A Thousand Lives Lived: We All Fall Down by Natalie D. Richards // Did This Just Bring Me Into a Reading Slump?

We All Fall Down, by Natalie D. Richards
Publication: October 3, 2017, by Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery
Pages: 368
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating:

Theo's always been impulsive. But telling Paige how he feels? He's obsessed over that decision. And it's time. Tonight. At the party on the riverbank, under the old walking bridge, site of so many tales of love and death.
Paige has had a crush on Theo since they first met, but she knows her feelings are one-sided. She's trying to move on, to flirt. A party at the river is just what she needs. Except a fight breaks out, and when Paige tries to intervene--Theo's fist lands in her face.
All Theo and Paige want to do is forget that fateful night. But strange events keep drawing them back to the bridge. Someone, something is determined to make them remember...and pay for what they each did.

My Thoughts:

DNF @ 150(?) pages

We All Fall Down was a read I couldn't wait to pick up and devour for its mystery premise and for the fact that Natalie D. Richards wrote it. I really enjoy her writing, so I figured that this would be just enjoyable. HOWEVER. This wasn't really enjoyable, to be quite honest. I DNFed it midway, not knowing if I would eventually pick it up. I left it sitting on my nightstand for a month, until I realized that I had no plans to pick it up ever again. This was definitely one of the worst books I read in 2017. It was just too boring, too plain, and superficial.

I am not the only one, which can be seen from the book's Goodreads ratings. Many people are also putting this one down, feeling that its plot and premise is a little too "tween" and not thrilling or interesting. This book was not different or anything new. I bet that my thirteen-year-old self would have adored this story and everything that came with it, however, today, this doesn't fit my standards.

What is it about? Damaged characters and a weird mystery. That's all I can recall; I haven't thought about this book in a long time and felt really icky to even write this review. I previously found myself really enjoying Richards' work, however, I am now skeptical and feel as if I will gain the same experience every time I pick up one of her books. Eek. *shrugs*

This is a book that I believe has drastically thrown me into a reading slump. I truly wish I enjoyed it more, as it seemed impressive at first glance. Read some adult mysteries or thrillers instead.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!*