Author: Jill Cooper
Publication Date: September 27, 2012
Synopsis: Susan Monroe doesn't ask for much: good grades from her children, a house with room for a pool, to be the best Tupperware party host in New Haven 56. But inside her tranquil 1950s styled community, a monster lurks. A monster that lives inside Susan, and every one of her superficially perfect neighbors, held in check by the oppressive police state that rules over them. Susan happy life is torn apart when her teenage son goes missing the same night an explosion rips apart the community. Susan knows it’s only a matter of time before the police start breaking down their doors. Before the reconditioning begins and Susan's identity is lost, she must do one final thing. Find her son.
My Thoughts: Dystopian novels are usually a must read for me. Glistening Haven was a new kind of dystopian for me to read. Instead of zombies, or aliens, or a huge war and destruction, Jill Cooper told readers about a new species that is created by humans' own need for perfection. The story is told about so many peoples' lives, but it never got confusing. Cooper knew how to weave everything together and keep readers interested.
I was really surprised by this book. I don't think I expected, from the synopsis, that there were real monsters. I guess I just thought it was figurative. Instead, I learned all about the glistenings and the humans who are suppressing them. It really became a book about who is the real monster here? I wondered over and over about that.
Jenna was an exciting character. She was full of pain and secrets from everyone around her. She also was a dangerous person. Hunting down glistenings seemed to come very easy for her. I liked her some of the times, but other times I hated her. She was in your face and hateful, and she hated the glistenings.
Susan's entire story was crazy. She was a perfect mom and wife, but she was confused. When her son went missing she was frantic to find him. She was being a good mom. I really loved her character. The small parts with her husband Jeff and daughter Marie were amazing, too.
Jake and Wendy's story was heartbreaking but full of bravery. They were a sweet teenage couple just trying to have their baby in a safe place. They never could have realized the full effect that could have on everyone, both human and glistening.
Glistening Haven is a must read. It is fast paced and exciting. There were so many unexpected twists and I hated to put it down once I started reading. Jill Cooper did an excellent job writing a story that is sure to capture readers.
Rating:
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I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Thanks for reading and your review! I'm glad you liked it so much!
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