Left Drowning Review

What does it take to rise from life’s depths, swim against the current, and breathe?

Weighted down by the loss of her parents, Blythe McGuire struggles to keep her head above water as she trudges through her last year at Matthews College. Then a chance meeting sends Blythe crashing into something she doesn’t expect—an undeniable attraction to a dark-haired senior named Chris Shepherd, whose past may be even more complicated than her own. As their relationship deepens, Chris pulls Blythe out of the stupor she’s been in since the night a fire took half her family. She begins to heal, and even, haltingly, to love this guy who helps her find new paths to pleasure and self-discovery. But as Blythe moves into calmer waters, she realizes Chris is the one still strangled by his family’s traumatic history. As dark currents threaten to pull him under, Blythe may be the only person who can keep him from drowning.

This book is intended for mature audiences due to strong language and sexual content.

Note: due to mature content recommended for Ages 17+

TBR: July 16 2013

Review: I honestly don't know where to begin reviewing this book.  I'm a slight emotional mess after reading Left Drowning because, damn that was a good book.  The first sentence just grabbed me because Blythe falls flat on her butt.  Literally, girlfriend is a mess emotionally, physically, mentally, you name it, she's screwed up.  Honestly though she is a beautiful mess, and following her story is as emotionally draining as it is rewarding. 

Jessica Park is a stellar author, and if you've read Flat Out Love you obviously know this.  Left Drowning is COMPLETELY different from FOL.  There isn't a comparison.  I was warned going into Left Drowning that it is New Adult and I should not be expecting FOL 2.0.  Left Drowning is so much more than I was expecting it to be, it isn't a book with frills and a slow chipping away of one major problem until we are left with something that's new and shiny.  Left Drowning is a barrage of emotional upheaval laced with Jessica Park's signature snark and wit. 

Blythe is a character that I loved. I can't even begin to form words about how much I admired her character.  When things get rough at certain points in the book, she fights back.  She doesn't take crap, and I LOVE the fact that she actually stands up for herself in scenes from the book.  Yeah, she's a complete mess when we first meet her, but Park is quick to remind us that people and circumstances change us for the better just like they can scar us. 

Left Drowning is the perfect example of what the NA genre symbolizes.  Yes, there's sex in it, and yes it definitely is hot, but it helps catalyze the plot, it doesn't dominate it.  Both the characters and plot are so beautifully up and down that you are breathless while reading.  Jessica Park has created a whopper of emotional feels in this book.  Left growing is a book that makes you really introspective, I haven't stopped thinking about it since i finished it last night.  

For fan of FOL or FOM you will still love this book, but you won't be finding a Matt, Julie, or Celeste in the pages.  Left Drowning is beautifully woven together, with a set of characters that are flawed, tragic, and fabulous. This book is truly wonderful, and I would recommend it to anyone, and I will be.  I leave you with my favorite quote. 

"We don't have to know everything. If you believe in fate and some kind of meaning and sense in this fucked-up world, then believe with abandon, love.  Enjoy it."  -Left Drowning 

5/5 OH YEAH I LOVED IT