Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

Vanishing Girls

by Lauren Oliver

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss, and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves, and each other.

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

5 of 5 stars

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Rating: 4.5 Stars

Wow! I did not see that coming.

I liked so many things about this story. I liked how it was told from different points in time (before and after the accident). This approach always makes me feel like I am part of the process, I have to piece together the clues, and assemble my own ideas about the story. It is told from dual points of view. Both sisters, Nick and Dara, have an opportunity to contribute to the story. I especially liked when there was overlaps, those provided the most interesting insights. The story also contains snippets from journals, online news stories, emails, and even a card. Again, I like when stories are presented this way, and I have to put the puzzle together. I would be remiss if I did not comment on the actual writing. Oliver's writing is pleasing, as always. She does an amazing job putting you in the scene. I developed an emotional connection to both Nick and Dara. I shared their pain, and felt their loss. I even sniffled a little.

Overall: great read filled with mystery, suspense, and complicated family drama.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 2 January, 2016: Finished reading
  • 2 January, 2016: Reviewed