Reviews

The Accidentals by Sarina Bowen

ayooo6767's review

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4.0

WARNING: Kinda spoilery, but not much

Good coming of age novel, however the primary reason behind the low rating was due the entirely unsympathetic father character and the entirely too forgiving daughter with barely any blow ups directly at him. It was just a bit too depressing, especially how the father character is still very immature (which I understand is the point of the premise of the novel, but still). It just wasn’t very satisfying in that regard, but all the loose ends were tied up nicely.

tifftiff4's review

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4.0

This book was so well written with real characters and emotions, but it broke my heart.

Rachel was pretty much robbed by both of her parent's individual actions.

I feel like the only thing missing from this book was oddly more angst. I would have liked to have seen more dialogue between Frederick and Rachel. Even though we got Rachael's internal monologue of what she thought of Norah and Frederick, and his do-over, she should have been more vocal about the hurt she was experiencing.

nighteyes82's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

3.75

Cute. Don’t why it took me so long to read it
I would have love to read more about the mother relationships

1bookobsessionconfessions's review

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4.0

It was the first book I’ve read from this author.

Her style was very good. It wasn’t angsty and I liked that. I think considering the storyline it could have gone wrong but I think it was written in a very enjoyable and thoughtful way.
No over dramatics but definitely a lot of emotions flying around.
Interesting YA read. I’ll definitely read more by this author!

alannar2422's review

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3.0

Sooo I didn't like it all that much. I felt like Rachel was kind of self-centered and very whiny. I also felt like things with her Dad weren't exactly resolved. They were find and then he told the truth and thats it. It went very fast. I shelved this to read when I was a bit younger and that could be another reason I wasn't really into it much.

lea1805's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

4.0

beckyrendon's review

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4.0

Sarina Bowen made it rain. But it wasn't dollars, it was tears. This book packs a hidden emotional punch.

The Accidentals is the story of a lost girl treading water in her father's world. It's fun and got plenty of teen angst with a side of romance. This YA treat is perfect for anyone. With nerdy fun, great friends, and a hidden support group, what's not to love!

Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

readfrenzy's review

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5.0

I am proudly sporting dark smudges and Samsonite bags under my eyes. They are the battle scars of a reader who was compelled to pull an all-nighter to read The Accidentals in one sitting. I have long been a fan of Sarina Bowen’s writing, but I think this is her best work yet. It is her first Young Adult novel and she nails it! The story is breathtakingly haunting in the most wonderful way. Even my feels have feels, and I don’t know what to do with them all!

I don’t read a lot of Young Adult books. I think I’m just too old to appreciate the amount of avoidable drama caused by a lack of communication that is often found in the YA genre. Is there drama in this book? Yes. The story is tragic given all the wasted opportunities between a recently orphaned 17-year-old girl and the rock star father she’s never met. In this instance, my perspective as a more mature (aka middle-aged) adult allowed me to accept the conflicts and helped me form a balanced understanding of not only Rachel’s heartache, but Frederick’s struggles as well. I totally got these two characters.

I immediately connected with bookworm Rachel and her desperate need to feel wanted following her mother’s death. She is very perceptive, but her fears and insecurities prevent her from getting the answers she craves. I love Frederick’s determination to be there for Rachel 100%, even if he knows nothing about being a good parent and is unintentionally self-absorbed at times.

What went down between Rachel’s parents nearly two decades ago is a great mystery that lingers throughout the book. Ultimately – just like real life – things aren’t black and white. There is no villain vs. victim. There is no grand prize winner in The Blame Game. The story is more thought-provoking as a result.

Sarina Bowen skillfully weaves this poignant coming of age tale with an insightful hand. I especially appreciated the keen observations about music’s power to unite and transform. I loved the diverse cast of characters, including Rachel’s bad boy best friend Haze, her boisterous roommate Aurora, and hot nerd Jake.

The Accidentals is an emotional, captivating journey that lingers long after “The End”.

Recommended for fans of:
Music
Astronomy
Hot nerds
Young Adult novels

*I received an early copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion or the content of my review.*
Reading Frenzy Book Blog

sydney_09's review

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4.0

This was a great read. Hey realistic and fil of emotions. I wish a little more detail dadd when about her mom and Frederick, but it was well written without it.

scvallese1's review

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5.0

4.5 Stars

This was a bit of a departure of the type of books that I read. That being said, it was quite refreshing! Rather than focusing on the romance aspect of a relationship, this chronicles the relationship that a high school girl has with her father, a recently deseased mother, a roommate, a friend, as well as a new boyfriend.

Rachel's mother recently passed away. Because of this, she is brought together with the father that she had never met, who also happens to be a famous musician. They are working to navigate their relationship; it's not easy to bond when your father is a moody and tempermental musician, who is also a self-proclaimed "founding member of A-holes Anonymous". Rachel goes away to boarding school for her senior year (this had already been planned before her mother's passing), where relationships are formed and others dissolve.

This was such an emotional story. I loved Sarina Bowen's storytelling ability and how she brought everything- and everyone- together. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with these characters.

As someone who does not normally gravitate toward Young Adult novels, I think The Accidentals may have opened my eyes to this genre again! I highly recommend (and look forward to rereading!)!!