Author: Julianna Baggott
Series: (Pure #1)
Expected publication: February 8th 2012 by Grand Central Publishing
 

I received an eARC from Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley. Thank you.

I was surprised that I requested this one. But I’m more surprised that I was approved. I got this a title for quite some time but it is only now that I’ve got around to reading this book. Hate to admit, this is becoming a sad pattern since I was preoccupied with other things that my leisure for reading is suffering. I’m not sure if Pure is the title I need to get back in the swing of things, because after I read it, I’m appalled with the things happened in this book. I’m disoriented in general. And I’m uncertain if you’ll take it as good news…or not.

Now that my epic fail of an introduction is over, let get this thing done. By now you know I’m confused with this book. But the confusing thing why I’m confused is sorta confusing too (is that make sense?). So this early, I’m gonna tell you—this is not my cup of tea. I love YA-Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic mind you, most of my favorite books fall in the category. But sadly, I cannot include this one with them since my number one rule to reading a book is enjoyability. Not that I didn’t enjoy it at all, but it was a struggle for me to finish it. Having said that, no, it is not a horrible book; majority of the reviewers liked this book. This is on a personal level. The book Pure and I did not connect.

The story itself was…overwhelming. But before anything else, I need to praise Ms. Baggot’s writing first, it was stunning. The description was spot on but managed to still sound lyrical. I don’t know how she did what she did but it was beautiful in a very disastrously way. The world, the writing—it was extremely different. Pretty and grotesque in the same way. Did it work? I think. I just can’t mesh them together in my head.

The concept of the book for me was new yet…it was not. This exclusive place for Pures called Dome, kinda reminded me of the city called Akatsuki from Tegami Bachi (Letter Bee) by Hiroyuki Asada. There are also some elements that reminded me of some mangas I read, especially the kids born before (and even after) the Detonations. They’re mutated with deformities or something. So if you encounter description like this; “…eyes lodged almost side of his head, horse-like.” It says what it says. The eyes are really at the side of his head, just like a horse. Imagine that?! Hey did I mention that Pressia’s grandpa has a fan stuck in his throat. See?

But not all people, some called Pures are untainted. It means sans the metal and deformities. So for me, it was cool but…not really. Couldn’t figure exactly why not, but I have a strange skepticism to it. But like I said the author’s way with words were achingly pretty. I bet those who love Pure, love this side of the book.

This book has interesting set of characters, and for most parts I kinda liked them. Pressia, Partridge, heck even El Capitan. Interesting but not really that impressive. They were…ok. Not great…just ok. But if I were to choose which one I like the most, I think it is Partridge. I kinda like his side of the story better.

Now, prejudice aside, it is a good book. If you’re looking for unique and jarring book, you may want to consider Pure. The slight dissatisfaction is just my opinion. But I hope that didn’t stop you. For what it’s worth, just try it out. 😉