When It Happens by Susane Colasanti, is a 336 page fiction novel that depicts senior year from the perspective of an overachieving and driven student named Sara, and her love interest Tobey. Tobey is the opposite of Sara and could careless about what happens after senior year, as long as he is playing his guitar somewhere. Sara and Tobey are both desperate to find love before graduation, but they want to find "the one." The story switches between Sara and Tobey's perspectives as they describe the pressures of senior year and the struggles of finding true love. I liked how this book gave you two sides to the story, but with both genders being represented. More often than not we just read romance novels from the female point of view and are left to ponder the male perspective. I found many insecurities and similarities between both teens as they struggled to convey their feelings to one another, despite their opposite personalities. One main similarity is that they both wanted to find someone genuine, instead of just a casual hookup or fling. The writing was very simplistic, but I felt it added to the teenage perspective and view the author was trying to execute. Throughout the novel I found myself saying "omg me too," "relatable," and "same" numerous times; especially when Sara would complain about how hard it was to find love. I did however find this book very predicable and cliche with no new twist to the average romance novel. It was a very a simple read that I feel any young adult looking for love or going through high school can relate to. Sometimes a cheesy romance novel is fun to read every now and then and can be enjoyable.
-Danielle Mecano
This book and your post about it reminds me of a book I read a long time ago-- "Flipped" by Wendelin Van Draanen. It too is a romance novel that flips back and forth between the two main character's perspectives about one another and their lives. I find the double perspective in books to be really insightful for any reader since it expands the book even further.
ReplyDeleteNovels with double perspectives are honestly one of my favorite things because it allows you more insight-- double points if it's the perspectives of characters that cause the issue/plot and we can see their sides of the story. I can see how relatable the book is in the fact that the plot is for the protagonists searching for the "one" because high school is primarily associated with flings and short and unmeaningful relationships. I find it kind of amusing that you described the novel as simple and predictable yet it's 336 pages long because that's dedication in reading such an average book haha-- seriously that's some dedication.
ReplyDeleteThe book seems interesting, for I also enjoy it when novels incorporate both perspectives in the story rather than limiting it to one. I like being able to fully understand the thoughts and feelings of both sides of the relationship instead of being hung on a ledge wondering what the character's next move will be. I'm also amused by how closely the book relates to some of the people in our grade now. It seems very fitting for a hopeless romantic just seeking to find love.
ReplyDeleteI, too, like the aspect of switching between more than one protagonist. This, I believe, adds a very broad perspective on every story that incorporates it. It makes for a very entertaining read.
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