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A review by jcrawford728
Roomies by Tara Altebrando, Sara Zarr
3.0
Review originally posted at Mrs. Crawford's Thoughts
My number one question about this novel: Where was a book like this when I was getting ready to leave for college? There were so many parts in both Elizabeth’s and Lauren’s stories that brought me back to the summer before my freshman year of college. The feelings they have – excitement, apprehension, curiosity – are very realistic and honest. I remember wondering what my roommate would be like and what would happen to my friendships from high school as we all traveled down different roads. I smiled many times throughout reading Roomies as I felt very nostalgic for college.
I really liked the use of both Elizabeth’s and Lauren’s perspective. They are two very different girls with very different views and experiences. For example, Elizabeth is an only child; Lauren is the eldest of six children. There differences become clear through the emails they send. At times the girls feel a very strong connection, while at others they question if they will actually be able to live together. Readers get to read both the emails and experience the twists and turns of each girl’s summer. Both girls are well-developed, complex characters. Readers will like both girls, yet also question some of their decisions. Elizabeth and Lauren are interesting girls to get to know. I could see some of my students in both girls.
Roomies is part of the emerging genre of “new adult.” If other books in New Adult are similar to this, I can see the genre gaining momentum with college-aged readers. The first class I plan to book talk this with is my seniors I have this trimester. I think it can help them feel better about any fears or stress they have as college looms in the very near future and many are preparing to leave home for the first time. That is one of the amazing powers of books – to realize you are never alone in how you feel.
3.5/5 stars
My number one question about this novel: Where was a book like this when I was getting ready to leave for college? There were so many parts in both Elizabeth’s and Lauren’s stories that brought me back to the summer before my freshman year of college. The feelings they have – excitement, apprehension, curiosity – are very realistic and honest. I remember wondering what my roommate would be like and what would happen to my friendships from high school as we all traveled down different roads. I smiled many times throughout reading Roomies as I felt very nostalgic for college.
I really liked the use of both Elizabeth’s and Lauren’s perspective. They are two very different girls with very different views and experiences. For example, Elizabeth is an only child; Lauren is the eldest of six children. There differences become clear through the emails they send. At times the girls feel a very strong connection, while at others they question if they will actually be able to live together. Readers get to read both the emails and experience the twists and turns of each girl’s summer. Both girls are well-developed, complex characters. Readers will like both girls, yet also question some of their decisions. Elizabeth and Lauren are interesting girls to get to know. I could see some of my students in both girls.
Roomies is part of the emerging genre of “new adult.” If other books in New Adult are similar to this, I can see the genre gaining momentum with college-aged readers. The first class I plan to book talk this with is my seniors I have this trimester. I think it can help them feel better about any fears or stress they have as college looms in the very near future and many are preparing to leave home for the first time. That is one of the amazing powers of books – to realize you are never alone in how you feel.
3.5/5 stars