You know how great it is when you get a book you can’t stop reading and you stay up until 1:30 am (on a weeknight) to finish it? That, my friends, is Exposure by Therese Fowler. This, simply put, is one hell of a great book! I will also say (in a faint whisper for fear other of my author friends read this post) that Exposure is my favorite book of the year so far. I was already a fan of Fowler’s work as I read and loved Souvenir last year. Exposure is even better!
The premise of the book is perfect for 2011. Two teenagers in a consentual relationship choose to text each other inappropriate pictures. The girl’s conservative, successful father unfortunately finds out and legal action ensues. This book is very timely in our age of digital cameras, flip videos, Skype, etc. I dare say that everyone who has a child who even knows how to use a cell phone should read this novel ASAP! The conundrum of our time- if teenagers are legally allowed to have sex, can they also be sex offenders because they email and text each other?
This book is such an absolute page-turner that I really don’t want to say much more about the plot so that I don’t spoil your fabulous upcoming reading experience. Suffice it to say, the boy, the girl and their parents all get in BIG trouble.
Despite the teenagers’ actions, they are lovable and believable. Fowler’s character development is tremendous. For example, in describing how great Amelia and Anthony, the protagonists, are:
“Perhaps Amelia had, as her father was fond of saying, emerged from the womb coated in stardust. And maybe it was also true what Anthony’s mother claimed: that her son had been first prize in the cosmic lottery, and she’d won.”
In describing Anthony’s absent father, “His joie de vivre was a pleasure, yes, and an asset, especially when they socialized; everyone loved him. However, that joie also let him to charm his way out of doing housework, led him to spend most of their extra money in coffee shops and trendy bars where he and his friends congregated most nights.”
Exposure is really a 21st century Romeo and Juliet. This book will be the delight of book clubs as it has a gripping plot and can so easily lead to moral and ethical questions. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I see this book becoming a movie shortly.
I loved this book so much that I immediately invited Therese Fowler and Exposure to be the July pick for the SITS book club. Please join us on Twitter on July 14th from 8-9 pm CST, Hashtag #SITSbooks. This will be a great discussion!
Run to buy this book- you can buy it on Amazon here.
Random House provided a review copy of this book for this post. All opinions are my own.
What are you reading and where are you going?
You had me ready to download the book just based on your fab review…. but then when I read that you are making it the July SITSBook? I cheered! I love our SITSBook club and I can’t wait to read this book! Thanks!
Sharon, I love that you LOVE the SITS Book Club! Download this one ASAP- you’re gonna love it!!
Your Comments
Being a mom of 2 teenagers, I am definitely going to get this book. Going on a trip in a few weeks, and this is going to be my first read! I may not be able to wait that long! Great review!
You had me at the author’s name. I LOVE Therese Fowler’s books – she is an amazing author! Souvenir was brilliant – so I have no doubt that Exposure will be as well! I cannot wait to dig into this one. And I love the fact that the genesis of this book was her personal experience – amazing!
You haven’t steered us wrong yet! I can’t wait to dive into this book for July. It seems like the perfect pick for summer!
Now tell me, who is responsible for ensuring that I actually receive a copy of said book? 😉
I don’t normally have a lot of time to read but this may be a book I’d pick up. Love your synopsis on it and I also had an absent father so I can relate. Thanks for the post!!
I just started this book, and already I’m loving it. I’m looking forward to this Sits Book talk, because it’s going to be a good one!
Wow! Great review. Thanks so much for hosting Therese during her virtual book tour. I’m glad you liked this one. I’m still kicking myself in the butt for not getting a review copy. Hope your readers take a look into this one.
All my best,
Cheryl
After reading your review, I cannot wait to read Exposure. I am fascinated with our culture’s obsession with social media. I’m already convinced this will be a great read. I’ll let you know what I think.
might have to get this one now. thanks for sharing!!
In the process of reading, got it yesterday and have almost finished the whole book. Page turner for sure. Great read for any parent!! (but you dont need to be a parent to really enjoy the book)
This book sounds great! I can’t wait to get a copy! I am definitely participating in the book club in July!
Wonderful. Not sure I can a few more of those 1:30 am nights but the books have been so good. Thank you.
Sounds like a great read…especially for parents of teens!!
Downloading it right now!
This book has just been added to my list! Not only is it highly relevant
This book was just bumped to the top of my must read list. It’s not only highly relevant to what has been going on with teens and their families, but I dare say just touches the tip of the iceberg when dealing with these matters going forward.
Looking forward to reading this so much! Thanks for sharing.
With your glowing endorsement, I will be getting this book immediately if not sooner! Your stamp of approval ensures I will love it.
I hadn’t heard of this author before. Thanks for the insights!
I need some SUMMER reads!
This sounds like a very intriguing book! I still have babies but this issue is a great one to explore. Thanks for sharing!
[…] Our July book club pick is AMAZING! You know how great it is when you get a book you can’t stop reading and you stay up until 1:30 am (on a weeknight) to finish it? That, my friends, is Exposure by Therese Fowler. This, simply put, is one hell of a great book. My review is here: […]
I definitely know what you mean by those 1:30am nights staying up reading 🙂 It’s addictive! I’ve gotten worse myself since getting an ipad because ibooks is amazing – if I don’t win a copy through the SITS Book Club, I’m definitely picking up an electronic copy of this!
Your review makes it sound like a definite must read! I am just finishing up Bird Sisters for Thursday’s chat and then will start on Exposure.
I found you on SITS, and this sounds like a great book. I was looking for my next read. I think I just found it. 🙂
[…] These three couldn’t be more different but I loved each of them. Exposure is so relevant today with kids texting/sexting. Fowler does a masterful job of recreating Romeo and Juliet in 2011. A must read for anyone with kids. My review is here. […]