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A review by em_brebs
Lying Out Loud by Kody Keplinger
2.0
2.5
I wanted this to be a little break between two fantasy books, and this suited that purpose okay, I suppose. The main character was a little bit unlikable, and the romance (the reason I came to this book, frankly) I found to be disappointing, just in terms of what it is that I want from a romance. I liked [b:The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend|6931356|The DUFF Designated Ugly Fat Friend|Kody Keplinger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1271108843s/6931356.jpg|7162394] from this author a decent amount when I read it a couple of years ago, but this book just didn't click with me.
Sonny is a compulsive liar, she lies about her family and her homework and just about anything in her life. Her best friend, Amy, is practically perfect, and as such has attracted the attention of the pretentious new boy, Ryder. One night, Ryder sends an email asking Amy out, and Sonny and Amy respond cruelly. But then, Sonny and Ryder chat online all night. The problem is, he thinks that she's Amy.
Spoilers Discussion!
So I think that Sonny is maybe my biggest problem re: enjoyment with this book. She just was really unlikable. And her circumstances were definitely terrible, don't get me wrong, but she lied unnecessarily when the truth would've been so much easier. She even had a "the boy who cried wolf" moment early on, when she was fired from her job at the movie theater, and still she lied constantly. And she was cruel to Amy, who had done so much for her. So, she was funny and it wasn't, like, painful to read from her perspective, but her rationalization and all of her actions were hard to take at times. And it wasn't like she had a reason always. Like, why did she have to start sexting Ryder, instead of just texting him. If she just wanted someone to unload on, sex doesn't have to be a part of it. And then not telling him when she promised Amy she would… like before the kiss she could've said something. It seems to me it's just in general bad to anger the person who is letting you stay in their house rent-free. And also , how was she even still spending time with Amy if Amy and Ryder's paths never crossed? Basically, she didn't deserve any of the wonderful people in her life and I kind of wanted Ryder and Amy to realize they could do better.
Also, the romance had barely any build! I mean, maybe not the romance but her developing a crush on him. She's supposed to hate this guy and all of a sudden she's basically in love with him and willing to mess with a very important friendship to try to get him to like her? It just wasn't satisfying. Also, when they did get together it was still painful because she hadn't told him anything! And was also lying to Amy! nooooo
Basically, the reason to read this book is in the pay off at the end. Before then, it's just painful and you want to yell at Sonny for all of the terrible decisions that she can't stop making. But then there's the turnaround. Then you see how kind Amy's family is, and what is at the root of all of Sonny's problems, maybe (her parents.) You get the warm fuzzies from the scene at the police station with Sonny's dad, and you get the reality of it taking a while for Amy to forgive her, and Ryder's even more delayed reaction.
Also, speaking of Amy, I love fierce Amy. I am totally here for her, and thank goodness that she cut through all the ridiculousness and told Ryder what happened. Because he needed to know, and Sonny was clearly not going to tell him, despite everything. And even afterwards, I like that she committed to it, and I know that she and Sonny would've had a much healthier relationship afterward.
If Ms. Keplinger comes out with another book that appeals to me, I may pick it up, but this was underwhelming.
Fin!
Disappointing, unappealing main character: 75%
I wanted this to be a little break between two fantasy books, and this suited that purpose okay, I suppose. The main character was a little bit unlikable, and the romance (the reason I came to this book, frankly) I found to be disappointing, just in terms of what it is that I want from a romance. I liked [b:The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend|6931356|The DUFF Designated Ugly Fat Friend|Kody Keplinger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1271108843s/6931356.jpg|7162394] from this author a decent amount when I read it a couple of years ago, but this book just didn't click with me.
Sonny is a compulsive liar, she lies about her family and her homework and just about anything in her life. Her best friend, Amy, is practically perfect, and as such has attracted the attention of the pretentious new boy, Ryder. One night, Ryder sends an email asking Amy out, and Sonny and Amy respond cruelly. But then, Sonny and Ryder chat online all night. The problem is, he thinks that she's Amy.
Spoilers Discussion!
So I think that Sonny is maybe my biggest problem re: enjoyment with this book. She just was really unlikable. And her circumstances were definitely terrible, don't get me wrong, but she lied unnecessarily when the truth would've been so much easier. She even had a "the boy who cried wolf" moment early on, when she was fired from her job at the movie theater, and still she lied constantly. And she was cruel to Amy, who had done so much for her. So, she was funny and it wasn't, like, painful to read from her perspective, but her rationalization and all of her actions were hard to take at times. And it wasn't like she had a reason always. Like, why did she have to start sexting Ryder, instead of just texting him. If she just wanted someone to unload on, sex doesn't have to be a part of it. And then not telling him when she promised Amy she would… like before the kiss she could've said something. It seems to me it's just in general bad to anger the person who is letting you stay in their house rent-free. And also , how was she even still spending time with Amy if Amy and Ryder's paths never crossed? Basically, she didn't deserve any of the wonderful people in her life and I kind of wanted Ryder and Amy to realize they could do better.
Also, the romance had barely any build! I mean, maybe not the romance but her developing a crush on him. She's supposed to hate this guy and all of a sudden she's basically in love with him and willing to mess with a very important friendship to try to get him to like her? It just wasn't satisfying. Also, when they did get together it was still painful because she hadn't told him anything! And was also lying to Amy! nooooo
Basically, the reason to read this book is in the pay off at the end. Before then, it's just painful and you want to yell at Sonny for all of the terrible decisions that she can't stop making. But then there's the turnaround. Then you see how kind Amy's family is, and what is at the root of all of Sonny's problems, maybe (her parents.) You get the warm fuzzies from the scene at the police station with Sonny's dad, and you get the reality of it taking a while for Amy to forgive her, and Ryder's even more delayed reaction.
Also, speaking of Amy, I love fierce Amy. I am totally here for her, and thank goodness that she cut through all the ridiculousness and told Ryder what happened. Because he needed to know, and Sonny was clearly not going to tell him, despite everything. And even afterwards, I like that she committed to it, and I know that she and Sonny would've had a much healthier relationship afterward.
If Ms. Keplinger comes out with another book that appeals to me, I may pick it up, but this was underwhelming.
Fin!
Disappointing, unappealing main character: 75%