Shakespeare Burning

by Charisse Moritz

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I picked this book because I was in the mood for something than my normal reads. Young Adult is not a genre I naturally gravitate towards, but something about this book called to me. I am glad I heeded the call. Shakespeare Burning by Charisse Moritz delivered an unforgettable story of two lost and broken souls who developed an unlikely friendship, which became so much more.

Shake Lecasse was a star hockey and one of the most popular kids in school. All that changed in the twinkling of an eye. All it took was one tragic incident and now he has hit rock bottom. Living in his grandmother’s basement, ditching school and doing drugs became his new norm. However, there was one person who knew the truth of what happened that fateful night and she made it her mission to steer him away from the path of self-destruction.

Cleo Lee is from what is considered the wrong side of the tracks. Not a girl with whom Shake would associate. She lies and steals not because she wants to, but as a means of survival. She had an awful home life; one she was desperate to escape.

Despite knowing that a guy like Shake would not have given her a second look, she wanted to help regardless of the physical and emotional risk.

Cleo is a friend you would want in your corner. I admired her Loyalty, dry sense of humour, strength, selflessness and independence. She has been through a lot, but she doesn’t allow her circumstances to break her. My heart broke for her when I learnt of her situation. No one should ever have to go through what she did. She wanted to save Shake, and I loved how they ended up saving each other.

My heart bled for Shake. Losing someone is never easy and worse when it’s your entire family in one fell sweep. I saw first-hand the devastating effect of survivor’s guilt.

Despite the emotional upheavals these two faced, they shared some light moments between themselves and their friends, which had me laughing out loud. We also had teenage angst that came with the whole high school experience. Fans of Shakespeare would love the Shakespearean quotes sprinkled throughout the story.

Conclusion/Recommendation
I became immersed in this wonderful coming of age story of loss, grief, friendship, love and finding oneself. Shakespeare Burning is a story I recommend without reservations.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading