Review: Better off Friends

Better off Friends
by Elizabeth Eulberg

Synopsis

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?

Review

This book pretty much had me at "WHEN HARRY MET SALLY...for teens". I LOVE When Harry Met Sally. Love Love Love. And this book??? I loved it! It has two very believable characters with a believable love story. And the writing style! I loved how each chapter was written by either Macallan or Levi and in between they had their little banter in short dialogue (You'll get it when you read it because you WILL read it). 

Macallan is a strong leading female, which is my weakness! She's strong but emotional and not cold. Levi is misguided but lovable. Together they have the perfect friendship. And by perfect I also mean imperfect (because nothing is perfect people). This book definitely reminded me of when Harry Met Sally due to the intelligent banter of it's characters. There was a lot of love between friends and family and it spanned years...YEARS of the two leading characters' lives. That's right people - this isn't a love that happens after the next big dance or whatever. The duo basically meet in middle school and their friendship, with it's love and hardships, spans until Senior year in high school. 

I got this book from the library, but once it's in paperback, I'm so going to get it and re read it. 

Verdict

I loved it. If you love contemporary love stories with lovable characters who have their flaws but aren't annoying - this book is for you. 

Review: Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Getting Over Garrett Delaney
by Abby McDonald

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly one-sided. The object of her obsession — ahem, affection — is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie’s feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). 

For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett’s constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock — all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder — until he calls to say he’s fallen in love. With some other girl! 

A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she’s finally had enough. It’s time for a total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

Review

I was in the mood for some light-hearted contemporary. Most of the time, when I read YA contemporary, it gives me a feeling much like the one I get when I'm eating popcorn (i.e. it's gone so fast!). This book was as yummy as popcorn, but I also found that it stuck with me. There's nothing really profound about it, but it has a really great message. Namely - your life does not need to revolve around a guy. Also - it's important for you, whether you are male or female, to have your own identity that is not fully defined by another person. 

Sadie is a very likable character who portrays weakness as well as strength in her character. I feel that in most YA books, we get the idea that the lead girl either always needs to be "saved" or is so strong she doesn't need anyone. Sadie, thankfully, gives us a balanced look at a real girl who is both weak and strong. Very realistic, in my opinion. 

Verdict

Read it if you're going through a breakup or have gone through one. Reading one while you're feeling it will help you feel less alone and sad. Reading it when you've already gone through it will make you wish you had this book when you were experiencing that heartbreak. I know I did.