amor_j_daino_600390's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
mandiluna's review against another edition
4.0
things i liked
-the focus on mental health and how it realistically impacts people. like it's hard to get suddenly get better, you have to work at it for a long time
-college stress. very realistic although it was funny seeing everyone compare smart people schools when i'm so far from that.
- just fun interactions between the characters. it really makes you feel immersed in the story.
- diversity! (poc + lgbtq) emory lord really pushed to make her book more diversity when she didn't have to. she includes more people of color (and covers their perspectives) which is cool to see. it was really expected but nice to see that the other "love interest" was a east asian guy because i feel like that doesn't happen often bc of stereotypes. Also! he's not a character based off of stereotypes which is nice. in fact he kind of subverts them. instead of being a stereotypically nerdy and awkward person (which we see asian americans often represented in media as), he's an outgoing jock which is fun to see. just in all a character that feels like a real person.
cons.
older person trying to sound like teenager writing. at some points it was just really unrealistic with how teenagers would think or say things. it was at some points trying too hard to sound young when it didn't work. I understand the main character is supposed to be "mature" for her age, but at some points it was just funny how unbelievable it was.
miscommunication being a big part of the plot. i get it's about maturing and stuff, but it was just frustrating to see that big part of the plot. truthfully half of the appeal of this book for me is romance, so seeing it being so angsty all the time was annoying.
-the focus on mental health and how it realistically impacts people. like it's hard to get suddenly get better, you have to work at it for a long time
-college stress. very realistic although it was funny seeing everyone compare smart people schools when i'm so far from that.
- just fun interactions between the characters. it really makes you feel immersed in the story.
- diversity! (poc + lgbtq) emory lord really pushed to make her book more diversity when she didn't have to. she includes more people of color (and covers their perspectives) which is cool to see. it was really expected but nice to see that the other "love interest" was a east asian guy because i feel like that doesn't happen often bc of stereotypes. Also! he's not a character based off of stereotypes which is nice. in fact he kind of subverts them. instead of being a stereotypically nerdy and awkward person (which we see asian americans often represented in media as), he's an outgoing jock which is fun to see. just in all a character that feels like a real person.
cons.
older person trying to sound like teenager writing. at some points it was just really unrealistic with how teenagers would think or say things. it was at some points trying too hard to sound young when it didn't work. I understand the main character is supposed to be "mature" for her age, but at some points it was just funny how unbelievable it was.
miscommunication being a big part of the plot. i get it's about maturing and stuff, but it was just frustrating to see that big part of the plot. truthfully half of the appeal of this book for me is romance, so seeing it being so angsty all the time was annoying.
denaiir's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This sequel didn't meet my expectations, even though I figured it would probably not be as good as The Start of Me And You. It was generally enjoyable, but I can recall more moments that annoyed me than moments I truly enjoyed.
Paige was quite a brat sometimes, and her problems with communication were a bit frustrating. I get that it's better to show relatable issues and not make her "fixed" at the end of the first book, but I would have preferred to see her grow, instead of the mess she was for the big majority of the book. Max was also extremely annoying, I hated his reactions and thought the two of them were just a big mess, and didn't even root for them to end up together.
Paige’s co-worker at the movie theater, Hunter, was the only character I really enjoyed following in this one. Maybe the novelty of it all? I think maybe YA contemporaries are just not meant to have sequels.
Another thing that I didn't really like was that the friends group was underrepresented throughout the stroy. It was a strong point in the first book and there they were just present for a few scenes but there wasn't a great dynamic and the pairings felt forced.
Overall, The Map from Here to There was just ok for me, it was a 3.5 stars because I had a soft spot for the characters after the first book, but I'm not head over heels for it at all.
This sequel didn't meet my expectations, even though I figured it would probably not be as good as The Start of Me And You. It was generally enjoyable, but I can recall more moments that annoyed me than moments I truly enjoyed.
Paige was quite a brat sometimes, and her problems with communication were a bit frustrating. I get that it's better to show relatable issues and not make her "fixed" at the end of the first book, but I would have preferred to see her grow, instead of the mess she was for the big majority of the book. Max was also extremely annoying, I hated his reactions and thought the two of them were just a big mess, and didn't even root for them to end up together.
Paige’s co-worker at the movie theater, Hunter, was the only character I really enjoyed following in this one. Maybe the novelty of it all? I think maybe YA contemporaries are just not meant to have sequels.
Another thing that I didn't really like was that the friends group was underrepresented throughout the stroy. It was a strong point in the first book and there they were just present for a few scenes but there wasn't a great dynamic and the pairings felt forced.
Overall, The Map from Here to There was just ok for me, it was a 3.5 stars because I had a soft spot for the characters after the first book, but I'm not head over heels for it at all.
thebookdance's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good book.
It didn't go exactly the way I wanted, but I liked it. This is probably a good choice for someone who is in the year previous to going to college.
The writing was as amazing as always.
I just wish it was a little less deep, and a little more fun.
But I liked seeing these characters again, getting to know them even more. That group of girls was so cool, everything you want your friends to be. Super tight and always there for you.
4 stars!
It didn't go exactly the way I wanted, but I liked it. This is probably a good choice for someone who is in the year previous to going to college.
The writing was as amazing as always.
I just wish it was a little less deep, and a little more fun.
But I liked seeing these characters again, getting to know them even more. That group of girls was so cool, everything you want your friends to be. Super tight and always there for you.
4 stars!
clearingthebookshelf's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fizzibelle127's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bookishnicole's review against another edition
4.0
It was cute coming back to Matt and Paige if a little stressful. It makes me want a 5 years later of them all grown up!
msbandthebooks's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great follow up to The Start of Me and You! I love books that explore what happens after happily ever after. The authors writing is so poetic and she really brings you into the story and makes me you feel for Paige and her beloved group of friends.
Now, the next part of this story follows Paige and Max after their happily ever after moment in the Start of Me and You. They’re seniors now and are facing big decisions about college and about life. Paige loves Max but is still struggling some and working through issues from the last book. This causes some push and pull in their relationship. But just like always, her friends and family are there to help guide her and help her through her struggles.
The author did such a great job writing this story! She truly made all the emotions that Paige and her friends feel in this story come alive on the page. I also love that the author has all the characters dealing with real life situations and doesn’t have them shy away from the hard things in life.
Overall, I highly recommend The Start of Me and You, which is the first in this story and The Map from Here to There! Both books make one great YA romance that flow together and will leave you swooning!
Now, the next part of this story follows Paige and Max after their happily ever after moment in the Start of Me and You. They’re seniors now and are facing big decisions about college and about life. Paige loves Max but is still struggling some and working through issues from the last book. This causes some push and pull in their relationship. But just like always, her friends and family are there to help guide her and help her through her struggles.
The author did such a great job writing this story! She truly made all the emotions that Paige and her friends feel in this story come alive on the page. I also love that the author has all the characters dealing with real life situations and doesn’t have them shy away from the hard things in life.
Overall, I highly recommend The Start of Me and You, which is the first in this story and The Map from Here to There! Both books make one great YA romance that flow together and will leave you swooning!
bheidok15's review against another edition
1.0
My word. This book has to be one of the most boring, complaining-filled books I've ever read. I can honestly say I wish I had not read this, and felt like it was unnecessary. Sequels are not always needed; prime example right here.
sc104906's review against another edition
4.0
I received this as an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Paige has finally landed the guy in an epic rom-com kiss before the start of summer. However, her and the boyfriend haven't really had time to be in their new relationship because she spent the first half of her summer in New York and he spent the last half of the summer in another country. Paige has been waiting for him to return, meanwhile, she has been working at the local cinema complex and hanging with friends. When the boyfriend returns, Paige feels the pressure from everyone to have a forever romance. She is a senior in high school and she is having trouble deciding what career she wants, what college she wants, and many other things. She doesn't want her boyfriend to build all of his future plans on her, since she is so confused.
This was a quiet book, but a great one. It is relatable for the older high school students, as well as the new adults. It explores the concept that your future isn't just one choice, but many and many choices that can be changed or redirected. I thought it was an interesting exploration of love and the many forms it comes it. I had a great time with this book.
Paige has finally landed the guy in an epic rom-com kiss before the start of summer. However, her and the boyfriend haven't really had time to be in their new relationship because she spent the first half of her summer in New York and he spent the last half of the summer in another country. Paige has been waiting for him to return, meanwhile, she has been working at the local cinema complex and hanging with friends. When the boyfriend returns, Paige feels the pressure from everyone to have a forever romance. She is a senior in high school and she is having trouble deciding what career she wants, what college she wants, and many other things. She doesn't want her boyfriend to build all of his future plans on her, since she is so confused.
This was a quiet book, but a great one. It is relatable for the older high school students, as well as the new adults. It explores the concept that your future isn't just one choice, but many and many choices that can be changed or redirected. I thought it was an interesting exploration of love and the many forms it comes it. I had a great time with this book.