Review: Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Synopsis:
An arresting story about starting over after a friend’s suicide, from a breakthrough new voice in YA fiction.

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.

Review:
Hold Still is an amazing book. It took me by surprise because it was so good! Nina LaCour is an extremely talented writer, which you can clearly see in her strong writing. This book felt real to me. You could just feel the emotions coming off of the page.

The characters were well-developed. Even the minor characters had depth. Caitlin is a beautiful narrator. I loved following her as she dealt with her best friend's suicide. The love interest, Taylor, was so adorable! I kind of wish I found a guy like that in high school. He was such a sweet guy and just what Caitlin needed to start living her life again. My favorite part was when he let Caitlin drive his car. It was such a cute moment! Dylan, Caitlin's new friend, is probably the best character in the book. I love that she did not tolerate fakeness from anyone. She knew who she was and did not care what anyone else thought. Even Ingrid had depth, played a major role in the story, and felt alive to me even though she is dead throughout the entire book. She came alive during flashbacks and through her journal.

Hold Still is a great book . I absolutely loved it. If you enjoyed Looking for Alaska by John Green or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, you will definitely enjoy this book. I would recommend it to older teens and up as it does deal with tough subjects, but they are written so beautifully (props to Nina LaCour). This book is so beautiful, but it should not be taken lightly. It will take you on an emotional ride as you journey with Caitlin through her mourning process.

Rating: 5/5

Swords are for fighting,