Synopsis (Goodreads): Before her mother died, Shelby promised three things: to listen to her father, to love as much as possible, and to live without restraint. Those Promises become harder to keep when Shelby's father joins the planning committee for the Princess Ball, an annual dance that ends with a ceremonial vow to live pure lives -- in other words, no "bad behavior," no breaking the rules, and definitely no sex.
Torn between Promises One and Three, Shelby makes a decision -- to exploit a loophole and lose her virginity before taking the vow. But somewhere between failed hookup attempts and helping her dad plan the ball, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her purity.
Torn between Promises One and Three, Shelby makes a decision -- to exploit a loophole and lose her virginity before taking the vow. But somewhere between failed hookup attempts and helping her dad plan the ball, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her purity.
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I think I'll start off by saying that this book was an absolute joy to read! I think that with anyone else this story would come off as completely over the top and insincere, but Jackson Peace created something really special. Purity is a thought-provoking tale of young adulthood, interspersed with laugh-out-loud hilarity and realistically flawed friendships. My favorite kind.
I definitely walked into this story expecting one thing, but my heart grew warm for completely different and unexpected reasons. I don't want to ruin it, but it wasn't just a story about first love and carnal desires (hee hee), this is a story about finding yourself and regaining long-archived faith. And before I scare you off with all this faith talk, please know that Pearce remains completely impartial which is something I sincerely appreciated.
The subject matter, *cough* SEX *cough*, while touchy for some, was actually made light and approachable with hilarious banter; brought to you by some remarkably vibrant and unique personalities. Shelby, the novel's protag, for example was a fantastic and spunky little thing! So fearless and self-aware, I admired her honesty and could easily relate. As for her best friends, Jonas and Ruby? Well, they're without a doubt the most hilariously amazing friends you could ever ask for #truestory.
Purity blends a wonderful combination of heartfelt sentimentality and youthful silliness. I smiled, I laughed and I cringed. Most importantly, I would not have had it any other way.
Consider me a fan, Ms Pearce. I can't wait to see what's next!
**Huge THANK YOU to Little, Brown for the Advanced Readers Copy**
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I really enjoyed your review, it made me smile! I think aspects of this book would have put me off but I am so glad to hear it deals with teens having sex in a good way and not in a way that makes teens feel bad about sex!
ReplyDeleteOh, it's such a good book! It's also HILARIOUS!! I seriously loved it because they were so open about it. It was awkward and REAL!! You should pick it up if you can :D
DeleteAwwww! I already know how much you loved this, but *melts* it sounds like SO much fun, and props to Pearce for the impartiality... I know any mention of faith--in any form--can be polarising for some readers, so it's lovely seeing it handled so well!
ReplyDeleteAnd OMG. It justs sounds like So. Much. FUN!
I did! I couldn't read it in public because I would laugh HYSTERICALLY! It was a lot of fun and it also had a lot of heart :)
DeleteI loved this book. I think the title and the cover gave some readers the impression that the book might be preachy but NOT the case!!
ReplyDeleteYeess!!! Exactly!! This book was absolutely hilarious, toO :D
DeleteSounds like an awesome story Kristen! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of a book relating to faith but doesn't dive into too much religion allusions.
Oh, it's SUCH an amazing book! You should DEFINITELY pick it up. It's seriously laugh out loud funny!!
DeleteI love this book!
ReplyDeleteI blogged about today!
SQUEEE!!! Why did I miss that?? Must backtrack! And read! And comment!!!
DeleteI only discovered this book recently but it looks like a popular one! Great review, Kristin. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! it sounds like a lot of fun to read. :)
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