Customer Reviews

Gone

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book to be rather disappointing. Judging from the reviews listed on Amazon and the description of the book, I thought I was in for a juicy story about an illicit and ill-destined love affair between a teacher and her student. Turns out that's not much the case. The "student" is a recent high school graduate and two weeks away from being 18 when the relationship begins. The teacher is 31, unmarried and otherwise uncommitted to anyone else. So where is the scandal??? Apart from the age difference being a slight eyebrow-raiser to those who are shocked by that kind of thing, there is absolutely nothing else that classifies this relationship as "crossing the line" or "inappropriate," as the author qualifies the relationship on the back flap of the book. Sorry, but it is really not crossing the line. He is not her student. She's not cheating on anyone. They're both more or less consenting adults. That it doesn't turn out well in the end....well, life's hard, kid.

One other thing. I did the math while reading the book. The relationship between Connor and Corinna lasts maybe a week. That's seven days, people. Yet we are supposed to believe that he is inextricably involved and obssessively in love with her? He obviously has some issues to deal with, but frankly I'm not buying it.

If the author wanted to make this book a controversial story as it's been advertised, then she should have put something remotely controversial in it. Instead, she just has a young person involved with an older person who happens to be a teacher, big deal. The sex scenes aren't even that graphic, either, as suggested in the reviews. Also, the writing drags here and there and made me impatient to get to the meat of the story. However, when I finished it I felt like there should have been more to it. I got halfway through the book before this "inappropriate" relationship even began.

Overall this book was not really worth reading. I would suggest checking it out at the library first.

On the first day of class Connor finds an unusual attraction for his history teacher, Ms. Timms - and he can't stop thinking about her. The love and home he's always missed seem to be offered up through her - and through the possibilities of a forbidden relationship. GONE is a touching story of a student and teacher who cross the line - and is a recommended pick for mature young adults.