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A review by ceruleanjen
The Truth About Us by Janet Gurtler
4.0
I won a copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program. Many thanks to the publisher/author for giving me the chance to read and review this book from the Goodreads First Reads program.
Plot:
The plot isn't entirely new, but was portrayed very realistically. I also liked how there were a ton of little subplots crisscrossing the main plot, just like there is in real life. I enjoyed the plot and while parts of it was predictable, there were some surprises.
Setting:
This book features a few settings, but my favorite is definitely New Beginnings. The author did a great job bringing that setting to life and in vivid detail. I almost felt like I was there.
Characters:
The characters are what really sets this book apart from others that have similar plots. I wasn't sure if I liked the main character, Jess, at first, but she ended up being one of those characters that just end up growing on you. Her character was very realistic, especially considering what she was going through. I love that she had many flaws, including her everyday attitude and habits. Teenagers can be difficult.
I also liked Flynn, the love interest, and his little brother was adorable.
My favorite character definitely had to be Wilf, an elderly somewhat grouchy man who Jess befriends.
For the most part, the characters all felt very real, though I'm not so sure about Stella.
Relationships:
There's a few romantic relationships happening in this book, but also quite a few non-romantic ones as well.
The main relationship was well done. It felt very real and while it is sad that money (or lack of) was made out to be a big deal, unfortunately it still happens. I like that the relationship isn't always perfect and that there are things they will have to work around.
It was nice to see Jess' relationships with her family and friends undergo a good deal of development. A lot of the times family and friend's relationship to the main character aren't well fleshed out, but this is definitely not the case.
Though I like the main romantic interest quite a bit, my favorite relationship would have to be Wilf and Jess. They had great chemistry and I enjoyed their banter and bickering. I also may have cried when Jess read his letter to her later on as well.
Writing/Voice:
The writing was very easy to read and definitely sounded like an authentic teenage girl's point-of-view. Though I have to admit there was one "Forshizzle" that made me laugh. I thought that word had died when I was a teenager?
Ending:
I liked the ending, though I wish Jess would have been a little more difficult about accepting Flynn's offer. It just felt a little quick for her to decide so quickly.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Recommended. Especially if you're a fan of plots like these and Romeo/Juliet type romances.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
Plot:
The plot isn't entirely new, but was portrayed very realistically. I also liked how there were a ton of little subplots crisscrossing the main plot, just like there is in real life. I enjoyed the plot and while parts of it was predictable, there were some surprises.
Setting:
This book features a few settings, but my favorite is definitely New Beginnings. The author did a great job bringing that setting to life and in vivid detail. I almost felt like I was there.
Characters:
The characters are what really sets this book apart from others that have similar plots. I wasn't sure if I liked the main character, Jess, at first, but she ended up being one of those characters that just end up growing on you. Her character was very realistic, especially considering what she was going through. I love that she had many flaws, including her everyday attitude and habits. Teenagers can be difficult.
I also liked Flynn, the love interest, and his little brother was adorable.
My favorite character definitely had to be Wilf, an elderly somewhat grouchy man who Jess befriends.
For the most part, the characters all felt very real, though I'm not so sure about Stella.
Relationships:
There's a few romantic relationships happening in this book, but also quite a few non-romantic ones as well.
The main relationship was well done. It felt very real and while it is sad that money (or lack of) was made out to be a big deal, unfortunately it still happens. I like that the relationship isn't always perfect and that there are things they will have to work around.
It was nice to see Jess' relationships with her family and friends undergo a good deal of development. A lot of the times family and friend's relationship to the main character aren't well fleshed out, but this is definitely not the case.
Though I like the main romantic interest quite a bit, my favorite relationship would have to be Wilf and Jess. They had great chemistry and I enjoyed their banter and bickering. I also may have cried when Jess read his letter to her later on as well.
Writing/Voice:
The writing was very easy to read and definitely sounded like an authentic teenage girl's point-of-view. Though I have to admit there was one "Forshizzle" that made me laugh. I thought that word had died when I was a teenager?
Ending:
I liked the ending, though I wish Jess would have been a little more difficult about accepting Flynn's offer. It just felt a little quick for her to decide so quickly.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Recommended. Especially if you're a fan of plots like these and Romeo/Juliet type romances.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.