Friday, August 20, 2010

Review + Giveaway: Rae by Chelsea Rae Swiggett


Book: Rae
Author: Chelsea Swiggett 
Release: Out now
Summary:
Rae is beyond socially awkward...

Since she was a little girl, Rae Swiggett knew something was different about her. The sound of planes flying overhead could spark a panic attack. Being called on in class was enough to push her over the edge. She feared the unknown, life, death, people...even fear itself.

By the time she reached ninth grade, Rae was muddling through life in relative silence, convinced everyone was mocking her, judging her, picking her apart, bit by little bit. Rae knew she couldn't' keep going on this way. She knew something had to give.
Review: RAE is raw, real, and I'm truly grateful that Swiggett shared her story.

As one of the newest additions to the Louder Than Words series of memoirs, RAE is definitely memorable and worthwhile to read. Rae is quiet and introverted outside of her comfort zone at home. She gets tongue-tied whenever she has to speak in class, forgetting the right answers in only seconds. She worries that everyone's watching every move she makes. Even her weight becomes something she struggles with. She's the girl who just might be faking sick at home, or maybe even ducking her head when you pass her in the halls...and she's completely real. 

RAE is one of those memoirs that I'm sure a lot people can relate with at one point or another. I knew by the time I finished reading the first chapter that RAE was eerily close to how I remember my high school experience. All those times when you think everyone is mocking you and your heart won't stop pounding, or when all the wrong words come out in a jumbled mess whenever you try to speak around people you aren't comfortable with, the fear that grips you sometimes, even when you know everything is okay...it's real, it happens, and it's nice to know that those of us who experience some of these moments are not alone.

Highlights: I could relate with certain aspects of Swiggett's memoir. I remember those days in high school (I still can feel that way in class). I have to really praise Swiggett for taking a chance, being brave, and sharing her story. I know I really wish I had read something like RAE back when I was in high school. 

Lowlights: There were a few confusing moments. Yet, I couldn't stop reading until I finally finished the entire book. I couldn't tear myself away.

Rating:   


GIVEAWAY:
Four Winners! 
One gets a set of all three books in the Louder Than Words series (AlexisHannahRae),
One person gets Alexis,
One person gets Hannah,
And one person gets Rae

Open to US + Canada, no P.O. boxes. 

Ends: Friday, August 27th at midnight


(Form will open in new window)


Lea

19 comments:

  1. Great giveaway!(: The book looks awesome. I can kind of relate to her on the getting called in class thing.(:

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful giveaway. I haven't read anything like this for awhile, it will be a nice switch up. The cover is great too :) Loving the green.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I used to be socially awkward so I could probably relate to Rae more than the others. Thanks for the amazing giveaway. These books sound wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is such an awesome giveaway, Lea! I've heard brilliant things about Rae, and I'd love the opportunity to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've been wanting to read this one for so long! I love how the book is so personal to the author; it's going to evoke so much more emotion in me while reading it. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Lea! Great review.. thank you for sharing your thoughts on RAE and being a part of the Louder than Words blog tour!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have enjoyed the Louder than words books I have read so far and I am excited to get my hands on the newest ones. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sounds thought provoking. Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete
  9. ive been seeing this book around a lot will deffo look into it

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have seen this book around in the blog world, but I hadn't taken the time to read the description. It sounds like a very strong and emotional book that would be very interesting to read.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I can relate to the social issues that Rae faced. That feeling that everyone is mocking you is very prevalent in high school, but somehow, I always believed that I was the only one that felt that way. Now I know I'm not alone!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What an emotional story, I can't imagine having to go through that. On a brighter note, I have an award for you over at my blog. http://book-mac13.blogspot.com/2010/08/one-lovely-blog-award.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is a great giveaway. I've gotten into memoirs lately, and I think it'll be great to read one by a fellow blogger. Based on what I've read, we have at least one or two things in common.

    Jane
    janestoryblog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great review and giveaway! I still fell scared to have to go up in front of my class to speak! I can relate to how she feels!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for this giveaway! I'm really interested in reading her memoir. This series sounds so amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I can't really relate to Rae, but I know people who are probably similar to her on the inside.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Awesome giveaway! Even though it has been quite a while since I was in high school I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I enjoy how YA books take me back in time. These books sound awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete