Reviewed by Kim Deister on
And then he meets Charlotte, the girl who turns his world on end. She is everything he isn't and she is a complete enigma. And nothing about her is easy. She blows hot and cold with him, two steps forward and three steps back. She also happens to be the new best friend (and only friend) of his little sister and Charlie doesn't want to do anything to get in the way of that. The good big brother that just makes him that much more adorable. And then there is the fact that Charlotte's sister just happens to be his new English teacher, someone he is honor-bound to torment. That is a subplot that cycles through moments of hilarity and moments of almost cruelty by a bunch of socially awkward and often arrogant super bright teenagers.
There is so much to love here. There are moments of hilarity, moments of kindness, moments of sadness. But they are all moments that are real and raw and emotionally charged. There are a lot of subplots in this story, but it doesn't get muddy. Instead, they weave around the main story and allow the other stories to be told, stories that, in their own ways, are just as important. There is a wonderful balance between the serious themes and the sweet and funny moments.
Things to love...
--The guy's POV
--The supporting characters. I loved some of these just as much as those at the front of the story.
--The honest take on serious themes.
My Recommendation
There is no denying that it is reminiscent of The Fault in Our Stars, a book that touched my soul in ways that I can't even explain. But in no way is this the same story. It has its own moments, its own story to tell. It is emotionally charged and raw and real and I love that so very much. This is a read that will stay with you! I gave it 4.5 mugs!
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 29 September, 2014: Finished reading
- 29 September, 2014: Reviewed