"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Saturday, August 16, 2014

Review: THE UNFINISHED LIFE OF ADDISON STONE by Adele Griffin (YA)


by Adele Griffin
Release date: August 12th, 2014
Published by: Soho Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Drama
Format: Hardback, eBook
Format read: ARC from publisher.


SUMMARY

National Book Award-finalist Adele Griffin tells the fully illustrated story of a brilliant young artist, her mysterious death, and the fandom that won't let her go.

From the moment she stepped foot in NYC, Addison Stone’s subversive street art made her someone to watch, and her violent drowning left her fans and critics craving to know more. I conducted interviews with those who knew her best — including close friends, family, teachers, mentors, art dealers, boyfriends, and critics — and retraced the tumultuous path of Addison's life. 


I hope I can shed new light on what really happened the night of July 28.



—Adele Griffin





MY REVIEW

This is the most unique and creative book that I have ever encountered. With the help of model pictures and donated pieces of art, Adele Griffin has been able to create the most realistic fictional-documented story I have ever read. 

It always amazes me when I  read a book where the main character's voice is barely present in the story, but, her presence, essence and livelihood is. With the supporting characters, the model who poses as Addison Stone, the website, etc. - they all bring together an unforgettable story dedicated to a girl who was, who could have been and who will live on.

Addison Stone's story is told by multiple points-of-views, her parents, brother, best friends, ex-boyfriends, colleagues and others; and when you start to think that the author could not possibly introduce us to another 'person', she does, and does so brilliantly. There never once was any confusion as to who was who. Each character brings in their own voice and gives life to who Addison Stone was. Often times I found myself wanting to go on the internet to connect to their stories and timelines, just to be reminded that this is all fictional...

The mystery as to what happened to Addison Stone, how and why she died, starts to unravel very quickly. She was consumed by creativity and passion. So much so, it became difficult to read her low and manic points... it becomes obvious as to who her true friends are; those who cared the most speak freely and genuinely. Others who were guarded and too frank were too quick to point the finger and claim innocence to any negativity in her life, it was obvious that truths were being twisted and reimagined. But overall, everyone's take did add up to create a realistic personality.

There is so much to say about this book! I could go on and on, but it would be so much simpler if you all were to go and read it for yourself so we can discuss it! I highly recommend this! Especially to those who love contemporary and/or documentaries. 


*An ARC was sent by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Adele Griffin



Adele Griffin is a two-time National Book Award finalist and the highly acclaimed author of numerous books for young adult and middle grade readers. Her works include Sons of Liberty and Where I Want to Be, and most recently, Loud Awake and Lost. Adele lives with her husband, Erich; their two young children; and their dog, Edith, in Brooklyn, New York.



1 comment:

  1. i never payed much attention to this title but now i am

    tnx for the review margie

    ReplyDelete

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