This book is about second chances and changing one's self… but not the usual kind. The heroine has not been wronged and hurt and is now learning to trust again and etc… instead, the main character used to be a horrible person. And by the time she realizes she is such, she just doesn’t know what to do with the information. On the one hand, she wants to change. On the other… how?
“Vanity’s a debilitating affliction. You’re so absorbed in yourself it’s impossible to love anyone other than oneself, leaving you weak without realization of it. It’s quite sad. You’ve no idea what you’re missing either. You will never know real love and your life will pass you by. “
First paragraph of Vain
I absolutely loved this book, from beginning to end. Aside for being a gripping book, with wonderful writing, beautiful characters, and wonderful plot, it’s also special. It shows you two separate unique realities; the first of the rich and famous, with a main character who is vain and pretty much a horrible person (at the beginning of the book), and the second life in Uganda, which was a breathtaking reality to read about, both in its beauty and sadness.
Sophie Price, our main character, is a bit different than most heroines, mostly because instead of being a character we can all relate to, she’s the bitch we often see in all those dramas? The one who acts horribly toward our poor MC and makes her life miserable while ruling her little flock of the “popular kids”?
Yep. That one.
But you're not going to hate her for a single second of the book. At least, I never did. I loved her instantly, despite all her wrongdoings, and I felt sincerely sad for her, because the girl lives in a cold, cold world.
Even before she is uprooted from all she knows, Sophie acknowledges there is something terribly wrong with her. And being caught in a criminal situation and sentenced for six months of labor in an orphanage in Uganda turns out to be exactly what she needs to break the cycle she's been born into. Being in Uganda, witnessing the harsh reality--yet happiness--of those living there, changes her big time, almost from the get-go.
And one person in particular she meets helps that change. Meet Ian Aberdeen, also known as "Dingane" to those around him. Can I just say something? Major swoon! The guy's absolutely amazing!! He's white, with piercing eyes, and he is diligent, hardworking, caring, loving, kind, sweet, kind of shy (as evident by the many, many times he stutters around our stunning Sophie), All he cares about are the children of the orphanage, and he always puts them first. He is basically a Dream Boyfriend! I mean, really! ~sigh~
Aside for these darling two, we have the orphanage children, who are so adorable and cute you forget they're deformed, as Ian describes it (and yes, it's a terrible reality to read about. But trust me, you're going to smile and forget it in the face of their innocent happiness).
Then there is the orphanage crew; Lovely Karina and Charles, who become sort of like parents figures both for Ian and Sophie, and others.
As for the romance... Just. Freaking. Stunning. I loved every bit of it!
Sophie and Ian are instantly attracted to one another, like, big time. But that attraction is not the basis for their relationship. In fact, at first they kind of... dislike one another?!
Yes, here are two who fight the inevitable, and I'm glad they did. They got to know one another on a very deep level, before embarking on any form of relationship. They actually fell in love with one another while watching each other work, handle situations, act, and of course, through conversations. And you have no idea how many books lack just that.
After they did start a relationship, they were so cute and sweet and adorable I wanted to "aww" out loud plenty of times, but it wasn't too much, you know?
Also, there aren't any sex scenes in this book, which surprised me. The only reason it's really marked as New Adult is because of the age of the characters.
However, that's not to say these two weren't exceedingly HOT together (or that sex wasn't mentioned). There were many sexy scenes, which never ventured deeper than kisses and touches. It was simply lovely!
This book doesn't lack in the action section, either. There are gunfights, saving kids from attacks, blood, death all around, sickness and what not. Life in Uganda are not always safe, to say the least. But, as I said before, you forget about the hideous parts, because there are so many factors in this book which makes your heart swell. So many parts that make you look at the positive. And, be surprised, there is plenty of positive.
This is a story about living, not dying, despite its subjects.
And if all that's not enough for you to read the book, the ending was just fabulous I grinned. Widely. I couldn't help it!!! There is just something about such cute endings, which make you smile and also relax that everything is going to be just fine with your favorite characters.
Really, I can't think of a single complaint for this book! It is now a 2013 favorite, not to mention favorite couple of mine and new book boyfriend. All in one book!
I suggest you read it, like... NOW!