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The Best Week that Never Happened
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After her parents’ bitter divorce, family vacations to the Big Island in Hawaii ceased. But across the miles, eighteen-year-old Tegan Rossi remains connected to local Kai Kapule, her best friend from childhood. Now, Tegan finds herself alone and confused about how she got to the Big Island. With no wallet, no cell phone, purse, or plane ticket, Tegan struggles to piece tog
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"I am not certain of anything. Life is a mystery, just as death is a mystery. The best answers come from listening to the murmurs of your heart. Your heart is wise. Your heart is strong. Let yourself love, dear one. Let yourself, love, hugely and bravely. That is all any of us can do.”
This is a book that made me think about my own life while I was reading it and way after I was done reading it. Have I lived my best week yet? Or is it still to come? We never know when our time is up but that does ...more
This is a book that made me think about my own life while I was reading it and way after I was done reading it. Have I lived my best week yet? Or is it still to come? We never know when our time is up but that does ...more
“Before this week, I never realized that real-life romance isn’t like the movies. Things don’t have to be so serious and intense all the time. You can have intensely serious feelings for someone and be silly with them. You can go from making out to laughing, and back to making out, and that’s okay.”
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Looking for a new book to get in lost in this summer?
Pack your bags because we’re going to Hawaii for this mystery/romance novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from s ...more
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Looking for a new book to get in lost in this summer?
Pack your bags because we’re going to Hawaii for this mystery/romance novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from s ...more
I had the opportunity to get my hands on an advance copy of Woodburn's The Best Week that Never Happened and wow! Woodburn weaves a bittersweet love story between star-crossed lovers—thwarted not only by distance but also by insurmountable tragedy. This captivating, poignant story is perfect for teens on the brink of discovering who they are and what really matters in the time they have left.
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Woodburn has written a great debut novel, and I truly enjoyed this book! I can tell research went into the novel because of the Hawaiian based myths and legends that are a running theme though out the book. Furthermore,she created an entirely new take (at least to me) on what happens in limbo, or when you’re between life and death, which comes through in the form of magical realism. Woodburn’s take is that when you die, you get to live the best week of your life whether it’s happened or not. The
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I just finished this book after absolutely devouring it. And now I'm so sad it's over! This was a beautifully written love story that transported me to paradise and held me in an emotional grip the whole way through. It's incredibly moving, the characters are adorable, and the way the author makes the setting come alive is the perfect escape during quarantine. I couldn't put it down and I'm sure you won't be able to either! I can't recommend this enough!
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Thank you to Netgalley for this free book in exchange for an honest review.
This review will have spoilers because the book pissed me off.
Usually, I won’t bother finishing a book I’m not enjoying because — as we all know now — life is way too short to be wasting on stupid things.
This book, though, promised something interesting. The main character wakes up in a strange place, and realizes she’s in Hawaii, where her family used to vacation. More than that, her vacation crush, who she’s kept in tou ...more
This review will have spoilers because the book pissed me off.
Usually, I won’t bother finishing a book I’m not enjoying because — as we all know now — life is way too short to be wasting on stupid things.
This book, though, promised something interesting. The main character wakes up in a strange place, and realizes she’s in Hawaii, where her family used to vacation. More than that, her vacation crush, who she’s kept in tou ...more
Full disclosure, this book was written by my college roommate, Dallas, and I’m just so so proud!! This is her first novel, and I think it’s just exactly what YA should be. The text is accessible and the protagonist is relatable, but Dallas eases in so many huge and valuable life lessons. This book starts as just a cute mystery of teenage crushes, but it builds into a lesson on grief, letting go, and living your best life. It is done in such a manageable way that even though I spent whole section
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Lots of emotions on this one. Full RTC!
This reminded me of one of my favorite books of all time, Anita Shreve’s The Last Time They Met. I mean no disrespect to this author, but rather many kudos to her. The stories are not really that similar, but I loved them both because of the “what might have been” story in both novels. Dallas Woodburn has a great career ahead of her and I’m glad I’m one of the readers who can first tout the wonder that is The Best Week That Never Happened. Tegan finds herself in Hawaii rekindling a friendship wi
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This is my first published novel, and I am so thrilled it is making its way out into the world! More than three years of writing, research & revising went into The Best Week That Never Happened. While it is hard to pinpoint exactly where ideas come from, I began writing this novel after one of my best friends was killed in a car accident. I didn't realize it while I was writing the first draft, but looking back on the book now, it is clear that on some level I was writing -- trying to write -- a
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Dec 03, 2019
Laura Valdez
added it
Want to read!
I kept putting off writing this review because I knew that by the end I would have a stack of tissues wet with my tears. Dallas' debut novel has every flavor to make it a bestseller. I was drawn to the book by the blurb which was mysterious and yet gave away the main premise. "What if, when you died, you got to relive The Best Week of Your Life - but you died too soon, and The Best Week of Your Life hadn’t happened yet?".
I knew that the book was going to be a heart-breaker and most probably leav ...more
I knew that the book was going to be a heart-breaker and most probably leav ...more
"If this is it—if this is all the Heaven I get—I’m going to soak up every last drop of it. I’ll make this week enough to last a lifetime."
The Best Week That Never Happened, The debut novel by Dallas Woodburn, is a YA novel that is not only heartbreakingly raw but also deceptively poignant, drawing reader's in with the brilliant themes it reaches across!
The story begins with our protagonist, Tegan waking up in the middle of a strange place in Hawaii, a place where she has some bittersweet memori ...more
The Best Week That Never Happened, The debut novel by Dallas Woodburn, is a YA novel that is not only heartbreakingly raw but also deceptively poignant, drawing reader's in with the brilliant themes it reaches across!
The story begins with our protagonist, Tegan waking up in the middle of a strange place in Hawaii, a place where she has some bittersweet memori ...more
**Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc of The Best Weekend That Never Happened**
After her parents’ bitter divorce, family vacations to the Big Island in Hawaii ceased. But across the miles, eighteen-year-old Tegan Rossi remains connected to local Kai Kapule, her best friend from childhood. Now, Tegan finds herself alone and confused about how she got to the Big Island. With no wallet, no cell phone, purse, or plane ticket, Tegan struggles to piece together what happened. She must h ...more
After her parents’ bitter divorce, family vacations to the Big Island in Hawaii ceased. But across the miles, eighteen-year-old Tegan Rossi remains connected to local Kai Kapule, her best friend from childhood. Now, Tegan finds herself alone and confused about how she got to the Big Island. With no wallet, no cell phone, purse, or plane ticket, Tegan struggles to piece together what happened. She must h ...more
Month9Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Best Week That Never Happened. I voluntarily chose to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
A friendship was born from a family vacation. Will the bond that Kai and Tegan formed long distance provide a connection at a most crucial time?
The Best Week That Never Happened tries to show how personal bonds can provide a connection in the most unlikely of ways, but the book was largely unsuccessful for me. The story travels ...more
A friendship was born from a family vacation. Will the bond that Kai and Tegan formed long distance provide a connection at a most crucial time?
The Best Week That Never Happened tries to show how personal bonds can provide a connection in the most unlikely of ways, but the book was largely unsuccessful for me. The story travels ...more
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*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own *
This book surprised me because I ended up liking it much more than I thought it would.
For me this book was divided into three parts, the first one I liked a lot, a 5-star book that left me intrigued to know what happened to Tegan then the second part where we have confirmation of what happened to her, as I already did I imagined what it was I was a little disappointed but ...more
*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own *
This book surprised me because I ended up liking it much more than I thought it would.
For me this book was divided into three parts, the first one I liked a lot, a 5-star book that left me intrigued to know what happened to Tegan then the second part where we have confirmation of what happened to her, as I already did I imagined what it was I was a little disappointed but ...more
A heartwarming, wholesome YA novel with relatable characters that tug at the heartstrings, “The Best Week that Never Happened” was an uplifting love story and fast-moving read for me to escape to given all the craziness going on in the world.
There were some predictable plot lines and generic prose throughout the novel, which is why I docked a star. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable and engaging read.
As someone who grew up in Hawaii, I also appreciated the nods to local culture (it made me m ...more
There were some predictable plot lines and generic prose throughout the novel, which is why I docked a star. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable and engaging read.
As someone who grew up in Hawaii, I also appreciated the nods to local culture (it made me m ...more
Not just for young adults!
So refreshing to read a young adult novel that doesn’t rely on tired or cringeworthy tropes. No dystopian future with the perfect teen heroes. A beautiful story about two young teens who must work through their own fears and insecurities while supporting each other to be their best (not perfect) possible self. All in front of the backdrop of an original and creative idea! Highly recommended!
So refreshing to read a young adult novel that doesn’t rely on tired or cringeworthy tropes. No dystopian future with the perfect teen heroes. A beautiful story about two young teens who must work through their own fears and insecurities while supporting each other to be their best (not perfect) possible self. All in front of the backdrop of an original and creative idea! Highly recommended!
Apr 24, 2020
Jane Posey
added it
I read this debut novel by Dallas Woodburn and highly recommend it to all book lovers! This delightful story made me cry and laugh out loud! At different points I thought I had the story line all figured out- only to be completely and pleasantly surprised. Order your copy today and enjoy!
I loved this book. The characters are so real, so full of wisdom, and so fun. It was great escape reading for me. I could not put this book down and cannot wait for the next book by Dallas Woodburn!
Sooo good!
This book is amazing! I love how real the characters were and the story keeps you guessing! Such a great love story
This book is amazing! I love how real the characters were and the story keeps you guessing! Such a great love story
A really enjoyable read! I absolutely love the concept of this and cannot wait to see what else this author writes
A beautiful and haunting debut that tackles grief, love, loss, and second chances by an author to watch! I fell head over heels for Kai and Tegan and their love story. Dallas Woodburn transported me to Hawaii just as I was getting stir crazy in lockdown, and I really wished I didn't have to leave the beauty of the island, even as I *had* to get to the end of the story. :D If you enjoy poignant romances with a bit of a twist, I highly recommend you pick up this contemporary gem!
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Really cute metaphysical love story set in Hawaii. Made me wish I could be reading it on the beach, just as I worried for the main character and tried to figure out the twist. Definitely recommend!
Great Read.
While I would not normally choose this genre had I not know Dallas, I am so glad I did. This is a real page turner and I am better for having reveled in Teagan and Kai’s relationship and growth. I would recommend this to anyone.
While I would not normally choose this genre had I not know Dallas, I am so glad I did. This is a real page turner and I am better for having reveled in Teagan and Kai’s relationship and growth. I would recommend this to anyone.
This book was short but so sweet. Teagan and Kai meet as 8 year olds when she is on vacation in Hawaii from Philadelphia with her parents. They become fast friends and spend all their time together. She returns to Hawaii several years alter and on the last day of her trip runs into Kai accidentally. They meet up that night and exchange cell numbers to keep in touch. They become the closest of friends. Best friends.
Then, 3 years later Teagan wakes up in Hawaii and has no idea how she got there o ...more
Then, 3 years later Teagan wakes up in Hawaii and has no idea how she got there o ...more
Disclaimer: I received a copy free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
After her parents’ bitter divorce, family vacations to the Big Island in Hawaii ceased. But across the miles, eighteen-year-old Tegan Rossi remains connected to local Kai Kapule, her best friend from childhood. Now, Tegan finds herself alone and confused about how she got to the Big Island. With no wallet, no cell phone, purse, or plane ticket, Tegan struggles to piece together what happened. She must have come t ...more
After her parents’ bitter divorce, family vacations to the Big Island in Hawaii ceased. But across the miles, eighteen-year-old Tegan Rossi remains connected to local Kai Kapule, her best friend from childhood. Now, Tegan finds herself alone and confused about how she got to the Big Island. With no wallet, no cell phone, purse, or plane ticket, Tegan struggles to piece together what happened. She must have come t ...more
An incredibly melancholy, yet ultimately heartwarming tale about death… and about truly living. The “reveal”, shortly before midway, is of course entirely obvious right from the off, but a twisty tale is not the point of this lovely book; Dallas has created a moody, heartfelt and emotional journey, with something of an air of mystery in the first half. After this, the book becomes more of a full-blown fantasy for romanticists – by fantasy, think Mills and Book, not Frank Herbert.
The timeline is ...more
The timeline is ...more
"I'm going to miss you, is all."
This obviously didn't work for me. Where do I even start? This book was so promising, but it tried too hard. It tried to tackle too many issues and ended up glossing them over, never actually taking the time to dive deeper into the situation, whether that was Kai's brother's drug affiliation or Tegan's parents' divorce. It tried to be witty and ended up being a collage of famous quotes and paradoxes. The only great example this book actually gave was that of ...more
This obviously didn't work for me. Where do I even start? This book was so promising, but it tried too hard. It tried to tackle too many issues and ended up glossing them over, never actually taking the time to dive deeper into the situation, whether that was Kai's brother's drug affiliation or Tegan's parents' divorce. It tried to be witty and ended up being a collage of famous quotes and paradoxes. The only great example this book actually gave was that of ...more
An Engaging, Thoughtful, and Fast Read Really Does Happen
The Best Week That Never Happened, by Dallas Woodburn
Reviewed by Erin Michaela Sweeney
In this well-crafted YA novel, author Dallas Woodburn throws best friends Tegan and Kai together for a week of outdoor Hawaiian adventures that could lead to romance before life post–high school begins. An unexpectedly profound read.
The book opens mysteriously with a news article of a train accident on the east coast, then segues to a note typed in all lo ...more
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Dallas Woodburn is the author of the short story collection Woman, Running Late, in a Dress and the novel The Best Week That Never Happened. A former John Steinbeck Fellow in Creative Writing and a current San Francisco Writers Grotto Fellow, her work has been honored with the Cypress & Pine Short Fiction Award, the international Glass Woman Prize, second place in the American Fiction Prize, and f
...more
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“Before this week, I never realized that real-life romance isn’t like the movies. Things don’t have to be so serious and intense all the time. You can have intensely serious feelings for someone and be silly with them. You can go from making out to laughing, and back to making out, and that’s okay.”
—
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“I had that teetering-on-the-edge-of-a-cliff feeling—it would be so easy to close my eyes and let myself fall down into the unknown. But it was terrifying, that feeling. I preferred to be standing firmly on stable ground. So I did my best to pull back from the cliff’s edge.”
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