Tuesday 3 November 2015

Review: The Lies About Truth by Courtney C. Stevens

The Lies About Truth by Courtney C. Stevens
Publisher: Harper Teen 
Publication Date: November 3rd 2015
My rating: 3 stars 


Sadie Kingston, is a girl living in the aftermath. A year after surviving a car accident that killed her friend Trent and left her body and face scarred, she can’t move forward. The only person who seems to understand her is Trent’s brother, Max. As Sadie begins to fall for Max, she's unsure if she is truly healed enough to be with him — even if Max is able to look at her scars and not shy away. But when the truth about the accident and subsequent events comes to light, Sadie has to decide if she can embrace the future or if she'll always be trapped in the past.

The Lies About Truth was a story I was really looking forward to after devouring Faking Normal last year. Stevens just has a way of weaving such a beautiful story that you find yourself thinking about it days afterwards. And that was exactly what happened with The Lies About Truth. Four friends found themselves in the most difficult situation after a horrific accident. And nearly a year later, Sadie, Max, Gray and Gina aren’t any closer to forgiveness, listening to one another, or finding the beautiful friendship that existed amongst them. It was sad to see just how separated people could become after one life changing event and how one said event could change things dramatically.

I loved the story that Stevens gave us in The Lies About Truth, there was so much to think about when it came to what happened and what turned everything upside down. That I appreciated Stevens giving us the story in smaller chunks, it was an awful lot to deal with in one go and so made the heartache to deal with that much more bearable. If I had to go through with what Sadie had been going through the past year I honestly wouldn’t know how I would cope. She had so much to deal with and then that little incident that took place afterwards brought things crashing down even more. She lost her faith and confidence in herself, and best friends that were meant to help her through this difficult time. But I’m glad to say that Sadie was able to find a friend in the least expected of places. Sadie knew Max as Trent’s younger brother and although she hadn’t been that close to him before. He was everything that she needed; he was caring, considerate, gave her the space to think things through, but most of all helped to slowly build her confidence back. It was a really tough journey for all of the characters to go through, and one that I knew that would take time for the scars and hurt to heal. But I sort of assumed that they had already been through so much, so I didn’t really expect the later revelations to be thrown in my face (highlight to view spoiler) the way we were given this story I’d assumed that Trent had loved Sadie more than a friend, I had never had guessed he was gay. 

Despite experiencing one of the toughest years in their life, I loved the way Stevens brought their story to a close, it really was the best way to the end their journey: through forgiveness and closure. The Lies About Truth really was a tough read at times, it was horrible when Sadie would recall a happy memory, but had such a difficult time dealing with it, as she was pretty much still going through the grieving process. But The Lies About Truth isn’t all about heartache and sadness, Stevens throws in neat little scenes which bring about rays of sunshine and make you believe there is hope and that things will get better. 




15 comments:

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

I read and liked Faking Normal before it even came out, and while I admired some things about it, I felt that something was missing emotionally. It just didn't get to me like I felt it was supposed to. I did feel even then that she is a very promising author, which is why I'll be reading this eventually.

I missed you heaps, Jasprit! And I'm in for a new readalong. :)

Anonymous said...

I loved Faking Normal, but this wasn't my favorite book either. I did really like how the story was told, but I agree that some parts (like your spoiler) were rather out of nowhere. I do think she's a fantastic author at capturing emotions though and I can't wait to read more from her.
Beautiful review, Jasprit!

Jenny said...

This sounds like a heavier read than I'm in the mood for at the moment Jasprit (I need light and cute!), but I love that it ends with forgiveness and closure. And I'm glad it's not all darkness all the time and she intersperses a few light moments here and there. I definitely need those in a book like this!

Piecraft Bucharest said...

Sounds like a story that asks a lot from the reader. I haven't read Faking Normal, but I might pick up this one yet. Wonderful review, Jasprit! Yay for the nice wrap-up at the end!

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

This sounds like a tough and an intense read. I am glad that there were some rays of sunshine and that it ended well.

brandileigh2003 said...

I liked the wrap up as well and the hope throughout

Unknown said...

I found this emotional, it was a difficult read, It was nice that Sadie's memories made Trent feel alive and real

Joy said...

See? I didn't quite enjoy Faking Normal, but I'm really hoping this book would save the day for me. Sadly, you didn't quite enjoy it, so that's not looking too promising now.

Keertana said...

I really enjoyed Faking Normal but it was such a tough read and I can definitely see this being in the same vein. Not sure if I'm going to be picking it up, but I'm glad to see you did enjoy this and found much to appreciate. Lovely review, Jasprit!

Carina Olsen said...

Awesome review Jasprit :D I'm glad you liked this book. But even more happy that you didn't love it, lol :D It was a three star for me too. Though I'm thinking maybe two stars in my head right now, ugh. Already forgotten about it.. which is a bit depressing :\ It just wasn't perfect. But good even so :) Anyway. Thank you for sharing your awesome thoughts about it. <3

Alyssa said...

Hi Jasprit! I didn't like Faking Normal at all so I can't see myself reading this one, unfortunately. I've seen a couple of other bloggers enjoy this one so I'm glad it seems to be working for people! Three stars isn't too bad. :)

Fantastic review, Jasprit!

Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

Rachel said...

This one sounds like a great emotional and poignant read but nothing spectacular in the end. Feeding the story to us in small chunks would definitely get a bit annoying, but the romance sounds pretty cute and well executed. Nice review!

Rachel @ A Perfection Called Books

Siiri said...

LOL! Jazzy I can't read this review and not think of Connor Cobalt's cat (Sadie) hahahahaha. Ok *gathers herself* I've yet to read FN but I bought it when it was on sale last week so I can't wait to get on with it sometime! <3 The relationship between Max and Sadie seems A+ and I'm glad that Sadie is able to grow and gain confidence again. I feel like grief stories are so important and I'm glad this was a good experience for you as a whole. Sorry it didn't wow though!

Unknown said...

I really liked this one for the most part! Courtney Stevens really does know how to tell an emotionally resonating story. I just had a few issues with some of the plot points, and I wasn't a fan of how much Gray was in it.. I would have liked more Max and flashbacks of Trent. :/
Lovely review, lady!

Ksenia said...

I haven’t read Faking Normal, I’ve a lot heard about it. I’m looking forward to read this book, though I need to prepare myself for an emotional and tough read. Fantastic review, Jasprit!

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