By Kody Keplinger
Genre YA contemporary
Pages 304
Recommended by My love of The DUFF
First sentence Hangovers are a bitch.
Synopsis
Whitley is tired of her mom's depression and disinterest. Spending the summer after graduation with her dad seems like the perfect idea...that is until her dad surprises her with his fiance and her two kids...one of which she had a one night stand with. Things are about to get a complicated.
What it has going for it
I told myself I wasn't going to read this one in one sitting like I did with The DUFF, Keplinger's other book. I was going to enjoy it slowly. Ha! No such luck. I devoured it in one sitting. There's just something so gripping and entertaining about Keplinger's writing and stories. I love that there's always a purpose to each of the characters actions. Sure, the MC in this one was just as pessimistic and angsty as Bianca from The DUFF, but I love that there's a reason for their attitudes and I like watching them learn how to pull out of themselves as the story progresses. There's this gritty real feeling element to this book that blew me away. Especially considering I can't relate. My teen years were nothing like Whitley's but there's just something in the writing that makes you relate. I can't explain it but it's there. Mostly, I just love watching the characters mature and change. Oh, and Keplinger can write some steamy kisses! Just sayin'.
What's lacking
Is this book without faults? No, of course not. There's a tidiness at the end that comes off as fake and unrealistic and I'm not sure why Keplinger goes with those "happier" endings. I also had a hard time with the parents in this one. They just don't feel as real as the other characters. I also hate that I can't recommend these books to everyone. There's so much swearing (as you can tell from the very first sentence I posted) and sensuality I know some people just can't handle. I'm not saying I wish the books were cleaner, though, they shouldn't be. That's not the point. I just wish I could recommend them to anyone. You know?
Favorite moment
Which one to choose? I LOVED Harrison and when he rescues Whitley I was pumping my fist and cheering.
Would I recommend it?
Once again, I can't recommend this to anyone who likes to keep their reads squeaky clean, but I wish I could. There's always such a great message.
I loved the Duff, but had the same issue with the happy ending. Still... I'm looking forward to reading this one.
ReplyDeleteBeware, then, cause this one was even neater. :( I liked it, though.
DeleteOh, I love posts that remind me that I NEED to read THE DUFF. (Clearly, my reads don't need to be squeaky clean.) ;)
ReplyDeleteYou do! I wonder what you'll think of it.
DeleteI really did love The Duff as well, and I've been meaning to read Kody's other books for awhile. I'm glad you loved this one too. It's definitely not something anyone can read, but I think it's important to realize WHY the swearing, the sex, the "non-squeaky" elements are there. At any rate, I recommend Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert if you haven't already read it.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
I completely agree! I'll have to check out Ballad of Suburbia. I haven't heard of it.
DeleteI couldn't stand THE DUFF, so I'm guessing I won't love this one either. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteOh well, we can't have every book in common. :(
DeleteI absolutely love the way she writes. She may not be for everyone, but she's for anyone who is okay with the words she uses. I put this one in my cart and am still hovering over the place order button every time I look at it. Once I get a few more books read, I think I'll splurge. ;)
ReplyDeleteA purpose to each of the character's actions... well said! ^_^
You need to splurge for sure. ;) I still liked The DUFF better but this one was good.
DeleteI've heard some really good things about this book! I don't mind graphic language and some sex, but I definitely don't like to read pages and pages of graphic sex...just a personal preference.
ReplyDeleteIt's not that graphic. The DUFF was worse in that area but still my favorite.
DeleteI'm not a big fan of YA contemp, so I'm not likely to read this one. Also, not a fan of books with tons of swearing in them. But, I'm glad you had a good time reading it! Good books can be hard to find, sometimes. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, we all have our different reading tastes. I like a little of everything but I LOVE YA contemporary. And these books are great!
DeleteI've had the Duff on my shelf since before it even came out (I got an arc of it from a friend) and I have yet to read it. I hear nothing but good things from everyone. Maybe I will finally push the book further up on my tbr list.
ReplyDeleteYes, you should. It's a real treat.
DeleteI do recommend Kody Keplinger's books, but I also give a warning with the recommendation. I warm them about the content and the swearing, but I also say they give a good message and deal with "real-life" situations.
ReplyDeleteAmen! I love the messages and "real-life" situations. The swearing and other stuff only bothers some people so I have to warn them.
DeleteI've read Shut Out by the same author, and liked it alright. And I wanted to read The Duff because I thought it would be about a really interesting topic/idea. But I couldn't get too far into that one with the language. I'm still interested in giving this one a look. (but I wish she wrote her books a little cleaner.)
ReplyDeleteShut Out is the only one I haven't read and I'm eager to see if it's as good. I've heard it wasn't. I guess we'll see. Sorry The DUFF was too much for you. :(
DeleteI had not heard of this book. Thanks for your thoughts and the review. Have a great week! :O)
ReplyDeleteYou should give it a try. I like Keplinger's books!
DeleteI flew through The Duff at like warp speed. I want to read this one, and I'll probably read it at warp speed as well. I agree with you on the happier endings, it's ok (especially in her books) to not have everything all wrapped up in a bow at the end.
ReplyDeleteYeah, they are such crazy fast reads! I wish they weren't so neat, though.
DeleteOkay. I'm officially putting this book on my to-read list! After reading your review and a bunch of countless others I'm going to have to give it a try! It definitely sounds intriguing!
ReplyDelete