The Secret Year
by Jennifer Hubbard
Release Date: January 7, 2010
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 208
From: Publisher
Interest: Debut Author
Challenge: 2010 Debut Author Challenge
Seventeen-year-old Colt has been sneaking out at night to meet Julia, a girl from an upper-class neighborhood unlike his own. They’ve never told anyone else about their relationship: not their family or friends, and especially not Julia’s boyfriend.When Julia dies suddenly, Colt tries to cope with her death while pretending that he never even knew her. He discovers a journal she left behind. But he is not prepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship, nor to pay the price for the secrets he’s kept.
Three words; 2010 is awesome!
If this is any indication on how awesome the debut authors for 2010 are going to be, we are all in for a very big treat. This is the first official debut novel I've read for 2010, and I could not put it down!
I can't even explain the range of emotions that you are sure to experience while reading this novel. Colt is such an intense character, and you can't help but feel his desperation, his confusion, his frustration. It's strangely addicting. You don't want to be a witness to Colt's emotional roller coaster, but you can't help bit sit back for the ride.
But Colt wouldn't be as memorable without the extraordinary talent of author Jennifer Hubbard. Who has expertly crafted a story of love and loss and ultimately... a boy finding his way. This is definitely a character driven novel, but Hubbard's talent is just as memorable.
An author to look out for. I can't wait to see this author in by TBR pile again!