Sunday, May 1, 2011

Rosebush, by Michelle Jaffee

Ah me.  I'm not sure I have the energy to do a book blog.  I guess I'll continue to limp along for now.

Jane wakes up in the hospital the day after the party and finds that she is paralyzed.  She can't remember the events that led up to her injuries--was it really an accident, or did one of her friends try to kill her?  And if so, what if that person is still trying?

Pros:  Just a good, trashy mystery.  No well-developed characters (mainly because there are so many of them), but a really fun whodunit, of which there are too few in YA fiction.  Was it her semi-abusive boyfriend?  His best friend who never liked her?  Her bitchy friends?  Maybe even her stepfather, who she's never liked for some reason?

Cons:  Jane kind of sucks as a human.  I developed a sneaking sympathy for the would-be murderer.  
She's also sexually attracted to almost every single non-related character.  I get the teen hormone thing, but sheesh.   Jaffe fans may be disappointed, because this book ain't funny.  No Bad Kitties here.

Recommended for:  Fans of the Pretty Little Liars series and other gossipy, secret-filled books like that.