dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.
Hold Still, Nina LaCour's debut novel, tells a story about friendship - about finding new ones, about honoring the old - but above all, one about grieving. About picking up the pieces after a tragedy, putting them back together again, and moving on.
Caitlin's depressed reaction to her best friend's suicide felt justified and realistic, and all her actions and decisions felt true to someone in her position. Her unique hobbies only added to her character's dynamic personality.
The writing style implemented was beautiful and heart-wrenching. Hold Still feels as if written by someone who has experienced extreme grief themselves. Nina LaCour paints a vivd picture of how it feels to be alone.
Though the premise isn't exactly unique, the characters and plot made it feel different to anything I've ever read before. The plot wasn't fast or full of action or drama - the story was slow burning and still captivating.
I give Hold Still a 4 out of 5.