The truth

The Truth
Sonia Ourfalian

Pasadena
Sherri L. Smith

Have you ever felt so bombarded that you don't even know what to believe anymore? Have you ever found yourself trying so hard to find something that isn't there? Has there ever been a time where all you want are answers? In the book Pasadena, as you know, the death of Maggie has truly affected everyone especially her best friend Jude. In her struggle of dealing with the death, Jude says, “That's what happens when people die. Time freezes around them...It takes a certain amount of strength to pull away and leave it behind.” (78). It is almost as if everything around Jude has stopped and her only focus is on the death of her only best friend, at least what she thought Maggie was. As Jude spends her time searching for answers of Maggie's death she comes to find out many aspects of Maggie's life that she never even knew. Jude, talks to each and every single one of Maggie's friends but can't seem to put together the pieces because of the various stories she has heard. It has come to a point where Jude doesn't know where to turn or who to believe? Everything she has heard from Maggie's friends, ex-friends, or ex-boyfriends just doesn't seem to be adding up. As Jude gets to know all of the people that were in Maggie's life, she states, “The thing I’m finally learning is that someone can be your best friend in the world, but you’re not necessarily theirs” (167). As Jude meets with the many people that completed Maggie's life, she realizes she isn't the only person Maggie told everything to. However, since she felt as though they were best friends at one point, the journey to finding out how she died has not ended for Jude; she still believes the death was a murder and not a suicide but cannot pinpoint who it could be. In her process of trying to find answers, Jude says "I miss Maggie. Her death hangs in front of me like a weighted curtain I'm powerless to lift" ( 20).  All Jude wants is her best friend back and if she cant get that, the truth is worth finding out.

This book continues to keep me on the edge of my seat and the suspense has persisted throughout the entire book. Therefore, I still do recommend it to those who are intrigued by mysterious and suspenseful books. This book captures not only a mysterious story of one's death but the unfolding of a character who seems to be something she is not. The book may be edgy at times but the honest, unapologetic tone and the exposure of secrets and ugliness behind the glamour and faux veneer, is what truly completes this riveting read. Throughout the book, the author reveals different parts that later begin to patch up the overall story. The author, Smith, does an excellent job of giving small details and connecting them later in the text to keep the mysterious flow. It is without a doubt a book that keeps you engaged and urging for more. Every chapter ends with a cliff hanger, making you never want to put the book down. I have not read any other books by this author, but after this one I am looking forward to looking at any other books she has to offer. She has done a captivating job with this book and I'm sure she is capable of doing the same with any other book she has written.

As I have said before, the author does an impeccable job of grabbing the reader’s attention. The many themes of this book such as friendship, loyalty, family and secrets complete this darkly satisfying read. If you are searching for a book with suspense, mystery, tragedy or even just a bit of reality, this book is the one for you. I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end and hope you do too!