a_book_addict's review
5.0
I have been in a reading slump for four months and this is the first book that I've been able to pick up and read it the whole way through.
This book was everything that I needed. I myself have been struggling with what I am doing with my life now that I have left school, and having Milo going through the same thing has made me not feel so alone.
I had no idea this book was set in Australia going into it, and I've never actually read a book based in my own country. It was incredible, reading and seeing names of familiar towns that I have either driven through, stop at, or at least know where about it is. Nice to get away from the Americaness of most YA.
Though the start of the relationship between Milo and Layla is a bit questionable morally from both sides, I loved every page with the two of them together, even just as friends. The dual point of view was written so well, and was so distinctly different for each character which I loved. I find that most dual point view books end up seeming to similar that you can't really tell them apart.
Overall I loved this book and the ending in my eyes was perfect. It wasn't the ending that I was expecting, but it was 1000x better.
I will definitely be picking up any new YA novels that Gabrielle Tozer writes in the future.
This book was everything that I needed. I myself have been struggling with what I am doing with my life now that I have left school, and having Milo going through the same thing has made me not feel so alone.
I had no idea this book was set in Australia going into it, and I've never actually read a book based in my own country. It was incredible, reading and seeing names of familiar towns that I have either driven through, stop at, or at least know where about it is. Nice to get away from the Americaness of most YA.
Though the start of the relationship between Milo and Layla is a bit questionable morally from both sides, I loved every page with the two of them together, even just as friends. The dual point of view was written so well, and was so distinctly different for each character which I loved. I find that most dual point view books end up seeming to similar that you can't really tell them apart.
Overall I loved this book and the ending in my eyes was perfect. It wasn't the ending that I was expecting, but it was 1000x better.
I will definitely be picking up any new YA novels that Gabrielle Tozer writes in the future.
jamisonduggan's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ps_a22's review
4.0
This book was the best reminder that even when life becomes so slow that it's almost lethargic, you can change it. From the boy who didn't know what he wanted to be but ended up traveling Europe to the girl with the drug dealer boyfriend who learned to like her stepmother and start a pet-sitting business. It also showed me how it's so important to let yourself grow and not become rooted by the people you love. Love and romance, no matter how palpable at the time, will turn to regret if you let an opportunity pass by. This book showed me that and I loved it for it.
aislina's review
2.0
I liked this book but it feels like it ends mid-story? Still not entirely sure what the plot actually was
treebark's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
thelifeoflaura's review
3.0
It's the summer after high school ends and everyone is moving on. Winning scholarships. Heading to uni. Travelling the world. Everyone except Milo Dark. Milo feels stuck. Stuck in Durnan. Stuck without direction. Stuck with no idea what he wants to do with his life. His girlfriend is 200km away, his mates have bailed for bigger things and he is convinced he's missed the memo reminding him to plan the rest of his life. Then Layla Montgomery barrels back into his world after five years without so much as a text message. What begins as innocent banter between Milo and Layla soon draws them into a tangled mess with a guarantee that someone will get hurt. While it's a summer they'll never forget, is it one they want to remember?
This was a super sweet book. With the challenges that many teenagers face when they finish school and have to decide what they are going to do for the rest of the life. With the added pressure from his parents to decide, and the pressure from his girlfriend for him to join her, he has no idea what to do. Layla is battling demons too, and trying to continue through the grieving process. When these two reconnect, they are forced to face the demons in their lives head on. A lovely story of boy-meets-girl.
This was a super sweet book. With the challenges that many teenagers face when they finish school and have to decide what they are going to do for the rest of the life. With the added pressure from his parents to decide, and the pressure from his girlfriend for him to join her, he has no idea what to do. Layla is battling demons too, and trying to continue through the grieving process. When these two reconnect, they are forced to face the demons in their lives head on. A lovely story of boy-meets-girl.
ornamentalhermit's review
4.0
This book makes me sad, but in a good way.
My heart hurts for this girl whose whole life keeps being pulled out from under her, and for this boy who is stuck in that stage of insecurity at the end of year 12 where you have no idea what you want to do.
The dual POV was done marvellously, there was never any confusion as to who was talking as they had distinct voices.
The exploration of grief was wonderfully done- I loved that Milo didn't solve everything for Layla! The attitude towards counselling and the healthy depiction of the step mother type relationship were great to see. I don't know of many YA books were counselling is depicted as positive rather than a necessary burden so well done Gabrielle Tozer on that!
How lovely is it to read a book set in Aus? The slang used, the community explored, the place names and general attitude to life were all bang on. So many books are US-centric, so it was great to open one and feel at home straight away.
This was a really interesting read. It wasn't what I expected; if you're looking for a fluffy contemporary you're in the wrong place. However, I still really liked it. I was invested in these characters and their development. It was beautifully done, and tastefully explored some difficult issues. 4/5 for sure.
My heart hurts for this girl whose whole life keeps being pulled out from under her, and for this boy who is stuck in that stage of insecurity at the end of year 12 where you have no idea what you want to do.
The dual POV was done marvellously, there was never any confusion as to who was talking as they had distinct voices.
The exploration of grief was wonderfully done- I loved that Milo didn't solve everything for Layla! The attitude towards counselling and the healthy depiction of the step mother type relationship were great to see. I don't know of many YA books were counselling is depicted as positive rather than a necessary burden so well done Gabrielle Tozer on that!
How lovely is it to read a book set in Aus? The slang used, the community explored, the place names and general attitude to life were all bang on. So many books are US-centric, so it was great to open one and feel at home straight away.
This was a really interesting read. It wasn't what I expected; if you're looking for a fluffy contemporary you're in the wrong place. However, I still really liked it. I was invested in these characters and their development. It was beautifully done, and tastefully explored some difficult issues. 4/5 for sure.
rotireads's review
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0