“Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi (a book review)
Published January 11, 2012
My first book review in 2012 is of the last novel I read in 2011. It was also the most beautifully written novel I read in 2011….
SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi
Juliette has been locked away in 144 square feet of isolated space for 264 days. She sits. She counts. She writes on private pages, with a pen, in her secret notebook. She tries to keep herself from going insane in an asylum where she was incarcerated in order to protect her parents and society. A society devastated by pollution, wars, and population control, newly-presided over by a totalitarian regime—The Reestablishment. And while Juliette thinks she’s been locked up because of her dangerous “disease,” The Reestablishment has plans for her. They’re about to use her as a weapon of power. A weapon that can kill with one single touch.
Juliette has not been touched in 6,336 hours.
Until a boy enters her 144 square foot space of aloneness and single-handedly shatters her world into one million breathtaking pieces.
What I liked:
- The Writing. Between penning unbelievably beautiful prose, breaking a host of grammar rules, and employing gorgeous metaphors, Ms. Mafi has created some of the most exquisite passages I’ve ever read. As a writerly type person, I have a habit of dog-earing pages (yes, I dog-ear—don’t hate me) that contain a phrase or simile I wish I’d written. In the case of “Shatter Me,” roughly ¼ of my copy is dog-eared. No joke.
- Mafi’s use of strikethrough strikeout (<– yes, that thing), which is applied quite heavily early on in the novel, then lessens as the story progresses. Not only is it unique (in the book world) but it’s effective at showing the gradual growth of Juliette from a self-doubting, emotionally-interned girl to an individual discovering freedom and power. Love it.
- The protagonist, Juliette. She’s a beautiful balance of sweet vulnerability and a passionate conduit for power. She’s frank. She’s timid. She’s healthy. She’s broken. Oh, and the numbers thing… Juliette counts everything.
- The use of landscape as a character. The world surrounding Juliette’s cell is a heartbreaking reflection of her core. Stark. Slightly insane. Starving. Devastated by self-inflicted horror. Mafi’s use of the dystopian setting and bleak landscape to highlight Juliette’s emotional brokenness makes us love our heroine more.
- The superhero conflict. Juliette holds the power to do good and also harm, both of which tempt her in their own ways.
- The villain, Warner. So intriguing. So yummy. So creepy.
- James. Perfectly precious.
- The fact that the book has the dystopian feel of Lauren DeStefano’s “Wither” blended with the powers (and outfits) of X-men.
- The ignition of Juliette’s emotions in proximity to being touched. Left without physical contact, she’s wilting. With it, she’s a lighting rod. Very psychological. And, from a writerly perspective, it’s an excellent way to build sexual tension. Speaking of creating sexual tension, Mafi writes some incredibly sexy scenes without the main couple ever actually consummating anything (although they try too, which is why I’d agree with another reviewer who said she’d recommend this book to older teens on up).
Um…did I mention I LOVED it?
How about you, Preciouses? Have you read it? Thoughts??? ;0)
Tags: best books, book review, lauren destefano, Shatter Me, Shatter Me cover, superheroes, Tahereh Mafi, wither, x-men
01.12.2012 / 10:04 am
Yes. Holy cow, this book totally rocked my world one intense, rainy Saturday. I passed it on to my cousin and two days later regretted it, because I wanted to read it again. I have this terrible habit of devouring books and then wanting to go back and savor it. I just got it back (with the copy of “Whither” she’s had since forever ago), and I’m thrilled that the weather has just turned rainy and cold again. I have a feeling my weekend will be lost to the amazing, dystopian, metaphysical romance world that Mafi has created.
Also, you HAVE to follow Tahereh Mafi and Lauren DeStefano on twitter… their interactions are hilarious, and totally make me wish that I could spend a rainy Saturday at a cafe with them…
01.12.2012 / 10:05 am
Wow, I apologize for the typos… *go back and savor THEM* and *Wither*
Carry on.
01.12.2012 / 10:25 am
ooooh, this sounds super fun!
have you heard about/read the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare? I’ve been eyeing it at Barnes for a bit but haven’t made it to the borrowing it from the library phase yet. guess i’ll have to ad Shatter Me to my library list.
01.12.2012 / 11:06 am
Your review makes me want to go out and get this one right now. I love the comparison between the main character and her environment. Sounds like a great read, and I have been getting into dystopian novels more and more. Great review.
01.12.2012 / 5:26 pm
Dani, I so understand that feeling! Is it bad that I have a few books I won’t loan out because of their “precious” value to me? *she says in her most Gollum-like voice* It’s true. And now that your treasures have been returned, I hope your weekend is spent in bliss.
As to following Mafi and DeStefano on Twitter–I do! They’re hilarious! It’s kind of like watching a better-than-awesome reality show.
And @TaherehMafi just sent me this tweet: “@mchristineweber omg thank you! what a lovely review! <33"
Yes, I will now squeal loudly and die. Then reanimate and pick myself up off the floor and reply with something intelligent.
Mekenzi, you should totally read this. I think it's your type of thing :0). And on the Mortal Instruments series, I've only read half of the first one! I need to finish, yes.
Jade, I can't wait for you to read Shatter Me. I want to see your review of it!!! And thanks for liking my thoughts… ;0)
01.12.2012 / 7:09 pm
I loved this book, too! The writing is so unique and yes, it mimics Juliet’s growth. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Oh, and I’m so honored that my book, Touch of Death was pitched as Shatter Me meets The Walking Dead.
01.12.2012 / 7:11 pm
Yay Kelly!!! What a HUGE compliment! I can’t wait to read it. :0)
01.13.2012 / 1:48 am
The book sounds really good… so have to get my hands on this book:)
01.13.2012 / 9:22 am
Hi Tania! Do it! I think you’ll love the beautiful phrasing…
01.13.2012 / 3:27 pm
I need to read this – can I borrow it?
Also – you’re review was lovely and makes the book sound amazing without giving ANYTHING away (which is slightly infuriating) and oh so mysterious that I really must read it right now to see what is really so amazing about it. So thanks a lot. Good job 
01.13.2012 / 3:28 pm
And Dani- I’m with you on the spelling mistakes – “your review”… anyway – blame it on the babies
01.13.2012 / 7:39 pm
I really want to read this book. I thought your review was great. I have never read a book that uses strikeouts- so that aspect of the book intrigues me. Thanks for sharing!
~Jess
http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/
01.16.2012 / 10:49 am
Aww, thanks, Lori! And, yes, you can borrow my copy. As long as you bring me brownies to console myself with until its return. :0)
Jess, I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. So original. So well done. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!!! And thanks for liking the review. ;0)
01.16.2012 / 12:18 pm
AGH!!! This is a great review Mary. Reminds me of all the reasons why I love this book. But, but… but… I MUST READ THE SEQUEL NOW! Sigh. This is why I don’t start series until all the books are out. :p
01.16.2012 / 10:27 pm
Kristen, I’m TOTALLY the same way! The Hunger Games drove me mad with all of the waiting…and waiting…and waiting for Mockingjay. Sheesh. *Sigh* is right.