mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
Not a long review, just a short one to express my thoughts. I would go into it more, but this book is build on surprises and I don't want to ruin any of them.
I always have a soft spot for books about camps, they do seem like a good deal of fun. Lakes, swimming, cabins, games, talent shows, too bad about the food though, but oh well, making friends and meeting each other each year, and much much more. But what if you add time travel to the equation? What if you add: 'You get a second chance' to the mix? Well then you get this book.
We have 4 characters, each with their secrets, their goals and their feelings. These girls had been best friends, until 2 years ago when stuff happened and the girls quickly lost sight of each other.
With each page and each time a character gets their say we find out slowly what is going on with them, and why they are doing what they are doing. It was really interesting to find out what truly happened between the group of close friends. What made them break up? Did they just drift apart or is it something different? What is Joy hiding and why did she break off all communication 2 years ago?
I did like the fact that when they time travelled, the only thing that changed was how they looked, they reverted back to 15-year old. Which brought on some hilarious situations, one lost her boobs, the other regained her long hair, and a few other things.
I did like how they tried to keep things the same, but I was more delighted when I found out that they also didn't want to keep everything the same, that they were trying to change stuff, that they were seeing this as a second chance to do things differently. They also learned several things while being in there, things that they didn't see when they were 15, but can now see with all that they know now. But, there were also revelations. Things that they didn't know back then, things that festered and that slowly boiled until it was revealed.
Since this might be a bit spoilerish, I will hide it behind spoiler tags. I know, I said I would keep it spoiler free, but I just have to mention it.
I didn't entirely like that it seemed like all these girls were doing at the camp was flirting and trying to get into the pants of boys. At times it distracting quite a bit. I was like: "Hey you guys, you have to get back to the future, no time to screw around." I knew they were trying their best, but at times it just felt like they weren't. Like they suddenly discovered that hot boys were more important. And yes, I still liked the romance, but I just didn't expect it to be this much.
I can also say that I was a tiny bit disappointed that they tried to go back. I know, they had to get back, but I just felt sad. Sure, not everything went ok in this world, but for most of the book I felt like the girls changed (often for the better), and that they should take this chance to change more.
Ah yes, the drama was at times just too much, it was just silly how these girls don't care to listen to each other, don't care to just for once shut up, open up and let the other party tell you what happened.
What happened near the end (not the actual ending yet) was nice, but it was also a small reason for me to drop the rating a bit. I don't know exactly what I had hoped, but it wasn't really this. That I know for sure. It doesn't match with most Time Travel books I know. Now it all seemed like this wasn't that, but instead something totally different. And that is all I can and will say. You will have to read the book to find out what happens. :)
The ending was terribly sad, and I will warn you, you will probably cry your eyes out. I had my suspicions, but I was hoping it was just a lie. Sadly, it turned out it wasn't. Dear Lord, that ending it just broke my heart. :(
All in all, this book was really great and I truly enjoyed myself even though there were some parts that were just overdramatic and cliché. If you are looking for a good summer camp story with an extra bonus of Time Travel, then I would recommend this book.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I always have a soft spot for books about camps, they do seem like a good deal of fun. Lakes, swimming, cabins, games, talent shows, too bad about the food though, but oh well, making friends and meeting each other each year, and much much more. But what if you add time travel to the equation? What if you add: 'You get a second chance' to the mix? Well then you get this book.
We have 4 characters, each with their secrets, their goals and their feelings. These girls had been best friends, until 2 years ago when stuff happened and the girls quickly lost sight of each other.
With each page and each time a character gets their say we find out slowly what is going on with them, and why they are doing what they are doing. It was really interesting to find out what truly happened between the group of close friends. What made them break up? Did they just drift apart or is it something different? What is Joy hiding and why did she break off all communication 2 years ago?
I did like the fact that when they time travelled, the only thing that changed was how they looked, they reverted back to 15-year old. Which brought on some hilarious situations, one lost her boobs, the other regained her long hair, and a few other things.
I did like how they tried to keep things the same, but I was more delighted when I found out that they also didn't want to keep everything the same, that they were trying to change stuff, that they were seeing this as a second chance to do things differently. They also learned several things while being in there, things that they didn't see when they were 15, but can now see with all that they know now. But, there were also revelations. Things that they didn't know back then, things that festered and that slowly boiled until it was revealed.
Since this might be a bit spoilerish, I will hide it behind spoiler tags. I know, I said I would keep it spoiler free, but I just have to mention it.
Spoiler
There was also the cliché stuff of finding that special someone to care for, or finding out more about the person you found special. Don't get me wrong, I am all for finding your one true love, but it was just a bit cliché with how it happened in this book and how it seemed to happen to each and every character. I can find it interesting when it happens to one or two characters, but all of them?I didn't entirely like that it seemed like all these girls were doing at the camp was flirting and trying to get into the pants of boys. At times it distracting quite a bit. I was like: "Hey you guys, you have to get back to the future, no time to screw around." I knew they were trying their best, but at times it just felt like they weren't. Like they suddenly discovered that hot boys were more important. And yes, I still liked the romance, but I just didn't expect it to be this much.
I can also say that I was a tiny bit disappointed that they tried to go back. I know, they had to get back, but I just felt sad. Sure, not everything went ok in this world, but for most of the book I felt like the girls changed (often for the better), and that they should take this chance to change more.
Ah yes, the drama was at times just too much, it was just silly how these girls don't care to listen to each other, don't care to just for once shut up, open up and let the other party tell you what happened.
What happened near the end (not the actual ending yet) was nice, but it was also a small reason for me to drop the rating a bit. I don't know exactly what I had hoped, but it wasn't really this. That I know for sure. It doesn't match with most Time Travel books I know. Now it all seemed like this wasn't that, but instead something totally different. And that is all I can and will say. You will have to read the book to find out what happens. :)
The ending was terribly sad, and I will warn you, you will probably cry your eyes out. I had my suspicions, but I was hoping it was just a lie. Sadly, it turned out it wasn't. Dear Lord, that ending it just broke my heart. :(
All in all, this book was really great and I truly enjoyed myself even though there were some parts that were just overdramatic and cliché. If you are looking for a good summer camp story with an extra bonus of Time Travel, then I would recommend this book.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
jang's review against another edition
5.0
OMG THIS BOOK! Negl I read this book with the lowest of expectations because, let's be real, the title was kind of cringy and it reminded of the current running joke here in my country, that "walang forever! cliché and I just thought whatever. But then I found myself actually, genuinely enjoying the book as I read it because the "proof of forever" the novel was talking about was actually the friendship of these four teenage girls. It just hit so close to home because it reminded me of my pack way back during sophomore year. More on that later OMGOMGOMG.
This book reminds me so much of light rom-com fantasy movies such as 13 Going On 30 or full-on Spielberg sci-fi hits like Back To The Future because of the Time Travel theme of the book. I didn't expect that at all. I was preparing myself for the mush, the dramas, the love story but it exceeded all my expectations. Proof Of Forever, while being rich in themes and subjects, focused mainly on friendship and growing up. The dramas were still there (duh) but it's very enlightening and relatable that you'd likely go "oh hey that was so me back in high school!" I can even picture this novel as a movie what with all their issues and yelling and heartbreaks and romance and sex and sexuality and drugs. Oh yeah, I did say this novel was rich in themes, right?!
I always love a book that's current and modern and faulty and sex-positive because that is real life. This is why I'm always side-eyeing books that are too happy and rainbows-and-unicorns because those books are just fiction that makes you want to hope those happy things always happen in real life. They don't.
Proof of Forever is as unapologetic as, let's say, a rock star biopic. In the sense that there are timely occurrences that are normal in real life like the constant sneaking and boozing, trying out pot for the first time, having sex, lying, and being a teen. Being vulnerablevulnerable. The story revolves around the life of four very different girls and it's told from the 3rd person POV so every reader can relate to a character immensely. You can definitely have your pick.
The story was engaging because while it's a fantasy, it's also very romantic, inspiring and human. It's very funny. There were tons of scenarios where I found myself LOL-ing, especially that nudist, feminist movement that Tali accidentally staged. It was so funny yet so encouraging and empowering. It reminded me somehow of the "free the nipples" campaign. In this case it's definitely a "parade your perky ass" campaign. Like what I said before, it's faulty and unapologetic, which is perfect. Who doesn't love flaws?
This book, for me, was one of most relatable coming-of-age stories. I never went to a summer camp before but I experienced young love and complicated friendship. I tried boozing, pot, sneaking around, being competitive, having no chill and whatnot, and those are reasons enough for me to hail this book as one of the ultimate YA fantasy reads. There are tons of dramas in POF that can even reflect the dramas you see in reality TV shows and that's one of the reasons why the book works, imho. Everyone is yelling at everyone and they all have their petty and big issues. They all have something to moan about and the angst is all over the place but you will never feel it's too much because their dramas (issues) are still connected and they all factor massively to the progress of the story.
The main characters are some of the most realized and established characters I ever read in a YA book. There are some that are stereotypical, it's true, but those characters still possess surprises in the bag that make the story evolve. There's so much growth by the end of the novel that you'd just think WOW. I could've been that person or I could've done that.
I also get a boner every time I read a Filipino reference in a foreign YA book because hellloooo shout out to my kind! :) Luce's father has a Filipino heritage, which makes her glow with her golden-tan skin, hospitality, and brains. Don't even argue.
Not that I'm playing favorites but I think out of all the girls, Zoe's story is more my tempo. It's the most changed and most important. Her inner revelation about her sexuality by the end of the book is so important because it serves the issues the teens of today are facing right now. That's why her past holds so many dearly things for her. It's that realization of your desires, your preference, your happiness and your self. I'm sure LGBT people who have read this were also rooting for her. Good character placement and representation.
The ending killed me. It slayed me. I was a wreck as soon as I finished the book because like what I said earlier, it reminded me of my own girl gang during sophomore year. I was (am?) in a group of four solid girl friends and while we didn't completely drift apart, there's one who went ahead with her own life and decided to focus on her family and kids, which was good. But somehow, it killed the promise of a solid friendship. I understand why she did it but I'm still confused why things had to fall apart. And then the most heartbreaking part was Joy in the book. She was sick, she had a serious illness, her friends stuck with her but it was a hopeless case. Joy reminded me of my best friend who also died because of a terrible illness. And even more heartbreaking? We used to call my best friend "Joy." Fuck I'm crying again but anyway, you now get an idea as to why I'm crazy shit about this book. It reminded me of my teenage years. It reminded me of my "Joy." It reminded me of us. Fuck this, I'm so emotional right now L-O-fucking-L to me I didn't mean to take it out on my review.
So yeah. Have mad love for this book. I hope y'all cherish friendships and first loves while you're young because there's no such thing as press "Undo" in life. There's only a Re-do.
This book reminds me so much of light rom-com fantasy movies such as 13 Going On 30 or full-on Spielberg sci-fi hits like Back To The Future because of the Time Travel theme of the book. I didn't expect that at all. I was preparing myself for the mush, the dramas, the love story but it exceeded all my expectations. Proof Of Forever, while being rich in themes and subjects, focused mainly on friendship and growing up. The dramas were still there (duh) but it's very enlightening and relatable that you'd likely go "oh hey that was so me back in high school!" I can even picture this novel as a movie what with all their issues and yelling and heartbreaks and romance and sex and sexuality and drugs. Oh yeah, I did say this novel was rich in themes, right?!
I always love a book that's current and modern and faulty and sex-positive because that is real life. This is why I'm always side-eyeing books that are too happy and rainbows-and-unicorns because those books are just fiction that makes you want to hope those happy things always happen in real life. They don't.
Proof of Forever is as unapologetic as, let's say, a rock star biopic. In the sense that there are timely occurrences that are normal in real life like the constant sneaking and boozing, trying out pot for the first time, having sex, lying, and being a teen. Being vulnerablevulnerable. The story revolves around the life of four very different girls and it's told from the 3rd person POV so every reader can relate to a character immensely. You can definitely have your pick.
The story was engaging because while it's a fantasy, it's also very romantic, inspiring and human. It's very funny. There were tons of scenarios where I found myself LOL-ing, especially that nudist, feminist movement that Tali accidentally staged. It was so funny yet so encouraging and empowering. It reminded me somehow of the "free the nipples" campaign. In this case it's definitely a "parade your perky ass" campaign. Like what I said before, it's faulty and unapologetic, which is perfect. Who doesn't love flaws?
This book, for me, was one of most relatable coming-of-age stories. I never went to a summer camp before but I experienced young love and complicated friendship. I tried boozing, pot, sneaking around, being competitive, having no chill and whatnot, and those are reasons enough for me to hail this book as one of the ultimate YA fantasy reads. There are tons of dramas in POF that can even reflect the dramas you see in reality TV shows and that's one of the reasons why the book works, imho. Everyone is yelling at everyone and they all have their petty and big issues. They all have something to moan about and the angst is all over the place but you will never feel it's too much because their dramas (issues) are still connected and they all factor massively to the progress of the story.
The main characters are some of the most realized and established characters I ever read in a YA book. There are some that are stereotypical, it's true, but those characters still possess surprises in the bag that make the story evolve. There's so much growth by the end of the novel that you'd just think WOW. I could've been that person or I could've done that.
I also get a boner every time I read a Filipino reference in a foreign YA book because hellloooo shout out to my kind! :) Luce's father has a Filipino heritage, which makes her glow with her golden-tan skin, hospitality, and brains. Don't even argue.
Not that I'm playing favorites but I think out of all the girls, Zoe's story is more my tempo. It's the most changed and most important. Her inner revelation about her sexuality by the end of the book is so important because it serves the issues the teens of today are facing right now. That's why her past holds so many dearly things for her. It's that realization of your desires, your preference, your happiness and your self. I'm sure LGBT people who have read this were also rooting for her. Good character placement and representation.
The ending killed me. It slayed me. I was a wreck as soon as I finished the book because like what I said earlier, it reminded me of my own girl gang during sophomore year. I was (am?) in a group of four solid girl friends and while we didn't completely drift apart, there's one who went ahead with her own life and decided to focus on her family and kids, which was good. But somehow, it killed the promise of a solid friendship. I understand why she did it but I'm still confused why things had to fall apart. And then the most heartbreaking part was Joy in the book. She was sick, she had a serious illness, her friends stuck with her but it was a hopeless case. Joy reminded me of my best friend who also died because of a terrible illness. And even more heartbreaking? We used to call my best friend "Joy." Fuck I'm crying again but anyway, you now get an idea as to why I'm crazy shit about this book. It reminded me of my teenage years. It reminded me of my "Joy." It reminded me of us. Fuck this, I'm so emotional right now L-O-fucking-L to me I didn't mean to take it out on my review.
So yeah. Have mad love for this book. I hope y'all cherish friendships and first loves while you're young because there's no such thing as press "Undo" in life. There's only a Re-do.
willowshelter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
plaidpladd's review against another edition
2.0
I liked the premise of this book, but it wasn't well-executed. The characters were forgettable, and the mechanics of time travel in this world turned out to be disappointing . As to the ending, . I finished this book, but I did it while rolling my eyes.
Spoiler
acting more like a shared hallucination than actual time travelSpoiler
why are cancer rates so high among YA novel protagonists? Is it having twee first names like "Tali" and "Luci"?jessica22's review against another edition
4.0
This book was pretty good. I really didn't like Tali at all because she was so self absorbed and the entire time all she wanted was to hook up. However, the other characters were enjoyable and this was really well written. The ending had me in tears.
jhopkins813's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
readingwithemmathomas's review against another edition
3.25
Ending made me sad but enjoyed for the most part
charmaineac's review against another edition
2.0
I have the most mixed feelings about this book. I actually disliked most of the book. But the end... oh man, the tears are still pouring down my face. The thing is, I figured out the "mystery" pretty early on. The actual reveal was so much more heartbreaking than I expected though.
Okay, so let's talk about the issues surrounding the vast majority of this story. There were so many problems that could have EASILY been fixed through communication. People in this book never talked TO each other, they all talked AT each other! Listening is so important, and I wish that was one of the lessons that these characters learned. Instead, people frequently jumped to conclusions and lashed out without hearing the whole story.It was very unreasonable.
I also felt like we were tracking four completely different storylines and trajectories. At the end, they all reminisced their friendship, but I never read about the moments that helped bring them together again. There were just more conflicts and misunderstandings (like the whole bathroom thing... seriously?).
At first, I was really annoyed by Joy's character. She seemed like such an enigma. But I ended up loving her storyline the most. Doug Ryder — so charming, handsome, and thoughtful. I am glad that he was part of the story, and that he gave Joy second chances worth cherishing.
In fact, there were a bunch of great characters in this story. Andrew — so perfect, solid, and reliable. I wish things could've ended differently, but there's no avoiding the future. We have to let it happen. I also appreciated the way that the other main part of Luce's story was handled. Definitely classy.
Zoe's story was heartbreaking in its own way too. Unfortunately, I never really connected with Tali. A lot of her problems stemmed from a position of wealth and self-absorbance. Many of her problems were shallow, and even the "big revelation" was deserved (if true). People aren't always who you think they are, unfortunately.
These characters came together at an important time. This story had a ton of potential, and I really liked how it ended. Unfortunately, the beginning and middle hardly grabbed my interest, and I really did not enjoy the characters' behavioural tendencies until they grew at the very end.
Okay, so let's talk about the issues surrounding the vast majority of this story. There were so many problems that could have EASILY been fixed through communication. People in this book never talked TO each other, they all talked AT each other! Listening is so important, and I wish that was one of the lessons that these characters learned. Instead, people frequently jumped to conclusions and lashed out without hearing the whole story.It was very unreasonable.
I also felt like we were tracking four completely different storylines and trajectories. At the end, they all reminisced their friendship, but I never read about the moments that helped bring them together again. There were just more conflicts and misunderstandings (like the whole bathroom thing... seriously?).
At first, I was really annoyed by Joy's character. She seemed like such an enigma. But I ended up loving her storyline the most. Doug Ryder — so charming, handsome, and thoughtful. I am glad that he was part of the story, and that he gave Joy second chances worth cherishing.
In fact, there were a bunch of great characters in this story. Andrew — so perfect, solid, and reliable. I wish things could've ended differently, but there's no avoiding the future. We have to let it happen. I also appreciated the way that the other main part of Luce's story was handled. Definitely classy.
Zoe's story was heartbreaking in its own way too. Unfortunately, I never really connected with Tali. A lot of her problems stemmed from a position of wealth and self-absorbance. Many of her problems were shallow, and even the "big revelation" was deserved (if true). People aren't always who you think they are, unfortunately.
These characters came together at an important time. This story had a ton of potential, and I really liked how it ended. Unfortunately, the beginning and middle hardly grabbed my interest, and I really did not enjoy the characters' behavioural tendencies until they grew at the very end.
chrissireads's review against another edition
3.0
Proof of Forever is a story about four girls who were inseparable at fifteen- fast forward two years and they no longer talk. The girls used to go to camp together, and at a reunion they find themselves forced together. After having a picture in a photobooth, they are transported to the past. In order to get back to the present day, they have to live their lives again. They are supposed to keep everything the same to not affect their present day lives, but they find out secrets which explain why their friendship began to unravel.
This book is told from alternate point of views. I didn’t connect with all of the characters, so I didn’t enjoy all of the story as much as I wanted to. I would have liked to relate to the characters a bit more as well. However, it did make me think back to my friendships at the same age as the characters were. I’m still friends with my two best friends from school, but other friends I have drifted away from over time. It made me wonder what my school days would be like if I had the chance to relive them. I’m not sure I’d want to though…
I did really enjoy the writing style, and it was easy to read. I read it within a few days. I would certainly read more from this author. I’d definitely recommend Proof Of Forever for fans of contemporary!
This book is told from alternate point of views. I didn’t connect with all of the characters, so I didn’t enjoy all of the story as much as I wanted to. I would have liked to relate to the characters a bit more as well. However, it did make me think back to my friendships at the same age as the characters were. I’m still friends with my two best friends from school, but other friends I have drifted away from over time. It made me wonder what my school days would be like if I had the chance to relive them. I’m not sure I’d want to though…
I did really enjoy the writing style, and it was easy to read. I read it within a few days. I would certainly read more from this author. I’d definitely recommend Proof Of Forever for fans of contemporary!