A Lighter Shade of Gray by Devon Pearse
Publisher: Neverland Publishing Company
Publication Date: May 1, 2010
Source: Author (TLC Tours)
What does it feel like to stare into the face of madness? Or to anticipate your own? Would you drive away your only love? Could you pretend it didn't matter? How far would you go to protect a friend, or to avenge a death?
Ten years ago, Devon gave up the love of her life, fearing she would one day fall victim to the mental illness that has slowly ravaged the mind of her mother, who is now being cared for in a private facility. Just when it seems Devon might have a chance to make up for past mistakes, her best friend Cass becomes a suspect in the murder of her sister's drug-dealing boyfriend.
Devon knows Cass is lying about the details of her involvement and the lead detective on the case, convinced that Cass is guilty, is relentless in his pursuit of justice.
When her mother's young, emotionally disturbed roommate insinuates she knows something about the night of the murder, as well as details from Devon's own life that no one else is privy to, Devon becomes desperate to uncover the truth before Detective Lake does. As the investigation continues, Devon is led down a path she never expected and forced to face her greatest fears of life and love. Tangled in a web of lies, regrets and questions, can she find a way to let go of the past and start again? And, once the mystery is solved, can she live with the secrets she's uncovered?
Join author Devon Pearse in this semi-autobiographical journey through the most heartbreakingly beautiful and deceptively mysterious events of her own life and the lives of those closest to her.
Devon knows Cass is lying about the details of her involvement and the lead detective on the case, convinced that Cass is guilty, is relentless in his pursuit of justice.
When her mother's young, emotionally disturbed roommate insinuates she knows something about the night of the murder, as well as details from Devon's own life that no one else is privy to, Devon becomes desperate to uncover the truth before Detective Lake does. As the investigation continues, Devon is led down a path she never expected and forced to face her greatest fears of life and love. Tangled in a web of lies, regrets and questions, can she find a way to let go of the past and start again? And, once the mystery is solved, can she live with the secrets she's uncovered?
Join author Devon Pearse in this semi-autobiographical journey through the most heartbreakingly beautiful and deceptively mysterious events of her own life and the lives of those closest to her.
The Skinny: If you are looking for an interesting book with several storylines, you will enjoy this one.
Psychology has always been a field of interest to me, and I am always excited to read books that document the psychological journeys of individuals. In A Lighter Shade of Gray, we read as Devon deals with her mother’s failing mental health. While she attempts to maintain a connection to her mom, she also struggles with her quest to prove that her best friend is innocent of a crime. There are great scenes that take place between Devon and her mother. Their method of communication, colors, is unique, and I am interested in learning more about the ways in which individuals communicate when mental illness is an issue.
Though it sounds like a lot is being thrown at readers in this story, every storyline is perfectly crafted to seamlessly show the reader what is occurring. With the variety of characters, subplots, and themes, I was able to feel fully immersed in this story about love, friendship, and regret. This story is semi-autobiographical, and readers will wonder which parts of the story are based in fiction and which are based on fact. Pearse sewed bits of her life into this story, and the result is an intricate weaving of emotion and thought.
Though it sounds like a lot is being thrown at readers in this story, every storyline is perfectly crafted to seamlessly show the reader what is occurring. With the variety of characters, subplots, and themes, I was able to feel fully immersed in this story about love, friendship, and regret. This story is semi-autobiographical, and readers will wonder which parts of the story are based in fiction and which are based on fact. Pearse sewed bits of her life into this story, and the result is an intricate weaving of emotion and thought.
I enjoyed A Lighter Shade of Gray, because the concept is interesting to me and the writing is good. Pearse is definitely talented, and I will be on the lookout for her next book.
Check out the other tour stops!
Monday, June 11th: The Book Bag
Tuesday, June 12th: StephTheBookworm
Wednesday, June 13th: As I turn the pages
Thursday, June 14th: Kritters Ramblings
Monday, June 18th: Veronica M.D.
Tuesday, June 19th: Sara’s Organized Chaos
Wednesday, June 20th: Living in the Kitchen with Puppies
Tuesday, June 26th: Mary’s Cup of Tea
Wednesday, June 27th: Tiffany’s Bookshelf
Tuesday, July 10th: Beastmomma - review
Monday, July 16th: Walking With Nora
Thursday, July 19th: Booksie’s Blog
Friday, July 20th: Silver’s Reviews
Saturday, July 21st: Beastmomma - interview
Tuesday, July 24th: Oh! Paper Pages
"perfectly crafted" is high praise indeed! I'm glad you enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour.