And by the Way… (Butterfly, #1)

Oct 29, 2012 Rosie Allemby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: butterfly-novels, teen, teen-romance, coming-of-age, first-love, ya-fiction, ya-romance, young-adult, young-adult-books

Honestly one of THE best books I have ever read! An amazing story that'll make laugh and cry. (a cliche, I know) It's so easy to connect with the characters and it's beautifully written by Denise Deegan who somehow manages to get right inside the teenage mind. I could not recommend it more! Go and buy it right now!

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Nov 28, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

The author of this book, Denise Deegan approached me to read her three novels when I got a chance and I agreed because 1) She was extremely polite in asking me 2) Worked really hard at getting me the novels because for some reason since she's in Ireland and I'm here, she can't gift them to me from Ireland. Some Amazon Law. 3) And it's set in Ireland. I haven't read a YA novel set in Ireland.
So, I started it on the holiday weekend, and I couldn't put it down! Alex, the main character is broken an...more The author of this book, Denise Deegan approached me to read her three novels when I got a chance and I agreed because 1) She was extremely polite in asking me 2) Worked really hard at getting me the novels because for some reason since she's in Ireland and I'm here, she can't gift them to me from Ireland. Some Amazon Law. 3) And it's set in Ireland. I haven't read a YA novel set in Ireland.
So, I started it on the holiday weekend, and I couldn't put it down! Alex, the main character is broken and jaded and angry and expects nothing but to be let down for the rest of her life. When she lost her mother, she lost everything. "The Rockstar" as she calls her dad behind his back, hired a chef, a security guard (not like the ones that walk around the mall), and sent her to a shrink. She closed herself off from everyone but her Gran and Homer, her dog. Her philosophy is, if you don't care about someone, then losing them won't hurt so bad. But she's got two best friends, one a bit smarter than the other and she's wise to what's happening. Shaking her isn't too easy. And then there's David McFadden, the American that she's paired up with for sailing class and who makes her actually laugh. But she can't laugh, because that would mean forgetting her mother.

Alex is caught between honoring her mother's memory and needing desperately to move on. She's so afraid to move forward because if she let's herself be happy, she's afraid the world will rip that happiness away from her again. This is one of the most emotional and well written YA novels I've read this year, and you know I've read a lot. I was reading with my throat constricted trying not to cry in the car. I didn't want to have to explain it was over a book. But this is just not any book. This is a cathartic book about losing someone, letting go, moving forward, remembering, healing, loving, just about any emotion you could have, you'll feel. Alex does indeed have a romance, but she has a lot of mending fences too. I think the relationship between her and her father is what got to me the most. God did I let loose when I was home in my bed with my tissues and my pillow. Denise Deegan can wring the emotion right out of you until you're just a mess.

Alex is so well written and so complex. You know why she reacts to things the way she does and you understand but you're hoping for her to change a little earlier than she does. But she does put her big girl panties on in the end. Her father, he grows up from someone we don't know at all and kind of hate to someone we understand and feel for and empathize with. Some of Alex's friends we like, some we may not. David, God love him that boy was amazing. And we got to see all the different sides of him that made him who he is. So yes, the characters were very well developed as was the story line.

You know that little percentage at the bottom of your e-reader that tells you how much of the book is left. Let's just say I was sweating this one out until the very last few percentages!
I really don't know where this book has been hiding except it came out in 2011. I'm sad it's over as I feel like I could read about Alex forever. But I have two other books about her best friends called And For Your Information and And Actually.

Another note, there is some Irish teen slang in it that was fun to read. It didn't take long to figure out what it meant, but it was fun to learn some new words and how the teens over there speak to each other. Not much different from here, they just use different words. That just upped the enjoyment factor on this fabulous novel. I'll be diving into And For Your Information very soon!
(less)

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Oct 31, 2012 Sinead rated it 5 of 5 stars

When most non-Irish people think of Irish people they think of alcohol, leprachauns, and more alcohol. So when an Irish book comes out it's hard to be optimistic. But as a (sometimes) proud Irish girl, I am so honoured to be from the same country as the setting of this book! I loved this book so fucking much. You get drawn into the story, begin to love the characters, and cry with them along the way. Definitely one of the best things to come from Irish soil. Go you, Denise Deegan! You've made ou...more When most non-Irish people think of Irish people they think of alcohol, leprachauns, and more alcohol. So when an Irish book comes out it's hard to be optimistic. But as a (sometimes) proud Irish girl, I am so honoured to be from the same country as the setting of this book! I loved this book so fucking much. You get drawn into the story, begin to love the characters, and cry with them along the way. Definitely one of the best things to come from Irish soil. Go you, Denise Deegan! You've made our country awesome again! :)

“I used to do close. Then Mum died. And I died too. I can't go through that pain again. I just can't…”

I already knew I would love this book from the first page. It grabbed your attention and gave you a "Yeah, tell me about it" feeling whenever she talked.

It tells the story of Alex, a girl who's still recovering from the sudden death of her mother, and dealing with having her famous "Rockstar" father drift slowly away from her grasp. She finds comfort in David, a boy who understands her pain, and her two best friends, Sarah and Rachel (who each get a sequel with their POV).

Alex is a very complicated character. She doesn't want to get close to anybody ever since her mum died as she doesn't want go through the pain if something bad happens to them. This is what makes her romance with David so intriguing. He knows what she's going through, and wants to help, but she continually refuses. But he won't take no for an answer, and eventually Alex stops refusing. The connection between them feels genuine.

Her relationship with her dad is even more complex. He starts ignoring her ever since her mum died, but we start to see their relationship evolve throughout the book and Deegan makes it happen so naturally. It's not like on one page they hate each other and on the other Alex suddenly realises how much she needs her dad kind-of-way.

She has a crap load of stuff to deal with throughout the book, and you can't help but cheer as she begins to deal with it all and start to move past the mind-boggling grief and realise its okay to not be sad all the time.

Even though I (thankfully) haven't dealt with losing the death of dear close family member besides grandparents, I could totally believe how Alex felt when she felt she was being swallowed up by grief. It makes me wonder whether the author actually experienced that sort of grief, or was she that good of an author?

This book is recommended to anybody, teen or adult, and so would And For Your Information... (with Alex's friend Sarah's POV). I haven't read And Actually... yet (Rachel's POV) but I know that will also be great and am looking forward to it. :)

Add this book to your list, especially if you've ever experienced the loss of a loved one and would know exactly how Alex feels.(less)

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Sep 16, 2011 Joanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-contemporary

When Keris Stainton first told me about And By the Way... for D&B Week, I didn't know what to expect. It sounded really good, but I hadn't heard of Denise Deegan before. I have to say, I judged the book by it's cover. When I opened it's pages, I was looking forward to what I expected would be a fluffy read, despite the topic. It's anything but fluffy. But it's completely fantastic!

I don't even really know where to begin. Alex is suffering terribly from the death of her mother six months ago....more When Keris Stainton first told me about And By the Way... for D&B Week, I didn't know what to expect. It sounded really good, but I hadn't heard of Denise Deegan before. I have to say, I judged the book by it's cover. When I opened it's pages, I was looking forward to what I expected would be a fluffy read, despite the topic. It's anything but fluffy. But it's completely fantastic!

I don't even really know where to begin. Alex is suffering terribly from the death of her mother six months ago. Her Dad pretty much acts like she doesn't exist, and she feels so alone. She has her friends, but is so absolutely terrified of losing anyone else that she holds back from people. She doesn't share what she's feeling, she'll avoid socialising outside school. It's so difficult to read, because she is so unbelievably lost. There was a moment where I almost burst into tears on a bus. I'm not like Alex, nor is my Mum like Alex's, but they had the same kind of close, fun relationship I have with my Mum, and it just really hit home how devastated it is. She keeps herself behind think concrete walls and won't let anyone inside. Until David starts showing an interest, and just won't leave her alone.

I'm not going to say any more than that about the plot, I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but it's just brilliant. The book almost seems to be split up into several parts - the main one being before X and after X (and no, I won't tell you what X is). Yet there are several over ways you could break the story down, because so much happens. This book is about so much more than just Alex coping with her mother's death. Almost every important character in this book is dealing with some sort of problem. Relationship issues, family issues, self-esteem issues, loss in other ways. As I said, there's a lot going on, and it's terribly sad. I didn't cry while reading this novel, but that's simply because I way beyond crying. It was too sad to cry.

What I love is how we get to see several other people effected by grief, too - namely 'The Rockstar' and Alex's Gran. Her Dad doesn't function on anything other than work. That is his life now. Alex thinks it's because he just doesn't care, but it's the only way he's able to deal with things - though he doesn't realise how he's treating Alex. Gran stays at home all day with the curtains drawn. Alex is the only person she sees. It's only through hearing about Alex's life that she gets back her old spark back. It's all really sad.

There is one character in this book who, initially, I would quite like to beat to a pulp. However, as the book goes on we see more of his nicer side show. He doesn't really have much page time, but I found him to be quite interesting, a "more than meets the eye" character. I know this series is about the three friends, but I'd so love to see him with his own book!

I'm going to end this review with an anecdote. I was talking to my Mum about the book, how sad it was and how awful all the things that were happening were, and went to get myself some chocolate for comfort eating...
Mum: "You can make me a cup of tea while you're down there."
Me: "Noooo.."
Mum: "It will cheer you up!"
Me: "Making you a cup of tea will cheer me up?"
Mum: "Yes! Because you CAN make me a cup of tea. I'm not dead."

Got to love her.

And By the Way... is a truely amazing and heart-wrenching novel that I couldn't put down. I absolutely loved it, and can't recommend it enough. I'm so looking forward to the sequel!(less)

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Feb 28, 2011 Kate Byrne rated it 5 of 5 stars

I saw this book in a shop window and thought I would give it a try. I was amazed at how addictive it was, it was like being stuck in a time warp. Everything else faded out and I completely lost track of time. I only realized how long I was reading for when it was dinner time :L This book is absolutely amazing. I would recommend it to teens and adults alike. It manages to be both extremely funny and deeply sad and moving. If you have ever lost someone close to you like I have, you will find yours...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Book Flame rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Review from www.bookflame.blogspot.com

This book was amazingly good. It's about a sixteen year old girl named Alex who is dealing with the passing of her mom, and if that isn't enough she also has a famous "Rockstar" for a dad, only problem is he stopped being her "father" quite some time ago.

I found this to be a very fast read, a page turner to be exact. Alex's troubled emotions and struggles were right on key with what a teenager may go through when they have lost someone very close to them.

The...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Michelle Caffrey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: love

Alex is sixteen and struggling to deal with her mother's death and her father's apparent indifference to it all. Then she meets David.
This book was recommended to me by a friend after my mother died. I was a little reluctant to read it at first but now I'm delighted I did.

I thought the blurb made the book sound a little cliché when really, it was anything but. I liked how the author handled the relationship between Alex and David. It was sweet, but not over the top. Both characters were well dev...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Gcireland rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my favourite books of all time. It's so easy to relate to. I was constantly looking for a good book that is about Irish teens, it's harder to find than you would think! But Denise Deegan captures the Irish teen life perfectly in all three books of the butterfly novels. "And By The Way" (the first novel in the series) tells the story of Alex, who has lost her mother to cancer. It starts off with her still grieving her loss. She doesn't see it ever getting better but then she gets t...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Luna rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

And By The Way is the perfect example of a cover giving you a different impression. I asked Twitter for contemporary romance recommendation and Luisa Plaja suggested this. So I was expecting romance, aww and good writing. All of those things are in there but this book is so much more.

Sixth months after her mother died Alex is angry at the world, her father and David McFadden. She doesn’t know how to talk to her friends and is systematically cutting herself of from everyone. If you aren’...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Sairah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: enjoyable

This book was beautiful. Truly.

I realize that may sound unbelievably stupid and corny but I loved it and enjoyed it thoroughly! Denise Deegan is a Very talented writer and Alex's emotions are portrayed perfectly without them sounding melodramatic or whiny. The story was quite sad but it had a good ending. I found myself loving Alex's character and her conversations with David made me smile :)

I REALLYY recommend this book, the series are amazing and sum up teenage life really well. I especially...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Designer Girl;) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: rich-teenagers, romance, rich-parents, celebrity-parent

This book is amazing. Full of romance, heartbreak and friendship, 'And by the way...' is a book you won't get enough of. I loved the romance between David and Alex, I thought it was sweet and full of love. At the start Alex despises 'The rockstar' (her dad) because he wasn't there when her mum needed him when she died and isn't there now when Alex needs him the most. I felt Alex's heartbreak and later on I felt her love when she and David start to go out. I extremely approved of her rebellious s...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Vanessa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thought this book was brilliant as it was written through the eyes of Alex who lives with her rockstar Dad who has'nt a clue what fatherhood is even if it hit him in the face.Alex has been feeling so alone lately as her mother has just passed away after cancer and her Dad is just acting like nothing else happened.She becomes accustumed to har new life without anyone to talk to but her two best friends Rachel and Sarah.Except this year is going to be different this is the year when everything c...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Cheyenne Teska rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, own, reviewed

Alex is just another sixteen year old living life the best way she knows how. After the loss of her mother, she has issues connecting with others and she begins to pull away from her best friends, even when she needs them the most. Her rock star dad is barely around and she feels like she's alone in the world, at least until things start heating up between her and hottie American, David McFadden. Just when things are building back up, life seems to knock everything down again. And By The Way is...more Alex is just another sixteen year old living life the best way she knows how. After the loss of her mother, she has issues connecting with others and she begins to pull away from her best friends, even when she needs them the most. Her rock star dad is barely around and she feels like she's alone in the world, at least until things start heating up between her and hottie American, David McFadden. Just when things are building back up, life seems to knock everything down again. And By The Way is a story about learning how to make the best of every situation.

I connected really well with Alex, seeing as I lost my dad when I was just a year younger than her. Though we live different lifestyles, I think many people will be able to find bits and pieces of them inside of her. She's not always true to herself, but when she finds the confidence, you see how bright she can really shine. That being said, she's not the only character I was fond of. David is a fun-loving and caring guy, which is easy to see from the beginning, even when you're looking at him through Alex's slightly cynical eyes. In fact, he lost his mom just before she did, and more than anything, that's what brought them together.

Another thing I loved, besides the story and romance, is that this book is based in Ireland. I haven't any read stories set there, although I've always been fascinated by the country. Readers will find this book to be perfectly paced, with just enough fluff to make it a cute contemporary, and just enough emotion to make you feel. Seeing the characters blossom the way they did, especially Alex, is one of the many enjoyments you will get throughout out the book.

And By The Way is about love, loss and forgiveness. It will open up your eyes and show you not to take the people you care about for granted. I would love to see these books published in the United States, and I can only hope to read the next installments in the series. The author truly knows how to write a contemporary that will remain close to your heart.(less)

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Oct 18, 2012 TheBookAddictedGirl rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone! Literally! It's Amazing - One Of Those Books You HAVE To Read!

Shelves: on-my-wishlist, for-review, in-my-mailbox, contempory, favourites-shelf, favourite-series, read-2012, romance, real-to-life-fiction, ya, coming-of-age

4½ Out of 5
“I used to do close. Then Mum died. And I died too. I can't go through that pain again. I just can't…”
Since her mum died, Alex has felt empty, hollow. Though she's surrounded by people all the time, she always feels completely and utterly alone. But she doesn't want to let people in. Not again. The last time she did, her heart was broken and she just can't live through that again.
Her dad's no longer there, no longer 'dad' - he's just "The Rockstar", the man who's never there and pay...more 4½ Out of 5
“I used to do close. Then Mum died. And I died too. I can't go through that pain again. I just can't…”
Since her mum died, Alex has felt empty, hollow. Though she's surrounded by people all the time, she always feels completely and utterly alone. But she doesn't want to let people in. Not again. The last time she did, her heart was broken and she just can't live through that again.
Her dad's no longer there, no longer 'dad' - he's just "The Rockstar", the man who's never there and pays other people to look after her.
Alex's friend Rachel wants to help, but Alex won't let her. So what if this means she's called "the Ice Queen" by David McFadden, the one who could have helped her six months ago and didn't.
So why is he bothering now? It’s too late to help, too late to do any good.
And why can't Alex stop thinking about him?
My friend Sammee reviewed And By The Way a while back and my intrigue was awakened. So when Hachette offered me the chance to read the series, I jumped! And, my God, how I wish I'd picked it up much, much sooner! It was such a powerful, emotional, beautiful book, one I loved to pieces and gobbled up as fast as I possibly could. I just can't wait to read more by Deegan - it was just so freaking amazing!
The characters were all so amazing and real. None of them were as they first seemed, all of them grew and changed throughout the book. And Alex: she was so, so broken. I could feel her pain in every single word and it just broke my heart. I loved watching her as she changed and grew and came back to life. And I adored her dry sense of humour. She wasn't perfect and she made mistakes, but I just loved her and my heart ached for her all the way through. As for David, well he is my new McDreamy: he is “seriously caliente” and cute and perfect and sweet. I’m kinda totally in love with him. He was just the sweetest thing – Alex may have some competition! Rachel was brilliant: so sweet and thoughtful, she wanted so badly to help and was the best friend ever, putting up with everything. Sarah was chirpy and cheeky and was totally mad – she was also a bit of a total idiot: sure, she had issues but man was she stupid at times!
But what really shone about this book was the relationships. I loved the relationship between Alex and her Gran - her Gran was just a legend! Alex and David - I loved the way their relationship developed. It was so real and so touching and so unlike your usual YA romances. It was perfect. And the relationship between Alex, Rachel and Sarah was so strong nd powerful - I mean, they stuck with the Ice Queen. That's friendship, people! I also loved seeing the changing relationship between Alex and her dad, as well.
Man, Deegan's voice was amazing. It was a teen going through the loss of a parent: the anger, the pain, the feeling of being totally lost - it was heart-breaking. But funny too, thanks to Deegan's amazing writing talent. My heart was aching and my eyes tearing up one minute, my heart then filling with love as I giggled the next. I just loved Deegan's wry, dry, witty sense of humour - it killed me. But all the emotions in this book, well, they just broke my heart! I could feel all of Alex's pain, all her despair. I felt almost constantly on the verge of tears. And I also loved seeing all the different kinds of grief in the book, seeing how all the different characters dealt with loss. It was amazing. And grief wasn't the only pain tackled. Every single character had some kinda problem - they were all so real and padded out and complex. I loved that.
A story about love, loss, grief and surviving, And By The Way was a book that left me totally overwhelmed, full of love and sadness and beauty. The phrase don't judge a book by its cover definitely applies here. This book is not fluffy or pink. It's complex and emotional and heart-breaking - both in its beauty and sadness. And By The Way is the sort of book that will totally break your heart - and you will love every second of it. You will feel every single thing Alex does and you will love her so much to hurts, faults and all. You will fall totally in love with David and you will feel so emotionally overwhelmed you will be too wrapped up in everything to cry, even when you are on the verge of a breakdown. And you will hope and laugh and love. I honestly cannot recommend it enough - to everyone! And I certainly can't wait to read And For Your Information. Nor will I ever underestimate or dismiss my time with my family – who knows what could happen next?
And By The Way, you really will love every single second and will not be able to stop reading. So enjoy - this book will not let you down. (less)

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Apr 03, 2012 Sammee (I Want to Read That) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review-read

There is something about this book that really draws you in. I became really invested in the story and the characters.

We meet Alex six months after her mother has died. She's adamant that she doesn't want anyone - believes if she 'doesn't do close' she wont get hurt. But David McFadden refuses to let her push him away - and she starts to believe that maybe she can let people in again...

Alex is a very complicated character. She is intensely private, refuses to let anyone close - and you can truly...more

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Dec 11, 2011 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

When I was first offered the chance to read and review And By The Way, I knew nothing about the book whatsoever. However, after reading the summary as well as a few rave reviews, I knew I had to give it a chance, no matter what, and as it turns out I’m glad I felt that way, because And By The Way is an amazing, heartfelt book that’s perfect for fans of YA contemporary!

And By The Way tells the story of Alex, a girl who has felt nothing but lost ever since she lost her mother six months ago. It d...more When I was first offered the chance to read and review And By The Way, I knew nothing about the book whatsoever. However, after reading the summary as well as a few rave reviews, I knew I had to give it a chance, no matter what, and as it turns out I’m glad I felt that way, because And By The Way is an amazing, heartfelt book that’s perfect for fans of YA contemporary!

And By The Way tells the story of Alex, a girl who has felt nothing but lost ever since she lost her mother six months ago. It doesn’t help that her Dad’s never home or how he seems to never care. Due to these two things, though, Alex does know one thing, and that’s that she shouldn’t get close to people anymore, because who knows if they’ll be the next to go, or even worse, disappoint her in some way. However, everything changes when David McFadden suddenly catapults himself into her life. He’s frustrating and annoying yet gorgeous and completely captivating. Whenever Alex’s around him, she can’t help but feel more alive than she has in months, and the more she hangs out with him, the more she begins to fall head over heels for him. What happens, though, when their relationship begins to lose the glimmer it once held? Will Alex once again retreat into her shell, away from her family and friends, or will she grow stronger? Only time and more pages call tell in this heartwarming yet heartbreaking story of first love, friendship, and moving on.

When Alex’s character was first introduced, I felt mixed feelings toward her. It was easy to see and understand the pain and hurt she felt over her mother’s death, but it wasn’t always easy to see how she could be so mean to the people who cared most to her, especially her best friends, Rachel and Sarah, as well as David. However, as the novel progressed and Alex began to let go of her past mistakes and live again, I began to see how important that character trait of hers way, because not only did it allow her to bloom into someone amazing, but it also made her as well as her relationships stronger over time.

This leads me to one of my favorite parts of the book: seeing the relationships Alex held with others. All of the relationships in this one were flavored with complicity (to keep things interesting!) as well as heart and hope. I especially loved seeing Alex’s relationship with David grow. Not only because David was swoon worthy, but also because it was always interesting as well as fun to see how both of them, especially Alex, grew because of it all. At first, they were two emotionally messed up people, but by the end, they weren’t so much that way. Moving on, I also enjoyed the focus on the relationship between parents and their kids in this one. It played a major part in the story, especially Alex’s one with her dad, and it made the book even more emotionally charged to say the least.

The overall plot in this one was great! For a contemporary, it managed to surprise me in some surprising ways. Even in the end, I wasn’t sure how everything was exactly going to end, especially when everything took that sudden yet thrilling turn at the end. Denise Deegan sure knows how to pack in suspense to say the least!

Deegan’s writing was also fabulous! She truly captured Alex’s voice to the point where I felt like I was reading a real teen’s diary at times. She also fully developed the supporting characters to the best of her ability and even further at times, and even though the story did drag at times, I was quite impressed overall with her storytelling ability.

Thrilling, unique, and nearly flawless, And by the Way is a surprising new contemporary read that will have readers with one last demand at its finale: Where’s the next one?

Highly recommended.

Grade: A- (less)

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Sep 01, 2011 Leah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, books-read-2011

And By The Way is Denise Deegan's first novel in the "Butterfly" series, revolving around the kids who attend Strandbrook College in Dublin. It came to my attention when Denise emailed us about her novel and I was pleased to get a copy to review. It's taken me months to read it - mainly because I prefer to have an entire series to read rather than risk cliff-hangers, but as the second book of the series has recently come out, I decided it was time to read And By The Way.

And By The Way isn’t a pe...more And By The Way is Denise Deegan's first novel in the "Butterfly" series, revolving around the kids who attend Strandbrook College in Dublin. It came to my attention when Denise emailed us about her novel and I was pleased to get a copy to review. It's taken me months to read it - mainly because I prefer to have an entire series to read rather than risk cliff-hangers, but as the second book of the series has recently come out, I decided it was time to read And By The Way.

And By The Way isn’t a perfect novel – it starts very slowly, and I found it hard to really get into it until the second half of the novel - but it is enjoyable and the novel does pick up in the second half, and I did struggle to put the book down as it got very interesting. And By The Way is mainly a novel about grief – Alex’s mother has recently died and she’s struggling to get over it, struggling to know how to carry on and it’s not helped by the fact that her dad – The Rockstar – has withdrawn into his own shelf, spending time with his band and jetting off all over the world. Alex just wants to dissolve into her grief, she doesn’t want people to try and help her and I found that interesting. There aren’t many novels I’ve read about grief and I thought And By The Way was a really good insight into how a teenager deals with death and I really liked Alex.

I liked that Alex’s friends didn’t just let her go. That they were there for her, even when Alex was trying to her best to pull away. I thought Sarah and Rachel were such good friends. I also liked David McFadden, I didn’t expect him and Alex to get together so quickly – the synopsis made it sound that it would be a novel where they ignored each other for most of the novel, but they get together really quickly and I loved that. I liked how David helped bring Alex out of her shell, helped to keep her busy and not let her stew in her grief. He was so lovely. Everyone needs a surfer-boy like David in their lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book in the end, I thought the exploration of grief was fantastic, Denise has really tapped into Alex’s life and come the second half of the book I couldn’t stop reading. I’ve now bought myself the second novel in the series And For Your Information which is Sarah’s story and, hopefully, we’ll get a third novel with Rachel’s story, too! I’d definitely recommend the book, despite a few errors (sentences that had words missing, some Irish slang words that I couldn’t decipher but can’t remember now to point them out). It was a brilliant teen read and I look forward to reading more of Denise’s books and continuing the Butterfly novels and re-visiting Alex, Sarah and Rachel as they’re a brilliant trio of friends.(less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Aoife Carton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, young-love, young-romance, teen-romance

I've read 'And By the Way' countless times at this stage and still it fails to disappoint! The characters are so believable that I really feel like I'm on the journey with Alex and her two best friends. I definately recommend it to everybody, it can simultaneously cheer you up while making you cry along with the characters. A truly great read!

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Aug 01, 2012 Donny rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of the best books of the year. I must admit when I saw it I thoght it was another one of these boy trouble books but it turned out the be a wonderful suprise! I would HIGHLY recommend this book.

Denise, in my opinion is Irelands most promising, talented and upcoming authors. Watch out for her in the future!

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Mar 19, 2013 Shubhra Aurita Roy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved it. had been facing a "reader's block" and this one broke it down, and that's saying something.
Really well written, wonderful character development, scenes that feel real and a great story.

Wouldn't it be awesome if someone made a movie out of it? Absolutely Rad!

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Apr 05, 2013 Fifi rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is so amazing! It had so much Meaning.
The writing is so believable that its easy to believe that 16 year old Alex actually wrote the book! Obviously she didn't but I loved it so much! It should be a movie! One of my all time favourite books! I can't stop thinking about it!

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Aug 17, 2012 Laura Tyrrell rated it 5 of 5 stars

It took about 2 pages to draw me in to this book & 2 days to finish it. It that leaves you wanting more & makes you really care about what happens to the characters. Highly recommended.

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Jan 07, 2012 Rosanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5-Good exploration of grief. Alex's home life definitely the most compelling thing about this story. California surfer dude a nice bonus as is the rockstar dad :) The rest is guilty pleasure at its finest.

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Dec 11, 2012 Aideen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I honestly didn't think I'd like it but it's so easy to become engrossed in the lives of Alex, Rachel and Sarah.

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Feb 27, 2013 Ciara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Have to say it was a fabulous book :) Couldnt stop reading ,. read it in too nightsxxxxxxxx

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Nov 28, 2012 Ben Murphy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant book. All that needs to be said.

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Jan 23, 2012 Rachelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of my favourite books of all time.

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Sep 16, 2012 Claire rated it 5 of 5 stars

Really great read. Loved it.

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Aug 31, 2011 Michelle Moloney King rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazing!!

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Nov 24, 2012 Ayse marked it as 2013-german-releases

Shelves: 05-08-may-to-august

:: Wer braucht schon Liebe?

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title link	preview: And by the Way…
avg rating	preview: And by the Way… Goodreads rating: 4.41 (125 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10381803-and-by-the-way?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347492915l/10381803.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10381803-and-by-the-way?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]And by the Way… by Denise Deegan[/url]

And by the Way… (Butterfly #1)

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