fatimamahate's review
3.0
I enjoyed this book however the ending, I think, could've been better. It was the first teenage book I ever read.
blakehalsey's review against another edition
4.0
This book was uncomfortable to read. But great. It was difficult because I knew things were not going to turn into the first romance Evie was dreaming of and moreover, that her mom was a little questionable. I love the way Blundell resolved everything--it was angsty, realistic, and even poetic. A great book and worthy of the NBA.
beccbugg's review
3.0
This book is interesting... I'm not sure how I feel about it. It is a little strange.
kayleevanblerk's review
5.0
I read this book 7 years ago
Spent 5 years looking for it again. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about since I read it so deffo a 5 stars
Spent 5 years looking for it again. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about since I read it so deffo a 5 stars
kittypaws9's review
1.0
“What I Saw And How I Lied” starts out as a noir coming-of-age story with so much potential, but by the end becomes a predictable sub-par movie plot that’s been done before. Why Judy Blundell decides to throw it away, I’ll never know.
Set in 1947, 15-year-old Evie goes on vacation to Florida with her family. While there, her father is trying to do business with a couple staying at the same hotel. While they are busy with that, Evie becomes preoccupied with Peter, an ex-GI. When an accident leaves one dead, Evie has to sort through the details to uncover the truth.
I do have to admit that I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting, but I wasn’t satisfied by it at all. Blundell kind of glances over the really interesting parts like the setting — which she really could have changed to anywhere and had the same story instead of using it to the full potential.
The racism after WWII is one of the most interesting aspects. The characters are all deeply flawed, and I had a hard time finding one that I liked.
Final verdict: Lots of potential that’s lost on delivery.
Set in 1947, 15-year-old Evie goes on vacation to Florida with her family. While there, her father is trying to do business with a couple staying at the same hotel. While they are busy with that, Evie becomes preoccupied with Peter, an ex-GI. When an accident leaves one dead, Evie has to sort through the details to uncover the truth.
I do have to admit that I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting, but I wasn’t satisfied by it at all. Blundell kind of glances over the really interesting parts like the setting — which she really could have changed to anywhere and had the same story instead of using it to the full potential.
The racism after WWII is one of the most interesting aspects. The characters are all deeply flawed, and I had a hard time finding one that I liked.
Final verdict: Lots of potential that’s lost on delivery.
cheylemurs6's review against another edition
3.0
i did really like this book since i am a teen i understand how she wants to be more growwn up.This i sa very good book but I don't think the case of Peter's death ended well. Also they did not explain the money buisness very well. I think joe should have at least told Eve if he had killed him or not.But overall a very good book.
mxacp96's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
good book but it didnt catch me. i finished it quickly but it felt like i was trying to finish it cause it was on my tbr forever.
0rdinaryreader's review
1.0
1.5
I’m giving this an extra .5 becauseI did enjoy the setting, but this book just didn’t so it for me. I didn’t find the plot interesting, Evie irritated me, and I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. Sorry. Not my cup of tea.
I’m giving this an extra .5 becauseI did enjoy the setting, but this book just didn’t so it for me. I didn’t find the plot interesting, Evie irritated me, and I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. Sorry. Not my cup of tea.
annebennett1957's review
4.0
A National Book Award winner with the strong emotions of first love; a mystery; a coming-of-age realization that adults aren't always what we think they are; cultural and historical revelations of discrimination and prejudice.
My review: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-i-saw-and-how-i-lied-by-judy.html
My review: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-i-saw-and-how-i-lied-by-judy.html