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Book Review: We Were Liars – E. Lockhart


wewereliarsWe Were Liars
Author: E. Lockhart
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Publisher: Delacorte Press

Goodreads | Amazon | TBD

Summary:

we were liars
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.

 
First Sentence: Welcome to the beautiful Sinclair family.

My Review:

Hi, my name is Kelly and my brain ruins books for me.

Let me start from the beginning. I’m sure everyone has heard of the book We Were Liars by now. You know, that really hyped up book where almost everybody said they loved? The book people said that had the shocking ending that they never saw coming? The book that has the motto “Lie about this book?” Yeah, that book. That same book didn’t impress me much. In fact, I’m rather disappointed.

No one is a criminal.
No one is an addict.
No one is a failure.
The Sinclairs are athletic, tall, and handsome. (3)

The first chapter or two of We Were Liars started off great – it got me curious, interested, and a bit invested in the book. However, the next hundred to two-hundred pages (which is about 85% of the book) or so bored me to death. I felt like I was reading a book about rich people problems like The Great Gatsby. Every single character was snobby except for the one single person who tries to explain why he doesn’t belong with the rich group. That was basically what the majority of We Were Liars was about – rich people facing their rich people image problems. (To be clear, by “image,” I’m not talking about eating disorders or anything like that, but the front and face they put out in society and how society views them.)

We are old-money Democrats. Our smiles are wide, our chins square, and our tennis serves aggressive. (3)

When I first started reading We Were Liars, I was very tempted to peek at the ending, especially when I was starting to get bored of the book. I wanted to see if the ending everyone was talking about would shock me as much as it shocked them. However, once I actually reached the end of the book and read it, I was extremely disappointed because I totally saw that coming. In fact, I predicted the ending to We Were Liars at around thirty pages into the book or so when I was guessing what would happen at the end. My problem is that I read another book with a very similar ending to We Were Liars. (I won’t mention the other book because if you’ve read We Were Liars, you’ll know the spoiler for the other book and vice versa.) The other book’s ending shocked me, but this time when I was reading We Were Liars, I saw it coming.

We are Sinclairs.
No one is needy.
No one is wrong. (3)

The writing in We Were Liars also didn’t work for me. I found E. Lockhart’s writing style a bit confusing. Sometimes, at random intervals, she writes sentences like / this for/ no / reason at all, kind of like the way the summary is written, except she sometimes does it to a full sentence. Other people might get and appreciate her writing style, but I just didn’t get it.

Frankly, I don’t think We Were Liars deserves the hype it gets. If anything, I think the other book I’ve read with the similar ending deserves it a lot more than this one. But then again, I am one of the black sheeps for this book, so I’ll just walk off into the grassy meadow baa-ing.

two

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-Kelly

Posted by Kelly on 5-16-14 · 41 Comments
Categories: 2014 book, book review Tagged: 2 star

« Life Of A Blogger: 101 Things You Love
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Speak Your Mind

  1. Librarian Lavender says

    5-16-14 at 1:46 PM

    Too bad you didn’t like the book, it’s always such a pity when that happens. I haven’t read it yet…
    Librarian Lavender recently posted…The French for Always by Fiona ValpyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-19-14 at 9:29 PM

      Yeah, I was hoping I’ll love this one like everybody else did. D:
      I hope you’ll enjoy it more than I did once you read this one!
      Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: So. I (Kind Of) Found A SolutionMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Lesley says

    5-16-14 at 3:58 PM

    I didn’t really like it either, pretty much for exactly the same reasons you’ve just said! I called the ending as well, although I’m intrigued as to what book you read that made it obvious to you. It just didn’t live up to the hype, but then I don’t really see how any book could have done.
    Lesley recently posted…Author QuotesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-23-14 at 9:24 PM

      I’m really happy I’m not the only one who saw the ending coming! I just thought it was so obvious after reading the other book.
      Hmmm, but the Daughter of Smoke & Bone lived up to the hype (in my opinion)!
      Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: 101 Things You HateMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Hillary R. says

    5-16-14 at 5:12 PM

    You are so right Kelly. This book has been getting a lot of hype, even before it was released. I was one of those readers. about to fall into the trap of buying this book as soon as I had the chance, but now after reading your review, I’m re-evaluating why I wanted to in the first place. The excuse my brain comes up with is bad, just because everyone else loved it, but now that I know it’s not as good as it sounds, I think I’ll put this one off for the far, far future (if I ever get to it). Thank you for your honest review! I’ll be the black sheep to join you ;)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-23-14 at 9:26 PM

      Hmm…maybe you should borrow this one before you get it Hillary! That way, just in case you turn out liking the book, you can safely buy it!
      Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: 101 Things You HateMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!) says

    5-16-14 at 5:36 PM

    I’ve heard of this book, and I’m familiar with the hype. However, the fact that it was so hyped up, that it is a “tough-issue” contemporary novel, that it so blatantly deals with lying and deception, turned me off. I wasn’t going to read it and I definitely will not read it, since you gave it such a low rating. This definitely does not sound like a book that I would like. I’m sorry that you did not enjoy it more! But, fantastic review, Kelly :)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
    Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!) recently posted…Review: Hooked by Liz FicheraMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-23-14 at 9:32 PM

      In a way, I don’t think it was really a lie and deception, just avoidance. If you ever decide to read this one and get to the end, you’ll get what I’m talking about.
      But yeah, overall, I am not impressed.
      Thank you Alyssa! :D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: 101 Things You HateMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Jayvee De Castro says

    5-16-14 at 5:54 PM

    I honestly wanted to read this book and buy it from the book stores. It doesn’t come cheap. I have noticed a lot of other bloggers liking this novel while this is a first Kelly, that I’ve noticed someone who is not riding the #WeWereLiars bandwagon and I totally get it. I’m still interested to read it to find out what gets these bloggers so hyped and if I can’t find it, then too bad, I just might agree with you.
    Jayvee De Castro recently posted…Mark Your Calendars: Stephanie Perkins in the PhilippinesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-23-14 at 9:34 PM

      I’m guessing they don’t have libraries where you live? :l
      Ha ha, yeah, I’m the black sheep for this one. Baaa.
      I hope you’ll enjoy reading We Were Liars more than I did! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: 101 Things You HateMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Annie says

    5-16-14 at 6:15 PM

    Yes, I’m not the only person who wasn’t crazy about this book! I didn’t dislike it but I didn’t love it either. I think I enjoyed it as a leisurely read and nothing more. The writing really clicked with me and that was what, despite all the other things that DIDN’T work for me, really carried the book and made the pages fly! I read this really great and analytical review about We Were Liars and perhaps what the book is trying to say and honestly if that was E. Lockhart’s purpose with this book, then I applaud her because it’s a really interesting idea and one I think could have been great if it was executed better. But I don’t think anything really came through for me with this book. I just got a whole lot of narration about rich kids living on an island and no matter what the message was supposed to be, I didn’t get it. And while I did not anticipate the twist, it wasn’t surprising for me, not like in the jaw dropping way everyone else experienced it. All in all, while I did like the writing of this book, I was more confused than not and I agree, I’m not really seeing where all the praise comes from, to be frank, because this book just didn’t do it for me.
    Annie recently posted…Life of a Blogger (3): 101 Things I LoveMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-24-14 at 3:00 PM

      I wish the writing clicked with me – I felt like the writing just dragged things down for me.
      Ohh, where is this great and analytical review you read? I want to see because I’m really curious to know what E. Lockhart was trying to do.
      Ha ha, I get what you mean. Other people I know were talking about how they didn’t see that twist coming and how they cried over it. :P
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [81]My Profile

      Reply
  7. Joy @ Thoughts By J says

    5-16-14 at 9:05 PM

    I have to wait till July before I’m sent this book for review, and it sucks to hear that you didn’t enjoy it Kelly. :( I’ve heard nothing but praise from other bloggers, and have been so hyped up for this one. But I can definitely understand where you are coming from. I often find when I read a book that is similar to one I’ve read before, then the second book is never as enjoyable. Hopefully, I’ll keep my expectations low when I do get around to reading this one. Wonderful review :)
    Joy @ Thoughts By J recently posted…May Book Haul – Went a little cray crayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-24-14 at 3:03 PM

      Most people loved this one, so there’s a 95% chance you would too Joy!
      Yeah, that’s what always happens, unless the 2nd one REALLY stands out apart from the first one.
      Thank you Joy! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [81]My Profile

      Reply
  8. Sara says

    5-16-14 at 9:29 PM

    Great review!! It saved me the time of trying to track it down and quickly read it.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-24-14 at 3:04 PM

      Thanks Sara!
      Ha ha, you never know, maybe this one will work for you! :P
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [81]My Profile

      Reply
  9. Cyn @ Bookmunchies says

    5-17-14 at 12:28 AM

    That’s too bad you didn’t enjoy it! I think the problem sometimes with books that rely heavily on “keeping secrets” is usually you know that there’s suppose to a “twist”, making it predictable.
    I still ended up enjoying but I totally get where you’re coming from. Lovely review Kelly (:
    Cyn @ Bookmunchies recently posted…Review: The Chapel Wars by Lindsey LeavittMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-24-14 at 3:06 PM

      Honestly, I wouldn’t even know the book was about “keeping secrets” until everyone was talking about it. I’m pretty clueless that way, I mean, hello Kelly, the title of the book is called We Were Liars! -facepalm-
      Thanks Cyn! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [81]My Profile

      Reply
  10. Clarisse @ Bittersweet Blogs says

    5-17-14 at 2:09 AM

    I thought this was a greaaat book. I’ll still read it though. :D
    Clarisse @ Bittersweet Blogs recently posted…Book Review – The Longest RideMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-24-14 at 3:07 PM

      I hope you’ll enjoy this one more than I did Clarisse! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [81]My Profile

      Reply
  11. Jules @ Jules Bookshelf says

    5-17-14 at 1:23 PM

    Aww, its so sad that you didn’t like this a lot Kelly :(
    I was planning to read it (still planning too) but I’m kinda scared I’ll get annoyed now.
    Jules @ Jules Bookshelf recently posted…Idle Chats: What I like in a bookMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Jess, Books and Sensibility says

    5-18-14 at 12:42 PM

    I’m not a big contemporary reader so for me this book was very different. I liked this book, I think Gatsby-ness of it worked for me. Like you I saw the ending coming but I was hoping I was wrong. I I also finished a YA book that ended like this does the one you read happen to be by two authors ?

    Reply
  13. Maddy @ Symphony of Words says

    5-18-14 at 2:55 PM

    You’re definitely not the black sheep. Almost all the blogs I follow have had unsatisfactory reviews about this book. Even then, I’m going to go against all common sense and buy it anyway, since I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to know what the heck that ending is about. Gah, I’m stupid.
    Maddy @ Symphony of Words recently posted…Review: The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera CassMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction says

    5-18-14 at 9:27 PM

    Aww, I enjoyed this one a bit more. I sort of saw the end coming (wasn’t right on 100% of the details but the general gist) so I wasn’t shocked but I was moved. The writing actually worked fairly well for me. I have to say I found it to be a page turner. I can totally see though why it doesn’t work for some people. The writing is odd and at times on the confusing side, the characters were hard to like at times too. I always hate it when a book I’ve been anticipating falls flat :-( Hopefully your next read (will it be Hungry??) hits you better.
    Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction recently posted…If I Were Going to BEA- The Books I’d WantMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Anette Fabre says

    5-19-14 at 4:29 PM

    I quite agree with you on this. I am halfway thru the book and I got no more reason to finish this. It’s too bland for me
    Anette Fabre recently posted…Wicked Review: It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny HanMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Rachel @ Paper Cuts says

    5-20-14 at 2:06 AM

    Is it weird that I’m excited you didn’t love this? Something about it having so many positive reviews weirded me out. And I’m excited to read it, but only because of the hyped ending. I dislike rich people complaining about their rich people problems, so we’ll see how it works out–and if necessary, you might have a baa-ing companion! Great review Kelly! :)
    Rachel @ Paper Cuts recently posted…Review: Unremembered by Jessica BrodyMy Profile

    Reply
  17. CeCe says

    5-20-14 at 1:37 PM

    I have read so many mixed things about this book, and despite the hype, the conflict I am seeing from the readers is what is making me most interested in reading this one. Very interesting review. I can’t wait to read it and compare notes.
    CeCe recently posted…ALL the FEELS FridayMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Chanpreet says

    5-20-14 at 9:58 PM

    I’ve seen so many rave reviews for this book. I like that you have a different opinion. It gives me more to think about before I pick up this book. I may just pick it up to see what all the hype is about.
    Chanpreet recently posted…Blog Tour and Review: Strings of the Heart by Katie AshleyMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Ailla says

    5-22-14 at 6:11 AM

    I’ve added this book to my to-read pile but after your review, I’m having second thoughts lol Still, I might check it out after what I’m currently reading. Great review!
    Ailla recently posted…THE MAZE RUNNER SERIES Dashing Review :DMy Profile

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  20. Nicole @ The Quiet Concert says

    5-23-14 at 3:08 PM

    So I was shocked by the twist and I did love the writing but that;s the extent of what I really enjoyed about this book. I am not sure I believe this book deserves all of the hype either, but the hype machine does crazy things.
    Nicole @ The Quiet Concert recently posted…The Murder Complex (The Murder Complex #1) by Lindsay CummingsMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Nikki Robinson says

    5-25-14 at 2:24 PM

    I just won this book in a giveaway, so I’m anxious to read it.

    Reply
  22. Josefina DM says

    5-28-14 at 10:05 PM

    This book has so much hype I am very hesitant about reading it, I might give it a chance but it is good to know what to expect I guesss.
    Josefina DM recently posted…50 cosas que (no) deberías saber de mí*My Profile

    Reply
  23. Ailla @ Le Bibliophile~ says

    5-31-14 at 5:44 AM

    Hi Kelly! I’ve commented above about wanting to read this and I finally did! And now, I agree with you. My brain spoiled my reading because as I read, I tried to come up with the “big ending” and even before I came to the conclusion, I already saw it coming. I’d beg to differ on the writing structure though, I liked the writing style. Poetic :)
    Ailla @ Le Bibliophile~ recently posted…30-day Book Challenge: DAY THIRTYMy Profile

    Reply
  24. Jasper says

    5-31-14 at 1:50 PM

    I was planning to read it but reading your review it seems somewhat disappointing.

    Reply
  25. Chelsea B. says

    5-31-14 at 11:47 PM

    Oh my. This seems like a strange sort of book. Though this kind of writing style has become quote popular, personally, I’m not a fan of it. And I had no idea this novel was written that way– so thanks for letting me know!

    Reply
    • Chelsea B. says

      5-31-14 at 11:47 PM

      “Quite” haha ;-)

      Reply
  26. Michelle Sedeño says

    6-01-14 at 8:24 AM

    Aww, really? You’re the first one to dislike this book. Heard so many good things about this. Still curious and want to read it, though.
    Michelle Sedeño recently posted…Book Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh MafiMy Profile

    Reply
  27. Eliza says

    6-20-14 at 3:21 PM

    Kelly,
    When I was in middle school, I read a book that had a twisty plot quite similar to We Were Liars.
    Years later, I found myself remembering that book for no reason and wanting to know what it was (I can’t remember the title or names of the characters or the author)
    I googled the plot elements I remembered but couldn’t come up with anything, so I gave up, though it nagged me that I couldn’t remember what the book was.
    Reading We Were Liars rekindled my desire to remember that book! I had half started to believe I had imagined the half-remembered book and couldn’t believe I was seeing such strong echoes of it right in front of me (a “variation of a story you have heard before” as Cady said)
    Anyways, i googled “we were liars similar plot” and found your review! Gratifying to know it’s not all in my head.
    Please, clear things up for me once and for all and tell me the name or author of that other book! I’m sure you can find a way to do it without spoiling anything for others (I’m happy to give you my email if you want).
    As it happens, I enjoyed We Were Liars a lot more than you did. I too often find that twisty books are ruined for me by my ability to see what’s coming long before the fact, but this one actually caught me by surprise (both times!)
    I would definitely recommend it to others, though I kind of hope that people who are considering reading this book and haven’t yet aren’t reading reviews or any of this, because it’ll probably cause you to try and pinpoint what the twist will be the whole time you’re reading, which kind of gets in the way of just immersing yourself in the narrative as it unfolding.
    Hope you can help me solve the question of the mystery book!

    Reply
    • Eliza says

      6-20-14 at 4:42 PM

      NVM, I finally figured it out!!
      Now i’m curious whether the book WWL reminds me of is the same book it reminds you of. I’ve heard it compared to several different novels.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart - The Bookish DaydreamerThe Bookish Daydreamer says:
    9-18-14 at 3:35 PM

    […] journey I took with the other characters. But ultimately, I wasn’t wowed like everybody else. Kelly from Effortless Reading had the same reaction as I did, but I really think we are the only 2 in the bookish world who did. […]

    Reply
  2. ARC Book Review: Pennyroyal Academy – M.A. Larson says:
    3-30-15 at 4:20 PM

    […] In case you don’t know, I am very good at predicting twists – I saw the ending of We Were Liars by E. Lockhart when I was just thirty pages into the book and predicted the epic ending of Evertrue […]

    Reply

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