“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King
Rating: 10/10"Why do you have to go to newport to find the guy of your dreams if he's right here?"- Miranda "It's a beautiful world, beautiful girl. Can't wait for you to get out and see it." "You really need to stop apologizing for things that aren't your fault." “How dare he breeze back into my life in his stupid green T-shirt that clung to his ridiculously sexy chest and try to act like the last year had never happened?” | I have been counting down the days until this book came out since I first read the blurb months and months ago. One of my favorite storylines is where a girl has a best guy friend and they end up falling in love, so I knew I was going to love this book before I even read it. I think I got "that feeling" from just reading the blurb, so during the actual story my insides were on fire and I couldn't read fast enough to get to the next good part after next good part. This was one of the first books I've read in a while I absolutely loved from start to finish. I didn't skim one word and I read it in one sitting. Plus, at nearly 500 pages, I wanted more of the book and never once thought, "When is this going to end?" I mean, what a debut for Gina Ciocca! If this is her first go at a novel, I can't wait to find out what's in store for us next as this story blew me away. As for the story, I enjoyed the before/after alternating chapters when initially I didn't think I would as much. But it makes it sort of a cliff hanger after each chapter because something juicy happens in present time and then you're taken back one, two, three years to find out what makes the characters act the way they do and to get an explanation for some of the things they're feeling and the reasons behind it. Kelsey and David just clicked and while I was frustrated with them for not seeing what was right in front of them, that's also what made me love it so much. It made me want to keep reading to get to the point when they finally did see the error of their ways and push all other things aside to be together. I also felt Kelsey was pretty relatable. Unfortunately, high school girls do act that way and I wanted to scream at David for not seeing how cruelly Kelsey was being treated. But, really, how could he have? It also brought that emotional connection with David's dad's cancer and Kelsey's kind of annoying little sister (who turned out to be a lot smarter than Kelsey gave her credit for) as well as Web MD-like frantic searching and college decisions. There wasn't too much drama or anything that seemed out of place or unrealistic. Overall, it was a great read and I wish it could have gone on and on because now I have to find another book just as good to dive into, which, after LYM, won't be easy. I do know one thing. I'm looking forward to Ciocca's next novel despite the fact that this one's been out for less than 24 hours. |