Illuminated
By: Erica Orloff
Speak
ISBN-13: 9780142413760
Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story - and hers - takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary - and that of Heloise and Abelard's ancient romance - their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can't last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history?
Review
Callie lives with her Uncle Harry and his partner Gabe every summer and this one is no exception. Except her Uncle has gotten a rare book to sell from a client and thinks it might be the discovery of a lifetime: a palimpset (a book where there are two layers of writing). Enter August and his Father, who have a family business of rare books. Since his Dad has agoraphobia, August and Callie are the ones invesitgating the book and trying to figure out who wrote it. They are also immediately attracted to each other and begin to fall in love. The book might belong to the son of tragic lovers Heloise and Abelard. Will Callie and August's story end tragicly too? This was an interesting book. While romance was a big part of it, the book would have been better off without it. Callie was presented initially as a smart, level-headed young girl. Then her brain turns to mush in the presence of August. It kind of disgusted me quite a bit. The mystery was pretty interesting, since I kind of love history and legends that are slightly beyond historical fact. I would not recommend this too highly though unless you're really into love at first sight. Not for me, most definitely.
VERDICT: 3/5 Stars
*No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores and online.*
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