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We Were Liars by E. Lockhart


We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is a suspense novel that follows the life of the Sinclair family, who from outside, were the archetypal, perfect family. More specifically though, it centers around Cadence Sinclair Eastman, the eldest grandchild of the wealthy Harris Sinclair, her mother's father. Every summer, Cadence spends her summer on Beechwood Island, an island owned by Harris Sinclair. The Sinclairs are wealthy, affluent family with a lot of secrets. Summer Fifteen was an interesting one. Read to find out what happens behind closed doors.

As someone who enjoys suspense novels, I can confidently say that this was one of the best young adult thrillers I've ever read. Lockhart has crafted a psychological mystery about the downfalls of wealth, privilege, and affluence. It was done in truly such a cunning way! You almost don't even expect the twists and turns Lockhart throws your way when you're reading it. If you're a fan of thrillers or a book that you won't put down until you finally finish it, We Were Liars is the perfect book for you!

Reviewed Melody Seraydarian, Grade 11
Montrose Library

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Teen Speak said…
We Were Liars centers around the subject of self-acknowledgement, family ethics, and the possibly-deadly consequences of one's mistakes. It is centered on the wealthy, seemingly perfect Sinclair family, who spend every summer gathered on their private island. However, not every summer was the same. Something bad happens to Cadence during the summer of her fifteenth year. Two years later, four liars, Cadence, Johnny, Gat and Mirren, reappear and help Cadence to remember everything from that mysterious summer.

I enjoyed reading this book! The author did a really good job at bringing the readers to the truth at the end. I would recommend this book to those who love suspense novels, romance and family relationships. Lockhart really did a hard work to create an unexpected atmosphere where you dig deep until you find the truth. The entire time you feel yourself in the book, living all the emotions with the characters, and the book doesn’t let you put itself down with its sudden turns and events!

Reviewed by Anna Baghdasaryan, Grade 11
Glendale Central Library


December 4, 2020 at 2:54 PM
Melissa said…
The book follows the summers of a New England girl named Cadence, or Cady for short. Cady's aunties, cousins, mother, and grandfather spend every summer on their private island. She looks forward to it every year and is even more excited when a boy named Gat starts coming to the private island as a result of being friends with Cady's first cousin. The story follows the mysterious events that happen after Cady's injury. She doesn't hear from her cousins or Gat for a year while she is at home. However, the following summer, everyone comes back to the island. Arguments break out amongst the aunties as Cady's dying grandfather pits the sisters against each other over his will and estate. During all of this, Cady sets out to discover what really happened that summer that she doesn't remember while trying to figure out her relationship with Gat.

Personally, I did not enjoy this book at all. Others suggested that it was a cute summer romance, which it is not. The romance is a subplot. Also, the mystery was extremely easy to figure out. I knew what took place that summer within the first fifty pages. We Were Liars was also extremely repetitive. The writing style was simple and not at all complex. I am a big fan of true crime which is likely why I was able to figure out the mystery so quickly. I have heard from friends that aren't into true crime that they quite enjoyed the novel and did not figure out the major plot twist until it was revealed towards the end of the book. It was a short read. I finished it within a day. I gave the book a 3/10 because it was too simple for me, but some of the characters were lovable.

Reviewed by Emma, Grade 11
Glendale Central Library
August 2, 2022 at 6:13 PM
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