Before I get into this book, I need to tell a little story. I may be biased on this book. Why? The author gave it to me. I know, I know. I probably love it more than I normally would, but that's not important (it kinda is but shh). Now, the book. (Spoilers ahead) This book really got to me. It was interesting to read from the POV of someone with mental problems (that's not depression or anxiety). I liked to see her and how she dealt with it, or mainly how other people did. It showed us who the characters really were. And let me just say this, I hated her dad. Hated. With a passion. But when it was revealed at the end that Isabel was actually the baby and not her aunt, it subdued by hate. Sorta. If I lost my sister to suicide and then thought my daughter was showing signs of the same illness that killed her...I would probably act similar. Well, not similar, but it would definitely change things. I think my favorite thing about the book was that it was not completely overrun by romance. It was contemporary without drowning me in the classic boy girl relationship. When 17C showed up...I was like oh boy. Time for it to begin. I started prepping myself for a love fest. But no! Beck was amazing! The age difference was constantly in the back of my head, I was worried about that. But no, again, Beck knew his place. And Walt...I loved Walt. I haven't read very many books about people with down syndrome where the characters have other qualities. Walt was a 3D character and I loved it. Arnold tackled many serious topics in this book while still being able to keep a lighthearted feel throughout the whole story. Young girls have to face creepy stares and generally have to fear for their lives on a daily basis. Poncho man was a character I gladly appreciated. It sounds wrong, but I think it was needed. Many young adult novels like to only have fluff. This book was a breath of fresh air. I needed a book like this. Please read this book if you have the chance. 6 out of 5 stars. |