Thursday, June 3, 2010

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles
Publication Date: April 1, 2007
Versions: paperback


Summary (from barnesandnoble.com):
Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.
After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.
Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

Simone Elkeles is one of my favorite authors and even though all of her books are amazing, this one holds a special place in my heart. Maggie is recovering from an accident that Caleb had a main part in, and he's recovering from being put in jail from hitting her with his car. But, Caleb gets released six months early and before Maggie has a chance to leave. They come in contact with each other and they both can't help to blame the other for what they went through. Maggie thinks she will never forgive him, and looking down at her leg will always remind her of what he did, but maybe Maggie can't live without him either.

Their relationship is so pure that you'll want to read this book over and over again. Caleb defiantly fits the description for the perfect bad boy, ex con and all. He's so cute and does the swooniest things. This is defiantly a must read for any Simone Elkeles fan.

Will I reread it?
Most defiantly. This wasn't the first time I read it, but after months of it sitting on my shelf-I had to pick it up again. It's one of those books that is just as good the second and third and fourth time. I can't wait for the sequel, Return to Paradise, to come out. 

9 comments:

Erika said...

i love simone elkeles, and i found all her books to be amazing. i'm glad you liked this one :)

-Book Lovers Delight said...

Are you serious? There is "Return to Paradise??" YAY!

I recently read Leaving Paradise and I was sooooo heart broken over Caleb's attitude at the very end.

I am excited to hear there will be a resolution to this with the upcoming book.

Thanks for sharing.

- Karina

Sara said...

This sounds amazing! I'm glad you liked it so much. Simone Elkeles really is awesome! I'll definitely be reading this one :D

Blueicegal ♥ said...

i love Simones work there is no doubt that this will be amazing also, perfect chemistry is her only book i have read so far but i am looking forward to getting my hands on rules of attraction and this sounds just as good!

Bethany said...

that sounds like a sweet book!

Also I gave you an award at

www.owlbookreviews.blogspot.com

:D

Kelly said...

Great review, this sounds like an enjoyable book :)

ALN said...

I really want to read this book. I've read some of Simone Elkeles other books, and you're right she's an amazing author. I have been meaning to buy this book but have yet to get a chance. I hope I get to soon.

Sara said...

Oh this book has been on my wishlist for sooo long! Hopefully I'll be able to buy it soon!

Darlyn said...

i never read anything by simone elkeles. i really hope i will very soon.this one also sounds good.