Dallas’ Pick: The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L Armentrout

“’Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.’”

This quote is actually from the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, but it plays such a significant role in The Problem with Forever. This book took me on such an emotional roller coaster; I had to stop periodically to take a mental break and evaluate the events that just happened. Armentrout does an amazing job capturing the disastrous life of two children in foster care.  In the story you meet Mallory who does not speak to people unless she is comfortable around them, due to the circumstances of her childhood. You also meet Rider who has done his best to protect Mallory since they were very young. He is the best friend every girl wishes she could have. There is also a girl named Paige, we don’t like her.  Of course there are other characters in the book but the twists and turns of Rider and Mallory’s life are where your emotions will turn on you and begin to hate you.  I will warn you though, this book is very well written and detailed, if you have any experience with bad foster homes or abusive households this may not be the best selection for you.  Jennifer does such a wonderful job drawing you into her world, that you feel like you are really there watching the events take place. I could not write enough good comments about this book and it will be added to my must read again list.