Book Nook Club: Speak Softly, She Can Hear; By Pam Lewis

Hi Book Nook fans!

I'm A Super Girl (no really, I am!) and I'm a new reviewer here at the Nook. I eagerly volunteered when Playful Professional asked and I'm excited to share some of the books that I read with you.

So, on to my first review!

I've had this book on my shelf ever since I stole it from my mom's shelf a few months back. The title intrigued me, as did the plot.

Basically, two young girls make a pact to lose their virginity before they graduate high school. They find a boy eager to help them in their quest and steal away for a week to do the deed. However, things go horribly wrong and the book takes you through the next 10+ years as the three characters try to move on with the common secret they share.

The book didn't disappoint my expectations and I enjoyed it. You can't help but keep reading after the first chapter -- which includes a rather alarming and rather sexual opening scene. While it is over the top, it provides the backbone from which the rest of the story falls.

To avoid becoming a rambling reviewer, I've decided to focus my reviews into three categories to give you a taste of the book. These are the three things I look for when judging a good book, and I imagine you do as well.

Characters: For me, character development is key. Pam Lewis did a decent job of developing her characters in this novel, but they weren't the deepest I've ever read. I so wanted to know more of the main character, Carole, and her intimate thoughts. The reader gets a bit of that, but not enough. There were a few characters that I also would've like to know more about, but they were secondary to the plot so I understand why Lewis set them aside.

Plot: The plot was great. Reviewers call the book a "psychological thriller". I don't know that I'd put it in the thriller category, it was more of a slow burn. No page turning shock and awe, but enough to keep me reading all the way through. The book took place in the 1960s and 1970s and it was difficult for me to remember that. I kept thinking it was present-day and then I'd read a passage that made me remember the decade. Regardless of my own forgetfulness, I think the time period was a great backdrop for the story and added to the mystery and believability.

Structure: I like short chapters and a structure that's easy to follow. This wasn't the hardest structure I've ever read, and the chapters were an OK length. I will admit that it took me awhile to get into the third person narration. Perhaps I've been reading too many first person books, but I really wished that Lewis would have written it from the main character's perspective. I also think that would have helped further develop the characters.

All in all a good, quick read. 3.5 stars.