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3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
I have to admit, I thought this book was going to be a lot different than what it was. I felt it had so much potential and could’ve gone in such a stronger direction. With the title and cover, I thought we were getting a gritty, dark book about rebellion. Unfortunately, the main plot got lost and didn’t seem to be the focus at all. Perhaps this would’ve worked with characters who were high school freshmen as everything felt very juvenile.
I think my biggest gripe was the underdevelopment of Johanna’s story with the teacher and the consequences as I felt that was the most interesting aspect of the book. I was waiting for these characters, high school seniors/legal adults, to really act out and hit rock bottom. When Mare decides to take a stand against the bullying and act out, I expected her to, well, act out. It didn’t quite happen. But we did get an 18 year old not knowing her parents couldn’t force her into a religious camp and an oddly placed dog fight? Also, the one black character saying “baby girl” and adding “child” at the end of a sentence just made me cringe. We have to do better.
Basically, this was very much a tame YA novel. And that’s okay! It just wasn’t for me.
I think my biggest gripe was the underdevelopment of Johanna’s story with the teacher and the consequences as I felt that was the most interesting aspect of the book. I was waiting for these characters, high school seniors/legal adults, to really act out and hit rock bottom. When Mare decides to take a stand against the bullying and act out, I expected her to, well, act out. It didn’t quite happen. But we did get an 18 year old not knowing her parents couldn’t force her into a religious camp and an oddly placed dog fight? Also, the one black character saying “baby girl” and adding “child” at the end of a sentence just made me cringe. We have to do better.
Basically, this was very much a tame YA novel. And that’s okay! It just wasn’t for me.
Good
I love the way Katie Wismer writes, but I didn’t love this ending. Still would recommend! I read the Anti-Relationship Year first and absolutely fell in love, so I will definitely be reading more from this author!
I love the way Katie Wismer writes, but I didn’t love this ending. Still would recommend! I read the Anti-Relationship Year first and absolutely fell in love, so I will definitely be reading more from this author!
3.5
We follow Meredith the preacher’s daughter who is going through a hard time, she struggling with her belief and about how to tell people then, she’s got pretty bad anxiety which I have to say is depicted well but I think that is a personal opinion cause not everyone with anxiety experience in the same way.
‘Not that I should be surprised – my anxiety has always been an unwanted but expected houseguest. I can usually anticipate it long before it starts to manifest, but no matter how hard I try to prepare or reason with my body, it still reacts as if the millions of times before haven’t taught it this is not a life or death situation. That it is, in fact, only making things even more difficult than necessary.’
She made a pact with her best friend Jo that they’d both lose their virginity before the end of senior year. Then Meredith gets worried when Jo decides she wants Mr. Graham, her teacher to be her first. I did like how it showed Meredith voicing her concerns about the idea, I just wish she never caved on what she thought was wrong, Because nothing good comes out of these situations. There was more talk of religion and believing or not believing that I thought was a really good undertone to have. It didn’t take up the full narrative but it went a long way in helping build the background of the character showing us why Meredith is the way she is when the book starts, and there were some good points where made.
I feel like the experience reading this book is like watching a TV show like Pretty Little Liars or Gossip Girl. I love these shows and find them entertaining which is exactly what I found in this book. This book is not a light or easy read it covers things like: Bullying, Religion, Sexual Assault, Animal Abuse, Substance abuse, Anxiety, and trauma. It is however addicting and keeps you glued to the pages wanting to find out what happens.
‘Eyes will zero in on my read cheek and the beads of sweat in my hairline. I’ll try to speak. My blood will thunder so loudly in my ears I’ll barely even hear my own voice as it comes out thin and shaky – a dead indicator to everyone around me of just how nervous I am over something completely simple and stupid like getting called on in class. They’ll all know in a panicked, shaky mess.’
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the sisters. I found Mare and Harper’s relationship quite endearing and totally realistic, especially towards the end of the novel. I think the whole book came off as quite realistic, it has some important message and the writing was solid. It really did feel like an appropriate narrative the characters sounded and acted their age. The writing of the characters came across as genuine. I didn’t have any expectations going into this. I watch Katie Wismer’s book tube channel and was excited to get approved for an arc from NetGalley but I went in expecting nothing and came out with a book I enjoyed.
We follow Meredith the preacher’s daughter who is going through a hard time, she struggling with her belief and about how to tell people then, she’s got pretty bad anxiety which I have to say is depicted well but I think that is a personal opinion cause not everyone with anxiety experience in the same way.
‘Not that I should be surprised – my anxiety has always been an unwanted but expected houseguest. I can usually anticipate it long before it starts to manifest, but no matter how hard I try to prepare or reason with my body, it still reacts as if the millions of times before haven’t taught it this is not a life or death situation. That it is, in fact, only making things even more difficult than necessary.’
She made a pact with her best friend Jo that they’d both lose their virginity before the end of senior year. Then Meredith gets worried when Jo decides she wants Mr. Graham, her teacher to be her first. I did like how it showed Meredith voicing her concerns about the idea, I just wish she never caved on what she thought was wrong, Because nothing good comes out of these situations. There was more talk of religion and believing or not believing that I thought was a really good undertone to have. It didn’t take up the full narrative but it went a long way in helping build the background of the character showing us why Meredith is the way she is when the book starts, and there were some good points where made.
I feel like the experience reading this book is like watching a TV show like Pretty Little Liars or Gossip Girl. I love these shows and find them entertaining which is exactly what I found in this book. This book is not a light or easy read it covers things like: Bullying, Religion, Sexual Assault, Animal Abuse, Substance abuse, Anxiety, and trauma. It is however addicting and keeps you glued to the pages wanting to find out what happens.
‘Eyes will zero in on my read cheek and the beads of sweat in my hairline. I’ll try to speak. My blood will thunder so loudly in my ears I’ll barely even hear my own voice as it comes out thin and shaky – a dead indicator to everyone around me of just how nervous I am over something completely simple and stupid like getting called on in class. They’ll all know in a panicked, shaky mess.’
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the sisters. I found Mare and Harper’s relationship quite endearing and totally realistic, especially towards the end of the novel. I think the whole book came off as quite realistic, it has some important message and the writing was solid. It really did feel like an appropriate narrative the characters sounded and acted their age. The writing of the characters came across as genuine. I didn’t have any expectations going into this. I watch Katie Wismer’s book tube channel and was excited to get approved for an arc from NetGalley but I went in expecting nothing and came out with a book I enjoyed.
I think this book tried to do too much and ended up doing too little. It had a lot of potential but didn't reach it.
It was hard to keep up with it. The storyline, the characters and the relationships between characters were not well developed.
However, I really enjoyed the writing style and it did hold my attention. I loved how it explored controversial topics but those topics should've been deeply explored.
I really liked the concept of the book and I'm definitely reading more of this author.
It was hard to keep up with it. The storyline, the characters and the relationships between characters were not well developed.
However, I really enjoyed the writing style and it did hold my attention. I loved how it explored controversial topics but those topics should've been deeply explored.
I really liked the concept of the book and I'm definitely reading more of this author.
~ Thank you NetGalley for the early copy~
The Anti-Virginity Pact is a hard hitting contemporary novel following Meredith and her bestfriend Johanna as they decide to make a pact to lose their virginity. I really loved the dynamic between Meredith and Johanna. Johanna is more of the rebellious friend and. I think I can see myself more in Meredith in that she is the more protective friend. Meredith also has a sister named Harper who can't come out and is struggling with that since their parents are extremely religious. Meredith herself is an atheist.. I will say if you're a hardcore Christian this might not be for you as it has more of the atheist points of view then anything. I also really enjoyed Sam and Merediths relationship. I liked how this book tried to cover different important topics and it didn't gloss over anything. I would definitely recommend everyone to pick it up!
My Rating: 4 stars
The Anti-Virginity Pact is a hard hitting contemporary novel following Meredith and her bestfriend Johanna as they decide to make a pact to lose their virginity. I really loved the dynamic between Meredith and Johanna. Johanna is more of the rebellious friend and. I think I can see myself more in Meredith in that she is the more protective friend. Meredith also has a sister named Harper who can't come out and is struggling with that since their parents are extremely religious. Meredith herself is an atheist.. I will say if you're a hardcore Christian this might not be for you as it has more of the atheist points of view then anything. I also really enjoyed Sam and Merediths relationship. I liked how this book tried to cover different important topics and it didn't gloss over anything. I would definitely recommend everyone to pick it up!
My Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Katie Wismer for a copy of this book!
Part of this book was very hard to read, but I knew this getting into it because the author included a list of trigger warnings. That was so appreciated, and every author should do this!!
The writting was wonderful. The plot had a great flow to it. The story really pulled at my emotions. The characters were fun and well rounded. I love the friendship between Meredith and Johanna! Every girl needs that kind of bestie by their side.
Overall fantastic read! Would totally recommend.
Part of this book was very hard to read, but I knew this getting into it because the author included a list of trigger warnings. That was so appreciated, and every author should do this!!
The writting was wonderful. The plot had a great flow to it. The story really pulled at my emotions. The characters were fun and well rounded. I love the friendship between Meredith and Johanna! Every girl needs that kind of bestie by their side.
Overall fantastic read! Would totally recommend.
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
** Please check this book prior to reading for trigger warnings **
I saw this author make a YouTube video and I thought I'd give her a shot! I mean, who doesn't want to support lesser known "indie" authors??
I'm going to give this book the good ole' criticism sandwich. The top layer - Our main character was unlikeable. Okay. Maybe that's a bit harsh, but she made one or two piss poor decisions (as teenagers do) that made me want to give myself a literal concussion. The middle layer (aka the positive) is that the writing style was very easy to follow and read. The story itself is engaging-ish butttt.... that takes us into our third and final layer. The bottom layer. There were multiple issues that our main character faced but…. I feel like none of the issues presented were astounding or took precedence over another. Like I was waiting and waiting for there to be a climax in the book, but one never came. I was kinda underwhelmed.
SPOILER BEGINS HERE:
The one thing that confused me is why all of a sudden Ashley decided to switch up? Like, she's been a complete asshole for 85% of the book, after she's kidnapped you, drug you through the mud, and threatened you, but you guys are just civil now after she chose to do a 180? Also, why go back to your wackadoodle parents if they kicked you out and THENNNN *get this shit!* try to have one of those CRAZY CHRISTIAN CAMPS TAKE YOU AWAY?! I mean, if it were me and I was in that situation, I would continue to live with my best friend. Her parents needed charges pressed, I said what I said.
Overall, would I recommend this to any of you? The high school/early college reader? Someone who's looking for a little drama? The answer is....... drumroll please....... absolutely not. please don't waste your time. This is one of those instances where I suppose I really should have paid attention to the Goodreads ratings before reading this. I never really do that regardless because I like to go into each of my reads with an open mind.
I saw this author make a YouTube video and I thought I'd give her a shot! I mean, who doesn't want to support lesser known "indie" authors??
I'm going to give this book the good ole' criticism sandwich. The top layer - Our main character was unlikeable. Okay. Maybe that's a bit harsh, but she made one or two piss poor decisions (as teenagers do) that made me want to give myself a literal concussion. The middle layer (aka the positive) is that the writing style was very easy to follow and read. The story itself is engaging-ish butttt.... that takes us into our third and final layer. The bottom layer. There were multiple issues that our main character faced but…. I feel like none of the issues presented were astounding or took precedence over another. Like I was waiting and waiting for there to be a climax in the book, but one never came. I was kinda underwhelmed.
SPOILER BEGINS HERE:
The one thing that confused me is why all of a sudden Ashley decided to switch up? Like, she's been a complete asshole for 85% of the book, after she's kidnapped you, drug you through the mud, and threatened you, but you guys are just civil now after she chose to do a 180? Also, why go back to your wackadoodle parents if they kicked you out and THENNNN *get this shit!* try to have one of those CRAZY CHRISTIAN CAMPS TAKE YOU AWAY?! I mean, if it were me and I was in that situation, I would continue to live with my best friend. Her parents needed charges pressed, I said what I said.
Overall, would I recommend this to any of you? The high school/early college reader? Someone who's looking for a little drama? The answer is....... drumroll please....... absolutely not. please don't waste your time. This is one of those instances where I suppose I really should have paid attention to the Goodreads ratings before reading this. I never really do that regardless because I like to go into each of my reads with an open mind.
I’ve read 5 books by this author. I have not read the companion book yet but I definitely will. Whenever anyone would ask me who my favorite author was, I could never give them a straight answer, however after reading five of this author’s books I have realize that she is in fact my favorite author and I love her books. She writes characters that feel real, she writes stories that really connect with me and I believe other people. She doesn’t make endings like other books that I have read, she really makes you think and it feels really realistic. I LOVE HER WRITING! Definitely give this and her other books a chance.
challenging
emotional
reflective