Book Review: Shatter Me
"Moving forward is the only way to survive."
The first time I read Shatter Me, I didn’t like it. I knew how much people loved Warner, but I couldn’t bring myself to like him. How could anyone stand the way he treated Juliette? Also, the entire book felt like a huge prologue—there was no real climax. What really kept me reading was the unique style of Tahereh Mafi’s writing. The way she describes emotions using refreshing metaphors was definitely my cup of tea.
I’ve read some reviews on Goodreads and noticed that some people dislike this writing style. But I have to disagree with them. What did they expect? These are Juliette’s thoughts, the inner monologue of a 17-year-old girl, not the writer’s voice. Juliette doesn’t have a rigorous English literature education. All she has is a deep longing for people to accept her, to see her as a human being instead of a monster, and an imagination powerful enough to escape to when loneliness threatens to consume her.
"Raindrops are my only reminder that clouds have a heartbeat.
That I have one, too."
"The moon understands what it means to be human.
Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections."
"I’ve been screaming for years and no one has ever heard me."
The second time I read parts of this book was after I had finished the entire series. I knew I had to revisit it because the most mind-blowing revelations happened during the last three books, and I wanted to see if I could catch the subtle details in the earlier ones foreshadowing what would come. The good news? I did. For the sake of those who haven’t read the series, I won’t spoil anything, but I will say this: time really puts things into perspective.
Let me just say: like Elizabeth Bennet, I am sorry for my prejudice. I was wrong to hate this book the first time I read it. Don’t judge a book by its cover; don’t judge a series by its first book AND don’t judge a TV show by its pilot! These are the words I need to live by.
