The Lighter Side of Life and Death

Sep 12, 2012 Alyssa rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Readers who are tired of the same-old, same-old.

Recommended to Alyssa by: Courtney

Shelves: 2012-read, a-guy-of-ya, actually-funny, get-with-library, great-books, great-realistic-fiction, high-school-musical, only-okay, reccomended, surprised-me, ya-loved, ya-romance, oh-canada

Martin does diversity - with her characters and plot lines - extremely well, a reason why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I was pleasantly surprised that Martin supported and represented minorities, as well as addressed "taboo" (and often clichéd) situations. Although this book wasn't without its faults, I'm very glad that there is an author out there that gets the idea of diversity, and that she took that aspect of reality to her story. This is definitely my favourite of Martin's books.

Ma...more Martin does diversity - with her characters and plot lines - extremely well, a reason why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I was pleasantly surprised that Martin supported and represented minorities, as well as addressed "taboo" (and often clichéd) situations. Although this book wasn't without its faults, I'm very glad that there is an author out there that gets the idea of diversity, and that she took that aspect of reality to her story. This is definitely my favourite of Martin's books.

Mason, the sixteen year old easy-going actor, has got himself in a heap of trouble. Not only can’t he stop fighting with his future step-sister who’s just moved in, but he slept with his best friend (who’s now ignoring him) and is now starting up a relationship – if you could call it that – with a confused twenty-three year old woman. As he battles with his feelings for two totally different women and his father’s upcoming marriage, readers get to ride it all out in the head of a very mature and well-developed confused teenage boy.

I absolutely love reading from the perspective of a teen guy; I find it one of the most enjoyable reading experiences, probably because I’m an adolescent female and it’s interesting to experience the things I do everyday through the eyes of someone totally different. Mason was totally realistic and refreshing to read about. I appreciated the optimism and the lighter personality he had, especially amongst all the drama he was going through, because it provided a very hopeful and refreshing feel for the book. One of my less-favourable comments about The Lighter Side of Life and Death would be that we never really got to see character-building in Mason, and that he pretty much got away with everything, even when he “didn’t.” In the family Martin creates for him, and the school setting, and everything that goes on with Colette (the twenty-three year old), I found it quite unbelievable that Mason never got into trouble, and was never reprimanded for his actions. Also, while I’ve admired Martin for writing “not-nice” characters and while I still admire that of her for making them realistic, it bothered me a lot that Mason was such a terrible friend to a group of wonderful people that helped him through so much. And again, that he got away with it.

I mentioned before that I really enjoyed the diverse cast in this book, but I think I should elaborate. YA Fiction generally focuses on straight Caucasian characters of the Christian faith. It’s disappointing to me – even being a straight Caucasian teen myself – because such is an inaccurate portrayal of reality, and also incredibly boring after the hundredth read. I very much commend Martin not only for including such a diverse, realistic cast – one that included characters of a variety of ethnicities, sexual orientations and ages – but also for giving the side characters plot, dialogue and lives. That the two lesbians in the book discussed their issues deriving of their sexual orientation pleased and surprised me, even if ~~Mason~~ nobody listened to them. That one of the DLIs was Filipino and that the other was twenty-three delighted me, but I’m not lying when I say that I was worried - unnecessarily – about Martin’s choice in female leads, as both of the women could have been grossly misrepresented as they both play on misogynist sexual clichés.

As per usual, I really enjoyed Martin’s stepping out of the box, with her plotting, writing and characterization. I thought she accurately depicted all the relationships in the book, specifically the one between Colette and Mason, which was delicate and cautious as it should have been. Mason’s voice and the writing style itself was extremely teen-friendly, thus relatable, and I additionally thought that Martin found the perfect balance in the usage of alcohol/drugs, language and the lack of such. Still, for a book that addressed important teen issues and brought in many key things we should see in YA, it was really just an average read all on its own. It’s not that I expected more from it, exactly, but there just could have been some more emotion brought into a story that was otherwise very well written.

The Lighter Side of Life and Death is absolutely recommended, especially to those who are looking for a little variety in their readings. (less)

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 04, 2011 Arlene rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2011, ya-contemporary, cover-pda-fave, young-adult

To say I’m slightly conflicted about this book is a huge understatement. I finished it yesterday, and I’ve been thinking how I feel about the content and the characters since then, so I’ll warn you now, my comments below are unorganized and might be borderline ranting... just so you know... Okay, who am I kidding... it’s a rant... full blown rant.

First of all, I’m giving it three stars because I liked the narrator of this story. Mason is a sixteen year old junior in high school, who I feel is li...more To say I’m slightly conflicted about this book is a huge understatement. I finished it yesterday, and I’ve been thinking how I feel about the content and the characters since then, so I’ll warn you now, my comments below are unorganized and might be borderline ranting... just so you know... Okay, who am I kidding... it’s a rant... full blown rant.

First of all, I’m giving it three stars because I liked the narrator of this story. Mason is a sixteen year old junior in high school, who I feel is likeable, down-to-earth, and unabashedly honest. Well that’s about all I liked about the book. No really, everything else pretty much sucked. Let me prove it to you...

Mason’s two best friends are total *insert bad word*. I couldn’t stand Jamie and how quickly he abandoned Mason after a decision that was really none of his business. It pissed be off that Jamie guilt tripped Mason over something he would have done IN.A.HEARTBEAT . What happened between Mason and Kat is something that Jamie should have just let go and be there for his friend when he needed him. Period, end of story.

Now Kat... Ugh! I hate to stereo-type because I’m sooo not like that at all, but come on! She acted like a typical guy. After what went down between her and Mason, you’d think she’d return his calls or be half-way decent towards him. I couldn’t stand her for the rest of the story and seeing him give her a second chance at the end was pretty disappointing. Mason you deserve better than Kat, you really do! One more thing… first time??? One word.. *whispers* liar. That experience for you was pulled out of a typical bodice ripper romance novel and we all know… so not true how it really goes. Boo to that.

Colette was a piece of work. OMG woman!! You hooked up with a sixteen year old boy. Yes, a boy! I don’t care what state or country this is set in, that just feels, looks and smells criminal. You knew he was just coming off of a huge let down and just needed to carve a little space to feel cared about. The answer is not to take advantage of that. Boo to you! Boo! Boo! I’m so glad Mason deleted her final voice mail and decided to move on because that woman deserved to be ignored and shunned for what she did.

Mason’s family... one word... WORTHLESS. The poor guy confesses to his father what he did and all his dad could focus on is Mason apologizing to Brianna for calling her out on being a beeyotch. Umm *taps dad on the shoulder* your SIXTEEN year old son just told you he hooked up with an older woman and he obviously wants to talk about it, putting it off till tomorrow because that would be a “better time” is a load of crap! Oh and stepmom… *taps stepmom on the shoulder* your older friend just took advantage of your stepson and the best you can do is give him the stink eye? Ugh! You guys suck. Boo to all of you, except for Burke.

Well, you can read the overview to see what this book is about and I blame myself for still reading this because I knew the theme sounded a bit too controversial for my taste but as always my morbid curiosity took over and landed me in fictional hell. Don’t think I can recommend this book, but I don’t regret reading it because it got me one book closer to my reading challenge for 2011. That is all...

PS. I actually went back and deleted about 20 of these !!!!!!!!!!!!(less)

10 likes · like · see review

Aug 20, 2012 Kim Smiley rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was an easy book to read quickly and the story was pretty good too! I don't read many books that are written from the guy's perspective and this one was, and I like that.

Mason is a 16 yr. old kid in school and his 2 best friends are Kat & Jamie. Mason and Jamie have always had a thing for Kat since she is gorgeous, but since theyr'e all friends, nothing has ever happened.

Until the night of the big party after the play Mason was in. At the house party, Kat sees her boyfriend Hugo going a...more

like · see review

Apr 17, 2012 Kristin rated it 1 of 5 stars

Prior to reading this book I had heard amazing things, I was excited to crack it open and get to know the characters and fall into the story. I was disappointed to say the least. I couldn’t stand this book! At times I felt like I was reading a young boys fantasy porno (not in a vulgar way but in a ‘oh I’m 16 and I’m with an older woman who is experienced and going to teach me the ways of sex’ way). The plot for me dragged on way too long, and then the ending was one of those “wow so all this cou...more

like · see review

Feb 04, 2012 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

I skim read this one. There wasn't much going on other than the plot following around one guy who was trying to sort out relationship issues. After an awkward experience isolates him from a good friend, he turns to an older woman and starts to internally obsess over her a little. The age difference is a sure sign that nothing is permanent, and the book ends (view spoiler)

The book was pretty one-note. The inclusion of...more

like · see review

Dec 26, 2010 Ari rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Ari by: April (Good Books and Good Wine)

I saw the cover of this book and for some odd reason I thought it was about two poc. I now realize Mason is white and the brown-skin belongs to Kat. Who knows what I was thinking. I also didn't know the story took place in Canada. I was completely confused when Mason said he only had a year and a half till he left home since y'know, in the U.S. it would be two years. Not that this bothered me, the story was a great one. I do wish that Kat had been better developed. I guess since Kat was trying t...more I saw the cover of this book and for some odd reason I thought it was about two poc. I now realize Mason is white and the brown-skin belongs to Kat. Who knows what I was thinking. I also didn't know the story took place in Canada. I was completely confused when Mason said he only had a year and a half till he left home since y'know, in the U.S. it would be two years. Not that this bothered me, the story was a great one. I do wish that Kat had been better developed. I guess since Kat was trying to stay away from Mason, it's harder to show her personality. I wanted to understand why Mason was so enamored with her but since his contact with her was limited in this book, I never got a grasp as to why he thought she was so special. She didn't handle the situation well, but that made the book more realistic. I could understand why she felt so flustered after she lost her virginity to Mason. That's a bit awkward, especially since they weren't dating. I didn't understand Brianna's deal either. Brianna is Mason's new stepsister and I wasn't sure if she just hated life in general or if she was mad that her mom married Mason's dad? I needed some more glimpses into her life. I also would have liked more about Mason's friends. He seemed to keep them all at a distance which was interesting.

I love that it's about a guy who's living a fantasy, getting involved with a sexy older woman. I love that Colette knows Mason's 'living the dream' and she doesn't mind. well I don't love it per se, I love that it's being addressed. I like that the author is so unflinching in writing about it. There's no moral undertone to this story, everything is just reported. This is how Mason feels, this is what Colette says, etc. There's no grand explosion in the end and I appreciated that. The consequences of the relationship aren't ignored, there are consequences but nothing drastic happens. I was worried that this book would be very high-drama but it was low-key, much like Mason and Colette's relationship. There are no graphic sex scenes but they are portrayed. After all, would anyone really expect Mason and Colette not to have sex? Their relationship starts off as being focused on the good times, but it does get complex. There are significant others in both their lives and what they are doing, while not illegal, is frowned upon. I like the added situation of Mason having to adjust his home situation. Mason's parents are divorced and for years it's been just him and his dad. Now he has to accept that his father is getting re-married to a woman with a pre-teen and a young kid. It's a big adjustment and on the surface Mason seems to take it in stride. On the surface only.

The Lighter Side of Life and Death is indeed about situations that are a lot easier to deal with than life and death (drugs, death of family members, etc). The author doesn't mock the issues teenagers face or try to show that there are simple solutions to our problems. it's complicated, but in this story at least, teens can handle it. There's a great distinction between love and lust and the author makes that clear. Mason has to find that out for himself though. The 'i-love-yous' aren't traded until the very end, as it should be. The book could use further secondary character development but the book mostly focuses on Mason and Colette, and those two are at their fullest potential. Their relationship is one of fun and doubt. The reader (like Mason) knows it won't work out, but that doesn't make this any less of a notable tale and I got caught up in it all. Plus there's an added bonus of the story being set in Canada, a country that was quite foreign to me.

(less)

like · see review

Sep 03, 2010 Diane rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, washyarg

Mason is a 16 year old boy who loses his virginity in the first chapter. He and his best friend, Kat, have too much to drink at a party, she sees her boyfriend with another girl, and things get out of hand (she was a virgin too). The next week he can’t understand why she’s avoiding him and his friends are treating him differently. When he meets Colette, a friend of his new stepmom, everything changes. She’s 23 and he can’t get her out of his mind.
Apparently, a 16 year old is “of age” in Canada...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 03, 2010 Shanyn (Chick Loves Lit) rated it 3 of 5 stars

My first surprise when reading this book was that it's from the boy's viewpoint - when I skimmed the summary, I just assumed that it would be from a girl. After I got that under control, I was bombarded with 20 different names of people-I tried to keep them straight but ended up just giving up and reading through hoping I would figure it out later (I did).

Needless to say, I didn't start out so well.

The story overall was fine - it did not go the way I imagined. I thought the story would be more f...more

like · see review

Jun 13, 2010 Kari rated it 5 of 5 stars

The premise if this book is what first caught my attention besides the title, luring me in with the older woman theme but without a large age gap. Only six years apart, Mason and Colette can still find some common ground, allowing one to mature and the other to air on the side of reckless abandon, creating an enduring dynamic. Though this relationship forms the primary basis of the plot, Mason’s interactions with his and family are also dominant, showing smoothly and efficiently both sides of hi...more

The premise if this book is what first caught my attention besides the title, luring me in with the older woman theme but without a large age gap. Only six years apart, Mason and Colette can still find some common ground, allowing one to mature and the other to air on the side of reckless abandon, creating an enduring dynamic. Though this relationship forms the primary basis of the plot, Mason’s interactions with his and family are also dominant, showing smoothly and efficiently both sides of his world after things begin to unravel on what he thought was the perfect night.

Mason is a very well rounded, developed character. Easy going and friendly, Mason gets along with most anyone and rolls with the punches smoothly for the most part. Though he does have his hang ups and his moments of frustration with a few outbursts mixed it, for the most part, Mason is able to take the high road and bow out of things gracefully. Martin has blended him masterfully, creating a very likeable character even in the moments where he is a jerk or leaning closer to immaturity. His reactions to things are very realistic for both the character she’s created and the age. He may be mature, but there is still a certain mindset and level of things he simply cannot comprehend in the same way a 23 year old would, or even a parent.

Colette, for the most part, is cast in a positive light predominantly as a result of the reader seeing things in Mason’s perspective. Where his best friend turned her back, Colette opens up to him despite her reservations. Where one sexual experience ended in hurt, another ignites him and creates a fire in him, even opening his eyes. There are several positive things that come out of Mason’s relationship with Colette, at least in his biased eyes, and Martin portrays this seamlessly.

This book portrays a mostly adult situation on a teenage level, including both sides of the scenario. Partly to keep the excitement going and because there was, of course, an inherent social taboo to the relationship, Mason keeps his interactions with Colette a secret. Though the premise is straight forward, an air of mystery lingers throughout while the reader questions if people will find out, if the relationship will work, and what will ultimately happen. I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of the book, falling into the world built easily. Sex, of course, is a part of this story but the related scenes are don't tastefully and serve a point, showing Colette and Mason’s relationship as well as building Mason overall.

There were several ways this book could have played out and Martin chose a very sturdy path for it, leaving a lasting effect on the reader. Her ultimate ending is bittersweet and though there were a few small hold ups I did have, overall, this was a tremendous job on a scenario that blends the lines between adult and teenage. Mason’s actions are both shocking and understandable and he is certainly a memorable character. Martin’s writing is strong, showing strongly Mason’s frame of mind while still painting an overall picture of the events happening.
(less)

like · see review

May 30, 2010 laaaaames rated it 4 of 5 stars

I wish C.K. Kelly Martin wrote ten books a year so I would have more of them to read. I mean, good god. They are so awesome. And they are so awesome because they are not super high concept or paranormal or trend-jumpy, they are just books about people living, and sometimes they do good things and sometimes they do bad things, but mostly they just do THINGS because life is rarely very black and white, so why should books about people be either?

I like Martin's boy protags a lot. They are boys for...more I wish C.K. Kelly Martin wrote ten books a year so I would have more of them to read. I mean, good god. They are so awesome. And they are so awesome because they are not super high concept or paranormal or trend-jumpy, they are just books about people living, and sometimes they do good things and sometimes they do bad things, but mostly they just do THINGS because life is rarely very black and white, so why should books about people be either?

I like Martin's boy protags a lot. They are boys for sure, but unlike other women I could mention but I won't because I'm in a good mood, Martin isn't desperate for you to believe Mason's a dude that she feels the need to crude it up beyond reality. Look, I get that the mind of a teenage boy is a dirty place (remember: so is the mind of a teenage girl), but I don't know men who write YA lit who take this weirdo path of gratuitousness. This is a good segue into agreeing with Courtney that Martin really nails (no pun intended, really) writing about sex. It's so real without veering into creepytown.

The Colette storyline was handled with such sensitivity and honesty. It wasn't a Lesson or a Message or a The More You Know. It was something that happened. It was something you understood exactly how it happened. And Martin's really smart about letting her female characters sometimes airlift in some thoughts on girlhood or womanhood or feminism or gender or whatever else her boy protags need to hear without it ever seeming preachy or Women's Studies 101.

One of my favorite moments in I Know it's Over is when Sasha is furious with Nick for how he speaks of another girl derogatorily. And Nick's all, holy crap, that was pretty effing shitty of me. And I felt like, YES YES YES, good boy, Nick. I don't expect boys (or men) to understand what it's like going through life as a girl (or woman) but the good ones do want to be on the side of understanding and egalitarianism.

And there are little moments of that here too; Colette calls Mason out on a couple of gender-related issues. Also even the Maxim-cover-type girl is a three-dimensional character in this book. Maybe you're thinking, well, of course, a woman wrote this, of course she's playing fair with the ladies. AND GOD I WISH THAT WAS ALWAYS TRUE. With Martin it is always true.

Lastly - and this is a little spoilery, so the pure should look away now - I really appreciate that while the relationship between Mason and Colette was about as bad an idea as one could have, no one had to suffer any consequences besides feeling embarrassed or Bad Idea Jeans about it. I mean, really. Isn't much of life often about making Dumb Relationship Decisions without the earth imploding or anyone getting a disease?

Wow, I think this is the most I've written about a book I liked! Way to go, me.

(read: 77)(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 23, 2010 Kelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Surprisingly, The Lighter Side of Life and Death was my first CK Kelly Martin novel. I've had it sitting on my TBR pile for quite awhile now and I'm so glad I finally picked it up. It was definitely different than I was expecting but it was a refreshing change from all the female POVs I've been reading lately.

To begin with, Mason was a character that I just had to like right away. His warm and easy going personality just made him an extremely likable main character from the start. Mason's life...more Surprisingly, The Lighter Side of Life and Death was my first CK Kelly Martin novel. I've had it sitting on my TBR pile for quite awhile now and I'm so glad I finally picked it up. It was definitely different than I was expecting but it was a refreshing change from all the female POVs I've been reading lately.

To begin with, Mason was a character that I just had to like right away. His warm and easy going personality just made him an extremely likable main character from the start. Mason's life was definitely not easy though. His parents are divorced and he lives with his father who's new girlfriend and her two kids are moving in. Mason's dad was very casual and let Mason have a lot of freedoms, plus he was distracted with his girlfriend and her kids. Mason has a lot of friends that I liked and all of them have pretty big roles in the story, especially Kat Medina. When Mason loses his virginity to Kat one night, their friendship, and Mason's life, will never be the same. Kat doesn't talk to him much anymore and he's having a really hard time letting her go and forgetting what they did. Now, this isn't even the major plot line. When 23 year old Colette enters the picture, Mason's life, friends (even Kat), and family are basically forgotten. Mason and Colette's relationship is almost purely physical and their meetings are a tight secret.

From the start I didn't like Colette. She lured in and flirted with Mason until he was under her spell and as the adult she should have known how wrong it was to get involved with a sixteen year old- no matter how much she cared for him. The sex scenes in The Lighter Side of Life and Death were pretty detailed and appear fairly often. Nothing too bad for older readers, but I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 13 or 14.

I did like Kat and she was obviously the right girl for Mason. Not only was she sweet and a good friend, she was actually his age. All the characters in this novel were well developed and we got to learn a lot about all of them as the novel progressed. Mason especially learned a lot about himself and who he truly carted for and wanted in his life.

The plot was filled with a variety of sub plots. Not only Mason's two relationships, but also things involving his friends and family.

CK Kelly Martin is a great writer and she crafted a truly original and fast paced third novel. Mason, even though he might have made some bad choices, was a fantastic main character and it's hard not to like him. Martin did a fantastic job of getting into the head of a teenage boy and making him seem entirely realistic. I can't wait to read more by CK Kelly Martin!

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars(less)

like · see review

Sep 24, 2012 MsEarthIntruder rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to MsEarthIntruder by: hertelave

Shelves: fiction, realistic-fiction, young-adult, contemporary

2.5 stars. Midway through I would have rated this 3 stars but rather than growing on me Mason increasingly annoyed me and I think the narrative would have ended on a better note (and with a higher rating) had Kat and Jamie been more developed.

Still, I enjoyed a good chunk of it. The escalation of Mason and Colette's relationship was kind of exciting but, while it was also one of the reasons Mason began to irritate me, I liked how his completely childish and petulant interactions with new step-si...more

like · see review

Jul 18, 2011 Audrey (holes In My brain) rated it 4 of 5 stars

full review on my blog, holes In My brain

This book is good. It’s really good. I can see the appeal of CK Kelly Martin now, I think her writing is more about the voice and the character than telling the story in a step by step manner. She pinpoints Mason’s voice from the very first page and fleshes him out as things get complicated making him one of the best male voices I’ve read in a while**. I loved how realistic he seemed, and what I loved even more is that Martin didn’t rely on some sort of...more full review on my blog, holes In My brain

This book is good. It’s really good. I can see the appeal of CK Kelly Martin now, I think her writing is more about the voice and the character than telling the story in a step by step manner. She pinpoints Mason’s voice from the very first page and fleshes him out as things get complicated making him one of the best male voices I’ve read in a while**. I loved how realistic he seemed, and what I loved even more is that Martin didn’t rely on some sort of crutch to shape his character. He’s not the runaway kid, the grieving brother, etc. He’s just a boy—he’s complicated, hormonal, confused, and authentic.

I thought Kat and Colette were respectable counterparts. I found myself sympathizing with Kat and never hating on Colette, which I think in itself created a complex dynamic that enhanced the reading experience. I liked the supporting characters and I found them all shine brighter because of Mason’s narration***.

It feels pathetic but I need to say it anyway. “I just like you more than you like me. It happens.”

THIS. I thought this relationship was the part that Martin really nailed (excuse the pun. No seriously, get you head out of the gutter) because it is such a slim line between believable and lame and I thought all of Mason’s actions, from his forced-aloof-ness to his desperation to exude maturity… totally believable.

That said, the plot was also the part I had a hard time buying into. I felt that yes, it did tell a story but it lacked… something. I can’t figure out what, but I found myself at the end thinking “so what?” instead of “wow”. Martin had wonderfully explored the shades of grey in relationships (family and friends as well as ‘romance/lust’) but I felt along the way the plot got… murky. Like it got lost along the way only to be fished out at random places.

Lastly, I just wanted to touch on the subplots, and how awesomesauce they are. Friendships and new families were never cakewalks, and overall, I think Martin handled them very well.

4/5 – because there is so much good stuff, but I didn’t fall in love with it. I really loved Mason’s voice and the whole-ness of his character. I thought Martin tackled tricky themes really well and I liked the vibe of the book, if you get what I mean. I was never really fully invested in the plot though, and I thought the overall story did lack a bit of oomph. However, I can’t deny that this is a solid upper-YA**** book that has put CK Kelly Martin on my author-radar.

**speaking of male POVs, you guys should really read Split by Swati Avasthi—dude, that book is still floating inside my brain.
***he actually abbreviates his friends’ names! Yoanda and Zoe became Y and Z, which I dunno, I found really awesome.
****not intended for younger audiences. (less)

like · see review

Apr 29, 2011 Say rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: april-2011-reads

stories on cougar relationships always fascinates me, i mean will the older woman fall for the younger guy? will their circle of friends approve it? how will the story end? and a lot of questions more. well, reading this book definitely entertained me in that department.

this is a story of mason who just had the most wonderful time of his life....well, almost. after an amazing performance of his life (he's in a play, btw) and doing it with his best friend kat medina (love the girl, well the name...more stories on cougar relationships always fascinates me, i mean will the older woman fall for the younger guy? will their circle of friends approve it? how will the story end? and a lot of questions more. well, reading this book definitely entertained me in that department.

this is a story of mason who just had the most wonderful time of his life....well, almost. after an amazing performance of his life (he's in a play, btw) and doing it with his best friend kat medina (love the girl, well the name and origins only....she has the same last name as mine =) and she's from the philippines like me....yeah!) only in the end to be avoided by kat as if nothing happened. lesson #1: do not and i mean DO NOT do it with a friend, a close friend at that....or rather hell your best friend for that matter "the deed" if you are under the influence of alcohol because when you wake up in the morning (or in their case after a few hours) you will DEFINITELY regret it. lesson #2: if ever you failed to follow lesson #1, well suffer the consequences because besides regretting it....when you see each other again in the morning, well it will be awkward and the friendship is tarnished. so, what would a boy like mason do? tip#1: hook up with a girl 7 years older than you. and tip #2: when you see your best friend? act like nothing happened (hey, i got an older much hotter "woman" now.

what i love about this story was it was written tastefully. the hook ups between collette and mason was i not tacky but in a way cute. they were not all over each other. in a way collette was i should say gentle with mason, waiting for him to be ready actually asking him if he's ready (mind you they didnt do it right there and there). reading this i know that in the end that collette and mason will never end up together mainly because of the following reasons:

1. well, there's the age difference
2. collette is in the same circle of friends as his step mom (his dad married a younger woman)
3. collette is in this stage of uncertainty wherein she doesnt know what the difference from things she wants and things she actually need, and of course there's a guy. of course there is always a guy.
4. mason is in euphoria with his relationship with collette and he thinks he loves her since they are having good sex. mistaking good sex for love....a no no if you want a steady relationship

well having said this i know you have already a notion of what happens in the end....i may say it's a good ending. =)(less)

like · see review

Aug 22, 2011 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-books, teen-reads, 2011

After reading One Lonely Degree, I just had to get my hands on anything else that C.K. Kelly Martin had written. She has this way with words, her prose,that just makes you fall in love with her writing. She also has this uncanny way of knowing how to write perfectly from a teen POV and it amazes me everytime.

I loved Mason`s character and voice in this novel. He was so sweet and caring that it was hard not to like him. He was also your typical teenager dealing with everyday dramas that were some...more

like · see review

Dec 06, 2011 Ms. Castellano rated it 4 of 5 stars

If it were possible, I would've given the book 3.5 stars. I did like it, but I wasn't totally amazed by the originality or writing style.
I really liked the main character, Mason. I thought most of the characters were well done, and what they were going through was realistic. People who like books about realistic high school relationships would probably like this book. It deals with friendship, and when things get complicated by friends wanting more, and also other friends feeling left out/left b...more

like · see review

Jul 27, 2010 Midnight Bloom rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading a novel by Martin, but wow, has she ever left an impression. I'll admit, I was a bit wary to begin reading the novel so I kept putting it off, but finally, I grabbed it and just began... and I'm glad I did. In some ways, The Lighter Side of Life and Death was exactly the kind of book I expected it to be- a teen romance which goes awry with the main lead needing a distraction to get over it- but it was also so much more than that.

With honest storytelling, Martin wri...more

like · see review

Oct 22, 2012 Taylor rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought this book was just ok. The plot was pretty basic and predictable. Although I still enjoyed watching things slowly unfold. I also didn't really connect with any of the characters. Mason was an interesting protagonist but he kinda started to get annoying after a while. I just couldn't relate to any of the characters and that took away from the story for me. I thought the chemistry between the characters seemed kind of forced and not really that believable. my biggest problem though was t...more

like · see review

Jun 03, 2010 Jenny / Wondrous Reads rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

If there's one thing C. K. Kelly Martin can do better than almost anyone, it's write from the perspective of a normal teenage boy. She somehow manages to get inside their heads and portray them with realism and honesty, leaving no stone unturned and nothing to the imagination. Her debut novel, I Know It's Over, also used male narration, leaving me to think that that was as good as it got. Thanks to The Lighter Side of Life and Death, it got better.

From reading the summary, you're probably thinki...more If there's one thing C. K. Kelly Martin can do better than almost anyone, it's write from the perspective of a normal teenage boy. She somehow manages to get inside their heads and portray them with realism and honesty, leaving no stone unturned and nothing to the imagination. Her debut novel, I Know It's Over, also used male narration, leaving me to think that that was as good as it got. Thanks to The Lighter Side of Life and Death, it got better.

From reading the summary, you're probably thinking this book is about a teenage boy's sordid affair with an older woman. You'd be right, of course, though there's nothing wrong or sleazy about their sudden exploration of each other. They truly do have feelings for one another, and mutually choose to embark on an adult relationship. There's an age gap, yes, but it's not an issue - it's not illegal, they're both responsible, and there's just something right about them being together.

Mason is the teenage boy in question. He's at that point in his life where sex is on the cards, and he has a thing for his best friend, Kat. After a night of drunken antics, they go further than ever before, leaving their friendship in tatters the day after. This alone would be a nightmare for any teenager, not to mention confusing and completely devastating. Crossing the line with a friend is like walking a tightrope: either it all goes to plan, or you fall. Hard.

Mason, in true realistic fashion, has no idea what's going on with Kat. She's hot and cold, throwing mixed signals his way and making his head swim. Sounds familiar? I'm sure there isn't a teenage boy in the world who hasn't had trouble figuring out girls - it's just a high school given. I've never read a more honest account of male thoughts and emotions, not to mention physical descriptions of sex itself. Martin will never pull the wool over your eyes - she tells it as it is. Sex is awkward, chaotic, and intimate, and that's exactly how it's portrayed in The Lighter Side of Life and Death. Young adults are treated like adults within the pages of this book, and it really shows a sense of understanding between author and reader.

Colette, the older object of Mason's affections, is also very well written. You get to see her side of things through Mason's eyes, though she's an enigma that is never fully explained. Her actions and attraction to Mason could be construed as simple lust or longing, but I think it goes deeper than that. Maybe she's looking for that connection to tether her to reality, or someone who will just appreciate her for who she is and what she stands for. Whatever her reasoning, she opens her eyes to a whole new experience, taking Mason along for the ride with her.

The Lighter Side of Life and Death is about maturing, making choices and taking life as it comes. It's an honest depiction of one boy's brush with the seemingly interchangeable love and lust, and a realistic look at the decisions made by people of all ages. I admire its raw honesty, and I think you will too. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 07, 2012 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1st-person-male, contemporary, read-in-2012

The Lighter Side of Life and Death is a great book about a boy's life. It touches on relationships between friends, family, and couples. The male POV is well-written and the characterization is amazing too.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD

Mason is a good guy, easy to get along with, but still having some problems with people. He is struggling with his feelings for his best friend, Kat Medina. When they end up sleeping together after a party, he is happy because he thinks she might finally return his feeli...more The Lighter Side of Life and Death is a great book about a boy's life. It touches on relationships between friends, family, and couples. The male POV is well-written and the characterization is amazing too.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD

Mason is a good guy, easy to get along with, but still having some problems with people. He is struggling with his feelings for his best friend, Kat Medina. When they end up sleeping together after a party, he is happy because he thinks she might finally return his feelings. Unfortunately for him, she decides to ignore him and she refuses to talk about that night. Mason is really confused and doesn't know why she's acting this way.

Mason's relationship with Colette is well-written into the story. She is friend's with his new stepmother's sister, and he meets her at the wedding shower. He immediately feels attracted to her when he starts talking to her, so he makes an effort to meet her other times. He has had his heart broken by Kat, so he is determined to make a relationship between him and Colette work. When he first starts running into her at different places, she thinks he is stalking her, and she is reluctant to start any kind of relationship with him. She is twenty-three, and he is sixteen, so she thinks that is too much of an age difference. Six years isn't that big an age gap, but he is still in high school, and she is an adult. Eventually, she gives in and they begin a relationship. This relationship between them is very well-done.

The relationship between Mason and his family members is also well-done. His dad sometimes gets mad at him for things Mason says to his stepsister, but they have a pretty good relationship. They've been on their own together for many years. His stepmother, Nina, seems like she cares about Mason and wants him to get along well with her kids. Brianna is Mason's 13-year-old stepsister, and she doesn't seem to like Mason that much. They have a few good moments, though. Burke, Mason's younger stepbrother, is a sweet kid who gets along well with his new stepbrother, Mason.

If you like YA contemporary from the male POV, read this book.(less)

like · see review

Nov 22, 2012 Audrey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Reviewed on Her Fiction Fix :

4.5/5 stars

Mason Rice is living the life. With good friends and a successful run in the school play, nothing could touch him. After one amazing day, he heads over to a party to celebrate his recent accomplishments and finds himself alone with his best friend, Kat. They end up sleeping together, and this changes everything. Kat wants to pretend nothing happened so she starts avoiding him, and their other best friend, Jamie, is mad at Mason because he's also in love wi...more Reviewed on Her Fiction Fix :

4.5/5 stars

Mason Rice is living the life. With good friends and a successful run in the school play, nothing could touch him. After one amazing day, he heads over to a party to celebrate his recent accomplishments and finds himself alone with his best friend, Kat. They end up sleeping together, and this changes everything. Kat wants to pretend nothing happened so she starts avoiding him, and their other best friend, Jamie, is mad at Mason because he's also in love with Kat and was kept in the dark about what happened between the two. At home, Mason is dealing with some big changes in his family. He butts heads with his step-sister-to-be and they can never seem to find common ground. Mason then meets Colette, his future stepmom's 23-year-old friend, who he starts a secret forbidden liaison with. As their relationship prolongs, Mason starts slipping away from his old life.

Here's a little personal history for you: I first read this book the year it came out. I just turned 21, but was at that stage where I still felt 20; right smack in the middle of Mason and Colette's 7-year age gap. Fast forward to today, 23 on the verge of turning 24-- same age as Colette. When I was reading this book in 2010, I was just "meh" about their relationship. I got that it was taboo but for some reason I wasn't as affected as I am now. What a difference 2 years makes. My feelings about their relationship changed immensely! Can I imagine myself messing around with a 16-year-old? The thought makes my stomach feel weird. And not in the good way. God, no.

The plot was great and the execution was better than I can imagine. Martin had this style that never went overboard, no matter how big the issue. It was nice and made for an enjoyable light read. The book was full of adolescent problems but instead of taking them and making a big unnecessary show out of it, she wrote it so that the characters actually could deal and the reader could actually see these kinds of reactions to things in real life.

What set this story apart for me was the narration from Mason's perspective. I've never really come across a lot of contemporary romance novels from a guy's point of view. It worked really well for this story, and his voice was so refreshing. He went through a lot of emotions, like every teenager goes through, and it was interesting taking a look into the inner workings of a teenage boy's mind. Mason was easy-going and handled everything great on the outside, but he was slowly losing it inside as the story progressed. He had this illicit affair with an older woman and eventually admitted to it, but the consequences weren't too drastic. Actually, the whole book wasn't as dramatic as it could have been. I personally love Martin for that; the story could have gotten really over-dramatic and cliché, but it was all done with subtle grace. Of course Mason wasn't without his flaws, as all the characters in this book were, but he was definitely a great narrator for the story.

The other characters were all very diverse, which I commend Martin for. Various age groups, ethnicities, and sexual orientations were represented without going overboard. It gave it a more realistic feel that I definitely appreciated. The story went in the direction it did because of Kat, Mason's crush who just so happens to also be one of his best friends. It was interesting that she was Filipino when there are virtually none of us in contemporary literature, so that was kind of cool. And hey, look at that, the story took place in Canada. But that aside, Kat reacted to what happened between her and Mason in such an odd way. It was exasperating. I wanted to like her more and wanted to know more about her. But of course, she was avoiding Mason for more than half the book so that didn't happen. I had mixed feelings about her, but I'm happy with how the story ended. Jamie, though. The other best friend. I could have done without his whining and total abandonment of Mason. I can't even talk about him properly without getting worked up. Colette... I don't know if the readers are supposed to like her. It's just bad right off the bat; she had a relationship with a 16-year-old boy. Freakin' illegal. If it's not illegal, then it's definitely lacking in common sense. She clearly had some issues that she needed to work out; re-evaluate her life a little bit, maybe, because... woah. Ick. All in all, I think every character served their purpose, and it was done well. The fact that both of the leading females in the story were so different in every single way was a nice touch. They could have been severely butchered, one being an immigrant teenager and the other a 20-something woman having an affair with a minor, but Martin managed to stay away from stereotypes.

Funny thing, while I was reading this book the first time in 2010, I always pictured Logan Lerman as Mason. I don't know why. Seems like a character he would play if a movie adaptation was ever made. I've seen several other places online suggesting Aaron Johnson, which would have been good, too, at the time (not now, though). I've always thought he and Logan looked pretty similar. Anyway. When I start getting into potential movie casting is when you know I like a book a lot. It was one of my favourites in 2010, and re-reading it now brought back the feelings. They've shifted a bit, because like I mentioned earlier, 2 years can change a person, even by the slightest. A lot of things that I liked during my initial reading, I changed my opinion on. To add onto that, I noticed more things the second time around that I wasn't really paying attention to before. Regardless, this book remains one of my favourites, and I would recommend it to those looking for a light and not so over-exaggerated read, considering the subject.(less)

like · see review

Nov 13, 2011 Lesley (My keeper shelf) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Posted on http://mykeepershelf.blogspot.com/201...

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started reading The Lighter Side of Life and Death, from the blurb is sounds like a sixteen year old boys dream scenario of having an affair with an older woman (cougar alert) which in a way it was, but the way it was written by c.k. kelly martin just made the story so much more and it didn't feel particularly sordid or distasteful at any point.

Sixteen year old Mason has a "perfect" one night stand wit...more Posted on http://mykeepershelf.blogspot.com/201...

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started reading The Lighter Side of Life and Death, from the blurb is sounds like a sixteen year old boys dream scenario of having an affair with an older woman (cougar alert) which in a way it was, but the way it was written by c.k. kelly martin just made the story so much more and it didn't feel particularly sordid or distasteful at any point.

Sixteen year old Mason has a "perfect" one night stand with his best friend Kat who he has secretly been in love with for years. Next day it's actually Kat who wants to forget it all happened leaving Mason completely confused and results both in their friendship ending and major awkwardness at the school lunch table. Twenty three year old Colette enters the picture, she is a friend of a friend of Mason's soon to be step mother and they sort of slowly end up in a relationship.

What I like the most about this book was that the author is never overtly judgemental, either about Colette or Kat and doesn't portray Mason as the gullible victim in the situation. It would be easy to be outraged at Colette who at 23 and who has a "sort of" boyfriend on the scene already ends up in a sexual relationship with a 16 year old man-boy. Colette does have doubts and she does know that their relationship would be frowned upon which is why it's all very secretive. It's very awkward when Mason doesn't want to ride his bike over to Colette's house as he doesn't want to highlight his age even more to Colette in fear that she will end it all. It's also very awkward when they are holding hands in the street and bump into someone Mason knows. There is none of the woo hoo I'm having it off with an older woman type behaviour that I probably expected from a teenage boy, Mason is actually quite mature about it all.

Ultimately, although the story didn't seem sordid, I couldn't quite figure out why a 23 year old woman would want to spend any time with a 16 year old boy never mind have a relationship with one, I mean Mason was nice but ultimately he is 16.

I didn't sympathise much with Kat either, she runs hot and cold with Mason and despite my head saying she would be a better girlfriend for Mason as she's his age, I wasn't entirely convinced about her. I think this might be down to the fact she is absent from most of the story.

The part that surprised me the most was Mason's fathers very understanding acceptance of his relationship with Colette. Even knowing that the relationship was ending he took it all a little too well for my liking. I would have grounded him and took his bike off him and his PlayStation! I know for a fact as a parent I would not have been so understanding and there would have been a lot of shouting.

c.k. kelly martin (why the absence of capital's in the name? I dunno) is obviously an amazing writer. Mason was a fantastically realistic character and martin seems to really get into the inner working of a teenage boy's head and get it down on paper beautifully. I have a few c.k. kelly martin books to now catch up on. (less)

like · see review

Jul 03, 2010 Sarah Rosenberger rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: guy-reads, older-teen

When 16-year-old Mason loses his virginity to his friend Kat, the girl he's had a crush on forever, he's elated. He thinks that sharing this experience will move their relationship to a deeper level, but unfortunately, that's not what happens... Instead, Kat won't even make eye contact with him, his best friend (who also had a crush on Kat) is hurt by their betrayal, and somehow, the whole school knows exactly what happened. Hurt and confused by Kat's rejection, when 23-year-old Colette flirts w...more

like · see review

Aug 23, 2012 Marie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: canadian, male-pov

This review was originally posted on my blog, Ramblings of a Daydreamer. You can find it, and many more reviews at the blog.

The Lighter Side of Life and Death reads kind of like a journal to me. It’s told from Mason’s perspective, and I have to say I love reading books that are told from a guy’s perspective. You get a totally different outlook on life, sex, friendship, and family. But in The Lighter Side of Life and Death, the reader gets a lot of minutiae, which is why it reads like a journal t...more This review was originally posted on my blog, Ramblings of a Daydreamer. You can find it, and many more reviews at the blog.

The Lighter Side of Life and Death reads kind of like a journal to me. It’s told from Mason’s perspective, and I have to say I love reading books that are told from a guy’s perspective. You get a totally different outlook on life, sex, friendship, and family. But in The Lighter Side of Life and Death, the reader gets a lot of minutiae, which is why it reads like a journal to me.

Not a lot happens in the story. Mason has quite a bit of depth, but I didn’t feel like there was much character development. I wasn’t able to connect with any of the other characters - they sort of felt like random extras who were thrown in when it was convenient to move the story along. The pacing was very slow, and even though the book was only 231 pages, it took me four days to read it because I just couldn’t get that interested.

One thing I liked was that it explored something that’s considered taboo - a relationship between a teenager and an older woman. Even though there was only a seven-year age gap between Mason and Colette, Mason was only sixteen, which makes their affair pretty scandalous. I kept waiting for it to get really exciting and maybe even shocking, but again, it was kind of bogged down in the minutiae. I’ll admit there were parts that were pretty sexy, and it was even more interesting because it was from a guy’s perspective. Mason was sort of obsessive where Colette was concerned, but it wasn’t in a ridiculous teenage boy way - he was pretty mature about it, and I appreciated that.

Overall, I didn’t love this book, but I didn’t hate it either. It was original, had a believable storyline with a great, authentic narrative voice, but it got bogged down in the details. If you’re a fan of stories that are almost journal-like in their day-to-day happenings, and if you like contemporary young adult, especially from a male POV, consider giving The Lighter Side of Life and Death a try. (less)

like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Kristyna rated it 2 of 5 stars

I can’t remember what initially attracted me to The Lighter Side of Life and Death by C.K. Kelly Martin, but I heard rave reviews about the author. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I was impressed and disappointed at the same time.

This story has an interesting, dynamic concept. A high school boy loses his virginity to his life-long crush, but she wants to forget it happened. So, what does he do? He starts hooking up with a 23-year-old woman. I enjoyed this idea — from a dista...more I can’t remember what initially attracted me to The Lighter Side of Life and Death by C.K. Kelly Martin, but I heard rave reviews about the author. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I was impressed and disappointed at the same time.

This story has an interesting, dynamic concept. A high school boy loses his virginity to his life-long crush, but she wants to forget it happened. So, what does he do? He starts hooking up with a 23-year-old woman. I enjoyed this idea — from a distance. It would be like me hooking up with a 16-year-old. Ugh. *shivers* I was torn between fascination and disgust, but for the most part I just accepted it.

Martin did an amazing job creating and portraying the main character, Mason. I can see why people rave about her ability to create a distinct voice. I found Mason to be completely believable even though he’s a male voice written by a female author. His emotions were spot on especially for his age and the circumstances he was dealt. I may not have agreed with his decisions, but I thoroughly enjoyed Mason as a character.

My biggest issue with this book was the lack of action. The writing was there, the story was there, but there wasn’t any action. It read like a fictional memoir even though it was told in present tense. It was extremely realistic, but perhaps too realistic. Real life is rarely as exciting as the fictional adventures we embark on. I was engaged throughout the entire book but at the end I just thought, “Huh, okay.” It didn’t leave an impression; it didn’t make me think or make me want to change the world. Even more baffling, is the title. What does life and death have to do with borderline-statutory rape? There weren’t any deep character monologues about the meaning of life and death, and certainly nothing “light.” It just confused me.

The story unraveled very slowly with attention to detail. However, there were some details that were highlighted throughout the book that made me think something horrible was going to happen, but nothing ever came of it. I think it’s always good practice to avoid such random details if it amounts to nothing in the story; it distracts the reader.

I’m not sure if I would recommend this book. It’s a short, easy read with a well-developed main character, but it’s by no means exciting. If you’re into contemporary lit, this might be your thing. I appreciate this book for what it is, but I don’t think I will read anything else by Martin. I like to escape to other worlds when I read; I don’t like to be reminded of real, mundane life where answers don’t come easy and everything is complicated.

Read More Reviews at Note To Selph Book Reviews (less)

like · see review

May 28, 2011 Precious rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: contemporary fans

Originally posted at Fragments of Life.

In the YA world that’s dominated by heroines, Mason’s narrative was a breath of fresh air. I found his confused state, as well as everything he felt, very realistic and natural for a teenage guy. After living the best day of his life – delivering a great performance, enjoying the best party of the year, and losing his virginity to his best friend and crush, Kat – lady luck seemed to grow tired of him and waltzed out of his life.

What I loved most about The L...more Originally posted at Fragments of Life.

In the YA world that’s dominated by heroines, Mason’s narrative was a breath of fresh air. I found his confused state, as well as everything he felt, very realistic and natural for a teenage guy. After living the best day of his life – delivering a great performance, enjoying the best party of the year, and losing his virginity to his best friend and crush, Kat – lady luck seemed to grow tired of him and waltzed out of his life.

What I loved most about The Lighter Side of Life and Death was the emotional chaos that ensued. It was one wild tangle of love, attraction, lust, yearning, jealousy and confusion. It reminded me of how my classmates acted when I was in high school. The fact that this novel reminded me of those years was a success in the part of the author. She delivered the right feelings through Mason. Mason’s family was an imperfect one with a great amount of conflicts and friction. I found their interaction very strained, barely okay. But it reflected the difficulty of adjusting to other people and accepting them as part of the family.

To be honest, I was annoyed at Kat and yet I could not blame her for how she reacted. She has been best friends with Mason and Jamie for years. Both of the guys have been crushing on her for a while. Jamie was angry at Mason and had been evading him. Each conversation and interaction with Kat became more and more strained.

After meeting the sexy 23-year-old Colette, who also happened to be his stepmom’s sister’s best friend, he was undeniably drawn. I loved every bit of their forbidden love. Without being graphic, Martin still delivered the hot and steamy quality of the scenes. But it was a relationship without commitments – just sex and good times. To some extent, it made me sad for Mason. To have something that would never last and to know that he was not as important to her as she was to him must be hurtful.

The Lighter Side of Life and Death is a realistic take on the life of a teenager. It bared the flaws, the inexperienced and confused stage of a teen, as well as the strong desires that came with it. The amazing writing coupled with the easy-to-read narrative got me reading on until morning. Martin’s concept was an ordinary one. But I loved how she made this extraordinary by giving life to the characters and sewing heartfelt emotions in it. (less)

like · see review

Sep 10, 2011 Michelle Sallay rated it 4 of 5 stars

I live my life scandal free, so I know I enjoy reading books with a little scandal because I find it interesting to watch characters amidst scandal. Of course it only works when it is well written, and in this book it is.

First off I couldn't believe how strong this male voice was and I knew this was a female author but I had to keep checking the back to make sure there was still a picture of a girl author. Anyway, the voice was right on. Martin would add these little details like someone putting...more

like · see review

May 08, 2011 Nomes rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, older-ya-protag, i-own, ya-male-pov, faves-of-2011, riding-the-older-ya-vibe, swoon-worthy-crushes

I automatically wanted to read this book regardless of the premise because I really love the way C K Kelly Martin writes. (Not that the premise was so bad, just that I plan on reading her books regardless of the blurb)

C K Kelly Martin captures the teen voice so authentically and without any sentimentality ~ it really is refreshing to read. Her books just feel honest.

Likewise ~ I adore her prose. It is neither overly literary or simply commercial. I love the way she tells her stories ~ her senten...more I automatically wanted to read this book regardless of the premise because I really love the way C K Kelly Martin writes. (Not that the premise was so bad, just that I plan on reading her books regardless of the blurb)

C K Kelly Martin captures the teen voice so authentically and without any sentimentality ~ it really is refreshing to read. Her books just feel honest.

Likewise ~ I adore her prose. It is neither overly literary or simply commercial. I love the way she tells her stories ~ her sentences often have a perfect rhythm and her dialogue flows so effortlessly.

I loved Mason's voice in this story. He's charming and aching and 100% teen man-child. I find it easy to crush on a male POV done well and this ranks up at the top for me among YA fiction.

As for the actual story. Gosh ~ I was so into it (really, I read it in one day) but at the same time, it didn't entirely sit well with me. I found myself wondering a couple of times just what the book was really about, what Martin's intentions with the story were, what that first original nugget of idea was that sparked the whole thing. I am concluding it really is just about one guys first experiences with sex/lust and how messed up it can make everything. It is tastefully done, gorgeous and genuinely heart-breaking (as I expected it would be having read her previous two books) but... sigh, I don't know. I think I would have handled it better if Mason had been bumped up to 18 years. Which, I guess, would undermine the premise...

I was left wondering at Collette's motives (her being 23 and getting it on with a 16 year old boy). I wish it had been made clearer (apart from her finding him "beguiling" and being unable to resist). Baffled :/

I loved all the high school theatre stuff. Adored the conflict in Mason's family ~ it was such a great backdrop for the sexual/relationship dramas ~ and it never felt melodramatic or cliche.

I have enjoyed all C K Kelly Martin's books and this one is no different. I am finding it hard to balance my immense enjoyment of Mason and appreciation of the gorgeously-flowing story against my distaste for some of the events in the book :/

In the end, I'm going all four stars. I was hooked and I just admire her so much as an author... (and I have a crush on Mason ~ not a perverted one, LOL ~ just on him as a person, in all his confidence and insecurities and hopes and dreams and failures...)

Shame about that cover. Ugh. Who are they marketing this to?> It's intelligent lit and absolutely would appeal to teen guys to read. I don't think they would get past the cover though (I even felt embarrassed reading it near my 9 year old son, haha)(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Jul 08, 2010 Tammara added it

If you read the book jacket or any reviews and are at all interested, just get the book. I couldn't put it down. Her writing is so natural and engaging that the chapter divisions were slightly annoying and I ignored them almost completely.

Mason was SO well-written. I understood every thought he had, every good and bad decision, every moment of happiness, lust, confusion, anger, and pain. He made sense on every level, as did his relationships with friends, parents, and his new step-mom and step-s...more

like · see review

May 30, 2010 Carla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Imagine you've had a crush on one of your best friends for as long as you can remember, it's a bit of an all consuming thing. You loose your virginity to that person and it's midblowing, everything you hoped it would be and more. Then imagine that person decides it was a mistake and blatantly ignores you, acts like your nothing and what you did together was nothing. It can destroy a person, so it's no suprise that Mason jumps on the rebound train and heads straight to Older Woman town, a one way...more Imagine you've had a crush on one of your best friends for as long as you can remember, it's a bit of an all consuming thing. You loose your virginity to that person and it's midblowing, everything you hoped it would be and more. Then imagine that person decides it was a mistake and blatantly ignores you, acts like your nothing and what you did together was nothing. It can destroy a person, so it's no suprise that Mason jumps on the rebound train and heads straight to Older Woman town, a one way ticket to experiences that will open his eyes and make him realise just how complicated relationships can be.

The Lighter Side of Life and Death is a book that made me realise how powerful young adult novels can be when they're done right. It was full of unrestrained emotion, first experiences and growth. This was quite possibly one of the most accurate potrayals of a teenage boy I have read thus far. Martin's writing is raw and original and she doesn't shy away from the truth, none of her words are sugar coated. It's such an amazing thing to read a book that isn't full of some serious bullshit. It's like reading someone's diary, you feel let into their world and their life, and you embrace it because you just know that its real.

Sex, yes it has sex scenes, which are never once brushed over. For an author to actually write sex scenes that don't just hint at the topic, but show you the emotional intensity of it all, was just wow. There is a derth of books that just skim over the subject, even though its as much a part of being a young adult as falling in and out of friendships. Also, ;oosing your virginity can be a monumental occasion, its something that happens to us all at one point or another, so to read about it in a way that makes it magical and something to be cherished was just lovely. I am amazed at how poised and beautiful she made it, for both the characters and the reader.

Mason is just one of those characters thats instantly relatable, its like opening the pages and finding your friend inside, and wondering how the hell he managed to make it into a book. Not that I know anyone like Mason, but thats why he's amazing, because you feel like you do. His internal thoughts and comments on the behaviour and his observations of everything surrounding him were mesmorising. He wasn't the popular boy, or the gorgeous boy, he was just a 16 year old boy, trying to get through high school in his own special way. Man, this was so refreshing because he was comfortable with his big circle of friends, who are some of the most brilliant secondary characters out there. From Jamie, who is more than a little sensitive. To Kat, who was silly and sexy, and Colette who was amazing in her own way.

I can't finish my review without touching on the subject of Colette, the 23 year old woman. I think it must have been exceptionally hard to portray this particular aspect of the story to readers, without thinking that it may be construed the wrong way. I know some people may be uncomfortable with the plotline after reading the synopsis, but this would be cutting your nose off to spite your face. This could've easily turned into a serious jailbait scenario, but the fact is, it didn't. Mason was so mature about the whole situation. He goes into it with his eyes wide open, knowing what the consequences of his actions may be, and fully prepared to take responsibility for it should it crumble around him.

This took my breathaway for the simple fact that it was just truth in the pages of book. It shows you that real life isn't perfect. Sometimes your going to have to deal with a cat that has terrorist tendencies, sometimes your basement is going to get took over by two strange kids, one of whom may or may not hate your guts and one that acts like they took a serious dose of crack. Sometimes loosing your virginity to a friend is not the best idea in the world, and maybe just maybe, having sex with someone your 8 years younger than may not be as hot as it sounds. This was just amazing. I am in love with this book.(less)

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: The Lighter Side of Life and Death
avg rating	preview: The Lighter Side of Life and Death Goodreads rating: 3.25 (354 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6696339-the-lighter-side-of-life-and-death?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320474060l/6696339.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6696339-the-lighter-side-of-life-and-death?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Lighter Side of Life and Death by C.K. Kelly Martin[/url]

The Lighter Side of Life and Death

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (6)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About C.K. Kelly Martin

Books by C.K. Kelly Martin

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Lighter Side ...