Tag Archives: Contemporary Young Adult

Second Kiss

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second kissAuthor: Natalie Palmer
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Source: Purchased

Goodreads:  ‘Even my most humiliating moments seemed funny somehow when I told them to Jess.’ Gemma Mitchell is a normal girl who somehow gets herself into abnormally embarrassing circumstances. And while she thinks she’s the biggest loser in school because of them, there are a few people in her life who would disagree. One of those people is her best friend, Jess Tyler, who is opposite to her in every way. He’s popular, good looking, athletic, and intelligent, and he can’t get enough of Gemma. But while Gemma is dealing with problems like wrong locker combinations and Valentine’s Day dances, Jess is living in a world of serious issues that are foreign to Gemma, until she realizes that he’s holding on to her for dear life. Humorous and true to life, Second Kiss is an entertaining saga about a boy and girl who find that their lives have a lot more meaning once they have shared them with each other.

Ope’s Opinion:    I love young adult books – this was a middle school, coming of age book.  If I had known that when I started reading, I either would not have chosen to read it or come in with a different perspective.

I was frustrated that the author wrote Gemma as dependent on her friend Jess as she was.  I think middle school ( or any age ) females need strong roll models to read about and Gemma was not that role model.  I couldn’t believe she walked into a classroom without a schedule and just stayed in the class – the teacher didn’t send her to the office to find out where she was suppose to be.  It all seemed a little odd to me.  I feel like Gemma put herself in uncomfortable situations, then didn’t get why it was happening to her.

Jess was a kind, understanding friend.  I give him a lot of credit for hanging around Gemma.  He needed her friendship too.

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Better off Friends

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Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Publisher: Point
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Source: Purchased

Goodreads:  WHEN HARRY MET SALLY . . . for teens, from romantic comedy star Elizabeth Eulberg.

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can’t be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan’s friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they’re best friends — which wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep getting in each other’s way. Guys won’t ask Macallan out because they think she’s with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can’t help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again — and one kiss away from true love?

Ope’s Opinion: I really like YA books and I like when it isn’t instant love, but this one was really drawn out for me.

The characters were likable, but wishy-washy with their feelings.  I understand protecting a friendship you don’t want to loose, that is important.  They just kept going back and forth, as to who was available and who would admit deeper feelings.

I did like that the physical part of the relationships in this book was very basic – kept to kissing.  It was nice to see a relationship that wasn’t all about the physical aspects.  They did know each other and enjoyed similar things.

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What I Thought Was True

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Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick                                   what i thought
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Genre:  Contemporary Young Adult
Source: Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  From the acclaimed author of My Life Next Door comes a swoony summertime romance full of expectation and regret, humor and hard questions.

Gwen Castle has never so badly wanted to say good-bye to her island home till now: the summer her Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, takes a job there as the local yard boy. He’s a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island’s summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she’ll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen’s dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

A magnetic, push-you-pull-me romance with depth, this is for fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Deb Caletti.

Ope’s Opinion:  Oh, My!  Read this book!!!  This is my second book my Huntley Fitzpatrick and it was as good or better then the last one.  She knows how to bring her characters to life.  I get so absorbed in their lives, I feel like I am one of the friends along for the ride.

This story is so much more then two young people trying to figure each other out.  It deals with parenting, work ethic, friendships, loyalties, truth and so much more.

There are some twists and turns along the way and the ending took my breath away!  I am looking forward to her next one – which is sitting on my shelf right now.

Rating:  5 – I like this book so much it will be passed on and on and on….

Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between

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Author: Jennifer E. Smith       hello
Publisher: Poppy
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Source: BEA

 

 

Goodreads:  On the night before they leave for college, Clare and Aidan have only one thing left to do: figure out whether they should stay together or break up. Over the course of twelve hours, they retrace the steps of their relationship, trying to find something in their past that might help them decide what their future should be. The night leads them to family and friends, familiar landmarks and unexpected places, hard truths and surprising revelations. But as the clock winds down and morning approaches, so does their inevitable goodbye. The question is, will it be goodbye for now or goodbye forever?

Charming, bittersweet, and full of wisdom and heart, this irresistible novel from Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, explores the difficult choices that arise when life and love lead in different directions.

Ope’s Opinion: I just finished this book – it was so good!  Anyone who left for college or is getting ready to, will certainly relate to the story of good byes.  It is an emotionally hard time of life, with so much uncertainty ahead.  I think Jennifer E. Smith captured the emotional roller coaster very well.

When reading this book you need to remember it is a YA.  It is written from a young adults perspective, for young adults to relate to.   If you remember that time – these characters express a lot of the emotions that are happening at that point of life.  Just enjoy the read.

Rating:  4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

P.S. I Love You

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Author: Jenny Han              ps
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Source:  Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.
She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.
When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing.

Ope’s Opinion:  I have enjoyed several of Jenny Han’s books.  This is right up there at the top of them.  She can really capture a young girls heart and thoughts.  This is a book I would love to share with my granddaughters when they are a bit older.

Jenny Han’s characters are all very well developed, they have flaws and they are realistic. Relationships are handle with truth and honesty.  I think any girl could relate to at least one of the characters.

I will continue to look for books that Jenny Han writes.

Rating:  4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

The Summer After You & Me

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Author: Jennifer Salvato Doktorski                   summer after you and me
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre:  Contemporary Young Adult
Source: Sourcebooks

 

Goodreads:  Sunbathing, surfing, eating funnel cake on the boardwalk—Lucy loves living on the Jersey Shore. For her, it’s not just the perfect summer escape, it is home. And as a local girl, she knows not to get attached to the tourists. They breeze in over Memorial Day weekend, crowding the shore and stealing moonlit kisses, only to pack up their beach umbrellas and empty promises on Labor Day. Lucy wants more from love than a fleeting romance, even if that means keeping her distance from her summertime neighbor and crush, Connor.

Then Superstorm Sandy tears apart her barrier island, briefly bringing together a local girl like herself and a vacationer like Connor. Except nothing is the same in the wake of the storm. And day after day, week after week, Lucy is left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and broken home. Now with Memorial Day approaching and Connor returning, will it be a summer of fresh starts or second chances?

Ope’s Opinion:  I think Lucy’s relationships follow storm Sandy.  There is a big upheaval between the friends that takes time to repair.  Lucy’s family has to repair their house just as Lucy has to work on her relationships.

Watching Lucy choose between two guys, her brother and her friends is hard.  It is typical teens – not thinking what is best for Lucy, but what is best for themselves.

If I had a young adult reader, I would recommend this book.  It is something they could relate to, the language was acceptable and there were lessons that were learned.

Rating:  3 – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.

Jesse’s Girl

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Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre:  Contemporary Young Adult                           jesse's girl
Source: Edelweiss

Publication Date: July 1, 2015

 

 

Goodreads:  Practice Makes Perfect.

Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?

Ope’s Opinion:  I have read a Miranda Kenneally book before.  I really think she does a good job of writing from a young adults point of view.  I like how slow Jesse and Maya took their relationship.  They took time to know each other before the physical part started.

I loved watching Maya chase her dream of singing.  It was a great idea to have her follow someone who is already there.  It was good to see the positive and negative sides of the industry.  I actually think the shadow program should be put into the school systems.  It is an awesome idea to help students see what a job is really all about.

I like how involved Maya’s family is with her music.  They are very supportive.  It is great to see a story about teens that includes a positive family.  I like how protective her brother is of her.

This is a good read – definitely would recommend it to young adult readers.

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share with it.

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City Love

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Author: Susane Colasanti
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books           city love
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Source: Won it!

 

 

 

Goodreads:  Sadie, Darcy, and Rosanna are living together in New York City the summer before their freshman year of college begins. With no parents, no rules, and an entire city to explore, these three girls are on the verge of the best summer of their lives.

Sadie is a native New Yorker. She is hopeful, romantic, and an eternal optimist who is ready to find her soul mate. Then she meets her dream boy: cute, funny, and quirky in all the right ways. The chemistry between them is unreal. Could he be the one?

Darcy is a free spirit from SoCal with rebellious tendencies and unlimited financial resources. Moving to New York City is just another adventure for her. Darcy wants this summer to be all about boy adventures—nothing serious. But how much fun is too much?

Rosanna leaves Chicago for NYC so she can put her past behind her and reinvent herself. The only thing standing in her way is the grand total of seventy-three cents she has saved. Then she meets a guy who wants to show her the glamorous side of New York—a side that she would never get to experience on her own. If Rosanna doesn’t resist, she may find herself in city love.

Told from alternating points of view, City Love captures the moments in each girl’s life when everything is thrilling, amazing, and terrifying all at once . . . in a way it will never be again.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the first book in Susane Colasnti’s series.  You meet three girls Sadie, Darcy and Rosanna.  You will be able to identify with one of the girls or a part of each one.  

Susane Colasanti brings NYC alive through these girls eyes.  They explore the city and love.  They support each other through the ups and downs – they show a great example of friendship.

The ending was very open, since this the beginning of the series.  It will be fun to watch these girls grow and change in the next book to come.

Rating: 3.5 – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.

City Love

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city love

Susane Colasanti’s new series starts tomorrow!!!!
Publication Date:   April 21, 2015

Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books

Goodreads:   Sadie, Darcy, and Rosanna are living together in New York City the summer before their freshman year of college begins. With no parents, no rules, and an entire city to explore, these three girls are on the verge of the best summer of their lives.

Sadie is a native New Yorker. She is hopeful, romantic, and an eternal optimist who is ready to find her soul mate. Then she meets her dream boy: cute, funny, and quirky in all the right ways. The chemistry between them is unreal. Could he be the one?

Darcy is a free spirit from SoCal with rebellious tendencies and unlimited financial resources. Moving to New York City is just another adventure for her. Darcy wants this summer to be all about boy adventures—nothing serious. But how much fun is too much?

Rosanna leaves Chicago for NYC so she can put her past behind her and reinvent herself. The only thing standing in her way is the grand total of seventy-three cents she has saved. Then she meets a guy who wants to show her the glamorous side of New York—a side that she would never get to experience on her own. If Rosanna doesn’t resist, she may find herself in city love.

Told from alternating points of view, City Love captures the moments in each girl’s life when everything is thrilling, amazing, and terrifying all at once . . . in a way it will never be again.

Be sure to pick this one up tomorrow!!!!

Isla and the Happily Ever After

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Author:  Stephanie Perkins
Publisher:  Dutton
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult             isla
Source: My Daughter
             Kritters Ramblings

 

 

 

 

Goodreads:   Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last?

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the third Stephanie Perkins book I have read.  This is the best one!!  It is the third in  a series.  You do not have to read the other two to enjoy this one.

This is a young adult book that I can absolutely recommend to anyone.  Even if you are not usually a young adult reader – you should pick this one up.  It is the most amazing, sweet, well written love story.  In general I do not reread books, but this is one I will put on the shelf and get back to again.

Stephanie Perkins knows how to write.  She kept my attention throughout the whole book.  It seems when I pick up one of her books, I loose track of time and just enjoy it.

Rating:  Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…
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