Guest Review: Torn by Amber Lehman - 5 Wine Glasses

Torn
by Amber Lehman 
Paperback, 404 pages
Published January 1st 2010 by Closet Case Press (first published July 15th 2009)
ISBN 0979593360

It was different this time; we weren't acting on a dare. I knew our motive; we were practicing the act, hoping to impress the right boy when it came time. But then something happened in the mix of the moment, in the mix of the alcohol. It wasn't planned, but somehow our kissing experiment turned into something else. Things went further . . . and once they had, once I returned to earth from the euphoria . . . I wrestled with my feelings at that frank realization, questioning whether our said objective was entirely true. When fourteen-year old Krista McKinley transfers from Catholic school in Ohio to California's public Crestmount High, she discovers she has a lot to learn. Luckily, she is befriended by Carrie and Brandon and things start to look up. But when a simple dare tests Krista s values, it sends her entire world spiraling into a confusing series of events that leaves her questioning her identity as well as the people around her.

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Renee's Thoughts:
Going out there and saying that this was one of my all time fave books. I was completely blown away! For the first time I actually wrote notes besides my kindle clippings. It was filled with so much emotion and angst. 


Where can I start without writing too lengthily? Well The book opens with a girl Krista who moves from Ohio to Orange County California. She is starting High School and is 14. On the first day she meets Carrie who is the first girl she sees when she shows up at 0 period. I think this is a Cali thing cause my kids did it. She is in a dance class and sort of hits it off with Carrie right away. Within a few hours she meets Brandon who appears to be Carries bf and they are making out to Krista’s embarrassment. Well it was all for show they are just really good friends. She meets Brandon, surfer, Mr. Rich, Hot, Smart and Popular 16 year old. Along with Brandon she meets Ryan, Nick and Aeleise who is his girlfriend. 

As they all settle into high school and get to know each other Brandon emerges as a very strong character. He is sort of intuitive and reads people well. It turns out Brandon a few really big reveals. His secrets and identity as a gay teen in the public eye as a sponsored surfer. He keeps that private. Once they hang out things happen between Carrie and Krista that leave them both questioning life, love and sex. They are now not afraid to talk and experiment which leads them on a pretty dangerous path. Several times I held my breath! In comes Aeleise who is Daemon’s sister and happens to be a hot 28 year old who teaches a small group bible study.

Many twists and turns take them from B.F.F. to hating each other, then back to friends. It is filled with so much emotion and at times it is hard to read. That is what I loved about it! Also what Krista deals with when she questions Daemon’s feelings towards her. Is he attracted to her or not? Then her and Carrie question their bond. Then the BIG OMG moment is when Brandon questions his entire life. 

I can't express how glad I was that I read it. I saw some reviews that made me curse like a truck driver. I applaud Amber Lehman and as a Cali girl, she was so accurate it hurt! This is REAL life people and I will say it is by far one of the best books I have EVER read. PLEASE, PLEASE support the author and go read it now!!

Rating: 5 Wine Glasses