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3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
Love, love, love this book!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am so excited to have read Katie’s first novel. Just like her first poetry collection, this book did not disappoint. Her writing is so engaging and I was actually surprised about the amount of action she included throughout the story. I also enjoyed how she covered such heavy topics like religion, atheism, sexual assault, bullying, and the like without it reading cheesy or cliche. I became a fan of Katie through her book tube channel but now, I am also an adamant fan of her writing. Can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am so excited to have read Katie’s first novel. Just like her first poetry collection, this book did not disappoint. Her writing is so engaging and I was actually surprised about the amount of action she included throughout the story. I also enjoyed how she covered such heavy topics like religion, atheism, sexual assault, bullying, and the like without it reading cheesy or cliche. I became a fan of Katie through her book tube channel but now, I am also an adamant fan of her writing. Can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!
Two friends want to lose their virginity before college so they can have it over and done with. Only, Meredith is the daughter of a preacher, and if this pact gets out, it could ruin her. Meredith already has a tough time with things. She doesn’t believe in what her father preaches, and because of her family, she faces a lot of bullying in school. If it wasn’t for her best friend Johanna, she wouldn’t have any friends at all. This makes the story multi-layered with several real-world issues that face teens today.
The next two paragraphs might contain spoilers.
The story started easily enough, but the thing that stands out to me is how many times these people are raising their eyebrows. (Five times in the first chapter alone). I knew then that this would not be the best story for me, but I stuck with it. Meredith is an immature character who doesn’t act 18 years old. She over polices her best friend. It surprised me Jo stayed friends with her because I couldn’t put up with that kind of constant badgering. But Jo wasn’t all that supportive either, so it was a fairly toxic friendship. We’re led to believe Meredith never talks and is close to mute when she is anything but. I’m baffled why Meredith wouldn’t report the extent of the bullying. Your car is getting destroyed, heck, you get kidnapped, and you say nothing?
When we pass the halfway mark of the book, the pace picks up speed and things happen at a breakneck pace. With the rape, the repercussions get glossed over. I understand the book was trying to portray the ultra-religious, but why is there a slur in place of the word gay or lesbian, multiple times? Mere’s parents attempted to send her to a conversion camp because she’s an atheist, but they would be okay with a gay daughter? It was just an offensive and poorly addressed way to tack on yet another issue. Same for the dogfighting. It was all just too many insufficiently addressed things. If the focus would have stayed on just a few issues, the book would have packed a bigger punch. There could be a good story underneath with some editing.
The next two paragraphs might contain spoilers.
The story started easily enough, but the thing that stands out to me is how many times these people are raising their eyebrows. (Five times in the first chapter alone). I knew then that this would not be the best story for me, but I stuck with it. Meredith is an immature character who doesn’t act 18 years old. She over polices her best friend. It surprised me Jo stayed friends with her because I couldn’t put up with that kind of constant badgering. But Jo wasn’t all that supportive either, so it was a fairly toxic friendship. We’re led to believe Meredith never talks and is close to mute when she is anything but. I’m baffled why Meredith wouldn’t report the extent of the bullying. Your car is getting destroyed, heck, you get kidnapped, and you say nothing?
When we pass the halfway mark of the book, the pace picks up speed and things happen at a breakneck pace. With the rape, the repercussions get glossed over. I understand the book was trying to portray the ultra-religious, but why is there a slur in place of the word gay or lesbian, multiple times? Mere’s parents attempted to send her to a conversion camp because she’s an atheist, but they would be okay with a gay daughter? It was just an offensive and poorly addressed way to tack on yet another issue. Same for the dogfighting. It was all just too many insufficiently addressed things. If the focus would have stayed on just a few issues, the book would have packed a bigger punch. There could be a good story underneath with some editing.
This wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I thought it would be serious and made of substance, but it just felt like a daytime drama, too light and fluffy. It was unrealistic and I wanted to feel for these characters, but I just felt, well nothing at all. This had so much potential to discuss so many serious issues , but it chose not to.
Unfortunately this wasn’t for me at all
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Unfortunately this wasn’t for me at all
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Great coming of age story
While reading this, there were multiple times where Katie was able to put into words the thoughts and feelings and emotions that I myself had in high school and wasn’t able to process at the time. This is a great coming of age story with some action thrown in, which seemed to fit in well without seeming unrealistic or a stretch. A quick, enjoyable read. I hope there’s a sequel!
While reading this, there were multiple times where Katie was able to put into words the thoughts and feelings and emotions that I myself had in high school and wasn’t able to process at the time. This is a great coming of age story with some action thrown in, which seemed to fit in well without seeming unrealistic or a stretch. A quick, enjoyable read. I hope there’s a sequel!
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was such an invigorating and interesting story! Following Meredith through her struggles as an 18 year old was so realistic, seeing the very realistic portrayal of high school and the struggles teens face on the daily.
The passion in this story was so evident and although not completely enjoying the first half of the book, the second half blew me away with a romance I loved, carefully handled issues and debates around religion that were considerate but realistic for someone in Meredith's position.
I do feel that I struggled with the first half of this book as I was so excited to read it and yet it felt very much like a book 15 year old me would have eaten up but felt too young for me to be reading at 22. However, it redeemed itself with a shift in the writing style and tackling issues that would be seen in a YA. Overall I would definitely recommend this book and I hope people give it the chance it deserves!
The passion in this story was so evident and although not completely enjoying the first half of the book, the second half blew me away with a romance I loved, carefully handled issues and debates around religion that were considerate but realistic for someone in Meredith's position.
I do feel that I struggled with the first half of this book as I was so excited to read it and yet it felt very much like a book 15 year old me would have eaten up but felt too young for me to be reading at 22. However, it redeemed itself with a shift in the writing style and tackling issues that would be seen in a YA. Overall I would definitely recommend this book and I hope people give it the chance it deserves!
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated