A review by proudtobeabookaholic
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Autumn and Finn have been best friends during their childhood and done everything together. But when they start high school they end up in different crowds and drift apart. Their families are neighbors and hang out, so they still see each other, but it's not like before. Autumn get together with Jamie, and Finn with Sylvie, but she can't help thinking, what if...

This is a really good YA that display a lot of relatable subjects: first love, when it's okay to have sex, being drunk for the first time, the relations to parents and friends etc. It also brings up mental health issues. I have to say that the youths in this book are unusually well-behaved, and it's really nice, because it gets rather emotional and sad later on (have your tissues ready if you easily cry when you read!).

The reason for not giving it five stars? It's a bit predictable at times and it felt too long. For a while it seemed like events were just stacked up for no reason and it became somewhat repetitive. I also would have liked to get both POV's, not just Autumn's. But over all it's a really good book and I certainly recommend it!
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