The Barnes & Noble Review
Sarah Dessen, author of That Summer and Someone Like You -- the two books that inspired the film How to Deal -- brings audiences a stirring tale of girl-meets-cool-boy, featuring structured Macy, whose new summer job helps her turn the page to a happier chapter in life. With familiar romantic themes, and the smooth character and plot development that have made the previous novels successes, Dessen weaves a solid story, beginning with our introduction to a girl who witnessed her father's death a year prior and has a less than affectionate boyfriend. But when Macy gets hit with relationship change and a no-excitement library job, she suddenly takes a job at Wish Catering, soon realizing that her welcoming co-workers and the business's disorderly atmosphere -- not to mention dreamy, artistic Wes -- are helping her come to terms with the past. In the end, Macy breaks free of her shell and rediscovers her forward-thinking self, finishing with a bang that will have any Dessen diehard cheering long after the last chapter. So far, the author has made a name for herself at writing down-to-earth novels of self-empowerment and romance, and this read will sit well alongside This Lullaby in particular. Although not necessarily original at its core, Dessen's sixth novel pulses with marvelous energy in her signature voice, sure to garner ample praise and keep her growing fan base eager for more. Shana Taylor
Marie Rutkoski’s The Winner’s Curse dropped last year to immediate fan-fare. While technically a fantasy novel, you won’t find any magic or dragons in this book. Instead, it’s all about fantastic characters in all their emotional complexity. Set in a world reminiscent of ancient Rome, it follows Kestrel and Arin, two people from very different cultures, as […]
Were you watching The Bold Type all summer? So was I. Now that the season finale has aired and we don’t know what the future holds for Kat, Sutton, and Jane—or even for the show—you’ll need something else to help you get your fix of friendship, fashion, and feminism. Here are some books for you.
So your favorite show is heading into a hiatus? I’m not here to tell you about some surprise TV tie-ins to read while you’re on break from school (not every show is Buffy, with entire seasons’ worth of comic books), but I do have some reads that may fill that hole in your heart while […]