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kvreadsandrecs's review against another edition
2.0
This book was so incredibly stupid. Unbelievable. But I might just be miffed because I got the wrong book...
lauroberge's review against another edition
4.0
What an amazing YA! I've read a good amount of books from that genre by now, but some of them still truly impress me, and this novel was one of those!
The first aspect of this book that charmed me was the fact that it's so easy to relate to, especially for bookworms. In this novel, Maddie has extremely high standards because of all the movies she's seen, which all have perfect gentlemen in them. Is anyone here familiar with this? I am, but because of books. Since I can relate to Maddie very much when it comes to relationships, I learned quite a few pieces of advice from this novel.
I also loved the importance of theatre in this novel, since I'm a sucker for quirky hobbies and characters who are passionate about them. I actually don't know anything about acting, musicals or classic movies, but it was very interesting to learn about all of them, especially since Maddie has such big dreams created around them. If anything, I think there could have been a bigger place for Maddie's passion of acting in this novel, because it really gives the book a different style than most YAs.
A big part of the novel is centered around Maddie's relationship with Jesse - who is absolutely swoon-worthy, by the way, whether you like dancers or not. I loved how they grow closer and closer as time flies, because it's much more realistic than love at first sight. Their relationship suffers from Maddie's high standards and prejudices, but I have to admit that I shared her opinion more than once, maybe because we're a bit similar. I was very pleased with the ending, even though I didn't expect it to end that way.
Obviously, this book isn't perfect, but as far as YA novels go, I'd say that it's a pretty good one. Highly recommended!
The first aspect of this book that charmed me was the fact that it's so easy to relate to, especially for bookworms. In this novel, Maddie has extremely high standards because of all the movies she's seen, which all have perfect gentlemen in them. Is anyone here familiar with this? I am, but because of books. Since I can relate to Maddie very much when it comes to relationships, I learned quite a few pieces of advice from this novel.
I also loved the importance of theatre in this novel, since I'm a sucker for quirky hobbies and characters who are passionate about them. I actually don't know anything about acting, musicals or classic movies, but it was very interesting to learn about all of them, especially since Maddie has such big dreams created around them. If anything, I think there could have been a bigger place for Maddie's passion of acting in this novel, because it really gives the book a different style than most YAs.
A big part of the novel is centered around Maddie's relationship with Jesse - who is absolutely swoon-worthy, by the way, whether you like dancers or not. I loved how they grow closer and closer as time flies, because it's much more realistic than love at first sight. Their relationship suffers from Maddie's high standards and prejudices, but I have to admit that I shared her opinion more than once, maybe because we're a bit similar. I was very pleased with the ending, even though I didn't expect it to end that way.
Obviously, this book isn't perfect, but as far as YA novels go, I'd say that it's a pretty good one. Highly recommended!
ava_reads12's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
theartolater's review against another edition
4.0
Closer to a 3.5.
I'm always surprised that YA books don't push the theater/performing arts nerd angles more. We've seen a few published over the last 18 months, but, having been a theater and chorus geek myself, it's fertile ground for a lot of the sorts of love triangles and situations in play with groups like those. What You Always Wanted mines that cavern a bit and mostly works as a fluffy teen romance that is reminiscent of those times, but lacks the weight it could have had.
In this tale, Maddie is obsessed with old movie stars and is now in a new school. She's carpooling with one of the stars of the baseball team, but that's not usually the guy she goes for. At least it isn't until she learns about his secret performing past, which changes the entire game and makes her wonder if she can change him.
That key plot point is where the story kind of falls apart for me. It's a fun airy romance and then takes the sort of turn where you feel like it's okay to try and mold someone into the type of person you want them to be as opposed to accepting good people for what they are. It's not a great message in a genre (teen romance) light on substance, and that concerned me.
With that said, looking past that one flaw, it's a fun and fast read. It's unlikely to change anyone's life, but that's not really the point, either. It's candy for the teen performer set, and that's extremely valid in and of itself. Recommended for kids looking for characters that represent their interests, for sure.
I'm always surprised that YA books don't push the theater/performing arts nerd angles more. We've seen a few published over the last 18 months, but, having been a theater and chorus geek myself, it's fertile ground for a lot of the sorts of love triangles and situations in play with groups like those. What You Always Wanted mines that cavern a bit and mostly works as a fluffy teen romance that is reminiscent of those times, but lacks the weight it could have had.
In this tale, Maddie is obsessed with old movie stars and is now in a new school. She's carpooling with one of the stars of the baseball team, but that's not usually the guy she goes for. At least it isn't until she learns about his secret performing past, which changes the entire game and makes her wonder if she can change him.
That key plot point is where the story kind of falls apart for me. It's a fun airy romance and then takes the sort of turn where you feel like it's okay to try and mold someone into the type of person you want them to be as opposed to accepting good people for what they are. It's not a great message in a genre (teen romance) light on substance, and that concerned me.
With that said, looking past that one flaw, it's a fun and fast read. It's unlikely to change anyone's life, but that's not really the point, either. It's candy for the teen performer set, and that's extremely valid in and of itself. Recommended for kids looking for characters that represent their interests, for sure.
sandiereads's review against another edition
2.0
I would've liked this romantic comedy a lot better if the representation of Latin@ culture hadn't been so "off." I appreciated that the author included a scene in which a casually racist customer thinks Jesse looks "just like" his lawn guy, but I was surprised that instead of using Latino/a or Mexican, she kept saying "Latin" which isn't really used anymore except for cuisine. I also thought it was weird that Maddie would mention her dad's best friend being from "South America somewhere" instead of an actual place, as if all the countries are interchangeable. These might seem like tiny issues to some, but to me, they took me out of the otherwise cute story and proved problematic.
lindseyjo's review against another edition
5.0
Delightfully adorable, and just my kinda story. Definitely YA/teen, but I can see myself re-reading and enjoying just as much in the future; perfect escapism vehicle!
brookiecowles's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my gosh, adorable! And it has all my favorite subjects: baseball, theater, and Gene Kelly! I loved it.
wistyallgood's review against another edition
5.0
When I first read the synopsis of this book, I freaked out . Words cannot describe my love for Gene Kelly. I've grown up watching all of his movies with my mom-he's basically the main topic of conversation, since my mom is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to actors/singers from his time. But seriously, he was my first celebrity crush. As a little kid watching On the Town for the first time, I was fixated on him the whole time; his dancer's body, that voice, that face! Oh my gosh, the swoons were real. The swoons were real. My mom and I still traditionally watch Gene Kelly movies together- we should did a millionth rewatch of An American in Paris . We also just recorded Brigadoon , which I haven't ever seen, so that'll be fun.
Anywho, point is, for me to read the summary of a YA book that has a main character obsessed with Gene Kelly is by far the most excited I've ever been. Well, maybe not, but pretty close.
The book itself EXCEEDED my expectations. Maddie was an awesome narrator. She was pretty fearless but also sometimes made mistakes and did stupid things, so basically, she was a refreshingly normal character to read about. I really cheered her on when she did something different or stood up for herself or a friend. (When she owned Rica during their first meeting, I whooped out loud. When she met Jesse for the first time and jokingly acted like they knew each other, I grinned ruefully.)
I really liked the theater aspect, the progression of Maddie's relationship with her family and her new friends. The romance was adorable- never thought I'd find baseball attractive, but now I must say that I do.
Of course, the poetic waxings about Gene Kelly (with a mention here and there of other actors, like my baby Jimmy Stewart!) were possibly the main highlight of this book. Maddie's love of old movies in general spoke to me on a spiritual level! (Though I don't quite understand why Summerstock is her favorite Gene movie...)
Then, towards the end, with Maddie's birthday party, and the talent show , I could NOT stop smiling. The book left me with such a light and happy feeling.
I even called up my mom after finishing to gush about this ode to Gene Kelly, and she is now currently reading this book and loving it!
Essentially, this light ball of fluff was a highlight of my reading year. Basically, an ideal book for me. I seriously can't get over this. I might purchase this book so I can reread it every day for the rest of my life.
Anywho, point is, for me to read the summary of a YA book that has a main character obsessed with Gene Kelly is by far the most excited I've ever been. Well, maybe not, but pretty close.
The book itself EXCEEDED my expectations. Maddie was an awesome narrator. She was pretty fearless but also sometimes made mistakes and did stupid things, so basically, she was a refreshingly normal character to read about. I really cheered her on when she did something different or stood up for herself or a friend. (When she owned Rica during their first meeting, I whooped out loud. When she met Jesse for the first time and jokingly acted like they knew each other, I grinned ruefully.)
I really liked the theater aspect, the progression of Maddie's relationship with her family and her new friends. The romance was adorable- never thought I'd find baseball attractive, but now I must say that I do.
Of course, the poetic waxings about Gene Kelly (with a mention here and there of other actors, like my baby Jimmy Stewart!) were possibly the main highlight of this book. Maddie's love of old movies in general spoke to me on a spiritual level! (Though I don't quite understand why Summerstock is her favorite Gene movie...)
Then, towards the end, with Maddie's birthday party
Spoiler
Mr. Hotness Jesse actually planned a theatrical showing of Singin' in the Rain because Maddie had once mentioned that she'd never get to see her favorite movie on the big screen, and I actually teared up and died of happiness for Maddie during that scene.Spoiler
Maddie and her crew did amazing, but even more so, JESSE PERFORMING MADDIE'S FAVORITE GENE KELLY TAP SCENE FROM SUMMERSTOCK was the best moment of my lifeI even called up my mom after finishing to gush about this ode to Gene Kelly, and she is now currently reading this book and loving it!
Essentially, this light ball of fluff was a highlight of my reading year. Basically, an ideal book for me. I seriously can't get over this. I might purchase this book so I can reread it every day for the rest of my life.
lelebird7's review against another edition
4.0
I think I would really give this book a 4.5. I thought it was really good... It had a good plot and great characters. I thing I just got a TAD annoyed about was that I felt the author continually repeated this one detail in the book about a character. Over and over again. And the entire time I just wanted to smack my head and tell the main characters WHAT THEY WERE DOING WRONG! (Kinda like with Katniss from The Hunger Games, only on a much smaller scale) Now I don't want to spoil anything for new readers, but I feel like if you read this book, you will be able to pick up on what I'm trying to say.
lenni_loves_literature's review against another edition
3.0
First of all, if you don’t like cheesy, this isn’t for you. I cannot tell you just how cheesy this book was; you’d have to read it yourself. Also, the main character was a bit of an oddball(a love able oddball, but an oddball nonetheless).
Congratulations! You are reading this right now because you are okay with cheesy books! Besides being totally overdone, this book was weird. Some scenes were just SO CRAZY!!! But, it gets better as the book progresses. In fact, the book and characters gradually become more endearing and adorable. A lot of the romantic scenes were super cute.
I must warn you: the cheese factor in this book may make it seem like the book is for fifth graders, but it used a lot of terminology that may be just a tad inappropriate for a 5th grader.
Once you get into this book, you begin to love it and you feel everything the characters feel. I felt heartbroken when Maddie did and excited when she did, too. I had fun with this book and I recommend it to fans of Suzanne Nelson’s series that’s all good themed.
Congratulations! You are reading this right now because you are okay with cheesy books! Besides being totally overdone, this book was weird. Some scenes were just SO CRAZY!!! But, it gets better as the book progresses. In fact, the book and characters gradually become more endearing and adorable. A lot of the romantic scenes were super cute.
I must warn you: the cheese factor in this book may make it seem like the book is for fifth graders, but it used a lot of terminology that may be just a tad inappropriate for a 5th grader.
Once you get into this book, you begin to love it and you feel everything the characters feel. I felt heartbroken when Maddie did and excited when she did, too. I had fun with this book and I recommend it to fans of Suzanne Nelson’s series that’s all good themed.