Confess: a book review
It always seems that at the start of the summer, everybody is asking for book recommendations. Everybody is searching for that perfect poolside read. Look no further, it’s been found: Confess, by Colleen Hoover.
“I’ll love you forever. Even when I shouldn’t.”
I don’t know what it is about Colleen Hoover, but it is impossible for me to put her books down. I have finished every single one of her brilliant, romantic, and witty novels in a day or two. This could be due to the fact that I’ve been out in the fields for 6-8 hours a day with little to do, but truthfully I haven’t read books that quickly since middle school. Allie read Confess during her finals week at school and even though she obsessed about how she couldn’t put it down, I figured that was more due to her skilled procrastination (no offense Al). But she was not lying, this book was so addicting and fantastic! Okay, I can picture the yawns, that's enough about my entertaining summer and true thoughts on my sister, let’s chat about this heart-wrenching masterpiece that is Confess.
Note: I’m keeping this review spoiler-free, in hopes that you will go check it out at your library or purchase it immediately! Seriously, purchase it here RIGHT NOW!)
The prologue introduces us to one of the two main characters: Auburn. In the prologue, which will undoubtedly already have you in tears, we meet the 15-year-old struggling to say goodbye to someone who means the most to her. Six years later, Auburn is 21, distanced from the family she knows and trying to make ends meet in an unfamiliar town in Texas. Auburn is in desperate need of money when she comes across a building covered in postings revealing people’s deepest and darkest confessions. Auburn is intrigued and approaches the building, finding a “Help Wanted” sign on the front door.
On the other side of the door is Owen Mason Gentry (OMG the most charming, mysterious, and misunderstood man), our secondary character, who is also in desperate need, not for money, but for someone to help him at his art gallery. His ex-girlfriend who also worked as his employee recently left him with no help for his viewing that night. He begs Auburn to work for him and offers her $100 an hour. She simply can’t turn down the money. Owen’s art gallery accepts confessions written on paper from anonymous sources. He then takes these confessions, paints pictures, and sells the artwork.
"'It’s incredible,' I whisper, spinning around to take in more of what he’s created. I walk to the window of confessions and find one written in red ink and highlighted."
What Auburn doesn’t know is Owen is full of secrets. But she may not be so innocent herself.
“They are the past and this is the present, and Auburn is… somehow both. She would be shocked if she knew how much of her past has affected my present, which is why I won’t be sharing the truth with her. Some secrets should never turn into confessions.”
Throughout the story, true colors are revealed, characters hearts are broken, and the readers’ hearts ache for Owen and Auburn due to their unfavorable circumstances. Seriously, my heart was hurting the. entire. time.
“Sometimes we don’t get second chances, sometimes things just end.”
Winning best romance novel of 2015 on Goodreads, Confess is a book that you won’t be able to put down. This book made me break down crying, smile like crazy and shake with anger. I was overwhelmed with emotions and my heart throbbed with pain throughout the story. Like always, Colleen Hoover promises twists and turns that you won’t see coming. Something I love about her writing is how descriptive it is. You can’t help but relate and feel exactly what the characters are experiencing.
“There are people you meet that you get to know, and then there are people you meet that you already know.”
There are several different sub stories and plots that take place throughout this story, but it never gets confusing. And like the literal genius Hoover is, she ties up all loose ends in the most magical of ways. This story is passionate, sexy, emotional and intense.
“He kisses me like I’m his canvas.”
Not to mention, the whole storyline is so creative and unique. Hoover incorporated real artwork in the pages of her work to coincide with Owen's paintings and it was amazing to see the imagery come to life.
"I’m not sure if I’m more fascinated by the confessions, the art, or the fact that I feel like I can relate to everything in here."
It wouldn’t feel right to give this book anything but 5/5 stars. Hoover makes you care about her always flawed characters, their journeys and where they end up. I’ve never been a fan of those stories that leave the reader at a cliffhanger, thankfully, Confess came full circle, leaving me feeling satisfied and complete.
I highly recommend you grab your boxes of tissues and clear your schedule, because Confess is one book you will not be able to put down or finish dry-eyed.
When you’ve flipped through this captivating novel, I want to hear all about it in the comments below. I also recommend you pick up any of Colleen Hoover’s other books. I’ve linked some of my personal favorites here: Ugly Love, November 9, and Slammed. Keep a look out for some reviews on these novels coming soon.