[REVIEW] Freewill

Series: N/A

Author: Chris Lynch
Genre: young adult, realistic fiction, mystery, death

Published: March 4, 2014 (first published March 1, 2001)
Publisher: Simon & Shuster Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978-1-4424-8271-5
Link: goodreads

Synopsis: 

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

Will was destined to be a pilot, to skim above surfaces. So why is he in woodshop class? He doesn’t know – or maybe he just doesn’t want to admit the truth.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

When local teens begin committing suicide, their deaths all have one thing in common: beautifully carved wooden tributes that appear just before or after their bodies are found.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Will is afraid he knows who’s responsible. And lurking just behind that knowledge is another secret so explosive that he might not be able to face it and live…

*              *              *

You get one life. And it’s yours, and you are in charge. And all right, somewhere along the line there is a moment when you need more. You need intervention. You need a hand up. Every single person has this moment, but it is only a moment and after that your life is your life again.

*              *              *

I have mixed emotions toward this book.

When I picked it up from the bookstore, it was because of that very intriguing synopsis. The deaths and the mystery. Mystery always interests me. More so it involves deaths.

What I like most about Freewill is its very interesting story telling. I’ve never read anything that’s in a second-person style. Heck I never even realized there’s something written in such a way. The good thing I like about second-person story telling is that it gives an engaging effect as if you’re Will yourself.

The narrator throws you questions about choices in general. Will, in return, makes his choices. It’s a very appealing style I’d like to see again in another book.

*              *              *

Why? Why can’t we do what we know we need to do?
How do you suppose things would be different, if we could change one small thing in the sequence?
But the sequence continues, unchallenged, eh, Will? Can you not change it? Can we change sequences?
Do not look away this time, boy. Not this time.

*              *              *

The thing I didn’t like about Freewill is how confusing it gets. Reading this makes me want to run back to my literature class and ask my professor all about this book. It’s confusing in a sense that certain things/scenes require you to really look and think about things.

But the thing is writing this book in a straightforward manner would probably blow its overall beauty because it’s the mystery behind what’s really going on in here is what makes this book quite a read.

*              *              *

Freewill is a book that captured me because of its intriguing premise and very captivating storytelling. What hindered me in fully enjoying it is the confusing way it is told – thing are a bit unclear and such. But I’m certainly more than willing enough to take another seat and reread this book with more focus and understanding.

a bit confusing. nice quotes. captivating second-person storytelling.