Title: Unteachable
Author: Leah Raeder
First published July 27, 2013
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.76
Overview
At eighteen years old, Maise O’Malley has always felt older than her age. She has big plans for the future, including getting into a prestigious film school and helping her mother overcome addiction.
But when she meets Evan at a carnival, they share an intense chemistry that she can’t resist. Despite her usual no-strings-attached attitude, Maise can’t shake Evan from her thoughts.
Little does she know, Evan is actually her new film class teacher. Maise and Evan try to resist their attraction, but the connection between them is undeniable.
As they navigate their relationship, they become more genuine with each other but also more exposed to the judgment of others. When their secret is revealed in a shocking way, they question whether their love was real or just a performance.
Leah Raeder’s Unteachable is a thought-provoking and sensual novel that explores the limits of love and the consequences of following your heart.
About the Author
Meet Leah Raeder, a talented writer and self-proclaimed nerd. When she’s not devouring books, she’s flexing her creative muscles through graphic design, indulging in video games and sipping on some fine whiskey.
Leah also has a knack for self-deprecation, which adds to her charm. Currently, she resides in the vibrant city of Chicago with her own version of a manic pixie dream boy.
And yes, she still writes beautifully lyrical fiction, unapologetically.
Editoral Review
Unteachable by Leah Raeder is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. Through poetic prose and raw emotion, Raeder delivers an intense story of forbidden love and the pursuit of redemption.
The novel follows the story of eighteen-year-old Maise O’Malley, a high school student who becomes involved with her thirty-year-old teacher, Evan Wilke. Despite the taboo nature of their relationship, Maise finds solace in Evan’s company and explores her sexuality and desires in ways that she never thought possible.
Along the way, she must also confront her own demons and navigate the challenges of growing up in a world that often feels unfair and unforgiving. At its core, Unteachable is a powerful coming-of-age story that tackles some of the most difficult themes in literature.
Raeder’s ability to capture the essence of teenage angst and the longing for self-discovery is unmatched, and her writing style is both lyrical and poignant. One of the strengths of the novel is its richly drawn characters, particularly Maise and Evan.
Both are flawed yet relatable, and their struggle to reconcile their desires with societal expectations is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. Raeder’s attention to detail and her ability to create fully realized characters is truly impressive.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel slow, and some readers may find it difficult to connect with Maise and Evan’s problematic relationship.
Additionally, some of the dialogue can feel contrived and overly dramatic. Despite these criticisms, Unteachable is still an outstanding achievement in contemporary literature.
Raeder’s evocative prose and expert character development are sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. Overall, we highly recommend Unteachable to anyone who is looking for a powerful and thought-provoking novel.
This book is particularly well-suited to fans of coming-of-age stories, literary fiction, and stories that explore the complexities of relationships. We give it a solid four out of five stars.