Title: Candor
Author: Pam Bachorz
Publisher: Egmont
Pub. Date: Today!! (9/22/09)
Genre: YA
Main themes: Perfection, Love, Family, Subliminal Messages, Conformity
Pages: 249
Plot (from back of ARC):
"STEPFORD MAKES THE PERFECT WIFE, BUT CANDOR TEENS ARE CHANGED FOR LIFE.
Everything is perfect in the town of Candor, Florida. Teens respect their elders, do their chores, and enjoy homework... because they're controlled by subliminal messages. Only Oscar, the son of the town's founder, knows how to get kids out - for a price. But when Nia moves into town, Oscar is smitten. He can't stand to see her changed. Now he must decide to help Nia escape Candor and lose her forever, or keep her close and risk exposure..."
Candor was a wonderful debut from author Pam Bachorz! Filled with suspense, secrets, and forbidden romance, Candor grabbed my attention right from the first chapter!
From the first time I heard about Candor, I was intrigued by the plot. Candor is The Stepford Wives taken to a whole new level! I could definitely see Candor being offered a movie deal in the future. It has all the elements of an amazing big screen hit! I also loved the ideas and questions that Candor raises about conformity and family relations. This novel seems to have a healthy balance of popular appeal as well as deeper meaning.
I'm always a little uncertain when I see books that have a main character that is not the same gender as the author. Perhaps it is unfair of me, but I tend to believe that when it comes to characters, a woman writing a male's point of view simply isn't believeable. Perhaps, that goes more for men writing a female's POV or maybe Pam Bachorz has a gift for understanding the minds of men, but I definitely saw Oscar as realistic.
The romance between Oscar and Nia was well written and fit the plot perfectly. Nia and Oscar are both such perfectly flawed characters - their relationship had just the right amount of passion and insecurity.
Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing Style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)
Candor is quick, but satisfying read - and Pam Bachorz is an author to watch! I can definitely see more great novels in her future...
I was on the fence about reading this-but you've made up my mind! Thanks, and awesome review.
ReplyDeleteI wanted a little bit more of Nia.
ReplyDeletePam said she's working on another YA novel. I really want a sequel to Candor.
Ohh a perfect review score? If I hadn't already been wanting to read this, you would have had me hooked! Now you've just got me wanting to read it even more. Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book! Nice review, I'm so glad you liked it(:
ReplyDelete