Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
This was truly a great book. The raw emotion, it was so powerful and real. I've been wanting to read it for a while, and I was not disappointed. It's about how when someone you love dies, how hard it is to move on and all the fears you have.
This book sat on my shelf for a few months, and I knew I really wanted to read it, but just didn't have the time to. I eventually found myself reading books I wasn't enjoying, and decided to pick this one up for a fresh start.
What I wasn't expecting was such a tragic and sad beginning. I knew what the book was about when I first picked it up at the book store, but after a while, I easily forgot. A few pages into it, and excited over Anna and Matt's new romance, I read the inside flap, and realized that this sweet love was going to be short lived. So I dreaded the moment that he would die quietly hoping that it really wouldn't happen that way.
I quickly was able to relate to Anna, her feelings and emotions, the way she felt torn throughout the book, from keeping a secret from a best friend and betraying the only guy she loved when she finds someone new. Ockler's wonderful description for the characters made this book so great to read. And not only were the characters amazingly written, but so were the settings. Everything was detailed perfectly. I could hear the waves, feel the floorboards creak, fell the wind against my skin.
Truly one of the best books I've read, I highly recommend it to YA book lovers and anyone looking for a emotionally honest book.
What I wasn't expecting was such a tragic and sad beginning. I knew what the book was about when I first picked it up at the book store, but after a while, I easily forgot. A few pages into it, and excited over Anna and Matt's new romance, I read the inside flap, and realized that this sweet love was going to be short lived. So I dreaded the moment that he would die quietly hoping that it really wouldn't happen that way.
I quickly was able to relate to Anna, her feelings and emotions, the way she felt torn throughout the book, from keeping a secret from a best friend and betraying the only guy she loved when she finds someone new. Ockler's wonderful description for the characters made this book so great to read. And not only were the characters amazingly written, but so were the settings. Everything was detailed perfectly. I could hear the waves, feel the floorboards creak, fell the wind against my skin.
Truly one of the best books I've read, I highly recommend it to YA book lovers and anyone looking for a emotionally honest book.
This story took me back to high school. From feeling butterflies in my stomach when I saw my crush to sneaking out at night. I loved reminiscing about “the one that got away” even if it was for a little while.
I probably should have paid more attention to the synopsis because I didn't realize this would be about grief, but it was still good nonetheless.
This book is really good if you want a quick, unsubstantial read that's fun but not stupid. It definitely sucks you in but I don't really think I took anything from it. The characters were not well developed, and their relationships were forced and unrealistic. Thus, even though the book dealt with heavy topics I didn't feel that emotional connection. Also there was so much telling rather than showing-- I still don't know what kind of person Sam is, I just know that Anna likes him for whatever reason. That being said, it was a fun read for what it was.
Anna has two best friends that just happen to be the brother and sister that live next door. On her 15th birthday, she gets her wish: Matt kisses her!
*SPOILER*
But Matt dies about a month after that, so they never really get to figure out what might or might not have happened with that relationship. Not only that, but he makes Anna promise not to tell Frankie, his sister and their other best friend, until he has a chance to talk to her first. Well, yeah, you guessed it - he dies before he talks to his sister. Anna doesn't know whether or not she should keep that promise anymore.
A year later, Anna goes on vacation to CA with Frankie and her family. They decide that they should meet and flirt and maybe sleep with 20 boys while they are there. Well, ok, only sleep with the one they like best of the 20. But right away they meet Jake and Sam, and the idea loses steam immediately.
Lots of ideas about grief, teen romance, friendship and all that stuff here. The thing that bothered me the most is that Anna meets, and has relationships with, two fabulous, thoughtful, handsome, sensitive guys before the age of 17. No way. But the whole "what if" premise about Matt is well-written. Characters are fairly flat with moments of real depth and insight as the author tries to make them complex, emotional beings.
*SPOILER*
But Matt dies about a month after that, so they never really get to figure out what might or might not have happened with that relationship. Not only that, but he makes Anna promise not to tell Frankie, his sister and their other best friend, until he has a chance to talk to her first. Well, yeah, you guessed it - he dies before he talks to his sister. Anna doesn't know whether or not she should keep that promise anymore.
A year later, Anna goes on vacation to CA with Frankie and her family. They decide that they should meet and flirt and maybe sleep with 20 boys while they are there. Well, ok, only sleep with the one they like best of the 20. But right away they meet Jake and Sam, and the idea loses steam immediately.
Lots of ideas about grief, teen romance, friendship and all that stuff here. The thing that bothered me the most is that Anna meets, and has relationships with, two fabulous, thoughtful, handsome, sensitive guys before the age of 17. No way. But the whole "what if" premise about Matt is well-written. Characters are fairly flat with moments of real depth and insight as the author tries to make them complex, emotional beings.
I actually really enjoyed this one. The main character was pretty believable. She was smart, not annoying, and actually not too angsty, even though she was grieving for her first love. I love it when YA characters seem like real people.
This is by far the most accurate and saddest story I have ever read.
I was crying so hard, it tore my heart.
But everyone should pick this book up and READ.
I was crying so hard, it tore my heart.
But everyone should pick this book up and READ.
This was a sweet book that dealt with the emotional trauma of losing someone you love. I especially loved the authors commentary about how loving in the present doesn't mean forgetting the past, that it's all a part of you. Very true. I enjoyed the story and the book very much. There were some parts I felt disconnected from the characters- hence 4/5 stars, but it was a good book overall. I liked this book a lot. I would consider reading more books by this author.