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My Best Friend, Maybe
by
Colette has been bored and lonely ever since her best friend, Sadie, dumped her the summer before they stared high school. She tries to be perfect for everyone left in her life: her parents, her younger brothers, her church youth group, even her boyfriend, Mark. But Colette is restless. And she misses Sadie.
When Sadie tells Colette that she needs her old friend to join her ...more
When Sadie tells Colette that she needs her old friend to join her ...more
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Hardcover, 352 pages
Published
June 3rd 2014
by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
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Start your review of My Best Friend, Maybe

3.5 STARS
Well don’t I feel a little foolish right now.
Much as I can get hypercritical and nitpicky in certain estrogen cycles, I am not averse to give credit where credit is due. This was a pleasant surprise. This was one of those rare reads that I almost wrote off as something that was way off the mark when, as it turned out, I was really just an impatient grasshopper. And I’m not above and beyond admitting to that.
There are certain elements that I expect in rea ...more
Forgiveness is a divine act.
Well don’t I feel a little foolish right now.
Much as I can get hypercritical and nitpicky in certain estrogen cycles, I am not averse to give credit where credit is due. This was a pleasant surprise. This was one of those rare reads that I almost wrote off as something that was way off the mark when, as it turned out, I was really just an impatient grasshopper. And I’m not above and beyond admitting to that.
There are certain elements that I expect in rea ...more

The plot in one sentence: Religious straight girl realizes lesbians are people too.
Maybe that's a little harsh, but not very. It's exhausting to read the protagonist's emotional development (during the moments she's not daydreaming about some boy's abs): "Oh, I guess [lesbian former best friend] falls in love with girls, just like I fall in love with boys." *eye roll*
Adding to that, the writing is painfully bad. It's laden with so many unnecessary adjectives it's actually distracting. And at 352 ...more
Maybe that's a little harsh, but not very. It's exhausting to read the protagonist's emotional development (during the moments she's not daydreaming about some boy's abs): "Oh, I guess [lesbian former best friend] falls in love with girls, just like I fall in love with boys." *eye roll*
Adding to that, the writing is painfully bad. It's laden with so many unnecessary adjectives it's actually distracting. And at 352 ...more

I actually shocked myself by how much I loved this book. and a lot of it had to do with how much I connected to the aspect of growing up religious and realizing what a tough balance it can be to hold beliefs that both align with and deviate from your religion's, particularly while being an active member of a religious community, and vehemently disagreeing with other community members you otherwise love and respect. Yes, that's a long and convoluted sentence, but it's a tricky place to be, and I
...more

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book focuses on two girls, Colette and Sadie. They were childhood best friends until they eventually drift apart. The two haven't talked to each other for about three years and all of a sudden, Sadie's like "Ay yo, I need you to come on this vacation to Greece with me." And even though Sadie's supposed to go to Costa Rica with her boyfriend that summer, she's like "Ayyyyyyyy let's go." Colette's mom tells her she can't g ...more
This book focuses on two girls, Colette and Sadie. They were childhood best friends until they eventually drift apart. The two haven't talked to each other for about three years and all of a sudden, Sadie's like "Ay yo, I need you to come on this vacation to Greece with me." And even though Sadie's supposed to go to Costa Rica with her boyfriend that summer, she's like "Ayyyyyyyy let's go." Colette's mom tells her she can't g ...more

this review will go live on the blog 06/03
Newcomers to Carter's work take note: this is not an author who's afraid to tackle heavy subjects. Last year's Me, Him, Them, & It focused on pregnancy and now her latest, My Best Friend, Maybe sheds light on sexuality and what happens to a friendship when it's called into question.
Until three years ago Colette and Sadie were best friends and virtually inseparable. Then everything changed just before high school. Suddenly Sadie went out of her way to avo ...more
Newcomers to Carter's work take note: this is not an author who's afraid to tackle heavy subjects. Last year's Me, Him, Them, & It focused on pregnancy and now her latest, My Best Friend, Maybe sheds light on sexuality and what happens to a friendship when it's called into question.
Until three years ago Colette and Sadie were best friends and virtually inseparable. Then everything changed just before high school. Suddenly Sadie went out of her way to avo ...more

4.5 stars. Wow. I loved all the complicated relationships in this book. And Greece! I need to go to Greece.
"There were a lot of things in the world that won't make sense, I decide. A lot of things religion can't explain. And maybe we're supposed to live in a world of mystery."
"Back then, only three days ago, the world was black and white and I was simply choosing black. Now, sunset, the sky explodes beyond the restaurant in a flurry of color and even though it's beautiful, it's complicated."
Full ...more
"There were a lot of things in the world that won't make sense, I decide. A lot of things religion can't explain. And maybe we're supposed to live in a world of mystery."
"Back then, only three days ago, the world was black and white and I was simply choosing black. Now, sunset, the sky explodes beyond the restaurant in a flurry of color and even though it's beautiful, it's complicated."
Full ...more

(edited 02/02/2017 I just saw this quote and it sums up the book perfectly: "The plot in one sentence: Religious straight girl realises lesbians are people too." -- so fucking true.)
So I was completely lied to regarding this book.
I was told that it was a lesbian story.
It is not.
I wasn't told that the main character, who narrates the story is straight and remains straight throughout the entire novel.
Absolutely disappointing in that regard.
The story does have a lesbian character - the "ex-best fr ...more
So I was completely lied to regarding this book.
I was told that it was a lesbian story.
It is not.
I wasn't told that the main character, who narrates the story is straight and remains straight throughout the entire novel.
Absolutely disappointing in that regard.
The story does have a lesbian character - the "ex-best fr ...more

I decided to read this book on a three-hour plane ride and could not put the book down the whole time. It was the perfect length and the story was wonderful. It was definitely not what I expected (until I got about halfway into the book) but I loved the characters, the lessons they learned and how the story progressed. Also, Santorini is the number one destination I want to visit, so I loved that aspect, as well. Overall, I thought this was a great book for teens and has a great message on respe
...more

PRIDE MONTH REC #2: My Best Friend, Maybe. [beautiful Greece setting, strong friendships]
__________________
5 stars. Just WONDERFUL.
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5 stars. Just WONDERFUL.
My dad called us mermaids, but I knew we were more than that. We were fish. We were best friends.My Best Friend, Maybe reminded me so much of First There Was Forever because both are AMAZING portrayals of the complexities of female friendship. But what distinguishes My Best ...more
Sadie was mine and I was hers. I knew it the way I knew my backbone held me up.
I was wrong.

Disappointing and not what the summary made it out to be. Don't categorize a book as LGBT if there is no main gay relationship. The writing was choppy, the entirety of the book was unrealistic and felt forced and awkward. Nobody has conversations like that in real life and the character growth was awful, especially for the parents. We never even get a decent explanation for them anyway. Lastly, Sadie was one of the most detestable, irritating characters I've ever had the misfortune to read about
...more

Four really cool things about this book:
1) it's set in Santorini, Greece. Love love love love....
2) Amazing writing
3) A complicated friendship between two girls
4) Thoughtful handling of religious issues
I recently wrote about some of my favorite YA books centered on friendships instead of romantic relationships, or where the friendship is more than just a prop or plot device. This is a great addition to that list; and one of the more complicated friendships I’ve come across in fiction. Colette an ...more
1) it's set in Santorini, Greece. Love love love love....
2) Amazing writing
3) A complicated friendship between two girls
4) Thoughtful handling of religious issues
I recently wrote about some of my favorite YA books centered on friendships instead of romantic relationships, or where the friendship is more than just a prop or plot device. This is a great addition to that list; and one of the more complicated friendships I’ve come across in fiction. Colette an ...more

I really wanted to like this book, but dear lord the characters are so unlikable. The main character. Colette is so bland, she might as well be white toast bread. She's grating every step of the way, and considering we see the book through her eyes (and mind) it's intolerable. The best friend, Sadie, is at best problematic (not a bad thing if properly examined), an at worst a step away from a manipulative psycho.
The plot is paper-thin, and while that wouldn't be a problem with strong characters ...more
The plot is paper-thin, and while that wouldn't be a problem with strong characters ...more

I wanted to read this because it sounded like a nice summer read, and also based on friendship. I wanted to find out what happened between their friendship and what it is that Sadie has been keeping from Colette.
The story is mostly told in Collette's present, but she does have sections that go back to when her and Sadie were such close friends as kids. It is nice to get these glimpses of how they were together and that they had a long history as best friends. It also makes me relate with Colet ...more
The story is mostly told in Collette's present, but she does have sections that go back to when her and Sadie were such close friends as kids. It is nice to get these glimpses of how they were together and that they had a long history as best friends. It also makes me relate with Colet ...more

I received an ARC through NetGalley.
I really liked My Best Friend, Maybe! I was very excited and very nervous for it, but thankfully it was great! Collette has been without her best friend Sadie for three years. Now, out of the blue, Sadie invites her to Greece with her family. Collette is confused, because why now? Maybe this is Sadie's way of apologizing, or maybe she has a more sinister reason. Collette flip-flops about going, since she's suppose to spend the summer in Costa Rica with her boy ...more
I really liked My Best Friend, Maybe! I was very excited and very nervous for it, but thankfully it was great! Collette has been without her best friend Sadie for three years. Now, out of the blue, Sadie invites her to Greece with her family. Collette is confused, because why now? Maybe this is Sadie's way of apologizing, or maybe she has a more sinister reason. Collette flip-flops about going, since she's suppose to spend the summer in Costa Rica with her boy ...more

I really wasn’t sure when I read the synopsis of this novel if I would be able to get through this novel without remembering how hard it is to lose your best friend, whether it be a childhood best friend, a high school best friend, or even a college best friend. Well, that all happens to people, and its one of the main reasons I did decide to read it. Because I’ve been through it, and that means that a large percentage of Carter’s readers would have or will go through that.
The story line is some ...more
The story line is some ...more

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I really enjoyed this book. Even though I had read spoilers before starting this book, I was still left guessing for almost 60% of the story. Now, I am not one that likes surprises or random twists and turns. And it did irk me that I couldn't just flip to the end to see what happens (well I suppose I could've kept pressing my kindle page flip button but no thanks). However, I liked how the story unfolded and wasn't just rushing to ...more
I really enjoyed this book. Even though I had read spoilers before starting this book, I was still left guessing for almost 60% of the story. Now, I am not one that likes surprises or random twists and turns. And it did irk me that I couldn't just flip to the end to see what happens (well I suppose I could've kept pressing my kindle page flip button but no thanks). However, I liked how the story unfolded and wasn't just rushing to ...more

In My Best Friend, Maybe there are secrets and as you read you will be shocked at every page turn. Colette "Coley" has been missing Sadie since they were younger. Although she has new friends and a boyfriend, her minds still wanders toward Sadie. When Sadie asks her to come to Greece with her she thinks why and maybe their friendship will be renewed. What happens before and during the trip changes both of their lives forever. This was a good read but at times it felt down. It had really high mom
...more

Colette has always been friends with Sadie. Until ninth grade, when suddenly, she just wasn't. Colette stayed the same while Sadie stopped talking to her, finding new friends and new boys to flirt with. Now after more than two years, Sadie comes up to her, asking her ex-best-friend to come to Greece with her. Sadie says she needs her. Now Colette has to agree, that word need messing up her plans with her boyfriend to go do charity work. So off she goes, against her parents will, to try to reconn
...more

Jan 24, 2015
Tatiana
rated it
it was amazing
Recommended to Tatiana by:
michelle
Shelves:
young-adult
What the shit. It has been a very long time since I've been so agitated and frustrated with a book. I constantly wanted to throw this book at a wall because I just could not figure out what the fuck was going on. I mean, I had the barest bones of a theory but it was just endless levels of obsessed bafflement. It's extremely hard to be a productive employee under those conditions. And then everything became clear and went to hell and it was so painful in so many personal ways that I just didn't k
...more

If you're looking for a story of two girls fighting for love, you come to the wrong place. This book has nothing to offer but mediocre drama and weak characters. I felt like reading a long essay of a high school girl rather than a story. I didn't finish it.
Everything was so two-dimensional. And I hate flashbacks, they distract the flow of the story and this book has a million of them. It was an effort to read. The main character's full useless drama and shallow thoughts. To be honest, I feel lik ...more
Everything was so two-dimensional. And I hate flashbacks, they distract the flow of the story and this book has a million of them. It was an effort to read. The main character's full useless drama and shallow thoughts. To be honest, I feel lik ...more

I can see why some people don't like this book, but for me it really doesn't matter. Some people don't like it when girls like other girls but I am fine with it. Anways... it was a great book that kept me reading and it was like real life stuff that actually happens, friends leaving you for no reason, and then randomly they come back, overall its an amazing book (view spoiler)
...more

Uh, this was only okay. It was the story of a girl who fell out with her best friend a few years back and then all of a sudden her friend asks her to go on holiday with her.
This in itself is pretty unbelievable. If someone I hadn't spoken to for five years suddenly asked me on holiday to Greece with them and their family, there would be red flags all over the place. But our MC just agrees to it.
And okay, I could have probably overlooked this but there were quite a lot of other not-quite-believab ...more
This in itself is pretty unbelievable. If someone I hadn't spoken to for five years suddenly asked me on holiday to Greece with them and their family, there would be red flags all over the place. But our MC just agrees to it.
And okay, I could have probably overlooked this but there were quite a lot of other not-quite-believab ...more

More or less typical YA friendship/love drama, set against the backdrop of a sparkling Greek coastline.
Let's be honest: I read it for the coastline, or at least for the travel aspect. (Currently seesawing wildly between nature-based nonfiction and YA travel books.) There are a number of interesting, clever twists to the story, though I do wish the location had played more of a role. Honestly, Sadie and Colette could just as easily have had their drama at home, and if anything, there would have b ...more
Let's be honest: I read it for the coastline, or at least for the travel aspect. (Currently seesawing wildly between nature-based nonfiction and YA travel books.) There are a number of interesting, clever twists to the story, though I do wish the location had played more of a role. Honestly, Sadie and Colette could just as easily have had their drama at home, and if anything, there would have b ...more

My Best Friend, Maybe started out a bit slow, but after Colette got over certain guilt and made a decision, the story picked up for me. It turned out to be quite an interesting reading experience because I'm not sure I would have done the same thing had I been in her shoes. While reading, I kept thinking how I would have reacted when a friend who stopped speaking to me for years suddenly came up to me, wanting me to travel out of the country all because she "needed" me and I'm supposed to honor
...more

I just stayed up way too late on a school night finishing this... yikes I make good decisions.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was light, fun, and engaging to read but it had relatable themes to deepen it-- how to be true to yourself, the nature of best friendship, breaking away from your family/church's expectations of you, what it means to be a family, homophobia coming from religion. I liked how youthful and realistic the flashback scenes of Colette and Sadie's felt, and they really he ...more
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was light, fun, and engaging to read but it had relatable themes to deepen it-- how to be true to yourself, the nature of best friendship, breaking away from your family/church's expectations of you, what it means to be a family, homophobia coming from religion. I liked how youthful and realistic the flashback scenes of Colette and Sadie's felt, and they really he ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Should there be a second book? | 1 | 7 | Jan 10, 2015 11:05AM | |
Crazy for Young A...: My Best Friend, Maybe by Caela Carter → Start Date: October 10, 2014 | 21 | 34 | Oct 18, 2014 07:11PM | |
International Gir...: My Best Friend, Maybe (hardcover) GIVEAWAY | 1 | 13 | Jun 04, 2014 12:22PM | |
David Estes Fans ...: "My Best Friend, Maybe" (hardcover) GIVEAWAY | 1 | 10 | Jun 04, 2014 12:21PM |
Caela Carter grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ and Baltimore, MD. She's been writing since she learned how to pick up a pen but before the writing thing got serious she spent six years teaching English to middle and high school students in Jacksonville, FL and Chicago, IL. Her debut novel, ME, HIM, THEM AND IT was published in 2013 by Bloomsbury. When she's not writing, Caela is a teacher of some aweso
...more
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“I though I screwed everything up," I say.
He smiles. "You're only one person. In the whole universe. You can't screw everything up.”
—
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He smiles. "You're only one person. In the whole universe. You can't screw everything up.”