This book almost seemed like an adult read centered around adolescents. Ms. Elkeles consistently but expertly rides the line between what is everyday life in today's world and what is acceptable in a teen drama. The language is graphic, the situations are gritty and the characters can be cynical and world weary. As the book progresses, however, one finds it to be very realistic with important life messages so deftly woven in that all teens will not only understand but will benefit from.
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Return to Paradise (Leaving Paradise, Bk 2) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
Leaving Paradise, Caleb Becker thought he would have a better life, even if it meant letting go of Maggie. Yet Caleb still finds himself in trouble, once again not being his fault. With the departure of Caleb, Maggie Armstrong waited and waited for his return. As the days went by, the chances of reuniting with Caleb seemed non-existent. So Maggie decided that she would become stronger, to become more independent.
As if fate had another plan for them, Caleb and Maggie are reunited with the help of the Re-START program. The program that will keep Caleb from going to jail again and will help Maggie cope. During the four-week trip, Maggie and Caleb and four other teens drive around, talking to others about the accidents that they may have caused or experienced firsthand.
As the trip continues, emotions and feelings between Caleb and Maggie arise once again, creating conflicts, confusion, and breakdowns. Maggie knows the truth about the accident and all she wants is for Caleb to tell her himself. But Caleb is not aware that Maggie already knows, and doesn't want to break his promise to his sister.
In the end, the only way to make their relationship stronger is for Caleb to return to Paradise, where he will ultimately resolve the issues surrounding the accident, including those dealing with his family. However, doing so could have a negative outcome for his sister. Is Caleb willing to take the risk in order to finally develop a lasting relationship with Maggie, or will his promise to his sister mean more?
Once again, Simone Elkeles geniusly writes a sequel that allows the reader to fall in love all over again with her characters. Maggie and Caleb are unquestionably the strongest, and of course cutest, characters and continue to be throughout the story as they both push each other because they know it is for the best. The addition of lovable characters such as Lenny and Julio adds another dynamic to the novel that makes it even more enjoyable.
RETURN TO PARADISE will not disappoint readers who enjoyed LEAVING PARADISE.
Leaving Paradise, Caleb Becker thought he would have a better life, even if it meant letting go of Maggie. Yet Caleb still finds himself in trouble, once again not being his fault. With the departure of Caleb, Maggie Armstrong waited and waited for his return. As the days went by, the chances of reuniting with Caleb seemed non-existent. So Maggie decided that she would become stronger, to become more independent.
As if fate had another plan for them, Caleb and Maggie are reunited with the help of the Re-START program. The program that will keep Caleb from going to jail again and will help Maggie cope. During the four-week trip, Maggie and Caleb and four other teens drive around, talking to others about the accidents that they may have caused or experienced firsthand.
As the trip continues, emotions and feelings between Caleb and Maggie arise once again, creating conflicts, confusion, and breakdowns. Maggie knows the truth about the accident and all she wants is for Caleb to tell her himself. But Caleb is not aware that Maggie already knows, and doesn't want to break his promise to his sister.
In the end, the only way to make their relationship stronger is for Caleb to return to Paradise, where he will ultimately resolve the issues surrounding the accident, including those dealing with his family. However, doing so could have a negative outcome for his sister. Is Caleb willing to take the risk in order to finally develop a lasting relationship with Maggie, or will his promise to his sister mean more?
Once again, Simone Elkeles geniusly writes a sequel that allows the reader to fall in love all over again with her characters. Maggie and Caleb are unquestionably the strongest, and of course cutest, characters and continue to be throughout the story as they both push each other because they know it is for the best. The addition of lovable characters such as Lenny and Julio adds another dynamic to the novel that makes it even more enjoyable.
RETURN TO PARADISE will not disappoint readers who enjoyed LEAVING PARADISE.
This is the PERFECT ending for a PERFECT love story. Leaving Paradise is one of those stories that you find yourself in despair along with the main character. Where the ending is not horrible, but it was also not the picture perfect finish that shows just a glimpse of the perfect life in store. Return to Paradise provided me that and so much more. I was astounded about the irony of Caleb finding himself in trouble yet again, and ending up at the Restart program with Maggie. This was not a corny coincidence either. It was a build up that karma exists, and fate has laid a path for this couple. The first book alone instilled so much raw emotion and intensity that this story took on a life of its own. I was expecting great things from this book, and I was given that and more. While, I must admit my discouragement to find these character back at square one in this novel; it added much more intensity with the history built in the previous book. Elkeles has created a masterpiece in this sequel that I have come to expect with her in every novel. She has the knack for creativity, humor, and romance that not many authors can accomplish. Every story is a ride that I want to ride over and over. While, I am sad to see this story come to a close she has created perfection here. Elkeles line up is far from short, but the numerous best seller is astounding. This author has talent that is never ending. This is evident with this series, as well as, Perfect Chemistry and Rules of Attraction. I can not wait to see what is up next.
