The Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell

Released: November 8th, 2011

Pages: 240

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Rating: 4/5

Sandinista Jones is a high school senior with a punk rock name and a broken heart. The death of her single mother has left Sandinista alone in the world, subject to the random vulnerability of everyday life. When the school system lets her down, her grief and instability intensify, and she ponders a violent act of revenge.

Still, in the midst of her crisis, she gets a job at The Pale Circus, a funky vintage clothing shop, and finds friendship and camaraderie with her coworker, a boy struggling with his own secrets.
Even as Sandinista sees the failures of those with power and authority, she's offered the chance to survive through the redemptive power of friendship. Now she must choose between faith and forgiveness or violence and vengeance.

Wow, just wow. I loved The Sharp Time! Even though this novel is Mary's debut, the fee of it is too fluid and captivating, giving the feel that O'Connell has been writing novels for years.

We're introduced to Sandinista Jones our protagonist, who's just recently lost her mother. She's eighteen and is completely alone, her home is a lonely place, there's noting but and empty house to come home to. Sandinista gives up on school and starts to work at a vintage clothing shop. Her job opens the door to the friendship she's been craving for and the attention of several new acquaintances from the neighboring shops. I loved O'Connell's writing, the emotion's coming of of Sandinista felt so real and completely connectable to. I loved Sandinista, she was such a well crafted character, and well developed, even though the story revolves around Sandinista's anger she is still likable. Never once did she come across being a bitch, but she was smart, funny, tough and vulnerable at the same time. The novel's tension builds as as Sandinista ploy's a pack on abusive teacher at school.

Overall, a good read, and definitely recommended for contemporary lovers.