Reviewed by nitzan_schwarz on
Originally published on my blog.
There is only one way to describe Rock a Hard Place:
The story starts with a chance meeting between two very different people: Peter and Libby. A meeting that each comes out from feeling a little... different. Like the other frees and soothes something in them. Attraction ensues. A relationship starts.
They were both great characters; Libby is easy to relate to, because of how human and strong she grows to be.
Peter is easy to love, because he never let fame get to his head, and what he truly loves is the music - not the attention that comes with it.
(this feels like Libby and Peter to me)
The book mostly revolves around their romantic relationship, which is pretty insta love, BUT, I felt like it was okay like this. And trust me, as an advocate against insta love everywhere, this means something.
They both drew strength they might've otherwise not possessed from the relationship: Libby finds the will to stand up for herself, and Peter finds inspiration and a renewed energy to face the limelight now that he has the solace of Libby's company.
I find that this is the type of relationship I like best.
But the thing that really convinced me of them happens half way through... and it's a spoiler. A long one.
Libby and Peter get separated, and quite dramatically. But what makes this book beautiful and unique is how they both handle it.
How many times have we watched a main female character break apart and fall to pieces over a breakup? But don't worry,there's no Bella Syndrome for Libby. Instead of letting their time together bring her down, she uses it to draw strength to move on and become better. To become an independent, strong young woman who knows exactly what she wants and gets it.
I cannot express the amount of love I have for Libby (and Angie, who wrote her), for choosing this path.
On the other hand, it's Peter who shows the more traditional symptoms of depression and unhappiness. But it's not pathetic, because he doesn't let it stop him from doing his job--or stop him from finding Libby. It was heartwarming
This book was just so good. I read it in one sitting, the pages flew by this fast. And When I was done, I wanted more.
Originally published on my blog.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 5 October, 2013: Finished reading
- 5 October, 2013: Reviewed