great review, I’m happy that you still enjoyed it despite the few issues. 🙂
Amy @ Book Loving Mom
It always sucks when you are super excited to start a book, it’s got awesome reviews, and you think it’s going to blow your mind, then it’s good, but not as mind blowing as you were hoping. This does sound really good though. I actually hadn’t heard of it. I guess that’s what happens when I take time off from blogging. Lol!!
Savannah
Ehh, I need romance. IDK if it small. I need that sliver of hope. Nice review.
sarah mosher
i liked this book it was really good i didnt wanna put it down until the vary end!!