Review: In Honor by Jessi Kirby

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Hardcover, 240 pages
Published May 8, 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Borrowed From Library

Synopsis From Goodreads:

A devastating loss leads to an unexpected road trip in this novel from the author of Moonglass, whose voice Sarah Dessen says “is fresh and wise, all at once.”Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

My Thoughts:

I was highly anticipating reading In Honor for what seems like a really long time. I did enjoy it, but there was just something about it that kept me from really loving it. While I could easily sympathize with the main characters, I couldn't relate to them. Nothing made them really stand out as great characters. So the book just wasn't as meaningful to me as it could have been, and that makes me sad.

Honor was an average character, and I thought she was a little naive. She is angry and confused and having a hard time dealing with her brother's death. She felt she had to take action and not sit around being depressed. I can understand why she needed to find peace, and why she thought taking a roadtrip would honor her brother. But I felt as though I never really got to know her or her personality. Maybe I just couldn't figure her out because she hadn't figured herself out yet.

As for Rusty, at times I really wanted to love him, but at other times he frustrated me and I wanted to knock his head off. The pissy attitude and all of the drinking really didn't help me like him, but he sort of improved as the story went along. He's far from perfect, and I wish I could have gotten to know him better.

We get to know Finn very well through Honor and Rusty's memories and stories. He was absolutely my favorite character, and he seems like someone that you can't help but love. There were also a lot of minor characters that were introduced. They played very small parts, but I felt they added a little something extra to the storyline. (Like Wyatt. I loved Wyatt. Why couldn't we have had more Wyatt?!?!?!)

While reading, there were moments when the sadness was almost overwhelming, and I found myself crying quite a few times. Once Honor and Rusty started to open up with each other and really communicate, they are able to share their grief over Finn's death. There was a lot of chemistry between Honor and Rusty, and you could really tell how aware they were of each other. The build-up between them seemed natural, and I was thankful there was no insta-love. Instead, we got a slow build and enough mutual attraction that readers will be left wondering what the future holds for these two.

In Honor is a really great story about self-discovery and coping with the loss of a loved one. I thought it was well written, quite entertaining, and truly heartbreaking. It is such a touching story, and I found myself getting quite emotional at times. I was happy with the ending - most of the plot points were wrapped up nicely and I think it was a fitting end to their road trip. It's just hopeful enough to leave a smile on your face.

I fully expected to love this book. What's not to love? Road trip with a hot guy? I'm in! But it just had too many problems for me to really love it like I had hoped to. I'd still recommend it because I know every reader has different tastes, and I'm sure a lot of people will love this story.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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