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nickymaund's review
2.0
The premise of this really appealed to me - a YA story in a picture perfect setting when all is not as perfect as it once may seem.
It was quite refreshing coming across the “it” girl that turns away from their social and societal norms and expectations. You really can see how stifling it was becoming for Angela. This is a coming of age/voyage of discovery with a bit of mystery thrown as Angela, following her rekindled friendship with Owen, learns the truth about Westview’s (and by default her family’s) history.
Unfortunately I didn’t warm to Angela at all - particularly given her knowledge of the effect keeping can have on those involved, and her insistence of keeping more secrets. I also didn’t agree with some of her choices after stepping away from the fakeness of her life - which then caused the dynamics to flip so that Owen became the fake one, which I really didn’t like. This also felt a little stretched out and overly long for me.
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⚠️Content warnings and potential spoilers: references to alcohol misuse, bereavement and the effects on those affected. ⚠️
It was quite refreshing coming across the “it” girl that turns away from their social and societal norms and expectations. You really can see how stifling it was becoming for Angela. This is a coming of age/voyage of discovery with a bit of mystery thrown as Angela, following her rekindled friendship with Owen, learns the truth about Westview’s (and by default her family’s) history.
Unfortunately I didn’t warm to Angela at all - particularly given her knowledge of the effect keeping can have on those involved, and her insistence of keeping more secrets. I also didn’t agree with some of her choices after stepping away from the fakeness of her life - which then caused the dynamics to flip so that Owen became the fake one, which I really didn’t like. This also felt a little stretched out and overly long for me.
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⚠️Content warnings and potential spoilers: references to alcohol misuse, bereavement and the effects on those affected. ⚠️
thereadingspoonie's review
3.0
I was completely and utterly drawn in by the front cover of this book. It is absolutely stunning! The story itself is beautiful and compelling; the writing lyrical and descriptive. It took me a little while to get into but as soon as I was entwined in the story of Angela and Owen I couldn't put it down.
Angela has always been everything people in Westview want her to be. She's supposed to be happy there, but she's starting to see the flaws in her seemingly perfect life. Now, in her senior year of high school, she wants something more than small towns, something bigger than the life planned out for her by her family that has designed and destroyed reputations in Westview for generations. Owen knows that history can depend on who tells the story, even in Westview. But all he wants is to run away from his own past, from the bad decisions he's made and the tragedies still haunting him. Long before they understood the rumours and grudges that rule their hometown, Angela and Owen were friends for one perfect summer. Since then they have grown apart. But when Westview's tricentennial forces them to work together, they must face difficult truths about themselves and their community and the devestating consequences of pretending.
I thought this book was a beautiful coming of age story and I loved the character of Owen. Unfortunately I didn't connect with Angela much, hence why this book didn't quite make 4 stars for me. I found her spoilt and entitled, which I do think was the whole point but it made her hard to like. The ending was just stunning, I was completely shocked by the ending! It almost made me cry! I definitely recommend this book and would love to read more by this author.
Angela has always been everything people in Westview want her to be. She's supposed to be happy there, but she's starting to see the flaws in her seemingly perfect life. Now, in her senior year of high school, she wants something more than small towns, something bigger than the life planned out for her by her family that has designed and destroyed reputations in Westview for generations. Owen knows that history can depend on who tells the story, even in Westview. But all he wants is to run away from his own past, from the bad decisions he's made and the tragedies still haunting him. Long before they understood the rumours and grudges that rule their hometown, Angela and Owen were friends for one perfect summer. Since then they have grown apart. But when Westview's tricentennial forces them to work together, they must face difficult truths about themselves and their community and the devestating consequences of pretending.
I thought this book was a beautiful coming of age story and I loved the character of Owen. Unfortunately I didn't connect with Angela much, hence why this book didn't quite make 4 stars for me. I found her spoilt and entitled, which I do think was the whole point but it made her hard to like. The ending was just stunning, I was completely shocked by the ending! It almost made me cry! I definitely recommend this book and would love to read more by this author.
abosc4's review
5.0
I read this in one day. Honored to have supported the printing of this book. I can visualize every location like I have been there myself. A book years in the making. Congratulations, friend!
bookswithemily's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very interesting and complex, they really brought the story to life.
The plot was highly character based and was about family, friendships and relationships. I really liked the two main characters Angela and Owen. They both come from completely different backgrounds but still find each other. Angela comes from a family who are looked highly upon in the Westview community. She is destined for big things by going to the nearest and best college. However, this pressure is making her feel trapped by everyone wanting her to stay in Westview. I liked how Angela wanted a different life for herself to make her happy. There were things she did which I didn’t agree with, but I can see why she did it because of how unhappy she felt.
Owen came from a family which was judged by everyone. He was described to be an outlier and became friends with the other outliers. I found him to be a very kind and loving main character. I felt so sad for him after hearing everything he experienced. He wants to go to the best school so he works hard to try and achieve his dream. I admired him for aiming for his goals and trying to better himself.
I feel like both of the main characters begin to learn more about themselves and each other. They both have some good qualities which each of them could adopt.
I found the book to be a slow burner. There wasn’t really much to build up to, but I found myself wanting to learn more and more about the main characters. The author gave the reader a great introduction to the main characters which made them so loveable.
This was such a great book, I really enjoyed it. I recommend this book to readers who love contemporary/romance books.
The plot was highly character based and was about family, friendships and relationships. I really liked the two main characters Angela and Owen. They both come from completely different backgrounds but still find each other. Angela comes from a family who are looked highly upon in the Westview community. She is destined for big things by going to the nearest and best college. However, this pressure is making her feel trapped by everyone wanting her to stay in Westview. I liked how Angela wanted a different life for herself to make her happy. There were things she did which I didn’t agree with, but I can see why she did it because of how unhappy she felt.
Owen came from a family which was judged by everyone. He was described to be an outlier and became friends with the other outliers. I found him to be a very kind and loving main character. I felt so sad for him after hearing everything he experienced. He wants to go to the best school so he works hard to try and achieve his dream. I admired him for aiming for his goals and trying to better himself.
I feel like both of the main characters begin to learn more about themselves and each other. They both have some good qualities which each of them could adopt.
I found the book to be a slow burner. There wasn’t really much to build up to, but I found myself wanting to learn more and more about the main characters. The author gave the reader a great introduction to the main characters which made them so loveable.
This was such a great book, I really enjoyed it. I recommend this book to readers who love contemporary/romance books.
catehackett's review
5.0
I'm so lucky in that I've gotten to read this book at every stage. I saw the early chapters back as teenagers. I've seen the different iterations since. Jennifer's writing is just so gorgeous, especially the descriptions. You can see every scene and location like you've been there. It's an awesome book and I'm really happy it's finally out in the world.
Jennifer asked me to create a playlist for the characters and the story, that you can find here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kcwPdSdhcRuspDVCw2sBi?si=3QWdRqSbRwSgGf24K6y1Gg
Jennifer asked me to create a playlist for the characters and the story, that you can find here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kcwPdSdhcRuspDVCw2sBi?si=3QWdRqSbRwSgGf24K6y1Gg
rachelsbusyreading's review against another edition
Absolutely nothing against the book at all. I actually think it was written very well but I think I’m at a point where I’m struggling to connect with YA contemporary stories without very obvious/quick conflicts and take aways.
skudiklier's review against another edition
Honestly I just couldn't get into it. The writing isn't my style, as it felt like it couldn't quite decide how close it was to the characters' experiences. After that I decided to read the reviews to decide if it was worth it, and it just doesn't seem like a book worth putting my time into. I didn't hate it, I just wasn't into it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
erin_go_bragh95's review
3.0
3* -FYI: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway-
I think the general idea of the book was good but it’s very different than I was anticipating. There were a lot of unnecessary (in my opinion) flowery descriptions. I also didn’t feel like there was enough fire and chemistry between the two main characters. There wasn’t enough happening to really get me involved in the story. Things that could have been expanded on to add to the story were just fast-forwarded through. I also never really liked Angela as a character, and I feel like she had a negative impact on Owen as the story went on.
I found the entire book to be pretty depressing with not a lot of happy/uplifting moments. Overall, it was pretty well written but could have been expanded on a bit.
I think the general idea of the book was good but it’s very different than I was anticipating. There were a lot of unnecessary (in my opinion) flowery descriptions. I also didn’t feel like there was enough fire and chemistry between the two main characters. There wasn’t enough happening to really get me involved in the story. Things that could have been expanded on to add to the story were just fast-forwarded through. I also never really liked Angela as a character, and I feel like she had a negative impact on Owen as the story went on.
I found the entire book to be pretty depressing with not a lot of happy/uplifting moments. Overall, it was pretty well written but could have been expanded on a bit.
sambooka23's review
4.0
I went into this a little reserved because when reading the synopsis, I didn’t think I would like it… it made me read cautiously. However, I really did enjoy it!
I felt it was quite a slow book but still quite interesting. I enjoyed the characters and their development throughout the book. I think Angela is a character who’s like marmite, you love or hate her, there’s no in between - I disliked her, she was very selfish and childish.
I’d have classed this as a book for YA, those who are growing up, entering the ‘real’ world and having to grow up - a ‘coming of age’ book. I think I’m in a stable place in my life and was unable to relate to the themes throughout the book. However, on saying that, I still did enjoy the book and found it very real.
I want to thank Vic (@instabooktours) as always, another spectacular tour! And to, @jepierce16 for sending me a copy of your amazing book.
carolanns_books's review
dark
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0