rebeccabooks's review
4.0
Originally posted on: http://rebecca-books.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/emma-hearts-la-keris-stainton.html
I won this book in a giveaway hosted by Jess from Jess Hearts Books (Thank You!) where I won a triple of books set in the past, present and future. This was the book I received for the present.
I have to admit I was always just intrigued about Keris Stainton's writing after seeing various reviews for her books around the blogosphere. I was interesting in her books but I never wanted to actually buy the book (again my weird thing with buying books I'm not sure I'll enjoy...). So it's probably a good thing I won this.
After being in the magical, intense world of The Night Circus (review), I needed a light relief. Something to bring me back to the present and away from a world of magicians, dreams and plot twists. This seemed like a good choice to satisfy that.
Synopsis: When Emma is told by her mother that they will be moving to LA, Emma isn't too keen. However after Emma accompanies her younger sister, Bex on an audition, makes a chance meeting with teenage TV star, Alex Hall (think Justin Bieber) and is reunited with her childhood friend, Oscar, the LA lifestyle seems to be appealing to Emma. However, soon Emma is caught in a mix between two guys - old and new - and she needs to reconsider her future life in Los Angeles.
Review: This is the third YA book by Keris Stainton and a sort of sequel to Jess Hearts NYC. The link? Jess and Emma are best friends and a year before Emma moves to LA, Jess moved to New York. Jess' story is mentioned in this book but it is explained, making it unnecessary to have read Jess Hearts NYC, which is good. Jess does appear in this book, and vice versa. The next book in the series I have heard is Rebecca Hearts Paris - which I'm guessing is going to be about Emma's sister who has that name.
So I opened Emma Hearts LA, not really caring whether this was going to good or not. And actually I was quite pulled into the narrative.
I have to admit, this book is no Charles Dickens or Jane Austen, but it has some delightful moments and a narrative you don't have to think about in depth too much. I can see this as a perfect summer read, especially if you were in America. Or one to snuggle down with on a winter's day and forget about the rain for a while. I devoured this book within a few days (which is a slight record for me).
The characters I both liked and hated, especially Emma. Emma came across very whiny and snobby. Although, I can understand her reluctance. However, once they arrived in LA, Emma improved for me. I think she handles the situations well throughout the novel and her ultimate choice is rational and totally what I would have gone for.
I loved Oscar the most, as many people have agreed in other reviews. I loved his quirkiness, his comments and just overall, what he added to the story. He seems like someone I would get on with because of his cute dorkiness. I also liked Bex's determination and drive to get what she wanted even at such a young age.
Apart from those characters, the other main characters didn't really do much for me. I found some of the characters very fake at times as well as saying things that I was cringing at. This is one of those books where exclamation marks are USED. But that's what made it a fun read. I didn't have to think too hard!
The whole Alex/Oscar thing was probably the thing that left me reading to the end. I wanted to see Alex reveal himself as a total jerk and lovely little Oscar come out on top (yeah, I liked him okay...). For me, Emma handled the situation well, and not so well. I did feel for her, I have to admit.
One reason for me wanting to read this novel was because the setting was Los Angeles. I went to LA last year with a friend after finishing my GCSEs so I remember LA well. I could have done with some more detail into the iconic landmarks they visited as well as just more places that people that have visited LA would know.
Regardless, it was lovely to get Emma's view of Venice Beach (a place I disliked). The description of the changes from each end of the beach - weightlifting to henna stalls in a few steps - really worked and reminded me myself of when I visited there. There is also mentioned of Hollywood Boulevard and Santa Monica. This book will leave you either wanting to go back to LA or to visit there for the first time - whatever, I had serious nostalgia for LA reading this, making me want to jump of the next plane there.
Although this book had some parts which I disliked, I did enjoy reading this book. It kept me engrossed in the story and this is the perfect book for a flight (to LA perhaps?), sitting in on a rainy afternoon or just to read in the summer when going on your holidays. I flipped through the pages and the ending is quite lovely for those that liked a certain person in this book...
Altogether a great little book where you don't have to think about much that left me wanting to get a plane to LA. Like, erm, now? *looks at rain outside*
I give this a 4 out of 5
I won this book in a giveaway hosted by Jess from Jess Hearts Books (Thank You!) where I won a triple of books set in the past, present and future. This was the book I received for the present.
I have to admit I was always just intrigued about Keris Stainton's writing after seeing various reviews for her books around the blogosphere. I was interesting in her books but I never wanted to actually buy the book (again my weird thing with buying books I'm not sure I'll enjoy...). So it's probably a good thing I won this.
After being in the magical, intense world of The Night Circus (review), I needed a light relief. Something to bring me back to the present and away from a world of magicians, dreams and plot twists. This seemed like a good choice to satisfy that.
Synopsis: When Emma is told by her mother that they will be moving to LA, Emma isn't too keen. However after Emma accompanies her younger sister, Bex on an audition, makes a chance meeting with teenage TV star, Alex Hall (think Justin Bieber) and is reunited with her childhood friend, Oscar, the LA lifestyle seems to be appealing to Emma. However, soon Emma is caught in a mix between two guys - old and new - and she needs to reconsider her future life in Los Angeles.
Review: This is the third YA book by Keris Stainton and a sort of sequel to Jess Hearts NYC. The link? Jess and Emma are best friends and a year before Emma moves to LA, Jess moved to New York. Jess' story is mentioned in this book but it is explained, making it unnecessary to have read Jess Hearts NYC, which is good. Jess does appear in this book, and vice versa. The next book in the series I have heard is Rebecca Hearts Paris - which I'm guessing is going to be about Emma's sister who has that name.
So I opened Emma Hearts LA, not really caring whether this was going to good or not. And actually I was quite pulled into the narrative.
I have to admit, this book is no Charles Dickens or Jane Austen, but it has some delightful moments and a narrative you don't have to think about in depth too much. I can see this as a perfect summer read, especially if you were in America. Or one to snuggle down with on a winter's day and forget about the rain for a while. I devoured this book within a few days (which is a slight record for me).
The characters I both liked and hated, especially Emma. Emma came across very whiny and snobby. Although, I can understand her reluctance. However, once they arrived in LA, Emma improved for me. I think she handles the situations well throughout the novel and her ultimate choice is rational and totally what I would have gone for.
I loved Oscar the most, as many people have agreed in other reviews. I loved his quirkiness, his comments and just overall, what he added to the story. He seems like someone I would get on with because of his cute dorkiness. I also liked Bex's determination and drive to get what she wanted even at such a young age.
Apart from those characters, the other main characters didn't really do much for me. I found some of the characters very fake at times as well as saying things that I was cringing at. This is one of those books where exclamation marks are USED. But that's what made it a fun read. I didn't have to think too hard!
The whole Alex/Oscar thing was probably the thing that left me reading to the end. I wanted to see Alex reveal himself as a total jerk and lovely little Oscar come out on top (yeah, I liked him okay...). For me, Emma handled the situation well, and not so well. I did feel for her, I have to admit.
One reason for me wanting to read this novel was because the setting was Los Angeles. I went to LA last year with a friend after finishing my GCSEs so I remember LA well. I could have done with some more detail into the iconic landmarks they visited as well as just more places that people that have visited LA would know.
Regardless, it was lovely to get Emma's view of Venice Beach (a place I disliked). The description of the changes from each end of the beach - weightlifting to henna stalls in a few steps - really worked and reminded me myself of when I visited there. There is also mentioned of Hollywood Boulevard and Santa Monica. This book will leave you either wanting to go back to LA or to visit there for the first time - whatever, I had serious nostalgia for LA reading this, making me want to jump of the next plane there.
Although this book had some parts which I disliked, I did enjoy reading this book. It kept me engrossed in the story and this is the perfect book for a flight (to LA perhaps?), sitting in on a rainy afternoon or just to read in the summer when going on your holidays. I flipped through the pages and the ending is quite lovely for those that liked a certain person in this book...
Altogether a great little book where you don't have to think about much that left me wanting to get a plane to LA. Like, erm, now? *looks at rain outside*
I give this a 4 out of 5
queendi's review
No le pondré puntaje porque sinceramente tuve que dejarlo, lo sentí muy predecible y la protagonista no me dio el mismo feeling que su mejor amiga Keri que no pude para con la historia de ella. Quizás porque la historia se desarrollaba en LA (soy mas NYC) o porque los personajes se desarrollaban en una nube de irrealismo que dios mio sinceramente y tambien me tiene un poco harta donde la chica se siente mal por el divorcio de sus padres o que tenga padres divorciados. No pude seguir lo siento =(
eviebookish's review
4.0
***Originally posted to: Bookish Book Blog |YA and Adult Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Giveaways and news! ^___^
Emma Hearts LA was an adorable, quick read. A perfect little treat for long summer afternoons on the beach. While it's not exactly a book that will change your life, it's most definitely an enjoyable, charming book with a simple but solid plot line, and characters that you'll adore. I honestly did not expect to like it that much, heck - I did not expect to like it all! - but I couldn't help falling under its charm. In the end, this book proved do be really fun and entertaining, and although I did have a few problems with it, they were small and easy to overlook thanks to this book's undeniable sweetness and readability.
If you had a chance to read Keris Stainton's previous book, Jessie Hearts NYC, you probably remember Emma, Jessie's best friend. You'll be pleased to know that Emma now gets her very own story, and what a story it is! The book kicks off with Emma arriving in Los Angeles, where her brilliant astro-physicist mom was offered a new job. Emma's not very thrilled about the move overseas (reluctant to leave her friends and father behind), but there isn't much she can do about it, the decision has been made. Shortly after arriving in the US, Emma realizes that LA isn't as bad as she thought. In fact, it's every teenage girl's dream destination - filled with sunny beaches, celebrities, vibrant night life, hot guys, beautiful tourist attractions and plenty of new possibilities. Reunited with her nerdy childhood friend, Oscar, Emma quickly adapts to the new surroundings. She's also very pleased to see that Oscar is no longer the awkward, annoying kid he used be. He's a blush-worthy, attractive, confident young man, and one that seems to be interested in Emma in a romantic way. And he's not the only one! There's also the hot and famous TV show star, Alex, and he, too, seems to be very fond of our pretty, English girl. Is it just me, or is it suddenly getting very hot in here? ;)
As much as I enjoyed this book, I can't say that I instantly fell in love with it. In fact, it took me about 100 pages to actually get into it. It was mainly due to the fact that the first 100 pages or so act as nothing more but a set up for the love triangle that comes later, and, for a book that is only 250 pages long, it's a very long set up. That is not to say that the first part of the book is totally meaningless and unnecessary. Yes, it could be a bit shorter, and yes, I would certainly like to get to the point a bit faster, but the part about Emma moving to LA, and Bex getting invited to a movie casting and learning the ins and outs of show business, was very interesting to read about, too. I guess what I'm trying to say is: Try to keep an open mind, enjoy the ride, and don't give up on this book too early. It's a book worth sticking with all the way to the end. The second part of the book makes up for the first, slower one, and if you push through and keep on reading, you'll be rewarded with a cute, sigh-worthy love story, funny dialogues and perfectly satisfying ending.
While it's clearly a spin-off of Jessie Hearts NYC, it's also a book that stands entirely on its own. You do not need to read about Jessie's adventurous to be able to enjoy reading about Emma's. Both books are stand-alones, and although they share some of the same characters and ideas, there is nothing that could prevent you from enjoying one without knowing the other.
Overall, this was a great, quick read that kept me pretty entertained all the way through. I enjoyed the funny dialogues and thought that Keris Stainton did a great job depicting teenage relationship's, with all their angst, idiosyncrasies, and occasional awkwardness. She made me believe in these teenagers and care for them. And although the romance part was missing steam and chemistry, I most certainly appreciated the humour and lightness of it. It's a drama-free book, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I recommend this book for a quick, summer read!
Emma Hearts LA was an adorable, quick read. A perfect little treat for long summer afternoons on the beach. While it's not exactly a book that will change your life, it's most definitely an enjoyable, charming book with a simple but solid plot line, and characters that you'll adore. I honestly did not expect to like it that much, heck - I did not expect to like it all! - but I couldn't help falling under its charm. In the end, this book proved do be really fun and entertaining, and although I did have a few problems with it, they were small and easy to overlook thanks to this book's undeniable sweetness and readability.
If you had a chance to read Keris Stainton's previous book, Jessie Hearts NYC, you probably remember Emma, Jessie's best friend. You'll be pleased to know that Emma now gets her very own story, and what a story it is! The book kicks off with Emma arriving in Los Angeles, where her brilliant astro-physicist mom was offered a new job. Emma's not very thrilled about the move overseas (reluctant to leave her friends and father behind), but there isn't much she can do about it, the decision has been made. Shortly after arriving in the US, Emma realizes that LA isn't as bad as she thought. In fact, it's every teenage girl's dream destination - filled with sunny beaches, celebrities, vibrant night life, hot guys, beautiful tourist attractions and plenty of new possibilities. Reunited with her nerdy childhood friend, Oscar, Emma quickly adapts to the new surroundings. She's also very pleased to see that Oscar is no longer the awkward, annoying kid he used be. He's a blush-worthy, attractive, confident young man, and one that seems to be interested in Emma in a romantic way. And he's not the only one! There's also the hot and famous TV show star, Alex, and he, too, seems to be very fond of our pretty, English girl. Is it just me, or is it suddenly getting very hot in here? ;)
As much as I enjoyed this book, I can't say that I instantly fell in love with it. In fact, it took me about 100 pages to actually get into it. It was mainly due to the fact that the first 100 pages or so act as nothing more but a set up for the love triangle that comes later, and, for a book that is only 250 pages long, it's a very long set up. That is not to say that the first part of the book is totally meaningless and unnecessary. Yes, it could be a bit shorter, and yes, I would certainly like to get to the point a bit faster, but the part about Emma moving to LA, and Bex getting invited to a movie casting and learning the ins and outs of show business, was very interesting to read about, too. I guess what I'm trying to say is: Try to keep an open mind, enjoy the ride, and don't give up on this book too early. It's a book worth sticking with all the way to the end. The second part of the book makes up for the first, slower one, and if you push through and keep on reading, you'll be rewarded with a cute, sigh-worthy love story, funny dialogues and perfectly satisfying ending.
While it's clearly a spin-off of Jessie Hearts NYC, it's also a book that stands entirely on its own. You do not need to read about Jessie's adventurous to be able to enjoy reading about Emma's. Both books are stand-alones, and although they share some of the same characters and ideas, there is nothing that could prevent you from enjoying one without knowing the other.
Overall, this was a great, quick read that kept me pretty entertained all the way through. I enjoyed the funny dialogues and thought that Keris Stainton did a great job depicting teenage relationship's, with all their angst, idiosyncrasies, and occasional awkwardness. She made me believe in these teenagers and care for them. And although the romance part was missing steam and chemistry, I most certainly appreciated the humour and lightness of it. It's a drama-free book, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I recommend this book for a quick, summer read!
alicemannix's review
5.0
Another gorgeous book from Keris Stainton. I really can't get enough of her dialogue - it was great in her last two books, but it's absolutely brilliant in this one. It's just so natural. I very rarely laugh out loud at books but I found myself giggling away to myself during Emma's conversations with her friend Oscar. There were so many hilarious moments, as well as all the sweet and charming ones.
Oh and I've gone from having zero interest in LA to now wanting to live there.
Loved it. More please!
Oh and I've gone from having zero interest in LA to now wanting to live there.
Loved it. More please!
felfiramoon's review
4.0
One word for this book: CCCUUUUTTTEEEEE!!
Adorable and fluffy, a brilliant chill out summer read that I was totally in the mood for.
I loved that Emma was from Bramhall (so am I!) and all the little references to Manchester made me happy. This book makes me want to take a trip to L.A., see all the sights and eat all the food.
And lastly I really enjoyed the romance. I wasn't sure at first with both Oscar and Alex in the picture but I like how it was all resolved by the end (And how much growing the characters did too)
Adorable and fluffy, a brilliant chill out summer read that I was totally in the mood for.
I loved that Emma was from Bramhall (so am I!) and all the little references to Manchester made me happy. This book makes me want to take a trip to L.A., see all the sights and eat all the food.
And lastly I really enjoyed the romance. I wasn't sure at first with both Oscar and Alex in the picture but I like how it was all resolved by the end (And how much growing the characters did too)
serendipity_viv's review
5.0
I may ban Keris Stainton from writing any more books set in America. Every time she writes a new one, I find myself yearning to travel to another state. I hadn't really even heard of Venice Beach in Los Angeles before reading this book, now I am constantly searching the internet for information about it, begging my husband to take me there.
I really loved this book! I love the way the author captures the essence of a destination through the eyes of a Brit! You feel the same excitement that Emma and Bex do, on exploring the sights of L.A. Keris has a way of making the book feel as though it is happening right now. The story has references to famous people who presently feature in the news and you feel like you are swapping holiday stories with your gal pal from the last month.
As soon as Emma arrives in LA, her life begins to make sense. It seems that for some time she has been drifting, unsure of the path her future should take. Yet something about LA, changes the way Emma views her life and she begins to realise what she wants from her future. I think Keris really captured the difficulties faced by many teenagers leaving school, who really don't know what they want to do with their future. Keris shows teenagers that it is OK to take your time thinking about your future. Keris Stainton just gets teenagers!
I know a lot of bloggers fell in love with Oscar, the geeky love interest, but I have to admit to having a soft spot for Alex! *ducks as everyone throws pillows* I can't help it I love the hot looking actor types!!! I don't do dorky guys! I felt quite sorry for Alex, as he was still coming to terms with the negative aspects of his fame. You could tell he wanted to be able to just hang out and chill like Emma and her friends too.
I loved that Jessie made an appearance in this book. I really enjoyed reading Jessie Hearts NY last year, and it was fantastic to meet up with such a lovely character again and find out how life in New York is treating her. It really gave her story closure.
I did get extremely excited when I realised their was a minor character mentioned called Vivienne! That is so rare. I have only ever seen Vivian's and Vivien's in fiction. So I was as happy as a kitten to see my name there. I'm sad I know!
The story is a simple but beautiful love story, set in a fairy tale setting which left me sighing with happiness. Definitely a beach read to escort the summer to our front door. My daughters are desperate to read it now and there may just be a fight in my house!
I really loved this book! I love the way the author captures the essence of a destination through the eyes of a Brit! You feel the same excitement that Emma and Bex do, on exploring the sights of L.A. Keris has a way of making the book feel as though it is happening right now. The story has references to famous people who presently feature in the news and you feel like you are swapping holiday stories with your gal pal from the last month.
As soon as Emma arrives in LA, her life begins to make sense. It seems that for some time she has been drifting, unsure of the path her future should take. Yet something about LA, changes the way Emma views her life and she begins to realise what she wants from her future. I think Keris really captured the difficulties faced by many teenagers leaving school, who really don't know what they want to do with their future. Keris shows teenagers that it is OK to take your time thinking about your future. Keris Stainton just gets teenagers!
I know a lot of bloggers fell in love with Oscar, the geeky love interest, but I have to admit to having a soft spot for Alex! *ducks as everyone throws pillows* I can't help it I love the hot looking actor types!!! I don't do dorky guys! I felt quite sorry for Alex, as he was still coming to terms with the negative aspects of his fame. You could tell he wanted to be able to just hang out and chill like Emma and her friends too.
I loved that Jessie made an appearance in this book. I really enjoyed reading Jessie Hearts NY last year, and it was fantastic to meet up with such a lovely character again and find out how life in New York is treating her. It really gave her story closure.
I did get extremely excited when I realised their was a minor character mentioned called Vivienne! That is so rare. I have only ever seen Vivian's and Vivien's in fiction. So I was as happy as a kitten to see my name there. I'm sad I know!
The story is a simple but beautiful love story, set in a fairy tale setting which left me sighing with happiness. Definitely a beach read to escort the summer to our front door. My daughters are desperate to read it now and there may just be a fight in my house!
anyaatawfullotofreading's review
5.0
I could not get enough of this book - literally whizzed through it! It left me with a big soppy grin on my face!
First off, Emma was a brilliant heroine - she was cool and artistic and funny and not too confident because hey, she's a teenage girl! I also really liked how she wasn't entirely sure of herself, especially after her parents divorce; made her feel more real and relatable. Oscar, of course, was adorable and incredible and awesomely nerdy! I fell for him almost instantly, especially with his love for Doctor Who t-shirts!
Alex wasn't in the book as much as I thought he would be - he wasn't much of a distraction or threat to Oscar that I was led to believe. Not that it's a bad thing, just not what I expected. Bex and her mum were also pretty damn awesome. I loved how driven Bex was towards her dream of acting and impressed with how strong their mother was, faced with a divorce and moving across the country.
I also liked the popular culture references - sometimes they can really bog down the book but these references to Big Bang Theory and Tumblr felt natural in Emma's language. Props to the good taste in TV!
Although the focus is on Emma and Oscar, Keris brings up issues of ambition with Bex's acting and Emma's drawing, the always sensitive topic of divorce and the changes in parent-child relationships that brings. Emma distancing herself from her father unintentionally but after talks with her mother, and Oscar, she finally gets the courage to mend the gap. Approaching these issues with subtly allows the reader to come to terms with them along side Emma.
All in all, a very fun read with a lovely happy ending that every teenage girl wants.
First off, Emma was a brilliant heroine - she was cool and artistic and funny and not too confident because hey, she's a teenage girl! I also really liked how she wasn't entirely sure of herself, especially after her parents divorce; made her feel more real and relatable. Oscar, of course, was adorable and incredible and awesomely nerdy! I fell for him almost instantly, especially with his love for Doctor Who t-shirts!
Alex wasn't in the book as much as I thought he would be - he wasn't much of a distraction or threat to Oscar that I was led to believe. Not that it's a bad thing, just not what I expected. Bex and her mum were also pretty damn awesome. I loved how driven Bex was towards her dream of acting and impressed with how strong their mother was, faced with a divorce and moving across the country.
I also liked the popular culture references - sometimes they can really bog down the book but these references to Big Bang Theory and Tumblr felt natural in Emma's language. Props to the good taste in TV!
Although the focus is on Emma and Oscar, Keris brings up issues of ambition with Bex's acting and Emma's drawing, the always sensitive topic of divorce and the changes in parent-child relationships that brings. Emma distancing herself from her father unintentionally but after talks with her mother, and Oscar, she finally gets the courage to mend the gap. Approaching these issues with subtly allows the reader to come to terms with them along side Emma.
All in all, a very fun read with a lovely happy ending that every teenage girl wants.
bethkemp's review
5.0
There are so many great things about this book, I'm not sure I can capture them all in one review. Most importantly, it's a hugely enjoyable read, as evidenced by it being the first book my jaded 13 yr old has finished in weeks.
Emma's witty narration is a joy, making it so easy to engage with and root for her. Other characters are also brilliantly realised. I especially like the astrophysicist Mum, loving but also deeply caught up in her work, and even the acting sister Bex has depth as a person (it would be so easy - but ultimately unsatisfying - to slip into stereotypes of scattiness for such a character). Oscar, her old and geeky friend from home is a gem with his tomato-red hair and general nerdiness.
The romance plot is ultimately important, but it is not 'all there is' to this book by a long stretch. Emma struggles with her parents' divorce, with the move to another country, and with some identity issues, all while noticing boys around her and figuring out what she wants. Her responses to all these things are believable and genuine, and tackled with a gentle humour.
What I really appreciate is that this book is a fun and light read without being 'lightweight' in the negative sense at all. It offers glamorous romantic escapism for teen girls whilst avoiding the reinforcement of rather dubious behaviour that you sometimes see offered to this age group (romanticised controlling boys and passive girls for example). I hope that doesn't make it sound dull and 'worthy' - it's anything but, and my point is that Keris proves that you don't have to promote unhealthy relationships to produce a book that feels light and enjoyable.
I'd strongly recommend this to fans of contemporary YA.
Emma's witty narration is a joy, making it so easy to engage with and root for her. Other characters are also brilliantly realised. I especially like the astrophysicist Mum, loving but also deeply caught up in her work, and even the acting sister Bex has depth as a person (it would be so easy - but ultimately unsatisfying - to slip into stereotypes of scattiness for such a character). Oscar, her old and geeky friend from home is a gem with his tomato-red hair and general nerdiness.
The romance plot is ultimately important, but it is not 'all there is' to this book by a long stretch. Emma struggles with her parents' divorce, with the move to another country, and with some identity issues, all while noticing boys around her and figuring out what she wants. Her responses to all these things are believable and genuine, and tackled with a gentle humour.
What I really appreciate is that this book is a fun and light read without being 'lightweight' in the negative sense at all. It offers glamorous romantic escapism for teen girls whilst avoiding the reinforcement of rather dubious behaviour that you sometimes see offered to this age group (romanticised controlling boys and passive girls for example). I hope that doesn't make it sound dull and 'worthy' - it's anything but, and my point is that Keris proves that you don't have to promote unhealthy relationships to produce a book that feels light and enjoyable.
I'd strongly recommend this to fans of contemporary YA.
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