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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
So this book was one of my most anticipated reads of fall 2017, and it did not disappoint. I think Lily Anderson is in my brain because she always makes the male romantic interests like...super adorable and nerdy. Ben looked like the tenth Doctor and loves all the nerd pop culture. Brandon likes sci-fi, but is more into "swords and sorcery," like Patrick Rothfuss?! IS IT JUST WEST COAST "B" NAMED GUYS THAT ARE LIKE THIS?!
I digress. I absolutely loved seeing the characters from TOTWTMIY a few years after the events of the first book, and sort of seeing what they're up to, even though they're not the main storyline. Honestly, I should have reread TOTWTMIY before this, because I totally forgot that Brandon was in it as a side character!
While I did enjoy this, and thought the romance was cute and the nerdy references were awesome, I just didn't connect to this story as much. Elliot is a child of a Military Family, and as such, everyone expects her to either follow in her mom's footsteps and enlist, or her father's and become lawyer. Though this does create a relatable theme of family expectations and wanting to follow your own dreams instead of the dreams of other people, I just didn't click with that side of things. Once she got to Rayevich and the camp stuff started, it got better, but Elliot alone did not suck me into the story. At first she sounds so passionate and then ended up sort of just being like, OH whatever, which really didn't seem to me like how it should have played out. Like....if you were going to change your mind, then why did you bother going through this whole big process?
As a whole, I liked this, but I do have to admit that I liked the first one better. For me, Trixie was more relatable, I ADORED the "hate-to-love" romance trope, and it was completely chock-full of references to lots of things I love. Not Now, Not Ever might appeal more to the less nerdy-stuff-obsessed contemporary reader, but for me the first book just pushed a little further into my ratings.
I digress. I absolutely loved seeing the characters from TOTWTMIY a few years after the events of the first book, and sort of seeing what they're up to, even though they're not the main storyline. Honestly, I should have reread TOTWTMIY before this, because I totally forgot that Brandon was in it as a side character!
While I did enjoy this, and thought the romance was cute and the nerdy references were awesome, I just didn't connect to this story as much. Elliot is a child of a Military Family, and as such, everyone expects her to either follow in her mom's footsteps and enlist, or her father's and become lawyer. Though this does create a relatable theme of family expectations and wanting to follow your own dreams instead of the dreams of other people, I just didn't click with that side of things. Once she got to Rayevich and the camp stuff started, it got better, but Elliot alone did not suck me into the story. At first she sounds so passionate and then ended up sort of just being like, OH whatever, which really didn't seem to me like how it should have played out. Like....if you were going to change your mind, then why did you bother going through this whole big process?
As a whole, I liked this, but I do have to admit that I liked the first one better. For me, Trixie was more relatable, I ADORED the "hate-to-love" romance trope, and it was completely chock-full of references to lots of things I love. Not Now, Not Ever might appeal more to the less nerdy-stuff-obsessed contemporary reader, but for me the first book just pushed a little further into my ratings.
I really liked Ever - she knows what she wants, and she's finally figured out a way to get it. Maybe.
Grade: A+
An e-galley was provided by Wednesday Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: While I'm not sure Lily can ever top The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You, her sophomore novel, Not Now, Not Ever, is just as wonderful. It is nerdy and swoony and funny in all the best ways.
It took me a teeny bit of time to get used to Ever, but her voice is distinct from TOTWTMIY's protagonist, Trixie. She isn't used to having friends or knowing she's smart, but she's just as driven and she's tentative about letting emotions get in the way of her goals. She's just as nerdy as the TOTWTMIY gang, except her knowledge revolves around science fiction, not pop culture. Her roommate is a ball of fun and so sweet, and I'm glad there was no cattiness between them. And y'all, I thought Brandon was adorable in TOTWTMIY, but he's even better here now that he's a senior and sharing the spotlight. He's still tentative and shy but a little less so, and his personality really shines. He is precious and wonderful and totally going on my list of book boyfriends. Although his and Ever's relationship moved a little fast, it never felt like insta-love - just friendship and attraction. Also, I loved all the cameos from the other characters. Some are more prominent than others, and some have grown beards (which I find hilarious). (Also it turns out Cornell is black, and I feel so bad for assuming he was white during the whole course of TOTWTMIY.)
The plot revolves around another academic mystery, and the answer to this one definitely surprised me, and I didn't see it coming.
My only real problem with NNNE was that the ending felt a teeny bit rushed, and it lacked a certain resolution, especially because I felt certain Ever's parents wouldn't let her go to Rayevich if she didn't have a full-ride scholarship. Oh well.
There was definitely more swearing than in TOTWTMIY, but romance and violence were all fairly clean (although there's mention of a college-age couple living together).
The Verdict: My words can't do justice to this book.
An e-galley was provided by Wednesday Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: While I'm not sure Lily can ever top The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You, her sophomore novel, Not Now, Not Ever, is just as wonderful. It is nerdy and swoony and funny in all the best ways.
It took me a teeny bit of time to get used to Ever, but her voice is distinct from TOTWTMIY's protagonist, Trixie. She isn't used to having friends or knowing she's smart, but she's just as driven and she's tentative about letting emotions get in the way of her goals. She's just as nerdy as the TOTWTMIY gang, except her knowledge revolves around science fiction, not pop culture. Her roommate is a ball of fun and so sweet, and I'm glad there was no cattiness between them. And y'all, I thought Brandon was adorable in TOTWTMIY, but he's even better here now that he's a senior and sharing the spotlight. He's still tentative and shy but a little less so, and his personality really shines. He is precious and wonderful and totally going on my list of book boyfriends. Although his and Ever's relationship moved a little fast, it never felt like insta-love - just friendship and attraction. Also, I loved all the cameos from the other characters. Some are more prominent than others, and some have grown beards (which I find hilarious). (Also it turns out Cornell is black, and I feel so bad for assuming he was white during the whole course of TOTWTMIY.)
The plot revolves around another academic mystery, and the answer to this one definitely surprised me, and I didn't see it coming.
My only real problem with NNNE was that the ending felt a teeny bit rushed, and it lacked a certain resolution, especially because I felt certain Ever's parents wouldn't let her go to Rayevich if she didn't have a full-ride scholarship. Oh well.
There was definitely more swearing than in TOTWTMIY, but romance and violence were all fairly clean (although there's mention of a college-age couple living together).
The Verdict: My words can't do justice to this book.
emotional
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Anderson's debut was one of my favorite YA novels of 2016, so I jumped at the chance to read NOT NOW NOT EVER early. My expectations were high, but they weren't disappointed. Elliot was so relatable, and it was a joy to read from her perspective. This book was just as nerdy, fun, and heartwarming as its predecessor. The perfect summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the eARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the eARC!
I loved Lily Anderson's first novel, The Only Thing Worse Than Me is You, and was very excited to find out she was writing a sequel. The characters from the first novel aren't the focus of the second, but it's nice to catch up with them and see how everyone is. It was also funny seeing Trixie from an outsider's POV since we were in her head for the first novel. (Perfect Nerd Girl! Ever gave awesome nicknames.) I loved the nerdy references and was pleased that I actually got many of them.
Elliot/Ever has an awesome character arc. I loved her romance with Brandon. It felt like a real high school romance. I loved the side cast of characters, especially Leigh. However,Leigh's secret that she not only attends the college already but LIVES IN A TREEHOUSE, felt super random and unnecessary. Also, pretty unbelievable .
The mystery of the missing binders was fun, although the solving of it felt like an afterthought. I did not like Ever's "brother" Isaiah. At all.Honestly, he deserved the kick to the stomach. It's not like Ever kicked him to win the competition. She kicked him because he was being an asshole and slut shaming her. Isaiah is only a year younger than Ever, but he comes off much younger and very immature. He drove me crazy. Ever does him a huge favor, one that I didn't think he deserved.
I'll definitely read whatever Lily Anderson writes next. These books are so much fun! (Also, I'd love to find out what happens to Ever & Brandon while reading about new characters.)
Elliot/Ever has an awesome character arc. I loved her romance with Brandon. It felt like a real high school romance. I loved the side cast of characters, especially Leigh. However,
The mystery of the missing binders was fun, although the solving of it felt like an afterthought. I did not like Ever's "brother" Isaiah. At all.
I'll definitely read whatever Lily Anderson writes next. These books are so much fun! (Also, I'd love to find out what happens to Ever & Brandon while reading about new characters.)
Actual rating, 3.5.
I actually was about to give this book a 4, but because I didn't like the ending it's going to be a 3 for me. I picked this up from the library without actually knowing that it's a sequel, but nonetheless, it was still interesting to read and pick up on the characters.
I really liked Elliot as a character and the unique premise of this book, where she runs away to win a scholarship for a college her parents wouldn't have either paid for. I also love the idea of a black protagonist who is a huge science-fiction nerd and embraces that fact. The characters, the plot, and the setting were lovable and memorable and almost made me feel like I was immersed and attending Camp Onward. Elliot kind of changes her identity and looks to reinvent herself during the book, which was something I particularly found it intriguing. "Ever Lawrence and her white twin brother."
I really liked the relationship she had with Brandon and how she was navigating her relationship with him. One thing I didn't like about their relationship was the fact that it felt rushed and didn't get its chance to develop properly. Then close to the end, they write it off as a summer "romance" and feel unsure whether or not their relationship is worth saving.
Now for the elephant in the room that brought this book down to 3 stars. The ending felt kind of rushed and unsatisfying to me. The reason I think this is because I wanted to see Elliot stand up for herself and the life she wanted to pursue and stay and compete and win the scholarship. She was so close to getting a chance, and she could've gotten it if she decided to stick up for herself.
Overall, the book was amazing and fun to read, making it worth the borrow from the library. I think this author is amazing and I will look into her other works!
I actually was about to give this book a 4, but because I didn't like the ending it's going to be a 3 for me. I picked this up from the library without actually knowing that it's a sequel, but nonetheless, it was still interesting to read and pick up on the characters.
I really liked Elliot as a character and the unique premise of this book, where she runs away to win a scholarship for a college her parents wouldn't have either paid for. I also love the idea of a black protagonist who is a huge science-fiction nerd and embraces that fact. The characters, the plot, and the setting were lovable and memorable and almost made me feel like I was immersed and attending Camp Onward. Elliot kind of changes her identity and looks to reinvent herself during the book, which was something I particularly found it intriguing. "Ever Lawrence and her white twin brother."
I really liked the relationship she had with Brandon and how she was navigating her relationship with him. One thing I didn't like about their relationship was the fact that it felt rushed and didn't get its chance to develop properly. Then close to the end, they write it off as a summer "romance" and feel unsure whether or not their relationship is worth saving.
Now for the elephant in the room that brought this book down to 3 stars. The ending felt kind of rushed and unsatisfying to me. The reason I think this is because I wanted to see Elliot stand up for herself and the life she wanted to pursue and stay and compete and win the scholarship. She was so close to getting a chance, and she could've gotten it if she decided to stick up for herself.
Overall, the book was amazing and fun to read, making it worth the borrow from the library. I think this author is amazing and I will look into her other works!
Book Review
Title: Not now, Not ever
Author: Lily Anderson
Genre: YA/Family/Romance
Rating: *****
Review: In the opening chapter of Not now, Not ever we meet Ever as she runs away from home to attend Camp Onward where she could get a full scholarship to Rayevich College, her dream school. She is also a huge reader and has an inner voice that she named Oscar Wilde. She also meets Cornell Aaron who is buddy to help her through the three-week summer school but in learning why Ever has run away we also learn that Ever Lawrence is Elliot Gabaroche and everyone close to Elliot thinks she is somewhere different to where she really is. The one side of his family almost always joins the military and the other half go into practical jobs like law and business, but Elliot wants to take a science fiction literature course. As she begins to settle into the Camp things take a dramatic turn when Isaiah her cousin shows up from the same programme. Ever/Elliot is obviously panicked by Isaiah’s arrival but since neither wants to end up in the academy they both agree to work together to keep their admission to the Camp a secret from everyone that knows them and in the progress of creating a cover story the cousins now become twins.
The competition both Ever and Isaiah are entered in is called the Tarrasch Melee and the prize is a fully paid 4-year scholarship to Rayevich College but everyone there is competing for the same prize. One thing that was interesting to see was the introduction scene, as all the campers are sorted into groups that will compete against each other they do an ice breaker to get to know one another. In the ice breaker they must introduce themselves and give their chosen major on which they are then quizzed and despite everyone being classified as a genius in some way some know their subject areas far better than others. As we approach the ¼ mark in the novel we see the cousins now twins settle into the camp life and try to get their life story straight to avoid detection and getting thrown out of their only chance at a life of their own choosing.
The first lesson Ever’s group has is literature obviously her favourite and in the college library she finds a book that she has never been able to get her hands on before because the author took it out of print. Despite being over a quarter of the way through Not now, Not ever not a lot has happened apart from settling into the school and starting lessons, it also seems a little stereotypical with everyone being friends and no real conflicts being presented to add texture to the characters but there is still plenty of book left for it to happen. In addition to the Melee there are other non-academic challenge the campers will face, the first being a strange game of tag in the dead of night which Ever wins with some smart thinking and self-preservation skills. I also see a hint of a possible romance between Brandon and Ever which would be great as they are both smart although Ever seems to be the outgoing while Brandon is very awkward, and I feel they would compliment each other.
I really liked the fact that almost everything involved in the camp experience is a test including the evening movie showing of the Breakfast Club (classic by the way). As we approach the halfway mark in the novel I was really getting into the experience and connecting with the characters. Despite this novel not being in my normal genre preference as I am hardcore into fantasy this novel was surprisingly enjoyable. As the group face their first mock Melee some find themselves unprepared for the level of knowledge required in a vast area of subjects as each has their own speciality. Things become a little more dramatic when some of the boys get their hands on the test schedule, so they can prepare for what is to come although this may come back to bite them on the behind if they aren’t careful. I really loved the constant references to modern literature from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Hunger Games, Battle Royale and Harry Potter, it makes the dialogue between nerdy friends seem far more realistic.
My inkling about the romance was spot on but that first kiss scene completely took me by surprise, I am so loving this pairing it is perfect. Ever’s group has realised that the tutors are pushing them so hard to see how quickly they break and as the information and test come faster and harder you can literally see the cracks appearing in some students. There also seems to be a thief on campus, while one or two binders went missing early on in the novel a total of 32 are now missing and harsher rules have been put in place for the campers and everyone seems to be holding their notes for the Melee closer than ever now. Despite the school dorms being divided by gender Brandon and Ever find some time to be alone and he even manages to find a way to get them off campus for a few hours to take her on their first official date. One thing I can say about this novel is it isn’t at all cheesy or bland despite playing on the summer school/camp romance which is a little overused in this genre and it gets bonus point for being diverse.
I really like how Anderson threads together the contemporary and mystery elements of this novel and it was a nice to see the pieces of the puzzle coming together when one of the missing binders is found in a tree house on campus. As we near the end of the novel the Melee battles finally begin, and the stakes are higher for some than others as well can see with Ever and Isaiah. In the final section of this novel we see the mystery resolved, relationship repaired, and one extraordinary person allowed to live their own life. Overall, I must say I really enjoyed Not now, Not ever although I would have like the reverse resolution but it was a quick, fun read that took me completely by surprise.
Title: Not now, Not ever
Author: Lily Anderson
Genre: YA/Family/Romance
Rating: *****
Review: In the opening chapter of Not now, Not ever we meet Ever as she runs away from home to attend Camp Onward where she could get a full scholarship to Rayevich College, her dream school. She is also a huge reader and has an inner voice that she named Oscar Wilde. She also meets Cornell Aaron who is buddy to help her through the three-week summer school but in learning why Ever has run away we also learn that Ever Lawrence is Elliot Gabaroche and everyone close to Elliot thinks she is somewhere different to where she really is. The one side of his family almost always joins the military and the other half go into practical jobs like law and business, but Elliot wants to take a science fiction literature course. As she begins to settle into the Camp things take a dramatic turn when Isaiah her cousin shows up from the same programme. Ever/Elliot is obviously panicked by Isaiah’s arrival but since neither wants to end up in the academy they both agree to work together to keep their admission to the Camp a secret from everyone that knows them and in the progress of creating a cover story the cousins now become twins.
The competition both Ever and Isaiah are entered in is called the Tarrasch Melee and the prize is a fully paid 4-year scholarship to Rayevich College but everyone there is competing for the same prize. One thing that was interesting to see was the introduction scene, as all the campers are sorted into groups that will compete against each other they do an ice breaker to get to know one another. In the ice breaker they must introduce themselves and give their chosen major on which they are then quizzed and despite everyone being classified as a genius in some way some know their subject areas far better than others. As we approach the ¼ mark in the novel we see the cousins now twins settle into the camp life and try to get their life story straight to avoid detection and getting thrown out of their only chance at a life of their own choosing.
The first lesson Ever’s group has is literature obviously her favourite and in the college library she finds a book that she has never been able to get her hands on before because the author took it out of print. Despite being over a quarter of the way through Not now, Not ever not a lot has happened apart from settling into the school and starting lessons, it also seems a little stereotypical with everyone being friends and no real conflicts being presented to add texture to the characters but there is still plenty of book left for it to happen. In addition to the Melee there are other non-academic challenge the campers will face, the first being a strange game of tag in the dead of night which Ever wins with some smart thinking and self-preservation skills. I also see a hint of a possible romance between Brandon and Ever which would be great as they are both smart although Ever seems to be the outgoing while Brandon is very awkward, and I feel they would compliment each other.
I really liked the fact that almost everything involved in the camp experience is a test including the evening movie showing of the Breakfast Club (classic by the way). As we approach the halfway mark in the novel I was really getting into the experience and connecting with the characters. Despite this novel not being in my normal genre preference as I am hardcore into fantasy this novel was surprisingly enjoyable. As the group face their first mock Melee some find themselves unprepared for the level of knowledge required in a vast area of subjects as each has their own speciality. Things become a little more dramatic when some of the boys get their hands on the test schedule, so they can prepare for what is to come although this may come back to bite them on the behind if they aren’t careful. I really loved the constant references to modern literature from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Hunger Games, Battle Royale and Harry Potter, it makes the dialogue between nerdy friends seem far more realistic.
My inkling about the romance was spot on but that first kiss scene completely took me by surprise, I am so loving this pairing it is perfect. Ever’s group has realised that the tutors are pushing them so hard to see how quickly they break and as the information and test come faster and harder you can literally see the cracks appearing in some students. There also seems to be a thief on campus, while one or two binders went missing early on in the novel a total of 32 are now missing and harsher rules have been put in place for the campers and everyone seems to be holding their notes for the Melee closer than ever now. Despite the school dorms being divided by gender Brandon and Ever find some time to be alone and he even manages to find a way to get them off campus for a few hours to take her on their first official date. One thing I can say about this novel is it isn’t at all cheesy or bland despite playing on the summer school/camp romance which is a little overused in this genre and it gets bonus point for being diverse.
I really like how Anderson threads together the contemporary and mystery elements of this novel and it was a nice to see the pieces of the puzzle coming together when one of the missing binders is found in a tree house on campus. As we near the end of the novel the Melee battles finally begin, and the stakes are higher for some than others as well can see with Ever and Isaiah. In the final section of this novel we see the mystery resolved, relationship repaired, and one extraordinary person allowed to live their own life. Overall, I must say I really enjoyed Not now, Not ever although I would have like the reverse resolution but it was a quick, fun read that took me completely by surprise.
I enjoy the world that Anderson has built, and really hope she continues her stories in this vein she's created. This book was not quite as good as the first, but bonus star because I love Oscar Wilde.
There are 3 things that Elliott is absolutely NOT going to do over her summer vacation: sit through her mom's 6th performance of "The Importance of Being Earnest" in a community theater, go to mock trial camp, or go to an Air Force summer program. So instead she changes her name to Ever and runs away to an extremely competitive academic camp. This camp gives away college scholarships to a few lucky people for Science Fiction Literature which is exactly what she wants to do - and is also something that her family would never agree to. While a highly unlikely premise, in the number of things that must come together for Ever to pull this off, the actual story is full of appeal for those who like geeky, nerd drama. It's witty and smart with good character development - but also is going to be a very select audience.