Again, But Better in Drop Everything And Read

May 12, 2019 Antonia rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own, young-adult-books, contemporary-books

A positive and nicely written book by one of the most famous BookTubers out there.

This story centers around a girl named Shane, who has had her life completely predictated by her parents' wants and aspirations for her. Her parents want her to study medicine and to one day become a doctor, while all Shane wants to do is read and write. Yet, she somehow manages to be able to study abroad to the UK, where she will also be able to intern as a writer for a travel magazine and, most importantly, escap A positive and nicely written book by one of the most famous BookTubers out there.

This story centers around a girl named Shane, who has had her life completely predictated by her parents' wants and aspirations for her. Her parents want her to study medicine and to one day become a doctor, while all Shane wants to do is read and write. Yet, she somehow manages to be able to study abroad to the UK, where she will also be able to intern as a writer for a travel magazine and, most importantly, escape her parents' expectations.

The book is also told in two parts; the first part being set in 2011 where Shane is 20, and the next part set in 2017 where Shane is 26. But the book starts out in 2011 and we soon follow Shane during her oversea travels, and we soon meet all of her flat mates, most of which who have ridiculous names; Babe, Atticus, Sahra, and Pilot Penn. Yeah, you read that last one right. But Shane is making sure that she is going to make the most of these three months of freedom, while trying to make friendships and connections that will last her entire life.

This book has got a very personal touch to it. I would even go as far as to say that I would feel comfortable as classifying this as semi-autobiographical. But instead of me being interested in the story, it really took me out of it because it felt so much like Christine and, in turn, felt so damn invasive. There are numerous pop culture references that felt cute when we were first introduced to them but got a bit repetitive over time. But where the book completely lost me is how MUCH it truly felt as if Shane was Christine in a parallel universe. Too many inside jokes and nicknames to make you NOT unsee it. From studying abroad, to being open about not making many friends in college, to *gasp* Shane’s blog name being French Watermelon, to the constant Lost references, to the endless Cassandra Clare and Shadowhunter references, to Harry Potter galore, while the character of Shane also just has a personality and the same mannerisms as Christine. This just feels so semi-autobiographical. I promise, you won’t be able to not see it. And maybe that will completely make the reading experience for you, and I truly hope it does, but it really pulled me out of the story constantly.

My biggest problem with this book was the "light" cheating and even eventual cheating (a kiss). This was truly the reason that I could never love this book or ever feel anything for the characters. Plus, the character that is getting cheated on is always villainized to look like a bad girl, when she has every right to feel threatened.

What I loved about this book is how effortlessly it reminded me to stop being constantly afraid and begin living my life for me, for my own dreams, eccentricities, and passions. It reminded that there is so much more to live for than what we experience at this time, this moment, this month. There was a magical element that surrounded the story, but I don't want to give too much away due to obvious spoilers.

All in all, even though I couldn't completely connect to this book, I felt that Christine has got so much potential for the future and I believe I want to give a chance to her future works. This book wasn't badly written at all, I guess it just wasn't for me.

Thank you so much for providing me with an ARC, NetGalley! ...more

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Aug 11, 2021 Yaneth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite, kindle

Wow I highly recommend reading the last 6% listening to state of grace by Taylor swift. My heart hurts this was so beautiful and it did definitely make me want to be fearless. Literally wow, speechless. This just feels like one of those books you’ll forever carry because of the sheer authenticity behind the characters and their words <3 all I gotta say is ….. lamppost

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