Look the Part

by Jewel E Ann

[stacey_is_sassy]

Forgive, but harder to forget…

I love reading good books, but I really struggle with writing reviews for books that ROCK MY WORLD. How will I do it justice? How do I show my appreciation for fine work without it sounding like an OTT “SQUEE” review? I have all these bubbles of emotions that need to be expressed but I can’t write them all down. My head is exploding trying to put my love for this book in priority order.

Who was my favourite? Elle…yes, Flint…yes, Harrison…yes, Amanda…yes, Ron, Gene or Camilla…yes, yes and yes? Oh, bloody hell, I loved them all the bestest of the best at least once in the book. These characters came to life for me. I saw them, knew them and lived their lives with them, for a little piece of time. I suffered with them through their pain, heartache and sorrow. But, I also got to experience their love, humour and excitement too.

I loved seeing Flint come to life. I adored Elle and her humming ways (but I’m with Flint, I will never love your rat babies). Harrison and his special and quirky approach to life put a smile on my face. Knowing that Amanda, Ron, Gene and Camilla were always there if they needed a helping hand or guidance, gave me the peace of mind that they could survive anything. There really couldn’t be a favourite, because I loved them all.

Which was my favourite scene? The fictitious gifted watch that should have been engraved…maybe. Or, when "Dr Hopkins" arrives to look after the patient…maybe. Those curved stairs (be still my beating heart)…maybe. Amanda and her job being on the line again and again and again…maybe. Harrison’s honest 7 out of 10 explanations…maybe. I can’t pick one because I loved them all.

One of the first lessons I taught my boys was about repercussions. That unwise decision now could have lasting effects. But, at their early age, I always tried to tell them that I forgave them, loved them and it wasn’t the end of the world, they just had to try to not do it again. In Look the Part I found myself questioning whether every unwise decision that leads to repercussions is forgivable? Does a show of guilt and an apology make it OK? Like the characters in this story, I find it not always easy to forgive, especially forgiving myself. It’s almost impossible to forget though.

Look the Part was some heavy stuff. Amazingly, I never felt depressed or morose. There’s this little underlying spark that brought light to the darkest parts. Each main character had their own patches of darkness but they also managed to project lightness. This is a story about wanting this life and moving heaven and earth to get it. You can live your life for someone else's happiness or you can live a life looking for your own happiness too.

I love a story that makes me feel and I felt a lot. I love a story that takes me on a journey to happiness, and I was ecstatic by the end. I love a story that makes me question my thoughts, decisions, judgements and actions and I will try in the future to think, before judging.

I loved Look the Part and I hope my attempt to share my love did it justice. This was my first Jewel E. Ann but it will not be my last.