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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I hadn't heard of this book until I read that it had been banned (along with Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five) from a Missouri high school for "teaching principles contrary to the Bible." Those who complained said it "sensationalized sexual promiscuity and included questionable language, drunkenness, lying to parents and a lack of remorse." So of course I had to read it for myself to find out!
I suppose that the complaints are true, on the surface, but all of that misses the real point of the story. It is about two best friends, Anna and Frankie, learning to cope with the death of Frankie's brother, Matt, who was Anna's secret first love. Real emotional issues are explored with sensitivity. The writing is lyrical without being saccharine. And the girls' behavior during the summer - sneaking out to meet boys on the beach, drinking, talking about sex - is not unrealistic teenage behavior. Perhaps it is not for everyone, but I wouldn't say the book actively promotes bad behavior. Instead, it shows one girl's journey toward maturity, coming to terms with loss.
I suppose that the complaints are true, on the surface, but all of that misses the real point of the story. It is about two best friends, Anna and Frankie, learning to cope with the death of Frankie's brother, Matt, who was Anna's secret first love. Real emotional issues are explored with sensitivity. The writing is lyrical without being saccharine. And the girls' behavior during the summer - sneaking out to meet boys on the beach, drinking, talking about sex - is not unrealistic teenage behavior. Perhaps it is not for everyone, but I wouldn't say the book actively promotes bad behavior. Instead, it shows one girl's journey toward maturity, coming to terms with loss.
First thoughts: wasn't what I expected.
Being completely honest, when I first heard about this book I wanted nothing to do with it. The title turned me off. (I guess I was picky on my books back then) A few years later I get to read Bittersweet. I absolutely loved it and I wanted to see what else the author has written. To my surprise she had written this book. I decided to read the synopsis and thought I would give it a shot. So GLAD that I did!
Sarah Ockler has a talent for writing. Even though YA Contemp usually have the same plots and seem like you're reading the same thing? It's not like that with Ockler's stories. Her characters are unique and you can't help but to love all of them.
Matt was my favorite. Although he wasn't really there, he still was. All of the characters came to life even though not all of them were alive.
I also felt so many emotions for these characters. I truly came to care for them.
The thing about Ockler's books is that the characters have to learn for themselves. You go along with them on their journey and feel everything that they feel. It breaks your heart but it's what they have to do. I wanted to cry so many times while reading this but it never happened because once you fell like you get to your breaking point, a little bit of hope and happiness is inserted.
Anyway, my point is this is a great book. Sarah Ockler has made a definite fan out of me.
As a side note, one of the other things I loved about this book is seeing a stranger's point of view of California. Having lived here my whole life I don't really see it as an exotic place. It's kind of sad knowing that while I've seen the ocean practically everyday of my life, there are people out there who have never seen it except for in movies.
Being completely honest, when I first heard about this book I wanted nothing to do with it. The title turned me off. (I guess I was picky on my books back then) A few years later I get to read Bittersweet. I absolutely loved it and I wanted to see what else the author has written. To my surprise she had written this book. I decided to read the synopsis and thought I would give it a shot. So GLAD that I did!
Sarah Ockler has a talent for writing. Even though YA Contemp usually have the same plots and seem like you're reading the same thing? It's not like that with Ockler's stories. Her characters are unique and you can't help but to love all of them.
Matt was my favorite. Although he wasn't really there, he still was. All of the characters came to life even though not all of them were alive.
I also felt so many emotions for these characters. I truly came to care for them.
The thing about Ockler's books is that the characters have to learn for themselves. You go along with them on their journey and feel everything that they feel. It breaks your heart but it's what they have to do. I wanted to cry so many times while reading this but it never happened because once you fell like you get to your breaking point, a little bit of hope and happiness is inserted.
Anyway, my point is this is a great book. Sarah Ockler has made a definite fan out of me.
As a side note, one of the other things I loved about this book is seeing a stranger's point of view of California. Having lived here my whole life I don't really see it as an exotic place. It's kind of sad knowing that while I've seen the ocean practically everyday of my life, there are people out there who have never seen it except for in movies.
This book isn't about the events, it focuses strongly on the emotion. That is what I really like about it. The happenings in this book kind of go over my head, while I read the emotion in them.
Really nice read for the summer. Not my favourite but close enough.
omg that was such a cute book....it made me cry!!!! But i LOVED it!!!!
I really enjoyed this book, it gave me a great summer read
The whole concept of in love with your best friends brother was cute and sweet, I really believed it, my only thing was we didn`t get very much about them together it was all very quick but I still loved it Anna was a well written characterised.
The whole concept of in love with your best friends brother was cute and sweet, I really believed it, my only thing was we didn`t get very much about them together it was all very quick but I still loved it Anna was a well written characterised.
It's a book all about first loves, friendships and heartache!!! I really enjoyed the ending with Frankie and Anna's get together but I just couldn't connect with the characters and the storyline. I really think a lot of the story was repeated when it shouldn't have and it seemed to drag on because of this. I certainly didn't connect with Frankie through the majority of the story, I just didn't understand her character. I did enjoy Anna and Sam's relationship and certain elements where Anna was trying to get over Matt. Overall it wasn't my favourite read and I rate it 3 stars :/
Love, love, love this one! It was heartbreaking, but also inspiring. Anna takes control of her healing, with some bumps along the way. Frankie grows as a character after a long journey of losing herself. Both of them find happiness, but they do work for it. It wasn't too teenagery and didn't have pent up angst or a love triangle.
Just a good book with a good plot.
P.S. You may need some tissues.
Just a good book with a good plot.
P.S. You may need some tissues.
This book was a lot different than I anticipated. I was expecting a very chick lit book, but in fact, it is much more than that. Anna, Frankie, and Matt are best friends. Frankie and Matt are siblings, and Anna is in love with him. In a sudden tragedy, Anna and Frankie are left without Matt. A year later, their summer trip with Frankie's family seems like the perfect opportunity to move on in their grieving process...and try to meet twenty boys.
I enjoyed this book for its beautiful writing and the depth of the characters.
I enjoyed this book for its beautiful writing and the depth of the characters.
Amazing storyline full of raw feelings and torn emotions. Must-read summer book.