{Review} Goodbye Rebel Blue by Shelley Coriell

Goodbye, Rebel Blue
Series: none
Author: Shelley Coriell
Release Date: 2013
by, Harry N Abrams
*given for review*
Pages: 320

Rebecca Blue is a rebel with an attitude whose life is changed by a chance encounter with a soon-to-be dead girl. Rebel (as she’s known) decides to complete the dead girl’s bucket list to prove that choice, not chance, controls her fate. In doing so, she unexpectedly opens her mind and heart to a world she once dismissed—a world of friendships, family, and faith. With a shaken sense of self, she must reevaluate her loner philosophy—particularly when she falls for Nate, the golden boy do-gooder who never looks out for himself. Perfect for fans of Jay Asher’s blockbuster hit Thirteen Reasons Why, Coriell’s second novel features her sharp, engaging voice along with realistic drama and unforgettable characters. {Goodreads}

I'm one of those gals who prefer more excitement in my books. You know, the horror, mystery, ass kicking sort of excitement. It doesn't have to be a specific genre--vamps, fae, nephilium, dystopia...all and more. That being said, sometimes something soft and sweet can be a nice filler book. One that I can enjoy, smile and gush over helps clean the pallet when their has been a little too much ass kicking back to back.

Rebel Blue is one of those cute "clean your pallet" type of books I couldn't help but love. With its soft love interest, rebel attitude, and journey of adventure and living life more full, Coriell gave a great coming of age book. While this book has its reference to Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, I didn't find it as heavy (this was read before the Netflix series came out). Again, I found this to be a very refreshing read. I felt like I kept letting go of breaths for Rebel, like she was holding her breath just as tight as she was holding who she thought she needed to be. As the story progresses I found it nice to read from Rebel's POV as she started shedding layers and breathing easier.

Then there's the list. The bucket list that runs this book. The bucket list is definitely where I can understand the comparison to Ash's book. A chance encounter between Rebel (Rebecca) and a more popular girl at school after a day in detention leads Rebel on a chase of life after the girl dies and leaves behind her bucket list. The list becomes Rebel's main priority and through it her character blossoms leaving the reader happy and warm inside by the end. Her character development was lovely. Even better, I was enjoyed in how Coriell decided to slowly release each girl's bucket list they were forced to write in detention--Rebel's by chapter names.

This book didn't having my dying at the fact that it was over nor did it have me adding it to my most coveted book shelf but it did leave me content. I would recommend this book to any one who is looking for a quick, fun read between book releases or just looking for something old that's new to read. Give it a shot!

Rating:

*a copy was provided for review purposes*