Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel

Young Adult: 240 Pages
Published: February 15, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: Review copy from publisher

Buy the book: Amazon

My Rating

Meet fifteen-year-old Echo, a typical teen trying to survive high school without being totally traumatized by boy trouble, friend drama, and school issues.  As if she didn't have enough on her plate, Echo is also still dealing with the murder of her sister Zoë.  Although it's been over a year, Echo is still reeling from tragedy that changed everything.  Beautiful and full of life, Zoë was the glue that held her family together, and although the two sisters were as different as night and day, they still had a bond that Echo can't let go of.  When Zoë's old boyfriend Marc shows up one day with Zoë's diary, Echo doesn't think there's anything in there she doesn't already know.  But as she gives in to curiosity and starts reading, she learns that her sister led a secret life that no one could have guessed--not even Echo.

"Zoe was just one of those people who the clouds always cleared for, the sun always shined on, and the stars came out for. She's the reason they invented spotlights" - Echo

Saving Zoe was just a great, can't-put-down kind of read. Although the main subject of the book is heart-wrenching, Alyson Noel also brought on a whole lotta laughs. There were so many laugh out loud moments, and hilarious one liners. Echo's witty humour was addicting, making it nearly impossible to stop reading. I immediately bonded with her, and fell in love with her character. Echo, along with the rest of the character cast are very likable and relatable making that reason enough to keep reading.

With the heart-breaking storyline and funny moments all mixed into one book, it does take you on an emotional roller coaster. All kinds of feelings rise to the surface, and make you think throughout the book. The book introduces the danger of Internet predators and partying with strangers. The book also brings attention to what you take for granted. For most of us with siblings, it is very easy to get caught up in the annoyances and clashing, but what if they were suddenly taken away from you? All those annoyances would probably seem really little and maybe even a bit silly. It makes you have a new appreciation for the people and things you have in your life. 

Alyson Noel knew exactly how to get into the heart and mind of a 15 year old and a 17 year old when writing as Zoe. It was just as if Echo was right beside me, sharing her sisters diary in confidence with me. It was a very powerful reading experience. The writing style was light and breezy and flowed perfectly throughout the entire novel. The book has a very important and powerful message that shouldn't be missed. A must, Must, MUST read!

What I loved: The important message it gives, and the feeling it left me with after I read it. Amazing characters and storyline. The book is heavy, but not overwhelming.
What I disliked: The length. I did not want this book to end.