didireadthat's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Second chance romance at its height. I thought the study abroad trip was going to be her second chance at college and wasn’t expecting the magical turn but I really enjoyed it. I like Pilot and Shane as a couple and I like how Shane took the time she needed to focus on herself. I’m not a fan of the contemporary references. I don’t think they ever age well and use them and the main reference for inside jokes makes them feel more cliche than authentic. Over all just a very cute story and I did like the added setting of various European cities.
katearneson's review
5.0
Wow. I started this as soon as it arrived in the mail this afternoon, excited to finally read Christine's book. I wasn't sure how I would feel about it, seeing as I don't usually enjoy contemporaries, but it had me hooked from the first page. Actually, even before that. As I read the author's note, I knew that I was going to love this. Of course, it exceeded expectations. I relate so much to Shane in her endeavors. I finished it within a day, and loved every second. It had me laughing, screaming, and close to tears. I am already looking forward to rereading it! 10/10 would recommend.
susannaopal's review
3.0
2.5/5 rounded up. Interesting idea but it felt long in parts although I did enjoy “visiting” some of my favorite cities throughout the book.
bookishlykendra's review
emotional
funny
medium-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
2.0
mansiv27's review
3.0
The main concept of this book about a girl lying to her parents to go to a school of her choice in London, Travelling through Europe, falling in love and discovering herself.
Shane seems so much like the author herself and her love interest Pilot was also super pleasant. Their arc was up and down, at times downright frustrating and sometimes just puts a smile.
Halfway into the book, there is this fantastical event that occurs with them just took me by surprise. I was not anticipating that. The title totally makes sense.
This feels more like an autobiography, instead of a contemporary romance. I just didn’t care what happened to the characters, I just couldn’t connect, and there were lots of clichés that took away from the story at times. Totally rushed, you could tell the author just wanted to get to the ending and be done with it. It had no impact on me and I was happy to close the book and move on. In the end, Christine Riccio’s debut novel was one that I had been anticipating for quite some time, but I am sorry to say that it was simply not well executed at all.
Shane seems so much like the author herself and her love interest Pilot was also super pleasant. Their arc was up and down, at times downright frustrating and sometimes just puts a smile.
Halfway into the book, there is this fantastical event that occurs with them just took me by surprise. I was not anticipating that. The title totally makes sense.
This feels more like an autobiography, instead of a contemporary romance. I just didn’t care what happened to the characters, I just couldn’t connect, and there were lots of clichés that took away from the story at times. Totally rushed, you could tell the author just wanted to get to the ending and be done with it. It had no impact on me and I was happy to close the book and move on. In the end, Christine Riccio’s debut novel was one that I had been anticipating for quite some time, but I am sorry to say that it was simply not well executed at all.
stephanielc's review
3.0
Kind of mediocre. I thought it was going to be life changing but if you asked me what the plot is, I’d probably give you something along the lines “girl time travels back in time and restarts college life for like the 3rd(?) time.”
Some points in the story actually got me in my feels though, I almost teared up a little.
Some points in the story actually got me in my feels though, I almost teared up a little.
franciscobaranda's review
4.0
I really enjoyed everything about this book! It made me
Laugh, smile, and gush at all the pop references - they were perfect! Pilot and Shane are absolutely amazing, and I see so much of myself in Shane. Thank you for writing her, Christine.
I expected nothing less from Christine, and this is a really solid debut. Cannot wait to read her sophomore novel
Laugh, smile, and gush at all the pop references - they were perfect! Pilot and Shane are absolutely amazing, and I see so much of myself in Shane. Thank you for writing her, Christine.
I expected nothing less from Christine, and this is a really solid debut. Cannot wait to read her sophomore novel
thriller_kris's review
5.0
Deja vu
I picked up this book because it felt like I was picking up a story about myself. I studied in England for a year and basically started over just like Shane(except for my major).
If I could describe this book in a couple of words I'd say it was a warm bubble bath. It was refreshing and adorable in so many ways. Lately I find that it's hard to find lighthearted books so I'm thankful for this one. It brought back the feelings I had when I went traveling out of the country for the first time.
Shane is relatable in many ways. We all have that gnawing anxiety that can cripple us from our own potential and overall happiness. Too many times she made me smile and reminded myself that it's ok to be courageous. Anything that brings a genuine smile to my face must be held closely. I loved this book, I'll probably have to buy it for my own collection.
I picked up this book because it felt like I was picking up a story about myself. I studied in England for a year and basically started over just like Shane(except for my major).
If I could describe this book in a couple of words I'd say it was a warm bubble bath. It was refreshing and adorable in so many ways. Lately I find that it's hard to find lighthearted books so I'm thankful for this one. It brought back the feelings I had when I went traveling out of the country for the first time.
Shane is relatable in many ways. We all have that gnawing anxiety that can cripple us from our own potential and overall happiness. Too many times she made me smile and reminded myself that it's ok to be courageous. Anything that brings a genuine smile to my face must be held closely. I loved this book, I'll probably have to buy it for my own collection.
joelleslibrary's review
5.0
I have been waiting for this book since January 2016 and I was expecting to be blown away. Instead I ended up being wrapped in typhoon and squished and squashed around an entire continent. This book completely tore through my checklist of what a good book should be and now I need reevaluate all of my other books and compare it to this one. How am I going to be able to compare it to this one?
I had idea about what the plot was going to be while I was first starting this book but nothing would prepare me for what was in store. The amount of times I gasped or literally laughed out loud while reading this book is actually appalling and I have a numerous amount of friends who can vouch for that.
But overall I have been waiting for this book for years and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out, how it made me feel and how much I want to wrap each character in my arms and squeeze.
I had idea about what the plot was going to be while I was first starting this book but nothing would prepare me for what was in store. The amount of times I gasped or literally laughed out loud while reading this book is actually appalling and I have a numerous amount of friends who can vouch for that.
But overall I have been waiting for this book for years and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out, how it made me feel and how much I want to wrap each character in my arms and squeeze.