Book Review: Wherever Nina Lies

Nina was beautiful, artistic, wild... and adored by her younger sister, Ellie. But one day, without any warning, Nina disappeared. Two years later, Ellie can't stop thinking about her sister. Although everyone else has given up hope that Nina will return, Ellie just knows her sister is out there somewhere if only Ellie had a clue where to look. And then she gets one in the form of a mysterious drawing tucked into the pages  of a book. Determined to find her sister, Ellie takes off on a crazy, sexy, cross-country road trip with the only person who believes she's got a chance - her hot, adventurous new crush. Along the way, Ellie finds a few things she wasn't planning on. Like love. Mysteries. Lies. And something far more shocking... the truth.

I figured I should branch out a little bit with my reviews since all of them up to this point have been of dystopian lit. After all that isn't the only genre that I read and enjoy. I also happen to like contemporary fiction. Hence why I am taking the Contemps Challenge! Read more about that here. Anyway back to the book review.

I actually decided to pick this book up because I read another persons review on it and thought that it sounded like a good book. I'm actually really surprised that I didn't pick it up sooner. The cover design alone should have pulled me in with its mysterious demeanor! Well better late then never right? The first thing I'll say about this book is that it totally threw me for a loop! Its got this total twist ending (don't worry no spoilers!) that I NEVER saw coming. Well I kind of saw it coming but I was literally in shock. Freaking out. No joke. And it was like two in the morning. Lets just say that once you get to about page 250 you won't want to stop reading no matter how late it is. Even though I liked the ending I was also a little disturbed by it. It was just so creepy...... But on to more positive things!

One thing that I loved best about this book was that sprinkled throughout its pages were these awesome doodles that were supposed to have been drawn by Ellie's sister Nina. I just loved them! They were such fun drawings and it was almost like you were discovering the clues the pictures had right along with Ellie. The extra visual aspect was great.

The story itself was well written. It flowed really nicely and it was hard to put the book down because everytime Ellie found a new clue I just had to find out where it would lead her! I also really liked the character of Ellie. I have an older sister too so I could definitely relate to her in a lot of ways. The whole sisterly bond was well portrayed.

In conclusion the book was intriguing, lighthearted, creepy and thought provoking. I don't really know how something can be lighthearted and creepy at the same time but if you read the book you will probably understand my sentiments. I give Wherever Nina Lies 4 out of 5 cupcakes!

Don't forget to vote in the poll for the next book I should read! The last poll was a tie between Impossible and I Am Number Four so I picked a randomly from those two and got I Am Number Four. Thanks for voting guys!

Julia :)