Author: Melissa Kantor
Series: Standalone
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: YA Contemporary
Format: ebook
Release Date: February 18, 2014
Source: eARC received from publisher via Edelweiss
Rating: 4 Stars
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***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinion of the book. The review below is my open and honest opinion.***
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Zoe and her best
friend, Olivia, have always had big plans for the future, none of which
included Olivia getting sick. Still, Zoe is determined to put on a brave face
and be positive for her friend.
Even when she isn't sure what to say.
Even when Olivia misses months of school.
Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin, Olivia's crush.
The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing that Olivia will beat this, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for her to even imagine.
In this incandescent page-turner, which follows in the tradition of The Fault in Our Stars, Melissa Kantor artfully explores the idea that the worst thing to happen to you might not be something that is actually happening to you. Raw, irreverent, and honest, Zoe's unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.
Even when she isn't sure what to say.
Even when Olivia misses months of school.
Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin, Olivia's crush.
The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing that Olivia will beat this, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for her to even imagine.
In this incandescent page-turner, which follows in the tradition of The Fault in Our Stars, Melissa Kantor artfully explores the idea that the worst thing to happen to you might not be something that is actually happening to you. Raw, irreverent, and honest, Zoe's unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.
Two tear-jerkers in two
weeks. I read Me Since You last week
which destroyed me. And now this one. I sobbed at the end of this book. It
ripped my heart out. I never thought that I would like books that make me cry,
but honestly I do. I love that a book can evoke such strong emotion from me.
And to me the characters in these stories are just as badass as the ones
kicking ass in dystopians or fantasies. They’re strong in a different way and I
love reading about that strength.
Our main character,
Zoe, is best friends with Olivia. They’re practically sisters, that’s how close
they are. I have a friend like that. A girl that I pretty much grew up with, have
known for years, and can always go to when I need someone. Her family is like
my second family and vice versa. I can’t imagine going through what Zoe went through
with my best friend.
Olivia is sick. Really
sick. She misses months of school, has to be in the hospital for weeks at a
time. It’s horrible. I loved reading about how this tragedy affected Zoe.
Something that I loved was how honest the author was when writing Zoe’s
internal monologue. Zoe has moments where she wishes it was Jake, Liv’s
brother. And as horrible as that sounds, Zoe is human and she wants her friend
back. She immediately rebukes herself for having such thoughts, but still, she
can’t help but think it. And I thought that this was very realistic and human.
Zoe withdraws from
life. She doesn’t know how to deal with Liv’s sickness. Who would? I wouldn’t.
She stops participating in school events, stops going to parties, stops hanging
out with her other friends. Her whole life is devoted to going to the hospital
or going to Liv’s house to spend time with her. Again, extremely realistic and
honest. It’s what I would do if (heaven forbid) I was in this situation.
I loved that while Liv
was fighting this illness, she was also helping Zoe heal from another hurt. The
loss of ballet. It’s all Zoe has ever known and she takes it pretty hard when
it’s no longer a part of her life. It was great to watch Zoe overcome all of
these different obstacles and to find herself and discover what kind of person
she wanted to be.
The romance was really
great, slow-building, no insta-love here. And it didn’t take center stage. Zoe
puts her friendship with Liv above her relationship (for the most part) and I
loved that. I think that this book teaches a lot of really important lessons.
How to deal with tragedy. Becoming the best person you can possibly be. Living
your life to the fullest. And holding tight to your friendships and
relationships. This book was beautiful and heart-breaking, a must read if
you’re a fan of “issue books” or books about grief/illness. Happy reading all!
Have you guys read this book? What did you think of Zoe? Did you love her friendship with Liv as much as I did? Did you sob as much as I did?
Have you guys read this book? What did you think of Zoe? Did you love her friendship with Liv as much as I did? Did you sob as much as I did?
I haven't read the book yet but I've seen quite mixed reviews about it! While some gush about its being heavy, many others have criticized the main character to be insensitive and tactless at times with her comments, where she seems to disregard the conditions of others for her own comfort. Glad to see a positive review on this one where it focuses on its good parts! I think I'll try to read it and see for myself if it will evoke the same reaction from me. Lovely Review!
ReplyDeleteFaye @ The Social Potato
I can see where they are getting the whole mc being insensitive, but I thought that made her more realistic. Because we're all human and as much as you hate having those kinds of thoughts, it happens. I just tried not to judge her because I couldn't imagine being in her situation having never gone through something like that.
DeleteI usually try and stay away from issue books and/or sad books so I'm not sure about this one. Especially with contemporary, I usually like light and fluffy. But so glad you loved the book and you're right, it's so great when a book can evoke strong emotions, I think that takes talent. Great review! ~Pam
ReplyDeleteYeah, this one's probably not for you then. I'm the opposite when it comes to contemporary. I like "heavier" contemporary books. Not that I don't like fluff, but it's just not one of my favorites.
DeleteI've seen quite a lot of people raving about what a tearjerker this book is, so it's totally going on my TBR haha.
ReplyDeleteIt really sounds like this book is focused more so on friendship and grief and things rather than romance, which I find is pretty rare in YA contemp books. And I like the sound of it being realistic! Definitely grabbing a copy when it comes out :D
Yes, one of my favorite things was the focus on the friendship. It was great to see such a strong relationship between two young women in YA (which you're right, we don't normally see). I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteThis sounds great-heartbreaking but great!
ReplyDeleteIt was. Ripped my heart to shreds, but it was such a great story of friendship.
Delete