REVIEW: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Jen's Review

Hopeless
by Colleen Hoover
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: December 17, 2012
Pages: 486, Paperback
Source: Borrowed from BookLending.com//For review from Netgalley & Edelweiss
Rating: 5 Teacups

Originally, I was going to start off this review with a string of cuss words expressing how absolutely fantastic this book was. But that would be kind of disrespectful towards this book, wouldn't it?

Because this book is unlike any I've ever read. It's a New Adult, sure, but on a whole different level of New Adult. Hopeless brought about so many different emotions out of me that I don't even know how Colleen Hoover does it. Throughout the span of this book, I was laughing out loud, excited, sympathetic, crying (GASP), and let's not forget broken hearted. At one point, I had to physically take a breather and put the book down and just think for a second. Hopeless is emotionally draining yet fulfilling at the same time.

One of the most stunning qualities in Hopeless was definitely the characters. I've never connected with characters so well before, I don't think. Hoover is able to allow the readers to understand the characters like the back of their own hand, and it's because of this full understanding that the reader is able to enjoy the book so much. Sky, the main female protagonist, goes through a series of issues that are indescribably terrifying; and while I couldn't possibly relate to those issues, I was still able to sympathize with her, because of the way her feelings are expressed. And Holder, who is probably the most endearing boy I've ever read about. Holder was supportive, brave, and honest. He respected Sky in every way and it's just one of those things that touches your heart. The characters in Hopeless are forever memorable and the names Sky and Holder will always remain in a special place in my heart.

The plot for Hopeless was drastically intense and full of twists and turns. Because of it, this book is literally un-put-down-able. The first half wasn't as gripping as the second half, but it's enough that you want to read more to find out about Sky and Holder's relationship. But the last half.. Don't even get my started. I could not stop reading, simply because so many answers are revealed, leaving me gasping, sobbing, and just stunned at multiple points. There were so many things I didn't see coming, but I was left pleasantly surprised and happy that things turned out the way it did. At the end of every chapter, it left me wanting more, more, more. The plot for Hopeless is mind-blowingly addicting like no other.

The last favorable quality that I loved so much was of course, Colleen Hoover's writing style. From page one, it just clicked. Like that. I fell in love with her writing style so easily, I constantly wondered if she wrote this book according to my preferences, it was that good. It's simple yet beautifully lyrical at the same time. In a way, I'm glad that this is my first read from Hoover because now I can go off to read her other books and experience (hopefully) the same gorgeous prose.

To conclude, Hopeless is a story that you won't want to skip out on. It's one of those books where, during the process of reading it, your heart is ripped out, and mended back together. It's one of those books where, after you finish it, you collapse on your bed and just think about all of the things you just read about. I'm honestly shocked that I was able to write a coherent review for my thoughts on this book, because I thought I was going to be at a loss for words. Hopeless is a story that everyone needs to read, experience, fall in love with, and hold onto for dear life, for it is a very--despite the title-- hopeful story.

5 stars for Hopeless!

*Thanks to Atria Books for providing me with a copy to review!*