The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord → Start Date: April 2, 2015

[[deleted user]]

Katie and me will be Reading this one. Feel free to join.

[Katie]

I loved Open Road Summer by this author, so I'm excited for this one!

[[deleted user]]

Katie wrote: "I loved Open Road Summer by this author, so I'm excited for this one!"

I havent read open road summer yet, but plan to read it soon.

[Katie]

Yes, you should definitely read it!

[Vicki]

Thanks, girls. I'm in! YAY!! :O)

[Nicole - Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die-]

I'll join

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

I plan to join!

[[deleted user]]

Do you guys mind if we push the buddy read a bit? say april 10th?
I`m ordering the book now but its publiished march 31st and it takes a bit time in the mail.

Edit: never mind. I recieved the book in the mail today ready to enjoy it :D:D¨
btw, I read open summer yesterday,love it.

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

yay! can't wait to start!!

[Katie]

I'm excited too! I'm hoping my copy will come tomorrow, and then I can start. If not, I'll probably have it by Friday.

[Vicki]

I'm ready and excited to get to this one!

[Katie]

I just received my copy, so I plan on starting this today and commenting after the first 5 chapters.

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

5 chapters sounds perfect! WOOHOO!

[Vicki]

I'm about to start ch. 5 so I'll be posting shortly. IF my husband lets me. Lol

[Vicki]

Finished Ch. 5 and this is a pretty cute book so far.

Paige: I honestly can't figure out why Paige is (view spoiler)[still grieving over Aaron. I know grief is different for everyone, but she was only seeing him for two months. I also am confused as to why she'd be so upset about her parents dating. Concerned or cautious yes, but she is really upset. I wondered if there was more to the story like he was abusive, but I don't think so. (hide spoiler)]

Ryan Chase: (view spoiler)[ Her long-term crush? :o) That is so cute. He can at least make Paige momentarily forget Aaron. I like how he interacted with Ms. Pepper. (hide spoiler)] LOL

Ms. Pepper (view spoiler)[is cute but a little annoying to me. she has Honors students, which is nice! I hope that the Quiz Bowl is helpful for Paige. She needs something to get her out of her funk. (hide spoiler)]

Tessa (view spoiler)[appears to be a pretty good friend so far. I like her. (hide spoiler)]

I love Paige's grandmother. :o)

One thing that i don't see happening, even though these kids are Honors students, is (view spoiler)[a discussion like the one they had talking about the "misogynistic undertones" that Brandon used talking about girls and sports. LOL I doubt seriously that conversation would have taken place. And the metaphor that Pagie used about her parents' divorce being a period and not a divorce with an ellipsis. LOL Okay, I personally loved that, but I don't hear that coming from a 16 year old. But that's just me based having worked with grades 9-12, including Honors. Maybe Honors in Indiana are different than those in California. LOL (hide spoiler)]

One thing that I love about Honors students is that they definitely do enjoy books more and you can have some pretty intellectually stimulating conversations with them. I have AP students in yearbook and only one of them knew what a (view spoiler)[misogynist was, but the adjective form of the word would be less likely than the noun. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole - Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die-]

I'll either start this tomorrow or the next day

[Vicki]

Ok I think it's going to be good.

[Katie]

I've read through the first 5 chapters, and I'm really liking it so far.

Paige (view spoiler)[Yeah, I'm not really sure about her grief for Aaron since it was a pretty short relationship. Maybe it's similar to her mom, how she worries because of the idea of something happening to someone her age. (hide spoiler)]

Paige's friends (view spoiler)[Tessa, Kayleigh, and Morgan all seem nice, and it is cool to see their dynamics of how they interact with each other. (hide spoiler)]

Ryan Chase (view spoiler)[He seems like a nice guy so far, though I'll be interested in finding out more about him. (hide spoiler)]

Max (view spoiler)[He seems nice and very into books, which I like since I'm into books, of course. (hide spoiler)]

Paige's parents (view spoiler)[The whole thing with her parents dating each other is interesting. It seems kind of like Parent Trap, except for in this case, Paige doesn't want it to happen. (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Katie wrote: "I've read through the first 5 chapters, and I'm really liking it so far.

Paige [spoilers removed]

Paige's friends [spoilers removed]

Ryan Chase [spoilers removed]

Max [spoilers removed]

Paige'..."

I concur with everything you said! This can't be a book with all (view spoiler)[nice people. can it? LOL But so far there isn't anyone that I totally dislike. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Yeah, (view spoiler)[I don't dislike anyone yet either, so I guess I'll see what happens with these characters. (hide spoiler)] I'm about to start the next 5 chapters now.

[Vicki]

Finished with Ch. 8 and posting now because my husband and I are going out for breakfast

Tessa's parents (view spoiler)[ really upset me! I understand work and that sometimes things can't be helped, but man! It's her birthday and poor Tessa was so distraught. Don't they realize? (hide spoiler)]

I'm glad that (view spoiler)[Paige set up the dessert bar and didn't let Tessa spend her birthday alone. Paige and Tessa seem to be really good for each other. (hide spoiler)]

Max also seems to be (view spoiler)[really nice. I loved the allusion to the "What's in a Name" speech in Romeo and Juliet. The name assignment that Ms. Pepper gave me an idea, but I'd tweak it. We start Romeo and Juliet next week. Good timing! LOL (hide spoiler)]

So far Max's mother seems to be (view spoiler)[really nice and I feel like she's probably nurturing and warm. (hide spoiler)]

Lauren is (view spoiler)[ potentially a bit snooty and rude. I think she'll be okay but time will tell. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

I'm finished with chapter 10 and am really loving this book so far. The characters and the story are all engaging and keep me from wanting to put it down.

Tessa and Paige's friendship (view spoiler)[I love this friendship and how much Tessa and Paige know when the other needed something. I loved how Paige came up with the idea for the dessert buffet for Tessa's birthday, because she knew Tessa would be upset about her parents. I also like the story about the ferris wheel, and how Paige got the person to let them off. And Tessa knew that Paige was going to be upset after seeing Aaron's brother, and she knew how to handle this. They seem to really know each other well. (hide spoiler)]

Tessa's parents (view spoiler)[I didn't like how they cancelled on Tessa on her birthday. (hide spoiler)]

Paige's grandma (view spoiler)[I like her and how she helped Paige see a new perspective on the parents dating. (hide spoiler)]

Tessa (view spoiler)[I wonder if it's possible that she could like Ryan too, which is why she wanted to know if Paige really had an actual crush on him, instead of a "he's so cute" crush. (hide spoiler)]

Max (view spoiler)[I feel like he would be a better match for Paige than Ryan, since she and Max seem to have more in common, and they are able to talk to each other and tease each other easily. I'm interested in seeing if she will end up starting up to like. (hide spoiler)]

Lauren (view spoiler)[I'm not a big fan of her right now, since she seems to be so intense about QuizBowl at the expense of how she may make Paige feel. (hide spoiler)]

Kayleigh/Morgan (view spoiler)[I liked how their argument showed how the dynamics of their friendship aren't perfect, yet by the next chapter, all was forgiven and they were friends again like usual. (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

I can't read your spoilers until I'm home and I have to much to type to do it on my phone. But I love it too, and it is engaging and an easy read.

I'm done with Ch. 10 so I'll post when I'm home but I have no idea when that will be. I'm glad we found a winner!!

[Katie]

Yep, I agree that is definitely a quick, easy, and engaging read. I also like how there's some sad topics in it, like Aaron's death, yet it still is a light and fun read overall.

[Vicki]

Well, we stopped home so hubby could use the bathroom. But you pretty much covered what I had to say some of what I covered thru Ch. 8 LOL

Paige's grandma is definitely (view spoiler)[ going to be (and has been) a huge help in getting Paige to see things from a different perspective, as well as helping her see ways to get over or to push through her grief. (hide spoiler)]

I definitely think that Tessa is (view spoiler)[interested in Ryan. That was my firs thought when she asked Paige that. I don't know why Paige wasn't honest about that though, unless she possibly thought that Tessa might be into Ryan since he's been "chasing" her. (hide spoiler)]

Yeah, Lauren (view spoiler)[isn't my favorite! I didn't like what she said to Paige after the QuizBowl. So far she just isn't very likable. (hide spoiler)]

I really (view spoiler)[like Max and lot and I also like him for Paige! They really have good common interests and I just like his personality. He's kind, funny, intelligent, observant. he's just good for her. I really want her to fall for him. LOL (hide spoiler)]

I also agree with you that (view spoiler)[the characters are not flawless. They are human and have their little tiffs, but they love each other and forgive. I liked that little anecdote as well as the Ferris Wheel one, too. I personally HATE them! LOL I would be the barfer! LOL (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

5 chapters
love your guys' comments :)

so far it's just cute for me, I don't love it.

I too(view spoiler)[ find her grief interesting. it was such a short time, maybe it's just because of the potential and being so young and have someone die that's close to you
and/or the guilt others push on her? (hide spoiler)]

Ryan (view spoiler)[ that's funny....lol
I don't like him. I mean, I don't hate him, but.....meh. I don't really like him either (hide spoiler)]

Max(view spoiler)[ THIS guy I like. :) (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Yea, Katie and I agree with you about (view spoiler)[ Max. He's the one! I also don't really dislike or like Ryan. He's just okay. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

ch 7!
See, I love Max.
I mean really? Arguing over Pride and Prejudice? That is just wonderful

AND he has some really good points! LOL

[Vicki]

YES!!!! Max is the bomb!!! Lol

[Katie]

I definitely agree about Max. I have no problems with Ryan, but there's nothing about him that is making me really like him, while I do really like Max.

[Vicki]

Finished ch. 13

First, I adore the nick name (view spoiler)[Grammar Girl for Paige, but only because I am SO like she is in that regard. LOL In my head I am forever correcting people when they use "I" or "me" and "she" and "her" incorrectly. It drives me NUTS when people say things like "should've went" or "I don't got no..." but I keep my mouth shut. I'm sorry if I offend anyone who reads this! LOL (hide spoiler)]

I love that both Max and Paige have (view spoiler)[aspirations and I love how Max encourages her so much. Paige would do well in a writing program. She just needs to be confident or at least be willing to "fail" until she succeeds. That's such a common problem! (hide spoiler)]

I LOVED the part where (view spoiler)[Max and Paige had such a candid talk about their "secrets." (hide spoiler)]

Paige really is (view spoiler)[blessed with both Max and Ryan. I still like Max more, especially because he is so thoughtful and intuitive. It was so touching when he went to get Tessa after Paige's grandmother had a stroke. He is amazing! But Ryan checked on her too. They are both good guys, but Max is IT in my book!I like how safe she feels with Max. (hide spoiler)]

I thought Paige's reaction to (view spoiler)[exchanging kisses with Ryan on each other's cheeks was so funny. (hide spoiler)]

QuizBowl (view spoiler)[was awesome! I am SO thrilled for Paige that SHE saved her team and got them a WIN! Take that, Lauren! LOL (hide spoiler)]

After reading the word (view spoiler)[pulchritude I guess that these kids ARE just smarter than the average, but what a good metaphor Max used about the eclipse. I love it! (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

I've read through chapter 15 now.

Kayleigh (view spoiler)[I feel like her relationship with Eric isn't going to work out well, since it's causing her to make bad decisions. I also wonder if Paige ever told Tessa that she borrowed her car to get Kayleigh. I'm guessing she didn't since it wasn't mentioned. (hide spoiler)]

Ryan (view spoiler)[I don't understand why she still has such a crush on him now when I feel like she should be falling for Max by this point, since they seem like such good friends, and they love similar things, like reading. (hide spoiler)]

Paige's parents (view spoiler)[I'm glad the new relationship for them is working out well for them so far, and I hope it continues to work so that Paige doesn't have to see them break up again. (hide spoiler)]

Max (view spoiler)[I love this boy, and especially how his idea of Friday night fun is hanging out at a bookstore. He is so sweet too, how he drove Paige to the hospital and knew to tell Tessa about what had happened to her grandmother, because he knew that she would need Tessa. (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

I am going to go start because my NOOK is at 5% so I have to charge it.

[Katie]

I hope you like Shadow Kiss. I really like that series. And I agree with basically everything you said about through chapter 13.

[Vicki]

Katie wrote: "I've read through chapter 15 now.

Kayleigh [spoilers removed]

Ryan [spoilers removed]

Paige's parents [spoilers removed]

Max [spoilers removed]"

Thanks, Katie, I hope I like it, too. If it's anything like books 1 and 2, I'll love it.

I completely agree with all of your comments! Isn't it funny though how (view spoiler)[chemistry is either there or it's not! I know people that WANTED to like someone romantically but it just wasn't there. I think Paige will come around though. Max is WAY too good to pass up! LOL (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

I finished chapter 17, and I'm so happy that (view spoiler)[Paige finally admitted to herself that she likes Max and doesn't really like Ryan like that anymore. The feelings were already there, and she just didn't see them, so I'm glad that playing 7 minutes in heaven helped her come to that conclusion, even if I was slightly disappointed that they didn't actually end up kissing. (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

You're KILLING me!! Lol I want to peek! Lol

[Vicki]

Okay, finished Ch. 15

Fact-O-Mazing (view spoiler)[was really fun. I like how both boys jumped right in and had a blast with Paige's family. I wish she'd get over her parents' reconciliation and just be happy for them. (hide spoiler)]

Kayleigh is most definitely (view spoiler)[making bad decisions! If I were Kayleigh, I'd be upset that my boyfriend went and hid and didn't even look to find me first. She needs to dump him because she IS a different person. I hate when that happens and someone allows another person to basically change who they are. (hide spoiler)]

I wonder if Paige will (view spoiler)[get into trouble if her parents or Tessa's parents find out that she just took off in the car. I was afraid she'd have a car accident. (hide spoiler)]

Agreed, Friday nights at a (view spoiler)[bookstore is my kind of entertainment, too. A boy after our own hearts, right? LOL (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Katie wrote: "I finished chapter 17, and I'm so happy that [spoilers removed]"

I just read Ch. 17 and (view spoiler)[YIPPEE!!!! I KNEW she would come to her senses!! In a way I am glad they didn't kiss because that would have been at least partly or mostly initiated by a dare based on the game. Now when they have their first kiss it will be completely because they WANT to and they want each other!! I can hardly wait for the "NERDS" to get it on. Just kissing, just kissing. LOL (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

10 chapters

it's still cute

Jacob(view spoiler)[ aww, my heart broke a little for Paige when she saw Jacob....because he looked so much like Aaron.... :(
I loved the story about the Ferris wheel though (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Trisha wrote: "10 chapters

it's still cute

Jacob aww, my heart broke a little for Paige when she saw Jacob....because he looked so much like Aaron.... :(
I loved the story about the Ferris wheel though"

Yeah, I was going to mention that but I forgot. I agree. :o(

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

20 chapters

yeah(view spoiler)[ I'm glad she finally spotted Max too
he's so sweet...I wish she'd see that
I think this fight in the pool just might shake her up enough to admit it to him now (hide spoiler)]
grandma(view spoiler)[ I love that her grandma sees right through to how sweet max is
love their little talks (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

done

this one was adorable! LOL

[Vicki]

I just finished Ch. 20

I also love her (view spoiler)[grandma's insight. (hide spoiler)]

I have a feeling Paige will (view spoiler)[ tell Max now too. (hide spoiler)]

I'm glad her parents (view spoiler)[lightened up and that her mom and dad are encouraging her to pursue her writing. I hope she gets accepted. (hide spoiler)]

And I am REALLY glad that (view spoiler)[Kayleigh and Eric broke up and that SHE dumped HIM because she had a light bulb moment. Thank goodness! (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Finished and I really liked it a lot! I'll post tomorrow though. I am not feeling too well emotionally. Today is the anniversary of my mother's passing and the end of this book just hit me hard.

[Katie]

I finished this too, and I also loved it! I stayed up past 2:30 AM to finish it, because I couldn't put it down.

[Vicki]

Katie wrote: "I finished this too, and I also loved it! I stayed up past 2:30 AM to finish it, because I couldn't put it down."

I'm so glad you loved it, too, Katie! YAY!

[[deleted user]]

I dident have internet unntil now so I couldent update.
I read the whole book on thursday and love it.
I love how I can tell its a emery lord book, at the same time as it stands on its own With open road summer. Both great books but so different and great in different way.
I love how this book took place over a whole year as supposed top open road summer(2 months). I love Max and ryan both, how this book was about friendship AND love, not one of them. I thought the characters were interesting and relatable. I would love a companion book to this( about Paiges sister or one of her friends).
Also I love.love,love all the References(Gilmore Girls,austen,firefly+++)

[Vicki]

I agree with you, Oda!

[[deleted user]]

Vicki wrote: "I agree with you, Oda!"

Hehe. Me,long comment, you reply with one sentence. But hey you said what you wanted :)