Recently I received the ARC for The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff.
Two Things:
a) I love, love, love it
2) It made me really, really upset
Why?
Love:
1) It is well written and intriguing and just gorgeously ugly sometimes. Didn't think that was possible? Well, it is.
b) It has a male protagonist. What? YA urban/paranormal fantasy with a male main character? Yes. It is SO refreshing. Plus, the love interest, Tate, is not your usual "Rescue me from the evil monster!" *cue fainting* but she's hardcore. I love it. Sure, maybe Mackie isn't the strongest character in and of himself, but he's real, he's not flat, and he has an actual personality. Isn't that fantastic?
c) Brenna adds a whole new spin on the whole Other Worldly things that made me all happy inside.
Dislike:
a) The language. Now, I know for some of you you're probably rolling your eyes around and getting ready to throw rocks at me for being a stingy, Christian, self-righteous bigot. Hold yourself together, and just listen a moment (which, as far as I know, all of you who read my blog are really good at listening and letting me explain my view on things, which I am super glad about. It's SO fantastic that we can have different views on things and none of us get all angry as beavers over it)
Anyhow...
I don't like language. Sometimes I can understand why it's used, and sometimes in the book I could give reason for it and could be okay with it, but sometimes it was unnecessary (in my mind). The problem with cursing is it's not creative, a huge part of the time. There's one thing to use it is as characterization, but another just to have it there. And my question is, when did it become okay in our society to use language like that? It used to be unprofessional, and not in younger aged books. But now teens curse, because that's what they learned from their parents, and what they expect from their bosses, and I never signed up for that kind of society.
So despite enjoying this book immensely there are some people I am not comfortable asking to read the book. And I will still tell them I loved it, but it will always be with a caveat, that there is some heavy language in it at parts.
So for those of you who are okay with language I would say go out and pre-order it because I think you'll love it.
So what about You? Does language bother you, do you only like it when it's used to make a point, or do you not even notice it? I'm curious to hear what y'all have to say.
8 comments:
I would have a hard time with the language in this, I think, but I've heard some very interesting things about this book that I might pick it up. The cover is so interesting and unique! Thanks for a great, honest review. :)
I don't care for bad language when it's one firetruck word after another. Seriously, people. Read a dictionary and a thesaurus.
But curse words every now and then don't bother me as long as it's true to the character and the scene.
@Michelle: I do love the cover... It's so perfect.
@Laura: Yes! Thesaurus' should be thrown at some people. Ahem. Non-violently of course.
I'm not a huge fan of language in books either. In my opinion, it shows a lack of intelligence and creativity.
I DO agree that there are times when it is a necessary thing, simply because it helps hone in on the bond between reader and character when said character curses after stubbing a toe, or something to that effect.
Cursing in a YA novel?? Sprinklings, I will accept. Over-usage, forget it. I read lots of YA books and if I like them and they're decent, I pass them on to my daughter. If there is too much language, I hold back. Half the time, she will read it though and just glide over the cursing and whatever else she doesn't like.
I'm with you, I wouldn't want to suggest a book filled with language to a young adult.
I will say that I'm kind of used to the language. Doesn't mean I always like it. It just means I'm used to it. And hate when I slip. Like I wasn't strong enough to not say those words...
But I've heard of The Replacement. IT sounds very interesting. I guess it depends on how the language is used...
If it's used sparingly and with purpose, I don't mind.
I'm looking forward to reading this.
I don't mind language at all if it's used in the right places. Sometimes I think it may even be nessecary to use it when trying to convey strong emotion. I'm going to put this book on my Amazon wish list. If anything, the cover is awesome.
Caledonia Lass: My sister used to do that a lot, where she would preview a book for me. I think that's an important thing ton do for younger peeps.
Wolfie 402: Yeah, I know. I'm getting used to it too :(
Medeia: I hope you like it! It was written very well, and I enjoyed it, so i hope you do too :)
OfficeGirl: Sometimes it does feel necessary to me too. It's something I'm trying to find the balance on, when writing about my itty gritty characters
Everybody: Thanks for your feedback and for staying nice. You guys are awesome!
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