Review: What Happened to Goodbye

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Opinion:

What I Liked: It was just so heartfelt, realistic, and moral-worthy. What Happened to Goodbye was a story that I could relate to in almost every way. Moving around is not easy, especially when you have had lifelong friendships and relationships with people you’ve known your entire life. And suddenly moving out of the blue does put a monkey wrench in whatever you had established and you’re certainly not going to be happy about it. And moving around a lot can make a person nervous and even run from commitments like friendships or other relationships because they fear they will have to uproot to somewhere else again. And Mclean definitely portrays all the emotions and characteristics of a person tired of moving around a lot but willing to do it again (since it’s been like that for her whole life) and I understand her nervousness for commitments when she meets Dave, Riley, Deb and others and starts to like them.

And I understand when Mclean is not so friendly with her mother. I mean when one parent cheats on another, the child can’t really be expected to have fond feelings for that cheating parent. So it’s understandable when she’s harsh and withdrawn from her mother but later on accepts and understands her mother more in her life. Her father’s feelings she also understands as if you lose one thing, then you start depending on other things, for Mclean’s dad it was his work, so again it’s realistic and totally not hard to get.

Meeting Dave is like meeting her reflection in a mirror. She sees Dave’s troubles as a boy genius and also gets how he wants to live a normal life and sees similarities that eventually unravel and break down her walls. Her friends are also an another sign that even if we think that other people won’t accept our position and would leave us alone, Mclean’s friends stick by her as true friends because they realize that the person inside is more important than what they reflect on the outside and what they show.

Adding up to my conclusion of a well written and satisfying book.

What I’d Liked to See: Nothing to suggest here. It’s all well done.

Recommendation: This book is a must read, and for people who definitely love a bit of problem solving, troubled point of views, YA, and of course understanding who they are on the inside as well. Truly a fabulous book I would recommend as it has content hardly seen nowadays in YA novels so a heartfelt recommendation.

Thank you all for reading.

-J.B

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Review: The Sun Is Also a Star

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Reviewed: The Sun Is Also A Star
Author: Nicola Yoon
Book Setting: 2016, New York, America
Genre: YA/Romance
Reviewer: Javelyn Bond
Other Books and Films Adapted, of Nicola Yoon: Everything, Everything (Book), Everything, Everything (Film), The Sun Is Also A Star (Film -2019)

PS: Is anyone excited for the upcoming film adaptation of this book? I am so excited, heck the actors are really matching up to the book characters, and Daniel (sigh) is so swoon-worthy! So guys do not forget about the film, coming in May 2019 (for all the US folks, boy they are lucky.) and keep your eyes peeled. Anyway, continuing on with the review.

Summary (Official): Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

Characters (A Simple Outline):

The Kingsley Family:

Natasha: A Jamaican 17 year old. Believes in science, and logic. Absolutely denies anything that is not related to science. Is sarcastic, bold and and confident. Does not believe in love, does not take risks, believes science and logic are the solution to everything. The only child of Mr and Mrs Kingsley.

Mr Kingsley: Is father to Natasha Kingsley and husband to Mrs Kingsley. Believed in acting, wanted to be an actor. Is a dreamer. Does not believe in science or logic unlike his daughter. Believes life is rotten to him.

Mrs Kingsley: Is mother to Natasha Kingsley and wife to Mr Kingsley. Does not believe in dreams unlike her husband. Was a store manager. Is not fond of science unlike her daughter. Wants life to get better.

The Bae Family (God this is so hilarious, no offence to anyone):

Daniel: Is a dreamer. Does not believe in logic or a practical life. Is expected to be someone who is rich by his parents. Believes in love and writes poetry as a passion. Believes in coincidences and do-overs. A Korean-American 17 year old. Younger sibling to Charles Bae and 2nd son of Mr and Mrs Bae.

Charles: Is a carefree guy. Does not like logic or a practical life. Spends most of his time in and out of jail. Is a rebel, defies all expectations. Dislikes his family. Is racist and a crap bag. The firstborn son of Mr and Mrs Bae and older sibling to Daniel Bae. Is a Korean - American 20 something year old.

Mr Bae (Sigh, I imagine an older Daniel here, sorry for the swooning): Is the father to Daniel and Charles Bae. Husband to Mrs Bae. Is Korean born. Has high expectations of both sons. Runs a beauty care store for hair (hair that are similar to Natasha’s).

Mrs Bae (Imagining a future Natasha here, god my imagination): Is mother to Charles and Daniel Bae. Is wife to Mr Bae. Runs the beauty care store for hair alongside her husband. Is also Korean born. Also has high expectations for both sons. Loves to paint.



Other Characters:

Irene: Is a lonely guard at the Immigration Services. Always wanted to help other people in her similar situation. She is the reason for Natasha being late.

Lawyer (Immigration Services): Is the lawyer who is addressing Natasha Kingsley’s problem. Also has other dreams and inspirations for a life other than his usual life.

Security Guard (Rooftop of Restaurant): Is the security guard at the rooftop. He remembers his own favorite moments of his life, when he sees Natasha and Daniel and lets them enjoy themselves.

Waitress (At Restaurant): Does not like Natasha when she sees her for the first time and we see the reason why, when we we go back in her past. Serves Natasha and Daniel in the restaurant.

Universe: Is a very important character. Discusses all the characters involved, even the minor characters. Discusses all characters’ problems and makes us realize that other people have problems as well. And is of course involved in Natasha and Daniel’s romance.

My Opinion:

What I Liked: There was so much that you could connect with in the book. So many moral lessons, like never giving up, believing in yourself, risking for love, building your own future, not always dependent on the other person, thinking of other people as well, and people make mistakes. This novel is also realistic, romantic, heartfelt, easy to connect with characters, amazing plotline, cliffhangers (because we all love them at one point or other), and life lessons (mentioned above).

Daniel and Natasha are two, very different characters. Like polar opposites. As we see in the beginning, Natasha is one of those people who believes that logic and science are everything and that nothing else matters unless logic and science are behind while Daniel is a dreamer, goes against logic and science and is appreciative of life (even if life isn’t best for him). There are other tidbits thrown in as well, like the history of black hair care, daniel’s brother, natasha’s father, and other information which kind of makes sense as you need something to piece together with the chapter you read.

You also see the author include minor characters in, which is a very unusual step as most authors don’t really include the minor characters a lot in their books, but this was done fantastically as you understand the motive behind each character’s action. And the life lessons thrown in the pages of the book are wonderful as it makes the book interesting, realistic and very emotional (in a good way) for the reader to understand and accept as these are lessons known in the modern world but not applied a lot, again making the book realistic in that sense. Of course we also see the romance as Daniel tries to convince Natasha in every way possible that they are meant to be, which of course as a YA reader and as an adult or a teenager, making the heart swoon in every possible way and to dream of it as a possibility which I loved doing. I loved the cliff hangers as it gave a lot of suspense and a strange intensity which again you don’t really see a lot in YA novels (or it’s just me) but I loved it, got my heart racing as well (since I am such a couch potato but we digress). A lot of emotion tossing and of course a wonderful plotline of falling in love within 24 hours, obviously not done well in other novels, but in this one, it’s done fantastically again, making it a wonderful read.

What I Would Have Liked to See: No complaints here at all.

PS: Although some people were complaining of instant love in the novel. But let me explain, that it was supposed to be an instant connection because Natasha had only 24 hours until deportation so really she couldn’t spend weeks or months getting to know Daniel, she didn't have that much time, so it had to be instant attraction. So people really, you need to see what you are reading before you start complaining.

Rating: 5/5

Recommendation: Definitely recommend to people who love instant connections, 24 hour story, and a novel unique like minor character involvement (a lot), and information (to connect the dots).

It’s a fantastic read that lovers of YA will not complain about.

Thanks for reading.

-J.B

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Bailing Out (Snow-Crossed Lovers) by Carrie Quest: Revealed

Book Reviewed: Bailing Out
Author: Carrie Quest
Book Setting: 2018, Sochi, Russia
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: Javelyn Bond
Other books by Carrie Quest: Dropping In (Snow-Crossed Lovers Lovers #1), Wiping Out (Snow-Crossed Lovers #2) 

PS: This was an ARC copy given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Summary (Official): “Gabriel Power came to Sochi with two goals: win a medal and track down his ex-girlfriend so he can finally explain the truth about the scandal that came between them. Once that’s done, he’s going to disappear. Snowboarding’s bad boy is tired of the phony photo ops set up by his media mogul father. Getting hounded by reporters and pretending to date supermodels while running errands for Power News cost him the only girl he’s ever loved, and now it’s time to walk away.

Quitting his father will be easy. Bailing on snowboarding will be slightly harder. Getting Belle to forgive him may be impossible, but he has to try. 

Isabelle Garland’s Olympic dream died the night a drunk driver plowed into her car and crushed her leg. Sochi was supposed to be her moment of glory, but instead she’s limping around the Village trying to dodge the snowboarder who broke her heart and avoid the interviews her pushy sister-slash-manager insists are vital for building her brand. Belle doesn’t want a brand, she wants a life. Preferably one far away from the rude reporters who keep trying to get America’s Skating Sweetheart to cry on camera by asking how it feels when your entire life is snatched away in an instant.

(Spoiler: it feels like s***. Also, she’s more snark than sweet these days.)

When she runs into Gabe in the basement of her hotel, Belle’s first instinct is to flee. Too bad they’re trapped in a freezing storage room together with no way out and only their chemistry to keep them warm…”

Characters (A Simple Outline): 

Power Family: 

Gabriel: Older son to Reginald Power and older brother to Jake Power. The badboy, the rebellious and charismatic guy, also a snowboarding champion. He often wishes to get out of his situation but is forced to sit and do nothing until a solution arrives. He cares a lot about Isabelle, and his brother and wishes to help those who he loves.

Reginald: Father to sons Gabriel and Jake. Is a control freak, cares about money only, and controls everyone around him, with dirty tricks up his sleeve. 

Jake: Younger son of Reginald Power and younger brother of Gabriel Power. 

Garland Family: 

Isabelle: Younger sister to Zoe Garland. Is an ex-skater due to injuries, loves her sister and family but also wants out of the nightmares involving her career and life, but till then has to sit back down and wait. She still cares about Gabriel despite previous circumstances, loves her sister Zoe despite her pushing and is protective and independant about her life and the people involved.

Zoe: Older sister to Isabelle Garland. Is the ex-manager of Isabelle’s skating career. She cares about her sister but often puts career first then family. 

Other: 

Kimmy: A news reporter set up by Isabelle’s sister and manager Zoe to help Isabelle with her career. Can be pushy and willing to push forward her own career.

Catie: A former colleague of Isabelle, she will do anything to sabotage Isabelle and make her career go forward. 

Reginald Power’s Wife: Is wife to Reginald Power, mother to Gabriel and Jake. Separated from Reginald and later dead after a serious illness. 

Morgan: A former colleague of Isabelle, he supports her during her troubled times. A friend of Isabelle’s as well. A professional skater.

Isabelle Garland’s Mother: Mother to Zoe and Isabelle. Was very involved during Isabelle’s career. 

Alejandra Lopez: Acquaintance of Gabriel Power. Influential in Reginald Power’s career through her father. 

My Opinion: 

What I Liked: There is independence, understanding, loving, funny, sexy moments in this book. Through Isabelle’s eyes we see struggle and freedom of independence which when she’s at a high point in her career, she never gets. I understand that often as we succeed in a certain field or place, there are certain expectations built and then the play is no longer for our enjoyment, but for every public eye to see and critique. We are in pressure and pushed to the highest limits and if we fail in case as Isabelle’s accident, then we are no longer considered normal people, we are either famous or we’re garbage. There’s no way around it. 

There is understanding as I see in the book, when Isabelle is finally getting to leave with Gabriel and gets her independence and makes her sister realize as well, that not everything is about career, money or the reputation. They are important factors but at the same time, you have to love to do your job right and to understand that there are other ways to live a happy career or life. And she tries to make this understanding with her sister, who after a few pages in the book, then begrudgingly understands. It’s important that people who are close to us understand what our dreams are too, to really understand us. 

The above points also go with Gabriel who is tied with his father’s manipulative and cunning nature. A champion at skateboarding, he’s won but at the cost of losing the one he loved, Isabelle. He only stays with his father as to save his younger brother but then understands that some sacrifices are not just sacrifices but a force against what we believe or love. 

And let’s not forget the very mushy but very electrifying moments between Isabelle and Gabriel. Hehe, we all gotta love em. Steamy, spicy and a bit comedic, they are moments which truly tie in with the book.

Things I would love to see: Probably more of Gabriel and Isabelle’s personality as this being a short book didn’t really let us see a lot in the book. 

Favourite Quote: “I should tell her that I loved her. That I still love her. That I wanted to come tearing across the world after her.”

My Rating: 4.5/5

Recommendation: Definitely recommend as it provides everything from loveable funny moments, to gain the freedom over ourselves and reach the stars with the person we love, breaking all expectations. 

Thank you all for reading. 

-J.B

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon: Revealed

Book Reviewed: Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Book Setting: 2015, Los Angeles, California, America
Genre: YA/Romance
Reviewer: Javelyn Bond
Other Books and Films adapted, of Nicola Yoon: The Sun is also a Star (Book), The Sun is also a Star (Film in 2019), Everything, Everything (Film 2017)

PS: Go watch the film everything everything guys, if you still haven’t seen it! I have yet to see the film (yeah I know I am a delayed train) but the trailer is pretty amazing (despite spoilers, watch out for them) so really, go watch it!

PPS: I might post the movie review as well. I don’t know if I will be able to, but let’s see. 

Summary (Official): “My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.”


Characters (A Simple Outline): 

The Whittier Family: 

Madeline: The only child of Mrs Whittier. A girl who is living at home with the disease SCID. She has never gone outside due to fear of dying to be allergic to the outside world. She lives with her mom and her nurse Carla.

Mrs Whittier: Mom to Madeline Whittier. A doctor and a mom, she cares for Madeline and her health and takes care of Madeline alongside the nurse, Carla.

Mr Whittier: Dad of Madeline Whittier. Husband to Mrs Whittier. Died alongside his son in a drunk truck driver’s mistake. 

Madeline’s brother: Child of Mr and Mrs Whittier. Dies alongside Mr Whittier due to a drunk truck driver’s mistake. 

The Bright Family (Irony at its finest): 

Olly (Oliver): Son to Mr and Mrs Bright, brother to Kara Bright. Is the boy who moves next door to the Whittier household. Is a sweet, charming, funny guy (I think he’s also a gymnast since he does crazy moves, oops spoiler…) and also has a troubled life.

Kara: Sister of Olly and daughter to Mr and Mrs Bright. Is often seen to smoke and the more determined one. 

Mr Bright: Husband to Mrs Bright, father to Olly and Kara. Is a drunk and abuser, he takes out his anger on his family when life does not go well for him. 

Mrs Bright: Wife to Mr Bright. Mother to Olly and Kara. Is a quiet, protective mother and wife, and will do anything to have a proper family, even take the side of her husband. 

Other: 

Carla: Is the nurse of Madeline Whittier. Has been taking care of Madeline since Madeline was 6 years old. Is often a second mother to Madeline when Madeline’s mom is busy at work.

Zach: Olly’s friend and a talented musician, helping Olly when needed.

Dr Melissa Francis: Was the doctor of Madeline’s when Madeline was in Hawaii and suffered some serious pain and had to go the hospital. Was the doctor to clarify everything for Madeline in the end.
Dr Chase: Is the doctor Madeline goes to after she finds out the truth about her disease, with the help of Carla, the nurse.

Mr Waterman: The architect teacher, who is often seen throughout the book. 

My Opinion: 

What I Liked: There was everything, everything in the book you could almost wish for when you read a YA novel. There was romance, betrayal, a chance to risk everything in order to gain everything by the harness and love from family and friends, being brave and to risk everything if you want to find the truth and redefine the moments of everything you wished for. 

As told through Madeline’s eyes, she is not a usual teenager. But then again, her circumstances don’t make her usual, either. She’s upbeat, cheerful, loveable, and sweet as well, by caring for her mom, her nurse and her overall life. But she does not shy away from a challenge when she first meets Olly who is Outside, whereas she is Inside. She is not afraid to reach out for tiny moments that are unlike her usual life moments, and she is also not afraid to love someone else as well, like Olly. She tries to adjust her life to her sort-of-new circumstances but she also discovers many things in the process, like her disease and what really is everything for her in life. She is not afraid to risk everything in order to gain the truth which makes her a model to people who would in normal circumstances shy away from the truth and of course there’s some loving, because what we all need now and then is loving and supporting people beside us in our tough moments, which we see with Madeline and her mom, Madeline and her nurse Carla, and of course Madeline and Olly. 

Truly, she is ready to risk everything in order to gain everything or even a tiny plate, just to live life far from the usual. 

And for us, we truly loved seeing a brave heroine like Madeline be an inspiration to us.

What I would have Liked to See: Well there is not a lot of suggesting or preferences I would have seen but a few do exist. Like there was not a lot of talk about what Madeline’s actual disease was and what effects existed. Another thing was explaining why her mom didn’t explain the facts of her brother and dad being dead and her part in being taken away to live for a disease she might not ever had. And I felt like maybe Olly and Madeline’s chemistry in the later chapters was focused on a lot, ignoring other aspects in the book, which was okay at first but then it felt like the entire book was centered on their romance. So maybe a little more explanation on Madeline’s mom and her reasons to keep Madeline from the world, Madeline’s disease to be explained a bit more perhaps, and a little less attention on Olly and Madeline’s chemistry (though I enjoyed it but still), I am only suggesting, that’s all. 

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommendation: I would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy YA, a bit of a heart-wrenching, and sappy romances in some cases. But yes, I wholeheartedly recommend as it has everything, everything to be found in a YA book that we all at some point would have loved to see in other YA books.

Thank you all for reading. 

-J.B

Blinding Night by Chantal Gadoury: Revealed

Book Reviewed: Blinding Night
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Book Setting: 2018, Athens, Greece
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Reviewer: Javelyn Bond
Other books by Chantal Gadoury: Allerleirauh, The Songs in our Hearts, Between the Sea and Stars, Seven Seeds of Summer

PS: This was an ARC copy given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Official): “Despite being an art history student, Summer isn’t thrilled to be stuck with her archeologist family all summer in Greece. While the rest of her college friends are posting a million selfies by the pool together, Summer is stuck alone, trying to entertain herself alone in a place where she doesn’t even speak the language.

Upon her arrival to Greece, strange dreams and even stranger shadows seem to haunt Summer, leaving her to ponder the meaning of pomegranate seeds and twisted, darkened faces.

Suddenly, her stay abroad leads to tragic twists, leaving Summer in the arms of a dark stranger, who claims to be the god, Hades, whom she feels like she knows from another life. In a whirlwind through the busy streets of Athens, Summer is seduced to the lowest point of Greece where Hades’ lair awaits…the Underworld. Determined to find out who she is and where she belongs in an age-old myth, Summer joins Hades to discover that the secrets about her past life are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.”

Characters (A Simple Outline):

The Mavros Family:

Summer: Only daughter of Mr and Mrs Mavros. The extrovert, the bold, and curious girl, is the main protagonist in our story. She is forced to a trip which at first is only archaeology but leads to several other wonders, wonders which are not of the normal.

Mr Mavros: Husband to Mrs Mavros and father to Summer Mavros. She is more close to him than her mother and regrets his unfortunate fate the most.

Mrs Mavros: Wife to Mr Mavros and mother to Summer Mavros. She is more controlling and strict as compared to her father and even assumed to be someone else in a Greek myth as told by Hades.

The Underworld:

Hades: God of death and goes by many names in the human world. He goes after Summer after a famous Greek myth.

PS: I seriously cannot remember the rest of the characters, sad fact, I know. Anyway let’s continue.

My Opinion:

What I Liked: I liked that there was greek mythology and a unique start with the story. Like I am an ancient history student, so I really enjoyed studying one of ancient mythology aspects being greek. And it was wonderful at first with the unique start, the fact that you get to see through Summer’s perspective as an adult what life really can be all about during vacation obviously. So really I got her point. And Hades entering, it was a sight. I mean he was a surprise and I really love surprises. He was a unique character expressed at his almost finest moments. And their chemistry was sizzling even for a few moments, but there was something there, I could definitely see.

Things I did not like: Now believe me, I really wanted to like this book, I really did. But there were some aspects which just drove me crazy. For example, I felt Summer’s emotions at some points in the book were really hard to understand, like they were all over the place. Then another thing was Hades and his friends. Most of the time I liked how they spent time together but sometimes I felt it was a bit too much. Like his friends were constantly in a place where Hades and Summer would be which was let’s just say, a bit irritating. Like, let the protagonists have some time to themselves! Ugh. Anyway, the flashbacks were also driving me a bit cuckoo as they were all over the place, which is kind of sad honestly.
Things I would like to see: Maybe keeping summer’s emotions a bit steady, the reason to get why hades is just so determined to get summer to be with him, apart from the said myth. And hades’s friends to maybe take a break in the corner, instead of crowding around Hades and Summer. And finally, to get a handle on those flashbacks or maybe a bit more insight perhaps into those flashbacks, like how hades would find all those girls. Just a few suggestions.

Rating: 3/5

Recommendation: Not wholeheartedly, but to those who can enjoy greek mythology or fantasy romances.

Thank you all for reading.

-J.B

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen: Revealed

Book Reviewed: Saint Anything
Author: Sarah Dessen
Book Setting: 2015, North Carolina
Genre: Teen Fiction
Reviewer: Javelyn Bond
Other Books by Sarah Dessen: Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You, Along for the Ride, Dreamland, Lock and Key, What Happened to Goodbye, That Summer, The Truth About Forever, Once and For All, Keeping the Moon, The Moon and More, Infinity, Last Chance.

Summary: “Peyton, Sydney’s charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion’s share of their parents’ attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton’s increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident? Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.”

Characters (Simple Outline):

Stanford Family: 

Sydney: The younger sibling and sister to her brother Peyton. The quiet, alone, brooding type who often wonders about other things besides herself. Cares about others but has a hard time to accept compliments and general affection and understanding. 

Peyton: The older child in the family and brother to Sydney. Young, reckless and charming, Peyton had it all. But after a drunk driving accident, he is sent to jail, leaving his sister Sydney to deal with the aftermath.

Sydney’s Mother and Father: Parents of the Stanford siblings. They care mostly after the older child Peyton and after Peyton goes to jail, their attention is turned even further toward Peyton, giving occasional scraps of care to Sydney, and leaving her to explore and understand herself alone.

Chatham Family: 

Mac: Full name: Macaulay Chatham. The oldest child in the family. Brother to younger sisters Layla and Rosie. Friends with Irv, Sydney, Eric. Quiet, brooding, yet intelligent, he is often seen running the pizza place near his and Sydney’s high school Jackson High. Often helpful and understanding to his family and Sydney. Takes care of mother Mrs Chatham alongside siblings.

Layla: Younger sibling in Chatham Family. Sister to Mac and Rosie. Friends with Sydney. Also attends Jackson High. Is very eccentric about eating her fries. Loves Yum Yums. Is fun loving, can never date the right guy after her breakup with previous boyfriend. Also cares and helps Mrs Chatham and Sydney.

Rosie: Younger sibling in Chatham Family. Sister to Mac and Layla. Acquaintance with Sydney. Is on tour with her other friends. Cold but helpful with Mrs Chatham. 

Mrs Chatham: The wheel of the family. Children: Mac, Layla, Rosie. Husband: Mr Chatham. Suffers from MS. Often a second mother to Sydney and gives her helpful advice. Is mostly happy at home watching tv, “not trusting technology to record my tv shows.”

Mr Chatham: Owner of the pizza place near Jackson High. Is husband to Mrs Chatham and father to children Mac, Layla, Rosie. 



Other:

David Ibarra: Is the boy in the accident, severing his spine and in a wheelchair. 

Ames: Is Peyton’s friend. And friends with the Stanford family.

Janet: Is Sydney’s friend from previous high school: Perkins Day. Is very intelligent and often thinks before making a decision. Is also friends with Meredith and Margaret. 

Meredith: Is Sydney and Janet’s friend. Studies at Perkins Day. Is very fit and cares more about being sporty. 

Eric: Friends with Mac, Sydney. In a band with Mac, Layla, Irv.

Irv: Friends with Sydney, Mac, Layla, Eric. In a band with Mac, Sydney, Layla, Eric. 

Margaret: Friends with Janet and Meredith. Enemies with Sydney.

My Opinion:

What I Liked: There was a lot of realism in the book, what with dealing with the aftermath of oldest child Peyton’s accident and getting sent to jail, parents overlooking Sydney and her growing up, giving all attention to the sibling in jail. You can feel that things little or even major often shift the whole axis of someone’s viewpoint and need time to refocus. Which we see happening by the end of the book. And often feeling alone because of circumstances, not able to change anything. Stuck in a place of their own, trust broken completely. Those are the things we often feel more than anything when we don’t get the love or attention deserved. 

Teen love is also shown, though it’s a bit slow-paced in the book. 
After trying for years to get her parents’ attention, Sydney decides to recreate her life again. Which is often a bit risky and faltering but possible as an option. There she meets the Chatham family, after moving from previous high school. In the Chatham family, she gets more close with Mac, as she realizes with passage of time, how similar both teens are. Both are often underestimated, or undermined for the future. With this realization, they get closer to each other, and help one another out.

I liked the teen love idea and discovering ourselves written in the story. We often feel in our society and at our age, that there is no one to understand us. No one to support us or make us feel complete in our thoughts, beliefs. Our parents are far away to connect and understand. We all feel vulnerable, unable to hold the string of trust with another person. And loving someone, it feels like crossing Mount Everest. And I can place myself in Sydney’s shoes. I mean at 17 (an impressionable age) she has to deal with her (sort-of) role model going to jail and fighting for her parents’ attention. It could be hard on anybody, but especially hard for a teen.

But finding the right person to love, care and cherish often takes time and patience. Which Mac and Sydney do. They don’t automatically fall in love, they don’t automatically have sizzling chemistry. They get to learn more about each other, love each other’s flaws, make the other person feel alive and to cherish them forever. 

This quote would definitely explain and be the song of their relationship:

“You had a shirt with mushrooms on it, and your hair was pulled back. Silver earrings. Pepperoni slice. No lollipop. The first time you came into Seaside. You weren’t invisible, not to me. Just so you know.”

Such a simple quote. But love can be simple and endless like time. 

You can’t help but love this book honestly.

Things I Would Love To See: As readers, we didn’t really get to see any legal action being taken for Ames after he almost assaulted Sydney. No jail time, not even a detention center. This topic of Ames being thrown in jail for assaulting Sydney has been discussed with other reviewers and readers alike. And we’d all like to know why we didn’t get a closure in regards to Ames or anyone (in Ames’s position) not going to jail or detention camp for such a serious offence. This book or any other book in YA genre is read by a lot of teens and the one thing that teens want closure on is getting the bad guy in jail for the things the guy did. I mean this is just saying that “hey psychos, you guys are allowed to do whatever you please.”

Not a good idea at all to leave it at that. I am not being harsh I promise but honestly I would have liked closure. As an author and a person leaving a message, you should leave one that is suitable and clear enough to connect and help the readers relate. Sometimes these things are seen as materialistic or too small. 

But even for a little thing, an impact can be huge.

My Rating: 4.5/5

Recommendation?: Definitely a strong recommendation. Even if we got nothing on Ames, this book was still the essence which can breathe fresh air into our lungs and let us feel alive with realism, teen love, and discovering oneself. 

Thank you all for reading.