My rating: 4.5 our of 5 stars
In alternating chapters of verse and prose, new girl Lauren and football hero Colby come together, fall apart, and build something stronger than either of them thought possible - something to truly believe in.
I loved this book! At first, I thought I wouldn't like that Lauren's chapters are in verse and Colby's are in prose, but it's a perfect expression for each character. Verse sharpens Lauren's story as she struggles with the pain of past child abuse and neglect. Colby, a star football player who is longing to do something else, has an insightful and entertaining voice in prose. I expected it to be jarring, but it flows smoothly, and the short chapters and compelling story make it a quick read.
I also love that this book's theme is of the expectations teens grapple with as they grow up. Whether they are struggling to live up to them, or trying to succeed in spite of them, expectations can be a heavy burden. Colby knows that he doesn't want to follow his father's dream of a college football career. Lauren, who is trying to put her mother's abuse and neglect behind her, is keenly aware that people expect her to be a messed up and troublesome teenager.
But to balance the darkness, this book is filled with hope and love. The love of family, the dedication of friends, and the passion a small town has for its football team. As Lauren and Colby's friendship blossoms into a relationship, they discover what it means to believe in yourself.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who has ever felt they wouldn't be accepted if they broke away from the path people expected them to follow. Which basically means, I recommend this book to everyone.
This sounds like one I should read! I would have been put off by the alternating points of view also. So it's good to know it works so well. Thanks for the review Jo Marie!
ReplyDeleteThe book seems really good. Thank you for sharing the review. After reading many crime novels, I think a story like this would be suitable for me.
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