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Literary Friday: The Precious One by Marisa de los Santos

Friday, July 15, 2016



Happy Literary Friday, My Lovelies!

Recently I read the Best.  Book.  Ever.  Seriously it's definitely the best book I've read during 2016: The Precious One by Marisa de los Santos.  I've read several of her books, and they are all fantastic, but this one is my favorite.

According to Goodreads:

In all her life, Eustacia “Taisy” Cleary has given her heart to only three men: her first love, Ben Ransom; her twin brother, Marcus; and Wilson Cleary — professor, inventor, philanderer, self-made millionaire, brilliant man, breathtaking jerk: her father.

Seventeen years ago, Wilson ditched his first family for Caroline, a beautiful young sculptor. In all that time, Taisy’s family has seen Wilson, Caroline, and their daughter Willow only once. 

Why then, is Wilson calling Taisy now, inviting her for an extended visit, encouraging her to meet her pretty sister — a teenager who views her with jealousy, mistrust, and grudging admiration? Why, now, does Wilson want Taisy to help him write his memoir?

Told in alternating voices — Taisy’s strong, unsparing observations and Willow’s naive, heartbreakingly earnest yearnings — The Precious One is an unforgettable novel of family secrets, lost love, and dangerous obsession, a captivating tale with the deep characterization, piercing emotional resonance, and heartfelt insight that are the hallmarks of Marisa de los Santos’s beloved works.

My Review

I will never forget the characters in this book.  They are drawn to perfection, and having both Taisy's and Willow's points of view give depth and perspective that wouldn't have been possible without them. Alternating POV's don't help my opinion of Wilson.  UGH!  He is horrible and I hate him. Taisy's obsequious relationship with him made me want to hit something really hard.  Not only is her father responsible for tearing apart her family, he's also responsible for her biggest heartache she's ever experienced: her break-up with the love of her life, Ben.

Willow grows on the reader as she makes typical and not so typical teenage mistakes.  She matures and begins trusting and loving her big sister.  The dynamic between the sisters change when Taisy shares the story about her relationship with Ben.  This opens the door for Willow to share aspects of her difficult adjustment to high school after having been homeschooled her entire life. Willow has placed herself in a dangerous situation, and fortunately she has Taisy for advice and encouragement: she's the one Willow turns to in her darkest hour.  They both join forces to create the family they want against Wilson's better judgement, and that's the lesson of the book:  It is possible to decide what type of relationship one wants with others (especially family members) irregardless of strong, manipulative personalities who always want things their way.  

This is one of the best family dramas I've ever read.  The characters are engaging, the plot is a page-turner, and the complicated relationships ensure this novel's excellence.  There are a couple of sweet romances in the story that made me sigh.  These would not have been possible without interesting male characters who are willing to forgive and focus on what could be.  This book is being placed not only on my keeper shelf, but my favorites shelf.

What has been your favorite book of 2016 so far? Please share in the comments section!

Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill


3 comments

  1. Ricki, it's been a while (i'm in a bit of a reading and blogging slump). I love the new look of the blog and I hope you are well. This book sounds lovely, I need to check it out.

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  2. I have always had such good luck reading the books you recommend. I am reading one right now called Defending Jacob (my car book). So good! Have a great weekend with your girls! xo Diana

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  3. You have intrigued me with your synopsis.

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I'm Ricki Jill. Welcome! I'm honored that you're reading my blog. I enjoy sharing my creative lifestyle @ The Bookish Dilettante. For more information about my blog, please read the Start Here page. Thank-you for stopping by, and I hope you'll consider following me via email.

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