First words
I've been meaning to read this book for a while, but have only just got round to doing so. One thing I love about the cover of this book, is how the quote on the back is presented, with certain words being bigger that others; it really grabs your attention. The cover itself is also perfectly fits the story.
So what's it about?
Jenna was in a car with her best friend Lindsey, everyone drinking and smoking, when the car hit a patch of black ice. The car flipped over and caught on fire; Lindsey, and another girl Sophie, died on impact. Jemma escaped; but not before her life had been changed forever. Before Jemma could get out, she was caught in the flames. The right hand side of her face was severely burnt, leaving behind huge scars that can never be healed. With every glance in the mirror reminding her of her of the accident, and every stare in the street reminding her of her looks, she struggles to re-build her life. Until Ryan comes along. A traveling boy who might just be able to help her see, the scars don't define who she is.
"I wanted to say this morning, only you ran off...sorry if I was rude. "You surprised me, that's all. The scar-" he touched his face- "took me by surprise. I didn't mean to be rude." I gaped at him. Nobody ever, ever mentioned the scars.*
Thoughts and opinions
Firstly, I love the ideas behind this story. I strongly believe looks shouldn't be as important as society makes them - it really is all about who the person really is that should matter. Following Jenna as she comes to terms with the scars, is perfectly done, and I love the fact that Ryan is a traveler, as that's something we don't see very often.
At the start of the book I had one reservation about it, and that was because Ryan is sixteen and Jenna fourteen. Personally, I think those two years make a huge difference at that age, and I thought maybe Jenna could have done with being a little older. However, it works because Jenna has been through so much more than the average fourteen year old. Having her best friend die and coping with having severe scars on her face forever, forces her to grow up deal with the harshness of life and the cruelty of people.
Ryan, is a brilliant character. He is a amazing cross between being kind and loving, yet strong enough to not let anyone get away with disrespecting him, Jenna or his mother.
Jenna and Ryan's relationship and their love for one another, feels very real, and evolves beautifully through out the story. Switching between Ryan and Jenna's perspective works perfectly the whole way through.
But there is more to this story than just their relationship, and it keeps it twisting right up to the last page!
Final verdict
SKIN DEEP captures the wonders and the heat breaks of first love, while leaving a message that will stay in your mind long after you turn the last page; looks really aren't everything.
About the author
SKIN DEEP is Laura Jarratt's first novel. She is currently working on her next book.
You can visit her website here: http://www.laurajarratt.com
Follow her on twitter here: @LauraJarratt
Read her blog here :http://laurajarratt.blogspot.co.uk
or buy the book from amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skin-Deep-Laura-Jarratt/dp/1405256729/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337172063&sr=8-1
*The indicated quote is taken from the blurb of SKIN DEEP / Page 29.
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