Unraveling IsobelAuthor: Eileen Cook
Published by: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Format: eARC
Pages: 306
Source: Publisher
Isobel’s life is falling apart. Her mom just married some guy she met on the internet only three months before, and is moving them to his sprawling, gothic mansion off the coast of nowhere. Goodbye, best friend. Goodbye, social life. Hello, icky new stepfather, crunchy granola town, and unbelievably good-looking, officially off-limits stepbrother.
But on her first night in her new home, Isobel starts to fear that it isn’t only her life that’s unraveling—her sanity might be giving way too. Because either Isobel is losing her mind, just like her artist father did before her, or she’s seeing ghosts. Either way, Isobel’s fast on her way to being the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.
Loved this book! It’s funny, cute, and creepy; how could this not be a fun book? Unraveling Isobel was one of those books that I almost didn’t read, but changed my mind at the last minute. Then it ended up keeping me awake until 1:30am doing the must-read-just-one-more-chapter thing.
Poor Isobel had to leave her high school, best friend, and civilization behind when her unbelievably selfish mother married Richard, a man she barely knows. Richard, or Dick – as Isobel so affectionately refers to him – is … well, a dick. Along with Dick’s son, Nathaniel, they all move to Dick’s family estate on Nairne Island, a place where everyone knows everyone and everything that goes on. Strange things start happening in the house, but the big question is: is the stuff really happening, or is Isobel really going crazy?
Isobel is hilarious. I felt so bad for her when her mom acted like a selfish brat; marrying a man she’s known for only a few months and doesn’t even let Isobel finish out her senior year of high school. That’s not even the worst of it, in my opinion. Isobel’s biological dad has schizophrenia, and her mom is always throwing it in Isobel’s face that she might “get it”, so every time she “acts up” or does her art, mom thinks she has a mental illness. Plus, it infuriates me the way she allowed Dick to manipulate them. But Isobel had me laughing through it all, because the girl is a true smartass.
Isobel’s relationship with Nathanial is adorable, both of them had me laughing. I thought Nate was so cute, especially when he teased Isobel. Who cares if they’re technically step-brother and step-sister! I want them together!
I recommend this book to everyone. It’s fun, it’s quick, and it totally pulls you in.
Yay! I'm so glad to read your review on this one, Christy!
I had been looking at it, thinking that hey, it might be funny and original, and now I'm definitely going to add it to my pile! Plus, the quote you chose is… well, hilarious. If the rest of the book is anything like that, it's a must.
Thanks for the great review!
Ron @ Stories of my life
I've had this on my TBR list, can't wait to read it. Great review!
Cathy
My Blog
Oh, that mom sounds horrible. But at least Isobel says true to herself. The step sibling thing kind of added a forbidden flare to their romance. I bet I'd find myself rooting for them too.
Great review – I've never heard of this book till now but it looks really good, I am gonna give it a go! Poor Isobel , that mom sounds awful! Anyway, great blog!
Jessica from Booked Up!
http://bookedupbloggers.blogspot.com/
xxx 🙂
I have a copy of this, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it or not. Now I definitely want to see if I will like it as much as you! Great review, Christy! 😀
Thanks for commenting on my blog. It's good to be back now. 🙂
Sam @ Realm of Ficton
tnx 4 reviewing
i hear yea have those must-read-just-one-more-chapter eving/nights a lot ^_^
tnx 4 sharing your thoughts
bummr did not get in a ss galley grab
LOL That quote cracked me up. I am definitely adding this to my list!
Hahah I didn't know what to expect from this book either, but it sounded interesting enough. I liked it too. Great quick read!
Great review, Christy! I've seen this book around and have it on my TBR list, but just realized I haven't actually heard that much about it. People must have just posted the cover or Waiting on Wednesday or something. Now I want to read it even more! 🙂
Awesome review, totally want to read the book even more now! This has been on my WL ever since I spotted it on amazon 😀
<3 April @ My Shelf Confessions
Wow great reviwe Christy..i now have to buy this one..lol