Review: If We Were Us by K L Walther

If We Were Us by K L Walther

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Released on 1 June 2020
ISBN: 9781728210261

Read on: 5 – 6 May 2020

I really enjoyed this romantic, boarding school story. It was light, and while our dual narrators mostly focus on teenage drama, and somewhat frivolous stuff, for example, dresses for prom, and spending time with friends, there is enough serious material to engage readers on a deeper level.

Sage and Charlie are best friends forever. So much so that almost everyone expects them to wake up and love in love. Both of them know that’s never going to happen – Sage is secretly in love with Charlie’s twin brother Nick, and Charlie is deeply, deeply in the closet. When Luke arrives, there’s a bit of a stir in the group of friends – good looking, personable, popular – which girl will snag him?

The boarding school setting is as you’d expect – elite, preppy and mostly rich kids. There are many characters to indicate the many friends Sage and Charlie have, and how many girlfriends Charlie has, and while they serve the purpose of offering a range of opinions about each other and the entanglements of romantic interludes, they really are just backdrops to our focused four.

Walther doesn’t explain everything either. Readers have to keep up with Sage’s breezy monologues, and Charlie’s intense regime of academic excellence, student leader, sporting commitments and getting together with and then quickly breaking up a string of beautiful peers. He’s quite exhausting, and as the story progresses and we watch the way he struggles with his attraction to Luke, we understand why he maintains so many commitments. Sage’s secret romance with Nick also seems like it’s a hot minute from disaster, and we’re not surprised when everything is turned on its head.

It is so easy to engage with Sage and Charlie. Their loyalty and love for each other is infinite. Even though they think they are keeping secrets from each other, they’re really not. They know each other too well. They are observant and keep a protective eye out. It’s a fascinating bond, and when Sage loses everything to keep Charlie safe, and Charlie realises what Sage has done for him, they are truly insightful moments for these kids, and we sympathise and cheer them on.

Talk on the review sites mention the terrible ways Charlie treats his girlfriends, and subsequently Luke. But Walther does a good job of showing us why he is so fearful about his sexuality. Nick too develops beautifully as a character. He has to come to terms with a lot about both Sage and Charlie, and his forgiveness is everything.

But Luke is the character that stands out for me – brave, resilient, extraordinarily strong. He puts up with a lot from Charlie, and it’s important that he draws a line on the treatment and holds his ground. But since predominantly, this is a romance novel, the grand gestures are predictable, and readers aren’t required to deal with too much angst or darkness.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the advanced copy. Recommended for readers who like books that focus on romance and friendships more than social issues and commentary. It doesn’t try to be more than it is, however, there’s some thoughtful conflict in there among all the typical high school hi-jinks. It’s funny too, so it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Highly satisfying conclusion. If We Were Us comes out on June first 2020. [Can I just add that watching these kids group hug and engage in absolute no social distancing seems weird in these current circumstances? Wonder if we’ll be given books set in this time in a year or so? Or will it just be a small blot on the year that was 2020? Who knows.]

Review: We Used to be Friends by Amy Spalding

We Used to Be Friends by Amy Spalding

Published by: Amulet Books
Released on January 7, 2020 (in the US)
ISBN: 9781419738661

Read: December 28 – 30, 2020

Amy Spalding is a great author. I have read almost all of her lighter, romantic comedies such as Kissing Ted Callaghan (2015) and The Reese Malcolm List (2013), and always enjoyed her fully developed characters and those awkward but often hilarious scenarios that were easy to relate to. Her latest novel We Used to Be Friends, takes a more serious approach to what is often treated as a sub-plot in many YA contemporaries—the friendship between two teenage girls.

James and Kat have been friends forever. But it’s easy to see right from the start, that they are very different people—James is a runner, introverted committed to her five-year plan. Kat is outgoing, popular, living day to day. Her mother died a few years back and her older brother is now away at college, and she just wants the best senior year experience she can have. James, an only child, is the offspring of high school sweethearts and as we start the novel, everything is about to unravel.

We read Kat’s story from the beginning of senior year, right through to leaving home for college. Arriving home after summer break, Kat’s boyfriend confesses to cheating on her ‘because (he) was bored’… and …’it meant nothing’… Dumping him will result in huge changes, including meeting a vivacious girl (so, actually I am bi? Okay then), changing lunch tables and broadening her social circle.

But before we meet Kat, we hear James’s narrative voice. And she begins at the end. She is about to head off to her chosen college, her friendship with Kat is over, and as she leaves her house with her father, she asks if they can drop in to visit mum before we go… what the? It’s all topsy‑turvey. And from there, alternately, we are with Kat as she moves forward to the end of senior year and move backwards with James to the beginning.

I felt more sympathy towards James’s plight, but feel I received more information about Kat’s. Clearly the backwards timeline didn’t satisfy as much especially because there’s a strong sense of anxiety growing as we get closer to the disaster that occurs to completely overwhelm her. Kat’s acceptance of her true sexual orientation and of the new woman in his father’s life never feel as tumultuous as James’s situation. As well, as is reflective of James’s nature, her voice is starker, more direct and not as emotional. Whereas Kat shares and shares (and shares).

There are many gaps in a narrative like this, which I very much appreciate and admire. It’s the author’s skill that allows readers to follow the threads and fill in spaces, and I like a book that keeps me actively engaged. While some might not want to work that hard, rewards are there for people who persist. Of course, my bug bear is again on display—a book like this is much better as a print copy. I wanted to flick back through James’s section when I finally reached Kat’s versions, and sometimes it was impossible to find the corresponding bit (Did James talk about prom? It’s a crucial element of Kat realising how far she and James had lost their way, and I wanted to review James’s input, and no amount of searching took me there).

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this advanced copy. Highly recommended for readers who want more depth about non-romantic relationships. While both girls’ love interests play a part, the focus is on the breakdown of James and Kat’s inability to reach out to each other when their own world view shifts significantly. It’s a mature read, with discussions about sex and underage drinking at parties. Bisexuality is representative positively, and diversity is strong and convincing. We Used to be Friends is released in the US on January 7. I hope we see it here in Australia soon.

Review: The Love Playbook by Suze Winegardner

The Love Playbook by Suze Winegardner

Published by Entangled: Crush
Released: November 4 2019
ISBN: 9781640638563

Read October 29 – 30 2019

This is unashamedly romantic but following all the tropes doesn’t make it a predictable story. Avery and Lucas swap points of view throughout the book, which allows us to see the secrets they have and those they chose to keep. There are a lot of secrets in this book, and they are not only kept by the two main characters. Each of the secondary characters have their parts to play in ensuring there are lots of misunderstandings, which makes it a pretty tense read.

Lucas’s backstory is detailed and terrible. He has made some seriously bad decisions and he is now paying the cost. Unfortunately, this affects his mother’s life, something for which Lucas finds hard to forgive himself. He is at a very low point in his life, and the appearance of Avery as saviour and support confuses him. He doesn’t know if he’s attracted to her because she seems able to solve some of his immediate problems, and there’s also the issue that she is his new football coach’s daughter which makes her doubly off-limits. It’s a mess all right.

Avery only wants to help her dad. And her brother. Helping Lucas seems like an easy way to do that. But she is also fighting an intense attraction to him, and readers can see they are good for each other, but firstly they will need to be honest. And as we know, this is a long way off. As the tangled webs entwine further, readers will wonder how on earth can they ever find a way to forgive each other once the truths are ultimately spilled.

The story is about football, about a small-town community, about a boy who is treated badly, and about a girl still grieving the loss of her mum. It has depth and we see that life is messy and complicated. These factors lifts it above a simple romance novel where the angst is often superficial and quick to overcome.

The Love Playbook is out on November 4. Thanks to Entangled Crush and Netgalley for advanced copy. Recommended to lovers of teen romance novels, and who love their boys hot yet supportive, and their girls clever and bossy. I enjoyed it a lot.

Review: No Barriers: A Blind’s Man Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon (the young adult adaptation)

No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon (The Young Adult Adaptation) by Erik Weihenmayer

Published by: St Martin’s Press

Released on: August 27, 2019

ISBN: 9781250247728

Read on 26 – 27 August 2019

Those of you who visit my blog regularly will know this is pretty much a fiction-only zone. And a young adult fiction only zone to boot. But I have found myself reading a few of these YA editions of books for adults recently, and they tend to be memoirs or biographies. Which is okay, yeah, but for sure, I would rather be reading fiction.

I asked for this one because we want to (and are going to) give it out in our standing orders. It’s a terrific account of a person who lives life to the fullest, who demands a lot of his body and his mind, and who seems keen to ensure other people reach their potential too.

It doesn’t really matter if you don’t know anything about this man. The first chapters takes readers through Erik’s early years, when and why he loses his sight, and his triumphant conquest of Mt Everest. We discover the importance of family, and recognise the admiration and affection he has for the team who surround him, and support his endeavours.

For me, it was difficult to read about the way he throws himself into danger since I am generally a cautious and lazy person. But Erik is always heading directly into situations that not only challenge his blindness, but also open him up to a multitude of wondrous natural beauty. The mountains, the ski slopes and the river rapids are easily visualised by readers, by the language and emotion used to describe them.

Erik’s attempts to kayak down the entire river of the Grand Canyon is thrilling and inspiring. He meets every obstacle with thought and precision, but he doesn’t ever let us think he does this alone. Always there is a team around him, providing access to expert knowledge, equipment, and support. Nor does he shy away from showing us when his fears try to suppress his courage, and there are times when he fails. But he picks himself up, learns from the mistakes, and continues to move ahead. Very inspirational.

His own understanding of what scares him is a strong aspect of the story. To be able to accept what might stop him from pushing on is well documented. As is his ability to work through the mind blocks. We see him consciously force his brain to ignore instinct, and to listen to the instructions of the guides to ensure he navigates the terrifying and unpredictable rapids. The feelings of success and achievement every time he overcomes adversity are a real highlight of the narrative. We cheer Erik on time and again.

I hope the actual copy includes images of Erik’s journey because reading about the glory of the river running through the Grand Canyon made me seek out YouTube videos of it. I know there’s a film called The Weight of Water that follows the whole journey. Based on the book, it would be an amazing visual experience.

Thanks to St Martins and to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. Out everywhere on August 27, which is already today here in Australia.

Recommended to readers who like true life stories about people overcoming adversity and challenging themselves to test the limits of human endurance. It’s a trip all right.

Review: Cold Day in the Sun by Sara Biren

Cold Day in the Sun by Sara Biren

Published by Amulet Books
Released March 12 2019 (in the US)
ISBN 9781419733673

Read March 10 2019

For some reason, I love a young adult novel involving ice hockey. Maybe because Australia is as far away from cold as possible. In fact, over the next few days we will experience extremely hot conditions, and we are in autumn already. So, it was quite lovely to read a book where they have a snow blizzard, where they are bundled up every time they leave the house, and a book where skating on an outside pond seems romantic.

Holland has been playing ice hockey with boys’ teams for her whole life. While she has complete confidence in her abilities, she is often brought undone by the negative reactions and words of other people.  She hangs on to the views of some old timers in her small Minnesota town, and drags them out way too often for her own good.

There are many predictable tropes here, but that doesn’t mean they are trite or shallow. Holland’s fight for recognition, and to be treated the same as any other player on her team are given serious consideration, and the people who are around her are not one dimensional. They support her, especially co-captain Wes (hot sauce) Millard. I love all of their nicknames for each other, and that they change according to situations. Holland mostly gets Hols, but Wes starts calling her ‘Dutch’, and the sparks between the two of them are strong and static-y. It’s ‘duckling adorable’ (her words).

Holland’s fight for acceptance is timely in today’s interesting climate. Movements begin and fade, and some have been going on for a long time. Women’s issues continue to raised, because no matter how far we go, there is always something more than can be done. Each woman in her own way, fights personal battles, yet if we don’t see other females fighting, it’s easy to feel isolated. Several important books have come out recently, and it’s great to be able to put them in the hands of young women who need to know they are not alone.

While Cold Day in the Sun is primarily a romance book, there are certainly enough questions about Holland’s treatment to make the readers think more about their own situation. A bonus, if you ask me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amulet Books for advancing me a copy. Highly recommended for readers who like their romance full of snark and banter. Holland puts in 100% into her beloved hockey, and is rewarded for her hard work. She does stumble a bit when it comes to articulating her feelings for Wes, and when all of her worries come true, she has to stay strong.

Cold Day in the Sun comes out tomorrow (March 12) in the US. Hopefully we’ll see it soon here in Australia

Review: Just Pretending by Leah & Kate Rooper

Just Pretending (The Chicago Falcons, #3) by Leah & Kate Rooper

Published by Entangled Crush
Released on November 5 2018 (in the US)
ISBN 9781640637153

Read October 21 2018

This is very much a romance novel, so I advise you to just chill out and enjoy these two as they stumble their way through dislike to fake relationship; from misunderstanding to communication; from what-the-hell-people? to aww-shucks-that’s-cute. It’s predictable and doesn’t break any expectations.

Tyler is presented as a troubled boy, who although he deserves our sympathy and our help, refuses to be seen as weak or needy. His dyslexia has an up side and down side–on the positive, we see how clever Tyler has been to hide his disability and to show that with enough determination, he can pretty much function and achieve. On the negative side, his fear of discovery means he is very sensitive and defensive, which makes him impossible to really know. How can anyone else like him when he barely likes himself?

Also? The fact that he is ashamed of his family makes him harder to like. So it’s easy to see that Tyler has lots of growing to do throughout the novel. I found that at least he was honest with himself, even if he couldn’t give others the same courtesy.

Eva was also a fairly stereotypical character. Being Queen of her country at only 16 means she is bound by obligation and honour. It’s not ridiculous to imagine that she would sometimes want to take a break and enjoy some ordinary teenage pursuits. Her mother is unfortunately a complete (horror) trope, and Daniel (who had his own book last year) is entirely too over-protective, and I desperately wished someone would call him out on it. So annoying that he was cast in this role.

Tyler pretending to be someone else in order to spend quality time with Eva was unrealistic, but it was fun to see them connect. That Eva forgives him works in the context of the novel’s expectations. Tyler does grow up a lot, and seeks forgiveness, not only from Eva, but also his family and friends. They display much surprise about his lack of confidence, which only serves to makes us more aware of how little attention they paid him.

But I went along for the ride, despite my misgivings, knowing that the target audience will love it and enjoy the wish fulfillment elements. After all, who among us here, didn’t wish that we could be a princess and be swept off our feet by a fit, hunky, tall all-American boy who loves only us? I mean, when we were younger of course, not now. (cough cough).

Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. Just Pretending was released in the US on November 5.

Review: Just One of the Royals by Leah & Kate Rooper

Just one of the Royals by Leah and Kate Rooper

Published by: Entangled Teen
ISBN: 9781640635760
Released: June 4 2018

Read: May 24 2018

I didn’t read the first book in this loosely connected romance hockey story, but I don’t think it was necessary. This pair of KMUKS (Crazy, mixed-up kids) are best friends of the previous book, and although both couples appear in each other’s stories, they stand alone. I asked for it because I am a bit of a fan of YA hockey romances, and there was enough about Daniel’s team to keep me happy. But of course, it’s primarily about Daniel and Madison.

Daniel is a great character, and his growth through the book an important element. He really has a chip about his illegitimacy and fair enough too. As far as he knows, his father, the King, has not bothered to form any kind of relationship with him. Visiting every summer means he has bonded with his younger sister Eva who is the only reason he agrees to consider becoming King of Eldonia.

Madison brings welcome diversity, although the trope of her (Korean) parents wanting her to do medicine and her having to convince them of her actual dream, is worn thin now. But still, she’s a take-charge kind of girl, and protective of Daniel, which is lovely to see.

I was annoyed that they clearly had feelings for each other, but were too reluctant to take a chance. The fake relationship gives them leeway to pretend to express their real feelings, and that was cute to watch, but dear me it was also agonising when the mis-communication got out of control.

The scenes in the fictional European country are fun, the villain suitably creepy and narcissistic, and the plot twist easy to predict, but it moves at a sprightly pace and ends satisfactorily. If romance is your thing, and you like that added to your hockey stories, then this is the book for you.

Thanks to Entangled Teen Crush and Netgalley for the advanced copy. It was released on June 4 (sorry I am a bit late).

New Release Reviews: January to March 2018

I have read lots of books that have come out in the first three months of this year. I am going to write short sharp reviews of those I enjoyed and those I can see a place for in libraries for young people.

January

The Harper Effect by Taryn Bashford Pan Macmillan ISBN 9781760552091 AUS

Actually came out in the last week of December but could have been easily overlooked in those first and last weeks of the year. Harper’s tennis career is well developed. She’s a talented player, and her journey to make it to the elite level rings true. Her new coach offers advice that would be welcome for any teen willing to listen. Her family life is also complicated, but she is well supported by loving parents. The love triangle with Jake and Colt doesn’t devolve into the disaster it could have. Harper’s preference comes through quite early, and although there is some miscommunication with both boys, it’s resolved quite easily. Harper does behave foolishly, but she is only 16, and is inexperienced in romance due to all her training and travel. I thought she learned from her mistakes, and always tried to be better. Taryn wrote about the importance of seeing sporty girls in fiction, and her comments are valid and interesting.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black Hot Key Books ISBN 9781471407031 

This was on my highly anticipated list, and it didn’t disappoint. Jude is a worthy hero, and her attempts to sort through the twisted politics of the faerie world in which she finds herself, is absorbing and unpredictable. We know she acts for her family, and this loyalty to them is well plotted. Holly Black loves to play around with tropes and stereotypes, and readers will need every bit of their faith in Jude to see her through this first ‘folk of the air’ novel. All the characters are fully realised, but none of them are easy to categorise. We are never sure who stands with Jude or who is against her. It’s a delicious dilemma to face because the tension runs high, and the climax is very satisfying. Of course, we are left wanting more. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

February

Between Us by Claire Atkins Black Inc Press ISBN 9781760640217 AUS

Beautifully written, richly diverse, nuanced and credible, this authentic tale has many layers and yet avoids sounding like an ‘important lesson we should all read’. That’s not to say it isn’t important. It is. That’s not to say we shouldn’t all read it. We certainly should. But we should read it because it is engrossing, and compassionate, and full of contemporary insights. Young people are given a glimpse into life in a detention centre, and older people will be asked to see issues from a modern teenager’s point of view. It’s challenging for all readers. Ana’s fears, Jonno’s vulnerabilities, and Kenny’s distress are all understandable. Atkins has done all her research well, and the story of these two young people struggling with identity, politics and relationships will open eyes and hearts to their plight. It’s really good.

Tin Heart by Shivaun Plozza Penguin Random House ISBN 9780143786276 AUS

Marlowe has just had a heart replacement, and while that is enough for anyone to deal with, she also has to content with a vegan-warrior mother taking on the local butcher, and a younger brother, who creates an inspiring costume every day, and must be protected from bullies and bigots. Returning to school means she must speak up for herself and find new friends, and that’s a big ask for an introvert, partly obsessed with the person who died and gave her their heart.

Plozza has created a sympathetic main character, whose actions reflect her dismay at how little she can control her life. She becomes braver, and more confident, and yet some of her actions have negative repercussions, and Marlowe has to own up to some mistakes, and seek forgiveness from people who she has let down.

A poignant story about finding a way through the complexities of life.

The Endsister by Penni Russon Allen & Unwin ISBN 9781741750652 AUS

Utterly charming, and thought-provoking, this family drama transports five siblings from country Australia to urban London, when their parents receive news of an exciting opportunity. Each child reacts differently, and the multiple viewpoints allow readers to experience a wide range of emotions.

Eldest siblings Clancy and Else are our dominant travel guides, in first person narrative whereas 6 year old Sibby’s voice is third person. There are actually two more brothers, twins Oscar and Finn, who are, for the most part, interchangeable and silent. Not only do we have access to the children’s thoughts, we are also privy to the conversations of two spirits who still reside in the London house. Sibbi’s ability to see and feel them affects her emotional state, and we watch a vibrant happy child transform into a sickly one. A mystery develops about why they are still haunting the place, and the children’s involvement opens up secrets and a long lost history that is both poignant and compelling.

Russon’s story explores the notion of family and belonging, and is pitched perfectly at readers aged between 9 and 12. There is a strong sense of location, the contrast between rural Australia and hectic London described through sights, sounds and smells. It’s very visceral and layered.

March

The Date to Save by Stephanie Kate Strohm Scholastic ISBN 9781338149067

A book with an odd but compelling style called ‘oral history’, that needs time to settle. Readers will have to contend with many narrative voices, and the interplay between each varying opinion and agenda. To say too much about the plot would spoil the big reveal that happens at about the halfway point, but much can be said about its humour, style and messages.

First of all, it is very funny. The snarky humour spreads throughout the book, as characters contradict each other, defend themselves, and blurt out secrets. It is all very high school. But there is also a satirical element to the humour, and it’s almost as if the author is cheekily taking aim at some of the stereotypes and tropes of YA fiction, even as she is writing one. The story in complicated and layered, and that the resolution is pulled off so satisfactorily, it’s a testament to a clever, organised author, who has clearly spent time, ensuring threads tie together neatly.

The messages are ones we continue to need to hear. We should be kind to each, and try not to be judgmental about people’s choices. The author comments on sibling rivalry, ambition, loneliness and persistence. She argues we need to realise it isn’t bad to ask for help, nor is getting support from your peers. We all have value, something to contribute, and our individual gifts or talents help balance and increase community and society. I loved hearing these positive messages while being entertained and challenged.

If I Tell You by Alicia Tuckerman Pantera Press ISBN 9780646961255 AUS

While there are several queer teen books set in Australian cities, there isn’t much set in rural towns, and If I Tell You is very much a book about being an outsider in a close community, and finding the right time to reveal who you really are. Tuckerman’s depiction of Alex’s conflict and fragile self esteem is authentic and strong. She has known for a while that her mother, particularly, will struggle with a lesbian daughter. Her standing in the CWA, her strong faith and family values will not allow for such a gap in her understanding of the way people ought to be. I found her narrow mindedness extremely difficult to accept, to be honest. Alex is emboldened by the arrival of the charismatic Phoenix but unfortunately her depiction is just a little too manic pixie dream girl, and I was a little disappointed by the way the plot unfolded in the last section. It isn’t even a gay trope, it’s a basic coming-of-age scenario I thought YA was well past. Having said that, it is handled with care and careful sensitivity. I think this story will resonate with readers because of its compassionate portrayal of first love.

Lists: Best of 2017: Voices

There were some distinct and pleasing voices this year, as well as the familiar and the unusual. Once and For All (June, Viking Books) is a comfortable voice for Sarah Dessen fans. She delivers in the best way possible, and Louna is a girl of her times. Her home life is unique, her lost love a tragedy, and her new one a blessing. My review is linked to the title. I will continue to read anything this author writes.

Other books here that I reviewed include Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens (August, HarperTeen), and Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (April, Bloomsbury). Both Billie and Juliet live boldly with a strong sense of identity. When these are shaken, they learn to reach out to people, and ultimately accept changes with courage and love.

Girls Can’t Hit by E S Easton (July, Hot Key Books) has a humorous voiced narrator – snarky and over the top. It’s a delicious read. Here’s my RSO review.

This is a joyous and over-the-top celebration of girl power. While the main objective is to amuse and entertain, readers are also offered positive messages about feminism, and the choices girls can make to control the way they are perceived and treated. Easton manages to straddle that line between lecturing to his readers and letting them make up their own minds.

Fleur is a laid back narrator who is happy with her safe small world. Her best friends, Blossom and Pip are loyal and familiar. Blossom’s social justice campaigns and Pip’s cautious driving and other social awkwardness provide a lot of the humour, as do Fleur’s hilarious parents. But it’s Fleur growing need to step away from her comfort zone that is at the heart of the story.

Usually on Saturdays, the trio pretend to be Saxons at Battle, the place where the Battle of Hastings took place (in 1066), and Fleur’s decision to take up boxing interferes with their weekly routine. Again, Easton plays a lot of this for laughs, but at the same time, he sensitively explores Pip’s anxiety and Blossom’s confusion at the ways in which Fleur is changing—her interest in women boxers, watching the Rocky movies, and her determination to get fit. As well, Fleur starts to understand her mother’s protectiveness, as she bonds more with her father. It’s a story of friendship and family, although there is a small romantic storyline too.

A delightful read with powerful and positive representations, Girls Can’t Hit is sure to engage your middle school readers who appreciate humour in their fiction.

Stargazing for Beginners by Jenny McLachlan (June, Bloomsbury) also plays for laughs, but this narrator is more nerdy. Meg’s obsession with becoming an astronaut makes her a prime candidate for mockery and bullying, yet her determination and resilience offers a really strong role model for readers. Her journey through the novel from outsider to acceptance is well plotted. Her growing self-confidence and awareness is a joy to watch.

The Other F-Word by Natasha Friend (May, Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc.) was a complete surprise and the voices here are many and varied. These teens find each other online and their emails, messaging and virtual connections are seamless and insightful. They must decide on some very tough choices, and while they consider the impact of meeting their biological father, they also support each other with side issues. It’s really authentic and interesting, and completely off topic, I think adoption, surrogacy, and IVF might be a new trend in YA. Family comes in all shapes and sizes, and these types of novels help to build new representations which of course, is awesome.

And I am done. Thanks for reading. I will do a post about my much anticipated 2018 reads if I can make the time before New Year. Merry Christmas and best of reading to you.

Review: Any Way You Slice It by Kristine Carlson Asselin

Any Way You Slice It by Kristine Carlson Asselin

Published: Wicked Whale Publishing
Released: November 15 2017 (first published in 2015)
ISBN: 9780999420508

Read: October 30 2017

This is a re-release of a romantic YA that was first published in 2015. It’s extremely entertaining and full of miscommunication and desperate attempts to keep secrets, but Asselin knows how to balance the drama with realism. Pen never gets too carried away until right at the very end, when her frantic efforts are of course blindsided. She was never going to be able to keep the secret of her playing ice hockey from her parents for much longer, but it was fun to watch her try.

Pen’s troubles are more than just hockey. She actually has no desire to attend culinary school either, and take over the family pizza business. It’s these uncertainties and her belief that her parents have very high expectations of her that keep her from being open with them. When Jake challenges her to take some risks, Pen is forced to think about many aspects of her life, and it’s both positive and authentic.

The sub plot involves Pen’s father trying to get his pizza restaurant onto a reality TV show. He’s so keen to develop his brand, he makes some pretty bad decisions about this, allowing Pen and her grandmother to bond over his prospective embarrassment. The friendship between Lori and Pen is also explored well, and shows the highs and lows of trying to be truthful to yourself as well as to others.

One of the best aspects of this book is that it’s sweet enough to give to a younger teen. There is little swearing, or under age drinking, and the romance is kept to kissing. The story proves that graphic scenes aren’t necessary to create and sustain a good plot. Pen is flawed but her heart is in the right place. Jake has a bad reputation, but we learn that he’s been misjudged. Even the boys who try to stand in Pen’s way aren’t always obstructionist, and ultimately Pen’s dad listens and accepts her point of view.

Copy provided by Netgalley and read with thanks. Recommended to readers who love their stories packed with fun and angst. The romance is sweet, and the family drama is strong. There’s a strong, positive hockey component, and Pen isn’t forced to play on a girl’s team. Released (in the US) on November 15.