I was very excited to read this book because it’s not very often that you come across a YA novel about golf, a family pastime in my house. So I was super excited to get an ARC out of this so I could share my thoughts with you!
I liked the integration of natives and westerners within the story. I personally know very little about Native Americans largely due to the fact that I live in Australia, but I found the subtle cultural lesson interesting and informative. I felt like she really understood the social constraints and restrictions that Fred and Ryan and the guys felt, not just because Fred is a girl on a boys’ golf team, but because she has a different culture and look.
The way the novel is written, switching between Fred and Ryan in each chapter, really allows you as a reader to connect with each character. I liked the unique fonts added for Fred and Ryan, I felt they showed something about their character that you wouldn’t know otherwise.
Fred and Ryan didn’t strike me as a very good couple at the beginning of the novel, mainly because of treating Fred badly simply because she had the misfortune of being a better golfer than the arrogant Seth. I thought it was cowardly of her to side with Seth just because he’s too afraid to be himself. But luckily, he grows a whole and begins to think for himself. I love Fred. She is the type of girl who seems shy and timid, but underneath that is a river of confidence in what she believes in and what she loves. I think, in the end, they balance out and share the things that matter most: love for each other and, of course, golf.
Now I can’t write this review without mentioning what a psychopath Seth is and why I love him. Why would I love a psycho? Well, in real life, it certainly wouldn’t. To be honest, if I were Fred, he would have hit him over the head with a three iron. But I love what his character brings to the story. As Ryan’s best friend and the guy who got kicked out to make room for Fred, he has a reason to be unhappy, especially when Ryan chooses Fred over him. In a way, he acts as a catalyst that ignites and ignites the relationship between Ryan and Fred. It’s his little pranks on Fred that make Ryan feel guilty and want to slow down for sitting around and uniting them against a common enemy, Seth. That’s why I love him, because without him there would be no history.
Hooked is a sweet story about love, jealousy, and accepting differences. Liz Fichera uses a unique voice that connects and engages the reader, resulting in a book you won’t want to put down.