Review: Crash Into Me by Albert Borris

Book: Crash Into Me

Author: Albert Borris
Edition:Paperback
Pages: 257
Pub. Date: July 21, 2009
Rating: A-



Goodreads
"Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides...and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living--or if there's no turning back."

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My Review

I was intrigued by the storyline, it’s one that means a lot to me. Not too many people are willing to touch the topic of suicide, but when they do, it’s an experience.
You read from the POV of Owen. Teen boy who isn’t happy with his lot in life. Attempts at suicide: 6. At first, he is only talking to one other suicidal teen. She then introduces him to 2 more. Together they talk about how they feel and what they want. They become the Suicide Dogs.
After so long of just talking over the internet, they decide to finally meet and take a road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides. They make a pact to all off themselves at the end of the trip - Death Valley.
Over the course of this trip, they all learn more about themselves. About why they really want to leave everything behind. The truth always comes out at some point.
Again, I love this storyline. Everything lays out perfectly. Nothing was unraveled too early or too late. It flowed just right.
And the character development is really good. From the beginning to end, there is so much change. You are constantly learning something new. But…the connection between the reader and the MC (Owen) was lacking quite a bit. It was almost as if a wall was blocking the two. I would have preferred this book either third person POV or just written better.
Now, the writing. It was funny and heartbreaking. Albert Borris has great talent. This brings us back to the connection.. It just wasn’t enough! I felt there was a lot more to Owen than was written.
The other characters spoke in their own voice. All of them together, you are guaranteed to either laugh or tear up.
I want to talk about my favorite. Audrey. I loved her. She has this “I-Don’t-Care” attitude. But the truth is so much greater with her. It would be great to get to read a little through her eyes. She starts out wound up like a tight ball. No one can get to her, except for one person. Owen, who becomes her boyfriend for the trip.
 
This is a great story I feel everyone should give a chance. If you do pick this book up, please go into it with an open mind.  Even if you don’t normally go for this genre, just try it. You can catch a glimpse at how other people feel. Learn a little bit. Expand your horizons.
People deal with these emotions everyday. Don’t be narrow minded.

*** This novel deals with death, suicide, and sexuality. Mature themes. Mature audience.