Goodbye, Rebel Blue by Shelley Coriell Review

Monday, October 28, 2013

Title: Goodbye, Rebel Blue
Author: Shelley Coriell (Twitter)
Publisher: Abrams
Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Rebecca Blue is a rebel with an attitude whose life is changed by a chance encounter with a soon-to-be dead girl. Rebel (as she’s known) decides to complete the dead girl’s bucket list to prove that choice, not chance, controls her fate.

In doing so, she unexpectedly opens her mind and heart to a world she once dismissed—a world of friendships, family, and faith. With a shaken sense of self, she must reevaluate her loner philosophy—particularly when she falls for Nate, the golden boy do-gooder who never looks out for himself.
Rebel's life is a never-ending series of detentions and debauchery. Rather than walk the line like everyone else, Rebel strays from the norm and does everything she possibly can to change what could have been an otherwise sterling reputation. But a chance encounter with Kennedy, her absolute opposite, changes the path on which Rebel is headed. Rebel has the chance, and the choice, to change her ways and do some good in Kennedy's name...but it might just change her...forever.

There's a subtle sincerity to Goodbye, Rebel Blue that sang from the premise alone, urging me to pick up the book. Contemporary fiction, when done well, can sway one's emotions - taking them from the depths of despair and catapulting them to hope, faith and peace. Author, Shelley Coriell, has taken each and every one of these elements and woven them into a story that is heartfelt, sweet and urges one to find their passions and live them each and every single day.

As a rule, I don't like books that are preachy or force a certain way of thinking down my throat. So, despite the solid premise and engaging plotline, I had a few concerns about Goodbye, Rebel Blue, and I worried that the novel would take a sharp turn from inviting and rich, to cliche and kooky. Thankfully though, the heavy undertones and aching sadness that creates a base for the story also anchors it in reality, keeping the story heading in a strong, straightforward direction. The bucket list aspect of the story was definitely engaging, and it was a fun way to proceed with the plot, fueling it along, item by item. It was also wonderful to watch as Rebel slowly but surely (and believably) transformed with each and every item she completed in Kennedy's memory. There's a delicate balance of plot and character-driven drama in the novel, too. While the actual bucket list drives the events, the changes in Rebel, and the soft, flowing romance that we're privvied to with Nate, gives us a reason to become truly invested. I'll admit that I struggled with Rebel at first. She remarked heavily about how her greatest attribute was her honesty, but she was often so dishonest with herself. Watching her vulnerabilities surface and take hold made her much more accessible though and, as such, gave me more of a reason to enjoy Goodbye, Rebel Blue.

Overall, Goodbye, Rebel Blue was a sweeping story that could probably have continued another 50 pages without ever losing my interest. Though I would have changed Rebel's initial attitude, at times, I think that it served to better the book in the end. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

20 comments:

  1. Ths sounds like my type of read and protagonsist! It's always a relief that books don't take a bad turn into something completely cliche.

    Great review, Melissa! <33

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    1. I agree, Melanie! I think you might actually like this one! :)

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  2. I've seen this around a lot but not actually heard anything about it until now. I'm really glad, though, that this book worked out so well for you. I'm a huge fan of self-discovery novels, so I'll be adding this to my TBR for sure. Great review, Melissa!

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    1. I think it might be a hit or miss book, Keertana, but it's well-written, and it's enjoyable. It's not preachy at all, which I enjoyed :)

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  3. Couldn't they have named her something else? Rebel being a rebel sounds like a cliche. Okay, done with that little quibble! Sounds like a good story -- I like the bucket list thing (what's on your bucket list?) and how it's carried out.

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    1. Her name is actually Rebecca - they just call her Rebel because she is one ;)

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  4. I really like the premise of this one so I'm glad to see it worked for you, Melissa!

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    1. It's a good book, Leanna, and it moves really well. I think you'll enjoy it! :)

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  5. This sounds so great Melissa! I can't believe I didn't have it on my list already, but you can rest assured it's on there now:) I'm glad there's nothing really preachy about it, and the romance with Nate sounds like the perfect romance to me. A win all around I'd say!

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    1. It was actually really good! It's not a terribly romantic book, but it complements the story really well :)

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  6. This sounds awesome, Melissa! Admittedly I was a little skittish about starting it because I worried I wouldn't be able to connect to Rebel's rebellious attitude, but now I'm really excited to start it! Fabulous review, doll!

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  7. Um, yes. I have to read this one. The first paragraph of the synopsis hooked me completely. Thanks so much for the review!

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  8. I'm intrigued. I like the idea of a book based around a bucket list.

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  9. This sounds so much like the kind of book that I would enjoy, Melissa. I love books with bucket lists, so I should definitely check it out.
    I love that Rebel grows throughout the book. Those kinds of stories are always the best.
    Lovely review, Melissa!

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  10. this book sounds really interest. i'm adding it to my wish list now :)

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  11. This one definitely sounds worth a read! Rebel sounds like an interesting and complicated character and I love the bucket list-style plot. Glad you enjoyed it, Melissa!

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  12. This sounds like a fantastic contemporary book, I've heard great things about it and glad you enjoyed it as well. Great review Melissa!

    Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

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  13. I feel so sad about Kennedy just reading your review, Melissa. I love positive character transformation, and this sounds like a wonderful example of that. Lovely review! :)

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  14. I have this book coming up pretty soon, so I'm glad to see your 4 star rating Melissa. I love how you've described Coriell's writing ability, I love being swept away by a gorgeous read and it seems like this book will do exactly that. Another lovely review Melissa, I look forward to comparing notes! :)

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  15. I like your mention of sincerity in this book-I don't think I mentioned that in my review but it's something I can see when I think back on my experience reading it and I think it contributed to my liking this book.

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