Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Read by Jenna Lamia and David LeDoux
Scholastic Audio, August 2009
9 discs, 10 hours and 43 minutes
Book Source: Public Library

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

-- Summary from Goodreads.com 

Judging by the cover...: Just so we're clear here, my entire reason for reading this book is the cover. Werewolves? Ugh. Cheesy romance? Meh. But the cover... I'm just so drawn to it... Simple, but oh so beautiful. Too bad the disc case didn't have the same artwork on it, just a plain picture of a wolf.
Favorite Elements:
  • No Supernatural Factor - "But," you say, "It's about werewolves!" I know that, silly, but the explanations are all very scientific. And there are certainly no vampires to muck up the story, either.
  • Sappy Love Story - Alright, I guess every once in a while a cry-your-heart-out love story is necessary. Just don't expect this very often from me.
  • The Cover - See above.
  • Temperature - Sam's fight to stay human is dependent on the temperature outside, and so Stiefvater has included the temperature at the beginning of each chapter. I could actually feel the cold seeping into my bones, even though it is 100F in Dallas now.
Overall: B+
Let me get it out there that Shiver is not just Twilight with wolves. But it doesn't escape completely from the stigma of its predecessor. There is quite enough of teen drama to go around. The plot is saved by Sam's struggle to stay human while nature and his past keep trying to reclaim him. This sad, sweet story is worth every minute of listening. 

Audio Notes: Jenna Lamia, who voices Grace's parts, is an excellent reader who was perfect for the role. David LeDoux (Sam), is equally as good at reading, but I don't think that his voice fit the role. His has a rougher edge more suited to reading murder mysteries or really anything that doesn't involve romance, and his voices for female characters was a little disturbing. 

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook, and somehow I feel like I wouldn't have enjoyed the story as much if I had read it. It felt more like watching a movie instead of an actual book. 

Recommendation: Everyone needs a swoony story now and then, but if you can't stomach the constant lovey-doveyness, don't do it. Those readers who adore supernatural/paranormal romances will eat this story up and be eagerly waiting for the next book. 

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