Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between

by Jennifer E. Smith

On the night before they leave for college, Clare and Aidan only have one thing left to do: figure out whether they should stay together or break up. Over the course of twelve hours, they'll retrace the steps of their relationship, trying to find something in their past that might help them decide what their future should be. The night will lead them to friends and family, familiar landmarks and unexpected places, hard truths and surprising revelations. But as the clock winds down and morning approaches, so does their inevitable goodbye. The question is, will it be goodbye for now or goodbye forever?

This new must-read novel from Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, explores the difficult choices that must be made when life and love lead in different directions.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Young Adult Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Chick Lit

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Jennifer E. Smith is the author of nine books for young adults, including The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between, both of which were recently adapted for film. She earned her master's degree in creative writing from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and her writing has been translated into 33 languages. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Aj the Ravenous Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love is a giant leap of faith. That’s just a fact of life so when you’re too young, you may not easily understand that or be ready to take that leap just yet. This is why I keep telling young people I know, timing is one of the key elements in a relationship that will 90 percent work and with timing, yes I also definitely mean the right age!

SO WHEN YOU’RE 16, BE 16! PLAY JACKSTONES OR HOPSCOTCH, RUN AROUND WITH YOUR FRIENDS, CLIMB TREES (I’M A LATE BLOOMER, SORRY) AND READ A LOT OF BOOKS BECAUSE OTHERWISE, YOU MAY END UP WITH A FRUSTRATING STORY LIKE THAT OF THE CHARACTERS IN THIS NOVEL WHO SUFFERED PREMATURE HEARTACHES AND WASTED TIME OVER 12 HOURS WORTH OF PAINFUL AND DRAMATIC GOODBYES! ARGH!

But it happens. People do find love at a tender age and commitment becomes a challenge when they have to go their separate ways perhaps geographically, emotionally or professionally. This is the core of the story, when two young people in love have to say goodbye. It was frustrating a lot, but also inspiring and hopeful some. There were several sweet and funny moments that were written charmingly so despite the disappointments, I still enjoyed the short novel especially with that promising ending. Perhaps you’ll enjoy it even more.

P.S. My amazing friend, Kelly didn’t really recommend the book to me but I have a copy of this book and she really likes this author and I saw her wonderful review which you could totally check out by clicking her name and it’s her birthday and those are a lot of "ands" so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AWESOME KELLY! I’m sure this made you smile! Make this day super special. I know you will!^^

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

This is a "happened in one night" story about a pair of high school sweethearts trying to decide if they should stay together or break up on the night before they head to college on opposite coasts. They agree to spend that night talking and revisiting sites that were important in their two year relationship.

I've found some of Jennifer Smith's books to be like chick lit on a page -- cute and romantic -- but this book fell a little flat for me. The way Clare and Aidan went about analyzing their decision made it seem like they were deciding whether they should re-caulk the bathtub or weed the yard. I found Clare to be a hard character to relate to and I didn't feel much romantic chemistry between the two. (I was actually much more interested what was going on with their friends, Stella and Scotty.)

This was a quick read, a bit light on character development and heavy on dialogue (it reads a bit like a screenplay and the back of my ARC says it's been optioned for film).

If you've enjoyed this author's prior "one night" books (Happy Again and The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight) then definitely think about trying this one.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover is cute, but honestly, I feel like this was making a mountain out of a non-existent mole hill just for the sake of manufactured drama.

The characters are in love, have been together for over 2 years and the only obstacle they face is trying to decide whether or not to break up before leaving for separate colleges. Really? Why? Because successful, long distance relationships aren't a thing, especially with all the technology available today?

It didn't make sense and I found myself not caring one way or the other what happened.

[Noor The Shape-shifter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fluffy and simple. Perfect for a light read. :)

[Kels · Rating 3 out of 5]

"We keep thinking there are only these two choices: We either grow apart or grow together. But maybe we can just kind of each grow on our own, and see how it goes. And then later, if it's right, we'll come back to each other and start again."

So Jennifer E. Smith is my go-to YA romance writer when I'm in the mood for light and adorably cute, make-my cheeks-hurt-from-cheesing-too-hard, love stories. And Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between did not disappoint... but it wasn't quite what I was expecting either. In the beginning, I found myself more frustrated with characters because of their sensible and mature choice to end their relationship before going there separate ways, on opposite coasts, to college. Okay, I like smart characters, so I can't really fault their logic, BUT I mean, I was preparing myself for some hard core smiling and already the beginning started off in a damper mood. And I just wanted to shake Clare and shout, "The man loves you, for Pete's sake! Give the boy a chance, why don't you!" Ugh. Talk about self-fulfilling prophesy. And Clare further annoyed me later on in the book when it seemed like she just was getting exactly what she was begging for, but then became upset. Indecisiveness, is so not an alluring trait, people. But oh my Aidan. *swoons* He definitely more than made up for my frustrations with Clare, and he managed to add balance to the relationship, and I can see how the two fit so perfectly together.

And the ending!!! *can't stop smiling* How does J. Smith end a novel so perfectly!? I always love her last-liners, and I'm in a state of bliss because of it. They're just... so BEAUTIFUL!! Ahh!! Bottom line, Jennifer Smith has an effortless beauty in her prose, and she masterfully creates characters that you can't help but fall in love with and root for their happily ever afters. If you're in a contemporary, romance mood, you just really can't go wrong with any of her novels, and Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between is sure to please many readers aching for a beautifully written, charmingly sweet love story.

[Jenna D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, but as I read I knew I would not. This is book is nothing but an endless series of goodbyes, with a most disappointing and inconclusive ending that puts the reader no further along the path than they were at the beginning. If that ending was meant to instill hope in us, well, for this reader it fell far short of succeeding. Literally everything is open-ended, and so unsatisfying. The drama was forced, the character "progressions" were lacking, the dialogue was stilted, the chemistry was... where? I mean, sure, I wanted them to work it out. (I married my high school sweetheart, we were apart after high school for a very long time before he joined me across the country and proposed - so I KNOW long distance relationships can and DO work.) But I felt that the only reason I wanted them to work it out was because the entire story is leading toward that hope, that possibility. I was FORCED to want them to work it out. I guess that is also why I could not get behind Clare and her neurotic behavior and decision making, especially when it came to their relationship. It all felt so very forced and overly dramatic.

What a complete and utter disappointment.

[Shannon A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5 stars
-------
Wow. I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy this book because the premise is a little bleak, but it ended up being such a nostalgic and fun ride.
A young couple, on the night before they both head out to college on opposite coasts, a night full of unforeseen challenges and adventures, and a big choice to make: stay together or break up?
This one hit close to home for me and yet again, Jennifer E. Smith surprises me with a fun yet poignant story that melted my heart.
A fantastic ending that keeps you guessing til the end.
There were a few minor moments when I thought the story dragged, but nothing to take away from my overall enjoyment!
This book comes out Sept. 1, 2015 and you all should read it! :)

*This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[C. Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can’t give this less then 5 stars. I love Jennifer E. Smith's stories and I will read every book she will write. They just seem so real and they speak to me, they make you happy and they make you hope and dream.

“Maybe it’s okay to be a little lost”

I like this story and for me the characters really thought about their decision in a mature way with solid and valid arguments. I liked how they approach the subject even if it was hard and heart wrenching. I was a sad story but also full of hope.

I do thing they made the right decision. A long distance relation it’s really hard to maintain especially when you are starting a new chapter in your life – new school, new city, new people, new experience and you should be able and want to enjoy all of them without restrictions and worries.

We don’t know where life will lead us. And this book really take a mature and down to earth approach to love between teenagers and moving to college and long distance relationship. I like the ending and how I said Jennifer E. Smith books are full of hope and love. And this book gave me a lot of feeling from sadness to happiness and hope.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd seen so many good things Jennifer E. Smith and her goods but this was first book of hers that I have read. I wasn't sure what to expect and I didn't want to have high hopes so I went in with an open mind and hoped for the best. I was fairly surprised by this book.

The overall tone of this book reminded me of Sarah Dessen's books. I liked the two Dessen books that I've read so that wasn't a big deal to me but if you're not into Sarah Dessen's books, I don't think Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between would be a good fit for you.

I liked the writing style of this book but I did think the plot was a little pointless. After I finished it, I kind of sat there like, What just happened? Because nothing really did happen.

I liked the characters but I didn't truly become emotionally invested in them. They acted like love sick teenagers though out most of the book and that was a little annoying to me. But I did think they were well written and could be really relatable for some people.

Overall, I did really enjoy this book for a quick, fun contemporary. I feel like if I was more in the mood for this kind of book, I would have loved it a lot. And even though the plot was a bit pointless to me and the characters weren't really my cup of tea, would recommend this book to anyone who loves YA romance.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why I thought this one would be different, but like all her previous books, Hello, Goodbye wasn't for me. I *love* the covers, but I just CAN'T get into the story.

[Susane Colasanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much do I love Jennifer E. Smith? So. Freaking. MUCH.

[Ella Zegarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antes de leer el libro:



Y tiene noticias de película! --> LÉELO

RESEÑA Original de: El Extraño Gato del Cuento

En toda mi vida, nunca pero nunca, eso que he tenido momentos bastante bajos, pero nunca me había sentido tan miserable como me sentí luego de terminar Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between. A ver, este libro lo conocí a finales de 2014 cuando Tristar decidió que era buena idea comprar los derechos del libro y generar un poco de bulla. Leímos la sinopsis y entendimos porqué es que estaban interesados. Leí el libro y sé que voy a morir si la película llega hacerse y la hacen bien. Y si lo hacen mal, ellos son los muertos.

Los que hemos leído con anterioridad a Jennifer E. Smith ya sabemos que nos encontraremos: una historia sencilla, personajes normales y mucho, mucho romance. A mí me gusta eso, personajes normales, personajes que sientes podrías encontrarte en la calle o quizá ya conoces. O quizá tú eres el personaje del que está hablando la escritora.

When their eyes meet, he smiles almost without meaning to, which is the kind of smile she loves best: It’s like a sneeze, a reflex, a twitch, helpless and automatic, and it only happens when he looks at her.

No soy cursi por naturaleza, soy romántica a lo Fitzgerald, creo que todo terminará mal y lo espero con ansías. Pero a la vez quiero que alguien me demuestre lo contrario. Y también sé que nadie podrá. Así que leer Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between fue para mí un tremendo huracán emocional, puedes ver como esta pareja se enamoró, es fácil entender porqué la idea de separarse y al ser personajes que tienen personalidades comunes me fue un poco chocante el entender las dos partes del posible rompimiento.

Si ya de por sí el libro es cruel emocionalmente, el epílogo es simplemente la cosa más dura de leer. Siempre se dice que los sentimientos no puedes sentirlos físicamente, pero hay veces que prueban lo contrario.



Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between te habla sobre la realidad, las cosas que cambian para bien para mal y sobre todo, que cada nueva persona que conocemos, puede ser el prólogo para una gran historia que podría cambiar tu vida.

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[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clare and Aidan have always had their ups and downs with their relationship but the two have remained together. Now though on the night before they are to leave for college they know that they are going to be separated for the next few years, the question before them though is this going to be goodbye for now or for forever?

Over the next twelve hours before the pair are expected to pack up and go Clare and Aidan have a night planned to retrace their relationship. They will visit special places, familiar landmarks, friends and family. This night will decide for them whether they should try to hold on to their relationship or move on.

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between is part romance but underlying the relationship in the book is the basics of young adults coming of age. The story really would relate to anyone at any age that is putting something behind them and moving on wards to something new in their lives just as this couple is heading off to college.

There were ups and downs and emotions all throughout the book. Also this was sort of like visiting the entire relationship this couple had in a fast forward type of situation since you know where they are now but you learn about what they had been through together during the book, a nice twist to a romance read.

Overall, enjoyed this sort of coming of age young adult romance.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Beatrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I proceed with my review, many thanks to the lovely CW of The Quiet Pond for recommending this book to me years ago! (click her name to read her beautiful review) ✨

"Sometimes the hardest things are the ones most worth doing."

Once high school ends, college is a new chapter in our lives. New interests, new friends, new struggles, new experiences and new memories. I'd been through that adjustment period and it's a different kind of fun. High school sweethearts Aidan Gallagher and Clare Rafferty have twelve hours left before they leave for college and decide whether they should stay together or break up. It's a short adventure involving their friends and family, revisiting places that are memorable for them with a little trouble along the way.

I like the story. From the beginning, I knew the fate of their relationship before they go to college. My heart broke a bit for them but I find it realistic. It's a good decision so they can focus on their studies for a brighter future. It's a sacrifice they must do and I'm sure it'll have a better outcome. It definitely ends with a new beginning. I just wish it's a bit longer. Aidan and Clare have a strong foundation in their relationship and without a doubt they'll make it through.

[Brittany (Brittany's Book Rambles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read contemporary romance novels but when I do, I want them to be exactly how Jennifer E. Smith wrote this one. I had a few of her other books on my TBR prior to reading this one, but after reading Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between I added ALL of her books to it—this book was that good. The reason I prefer more outlandish genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, or dystopian is because reading is an escape from everyday life drama, but the way Smith writes, I'd be willing to read contemporary more often. Smith knows how to take a simple love story and write it in such a beautiful way that your heart leaps out of your chest and leaves you in tears (in a good way).

Even though this book has all the makings of a typical romantic contemporary that's often made into romcom movies, I didn't find it cliche at all—Clare and Aidan's relationship is just so genuine. Their love for one another seems unimaginable in its sweetness but Smith combats that with a bunch of authentic pitfalls. Moreover, Clare and Aidan's problem is something we can all relate to. At one point in our lives we've had to say goodbye to something or someone that was a staple in our lives, and Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between captures this spectacularly. While reading, I got waves of nostalgia. This book is more than just a fluffy read, it's dazzling and side-splitting. I highly recommend it for those of you who need a book that brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Read my full review HERE.

[Hazel (Stay Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 - 4

I just adore one night stories and Jen E. Smith did a great job with this one, allowing the reader a good glimpse of the entire relationship of the main couple through hits of nostalgia and expressing the emotions that came alongside the decision of whether or not to breakup as they have their last night together and also the scary new beginnings ahead of them. Full review tk.

[Ann Mat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the hardest thing are the ones most worth doing.



A reader can really distinguish Jennifer Smith's writing style from the others that I cried so much on the prologue. I can see her love for travelling and non literal hello & goodbyes.

I like that this book isn't a cheesy teen relationship with hugs and kisses all around. It shows how hard the shifting of high school to college and determining what really matters.

I was surprised that Clare and Aidan lasted for two years with their opposite personalities. I liked and sometimes annoyed at the level-headedness of Clare. It was like every situation is bounded by reasons while Aidan is a go-with-the-flow kind. At the end, I think they were perfect.

[MiMi · Rating 1 out of 5]

WARNING MAJOR RANT AHEAD (totally unplanned by the way it just kind of happened)

To prepare myself for writing this review, I went back and reread the reviews I wrote for Jennifer E Smith's other novels. I wanted to get a basis for how to rank this book since it had been a while since I had read the others. And yet I came across something very strange. For some strange reason I remember that The Geography of You and Me was my favorite book by her. Even thinking about the plot I'm like aww yes that was so good. But in my review I said it wasn't that good and definitely my least favorite of hers :(. Honestly I don't know why I would have written that but what I do know is that this is definitely my new least favorite.

I have to start off by ranting about how writing a book in a 24 hour time period usually doesn't work. (Yes it worked for Geography of You and Me... Maybe... My review begs to differ). If you write over 300 pages about 24 hours that is just way too much detail. And there weren't even flashbacks really or anything it was just the 24 hours the entire time. This made the book super lagging and kind of boring like Clare I don't need to know your every single thought because quite frankly I hate you. Which brings me to point two.

Clare has major issues. I think she might be bipolar; she needs to see a psychiatrist or something. The entire night she's like "Aidan we have to break up it isn't going to work" and then he's like fine and she's all butt hurt like "why doesn't he love me?" And I'm like Seriously!!!!! And then she goes to complain to her friends about it likE EVERY HALF HOUR AND THEN GETS OFFENDED WHEN THEY GET TIRED OF IT AND MAYBE WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE FACT THAT THEY ARE LEAVING FOR COLLEGE TOMORROW TOO BUT NOOOOOO HOW INSENSITIVE THEY NEVER THINK ABOUT CLARE. CLARE HAS TO MAKE A BIG DECISION ABOUT HER HIGH SCHOOL BOYFRIEND AND GOD FORBID THEY WANT TO SAY GOODBYE TO THEIR FRIEND OR TALK ABOUT COLLEGE. THEY ARE REALLY JUST JERKS. AIDAN IS JUST LIKE IT CAN LAST BABE AND SHES LIKE WE DATED IN HIGH SCHOOL I PROBABLY WONT EVEN REMEMBER YOU BUT LOVE ME DONT LOVE ANYONE ELSE BECAUSE IM ALREADY GETTING F-ING JELOUS THINKING OF THE POSSIBILITY OF YOU MEETING SOMEONE IN COLLEGE. WE ARENT TOGETHER OR ANYTHING BUT YOU CAN LOVE ONLY ME. FOREVER. *they make out* Ugh sorry about that but don't even get me started on how Clare is a hypocrite when it comes to Aidan's college choices. Because she is.

Problem numero tres: the ending. Okay there's is actually two problems with the ending but I'll start with the first one. WHAT KIND OF FRICKING ENDING IS THAT. THE WHOLE BOOK IS BASED UPON WHETHER OR NOT THEY WILL STAY TOGETHER OR BREAK UP AND THEY CHOOSE FRICKING NEITHER!!!! NEITHER!!!! THAT SHOULDNT BE AN OPTION. YOU CANT NEITHER A RELATIONSHIP YOU ARE EITHER TOGETHER OR YOURE NOT. THAT IS SUCH A COP OUT ENDING LIKE WHAT JENNIFER YOU COULDNT DECIDE OR SOMETHING?!?! Sorry for the spoilers :/. Next problem with the ending. Jennifer E Smith apparently doesn't know her literary terms. You can't/don't put a frEAKING PROLOGUE AT THE END. WHAT KIND OF BARBARIAN I MEAN PRO OBVIOUSLY MEANS BEFORE AND HAS SHE NEVER READ ANOTHER BOOK OR SOMETHING EPILOGUES COME AT THE END. E. P. I. L. O. G. U. E. S. DID HER EDITOR NOT CATCH THIS I MEAN WHAT. No it was not a prologue for another book I read it. It was an epilogue that sHE TITLED PROLOGUE WHY WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO BE A METAPHOR?? THE METAPHOR THEY TALKED ABOUT IN THE STORY ABOUT HOW THEIR LIFE WOULD HAVE A SECOND PROLOGUE??? BECAUSE CLARE OUTRIGHT SAID THAT IT DOESNT EXIST AND BECAUSE THATS FREAKINF DUMB OKAY ITS DUMB DONT TRANSLATE THE STORY INTO THE WRITING CONVENTIONS LIKE WHY. DIDNT SHE HAVE AN EPILOGUE IN ONE OF HER OTHER BOOKS I DONT KNOW ALL OF THOSE BOOKS WERE REALLY GOOD. YOU WONDER WHY IT TOOK ME LIKE A MONTH TO READ THIS BECAUSE THE BOOK WAS SUPER DUMB OKAY IT WAS ANNOYING. I was like five pages from the end two days ago and didn't feel like finishing it. That's not a sign of a good book. Good books have you hooked until the end. Especially at the end.

WHY DOES SHE GET BACK TOGETHER WITH AIDAN WHEN THEY ARE THOUSANDS OF MILES APART?!?!?!?!?!?!?!???! THE WHOLE REASON THEY BROKE UP IS THAT CLARE DIDNT THINK IT WOULD WORK THAT FAR APART AND SHE DIDNT BELIEVE AND AFTER FIVE MONTHS SHE WANTS TO GET BACK TOGETHER.?? SHE CHEATED ON HER COLLEGE BOYFRIEND WITH AIDAN LIKE WHYYYY YOU GUYS WILL NEVER LAST CLARE YOU ARE TOO UNSTABLE.

Overall I am extremely sorry for that rant (okay really sorry not sorry) but like I really liked Smith's other books but this one was just sooooo laughably bad. I had to force myself to pick it up and if you were wondering why halfway though I stopped reading this book, read The Haters by Jesse Andrews, then went back to this book, well it's because Jesse Andrews is freaking amazing and so was that book unlike this one. Honestly read that one instead or if you want one of Smith's books read any one of them but this one (I highly recommend The Geography of You and Me [At least I think I do... Still pretty confused about that])

Until the next horrible book I read, DONT STEAL A BOWLING BALL AND MAIL IT TO YOUR NON GIRLFRIEND COME ON FIRST OF ALL THATS ILLEGAL AND okay I'm done goodbye

[Elevetha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pre: Oh why not. Her other books were seriously cute fluff.

After : *DNFed AT 77 PAGES*

Seeing as how I had zero interest in whether or not Aiden and Clare stayed together or broke up, I gave up on this one pretty quick. I also didn't get why they didn't just stay together, and then break up if/when they actually decided to do so, rather than this angsty indecision of whether they should break-up since they're going to different colleges. I mean, sure, the likelihood of you staying together forever isn't high, but that doesn't mean that you give up on yourselves because you think a long-distance relationship would be too tough and it's totally inevitable that you're gonna break-up. BUT if that's how one of a couple feels, then it's probably not gonna work out between you two long-term, so JUST BREAK UP AND MOVE ON. I don't wanna hear about it. And also, Clare thinks that if they break-up now, then it will be an amicable break-up, as opposed to if they break-up later. But if one of you doesn't want to break-up, how can it be amicable??


But what do I know.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in one sitting because I was consumed by the structure of the story and the very slow unfolding of a relationship. Never have I read a book that focuses so completely on one conversation, ('Do we break up or stay together?) and I was fascinated by the decision making process of Claire and Aidan, although it did err on the slightly repetitive side.
The whole dove=love thing was cute, ngl. And that ending hit just the right note of sweetness that I craved throughout. A romantic comedy in a book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that I can always count on Jennifer E. Smith’s books for an adorable, romantic read that will give me ALL OF THE FEELS. Read the rest of my review here

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how adorable this book is? Seriously, Jennifer has wrote some amazing books in the past but she truly upped her game with Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between. This is easily my favorite book of hers to date, for many reasons that I will discuss in the review.

First off, Jennifer executes the whole idea of the story playing out over the course of only twelve hours perfectly. I was really impressed by this. It’s a shorter book, sure. But I still feel like it can be very difficult to play out the way that Jennifer was able to. There isn’t a lot of filler in the book, you are constantly reminded what the story is about and how the characters are handling it, you really don’t get hit with any major gaps that would leave you disconnected from what is going on.

Clare and Aidan have an amazing relationship. This is one of those relationships that feels so real and genuine, which as a reader, leads you to really feel for the characters as they traverse through their story and try to figure out what is going to happen. I love that the characters really seem to have a level head about everything, which makes the story much more believable. They can grasp the idea that the majority of high school relationships will never last past high school and that you can’t go off to college (especially on separate sides of the country and expect things to stay the way they were.)

The fact that the characters understand that, and really take the time to comprehend it all, and work things out is what helps to make this story feel so real. It’s not a clear-cut situation. Sure, they understand certain things need to be done to ensure they are both happy, but there are still very real feelings involved that takes time for them to evaluate and process, after having been together for so long.

I love how the synopsis of the book asks the question “Will it be goodbye for now, or goodbye forever?” because when you’re dealing with something like this, that is a very legitimate question and it’s something you will definitely see the characters face the dilemma of answering as they make the twelve hour journey they have together before they both head off to college and start what is essentially the rest of their lives.

This is a beautiful and heartfelt book, as is the case with all of Jennifer’s books. But as I mentioned at the start, this one is definitely my favorite of the bunch. It’s a touching story, and the fact that it is such a real and gripping story makes it such an emotional experience for the reader. I am sure that many of you will love this book, and I hope you take the time to read it whenever you get the opportunity to.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jedes Jahr nach den letzten Sommerferien der Highschoolzeit machen sich tausende Jugendliche auf zu ihrem zukünftigen Studienplatz, die quer verteilt in den USA oder auch auf der Welt liegen. Kaum etwas fühlt sich in diesem Alter erwachsener an: eigene Entscheidungen treffen, für die ganz individuelle Zukunft lernen, das erste Mal tun und lassen können ohne die Erlaubnis der Eltern zu benötigen, da diese meilenweit entfernt sind und natürlich gehört auch der Abschied von den Freunden dazu.

Aiden und Clare sind ein Paar, jedoch steht für sie nicht nur die Trennung von ihrer Heimat an, sondern auch die Entscheidung, ob ihre Partnerschaft auf Distanz weiter gepflegt werden soll oder ob eine Trennung die erwachsenere Variante wäre. Dies soll am letzten Abend entschieden werden. Jennifer E. Smith führt den Leser Stunde um Stunde dieser Nacht an viele Stationen, die mit Aidens und Clares Liebe fest verbunden sind.

Aiden und Clare sind als Person äußerst unterschiedlich. Clare gilt eher als Streberin, hat dementsprechend gute Noten, wird auf ihre Wunschuniversität gehen, wird von ihren liebevollen Eltern in allem Unterstütz und möchte am liebsten ihr ganzes Leben in einer Idealfassung bereits geplant haben. Aiden hingegen hat immer wieder Ärger mit seinen Eltern, was sich auch durch das Buch durchzieht, zählt eher zu den Sportlern und lässt das Leben auf sich zukommen.

Meiner Meinung nach dreht sich das ganze Buch vor allem um Clares Entwicklung. Anfangs fand ich sie mehr als nur unsympathisch. Sie zickt herum, lässt ihre „bockigste“ Seite heraushängen und ist wahnsinnig Ich-bezogen. Dies steht im Kontrast zu ihrem Planungswahn, der letztendlich zu den einzelnen Kapiteln im Buch führt: die Stationen ihrer gemeinsamen Zeit.
Das Rückerinnern an tolle Ereignisse ist eigentlich eine tolle Idee, jedoch lässt es Clare nicht auf sich zukommen, sondern drängt Aiden bezüglich ihrer Beziehung eine erwachsene Entscheidung zu treffen, nämlich die Trennung. Sie lässt sich nicht davon abbringen und ist die Eigensinnigkeit in Person. Dahingegen ist Aiden der Hoffnungsvolle mit sehr erwachsenen Ansichten.

Ich muss zugeben, dass ich das Buch bis etwa zur Hälfte eigentlich zur Seite legen wollte. Clare war einfach nur anstrengend und sowas von kindisch, aber im „pseudo erwachsenen“ Sinn dargestellt, dass mir das Lesen kaum mehr Spaß machte. Da ich mich zu diesem Buch jedoch mit anderen ausgetauscht hatte, wollte ich mich von der Diskussion nicht komplett lossagen.

Wie bereits erwähnt, durchläuft Clare eine komplette Entwicklung in nur einer Nacht. Es ist so, als würde sie sich vom bockigen 10jährigen Mädchen zu einer jungen Erwachsenen wandeln und das in nur wenigen Stunden. Das ist wohl auch das, worauf die Autorin hinaus wollte mit allen Hindernissen und Wegbegleitern, jedoch sind einige Sachen so überspitzt dargestellt, dass ich immer schon bereits auf die nächsten Klischees und hochgeschraubten Ereignisse wartete, jedoch mit eher weniger Lesespaß.

Die letzten Kapitel haben das Buch für mich von der Bewertung noch leicht nach oben gezogen, da die ganze Handlung realistischer und auch nachvollziehbarer wurde.
Im Ganzen muss ich sagen, ist die Thematik toll gewählt und hätte auch wahnsinnig gute Möglichkeiten für die Autorin geboten, jedoch ist die Umsetzung nur bedingt gelungen. Durch die erste Hälfte musste ich mich durchkämpfen, bis es endlich besser wurde, jedoch konnte mich das Ende nicht zufrieden stellen – das war mir dann zu desillusioniert und „zu erwachsen“.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

german and english review
First things first: I received this book through NetGalley.
actual raiting: 4.5 stars

Ich muss unbedingt anfangen mehr Bücher der Autorin zu lesen, denn was ich hier gelesen habe, hat mir unheimlich gut gefallen.

Inhalt: Ab morgen wird Clare an der Ostküste studieren und Aidan auf ein College in Kalifornien gehen. Clare ist skeptisch, ob ihre Beziehung trotz der Entfernung zwischen ihnen bestehen kann. Dennoch lässt sie sich darauf ein, gemeinsam mit Aidan all die Orte aufzusuchen, die für ihre Liebe eine Rolle gespielt haben. Können zwölf Stunden Clares Entschluss beeinflussen? Im Morgengrauen ist der Moment der Wahrheit gekommen: Ist es eine Trennung auf Zeit oder ein Abschied für immer?

Fangen wir mit den Charakteren an. Ich liebe Clare und Aiden, getrennt von einander und auch zusammen. Sie sind manchmal Beide unheimlich frustrierend aber wer ist das schließlich nicht. Ich mochte sie Beide jedenfalls von Anfang an und sie sind mir im Laufe der Geschichte immer mehr ans Herz gewachsen.
Ich mochte auch die Nebencharaktere richtig gerne. Wir hatten Riley, Aidens Schwester. Wir hatten außerdem Clares beste Freundin Stella und Aidens besten Freund Scotty. Ich mochte die Beiden wirklich richtig gerne, genau wie Clare und Aiden, waren sie manchmal ein bisschen frustrierend aber sie waren trotzallem wirklich klasse (so als Randnotiz, ich würde gerne ein Buch über die Beiden lesen.)

Was ich auch total mochte, waren die Familiendynamiken in dem Buch. Die super Beziehung zwischen Clare und ihren Eltern, im krassen Gegenteil zu Aiden und seinen Eltern (hier mochte ich die Entwicklung im Laufe des Buches aber wirklich sehr).

Alles im Allen, ja die Bewertung ist kurz, weil ich nichts verraten will, mochte ich den Schreibstil richtig gerne und mochte auch die Geschichte an sich, genauso wie jeden einzelnen Charakter in dem Buch. Ich werde es auf jeden fall nochmal lesen.

***

I really have to read more books from the author, cause I truly enjoyed what I have seen of her writing in this book.

Summary: On the night before they leave for college, Clare and Aidan only have one thing left to do: figure out whether they should stay together or break up. Over the course of twelve hours, they retrace the steps of their relationship, trying to find something in their past that might help them decide what their future should be. The night leads them to family and friends, familiar landmarks and unexpected places, hard truths and surprising revelations. But as the clock winds down and morning approaches, so does their inevitable goodbye. The question is, will it be goodbye for now or goodbye forever?

Lets start with the characters. I love Clare and Aiden, separate from each other and together. They are both really frustrating from time to time but who isn't. I really liked them both right from the start and they grew more and more on me throughout this whole story.
I also really liked the side characters. We had Riley, Aiden's sister. We also had Clare's best friend Stella and Aiden's best friend Scotty. I loved these two a lot, they were also frustrating a few times but they were just amazing (sidenote, I would totally read a book about these two.)

I also loved the family dynamics in this book. The great relationship Clare had with her parents, and then the complete opposite with Aiden and his parents (I loved how this developed throughout the book, though.)

Overall, yes, I'm already done with the review cause I don't want to give anything away, I truly loved the writing and just really enjoyed the story and loved every single one of the characters. I will totally read this again.

[Natalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was book has a nice premise and a lot of potential, but unfortunately I didn’t really like it. There wasn’t anything really wrong with this book, I guess it just wasn’t for me. I just found it so boring.
The story follows Clare and Aiden. They have been dating for a really long time, but now they are both going to collage really far from each other and they have to figure out to do. They plan to break up and the book follows their last day together.
I liked that in this book the characters were thinking about their relationship a bit more realistically. Obviously it’s hard to have a long distance relationship and they realize it.
However the characters really weren’t that good. The main female character Clare was really annoying and a bit self-centered. Aidan really wasn’t that much better.
Most of all the book was really boring. I had to push myself to read some parts. The book is short, around 200 pages, but it took me forever.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The thing about Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between is that it’s completely relatable, especially for readers who are about to head off to college. In my case, this book hit me right in the feels, even though I’m not in relationship at the moment. The pure idea of everyone heading off to college is just so real to me right now. However, I didn’t entirely click with Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between for a number of reasons.

1. CLARE

Clare was so difficult to like. Yes, she’s put in a very challenging situation. Should she stay with Aidan or should she go? But I just did not like her.

+ It seemed like she didn’t even like Aidan. JUST BREAK UP WITH HIM THEN.

+ She is selfish towards her “best friend” Stella. Clare complains to Stella that she’s distancing herself, but maybe it’s because you’re being inconsiderate, Clare!!

+ She is indecisive. Make up your mind already, girl!

2. AIDAN

Aidan was somewhat more likable. Mostly, I just really pitied him. He gives Clare so much more in the relationship (it felt awfully one-sided), and his family really sucks. There’s nothing worse than having a disappointed father. I think Aidan’s endearing nature kind of just got to me and made me really hate Clare more because of the love that wasn’t reciprocated back to Aidan.

3. THE CONCEPT OF “THE LIST”

The chapter headings are all a “stop” because Clare makes a list of places to revisit with Aidan for their 24 hours. I thought this idea was cute and awesome at the beginning of the story, but by the end, it all kind of just fizzled out. Upon finishing the story, I don’t really see a point to the list.

4. READ IT FOR THE RELATABILITY

Although the characters themselves are problematic and not easy to like, I would still pick up Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between if you’re heading off to college for the first time or are an adult who wants to reminisce back to the good ol’ days. Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between is incredibly relatable and Smith nails it with the feels about letting go, reconnecting with old friends, and growing into your own person. I have to say that I’m glad I read about Clare and Aidan’s story, knowing that I’m not alone in all of this.

Check out this review and more at Books and Other Happy Ever Afters

[Justine (bookwormaniac) · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I have enjoyed reading her other three books, this was the book that I felt bland and boring. Don’t get me wrong. Her other three books are completely different from this. She tried writing a love story in a different perspective, and I could just say that this didn’t turn out to be the book that I would think that I would love.

This book started with two lovers with long distance hindering their relationship, leading them to maybe break up or not. The characters were cute, but they were completely b-o-r-i-n-g. I wanted to enjoy another of her book, but I think she should’ve written a book that is way up her alley.

That being said, I will still read any of her books because this book did quite entertain me. But I hope it won’t fail because I want to love a book that is written by someone I met and I still adore.

“I would’ve waited all day. I probably would’ve waited forever.”

I was glad this was short because the introduction to this story was nonsensical and I just didn’t know where the story was going to… until the end. The end was the most enjoyable part in this book where the answer to the awaited question of breaking up or not will be revealed.

Contrary to the negative aspects of what I have said about this book, I love the adventure– the “scavenger hunt”– which made everything much more fun and exciting. Every place they have gone to holds a dear memory to them. Memories they want to treasure as they part ways.

Clare is a girl who only says the three-magic-words, I love you, to someone who will be with her forever and ever. She is an I-love-you virgin. For me, she’s a selfish idiot. I don’t know. Why can’t she just say those words if she doesn’t want him to leave her?

Aidan is so unrealistic. He’s not the kind of guy you can see somewhere. A man who will sacrifice his time and a man who is understanding. It’s too fictional for me though. Unless it’s me. Well maybe I’m that man. *clears throat*

All this, and the only thing it means is goodbye.

I guess I’m not that big of a fan of contemporary novels, unless they’re really great then I would recommend them to everyone. But this book is not just for me.

[Alise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a good portion of Jennifer E. Smith’s Young Adult novels and although HELLO, GOODBYE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN won’t be my all time favorite work by her, it is still a memorable story about change and finding our own way I think we all can relate to.

Like most of her books, this one ends with a strong conclusion (more on that later), but getting there was a little bit of a challenge. This story is extremely character-driven, and while I usually don’t have an issue with such novels, the pacing of this one could drag at times.

Since the story does take place over the course of twelve hours, there is a challenge to not only get to know the characters, but to learn to want to root for them and feel for their situation. I think Smith did a pretty good job with this, although, like I mentioned, it does lead to some pacing issues as most of the story is mostly back and forth dialogue.

The characters themselves are relatively ordinary but you could argue that is what makes the story hit closer to home-these characters could be you or me. I ended up liking them, but it took me about half of the book to truly care about them.

“Over the past twelve hours, they’ve spent all their words-generously, riotously, fully-like a couple of gamblers throwing down every last chip without a single thought for tomorrow.”

Only Jennifer E. Smith can write open endings that I am truly content with, they are always full of hope and promise, and most of all-heart. I’m pretty sure each of her last chapters take a little piece of my soul. She wraps her character’s stories up in a way that leaves you feeling fulfilled, but still leaving them open enough to imagine what the future might bring for those characters. HELLO, GOODBYE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN left me with a smile on my face.

Quotes are from an ARC and may be changed.

[Sam Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75 stars

Sometimes the hardest things are the ones most worth doing.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the relationship in it, and the way everything played out. It was a very bittersweet novel; I should read it the summer before I leave for college (along with Fangirl of course). The one thing I wished for is more about Stella and Scotty. Scotty was my ultimate favorite character in this book, and I really want a whole novel based on their relationship. I also loved the pacing and events of this book. Everything was planned out so well. The writing and plot felt nice and simple, and actually pretty realistic. This book was pretty much just a breath of fresh air.

It can't be epic if there's no challenge to it.

[Maria Angelica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast and lighthearted read. I almost read it all in only one sitting, since it is a little on the short side.
I really enjoyed the decision process this young couple goes through. It is pretty though to go away to college and having to decide whether or not to do the long distance thing. I would have probably come to the same conclusion the did in the end.
I still don't know if the prologue was absolutely necessary for me. Maybe I would have liked to keep that doubt in my mind after I finished it. I actually am a sucker for first love rekindled after years apart, but this might have been a little too soon.
But it still is a lovely read. Jennifer L. Smith has a super easy righting style that has you flying through the pages.