Victoria (YSB) - reviewed on 6/30/2010 + 636 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

This was a good book - though I did enjoy _How To Be Lost_ a lot more. The characters in this novel were quite strong, and there was definitely a high emotional appeal, but the plot was very predictable. The biggest (and most shocking) drawback to the whole novel was Karen. Her entire crime wave as well as personal life was completely lifted from Aileen Wuornos's life. Ward hardly put any spin on that true story at all (other than change Karen's race) to make her story unique. I wouldn't have been as upset had Ward acknowledge this inspiration anywhere in the book. Since she did not, it seems a bit life theft. The book came out the same year as the film _Monster_, so the good ratings of the book are really shocking, unless the book's release preceded the movie's. It was well-written, and I am glad that I read it, I just wish that Ward had thrown out some sort of acknowledgment that she based Karen of Aileen.

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