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ell_jay_em7's review against another edition
2.0
These stories had a weirdly high prevalence of people in relationships with underage partners and it weirded me out.
thejoyofbooking's review against another edition
4.0
This charming collection of essays relives the heady joy, the awful nervousness, and the gentle maturation of crushes and first love. In the double baker’s dozen, there are crushes unspoken and unrequited, clumsy attempts at leaving the “friend zone”, skillful attempts at leaving the “friend zone”, and an honest-to-goodness first love meant-to-be marriage. As with most crushes, the stories are somewhat selfish and navel-gazing, idolizing someone to the point of completely ignoring who they really are.
Walking through strangers’ stories of love, longing, and heartbreak, I was treated to my own memories – the untouchable golden boy who broke my heart when he started dating the head cheerleader, even though I’d never so much as spoken to him; the Nice Guy whose heart I broke (on the same day his dog died!); the bad boy who officially shattered my heart; the loves that came and went and the one that stayed. Love, especially as a teenager, feels so unique, so intense, that it’s impossible anyone else on earth has ever experienced anything remotely similar. Yet here were these people describing my feelings!
My favorite essay is “Uncle Greg, a Giant Chicken, and the Murderous Pottery Wheel,” wherein the author contacts the object of a college crush to get his side of their one date, and discovers that their memories of the experience are so wildly different they are hard to reconcile as having happened at the same time. Worse, she discovers that his memories in general of her are a far cry from how she remembers herself, and while it’s no harm, no foul all these years later, the crush points out, “the discrepancies in our points of view make a great study of how people create tailored realities in their minds based on very little information — about other people, their intentions, how they feel.” With a jolt, I realized that those crushes I was fondly thinking back on might be told as completely different stories by the objects of that affection!
A number of the essays take on the irony of the word “crush” to describe infatuation, when it could more accurately describe the feeling when that infatuation isn’t returned. A few others talk about the bizarre experience of liking someone – like liking them — and being absolutely petrified that they would find out. As if keeping it a secret could somehow make all your dreams come true!
My favorite line from the book comes from a story in the form of a mixtape: “You have to have a crush on your spouse. You must feel as though you can’t believe your luck that this person, your ultimate crush, feels exactly the same way.” I hope that I will believe in my childrens’ crushes and not toss them away like so much puppy love – but this is the message that I really want them to take home. Find someone on whom you can have an ongoing, extended crush – and who will crush on you in return — and you’ll be happy all the days of your life.
Source: Free copy from the editor, no obligation to review
Walking through strangers’ stories of love, longing, and heartbreak, I was treated to my own memories – the untouchable golden boy who broke my heart when he started dating the head cheerleader, even though I’d never so much as spoken to him; the Nice Guy whose heart I broke (on the same day his dog died!); the bad boy who officially shattered my heart; the loves that came and went and the one that stayed. Love, especially as a teenager, feels so unique, so intense, that it’s impossible anyone else on earth has ever experienced anything remotely similar. Yet here were these people describing my feelings!
My favorite essay is “Uncle Greg, a Giant Chicken, and the Murderous Pottery Wheel,” wherein the author contacts the object of a college crush to get his side of their one date, and discovers that their memories of the experience are so wildly different they are hard to reconcile as having happened at the same time. Worse, she discovers that his memories in general of her are a far cry from how she remembers herself, and while it’s no harm, no foul all these years later, the crush points out, “the discrepancies in our points of view make a great study of how people create tailored realities in their minds based on very little information — about other people, their intentions, how they feel.” With a jolt, I realized that those crushes I was fondly thinking back on might be told as completely different stories by the objects of that affection!
A number of the essays take on the irony of the word “crush” to describe infatuation, when it could more accurately describe the feeling when that infatuation isn’t returned. A few others talk about the bizarre experience of liking someone – like liking them — and being absolutely petrified that they would find out. As if keeping it a secret could somehow make all your dreams come true!
My favorite line from the book comes from a story in the form of a mixtape: “You have to have a crush on your spouse. You must feel as though you can’t believe your luck that this person, your ultimate crush, feels exactly the same way.” I hope that I will believe in my childrens’ crushes and not toss them away like so much puppy love – but this is the message that I really want them to take home. Find someone on whom you can have an ongoing, extended crush – and who will crush on you in return — and you’ll be happy all the days of your life.
Source: Free copy from the editor, no obligation to review
jeneexo's review against another edition
5.0
Really really lovely book. So many great stories. I loved knowing that they were real. It made me feel hopeful about a lot of things.
bethreadsandnaps's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't heard of most of the authors in this collection so when I ran across an author name I recognized, I found it delightful to learn more about her past.
When you read a collection of short stories by various authors, not all will resonate with you. That sentiment is true in this collection. Still, a fun read.
When you read a collection of short stories by various authors, not all will resonate with you. That sentiment is true in this collection. Still, a fun read.
karak's review against another edition
4.0
Quick essays from various writers on who their first crush was. Some were more easy to relate to than others, but overall, it was a good read. Everyone remembers their first crush, hopefully fondly!
abetterbradley's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up for the David Levithan essay but stayed for the bittersweet collection of biographical essays concerning crushes and how they affected the writer.
lbw's review
4.0
I enjoyed finding out how all the contributors interpreted the ideas "crush" and "first love." This book was delightful.
themaddiest's review
3.0
In this collection of short stories from editor Andrea Richesin, 26 authors revisit their own lives to tell a story about the first time that they fell in love. Readers looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane back to their teenage bedrooms and high schools and summers will find a kindred spirit in this book about first love and first heartbreak. These stories examine what it means to fall in love, have a crush, and be crushed by love.
This anthology of short stories from some very notable authors is funny, sad, and compelling. What’s great about an anthology like this is that each author has a distinctive voice made even more unique by the fact that they are writing about their own life. Each story about first love or first crush offers a great deal of insight into the individual author, but each of these stories also has something universal to offer. Everyone falls in love or can remember the bittersweet feeling of a first crush, and therefore there is something present in each of these stories to connect with.
Although all of the stories in the anthology are good in their own right, there were several that stood out for me in particular. Daria Snadowsky’s story about falling in love with Sir Anthony Hopkins (yes, the actor) and writing to him was funny and a little heartbreaking. The concept of a celebrity crush gets explored fully in her story, and it’s something that I can absolutely relate to (although I never wrote him a letter, I was convinced that I was going to marry Taylor Hanson for the better part of junior high).
There is nothing more consuming than that first love, and these authors capture the feelings and emotions that come along with that momentous event in a person’s life. This anthology is full of unique stories about first love that still remain universal. It’s a book that can be read in one sitting or can be read slowly, one story at a time, over a period of time.
Other stories of particular note are by Jacquelyn Mitchard, Lauren Oliver, and David Levithan. Each one is great in its own right, offering insight into what it means to fall in love and why we subject ourselves to it. Fans of YA might be particularly interested in this anthology because of its focus on young love. Recommended.
Crush hits bookshelves on May 24, 2011.
Crush: 26 Real-Life Tales of First Love by Andrea Richesin et al. Harlequin: 2011. Electronic galley accepted for review.
This anthology of short stories from some very notable authors is funny, sad, and compelling. What’s great about an anthology like this is that each author has a distinctive voice made even more unique by the fact that they are writing about their own life. Each story about first love or first crush offers a great deal of insight into the individual author, but each of these stories also has something universal to offer. Everyone falls in love or can remember the bittersweet feeling of a first crush, and therefore there is something present in each of these stories to connect with.
Although all of the stories in the anthology are good in their own right, there were several that stood out for me in particular. Daria Snadowsky’s story about falling in love with Sir Anthony Hopkins (yes, the actor) and writing to him was funny and a little heartbreaking. The concept of a celebrity crush gets explored fully in her story, and it’s something that I can absolutely relate to (although I never wrote him a letter, I was convinced that I was going to marry Taylor Hanson for the better part of junior high).
There is nothing more consuming than that first love, and these authors capture the feelings and emotions that come along with that momentous event in a person’s life. This anthology is full of unique stories about first love that still remain universal. It’s a book that can be read in one sitting or can be read slowly, one story at a time, over a period of time.
Other stories of particular note are by Jacquelyn Mitchard, Lauren Oliver, and David Levithan. Each one is great in its own right, offering insight into what it means to fall in love and why we subject ourselves to it. Fans of YA might be particularly interested in this anthology because of its focus on young love. Recommended.
Crush hits bookshelves on May 24, 2011.
Crush: 26 Real-Life Tales of First Love by Andrea Richesin et al. Harlequin: 2011. Electronic galley accepted for review.
mgt48's review
5.0
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While reading Crush:26 Real-Life Tales of First Love the anthology about crushes-obviously- by Andrea n. Richesin I felt nostalgic for something that I feel like I have no right to feel nostalgic for. I make it quite plain all the time that I’m not a fan of the cheesy commercialize version of love. Or sappy Romantic Comedies were the girl always gets her guy or vice versa,I like love stories that have a twist maybe that why I enjoyed Crush so much
I honestly don't believe I’ve ever been in love with anyone other then family or with friends where everything was completely platonic. While reading Crush I wished that I had though,throughout this book I kept thinking back to my previous crushes and smiling or most oftenly sighing at what could have happened if I wasn't so shy. The book is compromised of 26 essays/stories of authors first loves/crushes. Some were pretty interesting while others not so much. They all though are about sharing a personal story about a moment that changed them forever.
Some of the stories were sweet and fun as seen in Laured Oliver's story,then there was some slightly obsessive love for a celebrity “To Sir Anthony,With Love”and even some borderline obsessive stalker behavior in the “Uncle” Greg story by Heather Swain which made me laugh out loud the whole time. It also was interesting to see how the perspective of a story changed and meant two completely different thing when retold.
My favorite story would have to be “The Boy in the White VW Bug” which made me smile the whole time. Then there was When it was all Brand by Rebecca Walker her story was raw honest and compelling I thought about days after reading. Another story that I thought about days after and reread was “What I Kept” by Jacquelyn M told the story of a pure young love that I doubt is still in existence any more and that makes me sad because her story is heart-warming and I wish people where still like that. Each story deserves a different rating but as a whole Crush is wonderful and will fill you with nostalgia and longing for your first love/crush.5/5
While reading Crush:26 Real-Life Tales of First Love the anthology about crushes-obviously- by Andrea n. Richesin I felt nostalgic for something that I feel like I have no right to feel nostalgic for. I make it quite plain all the time that I’m not a fan of the cheesy commercialize version of love. Or sappy Romantic Comedies were the girl always gets her guy or vice versa,I like love stories that have a twist maybe that why I enjoyed Crush so much
I honestly don't believe I’ve ever been in love with anyone other then family or with friends where everything was completely platonic. While reading Crush I wished that I had though,throughout this book I kept thinking back to my previous crushes and smiling or most oftenly sighing at what could have happened if I wasn't so shy. The book is compromised of 26 essays/stories of authors first loves/crushes. Some were pretty interesting while others not so much. They all though are about sharing a personal story about a moment that changed them forever.
Some of the stories were sweet and fun as seen in Laured Oliver's story,then there was some slightly obsessive love for a celebrity “To Sir Anthony,With Love”and even some borderline obsessive stalker behavior in the “Uncle” Greg story by Heather Swain which made me laugh out loud the whole time. It also was interesting to see how the perspective of a story changed and meant two completely different thing when retold.
My favorite story would have to be “The Boy in the White VW Bug” which made me smile the whole time. Then there was When it was all Brand by Rebecca Walker her story was raw honest and compelling I thought about days after reading. Another story that I thought about days after and reread was “What I Kept” by Jacquelyn M told the story of a pure young love that I doubt is still in existence any more and that makes me sad because her story is heart-warming and I wish people where still like that. Each story deserves a different rating but as a whole Crush is wonderful and will fill you with nostalgia and longing for your first love/crush.5/5
christiana's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this collection of essays on crushes. Although there is a little bit of overlap (a couple people had summer vacation flings at 19 or some variation of that), but I was actually really surprised at all the different avenues a first crush could take: obsession with a celebrity, starter marriage, the idea that a crush means saying no to other options. I really liked it and found myself wanting to talk to other people about it, even if it meant explaining the entire essay first.
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