ARC Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
15April 25, 2014 by Alice in Readerland
A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.
We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.
An ARC of this title was given to me by the publisher, Random House/Delacorte soley in exchange for an honest review. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart will arrive in stores May 13th, 2014.
I knew We Were Liars was going to be a really unique book back when I got an ARC of it last fall and it came with a letter from the publisher’s vice president saying that knowing too much about the story would spoil it and, of course as it says in the synopsis, “If anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.” (Seriously, the letter was very cool.) So this is one of the funnest, trickiest, reviews I’ve ever written, because I really can’t tell you anything. I can just vaguely hint at things, smile, and say:
Spoilers! Sorry, sweetie. You’ve got to read it for yourself.
Here’s what I can say
* This is, hands down, the most unique book I have read all year.
* I’ve been a fan of E. Lockhart for some time now, so I’m still thrilled that there’s a new E. Lockhart book.
* The atmosphere in this book was amazing. The writing was poetic and eerie, with a strange sense of foreboding.
* This novel had so much suspense. It’s not a horror story, but the pacing felt like one.
* I think this story is definitely going to be a memorable standout for the whole year because I haven’t read another YA book quite like it before.
* This is one novel that won’t let you put it down because it just has so many questions throughout the whole thing.
* OOOHHH and there was this REALLY COOL PART where–
Oops. Almost gave something away. You’ll have to read it yourself.
Cynical Cindy Says
My one complaint about the story was that the marketing campaign for it was built around this big secret…and I guessed the secret fairly early on in the story. Then again, I tend to do that with a lot of mystery stories.
I’d tell you more, but, you know:
Have you read We Were Liars? What did you think of it? (Although, please, keep the comments spoiler-free!)
Alice in Readerland 
LOL darn it River Song – why must you always tease! :D i am so curious about this one – I wish I had picked it up at the LA book festival when the author was signing! I like unique books and I wish I had known more about this one before. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much!
LOL, I love River Song! :)
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I’m starting this one tonight!! I’ve heard so many good things about it, but still don’t really know what the heck it’s about. But that’s okay… I like it better when I’m surprised! I’m glad you liked this one… although I kind of hate when I guess the secret :(
I hope you enjoy it!!!
I actually didn’t guess the secret at all! I’m more of a passive reader though – I prefer to be taken where the story leads me and not jump to conclusions on my own. My jaw DROPPED on some parts – I was completely blown away by this novel! I’ve never read E. Lockhart before, but I’d be more than willing to pick another from her up again.
I’ve loved listening to/reading/watching mysteries since I was little so I guess I’m too used to how the clues are dropped/how the plotlines go to be surprised much, LOL.
Glad you enjoyed it!!! I hope you enjoy E. Lockhart’s other books too! :)
I seriously can’t wait to read this one!
I hope you enjoy it! :)
FIRST: I love love LOVE the doctor who GIFs!
SECOND: I read it in January and I’ve found myself thinking about it randomly ever since. I’m like you. I didn’t know how to review it without saying too much. I’m absolutely going to buy a copy so I can pass it around and “ruin” the day of other people who finish and can only say “oh, my. goodness.”
Thanks, River’s one of my favorite characters!
YES! You totally should! :)
I want to read this! After I’m done the hundred other books. ahh!!!
I know what you mean…a lot of times I doubt that I’ll read all the books on my TBR list!
Riverrrrrrr I LOVE River! Great review. It didn’t spoil anything and yet made me want to read it so much. I need to get to this one pronto!
Me too! She’s my favorite character in Doctor Who. :)
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I just finished it last night. While the ending shocked me and made me really love the book, the rest of it was just kinda meh for me. I struggled a bit with the writing style. It just didn’t really work for me personally. I think the hype monster got me a bit on this one. Boo. But I do agree with you that it is one of the most unique books I’ve ever read.