Review of Secrets and Lies by Kody Keplinger
Review of Secrets and Lies by Kody Keplinger
Published by Poppy
on June 1, 2013
Source: e-ARC from the publisher. Please see my full FTC disclosure on blog sidebar.
Summary: Secrets & Lies contains two short stories, each one about a different character from Kody Keplinger’s prior books. Alliterations and Abbreviations follows Bianca’s friend Casey (from The DUFF) as she finds herself falling in love with someone she doesn’t think she should be with. People Worth Knowing is about Bailey, the younger sister of Nathan from Midsummer’s Nightmare as she decides how to handle an incident of bullying on the cheerleading squad.
My take: I’ve been a fan of Kody Keplinger since The DUFF. Her books are fun and engaging contemporaries with an authentic-sounding teen voice. The books tackle difficult subjects — like teen sex and divorce — in a way that isn’t preachy.
I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest fan of novellas, as most of them can’t squeeze in enough character or plot development to make me completely happy. But I thought that the novella format actually suited Kody Keplinger’s breezy, dialogue-heavy writing style very well and that she did a great job of keeping the plot lines tight and focused.
Casey’s story is more intense and romantic — she finds herself attracted to her best friend’s ex and doesn’t know how to handle it. Bailey’s story is more issue-oriented, as some of her cheerleader friends are bullying another student and she has to decide how to handle it. Other favorite characters from The DUFF and A Midsummer’s Nightmare make surprise appearances. In short, a fun summer read!
Glad to hear that Keplinger's style works in the novella format. I don't tend to read very many novellas but these are ones I'm very interested in because of how much I liked her writing before.
My biggest issue with novellas is that I always want more. It's just not enough! I really enjoy Keplinger's books so I definitely plan on checking this out!
I'm not a big fan of novellas unless they contain characters from previous books. I have yet to read any of her books, but they are on my wishlist and I have heard great things!
Love Kody Keplinger! Novellas are fun fast reads but do often leave me a bit unsatisfied since as soon as it gets good it ends. Looking forward to seeing Casey and Bailey's story. I don't remember Casey too well but I remember Bailey trying out for the cheerleading squad in A Midsummer's Nightmare.
I love this author! Thanks for the giveaway!
I haven't read any of her books, yet. I think I could squeeze in a novella!
I haven't read any of her books, but have been wanting to. I didn't even know about this one. This sounds like a great quick read.
I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Kody Keplinger's work, so for me this is a great opportunity. Thank you.
Pam
I love Kody Keplinger too, and this sounds like an awesome read! You know I love it when fave characters make unexpected appearances in her books:) Thanks for the g-away:)
I haven't read any of her books, but I have Midsummer's Nightmare on my shelf. Really want to get to it, too. I wasn't even aware of these shorts, though. Probably should read the full-length novels first, though, huh?
OMG! I loved Midsummer's Nightmare!! It was so good. I'm sure this book will be amazing too! Exciting! 🙂
I haven't read any Kody Keplinger yet. I really should get on that. I've heard great things about her work!
Oh, I never knew that she wrote DUFF as well. I ought to read sole of these books after all the rave reviews it's been receiving.
I'm glad this one worked for you as well! <33
I love Kody Keplinger's Books! My favorite is Shut Out by her !
I love Kody Keplinger's books for the exact same reasons you mentioned and I also am not a fan of novellas. I'm hoping to finally read A Midsummer's Nightmare this summer. I've let it go way too long. And then I think I might actually read this. 🙂
I always love Kody's books for all the reasons you list here, and I'm excited to check this one out! 🙂
I am a huge fan of Kody's books. 🙂
I wish that I could pull my hair into an elegant updo like the cover model appears to have.