You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins | ARC Review

Title: You Bring the Distant Near
Author: Mitali Perkins
Publisher: BYR
Publication Date: September 12th, 2017
Source: Netgalley

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

This elegant novel captures the immigrant experience for one Indian-American family with humor and heart. Told in alternating teen voices across three generations, You Bring the Distant Near explores sisterhood, first loves, friendship, and the inheritance of culture--for better or worse. From a grandmother worried that her children are losing their Indian identity to a daughter wrapped up in a forbidden biracial love affair to a granddaughter social-activist fighting to preserve Bengali tigers, Perkins weaves together the threads of a family growing into an American identity. Here is a sweeping story of five women at once intimately relatable and yet entirely new.

What I thought

I loved this book. I just wanted you guys to know that because it's probably going to be an epic gush session of just how darn beautiful this book is. As stated in the description for the book we follow three generations of Indian-American women in this novel and their journey is beautiful and real and very raw.

I want to start off talking about the characters. We have Ranee, matriarch of the family and a very conservative Indian. She was born in Bangladesh and throughout the book she holds on to her beliefs and yet manages to change. She is made of steel, yet allowed to grieve and make mistakes and it's a beautiful representation of what women are: imperfect, strong and complex. Then we have Sonia and Starry, who are her teenage daughters. They too brim with life and the desire to find themselves in the world and in the complicated realities of their new home. Throughout the book you fall in love with them and their dreams, their struggles. Last, we have Anna and Chantal (or Shinti as mostly everyone calls her), the daughters of both Starry and Sonia and man, do they struggle with their identity. For one, Shinti is mixed and finds that she isn't enough for both sides, while Anna is American in name but her heart is Bengali. The characters were all so beautifully complex and speak to different kinds of the immigrant experience so beautifully.

Next, I want to write about the writing because SWEET LORD WAS IT GORGEOUS. At times it felt like I was reading poetry or a song, but it was still very firmly prose. It was just so beautiful and deep and very distinct between characters, and yet overflowing with style. Not to mention it just sucked me in right off the bat. I started reading this book at around 10 and didn't go to sleep until I finished it at around 2:30 am. It was just that good.

So, really if you want to read a beautiful book about three different generations of women and their struggles and their experience you should definitely pick up this book. YOU KNOW WHAT? You should pick up this book anyway. Not only because YAY DIVERSITY and #ownvoices books but because it's just so darn beautiful.

Coming Up for Air by Miranda Kenneally | Book Review

Title: Coming Up for Air
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date: July 4th, 2017
Source: Netgalley

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Swim. Eat. Shower. School. Snack. Swim. Swim. Swim. Dinner. Homework. Bed. Repeat. All of Maggie’s focus and free time is spent swimming. She’s not only striving to earn scholarships—she’s training to qualify for the Olympics. It helps that her best friend, Levi, is also on the team and cheers her on. But Levi’s already earned an Olympic try out, so she feels even more pressure to succeed. And it’s not until Maggie’s away on a college visit that she realizes how much of the “typical” high school experience she’s missed by being in the pool. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Maggie decides to squeeze the most out of her senior year. First up? Making out with a guy. And Levi could be the perfect candidate. After all, they already spend a lot of time together. But as Maggie slowly starts to uncover new feelings for Levi, how much is she willing to lose to win?

What I thought

  This book is supremely adorable. I mean it, it's very sweet and it features a best friends turned lovers (which I always show up for, as you all probably already know) and tons of swimming talk that I understood little of, but was a nice element to the story.

Maggie and Levi have a beautiful friendship and I loved that aspect of the story. They were friends first and foremost. The secondary characters also had a very nice relationship with the leads, although I wished these relationships could be explored a little more. All in all, a romance book that was big on the main relationship and didn't pay as much attention to the side relationships. I feel like I've abused the word relationship too much and it shall not be mentioned from this point onwards.

The writing was simple, but cute. Also, there were tons of references to YA books, which I loved. Levi is certifiably boyfriend material just because of what he likes to read. I legit want to ask him what he though of The Raven Boys. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't the stuff of beautiful elegant grandoise prose. It was cute and to the point.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for alight contemporary about two people falling in love, and just that.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor | Book Review

Title: Strange the Dreamer
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 28th, 2017
Source: Purchased

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever. What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving? The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real? Welcome to Weep.

What I thought

  Gather around, young ones, and let me tell you all about how much I loved this marvelous and imaginative story, though I'm not sure words will suffice. Why? You ask, well because this book was so insanely beautiful I've just been experiencing the worst book hangover to ever ail a bookworm. It was that good and beautiful and just a masterpiece.

Now, Laura, it couldn't possibly have been that good? THIS BOOK IS LIFE, YOUNG ONES. It will get you in its trap with its beautiful prose and its quirky main character and it will hold you enraptured as the secrets and story start to unravel and it will make you wish you could even gaze upon Weep. It will make you want for things you didn't even know you wanted AND IT WILL MAKE YOU CRY.* Then it will make you proceed to write in your journal with just A VOMIT OF FEELS BECAUSE DAMN IT.

*at least it made me cry and since I have as a rule as little feelings as possible this really was something

Why all the drama? Because I love this story and these characters more than words can possibly explain. Why? Well, because of how complex and beautiful it all was and they all were. Also, because this book could so be used as a metaphor for the real world and damn, Lazlo's dream was a beautiful thing and I'm so emotional about it all. I WAS JUST A WRECK AND YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK, PRONTO!

Have you read Strange the Dreamer? If so, did you love it as much as I do or more? Come cry with me about it.

I Belive in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo | Book Review

Title: I Believe in a Thing Called Love
Author: Maurene Goo
Publisher: BYR
Publication Date: May 30th, 2017
Source: Purchased

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Desi Lee believes anything is possible if you have a plan. That’s how she became student body president. Varsity soccer star. And it’s how she’ll get into Stanford. But—she’s never had a boyfriend. In fact, she’s a disaster in romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi decides to tackle her flirting failures with the same zest she’s applied to everything else in her life. She finds guidance in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years—where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It’s a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her “K Drama Steps to True Love,” Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos—and boat rescues, love triangles, and staged car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama.

What I thought

Do you guys ever just read a book that FILLS YOU WITH ALL OF THE FEELS AND JUST ENRAPTURES YOU AND TAKES YOU HOSTAGE UNTIL YOU BINGE READ THE HECK OUT OF IT? Well, for me that's what I Believe in a Thing Called Love was. Once I started, I couldn't stop. It was like finding a good k-drama during summer break. Incidentally, this book is about a girl using k-dramas to get the boy. Which I'm all about and thinking about implementing in my own life, because damn I could use some k-drama magic in my life.

Desi's and my love life before implementing the k drama magic. okay, still my love life. Also, is it cheating if this is technically a Japanese drama?

What's so great about this book, you ask. Well, friends let me tell you all about it. First off, Desi is lovable and awkward and flails (flirting fails) as much as I do, which gives her instant likability points. She's also a major nerd. What a dork. She also has this beautiful and loving relationship with her Dad, who is as obsessed with k dramas as I am. Boy, I wish my own Dad was that invested in k dramas*.  Not only that but her relationship with her friends was super cute and they were like real life friends. I wanted to hang out with them. They were very #squadgoals, just like the Healer super team.

*he's more into obscure corruption shows with twisted characters and not that fond of romance, but we can't all be perfect.

Then there was the actual romance itself, which was adorable and weird and very quirky. Desi and Luca don't seem to make much sense on paper, but they're both dorks. Don't let Luca fool you with the whole artist thing. Much like the k drama main lead he is a dork in hiding. Their romance was so well executed and just very cute. I also loved that throughout the whole getting the boy process there were drama references a plenty. I had a moment every time a k-drama was mentioned. As for the k-drama steps to finding true love there were some actual very k-drama-esque moments in the book. WHICH I LOVED, OF COURSE!

Now, if you're not a fan of k-dramas* this book is still for you. It's a cute contemporary with a huge heart. It's quirky and fun and watching Desi grow into herself and in a relationship was such an experience. There's also Luca, who also undergoes incredible character development. It's a read that's perfect for the summer for how honest and kind of ridiculous and funny and just feel-good it is. Besides, you can always get started on the path to k-drama fan. It's a sweet life, I promise.

*first, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR FREE TIME???? Second, why would you not be???? Third, go watch one now.

come join us, you'll have fun

Have you read this book, if so did you LOVE IT SO MUCH YOU COULD BURST INTO EMBARRASSING AEGYO? If not, do you think you'd like to? Last, do you have any k-drama recs (or book recs) you would like to share?

Trusting You & Other Lies by Nicole Williams | ARC Review

Title: Trusting You & Other Lies
Author: Nicole Williams
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Children
Publication Date: June 20th, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Nicole Williams delivers a seductive summer romance worth swooning over. Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Stephanie Perkins. Phoenix can’t imagine anything worse than being shipped off to family summer camp. Her parents have been fighting for the past two years—do they seriously think being crammed in a cabin with Phoenix and her little brother, Harry, will make things better? On top of that, Phoenix is stuck training with Callum—the head counselor who is seriously cute but a complete know-it-all. His hot-cold attitude means he’s impossible to figure out—and even harder to rely on. But despite her better judgment, Phoenix is attracted to Callum. And he’s promising Phoenix a summer she’ll never forget. Can she trust him? Or is this just another lie?

What I thought

  I requested this book because it's summer and I'm in the mood for all of the light contemporaries this world has to offer (my bank account can be a witness to this fact) and so when I saw this book over at Netgalley, I figured, hey why not? Now that we've all established that I'm romantically frustrated we can move on to my thoughts on this book.

I liked this book, but I wasn't the biggest fan. It was enjoyable and light and all those things I was expecting to, but I wish it had been just that. Instead the book tried to mix in some class issues (which handled correctly I wouldn't have minded) and I wasn't the biggest fan of the way they were handled and I also wished the family topic had been deeper and gone over in more detail**. At times, the characters felt too written* and they did very out of character things. It wasn't very consistent, which irked me. That being said, I felt like the ending was too rushed and the character development too abrupt and again, it just irked me.

*does this make sense? like they weren't real people and you could tell they were fictional and it just sort of rubbed me the wrong way
**I live for them touching family scenes and I wish this book had had more of those.

It is a cute contemporary book and it does tell the story of a girl and a boy and how they become better people because of each other, and usually I'm down for that, but I couldn't really get into Phoenix's and Callum's relationship. MY heart just wasn't in it. I did not feel the butterflies. I only smiled like once when they were together and it was because it involved sort of sexy times and I was in a car with my parents, which made me feel like I was twelve and secretly reading about sex.

All in all, this book was enjoyable and a fast read but I wasn't the biggest fan. I didn't squeal and I wasn't all that invested in the characters or the story and I just wish it had been more. It had potential, but in my opinion, it fell kind of short.

Aftercare Instructions by Bonnie Pipkin | ARC Review

Title: Aftercare Instructions
Author: Bonnie Pipkin
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication Date: June 27, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

In the tradition of Jandy Nelson and Rainbow Rowell, a big-hearted journey of furious friendship, crazy love, and unexpected hope after a teen's decision to end an unwanted pregnancy “Troubled.” That’s seventeen-year-old Genesis according to her small New Jersey town. She finds refuge and stability in her relationship with her boyfriend, Peter—until he abandons her at a Planned Parenthood clinic during their appointment to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. The betrayal causes Gen to question everything. As Gen pushes herself forward to find her new identity without Peter, she must also confront her most painful memories. Through the lens of an ongoing four act play within the novel, the fantasy of their undying love unravels line by line, scene by scene. Digging deeper into her past while exploring the underground theater world of New York City, she rediscovers a long-forgotten dream. But it’s when Gen lets go of her history, the one she thinks she knows, that she’s finally able to embrace the complicated, chaotic true story of her life, and take center stage. This powerfully immersive and format-crushing debut follows Gen from dorm rooms to diners to house parties to auditions—and ultimately, right into readers’ hearts.

What I thought

To be honest with you, I requested this book because the cover looked awesome and because I'm always down for some coming-of-age type stories. Then, upon reading the synopsis and finding out it's a book about a girl dealing with the repercussions of an abortion I decided it to just dive in and read it. I've got to say I wasn't disappointed and quite enjoyed this book. 

The book opens up with Genesis being left at a Planned Parenthood by her boyfriend Peter. Reasonably, I detested Peter for just leaving her there at first. However, by the end I came to understand some of his motivations. He, after all, came from a deeply religious family and he was dealing with the abortion his own way. Was it a crappy way? Yes, but it was his way. There's no right or wrong way to react, I should think. Genesis, on the other hand, I found likable and unlikable at the same time. Odd combination, I know. There were moments where I couldn't stand her and found her selfish and others were my heart went out to her. As for the rest of the cast, they were all colorful in their own way and I would have liked a little bit more character development for their part.

As for the writing itself, I was expecting some Jandy Nelson vibes based on the synopsis, but it wasn't really like that. Pipkin has her own style and it's not as poetical as Nelson. This is in no way bad, just not what I was expecting. The book itself is told in prose and play format (which I wasn't expecting but liked) with the present being told in prose and the flashbacks being told in play format. I would have liked a little bit more of the whole theater aspect of the book to be explored more, too. However, there were some really gorgeous passages of writing in the book and I enjoyed Gen's voice.

Over all this was a very enjoyable contemporary about the what to do in the face of being hurt by various thins: family, friends, relationships, and ultimately an abortion. I wouldn't call it a book about abortion, but rather a book about a girl who went about finding herself after being confronted with so much hurt.

Seeking Mansfield by Kate Watson | Book Review

Title: Seeking Mansfield
Author: Kate Watson
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: May, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Sixteen-year-old Finley Price has perfected two things: how to direct a world-class production, and how to fly way, way under the radar. The only person who ever seems to notice Finley is her best friend, the Bertram's son Oliver. If she could just take Oliver's constant encouragement to heart and step out of the shadows, she'd finally chase her dream of joining the prestigious Mansfield Theater. When teen movie stars Emma and Harlan Crawford move next door to the Bertram's, they immediately set their sights on Oliver and his cunning sister, Juliette, shaking up Finley and Oliver's stable friendship. As Emma and Oliver grow closer, Harlan finds his attention shifting from Juliette to the quiet, enigmatic, and thoroughly unimpressed Finley. Out of boredom, Harlan decides to make her fall in love with him. Problem is, the harder he seeks to win her, the harder he falls for her. But Finley doesn't want to be won, and she doesn't want to see Oliver with anyone else. To claim Oliver's heart—and keep her own—she'll have to find the courage to do what she fears most: step into the spotlight.

What I thought

I picked up Seeking Mansfield seeking a cute contemporary. Spring time does that to me. Suddenly all I want of life is some disgustingly cute things happening for lack of disgustingly cute things in my life. So, here I am embarking on this journey. Now, I didn't know that this was a sort of retelling of Mansfield Park by Jane Austen going in. Not that I've read the original, but I figured this was still useful information to know.

So, here I am embarking on this journey and though I admit I had a hard time getting into it. Fin was kind of hard to empathize with at first. However, soon I found myself in the swing of things and actually invested in the character's fates. If you follow me on Goodreads (and if you don't what the hell are you waiting for?) you know that I was living for Harlan Crawford* and his romance with Finley. However, Oliver was also a sweetheart and the real MVP. He just was the whole package and I wish the book had included more of their romance. Just because I was really in the mood for disgustingly cute

*regrettable decision, really. I just love me some asshole turned sweetheart arc.

Now, the writing wasn't anything out of this world, but it was fun and quirky. It certainly made me wish I knew more about movies. The technical knowledge of this and theater made this book fun to read. I like theater, but plenty of my friends love it and I never quite had a good grasp on exactly what putting a production on stage entailed. You can tell the author is also passionate about theater. Or at least I imagine she is.

I liked the book. It wasn't a five star book for me, but it was very enjoyable and it was certainly cute. Harlan Crawford was the best for a while there and then he was the worst. Emma is enjoyable, as well and I wish she had gotten off better. Fin and Oliver are super cute and their story was certainly compelling. Over all, a very nice contemporary to hold you over the spring/summer time.

Get It Together, Delilah by Erin Gough

Title: Get It Together, Delilah
Author: Erin Gough
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: April 4th, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Seventeen-year-old Delilah Green wouldn't have chosen to do her last year of school this way, but she figures it's working fine. While her dad goes on a trip to fix his broken heart after her mom left him for another man, Del manages the family cafe. Easy, she thinks. But what about homework? Or the nasty posse of mean girls making her life hell? Or her best friend who won't stop guilt-tripping her? Or her other best friend who might go to jail for love if Del doesn't do something? But really, who cares about any of that when all Del can think about is beautiful Rosa who dances every night across the street. . . . Until one day Rosa comes in the cafe door. And if Rosa starts thinking about Del, too, then how in the name of caramel milkshakes will Del get the rest of it together?

What I thought

I requested this book because I  thought the cover was super adorable and because I made a pledge to read more diversely this year, and this book is, after all, about a lesbian girl trying to save her Dad's cafe, while in the process navigating life. In short, a book right up my alley. What's more the book didn't disappoint.

I liked the characters. Delilah was infuriating, but lovable. Charlie was charming, if inconsistent. Delilah's friends could have been more fleshed out. Rosa, dancer extraordinaire and political activist was a delight. I liked her the most, I think. Why, you ask. Let me tell you. I think her journey was super realistic. I loved the fact that the book shows her struggling with the fact of liking girls when she comes from a deeply conservative family. I thought it was probably the most realistic aspect of this book and as such, it was my favorite.

The dialogue was witty and fun and I breezed through this book because it was both short and enjoyable. Delilah's journey is a fun, if exasperating at times and I liked the fact that although the book ended I felt that the characters would still go on and grow without me being there, much like real people do.

Done Dirt Cheap by Sarah Nicole Lemon | ARC Review

Title: Done Dirt Cheap
Author: Sarah Nicole Lemon
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: March 7th, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Tourmaline Harris’s life hit pause at fifteen, when her mom went to prison because of Tourmaline’s unintentionally damning testimony. But at eighteen, her home life is stable, and she has a strong relationship with her father, the president of a local biker club known as the Wardens. Virginia Campbell’s life hit fast-forward at fifteen, when her mom “sold” her into the services of Hazard, a powerful attorney: a man for whom the law is merely a suggestion. When Hazard sets his sights on dismantling the Wardens, he sends in Virginia, who has every intention of selling out the club—and Tourmaline. But the two girls are stronger than the circumstances that brought them together, and their resilience defines the friendship at the heart of this powerful debut novel.

What I thought

 You all probably don't know this about me, but I have a soft spot for motorcycles. I don't know much about them, but I like them. So, when I saw two bad-ass girls on the cover with a motorcycle my interest was piqued. I signed up for some serious female friendship and boy, did I find it.

Now, this book is about a motorcycle club, but not really. It's about two girls who are entangled with a motorcycle club, both by birth and by design. Now, these are two young ladies in a world very much defined by the men in it. However, the two grow into queens by their own right and own everything and everyone. #slaymequeens

I found the start of the book a little dragging, but it picked up fast, which I was super happy about. Now, as for the story itself there were some aspects that seemed a little exaggerated (but hey this is fiction, I guess) and hard to believe, but these aspects didn't take away from my general enjoyment of the book.

The writing in this book was beautiful. There were some gorgeous passages about being a girl and fortitude and belonging and being lost. I genuinely wasn't expecting to run into these powerful and beautiful pieces of prose. I had after all, signed up for the motorcycles and the female friendship. Which I got plenty of, but the beautiful prose was a welcome surprise.

I want to talk about the romance, because I feel like some people would probably be a bit uncomfortable with one of the relationships. Namely, because Virginia is only 18 and the guy in question is 28. That's a ten year gap and while it might make some people uncomfortable, I found no issue with it. It seemed like a realistic, completely comprehensible thing to happen. Fact is, people can fall (and do) with people 10 years older than they are and I don't think there's anything controversial about that here. T and Cash are also super cute and I approve.

I really liked this book and I loved the relationship Virginia and Tourmaline formed. I loved the two of them and I enjoyed watching them grow into women by their own right.

Piper Perish by Kayla Cagan | ARC Review

Title: Piper Perish
Author: Kayla Cagan
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: March 7th, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Piper Perish inhales air and exhales art. The sooner she and her best friends can get out of Houston and into art school in New York City, the better. It's been Piper's dream her whole life, and now that senior year is halfway over, she's never felt more ready. But in the final months before graduation, things are weird with her friends and stressful with three different guys, and Piper's sister's tyrannical mental state seems to thwart every attempt at happiness for the close-knit Perish family. Piper's art just might be enough to get her out. But is she brave enough to seize that power, even if it means giving up what she's always known? Debut author Kayla Cagan breathes new life into fiction in this ridiculously compelling, utterly authentic work featuring interior art from Rookie magazine illustrator Maria Ines Gul. Piper will have readers asking big questions along with her. What is love? What is friendship? What is family? What is home? And who is a person when she's missing any one of these things?

What I thought

  Piper Perish is a about Piper Perish (duh!) and her artsy shenanigans. I love art, although I'm more of a Renaissance fan myself (I'm fully convinced that if past lives are a thing I was so alive during the Renaissance) while Piper is a hardcore Andy Warhol fan herself. To each their own. I was expecting a cutesy contemporary that was also about family and the story had those elements, but not in the way I was expecting them. To be honest, I don't know if I liked or didn't like this book.

I can certainly tell that the first half was a struggle and I wasn't so on board with Piper. She has a friend and boyfriend, Enzo, and he breaks up with her because he fell in love with this dude and her first reaction is to think that she turned him gay and I went "Um... honey bisexuality is a thing and you can't turn someone gay." Okay, thanks. I didn't particularily like any of the other characters for the first half either. Except Adams (their art teacher), she was rad.

As the story moved along, though, I started to grow fond of them. I was intrigued enough to want to know if Piper would be able to go off to New York and follow her dreams. I did feel identified with Piper, because I am also afraid to follow my dreams and put things off until I absolutely have to do them. It comes with the fear of being rejected,  I guess.

As for the character relationships, I wasn't invested in any of them. The one I liked most, though, was Piper's relationship with her Dad. It was heartwarming. I wish the family aspect had been explored more. Also, someone get Marli some formal psychological help because her behaviors throughout the book were concerning and she should see someone. That's all I' saying about that.

However, I didn't find the story incredibly inspiring or satisfying or even that unique. I felt meh about the book and the characters in general. Definitely a solid three star book.

Nowhere Near You by Leah Thomas | ARC Review

Title: Nowhere Near You
Author: Leah Thomas
Series: Because You'll Never Meet Me (#2)
Publisher:  Bloomsbury Children
Publication Date: February 7th, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Ollie and Moritz might never meet, but their friendship knows no bounds. Their letters carry on as Ollie embarks on his first road trip away from the woods--no easy feat for a boy allergic to electricity--and Moritz decides which new school would best suit an eyeless boy who prefers to be alone. Along the way they meet other teens like them, other products of strange science who lead seemingly normal lives in ways Ollie and Moritz never imagined possible: A boy who jokes about his atypical skeleton; an aspiring actress who hides a strange deformity; a track star whose abnormal heart propels her to victory. Suddenly the future feels wide open for two former hermits. But even as Ollie and Moritz dare to enjoy life, they can't escape their past, which threatens to destroy any progress they've made. Can these boys ever find their place in a world that might never understand them?

What I thought 

I read Because You'll Never Meet me back when it came out and I loved it (first novel written in letters I've ever enjoyed, let me tell you) so when I heart there was a sequel I had a mighty need for it. You don't end a book like that and not expect readers to go cray cray. So, lo and behold Nowhere Near You. I read it and I loved it (not as much as I loved Because I'll Never Meet You, mind you, but love is still love) and now you're going to hear why.

Characters

Well, for one Ollie is still as funny and fantabulous* as always, if anything he is a little bit more sad. However, his enthusiasm for the world is such a lovely thing to see. He was amazed by anything and everything. Things we take for granted, like the Internet or just anything electric really. For other our Moritz (I always pronounce his name like MORRITS in my head**) underwent character development for the ages. He was my favorite aspect of the story this time around.

*Not a word. I don't care.

**shoutout to any Spanish speaking readers who understand that reference

Plot

Now, let's talk about the plot itself. It's wacky and sci-fi and it somehow works. You do have to undergo suspension of disbilief, but hey, the world is a wacky place so who is to say things like this don't happen, right? I enjoyed the secondary characters. I feel (I'm not sure because what is research) that there probably will be more books in the series. Which is okay, I mean, I'm always up to reading about weird kids living in the real world doing everyday things and wrestling with their demons. Because this book is basically about that.

Writing

I also enjoyed the writing. It's quirky and serious and funny and oftentimes whimsical, but still grounded. Did that even make sense to anyone but me? I, too, am a walking paradox. So, yeah you should go read these books and come talk to me about them.

And I Darken by Kiersten White | Book Review

Title: And I Darken
Author: Kiersten White
Series: The Conquerer's Saga
Publisher:  Delacorte Press
Publication Date: June 28th, 2016
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets. Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion. But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

What I thought

And I Darken is a difficult book to define, and if I had to I guess with would be a mix of historical fiction and alternate history.  That, my friends, is where things get interesting.That and all the people getting stabbed and court intrigue and the diversity in this book.

I loved this book. It was a little slow moving at times, but it was necessary to forge all the relationships in the book, to let the reader perceive how complicated they truly are. Which is one of the most delicious aspects of this book. Seriously, I will always show up for complicated character relationships. Radu, Lada, Mehmed and the people around them are all a tangled web of intricate character relationships I cannot wait to explore more in further books.

The writing, too, was beautiful. It was very character-centric, which was okay. We didn't always get a super detailed description of the surroundings or things of that sort, because well they weren't really necessary. So, it's all good. I enjoyed being inside Radu's and Lada's head. The two of them were two very complicated people and I love their pretty little hearts for that. The matter of me liking Mhemed is an entirely different one, though.

I've got to say, though, that in the middle there I got kind of frustrated with Lada because I liked her fierce and wild and promising to stab anyone in the vicinity, and she had seemed to have lost just that. She, however, got it back and it was awesome.

I'm looking forward to the next book. Mostly because I can't wait to see everyone grow to their full potential and sort of become the people history remembers them to be (they are after all fictional and can't be the exact same people history remembers them to be).

Devil and the Bluebird by Jennifer Mason Black | Book Review

Title: Devil and the Bluebird
Author: Jennifer Mason-Black
Publisher:  Amulet Books
Publication Date: May 17th, 2016
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Blue Riley has wrestled with her own demons ever since the loss of her mother to cancer. But when she encounters a beautiful devil at her town crossroads, it’s her runaway sister’s soul she fights to save. The devil steals Blue’s voice—inherited from her musically gifted mother—in exchange for a single shot at finding Cass. Armed with her mother’s guitar, a knapsack of cherished mementos, and a pair of magical boots, Blue journeys west in search of her sister. When the devil changes the terms of their deal, Blue must reevaluate her understanding of good and evil and open herself to finding family in unexpected places. In Devil and the Bluebird, Jennifer Mason-Black delivers a heart-wrenching depiction of loss and hope.

What I thought

Devil and the Bluebird had me intrigued and ready at the mention of magical realism and then furthered my interest with how beautiful its presentation is. Honestly, it's one of the prettiest books I've seen in a while. All of the beautifulness aside, I really enjoyed Devil and the Bluebird. It wasn't Bone Gap spectacular, but it was still pretty good.

The book follows Blue Riley as she makes a deal with the devil* to find her sister Cass. This sends her in a magical adventure across the country. See, thing is I could appreciate the need to find her sister, that is what drives Blue, but soon enough it becomes about finding who she is. I'm always down for young girls going on a soul searching journey to find themselves.

*do not make deals with the devil, young ones. However, if you are of a certain age, go for it. Why not? Something cool might happen and if not, well at least you will be too worried about that to worry about today's political reality.

Along the way she finds a colorful cast of characters that are dealing with their own set of problems and whatnot. It is during the moments in which Blue encounters others that some of the magical realism aspects of the story shine brightest. It's also kind of creepy at times. Always appreciate a bit of creepiness in my magical realism, mind you. However, I wish there had been more of the magical aspects of it. In magical realism, unlike baroque, more is better.

That being said, I enjoyed what we did get and I enjoyed Blue's journey. It was certainly an intriguing and original book. It's not worming its way into my favorite magical realism books, but it was good. I enjoyed the journey and Blue's struggles to save herself and her sister. 

Tonight the Streets Are Ours by Lelia Sales | Review

Title:  Tonight the Streets Are Ours
Author: Leila Sales
Publisher: Farrar, Straux and Giroux
Publication Date: September 15th, 2015
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Recklessly loyal. That’s how seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley has always thought of herself. Caring for her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But lately she’s grown resentful of everyone—including her needy best friend and her absent mom—taking her loyalty for granted. Then Arden stumbles upon a website called Tonight the Streets Are Ours, the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter, who gives voice to feelings that Arden has never known how to express. He seems to get her in a way that no one else does, and he hasn’t even met her. Until Arden sets out on a road trip to find him. During one crazy night out in New York City filled with parties, dancing, and music—the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does—Arden discovers that Peter isn’t exactly who she thought he was. And maybe she isn’t exactly who she thought she was, either.

What I thought

I won't lie and say I wasn't expecting a cutesy contemporary with some cutesy scenes to make me squeal. I was, because, well... the cover does have two people holding hands. However, what I got was something drastically different than what I was expecting. Not that this is a bad thing, it just was't what I bargained for.

The book follows Arden Huntley, recklessly loyal and quite frustrating. I like selfish people, I am one of these people. As such, understanding Arden was a bit hard for me throughout most of the story. I mean, her boyfriend seemed like a decent dude but I would have none of this shit (or so I would like to think, seeing how I've never been involved in a romantic relationship with decent or indecent guys), or her relationship with Lindsey. Which is why I loved the blow out by the end there. Seeing Arden standing up for herself and growing so much in one night was what gave this book the extra point five. 

The writing itself was kind of hard for me to get into. I'm used to first POV contemporaries, and why it wasn't anything bad the voice was kind of hard for me to get into at first. It also made me feel a bit detached from the story and the characters themselves. Once I got used to it, though, I was fine.

My favorite thing about this book, however, was the slight commentary on how we sometimes idolize people and how when that idolization comes crashing down you might just find a completely different person. So, never just blindly follow anyone, kids. Also, it had kind of a Manic Pixie Boy (is there such a thing? If not, there should definitely be, or is it just Cute Guy Suddenly Not Being So Cute?) going on, which I appreciated. Let the roles be reversed for once.

All in all, it was a good read, but it's not supremely most fabulously outstanding and incredible. I think that was one too many adjectives, but we'll go with it.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo | Review

Title:  Crooked Kingdom
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Colt & Co.
Publication Date: September 27th, 2016
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

When you can’t beat the odds, change the game. Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

What I thought 

Now, it's no secret that Six of Crows was my favorite book of 2015. It was just everything I love in my books: dark, adventurous, just a bit angsty, and it had a cast of characters as complex as real people. All of which are, in my book, excellent qualities to have in a book. So, when it came to its sequel I was as pumped as a little kid for Christmas. I figured it would only be better, bigger and that more heisting would occur. All of which I was ready for. However, I didn't think Crooked Kingdom was as good as Six of Crows. It was pretty damn good, don't get me wrong I loved it, but I love Six of Crows more.

Scandalous, isn't it? I've been breaking my head trying to figure what is it that I liked about Six of Crows more than I liked about Crooked Kingdom. In all honesty, I can't say what it is. I just know that I couldn't put Six of Crows down and I could put Crooked Kingdom down. It was still a super good book but it lacked something. (If you too felt this way please let me know what it was because it's driving me crazy).

That being said, I want to talk about the parts I did love about this book, and believe me there were plenty. So, onward to the gushing and the fangirling!

I loved the character development. I loved how everyone our little band of six people faced their demons and came out better because of it. I love these characters and so, seeing them grow and expand and keep being their complicated little selves only a bit better, was extremely satisfying. I kid you not, I felt like a proud mom at the end of this book.

I loved the character dynamics as well. The relationships these people have with each other are fascinating, and if anything I wish there had been a little less planning involved and much more banter. I wished more conversations had happened in the book. I live for the witty banter and I missed some of it here. However, the way the Dregs look after each other and take care of each other (most of them reluctantly, because a healthy show of concern in the Barrel will get you killed and no one wants that) and are like a tight little odd family. 

And of course, Bardugo's writing didn't disappoint. Neither did the little cameos by some of my favorite Grisha trilogy characters. That is all I'm going to say about that, but it was great.

Some things were lacking in this book for me, like more Kaz chapters and more dialogue and I did feel the conflict extended a little too much so by the time the Big Showdown happened I was kind of weary. However, it was still great and awesome and a pretty damn good close to this little duology. 

Every Hidden Thing by Kenneth Oppel | Review

Title:  Every Hidden Thing
Author: Kenneth Oppel
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: October 11th, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Somewhere in the Badlands, embedded deep in centuries-buried rock and sand, lies the skeleton of a massive dinosaur, larger than anything the late nineteenth-century world has ever seen. Some legends call it the Black Beauty, with its bones as black as ebony, but to seventeen-year-old Samuel Bolt, it’s the “rex,” the king dinosaur that could put him and his struggling, temperamental archaeologist father in the history books (and conveniently make his father forget he’s been kicked out of school), if they can just quarry it out. But Samuel and his father aren’t the only ones after the rex. For Rachel Cartland this find could be her ticket to a different life, one where her loves of science and adventure aren’t just relegated to books and sitting rooms. And if she can’t prove herself on this expedition with her professor father, the only adventures she may have to look forward to are marriage or spinsterhood. As their paths cross and the rivalry between their fathers becomes more intense, Samuel and Rachel are pushed closer together. Their flourishing romance is one that will never be allowed. And with both eyeing the same prize, it’s a romance that seems destined for failure. As their attraction deepens, danger looms on the other side of the hills, causing everyone’s secrets to come to light and forcing Samuel and Rachel to make a decision. Can they join forces to find their quarry, and with it a new life together, or will old enmities and prejudices keep them from both the rex and each other?

What I thought

Here's a little secret about yours truly: as a kid I wanted to be a paleontologist. I blame this largely on my parents taking me to a museum at the tender and impressionable age of six and setting me loose to ask as much as I pleased. So, of course when I read the blurb for this book and it was all about paleontology and romance I wanted to be in on it. I wish that by the end my feelings were the same.

The book opens up with Sam's and Rachel's dads fighting, and then proceeds to make it clear that Sam is not irrevocably in love with Rachel. Insta-love is a no no for me, folks. A big no no, actually. So, that alone had me putting my guard up as I ventured into the book.

To this a journey into the Wild West followed, and our leads were reunited. Oh, joyous occasion! Of course, their respective fathers got them spying on each other and then proceeded to quarrel.Their father's rivalry isn't any better than two children fighting over candy, or a toy. It's silly and preposterous and it greatly took away from my potential enjoyment of the book.

I'm not going to lie, by this point I was mostly skimming the book. It seemed that despite the promise of dinosaurs and romance and whatnot, I just couldn't get invested in the characters or the story.
Oddly enough, one of the things I could relate to most was Samuel's fear of being bled to death by mosquitoes. I thought this very same thing when I was in the fourth grade. I would bundle under my covers even in the scorching desert heat to avoid this morbid fate. I just couldn't connect to Rachel or Sam, or their love story. I wasn't invested in this book, not its characters and not its premise.

I finished the book and I found that my enjoyment hadn't increased, if anything I grew weary. This book wasn't for me, it had insta-love, two leads I, personally, couldn't connect to and a premise that seemed promising, but failed to deliver. However, there were some passages of writing I did like, just on the value of writing itself. All in all, not a great read for me.

Mosquitoland by David Arnold | Book Review

Title:  Mosquitoland
Author: David Arnold
Publisher: Viking Children's
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2015
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

"I am a collection of oddities, a circus of neurons and electrons: my heart is the ringmaster, my soul is the trapeze artist, and the world is my audience. It sounds strange because it is, and it is, because I am strange." After the sudden collapse of her family, Mim Malone is dragged from her home in northern Ohio to the "wastelands" of Mississippi, where she lives in a medicated milieu with her dad and new stepmom. Before the dust has a chance to settle, she learns her mother is sick back in Cleveland. So she ditches her new life and hops aboard a northbound Greyhound bus to her real home and her real mother, meeting a quirky cast of fellow travelers along the way. But when her thousand-mile journey takes a few turns she could never see coming, Mim must confront her own demons, redefining her notions of love, loyalty, and what it means to be sane. Told in an unforgettable, kaleidoscopic voice, "Mosquitoland" is a modern American odyssey, as hilarious as it is heartbreaking.

What I thought

This book was the perfect example of how I like my contemporary: quirky, deep but not too serious, and with a main character that recognizes she isn't perfect, but hell, she's pretty damn awesome. That and the fact that if this book was a heart, it would be one of the biggest hearts out there in the world.

I fully believe that Mosquitoland works as well as it does because of it's writing style, but mostly because of Mary Iris Malone. Let me tell you, girl fell completely real and her journey, although a bit magical in essence, was all too there. Not only that, but the collection of characters and people she finds along the way felt just as real. Perhaps, the only character that feels more like fiction than person is Mim's mom, and I believe this to be an intentional move (and if it's not, well, let the myth live so that people can praise David Arnold's genius like we do all those other white dudes who probably weren't as brilliant as we would like to believe) and a brilliant one at that.

I want to talk about Mim's little chosen family, because boy Walt and Beck were the real deal. They were both so fleshed out and although we saw them through Mim's eyes all the time they still felt like real people. Perhaps they were even more real because all we ever have of people is perception, and we can only ever know them as we see them. Does that make sense? This book made me think about things like that, and in my book that is a job well done.

I would also like to talk about the themes in this book, for although the main one is about finding home and what that means, there are other ones sprinkled here and there. Some of them, like the Poncho Man incident, I would have liked to delve into deeper. However, they were all sufficiently spoken of and about and the book didn't drag.

Another thing I loved about this book, is its comedic aspect. It was just my style. Take for example this quote:

"And you are...?" asks Moses A) Perfect B) The god of Devastating Attractiveness C) A flawless specimen, created in a lab by mad scientists in an effort to toy with the heart of Mary Isis Malone D) All of the above I circle D. Final effing answer 

I loved this book and Mim and her journey. I would definitely recommend this book to all contemporary lovers out there. 

The Way We Bared Our Souls by Willa Strayhorn | Review

Title: The Way We Bared Our Souls
Author: Willa Strayhorn
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: January 22nd, 2015
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

If you could trade your biggest burden for someone else’s, would you do it?
Five teenagers sit around a bonfire in the middle of the New Mexico desert. They don’t know it yet, but they are about to make the biggest sacrifice of their lives. Lo has a family history of MS, and is starting to come down with all the symptoms. Thomas, a former child soldier from Liberia, is plagued by traumatic memories of his war-torn past. Kaya would do anything to feel physical pain, but a rare condition called CIP keeps her numb. Ellen can’t remember who she was before she started doing drugs. Kit lost his girlfriend in a car accident and now he just can’t shake his newfound fear of death. When they trade totems as a symbol of shedding and adopting one another’s sorrows, they think it’s only an exercise. But in the morning, they wake to find their burdens gone…and replaced with someone else’s.

What I thought

I will always show up for magical realism, but this one disappointed me. I was expecting to walk away loving this book, but I walked away feeling meh about it.

The first chapter was intriguing and it piqued my interest quite fast, but I found it dwindling as the book moved along. For one, the coyote guy with his mystical coyote seemed far-fetched and kind of forced. Also, kind of a lot of spiritual mumble jumble that I just couldn't get behind not because of my own religious views but because it all seemed pretty forced. A thing I've learned about magical realism is that the magic can't feel forced and for this book it felt everything but natural.

The aspect I liked the most about the book was that there were some beautiful passages. Writing wise sometimes the words just took my breath away, but in the over all context of the story they didn't feel quite right and they felt like something that had been included in just for lyrical aspect instead of actually bringing something to the story, the plot or the character development.

The relationship between our five protagonists also felt forced at times and I didn't really grow to care for them that much. Sure, their situation was messed up and they all had something to carry (as we all do) but I didn't really feel connected to them.

There's a Native American aspect to this book, as well, and I don't think it's my place to speak of it since I'm not Native American nor am I well informed on the matter, but sometimes I felt kind of cringey about it. That might just be me, I don't know. This book did have Native American characters and it also had the use of Spanish, which were two good points, in my book.

I thought I was going to enjoy this book way more than I actually did and there were some things in here I wasn't comfortable with or that I just didn't like.

Wanderlost by Jen Malone | Review

Title: Wanderlost
Author: Jen Malone
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: May 31, 2016
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

Not all those who wander are lost, but Aubree Sadler most definitely is on this novel’s whirlwind trip through Europe. Aubree can’t think of a better place to be than in perfectly boring Ohio, and she’s ready for a relaxing summer. But when her older sister, Elizabeth, gets into real trouble, Aubree is talked into taking over Elizabeth’s summer job, leading a group of senior citizens on a bus tour through Europe. Aubree doesn’t even make it to the first stop in Amsterdam before their perfect plan unravels, leaving her with no phone, no carefully prepared binder full of helpful facts, and an unexpected guest: the tour company owner’s son, Sam. Considering she’s pretending to be Elizabeth, she absolutely shouldn’t fall for him, but she can’t help it, especially with the most romantic European cities as the backdrop for their love story. But her relationship with Sam is threatening to ruin her relationship with her sister, and she feels like she’s letting both of them down. Aubree knows this trip may show her who she really is—she just hopes she likes where she ends up.

What I thought

Wanderlost is the kind of story that warms the heart and makes you squeal and want to grab your things and backpack across Europe, stat. In my book, those are all the qualities I want in a book about traveling through Europe, even under a false identity and as a tour guide of a bunch of adorable (if somewhat inappropriate) elder citizens.

This book opens up with a freshly graduated Aubree, insecure and set in her ways, only to have to help her older "perfect" sister along. Reluctantly, but also excited to be of help to her sister. I say this because start Aubree is so different to the Aubree in the end and to go along in her journey was my privilege. Her character development was simply stellar and so heartwarming and such a beautiful thing to watch. Watching her struggle, but also thriving in the face of adversity was so fun and I felt like a proud sister watching her go.

The supporting cast of characters is equally lovable and wonderful. Her group of senior citizens was so lovely and funny and sometimes inappropriate as only old people could be. Two best friends, one reluctant passenger, a perpetual honey-moon couple, a true gentleman and a very cute boy all made this journey all that much exciting. It was simply a wonderful ride, even among invented tour information and loss.

Another thing I loved was the sister relationship between Aubree and Elizabeth. I, myself, have a six year gap between us and while we love each other there are moments in which our six year gap is this big glaring in your face thing we can't get over no matter how hard we try. So, the fact that Aubree and Elizabeth felt the very same thing to me, was really awesome and significant.

The romance, too, was simply adorable and cute and just the right amount of angsty. Also, I'm entirely convinced there's nothing that can't be improved by the European background. It's like for us non-Europeans it holds this air of romance and magic that just can't be escaped. Also, Sam is just an absolute gem. I mean it, the guy is so cute and adorable and even kind of dorky, I just cannot with life. Their romance made me squeal more than once.

As you can probably tell by this review I loved this book. It was the perfect summer read, in my opinion. It was light-hearted, yet heartfelt and it was a journey of growth and finding confidence in yourself and others. The cute guy helped, but I was in it because Aubree.

The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes | Book Review

Title: The Art of Lainey
Author: Paula Stokes
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: May 20, 2015
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is used to getting what she wants, and when her boyfriend Jayson breaks up with her for no reason, what she wants is to win him back before the start of their senior year. Lainey and her friend Bianca check the interwebz for tips and tricks, but the online dating advice is all pretty lame. Then the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. Didn't someone once say that love is a battlefield? Jayson isn't going to stand a chance once Lainey and Bee go all Zhou Dynasty on him... Old school strategy and subterfuge meet modern-day dramarama in the story of a girl who sets out to win at all costs and ends up discovering what's really worth fighting for.

 What I thought

You know the feeling of wanting to write something but not being sure how to write it? That's how I feel as I write this review. This is by no means an indicator of me not liking this book. Because I did, like it I mean. However, to make things easier on myself I'm just going to make a list. Yes, a list. Get over it.

What I liked

• Lainey's and Bianca's friendship. Granted, they talked a lot about boys, but their friendship was still strong.
• Swearing in another language!
• Micah. I'm a big fan of his.
• Realistic portrayal of teenage boys.
• Realistic 'what am I doing with my life?' teenage angst.
• Great kiss scenes.
• Quirky writing.
• Lainey (most of the times).

What I didn't like

• How predictable it was.
• All the boy talk, all the time (don't look at me like that).
• Kendall and Lainey's friendship. Just once I want girls to not tear each other down. Just once.
• Jason Chase. Ugh.
• Not enough of the sibling relationships shown.

Final thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed the book.  Micah is a keeper. The cute was strong in this one. I wish there had been more of the other themes explored. Still, pretty satisfied with this read.