The Knife of Never Letting Go
October 15, 2009
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Posted by Heather
The Most Awesome Book I've Read This Year
Title: The Knife of Never Letting Go: Chaos Walking Book One
Written by Patrick Ness
Paperback: 496 pages
Published by: Candlewick; Reprint edition (July 14, 2009)
Reading Audience: Young Adult
Hey FTC! I bought this myself.
I’m just going to go ahead and get the gushing out of the way. OMG, I SO FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK, IT IS AMAZING AND YOU NEED TO READ IT NOW. NOW!
*pant, pant*
Don’t you just hate it when you love a book so, so, so much and you want EVERYONE and their best friend’s sister’s cousin to read it? And you don’t know how to REVIEW it? Because you’re afraid that you are going to hype it up way to freaking high and then everyone that does read it goes what the heck was Heather talking about, this novel stinks?
Yeah, I feel kind of like that.
You see, this novel is awesome, and crazy, and really, really, really a must read. Young Todd Hewitt is the only BOY in a town of MEN. But don’t worry; he’ll be a man, soon, in, like, a month, when he turns THIRTEEN. And, ever since Todd’s people settled into their new settlement, Prentisstown, they were infected with a NOISE germ, which killed all the women and made all the men able to each other’s thoughts. Not only that, but they can hear the thoughts of every CREATURE that is nearby. This could sometimes be handy, but is mostly annoying. I mean, EVERY thought that they think, dream, or whisper to themselves in the dead of night. It’s loud, it’s constant, it’s annoying. And it’s also the only way Todd has ever known, for he was born into the settlement. He’s never known the peace and quiet of his own mind and dude; he’s never seen a woman. Well, other than the pictures of them he sees in the minds of the other men.
Crazy, yes?
The subtitle of this series is Chaos Walking. That’s pretty apt, right?
Yes, it’s crazy, and some of the men are going completely bonkers because of it. In an effort to protect Todd, his male parent type people, Cillian and ____ (I can’t remember his name and don’t have the book on me, is it Ray?) force Todd to leave Prentisstown with his dog Manchee, the most awesome dog in all of literature. On his way through the swamp that lies between Prentisstown and the rest of the world, he finds something strange. Silence. Absolute, complete silence.
It’s a girl.
It freaks Todd out.
What follows is an emotional, no-holds-bared, exciting book. This book is well crafted and HARD TO PUT DOWN. I read all 426 pages in like, 24 hours. I did stop to sleep, but that’s about it. There are a few emotional gut-wrenches, including the HORRIBLE THING that happens (read it then call me. We’ll cry together. Great big belly sobs of sorrow). You should have SEEN the emotional hand-holding I got on Twitter when I read this part. (Thanks Chris, Raych and Ana!) Patrick Ness has written a fantastic, hold on to the seat of your pants, gritty adventure dystopian coming-of-age novel. And it works. It all works together SO PERFECTLY. Your knuckles will be white by the end.
Things you should know: It is written in dialect. Vern-ac-ular. It’s like reading a frontier novel, which, while annoying at first, becomes, well, normal. Because it’s a frontier-ish kinda novel, even if it does take place in the future. It totally works. Also, there is some language. Like most 12 year olds, Todd finds cursing strangely fascinating, and then, as his life crazier, necessary. It’s also Young Adult and dystopian. And it has one HELL of a cliff-hanger. And AWESOME. End gushing. I think.
I hope I have not made you think that this book would be a waste of your time. Seriously, it’s not. If you liked The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, or any other dystopia or YA novels, I think you will really like this one. Please, give it a try. Make me happy?
Now to read book two, which I will read during the read-a-thon next weekend. Care to join me?
Also by Patrick Ness:
The Ask and the Answer: Chaos Walking Book Two | The Crash of Hennington
Also reviewed by:
Becky’s Book Reviews | things mean a lot | YA Fabulous | Bart’s Bookshelf | Stuff As Dreams Are Made On… | books i done read | and many more…
Disclaimer: I bought this book, for myself, with my own money. I am keeping it. I am also using my IndieBound Affiliate links because like everyone else, I can use the extra money. However, my opinion of this book is in no way affected by my desire for money. If it was, I wouldn’t have bought the book to begin with! So, buy it, don’t buy it, I just want you to be happy and to not be sued. 
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Categories: Books
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Leave a reply
I’m afraid that I didn’t like this book at all. Your review reminded me of the book – it gushed so fast that I had no time to breathe!
I am in the minority with my opinion. Everyone else seems to love it as much as you did, so I’ll just crawl away and try to find a book I like!
.-= Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..Modern Delight – Various =-.
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Heather Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Oh no! And I tried so very hard not to gush. I can’t help it though; when I love a book, I tend to gush.
I should have noted that it took me four tries to get through this book. The first three, I couldn’t get past the first chapter. That fourth time though, it just clicked!
I’m sure it’s not for everyone though, it is very fast and furious.
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I’m going to have to get this book – I know my husband would love it.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Against Medical Advice winners! =-.
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Heather Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I’m trying to convince my hubby to read it too. Good luck!
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I want to read this one during the read-a-thon!!
.-= Tricia´s last blog ..The Graveyard Book =-.
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Heather Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Awesome!!!
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You’re killing me! I’m trying to hold out and wait to read this during the read-a-thon. I’m starting to cave, though! So glad you liked it!
.-= Jenn’s Bookshelves´s last blog ..Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon! =-.
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Heather Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
*evil laugh*
I can’t wait to hear what you think of it Jenn!
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I believe the name you’re looking for is Ben.
This book was too fast for me. I read it too fast and felt sick afterwards. Like Jackie, I just wanted to breathe. I gave it 3 stars because I wasn’t sure how I felt, but I think I would rate it lower now. I thought I was excited about the sequel, but when I picked it up, I just never got around ot it and eventually gave away my ARC on bookmooch.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Mr. Popper’s Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater =-.
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Heather Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Ben! Yes, Ben!
It is a fast book. I read it in about 24 hours, but I did keep setting it aside for a few minutes to catch my breath. I’m hoping the sequel lives up to my expectations. I’ve been putting it off to just let myself simmer a bit!
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It’s on my library list and I CANNOT wait to read it!!!! Cannot freakin’ wait!
.-= Andi´s last blog ..The Eternal Smile =-.
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Heather Reply:
October 16th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Yay! I can’t wait to hear what you THINK of it!!
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It is on my library list too, after all of the Twitter-love. I love your disclaimer, by the way.
.-= Jen – Devourer of Books´s last blog ..James Dashner – Live and In Person! =-.
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Heather Reply:
October 16th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Thanks!
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YES! I am so glad you gushed about it because that’s how I feel too! I am so excited to get on to reading The Ask and the Answer, but I have to get through all my library books first.
OH NOES.
.-= She´s last blog ..Harry Potter #4 – JK Rowling =-.
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Heather Reply:
October 16th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Yay! I’m glad to hear you get all gushy about it too!
And I totally know how you feel. I have all these other books I have to read first. But I’m taking a break for the read-a-thon and only reading what I want to read and The Ask and the Answer is at the top of the list!
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I didn’t love it as much as you, but I didn’t hate it either! I have the second book, so I really have to get to it!
.-= Kailana´s last blog ..Rampant by Diane Peterfreund =-.
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Heather Reply:
October 16th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Read it with me during the read-a-thon!
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I haven’t read this yet! I should be ashamed of myself. I’m going to try to get a copy of this in time for the read-a-thon. Then I’ll call you after I read it and we’ll cry our butts off.
.-= Vasilly´s last blog ..Booking Through Thursday: Weeding =-.
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I’m currently reading this book–I’m about 150 pages in–and I’m transfixed so far. My boyfriend is working all day tomorrow so I plan on curling up in bed and hopefulling finishing it.
I’ll be interested to hear how you like the second book.
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I just started this one last night, and I’m only 50 pages or so into it, so we’ll see if it lives up to your hype.
I’m going to star your review and read it again after I finished the book… REALLY hoping to love it like you did! I’ll be back after I finish in (hopefully) a few days. Thanks for the review!
.-= Heather @ Book Addiction´s last blog ..Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr =-.
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This one blew me away, when I read it. Absolutely loved it. I’m about 50 pages from the end of the second one, and, well, lets just say, I’m a gibbering wreck, and I’m loving it!
.-= Bart’s Bookshelf´s last blog ..The YA Dystopian Reading Challenge Starts Today! =-.
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This sounds wonderful. I love the enthusiasm of your reviews
.-= Aarti´s last blog ..New Zealand Challenge Wrap-Up =-.
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I’m skipping your review because I just bought this book and plan to read it, soon, but I did at least see that opening bit and I laughed at your disclaimer. I’ll bet those guys at the FTC are feeling trod upon. LOL
.-= Bookfool, aka Nancy´s last blog ..*Giveaway* – Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby =-.
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Okay, you’ve convinced me. Another book for the TBR pile!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Take Me Away…to New Zealand (Nonfiction Edition) =-.
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That’s it, I have to read this book! Like, now! Oh God, and I don’t need another book on that pile of mine!
Can’t wait to read it too!
Great review Heather
.-= Kay´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday : Fall in Love =-.
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I loved your review. Isn’t it like magic when you find that amazing book that you want to absorb into your pores!
I’m kind of feeling that way about The Road by Cormac McCarthy, but I’m not finished with it yet.
Put this book on my TBR list.
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WOW. I’m glad I requested this one from the library!! Can’t wait to read it.
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..Pendragon’s Banner – Helen Hollick =-.
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After I finished (and freaking LOVED) Life As We Knew It, several folks told me I had to get this book… and I remained unconvinced until I just read your review!
I totally know what you mean about gushing and wanting everyone in the WORLD to read it so you can all freak out together… and I’ll be happy to join you in that very soon, haha! Great review!
.-= Meg´s last blog ..Etsy find Fridays: Autumn love =-.
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