I'm a big fan of the stylistic device known as the "unreliable narrator," especially when employed by an author who knows what he or she is about. And judging by her latest book, Liar, Justine Larbalestier clearly knows what she is about. The narrator Micah introduces herself as a compulsive liar who this time indends to tell the truth: "No lies, no omissions." We learn early on of the death of Micah's sort-of boyfriend Zach (he sees Micah only after school and the relationship is a secret). Micah's narrative jumps around in the telling of her story, and chapters are labeled "Before" or "After" (as in, before or after Zach's murder) and others are labeled "History of Me" and "Family History"; this can be confusing, but stylistically it works to keep you guessing and second-guessing what you know to be true.
I cannot tell you much about this book without giving away some interesting plot and genre twists (is this a mystery...is it sci-fi...no wait, is it a thriller?). Suffice it to say it's very compelling and if you enjoy a good page turner, check this out. It's not your average young adult novel.
