Systematic Student + YA

Review: You by Charles Beniot

Youby Charles Beniot is... Wow... Ouch.

This book uses the 2nd person narrative, which is something that you don't see very often and it uses it incredibly well which is something seen even less. This narrative style brings you farther into the story, forcing you to connect to the characters differently. Although Kyle is the narrator, the use of the word 'you' makes you think more about yourself and how you would have reacted in Kyle's position. It's almost as if you stop reading the word 'you' and the story instead becomes about me.

In the authors note in the beginning, Benoit mentions that Kyle is neither bad nor good, he is typical. This makes a lot more sense once you've completed the story, because it's easy to understand how Kyle got to the position he's in when the book begins. There is something in this story that just about every can relate to at one point or another, and that makes it scarier, that much more intense, more real, and more personal. This makes the story all the more heartbreaking because of it's realism.

The characterizations were done very well. Many of them are not terribly likable, but each character has their own complexities and that thread of truth that makes this such an impactful novel. Especially Zack. When we are first introduced to Zack, I liked him. He was unique, and I figured he'd be a fun character to read about, initially, he almost makes a great 'good guy'. But then, we get to know him a little better and... shudder. I won't give anything away, because he's a character you really just need to meet for yourself, but ugh... Just be warned.

I also liked the emphasis (however 'underhanded' it may have been) on personal responsibility, and that Kyle acknowledged he really was responsible for his predicament and his placement. Throughout the story, several of the adults in Kyle's life talk about or make him think about his personal responsibility in his current position. I liked that Kyle accepted his responsibility (at least as much as teens are ever capable of fully accepting that responsibility...) and sometimes, it sounded like he really wanted to try a little harder.

The format was also quite interesting. We start at the end and are given a brief glimpse of a pivotal moment, one that sounds tragic (first line: "You're surprised at all the blood.") and then, it's as if the story rewinds, retracing the steps that brought Kyle and the mysterious 'him' to the moments in the beginning of the story with all the blood. It's a fast, intense race to the finish that leaves you a little bit gasping and empty once you've finally reached it. Grab yourself a copy of this book. It's important if you'll let it be.

*Disclaimer: I received this book through Around the World Tours.

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Review: You by Charles Beniot + YA