This Is Shyness by Leanne Hall

Goodreads Description - A guy who howls. A girl on a mission to forget.

In the suburb of Shyness, where the sun doesn’t rise and the border crackles with a strange energy, Wolfboy meets a stranger at the Diabetic Hotel. She tells him her name is Wildgirl, and she dares him to be her guide through the endless night.

But then they are mugged by the sugar-crazed Kidds. And what plays out is moving, reckless...dangerous. There are things that can only be said in the dark. And one long night is time enough to change your life.

My Review:-

Favourite Quote: 'There are changes that creep up on you slowly, and then there are sudden changes that rip your apart, so that you don't know who you are anymore.'

This Is Shyness is delightfully different.  I have been thinking for days now, how I am going to review this totally unexpected, completely original but brilliant book. 

First of all the world of Shyness is so unique.  It is like the rest of world is normal and this one little suburb is covered in constant darkness and full of unexplainable things and not really anyone knows about it.   At first I question the world a little bit but then I got pulled into the story thanks to Hall's remarkable writing and just went with it and focused on the adventure these two characters, named Wolfboy and Wildgril, where having. 

Leanne Hall writing is simple but beautiful.  It is not overly descriptive but you can imagine the world, the adventure and the characters emotions perfectly.  The book is written from both Wolfboy and Wildgirl's points of views and flows from one to another effortless. 

Wildgirl and Wolfboy are both edgy, charming and real characters. Both have issues that are avoiding.   You can't help be drawn to these two and wish you were surrounded in darkness and there on the adventure with them.  The romance in this book is very subtle, just the way I like it.

'I can't believe how funny she is.  I've hit the jackpot here.  If I was different  person, if my life was less complicated, if I had more to offer her than just sadness, if I didn't feel so tired from the weight of the entire world pressing down on me, then this would be the moment I would try to kiss her.' 

There is one little thing that may bother some readers about this book.  At the end I was with left with a couple of little questions.  It left me wondering if Hall going to write more on this world. If she did I would be lining up for it on release day.  However just a warning if you like your books wrapped up perfectly with a bow on top this may annoy you. 

Overall, This Is Shyness is refreshing read and outstanding debut.    I can't wait to see what Hall has install for us next.

Rating: 4.5/5

For more reviews: Inkcrush and Goodreads

Want more info:  Leanne Hall's blog

Watch the trailer (one of my favourites of 2010):


This Is Shyness from All Things Considered on Vimeo.