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3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was fun! I didn’t know what to expect, since I originally thought it would be a bit of a darker contemporary, but it ended up being more on the light-hearted side (for the most part-there were a few dark moments).
There’s a lot I liked about this book. It was a fun, fast-paced book that I couldn’t put down most of the time. The pact was such a unique concept and I liked how its consequences really set the plot in motion. I also really enjoyed Meredith’s character and her struggles as an atheist in an extremely religious household.
I couldn’t quite give this 5 stars because I occasionally found it cheesy and the main plot point mentioned in the summary doesn’t happen until halfway through the book.
Otherwise, I think this is a great debut!
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a lot I liked about this book. It was a fun, fast-paced book that I couldn’t put down most of the time. The pact was such a unique concept and I liked how its consequences really set the plot in motion. I also really enjoyed Meredith’s character and her struggles as an atheist in an extremely religious household.
I couldn’t quite give this 5 stars because I occasionally found it cheesy and the main plot point mentioned in the summary doesn’t happen until halfway through the book.
Otherwise, I think this is a great debut!
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
CWs: sexual assault, religious abuse, animal abuse
The Anti-Virginity Pact is just what it sounds like. A YA novel about a pair of high school girls who are tired of being outsiders and decide to make a pact that they'll both lose their virginities by the end of senior year. Of course, a copy of the pact gets leaked and Mare, the protagonist who signed, finds her social life turned upside down. And not in a good way. On top of that, her ultra religious parents will not be happy to find out their perfect little angel was planning on having pre-marital sex.
I got an advanced review copy of this from NetGalley and I couldn't be happier I did. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to. I thought it would end up being something semi-preachy about waiting for the right boy or ignoring high school expectations. Instead, it was a really great story about needing to focus on yourself before others. I guess that's still a bit preachy in some way, but I think it was a much better done version of what a lot of YA novels try to do.
Religion plays a big backdrop to this and I was pleased how it wasn't completely demonized, just the way it's weaponized against some people. Mare's sister, for example, is still portrayed as religious, without being prejudiced because of it. And Mare's parents are mostly normal if maybe a bit strict through all of it, until near the end, when they're suddenly doing horrific things in the name of religion, which might feel sudden to some readers, but I think it perfectly shows how sometimes parents love the idea of their children and are nothing but loving and caring until the child does something to disrupt that idea. It's harsh, but it's reality for a lot of kids.
Finally, one of the things Mare says near the end really struck me. Talking to the novel's love interest Sam, she says that she has things about herself she needs to work on before anything else. I loved that reflection of hers, however brief. That's true for so many people, especially at that stage in life, yet we rarely see it in YA. Usually, its the new boy or best friend or adventure that fixes everything, not some long, painful self reflection and improvement. And as for Sam I'm glad they don't end up together at the end. He was a great guy and a sweet boyfriend, but it was for the best he leave her and it really drives home the message that Mare doesn't need a boy to make her senior year perfect. She just needs herself.
Overall, this definitely earned the five stars from me and I hope it helps future young readers find a little more clarity during that awkward phase in their lives. If nothing else, I'm sure it'll be an entertaining read for them!
The Anti-Virginity Pact is just what it sounds like. A YA novel about a pair of high school girls who are tired of being outsiders and decide to make a pact that they'll both lose their virginities by the end of senior year. Of course, a copy of the pact gets leaked and Mare, the protagonist who signed, finds her social life turned upside down. And not in a good way. On top of that, her ultra religious parents will not be happy to find out their perfect little angel was planning on having pre-marital sex.
I got an advanced review copy of this from NetGalley and I couldn't be happier I did. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to. I thought it would end up being something semi-preachy about waiting for the right boy or ignoring high school expectations. Instead, it was a really great story about needing to focus on yourself before others. I guess that's still a bit preachy in some way, but I think it was a much better done version of what a lot of YA novels try to do.
Religion plays a big backdrop to this and I was pleased how it wasn't completely demonized, just the way it's weaponized against some people. Mare's sister, for example, is still portrayed as religious, without being prejudiced because of it. And Mare's parents are mostly normal if maybe a bit strict through all of it, until near the end, when they're suddenly doing horrific things in the name of religion, which might feel sudden to some readers, but I think it perfectly shows how sometimes parents love the idea of their children and are nothing but loving and caring until the child does something to disrupt that idea. It's harsh, but it's reality for a lot of kids.
Finally, one of the things Mare says near the end really struck me. Talking to the novel's love interest Sam, she says that she has things about herself she needs to work on before anything else. I loved that reflection of hers, however brief. That's true for so many people, especially at that stage in life, yet we rarely see it in YA. Usually, its the new boy or best friend or adventure that fixes everything, not some long, painful self reflection and improvement. And as for Sam
Overall, this definitely earned the five stars from me and I hope it helps future young readers find a little more clarity during that awkward phase in their lives. If nothing else, I'm sure it'll be an entertaining read for them!
4.5/5 Stars, I freaking loved this!
I didn't really know what to expect from this book, but it definitely surprised me in the best possible way. We follow our main character Meredith who is in her senior year of high school and is the daughter of a pastor and therefore has an extremely religious family. She and her best friend make an Anti-Virginity Pact to try and do some of the things they didn't get to do in their years of high school.
This book had so many aspects that I loved. As someone who struggles with religion and figuring out what I believe in the midst of a Christian family I related to Mare in a lot of ways and this books was something I never knew I needed and I am so thankful that I got to read it early. The commentary on religion, animal abuse, sexuality and assault really made this book a stand out to me, and while it was a bit dark, it was amazing. I also liked the ending, it wasn't cliche in the sense that it ends the same way every other book in this genre, and I liked that the theme was figuring out who you are and not being ashamed of that. It really touched my heart and soul and I will be thinking about the impact this book had on me for years to come.
I didn't really know what to expect from this book, but it definitely surprised me in the best possible way. We follow our main character Meredith who is in her senior year of high school and is the daughter of a pastor and therefore has an extremely religious family. She and her best friend make an Anti-Virginity Pact to try and do some of the things they didn't get to do in their years of high school.
This book had so many aspects that I loved. As someone who struggles with religion and figuring out what I believe in the midst of a Christian family I related to Mare in a lot of ways and this books was something I never knew I needed and I am so thankful that I got to read it early. The commentary on religion, animal abuse, sexuality and assault really made this book a stand out to me, and while it was a bit dark, it was amazing. I also liked the ending, it wasn't cliche in the sense that it ends the same way every other book in this genre, and I liked that the theme was figuring out who you are and not being ashamed of that. It really touched my heart and soul and I will be thinking about the impact this book had on me for years to come.
ARC provided by NetGalley!
Delightfully funny, romantic, and fresh.
“The Anti-Virginity Pact” delivers a story that is so real to our modern day society. Our main character Meredith struggles with her views on religion, whilst also dealing with the repercussions of a pact that she and her best friend Jo drunkenly made. Also, her boyfriend Sam, who can I just say, was amazing. Meredith is a character that strangely enough I related to. In terms of questioning my beliefs on religion, I definitely agreed with some of the points that she considered. This novel was also extremely quick to read, having only taken me three days to fly through. This was definitely a story that I devoured and fell in love with, and Katie Wismers writing was funny and brilliant.
I thought that Wismer dealt amazingly with the subject of sexual assault, and overall sex in general. I also thought that her portrayal of high school was realistic. While there were many plot lines which sometimes got confusing, I found that the main story was easy to follow and I was instantly invested!
Having followed Katie’s writing process on her youtube channel, I found myself eagerly anticipating this novel, and it’s fair to say, I wasn’t disappointed! I hope that this book finds success upon its release, and that Katie continues to produce excellent work in the future!
Delightfully funny, romantic, and fresh.
“The Anti-Virginity Pact” delivers a story that is so real to our modern day society. Our main character Meredith struggles with her views on religion, whilst also dealing with the repercussions of a pact that she and her best friend Jo drunkenly made. Also, her boyfriend Sam, who can I just say, was amazing. Meredith is a character that strangely enough I related to. In terms of questioning my beliefs on religion, I definitely agreed with some of the points that she considered. This novel was also extremely quick to read, having only taken me three days to fly through. This was definitely a story that I devoured and fell in love with, and Katie Wismers writing was funny and brilliant.
I thought that Wismer dealt amazingly with the subject of sexual assault, and overall sex in general. I also thought that her portrayal of high school was realistic. While there were many plot lines which sometimes got confusing, I found that the main story was easy to follow and I was instantly invested!
Having followed Katie’s writing process on her youtube channel, I found myself eagerly anticipating this novel, and it’s fair to say, I wasn’t disappointed! I hope that this book finds success upon its release, and that Katie continues to produce excellent work in the future!
this book was filled to the brim with tropes such as 'the pretty popular girls' or 'the quirky best friend. the first half of the book is very slow and boring, while the second half tries to do so many plot points all at once.
the dialogue was very unrealistic, which really bothered me. the relationship between the main character and the love interest was rushed and lame. I didn't like the main character which isn't necessary to like a book, but in this case it annoyed me. the love interest was barely even a person outside of being a love interest.
this book was very dramatic and overall unrealistic. the only thing I liked about this which ultimately stopped it from being a 1 star, is the writing. It wasn't amazing, but it was good enough to tell the story. I follow Katie on social media so I'm sad to say I didn't enjoy her book, but I have faith that i'll like some of her other stuff.
the dialogue was very unrealistic, which really bothered me. the relationship between the main character and the love interest was rushed and lame. I didn't like the main character which isn't necessary to like a book, but in this case it annoyed me. the love interest was barely even a person outside of being a love interest.
this book was very dramatic and overall unrealistic. the only thing I liked about this which ultimately stopped it from being a 1 star, is the writing. It wasn't amazing, but it was good enough to tell the story. I follow Katie on social media so I'm sad to say I didn't enjoy her book, but I have faith that i'll like some of her other stuff.
DNF @ 49%
Overall, I'm very impressed with Katie's writing abilities! It's always weird, going into a book written by someone you follow online-- I never know what the quality of the work is going to be. But I can see Katie's hard work and innate talent in this book, and that's such a good thing.
I know it looks bad, since I'm DNF-ing it, but it's really more of a me-thing. Some of the triggers (which are helpfully listed at the very front of the book, in case you need them) are just a little too much for me. On top of that, I made it halfway through the book and it feels like the main plot (as listed in the synopsis-- the anti-virginity pact getting out) still hasn't happened yet. If I'm going to fault the book on anything, I don't think that fact should have been included in the synopsis; given how far into the book it must happen, it feels like a spoiler.
I like a lot of this, any I'll possibly come back to it in a few months when I'm in a better headspace and can handle everything going on in here. I do still recommend you check it out in June when it releases if it sounds like something you'll enjoy!
Overall, I'm very impressed with Katie's writing abilities! It's always weird, going into a book written by someone you follow online-- I never know what the quality of the work is going to be. But I can see Katie's hard work and innate talent in this book, and that's such a good thing.
I know it looks bad, since I'm DNF-ing it, but it's really more of a me-thing. Some of the triggers (which are helpfully listed at the very front of the book, in case you need them) are just a little too much for me. On top of that, I made it halfway through the book and it feels like the main plot (as listed in the synopsis-- the anti-virginity pact getting out) still hasn't happened yet. If I'm going to fault the book on anything, I don't think that fact should have been included in the synopsis; given how far into the book it must happen, it feels like a spoiler.
I like a lot of this, any I'll possibly come back to it in a few months when I'm in a better headspace and can handle everything going on in here. I do still recommend you check it out in June when it releases if it sounds like something you'll enjoy!
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book before release date.
This book was hard to read not because it was lacking quality, but rather because the subject matter of this story was so tough to read. This book is a pretty classic bildungsroman. We are introduced to our main character Meredith who is a high school senior, animal lover, preacher's daughter, and virgin. This book deals with super morally grey that tend to define any young person's growing up experience.
The two main strengths of this book are the quality of the writing which leads to having a main character that I, as a reader, actually rooted for through the entirety of the book. If Meredith wasn't likable this book would not have worked because damn this girl is down on her luck at lot during this book. If the writing wasn't as descriptive and imaginative as it was this book also would not have worked.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think it is an important story for young people to have access to.
This book was hard to read not because it was lacking quality, but rather because the subject matter of this story was so tough to read. This book is a pretty classic bildungsroman. We are introduced to our main character Meredith who is a high school senior, animal lover, preacher's daughter, and virgin. This book deals with super morally grey that tend to define any young person's growing up experience.
The two main strengths of this book are the quality of the writing which leads to having a main character that I, as a reader, actually rooted for through the entirety of the book. If Meredith wasn't likable this book would not have worked because damn this girl is down on her luck at lot during this book. If the writing wasn't as descriptive and imaginative as it was this book also would not have worked.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think it is an important story for young people to have access to.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
What started as a book about two friends making a pact about losing their virginity before college became so much more and I'm so happy I had the lucky opportunity to read it early.
Meredith Beaumont doesn’t take risks and sometimes she wonders why she’s friend with Johanna, who’s the exact opposite of her. One night, the two girls, after a few drinks, sign an anti-virginity pact and that’s where the troubles begin.
Johanna sets her mind on losing her virginity to their hot teacher, but don’t worry, you won’t get teacher-student romance (which I personally despise, so thank you Kate Wismer for that!). Meredith, on the other hand, finally convinces herself to start talking again to her childhood friend Sam.
I really liked the character of Meredith, except for some poor choices she made that had me screaming: "why, why, would you do that?" The description of her anxiety was well-done and on point and I'm grateful it's being talked about without being romanticized.
One of my favorite quotes of the book is:
"Because when you're quiet, you learn to speak in short, fast sentences, because you're not sure how long people will listen to you. You get the words out as quickly as you can - sometimes so quickly, they start to slur and trip over each other, just so you won't have to be the center of attention for too long."
As an anxious mess myself, I can't count how many times people told me to slow down while I was speaking, because I was rushing to the end, because I believed that someone else was gonna take away my spotlight soon enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed how everything was wrapped up in the end and I highly recommend this to YA lovers and everyone who ever made a pact with themselves or a friend to experience more.
Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy!
What started as a book about two friends making a pact about losing their virginity before college became so much more and I'm so happy I had the lucky opportunity to read it early.
Meredith Beaumont doesn’t take risks and sometimes she wonders why she’s friend with Johanna, who’s the exact opposite of her. One night, the two girls, after a few drinks, sign an anti-virginity pact and that’s where the troubles begin.
Johanna sets her mind on losing her virginity to their hot teacher, but don’t worry, you won’t get teacher-student romance (which I personally despise, so thank you Kate Wismer for that!). Meredith, on the other hand, finally convinces herself to start talking again to her childhood friend Sam.
I really liked the character of Meredith, except for some poor choices she made that had me screaming: "why, why, would you do that?" The description of her anxiety was well-done and on point and I'm grateful it's being talked about without being romanticized.
One of my favorite quotes of the book is:
"Because when you're quiet, you learn to speak in short, fast sentences, because you're not sure how long people will listen to you. You get the words out as quickly as you can - sometimes so quickly, they start to slur and trip over each other, just so you won't have to be the center of attention for too long."
As an anxious mess myself, I can't count how many times people told me to slow down while I was speaking, because I was rushing to the end, because I believed that someone else was gonna take away my spotlight soon enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed how everything was wrapped up in the end and I highly recommend this to YA lovers and everyone who ever made a pact with themselves or a friend to experience more.
Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy!