Review: Leaving Paradise

Title: Leaving Paradise

Author: Simone Elkeles

From GoodReads, "Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled. After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers. Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other."

This is the second book I have read by Simone Elkeles and I have to say she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I absolutely loved this book! I wondered if she could write one as good as Perfect Chemistry. This book was just as good. I recommend her books to all the students that come into our library because I know they won’t be able to put them down. I love the characters Maggie and Caleb. It’s a story about overcoming an event that dramatically changed their lives. I loved how she brought them together in unique ways and it was so true to life. I actually felt I was there!!! I can’t say enough good things about this book, you just need to read it and you will see what I mean. I also recommend her book Perfect Chemistry. I noticed on her website both of these book have a sequel to them and I am anxiously waiting for those to come out!!