THE MARK is an unusual and interesting debut that discusses questions of loss, philosophy, and destiny. It falls short of reaching its potential, however, due mostly to plotting issues.
When reading this book, it was unclear to me what the main conflict was, and when the exposition ended and the meaty middle section began. The first third or so of the novel deals with Cassie's life in Asheville, PA, but the story only seems to begin to fully manifest itself once Cassie goes to live with her long-lost aunt. I also thought that the book's overarching goal was a bit confusing and multidirectional. The synopsis and the first half of the book made it feel as if the point of the book was to unravel the potential of the Markâbut then suddenly we begin to delve into Cassie's mysterious family history, and toss in a bit of seemingly random, albeit interesting, Greek mythology (and I won't say more than that to avoid spoilers). The result was rather disoriented reader.
However, the strength of THE MARK really lies in the writing and characterization. Jen Nadol avoids melodrama in what could have easily been a very melodramatic story idea (people dying! Nothing you can do to stop it! Ahhh!). All of the characters are strong despite the inconsistency of their presence in the novel. Nadol also successfully weaves in impressive philosophical arguments that will make anyone think hard, and then nod and grin in agreement.
THE MARK is certainly not without its flaws, but overall it is still an interesting read, perfect for the budding philosopher. For anyone who's ever wondered about fate, destiny, and determinism, THE MARK is a good book to make you think even more.
When reading this book, it was unclear to me what the main conflict was, and when the exposition ended and the meaty middle section began. The first third or so of the novel deals with Cassie's life in Asheville, PA, but the story only seems to begin to fully manifest itself once Cassie goes to live with her long-lost aunt. I also thought that the book's overarching goal was a bit confusing and multidirectional. The synopsis and the first half of the book made it feel as if the point of the book was to unravel the potential of the Markâbut then suddenly we begin to delve into Cassie's mysterious family history, and toss in a bit of seemingly random, albeit interesting, Greek mythology (and I won't say more than that to avoid spoilers). The result was rather disoriented reader.
However, the strength of THE MARK really lies in the writing and characterization. Jen Nadol avoids melodrama in what could have easily been a very melodramatic story idea (people dying! Nothing you can do to stop it! Ahhh!). All of the characters are strong despite the inconsistency of their presence in the novel. Nadol also successfully weaves in impressive philosophical arguments that will make anyone think hard, and then nod and grin in agreement.
THE MARK is certainly not without its flaws, but overall it is still an interesting read, perfect for the budding philosopher. For anyone who's ever wondered about fate, destiny, and determinism, THE MARK is a good book to make you think even more.
This was a very thought provoking novel. If you knew someone was about to die, should you tell them? Could you tell them? Would they even believe you? Would it even make a difference? That's just some of the questions that will fly through your head as you read this book. Although there wasn't a lot of action or romance in this story, it was still a great read that I found myself struggling to put down.
Cassandra was instantly likable. She's had some hard knocks in her life, and this Mark she sees definitely doesn't make life any easier. Cassie is thrown into an adult life and she has to grow up very fast, so there isn't all the regular teen angst that you find in a lot of YA these days. Cassie was very mature and alot of fun to read and relate too.
This book also incorporated Greek Mythology into the background and that was alot of fun for me. I love reading new takes and tales on mythology. All in all, this was a fun read that will be sticking with me for awhile. It also makes the cover lust come out in me. I definitely recommend this one!
Cassandra was instantly likable. She's had some hard knocks in her life, and this Mark she sees definitely doesn't make life any easier. Cassie is thrown into an adult life and she has to grow up very fast, so there isn't all the regular teen angst that you find in a lot of YA these days. Cassie was very mature and alot of fun to read and relate too.
This book also incorporated Greek Mythology into the background and that was alot of fun for me. I love reading new takes and tales on mythology. All in all, this was a fun read that will be sticking with me for awhile. It also makes the cover lust come out in me. I definitely recommend this one!
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
Cassie has seen the mark on people all her life. When a person has the mark around them, they are about to die. Cassie doesn't know how or why or where, but she knows with the mark, it will happen today.
Cassie tries to escape her "gift" and avoid people. But when she takes a philosophy course and befriends her TA, Cassie has to share her secret. If you knew today was someone's last - would you tell them?
I started reading THE MARK thinking it was a paranormal book, which in some ways it ways. Cassie's ability and seeing the mark has a paranormal feel to it. But THE MARK is not a paranormal book. Instead it takes a paranormal ability to explore philosophy and try to find answers to Cassie's dilemma. Should she tell someone they are about to die? Does she have a responsibility to share what she knows? Can she save someone or is it okay to keep it to herself?
This is a quiet, slow book, but it's still an interesting read. I never found myself bored and I actually liked the philosophy twist on the paranormal. There's also a secondary plot about Cassie discovering information about her family, which I thought was somewhat predictable, but still interesting. There's a paranormal twist at the end that after a pretty non-paranormal book felt out of place. But if you go in expecting a more contemporary storyline that raises great questions about life and if we have a responsibility to help, I think readers will be satisfied.
THE MARK could make a great book group read and could lead to a great discussion on philosophy, especially since the book never feels heavy or bogged down in semantics. I think THE MARK also has great adult appeal, so give this one to older teens and adults who enjoy YA.
Cassie has seen the mark on people all her life. When a person has the mark around them, they are about to die. Cassie doesn't know how or why or where, but she knows with the mark, it will happen today.
Cassie tries to escape her "gift" and avoid people. But when she takes a philosophy course and befriends her TA, Cassie has to share her secret. If you knew today was someone's last - would you tell them?
I started reading THE MARK thinking it was a paranormal book, which in some ways it ways. Cassie's ability and seeing the mark has a paranormal feel to it. But THE MARK is not a paranormal book. Instead it takes a paranormal ability to explore philosophy and try to find answers to Cassie's dilemma. Should she tell someone they are about to die? Does she have a responsibility to share what she knows? Can she save someone or is it okay to keep it to herself?
This is a quiet, slow book, but it's still an interesting read. I never found myself bored and I actually liked the philosophy twist on the paranormal. There's also a secondary plot about Cassie discovering information about her family, which I thought was somewhat predictable, but still interesting. There's a paranormal twist at the end that after a pretty non-paranormal book felt out of place. But if you go in expecting a more contemporary storyline that raises great questions about life and if we have a responsibility to help, I think readers will be satisfied.
THE MARK could make a great book group read and could lead to a great discussion on philosophy, especially since the book never feels heavy or bogged down in semantics. I think THE MARK also has great adult appeal, so give this one to older teens and adults who enjoy YA.
My Thoughts: We are first introduced to Cassie. She's just a normal girl who longs for a family. Yeah, sure she has Nan but she still wonders about her parents often. They were killed in a car crash when she was young. She has always seen the light on people who are going to die but she never knew what it meant, until recently. We are introduced to all the side characters. Nan is her grandmother who took her in when her parents passed away, schoolmates, and than the 2 guys who I adored at first glance. We meet Lucas who she meets when she goes to live with her aunt. He is a college TA and Cassie gets close to him and they form a relationship. We also meet Jack who is her friend from home. We don't get much interaction between Jack and Cassie but I tended to like him more than Lucas. We learn more about Cassie and how she can see a person's death. She dosen't know much about her gift, only that she sees the light and they die within 24 hours. I loved this book. There were times I wanted to yell, cry, and laugh! If you knew someone was going to die in 24 hours would you tell them? Would they want to know? If it was your last day on earth what would you want to do? Read this book to find out what happens to Cassie and which guy does she end up with? Who understands her? What happens? Does Cassie learn to deal with her "unusual" gift??
Overall: Really enjoyed this one! Read it in one sitting! I really liked Cassie and I liked the guys and how each one understood her and how they made her "feel."
Cover: I think the cover fits the book! And its soooo perty!!!
Overall: Really enjoyed this one! Read it in one sitting! I really liked Cassie and I liked the guys and how each one understood her and how they made her "feel."
Cover: I think the cover fits the book! And its soooo perty!!!
The Mark is an intelligent read; Cassie audits a philosophy class at the local university. Because of the class, philosophical and ethical questions and discussions come up. I was absorbed in Cassie's story, thanks to the author's way with words and examination of tough issues.
Something I just remembered while writing this review, Cassandra, of Greek mythology, had the gift of prophecy. What an appropriate name for our heroine!
The book does not end as a cliffhanger, thank goodness. There is room for a sequel, Vision in 2011. I'm definitely grabbing Vision as soon as it comes out.
Something I just remembered while writing this review, Cassandra, of Greek mythology, had the gift of prophecy. What an appropriate name for our heroine!
The book does not end as a cliffhanger, thank goodness. There is room for a sequel, Vision in 2011. I'm definitely grabbing Vision as soon as it comes out.
