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A review by taralpittman
The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase
4.0
So, let's see if I can summarize this for you: girl meets boy; girl is attracted to and then slighted by boy; girl moves on with her life and meets another boy; first boy shows back up; emotional fallout ensues. This is a story you've probably read before, so why would you want to read this one?
First of all, the setting: Austin, Texas, is a place that is near and dear to my own heart (admitting my bias!) and the culture and environment are always interesting to me; Bethany Chase has done her homework and introduces readers to some wonderful Austin haunts. Sarina has a fascinating, albeit stressful and inconsistent, career as an up-and-coming architect that brings many interesting characters and personalities from within the Austin creative scene into her life; her roommate Danny is hilarious.
Which brings me to my next point: the characters. I felt connected to Sarina and to her search for creating an authentic life following the loss of her mother; she is a truly engaging character and I think character development, more so than the story itself, is the author's strong suit. Readers get to know Sarina's stepfather, which whom she is very close, and as I mentioned earlier, her roommate Danny is definitely entertaining yet proves to be an unwavering supporter.
In addition, even though some elements of the story may be perceived as rather predictable, I couldn't help being wrapped up in the emotional roller coaster that Chase so authentically describes. Sarina is faced with some tough decisions, as well as the consequences that will inevitably follow; her narrative is not only heartbreaking and conflicted, but also humorous and brave. It takes a lot of confidence to examine one's life and make decisions based on what one wants, rather than what one believes will make others happy; Sarina is spirited and confident enough to take on this role and make it shine.
This debut will be a perfect addition to your Spring/Summer reading list; sit outside with a cold beverage and enjoy every last page of this one.
First of all, the setting: Austin, Texas, is a place that is near and dear to my own heart (admitting my bias!) and the culture and environment are always interesting to me; Bethany Chase has done her homework and introduces readers to some wonderful Austin haunts. Sarina has a fascinating, albeit stressful and inconsistent, career as an up-and-coming architect that brings many interesting characters and personalities from within the Austin creative scene into her life; her roommate Danny is hilarious.
Which brings me to my next point: the characters. I felt connected to Sarina and to her search for creating an authentic life following the loss of her mother; she is a truly engaging character and I think character development, more so than the story itself, is the author's strong suit. Readers get to know Sarina's stepfather, which whom she is very close, and as I mentioned earlier, her roommate Danny is definitely entertaining yet proves to be an unwavering supporter.
In addition, even though some elements of the story may be perceived as rather predictable, I couldn't help being wrapped up in the emotional roller coaster that Chase so authentically describes. Sarina is faced with some tough decisions, as well as the consequences that will inevitably follow; her narrative is not only heartbreaking and conflicted, but also humorous and brave. It takes a lot of confidence to examine one's life and make decisions based on what one wants, rather than what one believes will make others happy; Sarina is spirited and confident enough to take on this role and make it shine.
This debut will be a perfect addition to your Spring/Summer reading list; sit outside with a cold beverage and enjoy every last page of this one.