Stay by Deb Caletti

Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 352
Review Source: eARC from S&S GalleyGrab

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

My Thoughts:
This book is absolutely brilliant. It was so heartwrenching, and it is beautifully written, full of flowing language that is ripe with metaphors. Let’s put it this way: I wrote out a couple of quotes from this book that I found particularly beautiful and meaningful, and I NEVER do that. This book deals with a seriously tough issue, and while it broke my heart, it also put it back together. This book is filled with such deep emotions: terror, grief, happiness, and hope all mingle together to create something beautiful and atmospheric.

I hope that this book with reinforce the message to girls that they should never have to put up with abusive, controlling guys. Ladies, you are amazing and worthwhile, and if something bad is happening to you, it is NOT your fault. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I adored the new love interest, Finn. Why I think his character is so important is because his presence allows Clara to see how a guy should treat a girl. Finn protects and treasures Clara, and he allows her to be herself. It was awesome to see this normal, steadfast guy be held up as the ideal for a change. Romantic relationships are not the only important ones in the book, however. The relationship between Clara and her Dad was amazing. I love it when parents are actually present in YA books, and you could tell how much Clara’s dad loved her. He was an important part of the story, and he desperately wanted to protect his daughter.

This book made me think about starting over. For a moment I felt like Clara and her Dad ran away from their problems, but I realized that within their new reality they found ways to deal with their issues. They didn’t so much as run away as they found a new and better life for themselves, and it was beautiful to see true happiness in their lives after they dealt with so much. This is a truly gorgeous book, and I cannot recommend it any more highly. Be sure and check this one out, because I doubt you will be disappointed.

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Find Stay by Deb Caletti on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.ca