*i won a copy of this novel thru a giveaway from beth revis: http://networkedblogs.com/fRaG6*word of mouth travels fast...it seems that all of my online buddies have already read this novel and steadfastly approve, myself included. what a brilliant debut! when you envision your own novel, you only dare hope that it comes out half as amazing as lauren destefano's futuristic vision of our world. if you haven't heard great things about this book, you must be holed up in a cave. i cannot recommend reading this book enough!
the characterization in 'wither' is absolutely phenomenal. the characters are captivating and completely human in their exploits. every new thing you learn about them is a kick in the pants, pulling you into the story that much further. the polygamy aspect of the story really intrigued me, in the same way that you have to look at an accident on the highway as you pass...you know it's disturbing, but somehow seeing the devastation will help you understand it. destefano really delves into the subject and how it affects the sister wives, though her concentration is on rhine, the main character.
i adore rhine's character. she's strong and oh-so-stubborn, her focus only on escaping this sham of a marriage and getting back to her brother rowan, though she's distracted by the handsome and sympathetic gabriel. oh, the complications that arise.
i am in love with this novel. it's my #1 read for this year. and it was unexpected. i love the dystopian genre, so i knew i would like it, but wow, i like it like i like the hunger games. it's unique and sets itself completely apart from the rest of the genre. it's defiant and it asks questions that some would be afraid to answer. but it's unequivocally fearless and courageously tests the waters, and it has found an audience waiting to tread those waters unafraid, as well.
 - Lauren DeStefano)