I felt like I wanted to buy this book after having read Death Prefers Blondes which is Caleb Roehrig's newest book. He has such a unique writing style that sometimes I really wonder if he's real. My dad literally pointed out to me yesterday that it isn't possible to think that all the books that I read are good, But I definitely would like to say that the books I have read so far by him are that amazing.
What impresses me from the first pages of this story is that Flynn is so believable. Let's throw aside the part where he becomes a quasi-detective in his girlfriend's disappearance, and that it's a bit unrealistic and remember that we are reading fiction. Flynn's struggles with who he is and finding ways to express that are sometimes so heartbreaking. The guilt he feels for January's disappearance really hurt me as I read it as if he was a friend of mine. Every time someone gave him an opportunity, I wanted to tell him to shout that he was gay (It's not a spoiler, you literally find this out in the very beginning) from the rooftops, because continuing to see him struggle through it, lying to himself made me want to hug him. I kept reading on because I wanted to watch him grow, I wanted him to realize It wasn't his fault, I wanted to see him get his happiness. Last Seen Leaving has many things, but Flynn is the one you'll keep reading for.
Caleb also wrote some despicable characters as well, Anson, Eddie, Mr. Walker, and Cedric. I had to stop at least twice to take a breath because I thought I would hurl the book across the living room! in my notes, you can see the times that I wrote I need a moment... This is one of the exciting things of Caleb's books, he has the innate ability to write someone relatable but also someone you absolutely hate! I will be honest and say that I suspected each and every human being in this story as I went along and only really figured it out towards the end. I always enjoy books that make me change my theories time and time again.
and Warning: January will literally be an enigma to you. My feelings about her changed so much throughout the story, I never knew what to believe about her, about what people said, her lies or her truths you will develop it as you go so be open-minded. She might also make you want to throw your book against the wall.
I am not much of a thriller reader, and this book kept me hooked, so much so that I finished it in one day. If you are a beginner reader in this particular genre, this will be an amazing book. It seems some readers of true crimes and thrillers found this book predictable because they are used to seeing the tropes used over and over again, but that wasn't what I felt. I felt consumed by the story as if I were watching a movie play in slow motion. Last but not least, I always appreciate the way Caleb treats #LGBTQIA+ characters, they are always front and center, well written, represented in the good and the bad like real people, like real friends. Which make you aware of the people that surround you, and their stories, and their struggles, and their courage in accepting who they are every single day.
Rating 5/5 ❤❤❤❤❤
Topics covered in this book:
LGBTQIA+ - This book covers his coming out, friends reactions, his struggles, and how he tries to get past all his fears to be true to himself.
Thriller and Crime- There is a mystery to this story that you have to figure out. It's like gathering the bits and pieces while you are playing clue with your friends but more intense.
Sexual Assault and School Liability- If you think you might be triggered by this subject tread carefully, there are not necessarily any vivid descriptions, but you can personally decide what is comfortable for you.
Friendship & Romance- This part is the most wholesome part of this read. The friends in the book are definitely not perfect, but they are trying their best, they are humans after all. As for the romance, it's real, it's new, it's scary, but you get to live it with him
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Top reviews from other countries
Mr. M. Lloyd
More then just a 'whodunnit'.
Reviewed in Australia on September 1, 2019
salemskye.com
It is a engaging mystery and one that young adults will enjoy reading, it will certainly thrill and entertain
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2017