Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

Title: Love You Hate You Miss You
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Series: Stand alone 
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304 Pages
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Overall Rating:

Synopsis (from the book cover):

It's been seventy five days. Amy's sick of her parents suddenly taking an interest in her, and she's really sick of people asking her about Julia. Julia's gone, and Amy doesn't want to talk about it. No one knew Julia like she did. No one gets what life is without her. No one understands what it's like to know that it's all your fault.  Amy's shrink thinks she should keep a journal but instead, Amy starts writing letters to Julia. As she writes letter after letter, she begins to realize that the past holds its own secrets--and that the present deserves a chance.

First Paragraph: Dear Julia. Get this, I’m supposed to be starting a journal about “my journey.” Please. I can see it now: Dear Diary, As I’m set adrift on this crazy sea called “life,” I like to think of an inspirational poem I heard not long ago, one that made me weep because of its beauty. Today, I truly believe each day is a precious gift.... I don’t think so.

My Review: Seventy-five days have past since the day Amy saw Julia died, since the last day Amy knew how to live, since the first day Amy began punishing herself for the death of her best friend. Fresh out of Pinewood – a treatment centre – Amy feels like she has been stripped naked without the presence of Julia. But she has to live; as that is the only way she could penalize herself for what really happened that night. So she continues to plug along, trying to bare her parent’s sudden change of behaviour – from one who is indifferent to one who cares too much, struggle through a hard time at school and at the same time fighting the devils that raging inside her head. Is Amy strong enough to get through this trial and tribulation without worrying of losing her own self?

Love You Hate You Miss You is indeed a raw, heartbreaking and poignant read. Even though the basic theme of this book has already been explored before, Scott still managed to nail the readers with her concise and gripping writing that delves into the mind that has been severely affected by the loss of a dear friend. I admire the way the author excised the feeling of the main character, Amy, to the point that readers are able to feel her pain, her anguish and her guilt. This is the main thing that glued me to this book till its very last page.

I have to admit that at first, I was irritated by Amy’s behaviours. She seems indifferent to the love and the care that her parents show after she was released from the centre. She is also the kind who is very self-centred in which she wants everything to be about her and not about anybody else. However, after understanding her past, it is fathomable as to why she behaves this way. The development of Amy’s character is very interesting to read especially during the period where the psychologist trying to help her deals with her grief. Another character that sparks my interest in this book is Patrick, a mysterious guy with secrets of his own that seems to understand Amy’s situation more than anyone else could. Despite being a quick read, this book is definitely pack with secrets, pain and heartbreak that will touch readers’ feelings in so many ways.

Love You Hate You Miss You is more than just a story about grief. It explores the theme of forgiveness, acceptance and most important of all, the choices that ones make in ones’ life and its effect on the life of others. A powerful novel by Elizabeth Scott that will stay with me for a very long time.

Final Verdict: This delicate writing and story telling by Elizabeth Scott is a moving and gripping read that has an ability to touch the hearts of those who love reading about human's emotions and how ones thrive under unexpected circumstances. Highly recommended to everyone.

Memorable Quote: The thing is, that world doesn't exist. All growing up means is that your realize no one will come along to fix things. No one will come along to save you - Amy