Raw Blue Review

Monday, March 21, 2011

Title: Raw Blue
Author: Kirsty Eagar
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
Published: June 29, 2009
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 274
Source: Tour/Bibliophile Brouhaha

Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing ... and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago.

Then she meets Ryan and Carly has to decide ... Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?
Carly believes that if there's a black sheep in her family, she fits the bill. She followed her family's path until she decided to do something fun one night and everything changed. She lost the love of her father, lost her faith in herself and found her feet ripped out from under her with one horrific act that haunts her every day. She hides from reality in a bubble of surfing and cooking, but she knows the darkness of her past is lurking under the surface, just waiting to leer its ugly head. And above all else, there's a chance she might be falling for Ryan, but can she put the past behind her and learn to love herself and find the faith to trust again?

Remember how I said contemporary fiction wasn't my thing? After reading Raw Blue, I can honestly say that this is the epitome of what the genre should be. I've read a lot of books, but Raw Blue is in a league of its own. Raw and real, Kirsty Eagar bottled heartache and let it spill over into the pages of her book, letting the words spin a story that's mesmerizing, heartbreaking and wholeheartedly touching. Raw Blue is definitely a tearjerker, but not in the melodramatic way where the girl is trying to decide between two boys or find the perfect summer love. It's the story of an internal struggle that becomes external as the main character, Carly, tries to piece her life back together.

At first, I had no idea what happened to Carly, so while I could relate to her confusion and self-induced isolation, I wasn't sure I could put myself in her shoes. I could, however, feel her peace that she feels with the ocean, which definitely made Raw Blue that much more real for me. Carly doesn't know who did those things to her that night, but she does remember what happened, and so she built armour around herself. Ryan isn't your glittering love interest, but he's solid, and real and he has a past of his own. The fact that he was flawed and wanted to know Carly on her terms made him the ultimate YA love interest. Raw Blue delicately walked a fine line between character and plot-driven, and it did it well. It was equal parts, and it led to an ending that was fitting, but made me long for more.

I've heard a lot of good things about Raw Blue, but it's so much better to have read it myself. I give it a firm 5 out of 5, hands down, and I have to say it's probably the best contemporary fiction I've ever read. I would recommend this to all fans of YA, as well as adult readers, especially those who enjoy the contemporary genre.

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It's day 7 of The Long Weekend Blog Tour! Be sure to check out today's stop over at Sarah's blog, That Bookish Girl! She's got another fabulous review, interview and international giveaway, so be sure to indulge!

34 comments:

  1. Oooh I can't wait to get this one through the tour!! It sounds freaking fantastic!!

    Just curious..because I'm always curious about other readers preferences..what don't you like about contemporary? I like it in general but sometimes get weary of it.

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  2. I'm dying to read this book. Every review I see of it is good. Having a hard time finding it. :(

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  3. Love this review! I Raw Blue is one of my favourite books. I am so excited that you loved it and that there is a tour for this.

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  4. I have been anxious to red this book ever since I read a review of it on Nomes blog a very long time ago. I cannot wait for it to be released in the US. I love your review too so am even more hyped to read it now. Thanks

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  5. I know! How good is it? In my top ten YA books of all time for sure.

    I LOVE that as it's touring around everyone else is loving this as hard as all the Aussies do.

    You did an amazing job with this review melissa!

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  6. Wow! Another great review for this book! I need to get my hands on it.

    There are so many great Aussie YA titles around, but they are pretty difficult for me to get. Hmmm...I must find a way!

    Great review, Melissa. Loved this one! :)

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  7. Sounds excellent! When I read the synopsis and saw it was about surfing etc I wasn't really interested, but now I've read your review I've changed my mind. Another for my wishlist.

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  8. A very interesting book, I might be tempted! Lovely review btw!

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  9. "Remember how I said contemporary fiction wasn't my thing? After reading Raw Blue, I can honestly say that this is the epitome of what the genre should be. I've read a lot of books, but Raw Blue is in a league of its own."

    Oh, Melissa!!! You are making my heart SING!!! I am so happy that you appreciate what this book is, esp. since you don't usually care for comtemp. This review is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! I've linked to it on my 'Raw Blue' Page on my blog. Thanks for being a part of the tour!

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  10. Oh wow. That's a really strong rating! I've had this book on my TBR list for awhile. Sounds like I need to bump it up & read it.

    Awesome review Melissa! & I am so happy to see that you're reading more contemps ;-)

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  11. This sounds fabulous. I've heard good things about this book. I like how you describe it as a tearjerker but not in an unnecessary, melodramatic way.

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  12. A good friend told me about Raw Blue -- glad to see you write a review about it! (And HELLO Best Contemporary Fiction?! w00t!)

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  13. Stunning review, Melissa! This one sounds so wonderful, :)

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  14. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!! So glad you loved this one too, I just adored it. My heart was so heavy the entire time I was reading, I just wanted good things for her and Ryan and I was super involved in the outcome of their story. I'm not a big contemporary fiction reader either, but this one blew me a way. Fabulous, fabulous review Melissa!

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  15. I have heard so much about Raw Blue! There are so many great Aussie YA novels out there. I want to read them all!
    Fantastic review!

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  16. "Remember how I said contemporary fiction wasn't my thing? After reading Raw Blue, I can honestly say that this is the epitome of what the genre should be."

    Wow! That AND a 5 star rating? I think I'll have to put this one on my to-read list. I was planning on passing...but I don't think I can after reading your review! Glad you enjoyed it so much!

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  17. wow the best contemp you've read!? That's awesome!

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  18. I have never heard of this book but your review made want to read it. Sometimes I step around sad books because I'm like a sponge and I take in the sadness but a five star book is hard to pass up.

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  19. I have heard good things about this book, but this review is absolutely glowing Melissa! I must get my hands on a copy of this!
    ;)

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  20. It sounds really REALLY good. I love books that take place on the beach (even though I kind of have a fear of the ocean). It sounds like a great novel. I'd never heard of it before, I think I'm definitely going to need to pick this one up.

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  21. "Raw Blue is in a league of its own." I completely agree!

    So happy that you liked it Melissa! So happy.

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  22. I'm not sure I'm in the mood for a sad book... But I definitely have to read this book! I'm so intrigued by this one, and whooohoo, 5 out of 5!! Thanks to you it's added on my list =)

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  23. Thanks for this review!
    Both you and Linds love this so its on my wishlist =)

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  24. Awesome review Melissa! Contemporary YA is most definitely my thing, so I have to get my hands on a copy of this one soon! It sounds amazing!

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  25. Ok now you are just reading too many good books ;) My wishlist is gonna explode

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  26. Waoh... a contemporary you gave a 5? What this genre should be? Okay, I need to read this one. I'm with Blodeuedd... my wishlist... goes *boom* :)

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  27. I've been looking for a powerful book--this one looks perfect. Thanks, Melissa!

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  28. Wow. Just wow. I hope to be able to get to this one soon (though probably after finals). Amazing review :)

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  29. Everyone is loving this book! This sounds great...especially coming from someone who really isn't a fan of contemporary fic. Fab review! I hope to check it out soon. I'm putting it on my TBR list.

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  30. LOVED that review!! Ive heard so many great things about this one....So Im off to go get it...right now...:D

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  31. I think this is going to be my first ebook that I actually buy. THANKS A LOT MELISSA. XD Seriously though, thanks for the review. I neeeeeeeed it.

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  32. I cannot wait to get my hands on this one! For you to give a 5 to a contemp speaks volumes :)

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