Review: Save Me
Melly was born with a birthmark on her face that other kids tease her about. Her family moved so that she could go to a school with a zero tolerance policy toward bullying, but she’s still teased. Her mother, Rose, decides to see things firsthand and volunteers as a “lunch mom” at Melly’s school. When Rose witnesses teasing she asks the students involved to stay behind after lunch so she can talk to them about their behavior. Melly’s gone to the bathroom while Rose is speaking with the girls involved in the teasing when the unimaginable happens – there’s an explosion in the kitchen of the school cafeteria. Rose finds herself in a horrible situation – does she save the girls she’s with or does she go after Melly? It seems that her decision is going to ruin her life and her family until Rose decides to take action and get to the bottom of things.
Save Me, Lisa Scottoline, literally starts off with a bang. Rose was living every mother’s nightmare and there was no way she could win. How could you possibly choose between saving your own child and saving other children? I couldn’t help but think about all the times I chaperoned field trips and helped out with Vance’s activities and wondered how I would react in the same situation.
I was fascinated with the beginning of the story and hung on every word. I needed to know if Rose’s actions would have long lasting repercussions for her family. About halfway through, the story took a turn that I didn’t like quite as much. Rose decided she needed to know what caused the explosion and decided to take it upon herself to figure things out. At this point, the book became more of a mystery/thriller and less of drama, and at times the storyline became a little far fetched. I was able to suspend disbelief, though, and enjoy the story.
Rose is a fabulous character and one that most mothers will be able to relate to – she’s the glue that held the story together for me. She is caring, compassionate, and patient. She’s not perfect, but she’s trying to be the best mother she can be. If I hadn’t found her to be so believable, I might have found the second half of the book to be too outlandish. Overall, I’d say I liked the book quite a bit, but didn’t love it.
I listened to the audio version of Save Me – it’s narrated by Cynthia Nixon and she does a fine job. I thought she did a wonderful job with the voices and her expressions were great. The audio version is on 9 CDs and lasts approximately 11 hours.
What a dilemma. I was intrigued by the premise until I saw it later became a mystery. I love mysteries, but I wonder if this book is trying to be two different things at once.
I also listened to the audio, and enjoyed the listen, but seriously have realistic was what all that mom did? LOL
Sounds like an exciting book at least in the beginning. I wouldn’t want to have to make that decision either.
I was intrigued with the idea until your review of the book “Took a Turn.” Bullying has really become a problem and the hot topic in school these days. In fact Several teachers in my school, me included, have been selected to go to a two day bullying conference In January to head up our “zero tolerance” policy for our school.
I have never read anything by this author before, and I am not sure if this is the place to start. It seems like the first half would be interesting, but I might lose a little bit of interest in the second half, which might ruin the book for me. I would be interested in perhaps seeing if the library has the audio and giving it a whirl. Thanks for the great review on this one today!
sounds like a maybe to me. i can’t decide if i want to try this author or not!
This sounds like one that I would enjoy on audio…thanks for the review!
I read about this one recently and I must say I am intrigued…
This one does sound like two books smashed into one!
This sounds really good Kathy… I seem to not be able to find good audio fast enough these days… I think a trip to the library is in order today
This book has been on my list for a long time, but never got around to buying it. Nice review, Kathy!
I like you, started out enjoying this book but in the end… I didn’t like it much. I didn’t find it believable (Mom solves the crime in ten days…). I would also like to think that if I had a daughter with a birthmark like the girls in this story that I would have had it removed. Why make her deal with this when it’s such an easy removal these days (most of the time).
Sounds like one I’d rather just skip. The dilemma of who to save does seem thought-provoking, though.
Really good review. I liked reading about your experience along with the characters’ experieence.
Sounds like one I might enjoy, thanks for the review.
I’m curious about what happens now, but like you I would have been expecting it to be drama and not turn into a mystery/thriller.
Hi Kathy, just popping in to say Merry Christmas!
A lovely review…I have wondered about whether I really wanted to read this book but I am still not sure.
This author lives in our area and writes a column for the Sunday newspaper every week. She raises chickens!!!
Her column is usually funny and insightful.
I was on the fence about reviewing this one. Now I’m glad I didn’t.
Happy Holidays Kathy!!
And it started out so good….
aww i hate it when an author does that to a book. sometimes you think its headed in one direction and then all of a sudden it seems like you’re reading a different book.
Thanks for your honest review, Kathy! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Oh my goodness, what a situation to be in! I have several Scottoline novels on my bookshelf and have yet to read one. Now I’m more curious.
The choice is heartbreaking! It’s hard for me to even think about it.
I read this book, and while I did enjoy it, I had similar feeling about the investigations that Rose did.
Good job on the review, as always!!
This one is on my list of ones to read…sounds good!
I think I would enjoy the thriller/mystery aspect a bit more than the more drama side. Either way I can’t imagine the pain a choice like that would cause you, no matter what choice you made.
I enjoyed your concise review of this book…..what a horrible dilemma Rose had to face. Usually I like mysteries, so this will go on my TBR list!
This issue of bullying has really taken off lately and many authors have made a stab at a novel about it. Too bad this one veered off on a tangent. You know, bullying has been a huge problem ever since there have been kids but now it has become incredibly virulent with the kids all being on computers and the myriad of electronic devices that spread nasty stuff in the blink of an eye. As much as I was bullied as a kid, I sure am glad I was born before electronic gadgets changed the game.
This book sounds SO compelling. I’ve been wanting to try it. Great review. Glad to hear the audio is good.
Side note: I had no idea CN did audios.
I’m not fond of books that switch gears, but it still sounds like a good read!