Book Review- Linger

By Maggie Stiefvater

Published by Scholastic

To Be Released On July 13th, 2010

Source: Scholastic

5 STars- This is a must read and one I'll read again

..grace...

This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one.

Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. His was the disease we couldn't cure. His was the good-bye that meant the most. He had the body that was a mystery, too strange and wonderful and terrifying to comprehend.

But now it is spring. With the heat, the remaining wolves will soon be falling out of their wolf pelts and back into their human bodies. Sam stays Sam, and Cole stays Cole, and it's only me who's not firmly in my own skin. (from Maggie's site).

I laughed, I balled, and I felt every emotion possible as I read Linger. I was so captivated by it that I literally could not put the book down until I was done reading it. Once I was finished, I wanted to read it again. Linger is literally one of my favorite reads and one I will read again and again. I adore Maggie's writing and the in depth world and characters she has created. She's left me feeling torn between who I like more, Sam or Cole.

Linger is one of those rare books where the author allows you to not only become part of the main character's lives, but one where you get to become a part of the supporting characters lives as well. I really enjoyed Linger being from 4 different points of view, as that broadened the story a lot more me. I was able see all different sides of the story, and what each person and wolf is dealing with and how they change and grow by the end of the book. I liked seeing each of the characters through someone else's eyes and getting to know the character's own personal stories.

Not only are Grace and Sam's point of views ones that will leave you sighing at times and other times grabbing for a box of tissues, but Cole and Isabelle's point of views are both humorous and heart breaking. Isabelle had me laughing out loud when Cole provided me with understanding why those who turn may like being wolves, when Sam didn't. Cole brought more realism to the story. I wonder how many people wouldn't love a new chance at a different life, when the one life you were living, wasn't worth living any more. I liked seeing the different point of views on being a wolf with both Sam and Cole, as they both viewed it so differently. That's what made it more real for me.

Cole's character seemed to be such a pivotal one. I liked that he was the one who was there for Sam, when Sam couldn't stand him. Sam and Grace's relationship is amazing. I love their sweet moments together. I felt their joys and sorrows and if I say anything else, than I'll be spoiling the book, which is a little tempting as there's so many things to talk about. I will say that Sam and Grace both showed an inner strength at various times in the story that will pull at your heart. The ending may leave you yelling, crying and turning the pages hoping to find out what happens next, only to realize we have to wait for Forever's release.

Linger kept it's believability, which I really enjoyed. I think sometimes authors lose the chemistry and the draw they had for me in their first books, when they write their second books and then find it again in their third books. For me, Linger didn't lose that at all. It took what Shiver had and took it to the next level. Linger is a gripping, emotional roller coaster ride I didn't want to be done with when it came to an end. Now I'm left wondering what will happen to Grace, Cole and Sam in the next book. The ending left me very curious as to which direction Forever will take.

You can find more information on Maggie's site here http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/linger.php