YA Book Review: Possession by Elana Johnson

POSSESSION by Elana Johnson

© 7 June 2011 by Simon & Schuster

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Goodreads description:

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play...

My Thoughts...

Have you ever read a book that you just couldn’t stop thinking about?  I mean, seriously, days go by and you read other books, but this one book just sticks in your head and won’t leave you alone? Yeah, POSSESSION has been that book for me ever since I finished it last week.Well, actually, started and finished it last week…in maybe 2 sittings…and while at work…(*shhhh*)

In the current YA landscape, there are a lot of books that seem the same when you read them.I think “Wow, this reminds me a lot of _______,except for this one difference, __________.” When I started Possession, I thought it was going to be like that.  I mean, doesn’t the description remind you a little of something else you’ve  probably read recently? (*cough* MATCHED*cough*)  However, it’s not. Take it from me—it’s not like anything else I’ve read recently.

Elana Johnson took a storyline that many of us have become relatively familiar with in the past year plus and gave it a new spin and voice that pulled me in like…WOW.When the book starts, there are some bumps in the road that I had to get over. I found myself getting confused at times and wondering where it was going and if I could really stick with it.  However, about 100 or so pages in, I found myself hooked on this world where the Thinkers dictate your actions and its “good” to follow what they say and “bad” not to.

The biggest “hook” for me with this book was the blurring of good and bad. This is definitely the type of story where the line isn’t drawn for you. The “good” guys do some “bad” things and the “bad” guys do some “good” things. You are tossed around emotionally and never sure which way to turn. Vi, the main character, is along for this ride with you—never quite sure which decision is the “good” decision and forced to reconsider former beliefs and even new beliefs as they come along.

I don’t want to give too much away, but the ending of this book will leave you….speechless. Seriously. This book was stellar. Now, I will also admit at this point that there were definitely some confusing moments throughout.  You almost just have to keep reading and get through it because things will make sense later (as much sense as they can/are meant to make). I cannot wait for the companion novel to come out in 2012 because I just need to be immersed in this world again.

Other reviews and things to check out!

• Elana’s blog
• Possession Launch Week events
• The Bookish Brunette’s review
• I Read Banned Books review

[Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab]