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A review by book_mark_shelf
Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky
4.0
I must say, this book had a rocky start to it. The flashbacks were sometimes difficult to follow but once you get into it and past the first few chapters, you really do get sucked in.
The story is about Wren and Derrick, with a few sidekicks thrown in. Wren is the main narrator to this novel so only shows one perspective to the story and you don’t get to see it from Derrick’s point of view. Though, saying that, it was a great read.
Wren has graduated from University and has never been kissed. This opens himself to discover different things about himself and the journey was a pleasure to read. The first contact between Wren and Derrick was a little, cringy. I say that because I think it would be something I see myself doing. But never the less, it was funny. Wren is due to work at Wiley’s Drive-in for the summer as he has done for a few years already and has been promoted to the manager. He finds out Derek, his old classmate that he ALMOST kissed, is volunteering at Wiley’s as a digital content creator to boost sales… Or is he?
I really enjoyed the film aspects of the book, along with the storyline with Alice. It was very interesting to read about her and the journey she has been through – from a very successful film producer to being kicked to the curb. The way Janovsky describes and writes about her is hilarious and absolutely realistic. Unsure why, but I pictured my grandmother in that role.
The sense of family and friendship in the book is an absolute treasure. The way they all come together for a greater purpose had my heart screaming. Avery and Mateo always being there for Wren, even through difficult times. The way Derrick is so patient with Wren just shows you how much love is there. Also, the way Janovsky builds the relationship between Wren, Derrick and Alice. Honestly, I think my favourite side character was Alice!
The writing is great but, as I said, was difficult to follow at the beginning. The progression of the characters is easily followed and you’re right there with them along the way. The use of acronyms throughout the book was sometimes difficult to follow, but most young adults now-a-days do like a good acronym, making the characters more realistic and believable – spot the old man.
I have rated this 4/5.
The story is about Wren and Derrick, with a few sidekicks thrown in. Wren is the main narrator to this novel so only shows one perspective to the story and you don’t get to see it from Derrick’s point of view. Though, saying that, it was a great read.
Wren has graduated from University and has never been kissed. This opens himself to discover different things about himself and the journey was a pleasure to read. The first contact between Wren and Derrick was a little, cringy. I say that because I think it would be something I see myself doing. But never the less, it was funny. Wren is due to work at Wiley’s Drive-in for the summer as he has done for a few years already and has been promoted to the manager. He finds out Derek, his old classmate that he ALMOST kissed, is volunteering at Wiley’s as a digital content creator to boost sales… Or is he?
I really enjoyed the film aspects of the book, along with the storyline with Alice. It was very interesting to read about her and the journey she has been through – from a very successful film producer to being kicked to the curb. The way Janovsky describes and writes about her is hilarious and absolutely realistic. Unsure why, but I pictured my grandmother in that role.
The sense of family and friendship in the book is an absolute treasure. The way they all come together for a greater purpose had my heart screaming. Avery and Mateo always being there for Wren, even through difficult times. The way Derrick is so patient with Wren just shows you how much love is there. Also, the way Janovsky builds the relationship between Wren, Derrick and Alice. Honestly, I think my favourite side character was Alice!
The writing is great but, as I said, was difficult to follow at the beginning. The progression of the characters is easily followed and you’re right there with them along the way. The use of acronyms throughout the book was sometimes difficult to follow, but most young adults now-a-days do like a good acronym, making the characters more realistic and believable – spot the old man.
I have rated this 4/5.