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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
The reviews of this book, alone, made me want to read this story. Yesterday I bought the e-book on Amazon, and today I'm crying.
This story really hit me in the feels, let me just say that. There aren't many stories that have made me cry, but this one absolutely did.
I was able to relate to Emma, and I understood where she was coming from as a teenage girl. That being said, I was so emotionally involved with everything she was going through that the note at the very end of this story made me scream. I literally screamed.
It really was a great book, and even though I'll be feeling the emotions from this story for the next few days, they are emotions I wish all books could make me feel. (FYI: still crying).
This story really hit me in the feels, let me just say that. There aren't many stories that have made me cry, but this one absolutely did.
I was able to relate to Emma, and I understood where she was coming from as a teenage girl. That being said, I was so emotionally involved with everything she was going through that the note at the very end of this story made me scream. I literally screamed.
It really was a great book, and even though I'll be feeling the emotions from this story for the next few days, they are emotions I wish all books could make me feel. (FYI: still crying).
'The Best Kept Secret' by Wendi Nunnery took me a few chapters to get into, but once I did, I was hooked. Not wanting to give too much away (it is called 'The Best Kept Secret,' after all), the story revolves around Emma, a sophomore in high school. Much of the plot deals with her relationship with her best friend, Andy. She also cycles between liking a senior boy named Deegan and Andy's brother, Jesse. Rounding out the main cast of characters, aside from Emma's parents, are her good friend, Elsie, and another girl, Georgia, the token mean girl whom Emma can't stand.
The first half or a bit more of the story was your typical contemporary young adult novel with romantic entanglements, unrequited crushes, and friendship troubles. Nunnery did a great job fleshing out the way Emma felt about Deegan, as well as the way she started to come to terms with her feelings for Jesse. Since Deegan was good friends with Andy, Emma got to spend more time with him, and the way she saw him act around Jesse made her begin to think twice about what kind of a person he truly was. The uncomfortable nature of his remarks about Jesse being gay, which had never been overtly stated by Jesse or anyone else at that point, were a sense of foreshadowing in the worst possible way.
When Emma is asked to the prom by Deegan, her heart leaps, partly because she hopes to be able to see Jesse there. Her emotions toward both guys lead her to a trainwreck of troubles at the prom, starting with a conversation she was clearly not meant to overhear between two people she thought she knew – or at least hoped she did. The conversation brings to light realizations that are not at all pretty, and which send the story into a downward spiral of uncertainty over what will happen next, and what should be done about what Emma now knows.
The barrage of 'what if' scenarios and revelations of truths that permeated the storytelling were rife with emotion. Any reader who doesn't feel a slew of emotions ranging from happiness to hope to anger and disgust, on to animosity toward anyone who has suffered at the hands of a bully will find this story compelling and relatable, despite the host of emotions plaguing them as they read it.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen,' A Young Adult Novel
The first half or a bit more of the story was your typical contemporary young adult novel with romantic entanglements, unrequited crushes, and friendship troubles. Nunnery did a great job fleshing out the way Emma felt about Deegan, as well as the way she started to come to terms with her feelings for Jesse. Since Deegan was good friends with Andy, Emma got to spend more time with him, and the way she saw him act around Jesse made her begin to think twice about what kind of a person he truly was. The uncomfortable nature of his remarks about Jesse being gay, which had never been overtly stated by Jesse or anyone else at that point, were a sense of foreshadowing in the worst possible way.
When Emma is asked to the prom by Deegan, her heart leaps, partly because she hopes to be able to see Jesse there. Her emotions toward both guys lead her to a trainwreck of troubles at the prom, starting with a conversation she was clearly not meant to overhear between two people she thought she knew – or at least hoped she did. The conversation brings to light realizations that are not at all pretty, and which send the story into a downward spiral of uncertainty over what will happen next, and what should be done about what Emma now knows.
The barrage of 'what if' scenarios and revelations of truths that permeated the storytelling were rife with emotion. Any reader who doesn't feel a slew of emotions ranging from happiness to hope to anger and disgust, on to animosity toward anyone who has suffered at the hands of a bully will find this story compelling and relatable, despite the host of emotions plaguing them as they read it.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen,' A Young Adult Novel
My rating: 4.5
The Best Kept Secret is probably one of the most real, while fictional, account of a girl's experience of high school that I've read. High school is not a piece of cake, and I really enjoyed the thought provoking plot that Wendi created within these pages. While a coming of age story, this one seriously breaks the mold of YA and sits in a category all its own for me.
We meet Emma as she is in her sophomore year of high school - a year that is pivotal to social status for these kids. As an adult, reading this book brought back the flood of memories, insecurities, and emotions that I went through during those hard years of learning about who I was and what my place was in the craziness of high school.
Wendi's writing style is so smooth, and her character development is on point. Emma is not your typical whiny high school girl; she was very easy to fight for as I was reading. She has a had time finding her way and while sometimes I didn't agree with choices she made, I still fought for her and for the lessons she would learn through this book. Then there was the boys - Deegan and Jesse. While opposite each other on the popularity scale, both play a huge part in Emma's life and it was interesting to see how she would handle them. Then there is Andy, the long time childhood best friend, who is also struggling through changes in relationships... and Emma's female BFF, Elsie who brings balance to the whole book.
This book was NOT what I thought it would be going into it.... it is not cute, light-hearted and sexy... There is a very serious line underneath the story and some bigger, more serious things come to light - some secrets aren't worth keeping... that's all I'm going to say.
The Best Kept Secret is probably one of the most real, while fictional, account of a girl's experience of high school that I've read. High school is not a piece of cake, and I really enjoyed the thought provoking plot that Wendi created within these pages. While a coming of age story, this one seriously breaks the mold of YA and sits in a category all its own for me.
We meet Emma as she is in her sophomore year of high school - a year that is pivotal to social status for these kids. As an adult, reading this book brought back the flood of memories, insecurities, and emotions that I went through during those hard years of learning about who I was and what my place was in the craziness of high school.
Wendi's writing style is so smooth, and her character development is on point. Emma is not your typical whiny high school girl; she was very easy to fight for as I was reading. She has a had time finding her way and while sometimes I didn't agree with choices she made, I still fought for her and for the lessons she would learn through this book. Then there was the boys - Deegan and Jesse. While opposite each other on the popularity scale, both play a huge part in Emma's life and it was interesting to see how she would handle them. Then there is Andy, the long time childhood best friend, who is also struggling through changes in relationships... and Emma's female BFF, Elsie who brings balance to the whole book.
This book was NOT what I thought it would be going into it.... it is not cute, light-hearted and sexy... There is a very serious line underneath the story and some bigger, more serious things come to light - some secrets aren't worth keeping... that's all I'm going to say.
3.5/4 Stars (I am torn)
So I am going to admit straight off that this is a tough one for me. This is a emotionally difficult book to finish and it feels wrong to say that I enjoyed the book even though I did because of the storyline. This is not a pretty story, there is a lot of heart break in this book, a lot of pain. But, there are also a lot of tender moments, moments of courage and triumph and a lot of love.
The hardest part for me with this book, the reason that I am struggling in between a 3.5 and a 4 rating is the end. The very last moment of this book breaks my heart. I literally felt my breath catch and tears fall and I worry for Emma, this fictional character, because I placed myself in her shoes and know that if this moment in time had ended the way hers did I would carry that with me for the rest of my life. I would always wonder if things would have been different had I just seen the note, if I hadn't brushed off the question about the books, if I hadn't lied to save face.
This book is a conglomeration of what-if's for me. What if Emma had truly listened, what if Andy wasn't such a jerk, what if they spoke up sooner, what if he'd just said something. I suppose in reality that is the way of life, we can always go through it wondering what-if, but it was so hard to 'watch' all of these subtle moments happen, moments where a life could have been changed and no one took the effort to do it.
I struggled with the best friend relationship between Emma and Andy, mainly because it really felt like Andy was a bit of a jerk and I couldn't understand why Emma would put up with that. Now he's a 16 year old guy so I suppose some of the jerk attitude has an excuse, but not all of it. And I pray that my two children don't treat each other they way Andy and his brother do (particularly the way Andy treats his brother) when they are high-schoolers. I guess it comes down to me not being a big Andy fan any way you look at it. I did however really like Emma's female best friend, Elsie. Although she is hiding a secret from Emma it is clear that she really cares for her and wants the best for Emma. I don't always get that feeling with Andy and I wish I did because they have been friends for so long.
Another aspect I really liked is the relationship between Emma and her parents. She has a very open (yet we aren't talking parent as the best friend kind of thing) relationship with her parents. They are allowing her to grow into herself and find her path while being there to guide her and discipline her when needed. I think it is the kind of relationship most parents hope to have with their teenage children, one of trust and respect on all sides.
I think that this is a worthy book, it is a read that could really change someones life if picked up at the right moment. It is a tough read, my chest hurts just sitting her thinking back on the story, don't be afraid of it, but do bring your tissues. The true secret in the story doesn't happen till the last quarter of the book so there is a long build up and a lot of discussion about sex so this is a book for mature teens and adults. The bullying aspect in this book is painful to 'watch' and something that I think we all pray never happens, but deep down we know things like this occur which is what makes this book so important. It is a intimate and real look at teenage life and how bullying whether it is as severe as in this book or not affects more than the person being bullied. It is also a reminder that we have to speak up, that we have to listen to our friends and family with open ears, hearts, and minds. We can't make assumptions, but we can try and talk to each other and if we do know something is happening we don't wait for someone else to talk about it.
This is a book that will leave a mark and while it is a painful mark to start with due to the story I think that it is a mark that can change a person and hopefully open our eyes to what is happening around us.
http://www.readsallthebooks.com/2015/06/the-best-kept-secret-review.html
So I am going to admit straight off that this is a tough one for me. This is a emotionally difficult book to finish and it feels wrong to say that I enjoyed the book even though I did because of the storyline. This is not a pretty story, there is a lot of heart break in this book, a lot of pain. But, there are also a lot of tender moments, moments of courage and triumph and a lot of love.
The hardest part for me with this book, the reason that I am struggling in between a 3.5 and a 4 rating is the end. The very last moment of this book breaks my heart. I literally felt my breath catch and tears fall and I worry for Emma, this fictional character, because I placed myself in her shoes and know that if this moment in time had ended the way hers did I would carry that with me for the rest of my life. I would always wonder if things would have been different had I just seen the note, if I hadn't brushed off the question about the books, if I hadn't lied to save face.
This book is a conglomeration of what-if's for me. What if Emma had truly listened, what if Andy wasn't such a jerk, what if they spoke up sooner, what if he'd just said something. I suppose in reality that is the way of life, we can always go through it wondering what-if, but it was so hard to 'watch' all of these subtle moments happen, moments where a life could have been changed and no one took the effort to do it.
I struggled with the best friend relationship between Emma and Andy, mainly because it really felt like Andy was a bit of a jerk and I couldn't understand why Emma would put up with that. Now he's a 16 year old guy so I suppose some of the jerk attitude has an excuse, but not all of it. And I pray that my two children don't treat each other they way Andy and his brother do (particularly the way Andy treats his brother) when they are high-schoolers. I guess it comes down to me not being a big Andy fan any way you look at it. I did however really like Emma's female best friend, Elsie. Although she is hiding a secret from Emma it is clear that she really cares for her and wants the best for Emma. I don't always get that feeling with Andy and I wish I did because they have been friends for so long.
Another aspect I really liked is the relationship between Emma and her parents. She has a very open (yet we aren't talking parent as the best friend kind of thing) relationship with her parents. They are allowing her to grow into herself and find her path while being there to guide her and discipline her when needed. I think it is the kind of relationship most parents hope to have with their teenage children, one of trust and respect on all sides.
I think that this is a worthy book, it is a read that could really change someones life if picked up at the right moment. It is a tough read, my chest hurts just sitting her thinking back on the story, don't be afraid of it, but do bring your tissues. The true secret in the story doesn't happen till the last quarter of the book so there is a long build up and a lot of discussion about sex so this is a book for mature teens and adults. The bullying aspect in this book is painful to 'watch' and something that I think we all pray never happens, but deep down we know things like this occur which is what makes this book so important. It is a intimate and real look at teenage life and how bullying whether it is as severe as in this book or not affects more than the person being bullied. It is also a reminder that we have to speak up, that we have to listen to our friends and family with open ears, hearts, and minds. We can't make assumptions, but we can try and talk to each other and if we do know something is happening we don't wait for someone else to talk about it.
This is a book that will leave a mark and while it is a painful mark to start with due to the story I think that it is a mark that can change a person and hopefully open our eyes to what is happening around us.
http://www.readsallthebooks.com/2015/06/the-best-kept-secret-review.html
*I received a copy of The Best Kept Secret in exchange for an honest review.
Why do we do it to ourselves, fellow readers? Why do we read books that make us hurt inside, and would make me cry if I wasn’t 90% Vulcan.
It’s taken me a while to write a coherent review of The Best Kept Secret, and I do hope is his coherent.
Synopsis & plot
The Best Kept Secret follows Emma, a Sophomore student who is beginning to discover that she doesn’t know everything about her friends, especially her best friend Andy. Amongst all of the excitement about prom, and attractive boys, she begins to find out what’s really going on.
This felt a little like a book of two halves. The first half was about teenage drama; who’s taking who to the prom, dresses, bitchy girls etc, which was fair enough, but it wasn’t entirely gripping. The second half was much more interesting when we start to discover ‘the secret’.
I truly felt for the characters and it made me feel hatred towards some of the other characters. Any author who can make you hate a character for the way they’ve behaved towards other characters, is a good author in my book.
The Best Kept Secret deals with a big, and awful topic. It’s the first time I’ve seen that particular topic featured in a book, and I felt that it was handled well.
And the ending; oh it was it was heartbreaking, and very sudden. I would have liked a couple of more paragraphs, or maybe just sentences, after the end to find out what Emma’s reactions were, though I’m sure that would have made it even more heartbreaking.
Characters
Our main character, Emma, is well-developed and is going through all the kinds of things every teenage girl (and maybe boys?) go through, which is easy for the reader to relate to.
Secondary characters, such as Andy, Deegan, and Jesse, are also well put together. That’s not to say they’re all likeable characters, because some of them aren’t at all, and you actually feel like you hate some of them.
There are also parents present in The Best Kept Secret. Can you imagine it; a young adult book with parents?! The shock. The relationship between Emma and her parents feels a little too perfect at times, but it’s nice that they’re there and makes it feel more realistic.
World building
The world building isn’t generally so important in contemporary novels, because it’s not really necessary. I can imagine what a school looks like, what a bedroom looks like, so the world building was perfectly acceptable for me.
Conclusion
I finished The Best Kept Secret two or three weeks ago, and I’ve found myself thinking about it a fair bit over the past couple of weeks, and it’s taken me a while to figure out exactly how I feel about it.
I conclude that it’s a gripping, touching, and heartbreaking novel that deals with a serious topic, that sticks with you.
http://www.eatreadglam.com/2015/06/the-best-kept-secret-wendi-nunnery.html
Why do we do it to ourselves, fellow readers? Why do we read books that make us hurt inside, and would make me cry if I wasn’t 90% Vulcan.
It’s taken me a while to write a coherent review of The Best Kept Secret, and I do hope is his coherent.
Synopsis & plot
The Best Kept Secret follows Emma, a Sophomore student who is beginning to discover that she doesn’t know everything about her friends, especially her best friend Andy. Amongst all of the excitement about prom, and attractive boys, she begins to find out what’s really going on.
This felt a little like a book of two halves. The first half was about teenage drama; who’s taking who to the prom, dresses, bitchy girls etc, which was fair enough, but it wasn’t entirely gripping. The second half was much more interesting when we start to discover ‘the secret’.
I truly felt for the characters and it made me feel hatred towards some of the other characters. Any author who can make you hate a character for the way they’ve behaved towards other characters, is a good author in my book.
The Best Kept Secret deals with a big, and awful topic. It’s the first time I’ve seen that particular topic featured in a book, and I felt that it was handled well.
And the ending; oh it was it was heartbreaking, and very sudden. I would have liked a couple of more paragraphs, or maybe just sentences, after the end to find out what Emma’s reactions were, though I’m sure that would have made it even more heartbreaking.
Characters
Our main character, Emma, is well-developed and is going through all the kinds of things every teenage girl (and maybe boys?) go through, which is easy for the reader to relate to.
Secondary characters, such as Andy, Deegan, and Jesse, are also well put together. That’s not to say they’re all likeable characters, because some of them aren’t at all, and you actually feel like you hate some of them.
There are also parents present in The Best Kept Secret. Can you imagine it; a young adult book with parents?! The shock. The relationship between Emma and her parents feels a little too perfect at times, but it’s nice that they’re there and makes it feel more realistic.
World building
The world building isn’t generally so important in contemporary novels, because it’s not really necessary. I can imagine what a school looks like, what a bedroom looks like, so the world building was perfectly acceptable for me.
Conclusion
I finished The Best Kept Secret two or three weeks ago, and I’ve found myself thinking about it a fair bit over the past couple of weeks, and it’s taken me a while to figure out exactly how I feel about it.
I conclude that it’s a gripping, touching, and heartbreaking novel that deals with a serious topic, that sticks with you.
http://www.eatreadglam.com/2015/06/the-best-kept-secret-wendi-nunnery.html