Review: Exposed

Title:  Exposed

Author:  Kimberly Marcus

Review Copy Provided by:  publisher, Random House

About the Book:  In the dim light of the darkroom, I'm alone, but not for long.
As white turns to gray, Kate is with me.
The background of the dance studio blurred, so the focus is all on her
legs extended in a perfect soaring split.
The straight line to my squiggle,
my forever-best friend.

Sixteen-year-old Liz Grayson is photogirl—sharp, focused and ready to take the world by storm with her camera. But Liz's entire life is called into question when her brother is accused of a crime—and the accuser is Liz's own best friend. As the aftershocks from that accusation rip through Liz's world, everything she thought she knew about photography, family, friendship and herself, shifts out of focus. And for the first time in her life, Liz finds herself unable to trust her own point of view.  

My Thoughts:  I'm not a 5 star giving kind of girl.  That kind of a rating is reserved for books that "knock me off my feet," so to speak.  Well, this one did just that, so I didn't hesitate when I posted my completion on EXPOSED's Goodreads page.

This is the first book I've read that was written in free verse, but I'm ready to read more.  More free verse and more about Liz...what happens to her?  She goes through a lot in just one book, that I'd like to read more of her story.  The use of free verse makes this a quick read, but it doesn't take away from the depth of the story.

I'm so impressed with Kimberly Marcus as an author.  This is her debut YA, and it is going to be a hit!  There haven't been many YA novels written in free verse.  I think it is a great way to write and maybe there will be more like it in the future.  Marcus scores big with this one.

The characters in the story are well written, strong, deep characters.  Liz comes to find out things about her brother and her best friend that she may not have wanted to know, but they also help her to learn more about herself as a person.  What does she want to do with her life?  Is she willing to hang on to her dreams, take the risks that she tries to get others to take, listen to those around her who are trying to help her?  She comes to find out that dreams are what keep you going, and risks are meant to be taken.  Things may not turn out the way you think they should, but they turn out, none the less.

This novel delves into a very heavy subject, but it doesn't tiptoe around it.  Marcus meets the challenge head on and makes her characters face the truth, no matter how painful it is or will be, no matter what it may do to their relationships.  The content dealt with in this novel is not an easy subject to broach, but Marcus does it so well!

I will be recommending this one to teens and adults as it will be enjoyed by both.