E. Lockhart

A New York Times Bestseller. A beautiful and distinguished family. A private island. A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy. A group of four friends-the Liars-whose friendship turns destructive. A revolution. An accident. A secret. Lies upon lies. True love. The truth. We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author, National Book Award finalist, and Printz Award honouree E. Lockhart. Read it. And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

Hardback gift edition

We Were Liars

kristin :)

My full name is Cadence Sinclair Eastman.

I suffer migraines. I do not suffer fools.

Cadence, Liberty, Bonnie, Taft, and Will,

They know it doesn't play out in life as it does on a stage or between the pages of a book. It is neither a punishment meted out nor a lesson conferred. It's horrors are not attributable to one single person.

Tragedy is ugly and tangled, stupid and confusing.

She walks over, kisses me on the cheek, and says, "Be a little kinder than you have to, Cady, and things will be all right."

"Not you're fault," says Johnny. "I mean, we all did it, we all went crazy, we have to take responsibility. You shouldn't carry the weight of it," he says. "Be sad, be sorry - but don't shoulder it."

Jonathan Sinclair Dennis, you would have been a light in the dark for so many people.

We did not, after all, save the idyll. That is gone forever, if it ever existed. We have lost the innocence of it, of those days before we knew the extent of the aunts' rage, befire Gran's death and Granddad's deterioration.

Before we became criminals. Before we became ghosts.

They took the matched from her and they struck them. The witch watched their beauty burn,

I lifted my hand to take out the ear buds. The hand I saw was bandaged.

And my feet. I could feel the tape on them, beneath the blue sheets.

My hands and feet were bandaged, because they were burned.

over and over: do what you are afraid to do.

the Beautiful Sinclair Family and just be a family?

different colors, different backgrounds, and just be in love?

What if we could force everyone to change?

"I'm not saying he wants to be the guy who only likes white people," Gat went on. "He knows he's not supposed to be that guy. He's a Democrat, he voted for Obama - but that doesn't mean he's comfortable having people of color in his beautiful family."

"Some people have nothing. We have everything. The only person who used the family money for charity was Gran. Now she's gone and all anyone's worried about is her pearls and her ornaments and her real estate. Nobody is trying to use their money for good. Nobody is trying to make the world any better."

perfect portrayal of rich people that never had to work for their money

My mother and her sisters were dependent on Granddad and his money. They had the best educations, a thousand chances, a thousand connections, and still they'd ended up unable to support themselves. None of them did anything useful in the world. Nothing necessary. Nothing brave. They were still little girls, trying to get in good with Daddy. He was their bread and butter, their cream and honey, too.

"You love me, don't you, Cadence? You're all I have now. You're not like Dad."

On a night when Granddad and the rest had taken boats across the bay,

the four of us did what we were afraid to do.

Now, he was free to go forth and make a name for himself in the wide, wide world.

"I'd a million times rather live and risk and have it all end badly than stay in the box I've been in for the past two years. It's a tiny box, Mirren. Me and Mummy. Me and my pills. My and my pain. I don't want to live there anymore."

BRO doing these highlights after finishing the book feels unreal, the forshadowinggggg

"You say we shouldn't feel sorry for you-"

"-but then you come out with these statements. 

I stared at the base of the blue italian toilet.

 to feel sorry for you. And we would, I would, but you have no idea how lucky you are."

"You are very, very beautiful, Cady." he says.

"It's the moonlight. Makes all the girls look pretty."

"I think you're beautiful always and forever."

The four of us Liars, we have always been.

"If I die," I sad as we look out at the view, "I mean 

 i die, throw my ashes in the water of the tiny beach. Then when you miss me, you can climb up here, look down, and think how awesome I was."

If you are looking for a fast paced book to get out of a reading slum, I recommend this book !  It is a bit of a psychological thriller but also romance. The story is very insightful focusing on family and friend relationships. 

Ksenija 

cerise

The story itself was great. The way of writing of the author was different from other authors and that is one reason why I read this book. Overall, it was a really good story and the ending came rushing like a landslide to me.

Hanna Rybchynska

Wow this was unexpected!
I really liked this book, it was short and easy to read. I liked the mystery, it wasn't too complicated. 
I don't read mysteries a lot, nor I am really attentive to details, it helped a lot to enjoy it.
Maybe my rating is overated, but honestly it was good!

Monicap

What. Was. That.

I will probably go around for the next week, not naming this book but putting forth the situation of the whole thing that happened TO EVERYONE I KNOW and ask them if they immediately see any flaws in the plan. Because I did.

I mean, I get y'all were fifteen and drunk, but how do you think that could possibly end well?

But. You know, I was definitely not expecting that. 

Um. It actually made me a little bit nauseated, but I can't blame that entirely on the book. I really shouldn't have eaten four pieces of pizza. 

Also, this book was so well written. Like, SOOO well-written. Read it just for the writing. Seriously.

Anyway, this book was great and surprising and really, really cool. 

(You know, despite the whole stupid idea thing)

Marz 

This was an interesting read, I had heard very mixed reviews about this book but I knew there was to be some shocking plot twist. 

At first I found the book a bit odd, the writing style is a bit eclectic and strange and found myself a little confused at times. However I believe the might have been the goal. After awhile I was invested in the mystery and was trying really hard to figure out where the story was going and what exactly happened to Cadence.

The plot twist was unexpected but I dont particularly find myself blown away by it, I consumed a lot of media where the narrator or main character is confused or lost about their past and some incident and in comparison to those things its mystery and intrigue is a bit juvenile. 

That being said the book was engaging enough for me to stick around to the end, and I think for someone new to the mystery genre this could be a great entryway read.

abby

it is very well made book and during reading the book I was enjoying a lot; about the family, the emotions, the purpose, even the dramatic scene. also, the plot twits.. I was not really had an impact a lot but it was surreal banget. 

it is a wondrous, polished YA book and it will worth your time to spend your time. it is made clever by the author as well. but I still don’t put liking at the writing.. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Paula Plaza Ponte 

So glad I picked this one up as many recommended it. It's an intense ride with imagery I can really relate with. I did form theories about the end (as people warned me that it would matter) and I was right for the most part. The minute I looked closely- the story and my theory formed an intricate fabric of meaning that I wish I didn't pick up so soon. LOL. Anyway, many of my students have read and loved this book. I get why. What I loved most, was the writing. Her hyperbolic, exaggerated imagery really resonated with me. I've felt this pain before. I've had migraines like this before (and still do). I've tried to block out things I regret (but to a lesser degree, of course. Haha.) Many of you who haven't read this one- I will definitely get this in your hands. It's a really interesting book that talks about power, equality, race, wealth, tragedy, regrets and yes, love. I am ready to leave its world but I was glad to have been in it.

kait

I am having so much trouble with how to even start this review because what the ****. So, in this book we follow Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her family as they go to Beechwood Island in the summer to live in their own private homes and just look like one big happy family. However, we soon learn that this family has secrets and that there's some things that don't quite add up. We are able to really see these secrets unfold as we learn that Cady has suffered a bad accident and is to be kept away from the island. However, she can't remember what happened to her and the only way she believes she will figure it out is if she goes back to Beechwood Island 2 years after her injury. Finally uncovering the truth, we learn about what really happened and what unseen consequences this really had on Cady and the rest of her family. I was so in shock at this ending that I do not think I have actually fully recovered yet. I keep going back in the book and seeing parts that are all different now that I know what has happened. Although this book does have a writing style that takes a little while to get used to, I am so happy that I stuck with it and was able to see what really happened to the Liars of Beechwood Island.

Rohit Khanduri

Why "We Were Liars" Deserves a 1 out of 5 Stars Rating

"We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart was a book that gained a lot of popularity and attention upon its release. However, after reading it, I found it to be a major disappointment.

Lack of Character Development

One of the biggest flaws of this book is the lack of character development. The four main characters, the Liars, are supposed to be the heart of the story. However, their personalities are poorly developed, and the reader is left feeling disconnected and uninterested in their lives. The characters are one-dimensional, with no real depth to their personalities, and no clear motivations for their actions. As a result, the reader is unable to connect with them or care about their story.

Predictable Plot Twist

The plot twist in "We Were Liars" is supposed to be the highlight of the book. However, it is predictable and underwhelming. The twist is revealed in the last few pages, and by that point, the reader has already figured it out. This makes the whole book feel like a waste of time, as the reader is left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.

Poor Writing Style

The writing style of "We Were Liars" is another reason why I gave it a low rating. The prose is overly simplistic, lacking in detail, and at times, confusing. The author tries to create a dream-like atmosphere, but instead, the writing comes across as vague and disjointed. This makes it difficult for the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story and connect with the characters.

In conclusion, "We Were Liars" is a book that failed to live up to its hype. The lack of character development, predictable plot twist, and poor writing style make it a tedious read. While it may have appealed to some readers, it was not a book that I enjoyed, and I cannot recommend it. Overall, I believe that "We Were Liars" deserves a 1 out of 5 stars rating.

Kaylee Ray

read this in one day. 2 hours to be exact.

buny

the only good thing abt this book is its fast pace, as it got me reading almost obsessively + had me finishing this in 2 days so yes for tht i am grateful andddd GAT!!! .... everything else i could pass up on

Did not like the writing style, but the twist was fairly good 

Georgia 

Selin Igten

here i am frozen where i deserve to burn 

ii fucking love this book its so so good rereading this for the 5th time

** spoiler alert **
           3.5 rounded up to 4

This book RUINED me. I swear. I got too attached to Johnny to the point where I can’t accept the ending and I had to cry everytime Cadence mentions him. This book is so beautiful but this absolutely wrecked me into pieces i’ve been sobbing nonstop what the hell. How am I supposed to recover from this?

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A beautiful and distinguished family. A private island. A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy. A group of four friends - the Liars - whose friendship turns destructive. A revolution. An accident. A secret. Lies upon lies. True love. The truth. We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense that will leave you reeling. Read it. And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE. 'We Were Liars is heartbreaking, witty, beautiful and disturbing. E. Lockhart's best book to date.' JUSTINE LARBALESTIER 'A haunting tale about how families live within their own mythologies. Sad, wonderful, and real.' SCOTT WESTERFELD

Julia

Vicky  Nuñez 

This type of book is based around the idea that there is a twist at the ending that no one expects and leaves them in awe enough for them to think that book was amazing and they have to give it five stars. 
Unfortunately, I saw the twist coming miles away and felt so disappointed because that's the whole point of the book and once you get it, the book becomes extremely dull.

Nabila Azahra

3,5 / 5 stars

Okaay... I didn't expect that at all XD

Danielle Annika

Once upon a time there were two kingdoms—namely Booktok and Bookstagram. They discovered this book called "we were liars" and they absolutely adored it, so they told everyone in their kingdom to read it. This one person named Dani was so eager to read it because it's been so long since she's felt strongly about a book. I'll spare you the details and cut the story short, they did not like it. 

Weird. That's the only word I can use to describe how it felt reading this book. I came into it completely blind. I didn't know what the genre would be or what it would be about. 

(view spoiler)[
At first, I was like, "Oh okay it's a story about privileged families. I see, I see. Love that." And then we find out that main character bonked her head and doesn't remember how and I'm like, "Hmkay, hmkay. I suppose it's actually a mystery. Ayt bet!" And then she talks about the struggles of her condition and how it sometimes makes her wanna die so I'm like, "Okay wait, so it's a book about mental health? Okay then." But then she tells us that she's in love with her "step-uncle's nephew" and I'm thinking, "Okay you know what, this is definitely a romance and the sad and tragic twist is that she's gonna lose the love of her life." Then said boy PLUS her beloved cousins die, BUT WAIT!! they didn't JUST die, she committed arson and killed them! What a mind-blowing and definitely not a predictable story right? But wait there's more! To make the story more absurd, this whole time? She was talking to ghosts and nothing that happened actually happened! 
 (hide spoiler)]

There. That's it. Spare yourself the 250 pages of disappointment because I just summarized the whole story for ya. If you liked this book, that's great! I'm jealous of you because you were able to spend time reading a book you found enjoyable whereas I did not. I didn't give it a one star because I liked how the author portrayed privileged families and I was able to recognize my own family as a result. But I guess the way it was hyped so much had me hoping that this would be something more.

bro this book was...interesting for sure. i have to admit, at the beginning i was very unsure and confused, since some stuff didn't add up at all. later on it all made sense to me after all, though. the plot twist at the end made me cry, i think it was really well done, especially the fact that it was an unrealiable narrator and the amount of foreshadowing if you think about it afterwards. i also loved the characters, especially gat, and the underlying critique on the ignorance of rich people and racism. in general the characters had a lot of depth, which was great. i devoured this book in one day, since i couldn't put it down at any point.

Least thrilling “thriller” I’ve read to this point. Not a very good twist either. Cringy dialogue made the readability go down a bit. Odd character development that seemed to just be cut off. 

Paige Paul

ella

★☆☆☆☆
1.00 STAR 

DNF @ 40% 

I'm sorry but I just couldn't get through this anymore. I tried. Really tried. Maybe I'm not just in the mood reading confusing plot right now. Maybe this time, I'm more into straightforward narration without anyone playing with my mind. That is maybe the reason why I'm having a really hard time getting into this book, because that is exactly what this book is about. Playing with my mind. Planting confusing things and deceiving me with every words. 

I know it's unfair of me to rate this book this low knowing that maybe it was just about my mood, but I can't exactly say that I'm in a reading slump because I am also currently reading another book along with this but unlike this, I am totally loving the other book so much. And I know my rating only reflected my feelings about reading this book. Maybe this is not for me? Idk. Maybe I'll pick this up again? Idk. But even if I will, I'm pretty sure it would not be anytime soon.

chloe rae

Wow. I'm speechless. I cried at the end and I can't remember the last time I cried while reading a book. I'm glad I went into this not knowing what was really going on. Truly an amazing, insanely well written book.

Zahra

Finished my second book of #bcidreadathon on the same day as the first!

Not quite what i expected but i really enjoyed reading through this one. It is simply unlike any other contemporary books, fresh and mind-blowing! 

Full review to come.

We Were Liars Hardback gift edition

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