Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Monday, January 3, 2011 |

Title: Choker
Author: Elizabeth Woods
Pages: 240 (hardcover)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Publication Date: January 4, 2011
Source: Publicist
Challenge: 2011 Debut Author Challenge

Overall:Photobucket

Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they're not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her "Choker" after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria. Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.

But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?
Startlingly strange and creepy, Choker will keep you at the edge of your seat as you unravel the mysteries hidden with in. I was absolutely blown away by it’s incredible plot line, enthralling characters, and the suspense that Woods builds up. It was dark and gloomy at times with Woods delving into topics of depression and low self-esteem.

So much was going on…. The plot line was full of action. My head was spinning the whole time because even though I was so confused with everything, I still got what was happening. I honestly don’t know if that is even possible, but it did happen with Choker. We’re introduced with Cara who is really troubled, but then her friend, Zoe appears and changes start happening. Though, not positive changes only, but bad and negative changes arise, and Cara thinks Zoe is in fault.

Cara was always troubled… she was many things. Her personality was really bizarre. Though, it was understandable. Bullies were there and just had to ruin her life even more… the girls from her school irritated and annoyed her non-stop. Not surprisingly shy and weak, she never had put her foot down. She also was always dismal and down… lost… reluctant…. And she wasn’t comfortable with her own self. Another part that I love how Woods added into her character was the fact that her parents were inattentive. It doesn’t occur so much in young adult so it was a surprise to see.

The friendship between the two, Cara and Zoe was just so wacky and weird in many ways. It was really interesting to see how their friendship would progress and turn out because the two had extremely different personalities. Zoe was bold, daring, and wild, while Cara was shy, awkward, and quiet. Their friendship was extraordinary and peculiar, especially how the happier Cara becomes, the stranger Zoe becomes.

I don’t even want to get into that ending… that ending was just wow. I never saw it coming and nor did I ever think of it at all. I was very shocked and stupefied. It blew me away.

Choker is a striking and captivating thriller from Woods. Woods has amazed me with her talent and ability and I can’t wait for her forthcoming novels. Get ready to get choked by Choker.

Cover::Photobucket
Ending:Photobucket
Characters:Photobucket
Plot:Photobucket
Writing:Photobucket

18 comments:

Savannah said...

I loved this book and how it messed with my mind. Great review :)

CarlyB said...

I'm SO excited about Choker - my copy was dispatched a few days ago but because of the snow it hasn't reached me yet, arghhh! Great review!x

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

This book sounds so so so good...I love how intense it sounds! Great review :)

Amanda said...

This one looks really good! Awesome review!

Chapter Chicks said...

This book looks great. I featured it in my January Books to save for post, and I am glad to see it is living up to the hype. I like the simplistic cover, and I hope to get my hands on a copy soon. Especially after your raving review!

Pisinat said...

Ohlala, I need this book, like now! It's on my wishlist for a long time... I'm dying here!!

Sara said...

great cover, i must read:D

Alex Bennett from Electrifying Reviews said...

This one looks awesome!

Kristi said...

Thanks for the review - the title and cover both drew me in - and after reading your review I am going to have to read this one!

Anonymous said...

This one looks interesting. Your review makes me want to read this book now! I have to hunt for this when it become available to local bookstores. Can't wait!

Angelique said...

Great review!! I'm really interested in reading this one now!

Jenny N. said...

Ok I just started this book today and after your review you have me wondering what the big thing that happens at the end is. I guess I should hurry up and read the book.

Kim said...

Never really heard of the book until now ( I know...I'm horrible XD) Thanks for getting me excited!

Monster of Books said...

I so want to read this!! Second review I've seen of it and it only makes me crave it more.

MaryRedingWrites said...

The cover art instantly grabbed my attention in the bookstore... your review convinced me I need to go for it. Thanks!

~The Book Pixie said...

This one has been on my wishlist but was kind of low priority. That has all changed now after reading your awesome review. High priority it is! :D

~Briana

Jasmine Cervik said...

LOVED this book!!

Cath Brookes said...

I've heard a lot of different things about this book. Some people have said the story was brilliant, others have said it wasn't great. I'm definitely intrigued by the ending, but I'm also one that has trouble with weak characters. Want to give it a try, though, to see what happens. Thanks for the great review!

Cath Brookes
Must see Alaska Fly Fishing Lodge website

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