Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Review: The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano


Book Info:
The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (March 19, 2009)
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 3.5/5


When Melody Grace McCartney was six years old, she and her parents witnessed an act of violence so brutal that it changed their lives forever. The federal government lured them into the Witness Protection Program with the promise of safety, and they went gratefully. But the program took Melody's name, her home, her innocence, and, ultimately, her family. She's been May Adams, Karen Smith, Anne Johnson, and countless others--everyone but the one person she longs to be: herself.

So when the feds spirit her off to begin yet another new life in another town, she's stunned when a man confronts her and calls her by her real name. Jonathan Bovaro, the mafioso sent to hunt her down, knows her, the real her, and it's a dangerous thrill that Melody can't resist. He's insistent that she's just a pawn in the government's war against the Bovaro family. But can she trust her life and her identity to this vicious stranger whose acts of violence are legendary?



I love the cover for this book. Part of it is the colors, but I also love the open feel, the possibility of anything.

The story wasn't quite what I thought it would be, though. I was expecting a serious, tense story with a mystery-like feel to it. Instead, it was lighter and almost humorous at times.
The main character, Melody, comes across as a spoiled brat at the beginning, but by the end she was more likeable. Jonathan was very likeable too, for being a Mafioso, and that is my biggest problem with the story....I found it completely unbelievable.

The story is well written, fun and fast paced. I did enjoy the book, and I don't like everything I read to be based in reality. If you are able to suspend your disbelief it's a good story. I just couldn't picture any of the characters, the Feds or the Mafia, actually behaving like they did here. 3.5 stars
David Cristofano's website, which includes the first chapter.

6 comments:

Erika Powell said...

thanks for the review, I am having really mixed feelings about this book. the synopsis sounds like something i would really like but none of the reviews I have read make me want to read it.
but i do LOVE the cover too.

Sadako said...

This sounds really good. Also like the cover. I'm willing to suspend disbelief, so maybe will read it.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I just brought this one home from the library yesterday. Thanks for the post!

Melissa said...

Erika: It was good, but nothing amazing, IMO.

Sadako: If you can suspend disbelief, it's a fun book!

Diane: I'll be looking for your review!

Lenore Appelhans said...

I'll remember to suspend my disbelief!

Darlene said...

Thanks for the review. I want to read this one-someday anyway. I really like the cover.