Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland, but the similarities end there. In school, Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation - awkward but electrifying - something life-changing begins.

Shock horror, I at first found this book a bit boring and was thinking "not another teen angst novel" but because of the hype I persevered and once the protagonists were older I sensed there was something darker here and as the tale progressed I thought of Taylor and Burton and the "can't live with him, can't live without him" syndrome. The ending was good. I think because Connell would not physically beat her, Marianne wanted to send him away so she could 'suffer' without him and maybe get someone else (Jamie, Alan?) to beat her. Also it was harder to hide her eating disorder from Connell.

Taking to today's meet up.

Not picked up at the meet up so I'm marking it available again.

Left on picnic table near the cafe.

If you've found this book and you're new to this, welcome to bookcrossing! I hope you enjoy looking around the bookcrossing site. If you decide to join bookcrossing (it's free, so no reason not to if you're interested!) please feel free to list me (Tanamo) as the member who referred you. Even if you don't join I'd appreciate it if you'd leave a quick journal note so I can see where the book ended up - you can do it anonymously if you wish.