As I Am

by AnnaLisa Grant

From the author of The Lake Trilogy, comes a story about what it means to be truly seen...and to be taken just as you are. “You’re not invisible. You’re invaluable.” When Kinley Carmichael looks in the mirror, she doesn’t see her blonde-haired, blue-eyed, size 4 twin sister. She sees her dark-haired, brown-eyed, size 12 self. Kinley and her twin sister Addison are excited to start their second summer as counselors at The Camp at Lake Hollis. All Kinley wants is to earn enough money to meet up with her mother so they travel the world as professional photographers. All Addison wants is to work on her tan, seduce a boy, and build her fashion budget. And while Kinley and Addison couldn’t be more opposite, nothing has ever stopped them from being the best of friends. It’s an especially great summer for Kinley as the official camp photographer with Notre Dame Quarterback Cal Harper showing interest in her. But when artist Miller Conrad arrives and rejects Addison’s advances, showing more interest in Kinley, true colors will shine and the sisters’ bond will be tested. As Kinley and Miller’s connection deepens, Kinley feels like she can truly be herself without the internal scrutiny she’s developed in the shadow of her sister. But when Kinley inadvertently uncovers a terrible secret, Miller is left facing the demons of his own reasons for coming to Lake Hollis. What was supposed to be the greatest summer of Kinley’s life turns out to be more life-changing than she ever imagined.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Young Adult, College

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

AnnaLisa is the youngest of four children and the only daughter, born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After graduating high school, she moved to Charlotte, NC with her parents. This turned out to be a blessing since it was just a few short years later that she met her husband in the Film Actor's Studio of Charlotte. As she studied acting at the Studio, AnnaLisa was in several films and made-for-TV movies, as well as performed in local theater in both dramatic and musical roles. At one time, it was AnnaLisa's dream to be a professional singer.

AnnaLisa completed her undergraduate degree in Human Services at Wingate University and her Master's degree in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. During her thirteen years in the Human Services field, AnnaLisa worked with children in group homes and foster care, and spent two years in private practice counseling individuals, families, and couples.

When her father was in a near fatal car accident in 2010, AnnaLisa's best coping skill turned out to be writing. Five months after the accident, when all the what ifs would not go away, AnnaLisa started writing Layla Weston's story in The Lake. She had no idea what she was going to do with the story. In fact, she wrote sixty-four pages before she told her husband what she was doing. By then it was clear that Layla had a long story to tell and there were multiple books on the horizon.

In 2013, after all three YA novels in The Lake Trilogy were written and she had let them sit long enough, AnnaLisa took matters into her own hands and self-published the titles within just a few months of each other. Received well by readers young and not-so-young alike, The Lake Trilogy has enjoyed breakout success, selling close to half-million copies the first year.

AnnaLisa's publicist is Rick Miles of Red Coat PR, and she is represented by Italia Gandolfo of GH Literary. AnnaLisa has been married to her super awesome husband Donavan since 2001 and lives in Matthews, NC with their two ridiculously beautiful children.

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Originally posted on Le Book Chronicles.

This book was provided to me via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. I think it goes without saying that this review was in no way affected by this. Seriously.

Alright, I just have to start off this review by saying that I really didn't enjoy this book. Like, at all. I'm sorry if the author or publisher is reading this, but I just didn't enjoy it. But while this book wasn't for me, I can see how others could definitely love this book. I haven't actually seen a rating below a 4 on Goodreads, so it looks like I'm quite alone with my thoughts. Only 23% of reviews were below 4 stars. and 19% of those were 3-3.75 stars so I just can't.

First off, I really didn't like the characters. You have the main character Kinley, and her twin sister Addi. Addi is the most unlikable, frustrating character I ahve ever read. Seriously, I don't think anyone could possibly like this character. Here are just a few things Addi said or did that solidified my reasoning:

"Does this look slutty enough?" Addison asks with all seriousness.

"You think I'm the hottest person here?" she asks with bright eyes. That's what matters most to Addy. She walks in a room and the first thing she does is make sure she's the hottest girl there.

"What does he mean I'm not his type? I'm every guys type. You must have said something to confuse him".

"You should put your cardigan back on... Your arms aren't your best quality, Kin."
​
I could go on, but I would be here all day. It wasn't just Addi that I didn't like. I didn't particularly like Kin either. First of all, at the start the way she would follow Addi around and rely on her opinion so much that she wasn't even an individual person was ridiculous. Then, to top it all off she defended some guy, who really shouldn't have been defended, just because she didn't want to disappoint a guy.

Now it seems that every book I read lately has some rape themes in it. And this book was no different. Only the fact that I didn't know this going into it was the only difference. But, I really didn't like how it was portrayed in this book. Now, I can't say this next part without spoilers so just be warned. But when Kinley found out that there was "rape" going on and a young girl was there crying, Kinley actually said "well she is scared of the woods" EVEN THOUGH IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT IT WASN'T THE REASON THE YOUNG GIRL WAS CRYING. EVEN THOUGH THE YOUNG GIRL FREAKING TOLD HER WHAT THOSE BOYS DID TO HER. And nobody freaking did a thing about it! The boys didn't even get a slap on the wrist. AND THEN IT GETS WORSE! Kinley discovers a journal with DESCROPTIONS OF RAPE which young boys are reading and getting ideas from AND SHE DOESN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

"I did not rape her", he says defensively. "Technically, maybe not. But you violated her in ways that are just as damaging"

No nope no. I cannot. I'm sorry, but this is just downright wrong. AND if I am not mistaken, that there is the DEFINITION OF RAPE! And if it isn't rape, it is still SEXUAL ASSAULT. She should have taken all of this information and reported it to the police or even the people running this stupid camp. And it's ridiculous that I'm actually saying this BECAUSE IT'S FICTIONAL. But I just can't.

With the romance, I liked Miller, but it was obvious that Cal was an idiot from the beginning. What also annoyed me was the fact that Kinley knew that she didn't like Cal in a romantic way, yet she continued "dating" him for three quarters of the bloody book because she couldn't figure out how to break up with someone she's not even technically dating! For the other quarter of the book she's running around trying to convince Miller that he should get to know her sister better EVEN AFTER HE'S TOLD HER A THOUSAND TIMES HE'S NOT INTERESTED. It was just plain annoying.

I also didn't particularly enjoy the story as a whole, I felt like it was very slow for anything to happen, and the plot wasn't captivating enough to keep my attention.

There was one main thing I liked about this book, and that was the message to just be yourself, and your friends and family should like you as you are. If they don't, screw them.

I'm sorry that I didn't enjoy this book, and I won't be recommending it. But, if you like the sound of it, give it a try. I can't say whether you will enjoy it or not, but there are way more people who love this book, than there are of those who don't like it.

Also, I'm sorry but that cover? It looks like a Mills and Boon cover and it's terrible. I'm sorry but it is. I was hoping that the re-release of this book was for a cover change because I honestly think way more people would pick this book up if it had a different cover. I don't know it's just everything about it. The couples pose, the cheesy sunset background (I understand why that was used now but still) and the font, just really doesn't go. I think something like the cover of "The Start of Me and You" by Emery Lord would work perfectly. Just saying.


​Overall Rating: 1/5

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content: Language, Sexual content including rape, suicide

So this is more personal than I normally get on public reviews but... from the start when someone fixed her shirt so it "looked better" I was so in (despite there being more sexual talk than I like). I feel there's a lot of people who write "curvy girl" stories for diversity points, and sometimes it feels like they don't get it. I know nothing about this author, but they wrote as if they get it. From the way you think about how your body positions look, or feel against someone else. To the convincing yourself to give someone you have no connection with more of a shot because "well, at least they seem to like me despite my fat." Though I didn't have a twin, I had a size zero best friend who was often mistaken as my sister. I could see the comparison in people's eyes. Just... this book. I felt seen.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kinley Carmichaek has always lived in the shadow of her twin Addison. While they are twins they couldn't be more different. Addison is a perfect size 4 and every boys dream. Kinley is a quite size 12 who has no experience with boys.

Kinley and her twin sister Addison are excited to start their second summer as counselors at The Camp at Lake Hollis. All Kinley wants is to earn enough money to meet up with her mother so they travel the world as professional photographers. All Addison wants is to work on her tan, seduce a boy, and build her fashion budget. And while Kinley and Addison couldn’t be more opposite, nothing has ever stopped them from being the best of friends. However this summer things are about to change. Addison decides they need a little independence for each other which is hurtful at first, but Kinely quickly learns not living in her sisters shadow has made it possible for her to grow and discover who she really is.

Kinley's summer is really looking up especially since Notre Dame Quarterback Cal Harper is interested in her. She has also found a great friend and kindred spirit in Miller Conrad a first year camper. Addison has staked her claim on Miller but Kinley is not sure what to do when Miller only has interest in hanging out with her.

Soon Kinley learns many secrets, and many of them painful, but as life goes it is through that challenge that we learn who we are, what we are made of, and who we really want.

This was a really good book, and it is truly a YA read. I really liked Kinley she didn't start out strong but as the story continued she really grew and learned to stick up for herself and accept who she really was. This is about the relationship Kinley has with her sister, friends, boys, and how she learns to accept and trust in herself. It is a great book showing girls that not all boys want the superficially pretty size two blond, that they want someone who matters on the outside more then the inside. Whose beauty is reflected on the outside because of who they are in the inside.

[Secretly Adorkable Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review.

No one would ever know that her and her sister were twins since Kinley Carmichael is a size 12, with dark hair, brown eyes while her sister Addison is a size 4 with blonde hair and blue eyes. They are polar opposites to the tee.

Kin & Addy will be going to camp at Lake Hollis as counselors for their 2nd year. Kinley steps up to be the official camp photographer and she will run into an old crush, the Notre Dame Quarterback-Cal Harper, who finally takes an interest in her instead of her sister first.

When Miller Conrad, the new counselor at camp shows up, Addy stakes her claim but she wants to use Kinley as the go between person instead of doing it herself. As always, Kinley fulfills her sisters duties and puts aside of doing what she really wants, to get to know Cal better.

I fell in love with this story because I can relate to Kinley's background of feeling inadequate of yourself. She thinks she is invisible to others and more importantly even though her sister is very self-centered, Addison and their stepmother Christine always reminds her that she needs to lose weight and wear clothes that will suit her.

This summer will be full of new friendships, betrayal, and life changing events for not only Kinley but for others as well. Sometimes it takes the ultimate tests in time to see the true reasons behind someone's actions and to step up to make a difference. Secrets and truths will be revealed at The Camp at Lake Hollis but will Kinley be able to step out of her sister's shadow and become confident in herself? Will Addison get what she wants? Which sister will Miller choose? What is the terrible secret that happened at Lake Hollis summers ago?

HAPPY RELEASE DAY to Annalisa Grant – go a buy As I Am for only 99c!

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ohHe5H
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1gHazlf
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1gg7qno

[Up All Night Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This was a cute read! I really liked it. One of the things that stands out most about this book is that it is something I would let my teenagers read. These days, books for teens are not much different than adult books. They are full of sex, swearing and adult situations. This book is not. It is down-to-earth and universal for anyone.

The story is relate-able. It isn't far-fetched or over-the-top. It reminds me of an after-school special. Sweet. Refreshing. Real issues that aren't exaggerated.

Kinley has always walked in her beautiful twin sister's shadows. Now it is her time to shine. It is her time to start becoming her own person. She struggles with her issues with her weight and being who she wants to be versus who her family wants her to be.

It takes two males vying for her attention to get her to see that she is someone too. She learns the difference between a crush and attraction. She battles with what the right thing to do is when it comes to conflicting feelings, or lack thereof, between two men. She has to accept that her perception of some isn't real. She finds that she is blind to others faults.

Miller and Cal couldn't be more different. Miller is the somewhat tortured soul. He is an artist and covered in tattoos. Cal is the stereo-typical rich jock. Kinley has had a crush on Cal for a year. They have stayed in contact and gotten to know one another. Miller is unfamiliar and new. His presence brings feelings inside her she has never had before.

The breaking and forming of friendships and relationships isn't fast moving. They all happen at a pace I was comfortable with. Nothing was rushed or forced. Overall, I enjoyed this story.

[Siany · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars....and I feel I'm being generous.
I looked at the reviews on here and it seems pretty much nearly all who rated this loved it....maybe I missed something?!? lol

The two main characters are twins aged roughly 20 years old. Kinley and Addison.
Addison is the beautiful skinny one. Kinley is the pretty larger sized one. (although admittedly i couldn't conjure the image of her age because I'm in the UK and size 14 isn't huge here and so I was unsure what American size 14 looks like.
Anyway Kinley lives in her sister's shadow, etc etc blah blah blah.

Really that is what this book came down to.
It was boring.
Addison was plain just awful to her sister. In fact if she was my sister, I would probably have smacked her for some of the just disgusting things she said to Kinley.
Kinley in the end just seemed a bit flaky to me.
It was obvious to most readers I'm sure that Cal was a prat.
I didn't even in particular like Miller either.
I definitely didn't care if Kinley ended up with him at the end.

Considering they were all between the ages of 20-23, they seemed ridiculous young and immature and it felt like they were teenagers when I was reading this.
Definitely not for me this one.

Read and reviewed courtesy of Netgalley

[Pari · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars!

I really enjoyed it. It started out really slow for me, full of descriptions and not enough of a story line to begin with but then it escalated quickly and I finished it in a matter of hours!

I loved the story. I loved it because I have an older sister, and although she doesn't nag me that much, I sometimes do whatever she asks me to, not questioning her and not thinking about it twice because she is my idol, in every way possible, so there. I could easily relate to what Kinley felt because I am also (sometimes) shy about my physical appearance, and nobody can do anything about it, including myself.

And while I loved the relationship between Miller and Kinley, I felt that it was a little bland, like, the had no choice but to fall in love. I did not like Miller much, despite what he went through and despite his mysteriousness. He did not have that "aura" of an artist.

But I did warm up to Cal. He, in the end, became a good friend of Kinley's and thought he was a good friend. I loved Margaret. We need someone like her in every book so that we can learn new words!

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 3.75

This is a really good book. I really like Kinley. She had a great character arc. She did not start out as a shy character, and then she became a more independent and bold character as the story continues. I liked how AnnaLisa Grant wrote Kinley. Kinley is so relatable to so many people. It is a great character arc that she goes through.

It is a great book about finding yourself and becoming who you are. Kinley finds out who she is while having a relationship with her sister, friends, and boys. She learns to truly be herself and to trust people into her life. I loved Miller. I think he is the reason for the change in Kinley. He is inspiring and kind. He is also smart and honest. Also, he is an artist, so it made me love him more. Overall, an inspiring read.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received a copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. **

Yet again, AnnaLisa Grant has given us a fantastic, beautifully written YA novel that has left me wanting more! Am I surprised? NO! It's just what she does!

I loved following Kinley's journey of self-discovery during Summer Camp at Lake Hollis! She is a wonderful character who I think most young girls could relate to in one way or another, and reading her character grow and transform was really great!

This great YA read has it all. The strong, lovely female lead, the b*tch we all love to hate, a little bit of mystery, some eye candy and a sweet, beautiful love story that people of all ages can really enjoy!

[Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off a little slow and I wasn't sure I would stick with it. Then the pace picked up and I came to love the main characters Kinley and Miller and couldn't wait to read what would happen to them next. I had to force myself to stop reading and go to bed.

The book deals with several sensitive and mature topics. It does so in a way that is real and that I could see happening in my life.

The only issue I have with the book is that it really needs more editing. Several words that were left out or a "he" when it should have been "she". But I will definitely read this author again and would love to know what happens to these characters in the future.

[LunalandBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a beautiful book. For once i felt like i was reading characters that actually acted their ages. The heroine is an absolutely stunning character and so relatable. You completely feel for her throughout the book and understood all of her actions which made As I am even more enjoyable. I loved AnnaLisa Grants writing style and even though the story was emotional it was never annoying which can happen when writing late teens/ early twenties characters. I can't wait to read more by AnnaLisa Grant's books.

[L. Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous young adult book. Annalisa Grant has done it again! I just love all her books. You will love reading about Kinley's life and seeing what happens to her! Go and get your copy today!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 Stars

I was given an Ebook copy of this book via NetGalley for exchanging for an honest review.

Discovering yourself is truly important! Love the romance and relationship in this book! :D

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars.

[Alicia Notto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! got me over my book hang over after The Lake Trilogy.

[Glenda Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

It has you on the edge of your seat. It has so many relationships, sibblings, friends, boy/girl. It shows both the good and bad. Great read for any age; but I think all 6th-8th grader should read. Inspires them to hopefully be themselves not who others think they should be!

[vicki beeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow

It took almost 10 chapters to set seen. Slow start reading ! Felt like putting it down several times then came chapter 24 and could not put down wanted note at ending. Sequal maybe?

[Lisa F · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is such a sweet story of young woman finally realising that she is worthy and also to be happy in her own skin, that there is nothing wrong with being bigger than a size 4!!

kinley is a twin although her and her sister addy couldn't be more different.
the sweetness of the story is kinley falling in love for the first time, realising she has friends who love her for who she is, the type of person she is but also that she's a beautiful person.
every sweet story has its dark points and for this book its the story of Miller's sister Kara and what she got caught up In.

the relationship of the twins is a heart of the story. we have addy who is a size 4, blonde and beautiful then there's kinley who is a size 12 and pretty yet she doesn't believe she is.
the reason kinley feels like this is mostly cause by her step mother and addy. they are always criticizing her about her weight and what she eats, always trying to make her wear different clothes.
I won't spoil the book by telling all but what we finally get is kinley standing her ground, sticking up for herself and finally accepting who she is.

there are some really heart breaking moments in this book where things happen and the main characters don't do what they should or we expect them to do instead they let it slide, push it under the rug.
kinley for me was a beautiful character, I loved her how passionate she is about her photography, how caring and friendly she is also how accepting of others she is, yet there are times I wanted to really slap her to wake her up and I can't tell you how relieved I was when she finally did.
the last part of the book which takes place three months from camp were my favourite. it was so lovely seeing kinley and how well she is doing for herself.

Miller such a sweet troubled young man. my heart broke for him quite a few times. the Times he had such high hopes for kinley and you would feel him willing her to open her eyes and see what's going on around just had me loving him more.
the story of his sister once he told kinley i guessed it was going to something along the lines of what is was ( no spoilers there).
again I loved the ending and I was praying he would come for her :)

addy dear God this girl is lucky she had gone for so long without having been knocked out. it's safe to say I did not like her and her attitude towards everything. I loved it when the few who did stand up to her did. it was great seeing her getting a verbal bashing.
I have to have after hating her 97% of the book the last 3% she redeemed herself which I didn't think capable. I just hoped she kept it up :).

I didn't like cal from the beginning but I do believe he was sincere when he apologized and he deep down he's not a bad guy so 80% not liking 20% forgiven and liked.

brilliant story, young love, accepting yourself, friendships formed, this was one summer that affected so many and changed lives.

[Sherin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I am is my first book by AnnaLisa Grant, needless to say, this wouldn't be my last.

A heartwarming tale from AnnaLisa, it deals with few sensitive topics that not many fully understand. This is the story of Kinley who is always in the shadow of her "beautiful" and fit twin sister Addison.

I don't have anything against fit or slim individuals, but being stick thin is a different matter altogether ... isn't healthy in my opinion and not many understand this. Even healthy individuals are insulted for not being "thin" and that is a major problem across the world. It is good to be normal and healthy - a fact girls should be made aware of. I think this book deals with the issue well.

I loved how Miller and Kinley connect with each other and understand each other ... Miller helps Kinley look at things differently and also helps her in her journey of finding herself. It was good to see their relationship progress. I was rooting for them throughout!

Addy - It is good she redeemed herself fairly at the end but it doesn't excuse a lot of things she did to Kinley. Sibling bullying is ignored and even overlooked for most part. But how much it damages those on the receiving end is startling ... I loved how Kinley stood up to Addy finally.

I did not like that Kinley did not do something to take those boys who misbehaved with Margaret to task ... But I guess Margaret did it voluntarily to have others look at her as "not weird" and also because she requested Kinley not to tell anyone. But she should have been clearly told that she had nothing to be ashamed about their misbehaving and reassured better - just my opinion. The problem with this is - most girls think they were wrong :( and blame themselves. I would have liked more reassurances for Margaret even if it was notified to authorities.

Over all, a good YA read I enjoyed. I was kindly provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review through Net Galley by Red Coat PR.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I Am by AnnaLisa Grant. Is a novel about twins (fraternal twins) Addison and Kinley. Addison is a size 4 and Kinley is a 12. Addison believes what is best for Kinley is to loose weight so they are believably twins. This novel is about how Kinley becomes her own person instead of her sisters side kick, and how Cal and Miller, two completely opposite guys help her and/or hurt her through her growth. Will she find her own way or will she succumb to the pressure to be who she always has been.

This story was a great, and I cannot emphasize enough, great example for anyone going through life, change or heartbreak. It really lifted up characters, showed their growth, empowered each one for who they were, not who the world wanted them to be. Although Kinley is the main character she is not the only one who goes through a change, or a change for the positive.

Kinley, the main character, is not a small toothpick of a girl and thats ok. She gets to where she is comfortable as she is. She has an amazing outlook on life and a great heart. When she accepts herself people begin to flock to her, more so than before. Her confidence and boundaries she has become her strengths.

This story also has a message about abuse and how it is not to be condoned.

The entire novel, while full of conflict, heartache and other emotions, is one life lesson after another delivered in a beautiful way.

AnnaLisa Grant is one author that doesn't disappoint!

I received a free copy of this novel for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!

[Sage Thoughts]

Content Review

http://sagethoughtsonbooks.blogspot.c...

[Clarissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I Am is one of those books that delve deeply into the theme it holds. It presents to its readers the nuances of the characters and their twists and turns. Kin's refocusing and change in paradigm is one of the most uplifting examples to a young teen. In this world and age where beauty is held high, it is also necessary to remember that self-love and confidence is essential as well. But Addy's transformation will not lose to her twin's. You might hate her, but that's how nuanced her character is. She makes you hate her because it is true. We see it reflected in our society today. What delighted me, however, was her character change . It touched me deeply and I am amazed at the way she showed her apology.

I feel oddly left out in the ending. It was as if the problem just dissipated into thin air. It would have been better if it had more of a resolution, especially with The League journal. Personally, I have a pet peeve for books covers that do the book no justice. It saddens me how this book is one of those. The font looks hastily chosen and it lessens the credibility and potential that the story holds. The background where Miller and Kin, I suppose, stands looks like a mesh of sunset colors--but I am not too certain. But despite this, I do hope that readers would give As I Am a try because it takes you to different rungs of sisterhood, self-acceptance and regret.

[Ane Mylund Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was provided to me via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This is a sweet story about finding yourself and letting go of your problems and the people who are not good for you, realising your friends love you for who you are, the type of person you are but also that you are a beautiful person.

I just love kinley, but sometimes I just want to slap her, and say to her, that she should not listen to the crap her sister and stepmother say about her, but she should listen to all beautiful things her friends say about her, because they are right. In the end we finally see kinley standing her ground, sticking up for herself and finally accepting who she is.

Miller such a sweet swwt young man with a troubled past. My heart broke for him alot. I love him and Kinley together and I know he like her for who she is. His sister, just no, it hurt.

Addy, in about 99 % of the book I will have love to knocked her out, just say I did not like her and her attitude.
I have to have after not being a big fan of her 99% of the book the last 1% she changed herself to the better which was a nice surprise.

I didn't like cal from the beginning not at all, but I do believe he was sincere when he apologized.

The ending was just as it should be.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an electronic copy by Red Coat PR and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Twins Addy and Kinley Carmichael are as different as siblings can possibly be: Addy is slim, blonde, and a fashion design college student, while Kinley has dark hair, with weight issues, and is majoring in photography. While working as camp counselors for the second summer in a row, Kinley begins to learn more about herself and those around her. The journey to self discovery is not an easy one, but Kinley's good heart and bright spirit win out.

This is a typical coming of age story, as main character Kinley finally finds her voice. I would give As I Am 3 1/2 stars, if the current rating system would allow. The plot, although somewhat predictable, moves along at a good pace. I had issue with a couple of plot points, especially regarding "the book." I find it hard to believe that none of the girls ever went to the camp authorities and that those in charge were so oblivious. Regardless, Kinley is a great main character and not the stereotypical pretty teenager who gets whatever she wants. She is a good role model for teenage readers who are struggling with self esteem issues of any kind and this book would be a good way for parents to open a dialogue with their teens.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

{sigh}. I want to like this book, I really do. Kinley Carmichael’s headed to summer camp as the official photographer. Things look pretty positive. She has a great group of friends there and the BMoC seems into her, but things begin to fall apart pretty quickly as Kinley –with her friends support and New Guy Miller’s encouragement- begins to assert herself. Throughout the entirety of the book I had to keep reminding myself that these characters where supposed to be 21-22, not 15-16. Which made the casual sex and binge drinking all the more alarming. And while I’m all for self-discovery and being who God made you to be, I was more than a little disturbed by the author’s message of ‘please yourself above all others’. Funny how when Addison took that attitude she was evil, but when Kinley took it, it was self-affirming. As I Am is a quick read with lots of potential, but I will not be recommending it to my daughter and/or nieces.

[Ter Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this Book from Netgalley Via Red Coat PR For an honest Review*

Annalisa Grant sets this world up we are all too familiar with. Being uncomfortable within our skins.
Young Love, First love, sister love, and self-love. Where do we draw a line, where do we jump?

I can't personally say I totally relate to this story. For one reason, I never been to a summer camp. With the "Chatter" that Kinley has been dealing with, I can relate to. I was lucky enough to find a person who has helped silence that "chatter".

I Love how Annalisa Grant portrayed that a sisterly bond, how it can be tested, and a realistic outcome to the "test".

I was very pleased with the flow of this book, and the writing. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys young adult, contemporary romance and coming of age stories.

[Kelly Akemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this story a bit more than I actually enjoyed this book. I found it to be dragging in spots and frustrating at times. I felt strongly that she should have been able to see through Cal's transparency and Addy's controlling nature, like others did. It made me want to shake people that did not help her to see her for who she truly was - an adorable sweet girl that was beautiful inside and out. Miller had baggage - more baggage than one should have at that age. But all in all, he had the best of intentions and his feelings for her were true. I gave this a 3 star rating. Excellent concept, but an okay read.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I'm glad I have.

This book is amazing. I can't find the right words just to describe it. As I Am is one of the greatest books i've read on amazon and it shows the truth about life. Life isn't perfect and nobody is perfect either but when you find someone who's perfect for you, hold on tight. This book tugged at my heart and is telling me that I also need to see my self worth based on my heart and soul instead of by my outer appearance. I just want to say thanks to anyone involved in writing and publishing this inspiring book. At the end of this book, I actually had tears running down my face at how awesome this book truly is. Thank you.

[Chrsitina Somerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via NetGallery in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a super cute read.

The book deals with some issues that are issues happening in everyday life. It was different issues that I haven't read in a book before and it was nice and refreshing.

I really loved both Kinley and Miller. Kinley really grew into herself in the book and it was good to see her fight back and not take any more crap from Addison. Miller was super sweet, he wasn't what I thought he would be, he was so much better. They grew into a super cute couple that had a strong connection between them.

This was a good book for both people who enjoy YA and NA books.

[Mehtap · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I was given a ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Love this book. I love the concept of it, loved the struggles.
I have to say I loved Millers right away, what can I say he was just my type (as the author described him)
Cal for me seem just fake since the beginning her camp friends always said he was a fake and a punk but she didn't want to listen.
Even Do I love the sisterly love I didn't like at all how Abby threated her sister. I don't care what happened, why you are the way you are but you don't threat you siblings bad specially your twin.
I would totally read more from this author.