What do you think?
Rate this book
My High School Life #1
My Senior Year of Awesome
The senior superlative votes have been counted and Sadie is paired up with Andy—someone she's never dated or even thought about as a potential boyfriend. To prove superlative titles are meaningless, Sadie and her best friend Jana create their own list of awesome achievements to be completed by graduation. They could go down in high school history—or they could crash and burn in front of everyone they know.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
3 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer DiGiovanni
11 books316 followersJennifer DiGiovanni is the author of contemporary and light fantasy books for teens. In addition to reading and writing, she enjoys hiking and running outdoors, when the weather cooperates.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 31, 2016
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !
Beware spoilers ahead!
I can't exactly remember how I heard about this book. I'm pretty sure that I saw it pop up on GR. Once I read the synopsis I was sold! This sounded similar to Smart Girls Get What They Want so of course I wanted to read. When I started reading it I found out very quickly that this wasn't like Smart Girls Get What They Want but enjoyable nonetheless.
The book begins with Sadie walking down the hall to class. On the way she runs into Andy and is stuck talking to him. Sadie isn't the biggest fan of Andy. While she knows that he's nice she also finds him annoying and he is a major math nerd. Once they go their separate ways Sadie makes her way over to the Senior Superlative board.
Sadie sees her best friend Jana and they make their way over. A lot of people stare at the two of them and Sadie assumes that this is because Jana must have won the fashion award. Jana replies that she didn't win and instead Sadie won. Sadie makes her way over to the board. She is shocked and mortified to see that she won 'Most Likely to Get Married' to Andy. Sadie turns around and asks Andy if he had anything to get with the votes. He replies that he didn't. Once her classmates start to laugh she angrily yells that she isn't dating Andy nor does she like him.
For most the day Sadie is miserable and it doesn't help that her classmates have been talking about her and Andy. Jana distracts her by making these lists. Sadie's grandmother has this book called Fill It In which contains various lists. The latest one is an achievement list. Both the girls realize that they haven't really achieved anything in the 3 years they've been in high school. Deciding to find ways to fill out the list the two of them come up with some risky and silly things to do.
I was not expecting to like this book that much! The writing style was good and the author portrayed high school realistically. I liked how before some chapters they were these lists that Sadie filled out. It was cool and fun to read!
I loved the friendship between Jana and Sadie! Their friendship was amazing and I wish there was more friendship in books! And I was so happy that the family relationships were well done! There wasn't any issue in between all the families unlike most contemporaries. In fact Sadie is quite close to her mother.
Andy was so sweet! I liked how he wasn't super hot and that he was nerdy. In most books the love interest is always described as good looking. In this book it focuses on the beauty inside. Which was a nice change. The romance was very slow burn. Sadie spent most of the book being awful to Andy so that she could prove that she doesn't like him. But after spending some time with Andy she realizes that she does have feelings for him.
There was a bit of mystery in the book. Sadie is convinced that someone rigged the vote. At first she thinks it was Andy. But after awhile it becomes apparent it Andy had nothing to do with it. It is revealed who did it and it wasn't for the purpose to humiliate to two of them.
Some of the things that Sadie and Jana did for their list was stupid. At some point in the book Sadie royally screws up her relationship with Andy. She does make up with him though. At first I was mad at her but then I realized that everyone makes dumb mistakes. I liked how Jana and Sadie tried new things for their list. For example joining the track team and auditioning for a play. I don't think I would ever do that. I admired them for it. There was a lot of risk taking involved even if some the things they did were really dumb.
Overall this was a really good book! I recommend it to everyone because anyone can find something they liked in this book! I look forward to reading the sequel My Disastrous Summer Vacation!
Beware spoilers ahead!
I can't exactly remember how I heard about this book. I'm pretty sure that I saw it pop up on GR. Once I read the synopsis I was sold! This sounded similar to Smart Girls Get What They Want so of course I wanted to read. When I started reading it I found out very quickly that this wasn't like Smart Girls Get What They Want but enjoyable nonetheless.
The book begins with Sadie walking down the hall to class. On the way she runs into Andy and is stuck talking to him. Sadie isn't the biggest fan of Andy. While she knows that he's nice she also finds him annoying and he is a major math nerd. Once they go their separate ways Sadie makes her way over to the Senior Superlative board.
Sadie sees her best friend Jana and they make their way over. A lot of people stare at the two of them and Sadie assumes that this is because Jana must have won the fashion award. Jana replies that she didn't win and instead Sadie won. Sadie makes her way over to the board. She is shocked and mortified to see that she won 'Most Likely to Get Married' to Andy. Sadie turns around and asks Andy if he had anything to get with the votes. He replies that he didn't. Once her classmates start to laugh she angrily yells that she isn't dating Andy nor does she like him.
For most the day Sadie is miserable and it doesn't help that her classmates have been talking about her and Andy. Jana distracts her by making these lists. Sadie's grandmother has this book called Fill It In which contains various lists. The latest one is an achievement list. Both the girls realize that they haven't really achieved anything in the 3 years they've been in high school. Deciding to find ways to fill out the list the two of them come up with some risky and silly things to do.
I was not expecting to like this book that much! The writing style was good and the author portrayed high school realistically. I liked how before some chapters they were these lists that Sadie filled out. It was cool and fun to read!
I loved the friendship between Jana and Sadie! Their friendship was amazing and I wish there was more friendship in books! And I was so happy that the family relationships were well done! There wasn't any issue in between all the families unlike most contemporaries. In fact Sadie is quite close to her mother.
Andy was so sweet! I liked how he wasn't super hot and that he was nerdy. In most books the love interest is always described as good looking. In this book it focuses on the beauty inside. Which was a nice change. The romance was very slow burn. Sadie spent most of the book being awful to Andy so that she could prove that she doesn't like him. But after spending some time with Andy she realizes that she does have feelings for him.
There was a bit of mystery in the book. Sadie is convinced that someone rigged the vote. At first she thinks it was Andy. But after awhile it becomes apparent it Andy had nothing to do with it. It is revealed who did it and it wasn't for the purpose to humiliate to two of them.
Some of the things that Sadie and Jana did for their list was stupid. At some point in the book Sadie royally screws up her relationship with Andy. She does make up with him though. At first I was mad at her but then I realized that everyone makes dumb mistakes. I liked how Jana and Sadie tried new things for their list. For example joining the track team and auditioning for a play. I don't think I would ever do that. I admired them for it. There was a lot of risk taking involved even if some the things they did were really dumb.
Overall this was a really good book! I recommend it to everyone because anyone can find something they liked in this book! I look forward to reading the sequel My Disastrous Summer Vacation!
March 3, 2016
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"
REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 13 years, 2 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
I loved this book! It does have inappropriate subjects for younger readers.
My favorite character is Andy because he is a really sweet guy. He has an awesome family, is a pilot and "most likely to succeed," plus has been crushing on the same girl for 11.5 years.
My favorite part is when Sadie is dressed as a "horrifying" plant and her mom laughs at her every time the costume is mentioned. I think that this is a wonderful mother/daughter moment.
REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 13 years, 2 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
I loved this book! It does have inappropriate subjects for younger readers.
My favorite character is Andy because he is a really sweet guy. He has an awesome family, is a pilot and "most likely to succeed," plus has been crushing on the same girl for 11.5 years.
My favorite part is when Sadie is dressed as a "horrifying" plant and her mom laughs at her every time the costume is mentioned. I think that this is a wonderful mother/daughter moment.
April 29, 2016
Versión en español: My Senior Year of Awesome (o mi título alternativo Mi último año de lo impresionante)
To read all my reviews, please visit Between Books
** I received an ARC copy in exchange of an honest review **
My Senior Year of Awesome is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance with hilarious, and lovely moments. A book that can catch you from the begging to the end. It’s written by Jennifer DiGiovanni and it’s going to be released tomorrow! By the way, I’m thankful for had the chance to read it before it comes out. Also, as you can see, the synopsis/blurb is short but it can tell you a lot —not in a bad way.
Anyway, all this start with Sadie , the protagonist, trying to understand why she was voted as most likely to get marry with a boy she doesn’t even like, at all —or that’s what she thinks.
However, while she tries to avoid him and the entire superlative votes thing, Sadie and her best friend complete a book that —according to me— you can fill with the oddest things ever, or just with totally random facts about someone or something.
Senior year is —maybe— the most important year in high school, is when you have to make a decision that can change your future, is the last chance you have to interact with those you've never talk before, or it just can be the last chance to have a high school love.
These random lists take Sadie and Jana to do, make and try a lot of new things before their senior year ends. Along with this, Sadie has the chance to work with Dom, the guy she’s secretly been crushing on for years. But what happens when you realized the boy you’ve been dreaming with is not what you thought? Nothing bad but funny moments, or at least that happens to her. Also, I loved Andy ’s character, he’s smart, gorgeous, an a completely hot mess. During all my reading I was always wanting to read more of him.
Andy and Sadie’s love story, how they realized their love for the other, their hilarious moments, and the serious, too. All this and so much more, make this book one you must read —not should, must— it's full with a lot of moments that can make you smile without notice. And Jennifer's writing is a big plus to this combination.
Do you like when a good story makes you feel different sensations? You have to try this one. Do you like Young Adult romance? Let's try this. Do you like to read about a hot mess boy? Andy —yep, with just his name I tell you all. Anyway, this book is a really great way to make a debut novel, so my congratulations to Jennifer.
To read all my reviews, please visit Between Books
** I received an ARC copy in exchange of an honest review **
My Senior Year of Awesome is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance with hilarious, and lovely moments. A book that can catch you from the begging to the end. It’s written by Jennifer DiGiovanni and it’s going to be released tomorrow! By the way, I’m thankful for had the chance to read it before it comes out. Also, as you can see, the synopsis/blurb is short but it can tell you a lot —not in a bad way.
Anyway, all this start with Sadie , the protagonist, trying to understand why she was voted as most likely to get marry with a boy she doesn’t even like, at all —or that’s what she thinks.
I want to die. No, I want to puke. I want to puke and then die. Andy, the biggest nerd in all of seniordom? The boy who wore the same Darth Vader T-shirt every day of eighth grade? The guy who passed out at middle school graduation and was trampled on by the rest of our class?
However, while she tries to avoid him and the entire superlative votes thing, Sadie and her best friend complete a book that —according to me— you can fill with the oddest things ever, or just with totally random facts about someone or something.
“So, what did you come up with for your future son’s name?” she asks.
“Chase.”
Jana’s eyes grow wide. “Chase? That’s a verb, not a name.”
“It’s also a noun, meaning pursuit.”
“Okay, Chase it is.” Jana carefully scribes my top boy’s name in the book. “Does Andy agree with your choice?”
Senior year is —maybe— the most important year in high school, is when you have to make a decision that can change your future, is the last chance you have to interact with those you've never talk before, or it just can be the last chance to have a high school love.
These random lists take Sadie and Jana to do, make and try a lot of new things before their senior year ends. Along with this, Sadie has the chance to work with Dom, the guy she’s secretly been crushing on for years. But what happens when you realized the boy you’ve been dreaming with is not what you thought? Nothing bad but funny moments, or at least that happens to her. Also, I loved Andy ’s character, he’s smart, gorgeous, an a completely hot mess. During all my reading I was always wanting to read more of him.
Andy and Sadie’s love story, how they realized their love for the other, their hilarious moments, and the serious, too. All this and so much more, make this book one you must read —not should, must— it's full with a lot of moments that can make you smile without notice. And Jennifer's writing is a big plus to this combination.
Do you like when a good story makes you feel different sensations? You have to try this one. Do you like Young Adult romance? Let's try this. Do you like to read about a hot mess boy? Andy —yep, with just his name I tell you all. Anyway, this book is a really great way to make a debut novel, so my congratulations to Jennifer.
March 4, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**My Senior Year of Awesome is a standalone young adult contemporary romance by Jennifer DiGiovanni. My Senior Year of Awesome is a really cute read about senior year superlatives and how they brought a couple together. Sadie was voted most likely to marry, along with Adam. Only problem is that superlative is usually reserved for a lovey dovey couple at the school, and Sadie and Adam have never even gone on a date. In fact, most of the time they ignore or annoy each other. Right away, I knew it was going to be a cute story because I love the bickering turned to romance. (does that make me weird?)
Sadie grew on me as a character, but at the start of the story, I thought she was kind of a brat. I mean, Adam is nothing but the sweetest guy to her and she was pretty rude about the whole superlative thing. But it is clear that Sadie is a good person, and watching her hang out more with Adam was adorable. Mostly, because it was painfully obvious that he has a huge crush on Sadie. I wish the book was told from Adam's point of view as well, but it is told entirely from Sadie.
My favorite thing about My Senior Year of Awesome (apart from Adam) were the lists that Sadie and her best friend would complete. If you know me, you know I love a good to do list story, and in between almost all of the chapters were different lists created by Sadie. They were really really funny. Don't skip over them if you are reading the book, you will really enjoy them! I felt like some hidden one liner gems can be found in each of the lists.
Bottom line: If you like your romances on the cute side, My Senior Year of Awesome is a book that will have you smiling. Give Sadie a chance to redeem herself, and I think you will end up liking her. And you will love Adam. If you don't, then do not come and talk to me, because I am telling you now, I am a little angry with you for your opinion on that one. (just kidding, but Adam is AWESOME!) I can't wait to read more books by Jennifer DiGiovanni because she writes her romances just the way I like them- Sassy and cute with adorable characters.
P.S. Correction: This is not a standalone book. It looks like it is the first book in the School Dayz series. If I had to guess, I would say each book in the series will focus on a different couple, but that remains to be confirmed. This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Sadie grew on me as a character, but at the start of the story, I thought she was kind of a brat. I mean, Adam is nothing but the sweetest guy to her and she was pretty rude about the whole superlative thing. But it is clear that Sadie is a good person, and watching her hang out more with Adam was adorable. Mostly, because it was painfully obvious that he has a huge crush on Sadie. I wish the book was told from Adam's point of view as well, but it is told entirely from Sadie.
My favorite thing about My Senior Year of Awesome (apart from Adam) were the lists that Sadie and her best friend would complete. If you know me, you know I love a good to do list story, and in between almost all of the chapters were different lists created by Sadie. They were really really funny. Don't skip over them if you are reading the book, you will really enjoy them! I felt like some hidden one liner gems can be found in each of the lists.
Bottom line: If you like your romances on the cute side, My Senior Year of Awesome is a book that will have you smiling. Give Sadie a chance to redeem herself, and I think you will end up liking her. And you will love Adam. If you don't, then do not come and talk to me, because I am telling you now, I am a little angry with you for your opinion on that one. (just kidding, but Adam is AWESOME!) I can't wait to read more books by Jennifer DiGiovanni because she writes her romances just the way I like them- Sassy and cute with adorable characters.
P.S. Correction: This is not a standalone book. It looks like it is the first book in the School Dayz series. If I had to guess, I would say each book in the series will focus on a different couple, but that remains to be confirmed. This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
June 26, 2016
I read My Senior Year of Awesome by Jennifer DiGiovanni in less than six hours! I loved this book. It was a wonderful example of high school problems. I personally loved how this story unfolded, so many girls will relate to Sadie and Jana. Every one wants to make their senior year awesome and unforgettable and these girls did just that! They went from just flying under the radar to living it up, getting to know people, and putting their selves out there. I love the fact that Sadie finally got to see what the most popular boy was like after crushing on him for three years, and realize he wasn’t all she thought he was! This book was wonderfully writing and easy to picture in my head like I was living every moment with Sadie! I would like to read Andy’s side of the story from his perspective. I would love to hear his thoughts through this whole story instead of just seeing a moody guy!
March 3, 2016
Big thanks to Swoon Romance Publishing and Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours for an ARC copy of review.
Do you ever read a book that just makes you smile? Because this was that book for me and it left me with such happy feelings after finishing the last page. Filled with plenty of humor, wit, great friendships, and a unlikely cute romance, My Senior Year of Awesome is perfect for readers who enjoy young adult contemporary and, who will certainly find Sadie and Andy's story just as charming as I did.
The main character Sadie was a great narrator. She quirky, opinionated, and stubborn, but also loyal and has a good heart. Her friendship with Jenna was one of my favorite things. Then there is Andy Kosolowski, who is quite intelligent, cute, and nerdy at the same time, and just plain adorable in my eyes.
In the last month, since he agreed to be my date, I've discovered that I like everything about Andrew Kosolowski ~ Sadie
Trust me after reading this book you will want your own Andy Kosolowski! Now the relationship between Andy and Sadie was something that neither of them really anticipating, but ended up being the best possible thing. All thanks in part to being voted the Most Likely Couple To Get Married by her classmates in the Senior Superlative votes. This road to love definitely kept me giggling, but it was also so endearing, and the ending made everything that much more sweeter.
Do you ever read a book that just makes you smile? Because this was that book for me and it left me with such happy feelings after finishing the last page. Filled with plenty of humor, wit, great friendships, and a unlikely cute romance, My Senior Year of Awesome is perfect for readers who enjoy young adult contemporary and, who will certainly find Sadie and Andy's story just as charming as I did.
The main character Sadie was a great narrator. She quirky, opinionated, and stubborn, but also loyal and has a good heart. Her friendship with Jenna was one of my favorite things. Then there is Andy Kosolowski, who is quite intelligent, cute, and nerdy at the same time, and just plain adorable in my eyes.
In the last month, since he agreed to be my date, I've discovered that I like everything about Andrew Kosolowski ~ Sadie
Trust me after reading this book you will want your own Andy Kosolowski! Now the relationship between Andy and Sadie was something that neither of them really anticipating, but ended up being the best possible thing. All thanks in part to being voted the Most Likely Couple To Get Married by her classmates in the Senior Superlative votes. This road to love definitely kept me giggling, but it was also so endearing, and the ending made everything that much more sweeter.
March 18, 2016
So freaking fun! The biggest compliment I can give this book is that I kept saying to myself, "I'll just finish this chapter and then go do _____ and then _____." But whatever those things were, they did not get done, because I just kept reading. And chuckling. And thoroughly enjoying Sadie's world view with her lists and need to cram in every experience she could before graduating from high school. Great young adult romance!
August 11, 2022
Best friends Sadie and Jana want to make the most of their senior year of high school. They decide to make a list of ten awesome achievements for senior year to fill in before they graduate. They want to play a school sport, be in the school play, break a rule, get detention and ride in the cool kid's car. However, when senior superlatives come out Sadie is surprised that she and her longtime friend Andy have been paired as Most Likely to Get Married. Sadie is thrown off course and feels like she needs to fix this obvious mistake. But, is there more to Andy Kowalski than Sadie realizes?
My Senior Year of Awesome is a super cute, funny and realistic high school romance. I loved the characters, Sadie and Jana are just like girls that I knew in high school. I adored their lists and how willing they were to try new things and potentially fail spectacularly. This book felt so true to the high school experience with highs and lows, missed signals, poor communication, unknown futures, trying to figure things out and fit everything in before graduation. The romance progressed very naturally and I was definitely rooting for Andy and Sadie to figure everything out.
My Senior Year of Awesome is a super cute, funny and realistic high school romance. I loved the characters, Sadie and Jana are just like girls that I knew in high school. I adored their lists and how willing they were to try new things and potentially fail spectacularly. This book felt so true to the high school experience with highs and lows, missed signals, poor communication, unknown futures, trying to figure things out and fit everything in before graduation. The romance progressed very naturally and I was definitely rooting for Andy and Sadie to figure everything out.
March 5, 2016
This is such an entertaining story, with charming characters, witty dialogue and fresh plot. Sadie and Jana want to end their high school years with a bang, and realize rather late into their senior year, they haven't really done much to leave their mark on Harmony High. Two self-described list-a-holics set out to complete the ultimate list of accomplishments before graduation.
Their attempts to letter in a sport, star in the school play, and break a school rule land them in amusing situations. And on top of all of it is the dreaded Senior Superlatives where Sadie, much to her horror, has been voted most likely to marry uber-geek, Andrew Kosolowski. As Sadie tries to prove the voters wrong, that she and Andy are definitely not couple material, she discovers a side of Andy she never noticed before. However, her drive to check off another item on her list could end up ruining the one accomplishment she wants the most.
Plot
Jennifer DiGiovanni has written solid plot that is humorous, sometimes wacky, and just plain fun. I love how Sadie's top ten lists are sprinkled throughout the book -- everything from how annoying Andy is, to how to kill time in detention. The story is peppered with laugh-out-loud moments as Sadie and Jana work their way through their list, revising, refining, and failing, but never giving up.
Characters
All of the characters are wildly original and somehow manage to deliver their lines with both grace and snark. Sadie is loveably antagonistic, Jana is hopeful and spirited. And Andy is adorkably sweet, but that doesn't mean he's a pushover. The rest of the characters are distinct, each with their own voice and quirks.
Top Ten things I LOVED About My Senior Year of Awesome
1. A hot guy with an even hotter sports car
2. Swoon-worthy kissing scenes
3. Sadie's unique view on life and the world around her
4. The Super K's
5. A dancing man-eating plant
6. Hilarious driving lessons
7. Pig dissections ('nuf said)
8. The Kosolowski metamorphosis
9. Sadie and Jana's female bromance (girlmance?)
10. Top Ten lists
Bottom Line
A refreshing high school love story with charm, humor, and oh, those lists.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Their attempts to letter in a sport, star in the school play, and break a school rule land them in amusing situations. And on top of all of it is the dreaded Senior Superlatives where Sadie, much to her horror, has been voted most likely to marry uber-geek, Andrew Kosolowski. As Sadie tries to prove the voters wrong, that she and Andy are definitely not couple material, she discovers a side of Andy she never noticed before. However, her drive to check off another item on her list could end up ruining the one accomplishment she wants the most.
Plot
Jennifer DiGiovanni has written solid plot that is humorous, sometimes wacky, and just plain fun. I love how Sadie's top ten lists are sprinkled throughout the book -- everything from how annoying Andy is, to how to kill time in detention. The story is peppered with laugh-out-loud moments as Sadie and Jana work their way through their list, revising, refining, and failing, but never giving up.
Characters
All of the characters are wildly original and somehow manage to deliver their lines with both grace and snark. Sadie is loveably antagonistic, Jana is hopeful and spirited. And Andy is adorkably sweet, but that doesn't mean he's a pushover. The rest of the characters are distinct, each with their own voice and quirks.
Top Ten things I LOVED About My Senior Year of Awesome
1. A hot guy with an even hotter sports car
2. Swoon-worthy kissing scenes
3. Sadie's unique view on life and the world around her
4. The Super K's
5. A dancing man-eating plant
6. Hilarious driving lessons
7. Pig dissections ('nuf said)
8. The Kosolowski metamorphosis
9. Sadie and Jana's female bromance (girlmance?)
10. Top Ten lists
Bottom Line
A refreshing high school love story with charm, humor, and oh, those lists.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2016
This was such a sweet and fun book! It reminded me of school and I think a lot of young adults would both enjoy and relate to the story.
I think the thing I loved best about this book was that the characters made their own path. They didn't like that their peers voted them into something, so they took the reins and made their own way through their final year of school. It took guts, imagination and a strong bond of friendship tho create such a lasting and enjoyable time.
I liked that the story was very real, in that things didn't just change and every floated together nicely. They had to dodge and weave their way through hijinks, mishaps and boys, making the story not only down-to-earth, but also relatable.
The characters were created well. All of them were given unique personalities and they had enough depth that they were able to mingle and move through different crowds in school.
Best of all, I like the message that it sends. Though it may not be easy, you should always remain true to yourself and never fear challenging what other expect of you, as to try and make yourself.
I highly recommend this book to YA and adults alike. It is a read that you'll enjoy and really struggle to put down.
**I received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I think the thing I loved best about this book was that the characters made their own path. They didn't like that their peers voted them into something, so they took the reins and made their own way through their final year of school. It took guts, imagination and a strong bond of friendship tho create such a lasting and enjoyable time.
I liked that the story was very real, in that things didn't just change and every floated together nicely. They had to dodge and weave their way through hijinks, mishaps and boys, making the story not only down-to-earth, but also relatable.
The characters were created well. All of them were given unique personalities and they had enough depth that they were able to mingle and move through different crowds in school.
Best of all, I like the message that it sends. Though it may not be easy, you should always remain true to yourself and never fear challenging what other expect of you, as to try and make yourself.
I highly recommend this book to YA and adults alike. It is a read that you'll enjoy and really struggle to put down.
**I received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 21, 2016
Ten Awesome Things About My Senior Year of Awesome
1. The lists. I love lists!
2. Andy Kosolowski. This guy charmed me from the start.
3. Sadie's love and loyalty for her best friend Jana.
4. Jana's love and loyalty for her best friend Sadie.
5. Digging out my own senior yearbook to reminisce about those superlative votes.
6. Reminiscing about being a SLIGHTLY better driver's ed student than Sadie.
7. The wistfulness of the last days of high school.
8. The giggles.
9. The waffles. Oh, the waffles.
10. Girls challenging themselves to do awesome things is just inherently awesome.
1. The lists. I love lists!
2. Andy Kosolowski. This guy charmed me from the start.
3. Sadie's love and loyalty for her best friend Jana.
4. Jana's love and loyalty for her best friend Sadie.
5. Digging out my own senior yearbook to reminisce about those superlative votes.
6. Reminiscing about being a SLIGHTLY better driver's ed student than Sadie.
7. The wistfulness of the last days of high school.
8. The giggles.
9. The waffles. Oh, the waffles.
10. Girls challenging themselves to do awesome things is just inherently awesome.
May 24, 2016
See this review soon on www.lilbooklovers.wordpress.com!
Rating: 10/10 stars
My Senior Year of Awesome is about a girl who gets voted "Most Likely to Get Married" with the school nerd/genius Andy. Sadie, along with her best friend Jana, attempts to do 10 Awesome Achievements for their blank list before they graduate high school.
DISCLAIMER: I got a free signed copy of this book from Jennifer DiGiovanni herself. In no way will that affect my review.
Honestly, this book was surprised me. I'm going to admit, I enjoyed reading this more than Me Before You. I am not a romance reader; in fact, the main premise, the awesome high school achievements list, is what, I think, interested me. I think the trying to avoid Andy scenario made it seem more funny.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't until this weekend until I devoured it up. Although I did expect the achievements to be more "awesome" (maybe a large high school prank?), it was funny nevertheless. I was shocked, though, about the secrets hidden in the book, even with the foreshadowing you will see. Plus, Andy and Sadie's relationship takes many twists and turns. Oh, and the author mentioned both Snapchat and Instagram! She's got the high school life spot on!
Pros:
Humor- It was hilarious!
Authenticity- Snapchat and Instagram mentioned in the same book!
Round Characters- Each character may seem like a stereotype, but they do have other personality traits.
Surprises- No spoilers here!
Cons:
Grammar Errors: I did see a few, but it was okay to me.
Recommendation: This book needs to be publicized more! This series has a ton of potential!
Rating: 10/10 stars
My Senior Year of Awesome is about a girl who gets voted "Most Likely to Get Married" with the school nerd/genius Andy. Sadie, along with her best friend Jana, attempts to do 10 Awesome Achievements for their blank list before they graduate high school.
DISCLAIMER: I got a free signed copy of this book from Jennifer DiGiovanni herself. In no way will that affect my review.
Honestly, this book was surprised me. I'm going to admit, I enjoyed reading this more than Me Before You. I am not a romance reader; in fact, the main premise, the awesome high school achievements list, is what, I think, interested me. I think the trying to avoid Andy scenario made it seem more funny.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't until this weekend until I devoured it up. Although I did expect the achievements to be more "awesome" (maybe a large high school prank?), it was funny nevertheless. I was shocked, though, about the secrets hidden in the book, even with the foreshadowing you will see. Plus, Andy and Sadie's relationship takes many twists and turns. Oh, and the author mentioned both Snapchat and Instagram! She's got the high school life spot on!
Pros:
Humor- It was hilarious!
Authenticity- Snapchat and Instagram mentioned in the same book!
Round Characters- Each character may seem like a stereotype, but they do have other personality traits.
Surprises- No spoilers here!
Cons:
Grammar Errors: I did see a few, but it was okay to me.
Recommendation: This book needs to be publicized more! This series has a ton of potential!
June 26, 2016
So much fun reading this book! I love the adventures of Sadie and Jana and their friendship and loyalty to each other! My favorite character though is Andy. Every teenage girl should have an "Andy" in their life.
March 6, 2016
3.5 star review, it's on the blog already but I'll copy/paste it here eventually. :)
December 14, 2017
A sweet clean YA romance. I loved the book.
March 24, 2018
Cute read
March 26, 2019
I read this one back when it was just a fresh little book baby and thinking back on it still makes me smile.
March 29, 2022
Ahhh this brings back memories of High school and all of the problems that comes with it!
June 30, 2016
I seriously considered not even finishing this book. The female, Sadie, was immature and not very likable.
The premise is that after attending school together for 11.5 years, Sadie and Andy are named as most likely to get married during senior superlatives. Because Andy annoys her and is the school genius, Sadie considers him an aggravation. Sadie really wants to go out with hunky Dominic.
Meanwhile, Sadie and her best friend, Jana, decide they must accomplish a list of achievements before graduation to make their senior year truly spectacular.
Andy accidentally sees the list of achievements and gets mad. The rest of the book is filled with Sadie trying to make things right with Andy.
Sadie is supposed to be a smart girl--she's on the math team and in AP biology--but she makes stupid decisions and downplays how smart she is. Although the author seems to want readers to think Sadie is nice, she comes across as immature and self-centered.
Also, the dialogue between characters doesn't feel authentic. Considering the story takes place in Pennsylvania, I am confused as to why Sadie says "Gawd" to express frustration instead of God. "Gawd" seems to be the way a southerner would say it, so this doesn't fit into the story well for me.
However, I was able to finish the book, unlike others on my to be read list that will be removed shortly.
The premise is that after attending school together for 11.5 years, Sadie and Andy are named as most likely to get married during senior superlatives. Because Andy annoys her and is the school genius, Sadie considers him an aggravation. Sadie really wants to go out with hunky Dominic.
Meanwhile, Sadie and her best friend, Jana, decide they must accomplish a list of achievements before graduation to make their senior year truly spectacular.
Andy accidentally sees the list of achievements and gets mad. The rest of the book is filled with Sadie trying to make things right with Andy.
Sadie is supposed to be a smart girl--she's on the math team and in AP biology--but she makes stupid decisions and downplays how smart she is. Although the author seems to want readers to think Sadie is nice, she comes across as immature and self-centered.
Also, the dialogue between characters doesn't feel authentic. Considering the story takes place in Pennsylvania, I am confused as to why Sadie says "Gawd" to express frustration instead of God. "Gawd" seems to be the way a southerner would say it, so this doesn't fit into the story well for me.
However, I was able to finish the book, unlike others on my to be read list that will be removed shortly.
July 7, 2016
This was a cute book, but I wish it was fleshed out more. The Cuban descent character was written a bit stereotypically and that kind of bothered me and the guy we are supposed to be rooting for can be a bit of an ass. He scares the main character at one point, causing her to injure her hamstring and he doesn't even make sure she is okay or apologizes which I thought was a mean thing to do to someone you clearly adore but other than that he seems like a character you can justify rooting for. I feel like there was something missing in the story for me but overall it's a fun read.
December 3, 2016
A GREAT book by Jennifer DiGiovanni, if this was your first book then i am already looking forward to more of your contemporary romance novels! My Senior Year of Awesome had every thing in it teen romance, jokes which make your soul smile, heat warming scenes and most of all it was book that makes you want to also fall in love and have your own ten awesome achievement list. THIS BOOKS RECEIVES A TEN OUT OF TEN FROM ME!
April 17, 2016
I flew through this adorable book! The voice is so spot-on hilarious and I laughed out loud over and over. Yay for sweet romance.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
June 19, 2017
3.5⭐️ #divertido ☺️☺️🙂
Read
February 26, 2017Content Rating
http://sagethoughtsonbooks.blogspot.c...
http://sagethoughtsonbooks.blogspot.c...
April 14, 2017
'My Senior Year of Awesome' by Jennifer DiGiovanni is a fun, entertaining story about main character Sadie and the issues she faces - or feels she faces - when she's voted most likely to marry Andy Kosolowski. Not the coolest guy in school, everyone thought Andy was destined to win Most Likely to Succeed, raising Sadie's suspicions that he had something to do with rigging the vote to get her attention.
Sadie would much rather have the attention of Dominic, a good-looking - but not quite as smart - guy who starts paying her some attention when they are paired together as lab partners. Along with her best friend, Jana, Sadie makes a list of some of the items they want to check off of what can only be called their high school "bucket list," and they proceed to work through them one by one. High school didn't seem so exciting until they find themselves embroiled in issues beyond what they could have expected. From taking on roles in the school play to trying to snag two guys to kiss in one night, Sadie and Jana explore high school in a way they never have, and not always with the best results. When Andy finds out about their list of things to do and sees how he fits into it all, Sadie finds she has some explaining to do. She never thought she'd have to explain herself to him, especially since she never even found him attractive, but when circumstances change, life - and the decisions she has started to make regarding hers - starts getting in her way.
DiGiovanni has captured a slice of high school life that is all too true. Circumstances can change at a moment's notice, crushes can come out of nowhere, parents can sometimes seem more childlike than their own kids, and life can throw you for a loop, but high school is high school, and Sadie and Jana, in trying to make the most of it, come upon some much needed perspective about their own lives and how to handle them going forward.
Fans of contemporary romance will really enjoy 'My Senior Year of Awesome' by Jennifer DiGiovanni. She keeps the pages turning with a creative and sweet storyline that reflects so much of what high school can be about when you're stuck in the middle of it.
*Review originally posted on YABooksCentral.com*
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
Sadie would much rather have the attention of Dominic, a good-looking - but not quite as smart - guy who starts paying her some attention when they are paired together as lab partners. Along with her best friend, Jana, Sadie makes a list of some of the items they want to check off of what can only be called their high school "bucket list," and they proceed to work through them one by one. High school didn't seem so exciting until they find themselves embroiled in issues beyond what they could have expected. From taking on roles in the school play to trying to snag two guys to kiss in one night, Sadie and Jana explore high school in a way they never have, and not always with the best results. When Andy finds out about their list of things to do and sees how he fits into it all, Sadie finds she has some explaining to do. She never thought she'd have to explain herself to him, especially since she never even found him attractive, but when circumstances change, life - and the decisions she has started to make regarding hers - starts getting in her way.
DiGiovanni has captured a slice of high school life that is all too true. Circumstances can change at a moment's notice, crushes can come out of nowhere, parents can sometimes seem more childlike than their own kids, and life can throw you for a loop, but high school is high school, and Sadie and Jana, in trying to make the most of it, come upon some much needed perspective about their own lives and how to handle them going forward.
Fans of contemporary romance will really enjoy 'My Senior Year of Awesome' by Jennifer DiGiovanni. She keeps the pages turning with a creative and sweet storyline that reflects so much of what high school can be about when you're stuck in the middle of it.
*Review originally posted on YABooksCentral.com*
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews