Review: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma 

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives--and the way they understand each other so completely--has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.

Review:

It has taken me quite awhile to put my feelings on this book into words. Forbidden was an emotional roller coaster and a book that has impacted me like no other. I have heard a lot of positive reviews for this book and I have to agree with them. Tabitha Suzuma's latest release was a heart-wrenching and emotional read that has landed a permanent spot on my favorites list.

As many of you probably already know this is a love story. And what a heartbreaking and painful love story it was. It is hard to describe this book because there is so much emotion and intensity. Do not judge this book before reading it, because I can guarantee it will surprise you.

Maya and Lochan are two of the most well-developed and likable characters I have ever read about. They are each very different and yet share a common bond. I won't go into the details because most of you are already familiar with this book, but I can say my heart went out to Maya and Lochan. It is impossible not to root for these two and want the best for them. I got so emotional while reading Forbidden and there were certain times when I had to set the book aside and think about what I had just read.

Tabitha Suzuma is an incredible writer and every word was perfect. The way she told this story completely pulled me in and had me thinking about it every second I could not be reading. Forbidden was told in alternating points of view between Lochan and Maya and this was the perfect way to do it. It allowed the reader to connect with and understand each of them.

After turning the final page of Forbidden I was a mess and I can promise you will be just as emotional. This book is very special and one I think everyone (young adults plus) should read. It might scare you off at first, but I encourage you to give it a try. It affected me so much and I cannot stop thinking about it. Forbidden is one of the best books I have read this year and I cannot wait to read more by this extremely talented author.

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

June 28, 2011/Simon Pulse/454 Pages/Young Adult

Source: Publisher (Hardcover)