Book Chat- The Distance Between Us

[Kathy]

I really enjoyed Kasie West first book Pivot Point and was excited to read her contemporary story The Distance Between Us. I admit I was expecting something a little more lighthearted, but was glad this didn't end up being a downer either. I think since it was a little more serious I had my guard up while reading, I think I would actually enjoy it more on a second go around, knowing how everything turns out. I was also glad to see Xander and Caymen takes things slow, it wasn't this insta-love thing that we see SO much in novels now days. There was even a love-triangle, which normally drives me nuts, but was handled well here.

When I started to get to the end I was wondering how everything was going to get wrapped up, I still had a lot of questions. While most things were getting answered, I still felt there were a lot of things I wanted explained a little more. I had thought this was a standalone novel, but now I wonder if there will be a sequel? Does anyone know?

I really enjoy Ms. West's writing style and have liked both her books so I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

[Jessie]

I liked Pivot Point better, yet I really loved Caymen's sense of humor. I loved the sarcasm, especially her responses to the doll shop. Working in a doll shop surrounded by inanimate objects that can stare at you would be kind of creepy. I loved that Xander didn't give up on her, and was there when Caymen needed him. I thought she was making too big of a deal about their differences in wealth. Anyone else feel that way?
Overall, there wasn't much action to the plot line, but snappy dialogue made the book for me. I'm also glad that Xander and Caymen took their time with their relationship.

[Deborah]

LOL, Jessie! I thought the same thing about the working in a Doll shop! I myself have four daughters and so we have a lot of dolls/barbies but I just don't think I want to be in a room full of them. Also, I agree with you that the "$" thing she was making a little too big of a deal. I also thought what Xander's "friends" were saying at the restaurant to him or about her were HORRIBLE and frankly there was not enough conclusion to that for me. I think that I have to agree with KATH. I too did not feel like the ending concluded enough for me. I think I felt that about a lot of the book actually. Also, I don't know if the whole grandparents reunion would be this "nice" after how many years. They disowned their own daughter and frankly I felt like that whole point was completely swept under the rug. Am I the only one?

I did love Caymen though. Her sarcasm was awesome. I was really laughing out loud at times. Xander was cool, but I wasn't like over the moon either. I just liked them. I liked them as a couple and I liked how there story went. Which I think sometimes it's just nice to "like." Does that make sense?

PS I really did not like her name though!! Caymen. Really?

[Katie]

I haven't read through these comments yet because I'm STILL waiting for my copy to come in from the library!! Hopefully soon... :)

[Katie]

YAY--I finally got this book and really loved it!! I didn't really know what to expect, after reading the description and some of your reviews, but I really enjoyed it. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I did.

I can understand that Caymen's mom was really stressed, but she didn't seem to mind leaving so much responsibility on Caymen's shoulders. I felt sorry for her--she wasn't really allowed to have much of a life outside of the shop and she's only 17. Speaking of Susan (Caymen's mom), I was really shocked that she lied to her for her whole life and then everything was just fine and dandy. Personally, I would have a hard time getting over that--I would doubt everything I'd been told/taught. It made me wonder how bad Susan's life was for her to totally brainwash and steer Caymen away from the rich.

Now speaking of the rich...I really liked Xander. I wish he would've stood up for her more to his snobby friends, but he was a great guy. For someone so young to be able to look past the obvious (poor, different lifestyles, etc) and see what really matters was refreshing. He didn't seem to care what anyone thought--everyone he knew "Oh, so you're THE Caymen Meyers." She really did make a bigger deal out of the money thing than she should have, but how could she not, with her mom drilling it into her?

The grandparent thing was too nicely wrapped up and went way too smoothly. Did they really live that close and never know where their daughter was??

Okay...all those rants aside...it was a fun story with interesting characters. I loved the dry humor/sarcasm; I loved the gradual buildup of the relationship; the love triangle was just right. I can't wait to read more from Ms. West!!

[Deborah]

Totally agree, Katie. Reading your review makes me want to skim the book all over again.

One of my biggest pet peeves of the book really was the "clean" wrap up with the grandparents. It really made no sense.