**Giveaway ALERT! A comment on this post (within 7 days of post date) gets you 5 extra entries in our MegaBook Giveaway. If you haven't entered yet, go to the contest post (or click on the contest link on the upper right sidebar) to enter! Good luck!Candor
by Pam Bachorz
Pub: Sept 2009
256 pages
Synopsis:
In the model community of Candor, Florida, every teen wants to be like Oscar Banks. The son of the town's founder, Oscar earns straight As, is student-body president, and is in demand for every club and cause.
But Oscar has a secret. He knows that parents bring their teens to Candor to make them respectful, compliant–perfect–through subliminal Messages that carefully correct and control their behavior. And Oscar' s built a business sabotaging his father's scheme with Messages of his own, getting his clients out before they're turned. After all, who would ever suspect the perfect Oscar Banks?
Then he meets Nia, the girl he can't stand to see changed. Saving Nia means losing her forever. Keeping her in Candor, Oscar risks exposure . . . and more.
No paranormal elements, which normally isn't my thing, but this is enjoyable. The pacing is slow, but somehow it works for Candor.
Oscar's like a spy in enemy territory, always trying to fit in, with his cover always at risk. This makes for constant tension throughout the book. He has to watch every move he makes, every word that comes out of his mouth. It's tedious work, but he does it well. I'd be exhausted!
Oh, and not only are the kids insanely perfect and zombie-clone-like, but the parents are brainwashed too. And they're aware of the mind wipe going on in the town! Oscar has no allies. Just himself and...and the new kids that move in - but he quickly 'saves' them by moving them out. That is way too lonely a life. I would have gone nuts or escaped.
Enter Nia. Oscar's world is turned upside down.
It's a boy meets girl story. The whole brainwashed town with one rebel is a cool premise. The writing is good. I was on the fence as to whether or not I liked this until the end.
The bitter-sweet end.
If there was a sequel, I would have finished Candor with excitement and anticipation. Since I can find nothing on a possible sequel, I'm left rather depressed. Poor me.
It's a good read, but can't say I loved it. Again, without a sequel, the end really brought me down. This kid sacrifices a lot for the sake of others and in the end... It's not that it didn't make sense or isn't believable but... Okay, trying not to spoil anything but the end is not a completely happy one.
I know a lot of readers like this type of ending but I'm a big wimp. I admit it. I like my happy endings. Candor is available in the MegaGiveaway so hopefully it gets to someone who can adore it.
First Lines : CA-CHUNK, CA-CHUNK, CA-CHUNK. The sound drifts through my bedroom window. Pokes through my homework haze. Because it doesn't belong here. Ca-chunk, ca-chunk, ca-chunk.
Meh. I'm curious about the noise, but not that curious. And he's doing homework...just thinking about homework makes my eyes glaze over.
If you have your own review of Candor, please feel free to add your link below!
125 comments:
Im really curious about this book, is looks pretty good. Is really good to know what you think about it. Nice review!
Not really my thing either if from the sound of the review the ending was disappointing. I too like my HEA Alyssa, maybe just in the scheme of things the book would be good reading in a pinch and could be if I got it and read it may be one of those Aha books where fell in love with the story despite its self!
Thanks for the review, new author and book to me so will have to wait and make up my own mind if ever read it at some point.
Mega giveaway extra points are nice too so at least you got my attention.
jackie b central texas
jacabur2008(at)gmail(dot)com
I've seen this book around but never really paid attention to it. The story sounds really interesting, original, though I'm no fan of depressing endings... I'm a whimp too, as much as I hate to admit it :P
Still, I really liked the plot, I'll have to read it ;)
Hummm... I think it can be good, although the story don't fancy me at first.
By the way, great review :)
the book sounds great, and the review sounds good, anything else? ;)
I like HEAs but they are not required for me. I look forward to reading this.Great Review, btw.
Breiab
I like the cover and the idea behind the story, but I don't like bittersweet endings with no sequel so I don't know if I'll be picking up Candor.
Sounds really good, and I love the cover *3*
Thanks for the review.
This looks really interesting :)
I have seen so much about this book but haven't picked it up yet. In some ways it reminds me of Tangerine by Bloor which is another book I couldn't get into. What is it with so many distopias these days? I too like a happy ending to my books.
I want to read this so bad!!
crazypplrok@gmail.com
Wasn't there a movie with this premise several years ago that starred Katie Holmes? Can't remember the name, but it sounds similar. Sounds interesting, but probably not for me. Great review though!
This sounds really cool. I'll have to check it out.
Thanks for the great review!
I have read a few reviews of this book but yours was really helpful. Thanks! :)
Perhaps not my kind of book, but I agree with you on HEA, love those
Great review,but I don't know if this book is for me.
For some reason I have avoided any reviews for this book. And when I read the first line of the review " no paranormal elements" I remebered why. I have to agree with you, I am a big whimp, I love a happy ending. And sometimes avoid certain books without them. Even though some love the "realistic endings" a.k.a. sad and depressing endings, I don't want a realistic ending, thats one of the reasons why I read!!! I loved your review!!!!
This book looks awesome. Thanks for your review!
I'm still waiting for this one to come in on hold for me at the library! ACK!
I've had my eyes on this book ever since I saw the booktrailer a while back. It does sound promissing, and sometimes, not-so-happy endings are good as well.
I've heard so many good things about Candor, but it's nice to get a bit of a different perspective as well.
I haven't read it, but I was listening to the audiobook. I never did finish it. Not because I wasn't enjoying it, but I've never listened to an audiobook before and I don't think they're for me.
Great review - though I like you, like my endings nice and tight LOL - this one left me hanging - though left it open for the next - which I hope is just as good!
Great review!
This book sounds quite promising, but not really sure..
Great review & I can't wait to read it! Sounds really interesting!
O I love bittersweet :)
PS I have a cool contest for a floating shelf here
I love the premise and might pick it up. Especially since I like endings that aren't happy. ;)
I was not a fan of the ending either! It was an ok read but I do like the concept, just wish it was done differently.
I LOVED this book. At first I hated the ending but after some time I got used to it and thought it was the perfect ending.
I hadn't heard about this book, but it sounds interesting. I also like happy endings, but maybe this one will be okay once I read it!
Ooh, this book sounds interesting enough. I'll have to check it out when I've got some time. Thanks for your review!
this book does look interesting to read. Mixed reviews I've seen online too.
It was a good read, more SciFi than what a usually read, but I was expecting a sequel after the end, Oh well.
Sounds like a lot of brainwashed people. Great review. I have seen this cover before, it never grabbed me.
Sounds like a lot of brainwashed people. Great review. I have seen this cover before, it never grabbed me.
I've seen this cover posted places, but it didn't really grab me so I guess I ignored it. The story sounds fascinating! I had no idea what it was about! I guess I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. :) I am definitely adding this to my reading list. Great review!
This is a great review! I actually won Candor once..but I somehow didnt get it..it must have gotten lost on the way *sniff*. I was soo excited to read it because I actually like it when the ending's dramatic...because..it stays with you...:)
I hate those bittersweet endings! Especially if there are no signs for a sequel! GRRR! Thanks for the awesome review :)
This looks like a good book. I'll definitely have to check it out. It's almost like a Stephord wives type of deal with everybody being so perfect.
I read this book a few months ago and I am still not sure if I like the ending..lol. But hey it made me want to read the next one..lol
God I freaking loved the synopsis!
I definetely have to get this book!
I've read a few reviews that make me hesitant to buy this, but it's still pretty high on my list of to-read. I can't help it, I'm so taken with the premise. I just have to see for myself. And I am not the type that needs a happy ending, so that shouldn't bother me too much...
I really enjoyed Candor. It was different from the books I usually read.
Great review, Alyssa! I'm actually really intrigued by this book. I've seen it reviewed on several books, and it sounds really good to me! I look forward to reading it at some point. It's a shame you weren't completely happy with it. Thanks for the review!
ive been thinking about this book, the first half of the synopsis makes it sound like a perspective from a perfect kid, not one with problems which sounded interesting and different
but no its him against the world again...i dunno, i know they make for good stories but its getting a bit old...fight the adults save the world..meh
it sounds like an ok read, i might pick it up one of these days, but i wont be going head over heels to get my hands on a copy
great review though..i love how youre not afraid to say what you think.
It's looks like an original book, I'd like to read it :d Great review
Candor’s cover really popped out at me. Thanks for this review, I hadn’t heard or seen anything about Candor before. I’ll keep an eye out for it!
I'm personally exited to read this one. Hopefully I like it!
I like my endings happy as well. I always seem to think of sad endings as just having wasted my time with a book even if it was a great read overall.
I've actually heard about this book but I've never given it a glance. I like your review and I think I will give it a chance after all!
I actually picked this book up at the store and read a few pages here and there but I wasn't all that intrigued by it. I may have to give it a second thought, so thanks for the review.
This sounds so good! I need a good romance! Great review :D
Great review - I tend to prefer happy endings so I'm not sure if this one is for me or not but it does sound like an interesting story
Nice Review, i saw this book awhile ago, so ill take into consideration what you said, and i might get it..
That reminds me a lot of a movie with James Marsden... And Katie Holmes - I think she was also in it. Creepy stuff! Now if only I could remember the title!
But Candor sounds wonderful! Will you maybe add it to the giveaway? ;-)
Another book that I want to read. Sounds good, just usually not a HUGE fan of bitter-sweet endings. Sometimes they fit and are right for the book.
I'll have to wait and see whenever I get a chance to read it. Thtanks for the review.
I enjoyed this book it was pretty interesting. Glad to see you did too.
Well I do say it sounds interesting. At least I don't think I've ever heard anything like this.
15pts
Thanks for the review! I'm not sure what to think about this one but I want to give it a try.
Sounds interesting. Great review!
Another from my wishlist. This does sound very good.
I've had this on my list for a while. Your review makes me want it even more.
It sounds good but I'm hesitant to read it,not sure why. I find Oscar isn't my favourite name i just think of the grouch.
I'm also a fan of happier endings even if I don't know this particular one.
Seahn
Ooh, I loved this book! It's very unique and awesome :)
I still can't decide if this is a book that I want to pick up or not. I don't need a happy ending all the time, but I don't like it when a book ends and I'm just looking at it thinking "And next?"
I generally like my happy endings as well, so I haven't picked this one up yet. Probably will during the summer when I have more time :)
I also love happy endings, but the book looks good, thanks for the review ; )
It seems like a great book, but I probably won't read it. I like my happy endings too much. If it's not a happy ending, then I get depressed every time I think about it. Fabulous review, though!
It doesn't really sound like my type of book either. I much prefer books in series, but when a series ends I find it very depressing.
I think the cover looks great though!
I'm a big fan of dystopian novels, so this is at the top of my to-read list. Thanks for the review!
Great review. Ive always though the concept/story was interesting but it never really seemed like my type of read.
I love books that have not-so-happy endings. It's a nice change =) This one definitely sounds like something I'd enjoy; great review!
i sense that the end is not that happy ending ?
Thanks for the review, but this is not like one of my type of book.
Great review Alyssa! I have to agree on
the cover, it is really amazing. I
haven't read this book yet. Not sure
if I will, I get depressed if there is
no happy ending.
Great review! I have been wanting to read this, but I am one of those readers that like a happy ending!! Oh well! I wanted to let you guys know that there are a few awards for you at my site.
Go Here!
I really want to read this book :) It looks good!! Great review!!
The premise sounds interesting. I want to read this!
The Stepford Teenagers with added romance.
Sounds excellent especially as I quite like depressing endings.
I like the cover and premise of the book. But a depressing ending is not for me. I'll admit to being whimpy heck, I'll even embrace it. I guess I just hope for the best in every situation. And now I'm sounding sappy, but hey thx for another great review!
i want to read this book but i'm afraid i'll be brought down too, since u said the ending really depressed u ;( i dun like this kind of ending.
Oh no! I love books with sequels and that this one doesn't is a downer...but I am still curious about CANDOR so it's on my TBR list :)
I have this one checked out from the library...I'm looking forward to it!
I read Candor a while back and I quite liked it. I'd predicted the ending but yeah it was pretty sad.
I would still like to read this book. The theme sounds very intriguing . Cover is awesome ..
I confess that it takes a special sort of hook to get me interested in dystopia stories. For someone who writes YA fantasy you'd think I'd be more into it.
But the premise of this sounds so unique--the person at the center of the dystopia being the only one fighting it, and the choices he makes to isolate himself in so doing--that now I have to check this book out. Even at the risk of coming across a sad ending (which I, too, don't enjoy).
If anyone knows of other great dystopia books that go outside the norm of the genre, let me know!
Rachel Heston Davis
Up and Writing
www.rachelhestondavis.wordpress.com
I wanted to read this one because I liked the story (and the cover :P), but what you say in your review about the bitter-end it turned me down. I've just finished reading Leaving Paradise and I didn't like the end (although I didn't hate it), and by now I prefer happy endings.
Lovely cover you're right!
Yet, if we are a great deal of readers asking for a sequel... it can happen. It's just a matter of dreaming, and sharing the dreams :).
Thanks for the rewiev, looking forward to reading it!
Okay, now you've got me intrigued by the ending. How can I not pick it up now?!
I always prefer a happy ending.
Thanks for the interesting review.
libneas[at]aol[dot]com
I agree, the ending depressed me too. But I thought that it was a fitting ending for the book. I really liked it, and if there was a sequel I would definitely read it!
I like what the book is about, but I don't really like the cover... maybe if I have read the book I would find it suitable for the story, like you do, but I see it too dull.
Anyway, I really like the plot and all the brainwashing stuff, I'm curious about Oscar =P
how many people for comments!congrats on the participation!^^
Wow it took me like 30 minutes to scroll down all of the comments. Uh... yeah.
The first time I read the synopsis of this book I was really intrigued, it sounds great and your review makes me want to read it more. I don't really need a happy ending...
I've heard a few mixed reviews about Candor. I still think I'm going to check it out though. It sounds interesting.
It's sounds like something I would enjoy. While I too mostly read books that have to do with some type of paranormal element, i've been getting more and more into other genres. I will definitely check this one out! Thanks for the review!
ok. I SO did not want to read this book and then somewhere someone reviewed it and it looks fabulous. Just the cliche Gap Boy on the front threw me for a loop. But yes - definitely have this on my TBR pile.
Really want to read this one! Though most of reviews I have read about it said that the end, though sad, was the best of the book, rather unexpected but fitting..
I think that this book sounds really interesting. The premise reminds me a bit of the Stepford Wives...I'm definitely going to have to give this one a try.
The book is really cool^^ I like books with different topics, a little bit of reality^^
kisses
Cool premise, love the cover, I think this one sounds like my thing! Thanks for the great review :-)
I like happy endings... :\
I just gave you an award on my blog:
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Not too sure if I'll look forward to reading this book. I've heard mixed reviews about it and might give it a go if my local library has it.
Sounds like a really interesting read. You've got my curiosity up now.
Interesting cover as well.
Oooh! This sounds really great. Better yet that I'm one of those who love males lead, so this definitely is something I'd like. Thanks for this review!!
Nice review! I'm usually a happy endings kinda person, but sometimes I enjoy a less than cheerful ending. It shakes things up a little bit. Plus a friend told me that Oscar wasn't exactly the most lovable hero; seeing him suffer through self sacrifice might help make him more likable.
That reminds me- I need to borrow this from the aforementioned friend!
I like your review. I'm a bit of a sap for happy endings, but will read anything.
I didn't like Candor until the end. Something about it, it just wasn't good until I knew the whole story. I didn't really like Oscar, which was a big contributing factor in why I was a little less than pleased with the book while reading it. Is it wrong to say I'm kinda happy about what happened to him? xD
I haven't heard of this book before. It sounds somewhat interesting, but I don't know... Loved your review of it. I may give it a try, just not sure what I'm going to think about the ending. :)
Well, I still have my copy I have to read but I don't know if I can handle another crap ending as of yet... thanks for the review.
ah, I love that he's rebelling WITH a cause
bittersweet endings usually deter me too, but I would still give this book a try because I'm rather fond of Oscar already lol
This doesn't seem to be my type of book either, but the reviews I've read seem to say that I'd enjoy this :)
A slow-paced book with no paranormal elements? Guess I've totally got to read this!
I also adore the cover!
I really like the orange on the cover but overall it doesn't pull me in... I've seen another one around with lollipop though that looked way cooler!
I really enjoyed this one myself even with the slower tempo - it really kind of worked.
This is another book that I have not read. I like the cover as well.
Love the premise. It sounds like Stepford Wives meets this one sci-fi/suspense flick called Disturbing Behavior. I love how the main character is a child of the "bad guys" but is trying to go down a better path.
Sounds like a unique book! It sounds very interesting, but I'm not a big fan of "sad" endings, so if a sequel isn't going to be released, I might not want to read this one! Lol ;)
Oh man, have I had this book on my TBR for quite some time. I love the cover and I've heard such great things about this book. I'll definitely need to get it soon!!!
Hmm. I'm pretty big on happy endings, so I don't know about this one. I'll think about it, haha. Thanks for the review!
The cover is fabulous! And I can't lie, I'm a bit of a sucker for conspiracy books (as long as they're not too political/technical). : )
Great review. I've been interested in Candor for a while, I still want to read it. Although you've made me think I too will be a little frustrated by the ending! I like both happy and sad endings, but sad ones... well, they're sad LOL
First time i heard about it, don't know yet if i'm gonna read it or not...
Hmmm. I don't like disappointing endings, but the plot itself sounds interesting.
I've seen this book around, though I haven't read it yet, but it sounds really good.
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