431 reviews for:

That Boy

Jillian Dodd

3.65 AVERAGE


I really fell in love with this book, absolutely loved the subject matter. Couldn't put the book down. Although the book does have a sad situation in it, that just added to the building of the characters.

I downloaded this book as a free book off ibooks and wasn't expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised by it and now I'm hooked on the series and can't wait for the third instalment in 2015

loved, loved, loved the book

I found it childish. Just not for me.

jaime_rose's review

3.75
lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Good for a young adult, plot twist

(I am sorry, Megan. But this book was bad.)

So I feel like a pessimist right now, because I am scrolling through the reviews, and EVERYONE is giving it 4/5 stars! Well, time to face the facts, people... This book does not deserve 4 or five stars. Probably not even 3. I think it deserves 1.5, but I can't give halves.

First of all, I didn't like the writing. I don't think the author ever said what Phillip looked like (Or I just didn't pay attention), whereas other characters, like Danny, get a full description (
Spoiler Which is strange, considering she does end up with Phillip....
). There are many errors in grammar,as well, and the writing is really random and gets off-track a lot (For example, one time in the book, JJ was talking about Phillip's car, then she started talking about red cars... Then somehow she got to red cowboy boots. Whaaaaat?). Also, when JJ grows up, I fell like she still acts/talks/thinks the same exact way she did when she was in, say, 8th grade.

The characters in this story were not very good, either. JJ was a total mary-sue. I mean, she's popular, allllll the guys want her, she's best friends with two guys (who also want her), she's pretty, and she pretty much gets everything she wants. Also, I feel like she over-reacts to some things, and completely under-reacts to others. For example, when Phillip didn't like her bikini, she freaked out. IT'S JUST A BIKINI, LADY, GET OVER IT! But then when
Spoiler her parents die, she takes it waaay too well. I found it hard to feel bad for her. I mean, even at the hospital, she points out how the doctor was cute and she would be flirting with him in different circumstances. And then a couple days after, she seems perfectly fine. WTH?
She also claims to be a total tomboy, yet I feel like she's far from one. And then there's Phillip, who is super sweet (I guess...), but also really boring . And then Danny's a total player and everyone seems fine with it and loves him anyways.

Next, I move onto the story, in general. Everyone points out how cute this book is, and I understand how they can see it that way (I mean, the end was adorable, and I can't deny it). But JJ was making out with boys pretty much all the time, and then in the end
Spoiler she hooks up with Phillip (And may I point out how HIS MOM encouraged it? THAT WAS SO CREEPY!) before actually dating or anything.
I don't know if I am the only one who feels this way, but that is most definitely not cute. Also, though the ending was actually very adorable, it strange and unrealistic.
Spoiler I know they were techincally engaged for 12 years, but still! WHO PROPOSES ON THE FIRST DATE? Also, how could JJ not have known he was proposing? It was really obvious.
Also, the plot seemed to be missing key points in JJ's life. When did she graduate high school? College? Who did she work with? Was she still friends with Lisa and Lori and all those people?

Okay. Rant over. 1.5 stars

When I think about the guy I want to marry, I think I might prefer someone who knows where they are going. I mean a prince pretty much has his whole life planned out already, doesn’t he? And this is important because I have no idea where I’m going or what I want to do with my life.
--------------------------------
As a kid I’ve always believed that my prince would come someday. I don’t mean like a prince with a crown and white horse who live in a palace prince but the prince who will sweep me off my feet and treat me like his princess. I mean who doesn’t want to be treated like that right? JJ was no different.

The story started with Jaydn James “JJ” Reynolds her surprise engagement party that was supposed to be her first date with “that boy”. She was actually complaining about how “that boy” was so sure she was going to marry him and then it suddenly the flashback happened. We get a glimpse on JJ’s life way before she was old enough to date. Everything actually started when one of her best friend Phillip kissed her on the fourth grade and followed by the arrival of her second best friend Danny. The story was told in JJ’s perspective starting from when she was in the fourth grade up to where “that boy” asked her to marry him.

I wasn’t really expecting to have this much fun reading this book. This book was recommended to me by a friend here in Goodreads, Belkis. It has been so long and finally I’m actually reading it. I am so glad I picked up this book! The story line was actually very simple but what makes it great is how it was told. It was written in a journal form. You’ll see how a fourth grade girl grew up to the girl that she was when “that boy” asked her to marry him. I mean not much have changed with JJ. She was still a little immature but I liked her which is unusual for me because I hate boy-crazy and whiny characters but I think I have to make an exception for her. JJ is one character you’ll never forget.

The guys here Phillip and Danny were awesome really! I wasn’t expected to be torn up on JJ not choosing one of them because they are so amazing in their own way. Phillip was this sweet guy who was slightly bossy (according to JJ but not for me! I’d be willing to get bossed around all day by this guy!) and was someone you can depend on when a situation gets tough. He was the type of guy who would stick to you like glue when you’re his friend but will stick to you forever when you’re his girlfriend. Danny, on the other hand, was this jock who all the girls go for. He was sexy and cool but he also respected girls despite him being with so many girls this guy was loyal. When he chooses you, its you. I’m not saying Phillip isn’t one but Danny has a reputation of being with tons of girls so I felt the need to emphasize on that on his case.

If you are looking for a book that would make you smile, feel giddy all over, make you sad and confused over which guy to choose I HIGHLY suggest reading this book. There are tons of things to love about this book starting with the writing style, to the drawings on each chapter, to the characters and finally the ending. It was a major “Awww” moment for me! I want a boy like “that boy”! I want one. JJ always wanted to have a prince that will sweep her off her feet and guess what? She got it!

I would be reading the sequel of this book “The Wedding” soon just so that I would know what will happen to JJ and “that boy’s” love story. I hope everything works out because if not I’ll be waiting in the wings for “that boy”. :)

Of course I give it 5 stars!

5.43 on Cawpile.

It was ok. That's pretty much it.

yche09's review

5.0

I had fun reading this. Sweet sweet sweet ^_^ made my day actually. =)
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booksofshannon's review

3.5
emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

This book was kindly recommended to me by a friend for the “12 Books by 12 Friends” challenge that was trending on social media. As someone who is not the biggest fan of contemporary novels that are set in real life with no fantasy elements, this was a nice little shake up for me. I found the book to be a very quick and easy read. The story itself was very cute even though about halfway there was a sad moment for our main character during her senior year of high school. If you love the friends-to-lovers trope then I would recommend this book. The romance was very simple and clean and of course it ended in a happily ever after! 

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ghutch1790's review

5.0

Absolutely perfect. Made me laugh and cry. The author has a great ability to take you on a journey. She also has good character development.
Sigh... Why did it have to end?

stephlg's review

4.0

“We're all busy people and it's easy to get so wrapped up in life, that we forget to live.”