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alexalovesbooks's review
3.0
(Review was originally posted on Alexa Loves Books)
This book was definitely not what I was expecting it to be - and I believe that to be a good thing. Instead of just being your normal YA romance fluff, I thought that the author did a brilliant job making the story realistic and relatable, all while tackling some major issues.
One of the main reasons I enjoyed reading the book was because of the main character, Chaz. I thought she was wickedly funny, incredibly sarcastic, pretty darn smart and just amusing overall. Her strong personality is showcased throughout the entire book and I enjoyed getting to know her. She's the type of girl I always aspired to be back when I was still in school - and living vicariously through her adventures in this novel is just as fun.
I like observing Chaz' relationships with everyone - her best friend Sadie, Sebastian and her parents. There were interesting aspects to each, that I could thoroughly relate to. The way Downing portrays each is brilliantly woven into the storyline - she really doesn't just tell us, she shows us instead.
Though the book was summarized about being about sex, I believe that it's more than just that. It really digs deep into the whole relationship thing. We see various scenarios being enacted out (quite realistically, I might add) and the responses to them. I think it was an interesting take on sex and all that comes with it when you're still a teen.
All in all, it was well worth the read.
This book was definitely not what I was expecting it to be - and I believe that to be a good thing. Instead of just being your normal YA romance fluff, I thought that the author did a brilliant job making the story realistic and relatable, all while tackling some major issues.
One of the main reasons I enjoyed reading the book was because of the main character, Chaz. I thought she was wickedly funny, incredibly sarcastic, pretty darn smart and just amusing overall. Her strong personality is showcased throughout the entire book and I enjoyed getting to know her. She's the type of girl I always aspired to be back when I was still in school - and living vicariously through her adventures in this novel is just as fun.
I like observing Chaz' relationships with everyone - her best friend Sadie, Sebastian and her parents. There were interesting aspects to each, that I could thoroughly relate to. The way Downing portrays each is brilliantly woven into the storyline - she really doesn't just tell us, she shows us instead.
Though the book was summarized about being about sex, I believe that it's more than just that. It really digs deep into the whole relationship thing. We see various scenarios being enacted out (quite realistically, I might add) and the responses to them. I think it was an interesting take on sex and all that comes with it when you're still a teen.
All in all, it was well worth the read.
snarkywench's review
3.0
Kiss It was a bit of a surprise - you start reading expecting the normal contemporary YA romance path and get something racier. Chastity is an intelligent senior who's unsure of her future direction but is definite in her need to establish a sex life for herself. She's stuck in her wintery hometown where nothing is ever surprising while a stream of issues keep raising their heads. All Chaz wants is a good lay and that proves to be more challenging than one would expect.
Subject matter-wise this novel will be a problematic read for those that object to teen sex and swearing but it does have a heart to accompany its pounding libido. It offers a different perspective to the many (sometimes didactic) wait until love or marriage position we often see. However this position is represented in the protagonist's best friend. They have completely different stances in their life choices but support one another irregardless. Like most teens its a lot of talk and only a little action but that is still more than what would be found in most YA. Despite some sexual content, at its centre this book is more conventional that one would judge on face value. Instead of pushing the idea of abstinence, it subtlety addresses choice, birth control and self-worth.
The central story of Chaz's need for some action works well to highlight her emotional growth as she peruses her boy options. It is quite entertaining (and a little disturbing) to see her rationalise her actions, her treatment of Hunter and her feelings for Sebastian. At times Downing presents her protagonist as playing the guy - picking and choosing what she wants from those that are interested by her. This storyline flows well in terms of introducing a host of characters (some of which could have been sketched in further) and keeping the protagonist on their toes. However, the two minor stories - both of which I won't spoil - are intriguing. One is telegraphed strongly from the beginning, the other comes out of nowhere and doesn't hit its momentum as hard as it might. That being said, Downing tackles far more in terms of issues than you initially realise.
There's humour, pathos and a lot of sex talk- the latter might scare those who don't wish to acknowledge that female teens have urges and aren't always at the sexual whim of teen males. I found it quite illuminating and empowering to follow Chaz' self discovery and drew a deep breath of Downing's blast of fresh air.
Kiss It is following the lead of Judy Blume's Forever presenting a story where a girl makes informed decisions about her sex life in a responsible manner. Forever was written 34 years ago and its content is still considered to be risque, Kiss It will be in the same boat but what a glorious boat to be in. Kiss It is not a brand new, extraordinary take on contemporary YA but it does provide a fresh perspective with a candid look at sex, friendship and blizzard boredom. I find that brave and it's definitely a perspective we should be supporting and encouraging.
Subject matter-wise this novel will be a problematic read for those that object to teen sex and swearing but it does have a heart to accompany its pounding libido. It offers a different perspective to the many (sometimes didactic) wait until love or marriage position we often see. However this position is represented in the protagonist's best friend. They have completely different stances in their life choices but support one another irregardless. Like most teens its a lot of talk and only a little action but that is still more than what would be found in most YA. Despite some sexual content, at its centre this book is more conventional that one would judge on face value. Instead of pushing the idea of abstinence, it subtlety addresses choice, birth control and self-worth.
The central story of Chaz's need for some action works well to highlight her emotional growth as she peruses her boy options. It is quite entertaining (and a little disturbing) to see her rationalise her actions, her treatment of Hunter and her feelings for Sebastian. At times Downing presents her protagonist as playing the guy - picking and choosing what she wants from those that are interested by her. This storyline flows well in terms of introducing a host of characters (some of which could have been sketched in further) and keeping the protagonist on their toes. However, the two minor stories - both of which I won't spoil - are intriguing. One is telegraphed strongly from the beginning, the other comes out of nowhere and doesn't hit its momentum as hard as it might. That being said, Downing tackles far more in terms of issues than you initially realise.
There's humour, pathos and a lot of sex talk- the latter might scare those who don't wish to acknowledge that female teens have urges and aren't always at the sexual whim of teen males. I found it quite illuminating and empowering to follow Chaz' self discovery and drew a deep breath of Downing's blast of fresh air.
Kiss It is following the lead of Judy Blume's Forever presenting a story where a girl makes informed decisions about her sex life in a responsible manner. Forever was written 34 years ago and its content is still considered to be risque, Kiss It will be in the same boat but what a glorious boat to be in. Kiss It is not a brand new, extraordinary take on contemporary YA but it does provide a fresh perspective with a candid look at sex, friendship and blizzard boredom. I find that brave and it's definitely a perspective we should be supporting and encouraging.
melissayabookshelf's review
4.0
I thought this book was going to be all risque, but though it is a little more steamy than all of the YA novels I've read so far, it's so much more than that.
I really enjoyed Chaz's character and the twists and turns in the plot made it truly enjoyable. :)
I really enjoyed Chaz's character and the twists and turns in the plot made it truly enjoyable. :)
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