Overview
In Alyson Noël's newest teen novel, one sister's secrets save the other's life—in more ways than one. Meet fifteen-year-old Echo, a typical teen trying to survive high school without being totally traumatized by boy trouble, friend drama, and school issues. As if she didn't have enough on her plate, Echo is also still dealing with the murder of her sister Zoë. Although it's been over a year, Echo is still reeling from tragedy that changed everything. Beautiful and full of life, Zoë was the glue that held her family together, and although the two sisters were as different as night and day, they still had a bond that Echo can't let go of. When Zoë's old boyfriend Marc shows up one day with Zoë's diary, Echo doesn't think there's anything in there she doesn't already know. But as she gives in to curiosity and starts reading, she learns that her sister led a secret life that no one could have guessed—not even Echo.
Synopsis
In Alyson Noël's newest teen novel, one sister's secrets save the other's life—in more ways than one.
Meet fifteen-year-old Echo, a typical teen trying to survive high school without being totally traumatized by boy trouble, friend drama, and school issues. As if she didn't have enough on her plate, Echo is also still dealing with the murder of her sister Zoë. Although it's been over a year, Echo is still reeling from tragedy that changed everything. Beautiful and full of life, Zoë was the glue that held her family together, and although the two sisters were as different as night and day, they still had a bond that Echo can't let go of. When Zoë's old boyfriend Marc shows up one day with Zoë's diary, Echo doesn't think there's anything in there she doesn't already know. But as she gives in to curiosity and starts reading, she learns that her sister led a secret life that no one could have guessed—not even Echo.
VOYA
In the aftermath of her sister Zod's murder, Echo struggles to piece things together. Her parents hide behind work and prescriptions, school friends stare and whisper, and no one can reach Echo's inner sanctum of grief except Zod's boyfriend Marc. When Marc produces Zod's diary, her secrets tumble out: sex, drugs, true love, and ultimately death by an Internet stalker. Using the diary, Echo repairs her grieving family, eases Marc's guilt, and stops another sexual predator. Author of Kiss and Blog (Griffin/St. Martin's, 2007/VOYA June 2007), Nodl tells the story through the first-person narrative of Zod's and Echo's diaries, using a conversational style that makes a quick read. Many secondary characters are undeveloped, and the setting is nearly nonexistent, but readers will not find it difficult to follow Echo's internal dilemmas. A few things could be made clearer, and it is sometimes difficult to figure out the timing between Zod's and Echo's diary entries. Also the novel's intensity wavers between Zod's murder and the crimes of another predator whom Echo and Zod both meet. The plethora of sexual predators detracts from a single emotional impact. That said, these issues merit discussion, and Nodl presents them without preaching or judging. Purchase where teen drama, such as The Keys to the Golden Firebird (HarperCollins, 2004/VOYA June 2004) or The Alison Rules (HarperCollins, 2004/VOYA December 2004), is popular.
Editorials
From the Publisher
“Alyson Noël finds the perfect balance of heartbreak and humor in this story about sisters, secrets and saying goodbye. I loved every minute of it!”–Hailey Abbott, author of the New York Times bestselling Summer Boys series
“Even though you know from page one where the story will eventually lead, Saving Zoë pulls off the amazing trick of keeping you guessing. You have to follow along with Echo, the good sister chasing the tail of the “bad” one through the streets of darkest suburbia. Prepare to read this in one long sitting. Think Chinatown. Think "Where are you going, where have you been?" Think Veronica Mars.”
–Maureen Johnson, author of Devilish
“Noel writes a smart and compelling story about life, love and loss that you won't be able to put down. Saving Zoe is a must-read.”
–Cara Lockwood, author of Wuthering High
Children's Literature -
One year after her older sister Zoe's murder, Zoe's former boyfriend gives fifteen-year-old Echo her sister's diary. Skeptical about the diary containing any revelations, Echo sets it aside. Echo's curiosity eventually peaks and she digs in. While reading through the entries, Echo discovers that Zoe kept many secrets. Zoe's diary details the mysterious events that preceded her brutal murder. After Zoe's killers' capture and subsequent conviction, her family and friends gather around Zoe's new honorary park bench to celebrate her life. This well-written story is both tragic and optimistic. Besides coping with her own grief, Echo must deal with the additional pressure of being overprotected by her numb, pill-popping mother and her absentee father. Echo decides to have a heart-to-heart discussion with her parents and this leads to positive changes. Zoe's family members and friends demonstrate that love and memories do not have to die along with the loved one. Noel's novel will remind readers to appreciate the people in their lives. Reviewer: Mary Jo EdwardsVOYA -
In the aftermath of her sister Zod's murder, Echo struggles to piece things together. Her parents hide behind work and prescriptions, school friends stare and whisper, and no one can reach Echo's inner sanctum of grief except Zod's boyfriend Marc. When Marc produces Zod's diary, her secrets tumble out: sex, drugs, true love, and ultimately death by an Internet stalker. Using the diary, Echo repairs her grieving family, eases Marc's guilt, and stops another sexual predator. Author of Kiss and Blog (Griffin/St. Martin's, 2007/VOYA June 2007), Nodl tells the story through the first-person narrative of Zod's and Echo's diaries, using a conversational style that makes a quick read. Many secondary characters are undeveloped, and the setting is nearly nonexistent, but readers will not find it difficult to follow Echo's internal dilemmas. A few things could be made clearer, and it is sometimes difficult to figure out the timing between Zod's and Echo's diary entries. Also the novel's intensity wavers between Zod's murder and the crimes of another predator whom Echo and Zod both meet. The plethora of sexual predators detracts from a single emotional impact. That said, these issues merit discussion, and Nodl presents them without preaching or judging. Purchase where teen drama, such as The Keys to the Golden Firebird (HarperCollins, 2004/VOYA June 2004) or The Alison Rules (HarperCollins, 2004/VOYA December 2004), is popular.School Library Journal
Gr 7-10
Fifteen-year-old Echo was a typical teen until last year, when her older sister was murdered. Now she is treated like a pariah by the other students, who whisper behind her back. She is struggling to come to grips with her grief and life without Zoë, and her parents are numb and have become overprotective. Zoë was the rebel, the bad one, while Echo has always been the good girl. While the killer has been caught, shadows still surround the possible role Zoë's boyfriend played in her death. When he gives Echo her sister's diary, it is her opportunity to find out what really happened. Reading the journal takes Echo into Zoë's secret world and interactions with people scarier than she ever imagined. The story reveals the hidden dangers of social networking on the Internet and date-rape drugs. Noël gets the message across without being preachy; readers will learn from it and enjoy the novel's suspense and intrigue.
—Sheilah KoscoCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.