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The Best Possible Answer
by
AP exams—check
SAT test—check
College application—check
Date the wrong guy and ruin everything you’ve spent your whole life working for—check
Super-achiever Viviana Rabinovich-Lowe has never had room to be anything less than perfect. But her quest for perfection is derailed when her boyfriend leaks a private picture of her to the entire school—a picture only he was supposed to ...more
SAT test—check
College application—check
Date the wrong guy and ruin everything you’ve spent your whole life working for—check
Super-achiever Viviana Rabinovich-Lowe has never had room to be anything less than perfect. But her quest for perfection is derailed when her boyfriend leaks a private picture of her to the entire school—a picture only he was supposed to ...more
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Hardcover, 272 pages
Published
November 1st 2016
by St. Martin's Griffin
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Start your review of The Best Possible Answer
So this is the book I expected: an over-stressed, over-worked, high school perfectionist with trust issues learns to open up to "Mr. Right" and live in the moment.
That's not the book I got. This book is not a typical YA romance. In fact, it's not really a romance at all.
This is a book about struggling to keep things together when your life is falling spectacularly apart.
Viviana has real issues. It goes deeper than the humiliation she feels from her first love spreading around her nude selfies in ...more
That's not the book I got. This book is not a typical YA romance. In fact, it's not really a romance at all.
This is a book about struggling to keep things together when your life is falling spectacularly apart.
Viviana has real issues. It goes deeper than the humiliation she feels from her first love spreading around her nude selfies in ...more
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley.)
This was a YA contemporary story about a girl who had sent nude pictures to an ex-boyfriend and had them published publicly.
Viviana was an okay character, and I could understand why she was so against having another relationship after her last one ended so badly, but the way she kept telling her best friend that it was alright to go after a boy who wasn’t intere ...more
“I will not fail.
Not again.”
This was a YA contemporary story about a girl who had sent nude pictures to an ex-boyfriend and had them published publicly.
Viviana was an okay character, and I could understand why she was so against having another relationship after her last one ended so badly, but the way she kept telling her best friend that it was alright to go after a boy who wasn’t intere ...more
I would like to thank St. Martin's Press & E. Katherine Kottaras for my copy of the ARC.
I loved the cover for this book and with the promise of coming of age with a slight romance in the mix, I thought it would be for me. While it was an ok read plus I read it in a couple of hours it didn't blow me away, so due to this, I would have to give two and a half stars.
Viv is obsessed with being perfect, with her parents breathing down her neck to always hit perfect grades and make good life choices, su ...more
I loved the cover for this book and with the promise of coming of age with a slight romance in the mix, I thought it would be for me. While it was an ok read plus I read it in a couple of hours it didn't blow me away, so due to this, I would have to give two and a half stars.
Viv is obsessed with being perfect, with her parents breathing down her neck to always hit perfect grades and make good life choices, su ...more
May 18, 2016
Hristina
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
e-books,
best-of-the-best,
reviewed,
from-netgalley,
books-i-recommend,
ya-and-na,
wishlist,
favorites
Ever since I read How To Be Brave last autumn, I have been waiting for Mrs. Kottaras' next novel, and she does not disappoint. Her writing is spot on once again, if not even better than what she showcased in her debut.
This time around Mrs. Kottaras brings us a story about trying to overcome traumatic experiences and learning to love yourself, that is filled with relatable characters. I was hooked from chapter one, and I would've finished it in one sitting if it wasn't for reality getting in the ...more
This time around Mrs. Kottaras brings us a story about trying to overcome traumatic experiences and learning to love yourself, that is filled with relatable characters. I was hooked from chapter one, and I would've finished it in one sitting if it wasn't for reality getting in the ...more
3.5 stars
I really liked the premise of this and was quite eager to get to it.
I liked Vivi well enough. She's smart and is dealing with a lot of personal things. I enjoyed being in her head and reading her figure things out. Sammie and Evan were interesting characters, and I absolutely loved Vivi's little sister, Mila.
The idea of a slice of time usually irritates me, but it really works with this story. And man, there are a lot of things that happen. Some of it is good, some of it is bad, some ...more
I really liked the premise of this and was quite eager to get to it.
I liked Vivi well enough. She's smart and is dealing with a lot of personal things. I enjoyed being in her head and reading her figure things out. Sammie and Evan were interesting characters, and I absolutely loved Vivi's little sister, Mila.
The idea of a slice of time usually irritates me, but it really works with this story. And man, there are a lot of things that happen. Some of it is good, some of it is bad, some ...more
I was lucky enough to read this book early and completely fell in love with it. It's authentic, gripping, emotional, and all kinds of amazing. So excited for this one to hit shelves!
...more
I was really excited for the format, but in the end it just turned out to be an excuse for clunky backstory/expositional passages (e.g. Let me tell you: All About My Best friend) which seemed more like a 'previously in my life' catch up before the main event. I'm not sure how well the format of college tips and advice even worked in the latter half of the story when it was more about Vivi ='s family issues rather than her stressing out over college.
Also, best friends fighting over a boy? NOOOOO ...more
Also, best friends fighting over a boy? NOOOOO ...more
*This review can also be found on YA Books Central! Huge thanks to the publisher for the review copy in exchange of my unbiased opinion.*
A Touching Contemporary Novel!
The Best Possible Answer is a book that's been on my radar for several months and now that I've had the chance to read it, I am pleased to say that it lived up to my expectations. I've been searching for a book that would give me insight to what happens when a person works herself (or himself) too hard trying to please everyone's e ...more
A Touching Contemporary Novel!
The Best Possible Answer is a book that's been on my radar for several months and now that I've had the chance to read it, I am pleased to say that it lived up to my expectations. I've been searching for a book that would give me insight to what happens when a person works herself (or himself) too hard trying to please everyone's e ...more
Oct 30, 2016
Jen Ryland
added it
Read more of my reviews on YA Romantics or follow me on Bloglovin
Hmmm... this one had its moments, but didn't do it for me 100%. There were a whole lot of plot elements and for me they didn't all work together.
It's the summer before Viviana's senior year, and she's got a plan: spend the summer at an engineering academy, SAT prepping, etc. But her crippling anxiety attacks start getting in the way. Her shifting relationships with her absent, high-achieving father and her best friend, who likes th ...more
Hmmm... this one had its moments, but didn't do it for me 100%. There were a whole lot of plot elements and for me they didn't all work together.
It's the summer before Viviana's senior year, and she's got a plan: spend the summer at an engineering academy, SAT prepping, etc. But her crippling anxiety attacks start getting in the way. Her shifting relationships with her absent, high-achieving father and her best friend, who likes th ...more
*ARC provided by St. Martin's in exchange for an honest review*
This was my first read by E. and I have definitely become a big fan!
This book follows Viviana, who is an academic overachiever. Her life has taken a turn for the worst after a certain 'incident' arose and she has to try and keep it together while everything crumbles around her. Her summer plans fall through so her best friend, Sammie, gets her a job at the community pool along with her. My heart honestly twisted painfully through mo ...more
This was my first read by E. and I have definitely become a big fan!
This book follows Viviana, who is an academic overachiever. Her life has taken a turn for the worst after a certain 'incident' arose and she has to try and keep it together while everything crumbles around her. Her summer plans fall through so her best friend, Sammie, gets her a job at the community pool along with her. My heart honestly twisted painfully through mo ...more
Full Review on The Candid Cover
The Best Possible Answer really surprised me! This book is all about overcoming difficulties and contains a main character who overworks herself. I didn’t know that it would be set at a pool, one of my favourite locations ever! I loved the mix of fun and seriousness and would recommend it if you are a fan of the same thing.
This book is all about dealing with hardship. After her ex leaks pictures of her, she overworks herself to the point of being hospitalized, and ...more
The Best Possible Answer really surprised me! This book is all about overcoming difficulties and contains a main character who overworks herself. I didn’t know that it would be set at a pool, one of my favourite locations ever! I loved the mix of fun and seriousness and would recommend it if you are a fan of the same thing.
This book is all about dealing with hardship. After her ex leaks pictures of her, she overworks herself to the point of being hospitalized, and ...more
Is this book:
A) about family, family implosion and how to ride the chaos of family
B) a story of strong friendship and how it can hold you together
C) about second chances and learning to trust yourself again
D) a fun story of summer friendship and romance
E) all of the above
"Hint: test-prep research shows that you should actually always pick E."
It is funny how a writing style can change everything. In anyone else's hands this novel could have been run of the mill. But instead it is a charming book ...more
A) about family, family implosion and how to ride the chaos of family
B) a story of strong friendship and how it can hold you together
C) about second chances and learning to trust yourself again
D) a fun story of summer friendship and romance
E) all of the above
"Hint: test-prep research shows that you should actually always pick E."
It is funny how a writing style can change everything. In anyone else's hands this novel could have been run of the mill. But instead it is a charming book ...more
3.5 stars - full review to come!
3.5 This definitely kept me interested and I think students will like it, but parts of it were a little too tidy while others seemed incomplete.
I do appreciate the clear message that mistakes do or have to define us!
I do appreciate the clear message that mistakes do or have to define us!
This book was a pretty decent book. It was definitely a general book with romance and family problems, but I liked how the author didn't have a traditional ending, and put in a cool twist. I also liked how unique the characters were, but I do feel like at the end of the book, the author left a lot of things hanging. Overall, it was a pretty good but short read.
...more
This was quite a mixed read for me, despite it being my favourite genre, YA. The author is new to me and whilst she does write well, I failed to connect fully with the character of Viviana. Viviana is a complex young person emerging into womanhood. She has severe anxiety, in part, due to the stresses of parental separation and betrayal by her first boyfriend. I did feel for Vivi in regards to her anxiety but I found observing her somewhat tense and a little stressful! Vivi has a mother who I did
...more
This was one of the best books I ever read I couldn't out it down. This book is about a girl named Viviana who did something she wasn't supposed to and after that ended up getting hurt and her mother wants to hover over her so closely to make sure she doesn't do it again and to make sure she isn't still hurt. Viviana soon goes to work euth with her best friend Sammie and meets a boy named Evan. This book is filled with exposed secrets and family fights I recommend this book for all.
...more
See more of my reviews on The YA Kitten! My copy was an ARC I got from the publisher via NetGalley.
Being grade-obsessed is bad for your health and I'm speaking from experience when I say that. Every single school year for me was a stressful one filled with honors and AP classes (excluding science; I quit that honors class track solely because they required a science project every year), little A/B student me trying hard to have my first all-As school year, and a lot of crying. Seriously, someone ...more
Being grade-obsessed is bad for your health and I'm speaking from experience when I say that. Every single school year for me was a stressful one filled with honors and AP classes (excluding science; I quit that honors class track solely because they required a science project every year), little A/B student me trying hard to have my first all-As school year, and a lot of crying. Seriously, someone ...more
3.5 liked it a lot
I wanted to read The Best Possible Answer because I liked the sound of Vivi. I am drawn to books about anxiety, young people making mistakes and how they learn from them, and the complicated family dynamics that it hints at.
Vivi is it dealing with panic attacks at the beginning of the book and her mom has finally realize how much stress she's only trying to do so much and be so much as an honor student and although she is trying to encourage her to slow down part of the pr ...more
I wanted to read The Best Possible Answer because I liked the sound of Vivi. I am drawn to books about anxiety, young people making mistakes and how they learn from them, and the complicated family dynamics that it hints at.
Vivi is it dealing with panic attacks at the beginning of the book and her mom has finally realize how much stress she's only trying to do so much and be so much as an honor student and although she is trying to encourage her to slow down part of the pr ...more
Nov 09, 2016
Cynthia (Bingeing On Books)
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
arcs
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Ugh, I wanted to like this one. I really did. There were parts that I liked. I could relate to Viviana's need for perfection and all the tension she felt at not getting everything done that she needed to. And I liked the panic attack part of it. But that was about it. First, the story should have just focused on Viviana's need for perfection and her desire to please her father. But alas, there was way too much focus on romance. ...more
Ugh, I wanted to like this one. I really did. There were parts that I liked. I could relate to Viviana's need for perfection and all the tension she felt at not getting everything done that she needed to. And I liked the panic attack part of it. But that was about it. First, the story should have just focused on Viviana's need for perfection and her desire to please her father. But alas, there was way too much focus on romance. ...more
In "The Best Possible Answer," chronic overachiever Viv is trying to continue to over-achieve while trying not to pay attention to her life as she knows it falling apart. Her dad has disappeared. She doesn't understand it but she's trying to protect her beloved sister from worrying about it as well. The guy that should be interested in her best friend is interested in Viv instead. She is stuck in a job at the local pool rather than at engineering camp, which is where she wants to be. Oh, and she
...more
This book surprised me very pleasantly. I was expecting a fluffy romance, but it's much more than this and I love it to pieces.
The main character of "The best possible answer" is a girl who's coping with anxiety due to family drama, academic pressure, and the fact that some naked pictures of her are spreading wildly. This way we get to see that, despite what some people might think, panic attacks are real, that mental health is important, and you need to take care of yourself.
This is a book abou ...more
The main character of "The best possible answer" is a girl who's coping with anxiety due to family drama, academic pressure, and the fact that some naked pictures of her are spreading wildly. This way we get to see that, despite what some people might think, panic attacks are real, that mental health is important, and you need to take care of yourself.
This is a book abou ...more
Loved this young adult novel and couldn't put it down. Beautifully narrated with a powerful message about growing up and learning to love oneself.
Viviana is a high school senior concentrating on applying for early admission to Stanford and striving for perfection. When an ex-boyfriend posts personal pictures of her, life becomes chaotic. With the help of her best friend Sammie, she learns to survive amidst bullying from schoolmates and disappointment from her family. A devastating family secre ...more
Viviana is a high school senior concentrating on applying for early admission to Stanford and striving for perfection. When an ex-boyfriend posts personal pictures of her, life becomes chaotic. With the help of her best friend Sammie, she learns to survive amidst bullying from schoolmates and disappointment from her family. A devastating family secre ...more
Read this in one sitting and liked it a lot. The whole test/study guide preparation thing worked really well for me, and Kottaras just has a way of writing heroines I find so relatable. Cute romance, great BFF, compelling family-centric storyline... definitely recommend and honestly wish it'd been out in time to be a summer beach read, because even with its heavier stuff it just felt so perfect for that.
...more
It was a really good read! For a full review, follow the link: https://suereadingcorner.wordpress.co...
...more
The best possible answer is about Viviana, who is in high school, and is dealing with a bunch of stuff all at once. It starts off with her waking up in the hospital because she fell asleep on her bike ride home and fell off her bike. Vivi sometimes has episodes and her family thinks its because she's overstressing and overworking herself. Vivi's dream is to go to Stanford, like her dad, so she's been studying so hard for her AP exams and her finals. She also has the best friend in the world, Sam
...more
Chapter headings are set in the format of SAT or college admission application questions.
Teen pushed by her parents to be perfect so she'll get into Stanford gets a boyfriend against their wishes. Then she makes the mistake of sending him a nude selfie, which he shares, it goes viral, her life death-spirals and her parents' relationship implodes.
While she's trying to pick up the pieces, the first guy she ever kissed moves back into town and her best friend wants him. He wants her instead, but s ...more
Teen pushed by her parents to be perfect so she'll get into Stanford gets a boyfriend against their wishes. Then she makes the mistake of sending him a nude selfie, which he shares, it goes viral, her life death-spirals and her parents' relationship implodes.
While she's trying to pick up the pieces, the first guy she ever kissed moves back into town and her best friend wants him. He wants her instead, but s ...more
This was my first young adult book, and I enjoyed it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author. The author potrays the main character viviana in important parts of her life. Taking exams, trying to get into a good college and dating and to top it all off her family have all the dramas as well. it's a lot to cope with, she has a good support system in Sammie her best friend and Evan. It's interesting to see the outcome of all the trials and tribulations of her life.
Thanks ...more
Thanks ...more
Overall I liked this book. I will admit it was hard at times to want to continue. Her parents were so awful. Thankfully her mom got better as the book went along. It was nice that no matter what happened her and her best friend were able to overcome anything. Especially, since they were complete opposites.
Apr 24, 2018
Jennie
added it
I’m biased because she’s my client, but I love her characters so very much.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| time to read ^,^ | 1 | 3 | Jul 09, 2016 02:00AM |
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E. Katherine Kottaras is originally from Chicago, but now she writes and teaches in the Los Angeles area. She holds an M.A. in English from the University of California, Irvine and teaches writing and literature at Pasadena City College. She is interested in the stories we tell, the stories we are given, and the ways we can redefine our worlds by discovering which stories are true.
She is the auth ...more
She is the auth ...more
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“There are so many unknowns, and so many possibilities. Sometimes there are things you can say, and talking makes it better. But sometimes, there are no words.”
—
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“If I listen to my heart, if I trust in that voice that sits deep in my soul, that untouched being of truth - I know it's there - I will discover the answers eventually. Maybe not immediately. Maybe not tomorrow. But if I don't open myself to possibility, I'll never know what it means to have lived. I'll never know what it means to have loved.”
—
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