Review-A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler

A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler


Release Date: May 1, 2010
Publisher: Flux
Pages: 277, Paperback
Source: Library
Series: Standalone book


Rating from A+ to F: A

Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose is hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since her dad left them. Convinced that "creative" equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. But as her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet draws Aura toward the depths of her imagination. Just as desperation threatens to swallow her whole, Aura discovers that art, love, and family are profoundly linked--and together may offer an escape from her fears. 

I really enjoyed A Blue So Dark. The cover intrigued me, but after I started reading it, I was blown away by the writing. This book tells the story of a girl, Aura, who has to deal with her mother who has schizophrenia. Aura is terrified that she will get this illness because she has an artistic talent, like her mother, and thinks that means she will automatically get it. At times, I just felt bad for Aura and what she has to deal with, and it might even make you tear up. It is beautiful story, and I loved reading it.

Plot- I liked the plot, it was a little slow at times, but I still loved the book. It is just unforgettable, and you keep thinking about the plot a long time after you finished reading it. There are many heartbreaking scenes that never leave your mind, and really open your eyes to what Aura deals with. I could see the relationships that Aura had with people that she held onto, especially the mother-daughter bond that she didn't want to break. The plot was very good, and I was enthralled with it from the start. 


Characters- I really liked the characters, but you didn't see many of them during the book, except for Aura and her mother, Melanie. I wanted to see more of people like Nell or Janny, and definitely Jeremy. Nonetheless, the characters were developed pretty nicely. 
Favorite Character- I don't think I can pick a favorite. As I said, I didn't see many of them, but I think I would choose Nell. Around the end of the book, I think she really helped Aura with her mother.
Least Favorite Character- Definitely Aura's dad. I hated him from the beginning of the book. 


Writing- Wonderful writing from Holly Schindler, I loved it. I can't wait to read more from her, because I really enjoyed her writing in this book. I have never read a book about schizophrenia before, but I loved the way Holly wrote this novel. I think the only way this book would of worked is if Holly wrote it, and I'm glad she did. Here's a quote that just made me sad. Aura's family was at the beach when she was ten and wanted to buy something but she couldn't decide. This is what her mom says: 

Cover- I really like the cover, and I love the title of this novel. I think it has such a deep message, and it fits well with the book. The cover is really pretty, and as I said, that's mainly the reason I picked this novel up, from the cover. 


I definitely recommend this book to readers who like a good tear-jerking, heart-wrenching story. But, I think anyone would enjoy this, even if your favorite genre is paranormal. It is an unforgettable book, and I loved it. 


First Sentence: When I was ten, I took my best friend Janny on our family vacation. 







1. Plot- 17 out of 20 points.
2. Characters- 13 out of 15 points.
3. Writing- 20 out of 20 points.
4. Creativity- 15 out of 15 points.
5. Originality- 10 out of 10 points.
6. Ending- 15 out of 15 points.
7. Cover- 5 out of 5 points.
Equals: 95! 94-96 is an A








Violence
Mild/Excessive Cursing
Mild/Excessive Sexual Content
Drug/Alcohol Use

Holly Schindler dove headfirst into her writing pursuits after obtaining an MA in English from Missouri State University. Teaching private piano and guitar lessons to pay the bills quickly made her realize she wanted to write for the teens who filled her home with music. Having penned a pile of drafts that literally stretches to the ceiling, she is ecstatic to be releasing her first novel with Flux. She is a member of SCBWI, lives with a ridiculously spoiled Pekingese, and is firmly convinced that Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken is the ultimate writing fuel.

Visit her website: http://hollyschindler.com/
Check out the book at: Goodreads
Buy the book at: Amazon | Borders | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound