The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #1) by Michelle Hodkin

2013 is starting off strong for this chick. I’ve already read some amazing books, and honestly I’m setting the bar quite high for myself in terms of what’s going to rock my socks this year. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was so unexpected — literally blew my mind. Of course, you get very little from the synopsis, but I still didn’t think all THAT would occur.

Normally I don’t choose paranormal books. I guess it’s sort of like my reluctance with dystopian (which I’m now COMPLETELY over…thank you Lauren Oliver); I was always afraid there was just no way I could truly relate, and therefore, I shied away from them. Well, this book changed that for me yet again. And while I’m on a bit of a soap box (ahem), I must say, too, that it’s been years since I’ve read so much YA – and I’m finding I LOVE it again. For that, I’m super thankful. Don’t get me wrong, I love some smut. It’s necessary sometimes. What I am loving about the YA I’m reading, much like this book, exactly, is that the authors aren’t falling back on sex to snag readers. The writing is just so engaging and the story is so crazy that you’re hooked.

Okay. Tangent over. Jeez lady.

So this book, yes. It wasn’t what I expected at all – but in the best way. For starters, it’s freaking spooky. It had a very What Lies Beneath feel to it, for me. Great movie. That’s what it sort of reminded me of. In other ways, it wasn’t what I expected because I just didn’t understand certain aspects. For some reason, though, I’m totally accepting of that fact. I’m not sure how or why. Maybe Michelle is just that good of an author, or I’m banking on books two and three to pull through and clarify some stuff, but regardless, there’s plenty I’ve been left scratching my head about, and I can’t wait to see what it all means.

Another welcomed part of this book. Noah. Shaw. Lately I’ve been crushing on some serious YA heroes. Does that make me creepy? Perhaps. Am I okay with that? Yes. Yes I am. While I didn’t alway see the whole “bad boy” aspect that was alluded to throughout the story, I did get that vibe from him enough to make it still feel valid. And really, for me, I didn’t care. Bad boy. Good boy. He just worked. I liked the banter between him and Mara, and instantly felt their connection. I also really appreciated his purpose in the story. There was nothing predictable about him. I was literally kept guessing…the ENTIRE TIME. Not to mention the fact that is just so damn dreamy. Seriously, with all the non-kissing scenes. How could NOT hooking up require me to fan myself so often. :)

For the supporting characters — loved them all, too. They all served great purpose, and I think they rounded out the story perfectly. Daniel, Mara’s brother was a great vehicle for both her “recovery” but also for allowing readers to see exactly the extent of her “illness,” and then Jamie, who unfortunately, we didn’t get to see much of the last 30% or so of the book, was a fantastic addition to the story. I think he helped showcase Mara’s insecurities, but also brought out the fierce side of her. He was hilarious, and a champion for her. He would give it to Mara straight, and even though he didn’t agree with her decisions (ahem, Noah), he stood by her.

And now, for Mara. For how long this book was, and it being from Mara’s POV, I still feel like she’s a complete mystery to me. And that is so fascinating. Okay, so is she Mara? Let’s start there. I’m still not sure. Second, with an ending like that, I have NO idea what’s going to happen to her. We’ve only barely scratched the surface to what’s going on with her. I will say, though, I’m super intrigued. She’s strong, but she’s weak; she loves her family, but doesn’t feel like she is truly part of them; she knows what she wants, but doesn’t exactly know WHO she is. She wants to know what happened to her friends. And how she was involved. She wants to know more about this bad boy, Noah, even though everything screams at her to stay away from him. Are you interested now?

I’ve never felt so at peace, while still so unsettled from the end of a book before. I think I’m just THAT confused. I spent the better part of a half hour after reading this, cleaning up my kitchen and picking up my kid’s toys before noticing I was muttering to myself. MUTTERING. LIKE A CRAZY PERSON. ABOUT THIS BOOK. My husband was gone playing basketball, the kid was sleeping, and I was apparently losing my marbles. I just kept thinking, “what the hell just happened. how did that happen. what is GOING TO happen.” over and over and over.

Thankfully I don’t have to wait for a year to read book two, like many who would’ve picked this book up when it was first released. Otherwise, I can’t imagine what sorta craziness I’d evoke on the world. That being said, I’m almost scared to dive into book two (okay, you got me, I’ve already started it…just one chapter, though, before deciding I needed to calm myself), for fear that Michelle’s going to leave me scratching my head again…and then I’ll be stuck waiting until October.

You should read this book. Trust me.

Oh and check out Michelle’s book trailer. So amazing. And fitting. And I love Black Dog. The song, not really black dogs. But really, I don’t have a problem with them either.

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