Lucy Keating
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Magical Realism-ish
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads
Reading Challenges: #ContRom2017, #NGEW2017
Annabelle is all about being in control. Each day is color-coded, and all decisions are made well in advance. Suddenly, her world is in upheaval following her parents' surprising disclosure, and the discovery that she is actually NOT in control. It seems that Annabelle is a character created by author Lucy Keating, who is dead set on giving Annabelle the HEA Lucy thinks she needs. However, it seems AB does not agree, and is going to put up a fight to regain control of her life.
First and foremost, I found the concept of the book clever. Yes, it's been done before, but I really enjoyed Keating's take on it. As a reviewer and someone who reads a lot of reviews, I found myself amused by all the references Keating made to book characters and story elements. The one-dimensional sidekick, the made-just-for-me heartthrob, the BIG event that creates the tension in the story, the dreaded love triangle, and more. I loved the way Keating poked fun at it all.
Aside from that, I found so many big statements being asserted underneath it all. There are moments when Keating and AB are fighting with each other over which choice would be best for Annabelle. Maybe this represents the struggles that authors sometimes experience when writing a character, and this was Keating's way of expressing the frustrations she encounters when writing. Another thing I loved, was the way she challenged the idea that we can go with the flow or dare to write our own story. There were a bunch of other rather deep musings I had while reading this, but it all came down to the line on the cover of the book for me: "a book about a book about falling in love".
There is a LOT of talk about love. From first love and familial love to love that's lost, there are thoughts hidden throughout. This idea that it's better to have loved and lost then to never have had that connection. That some love is worth fighting for, and sometimes you must acknowledge the end of a love you had. That love can sneak up on you, and it might be with someone you never expected. You know, the heart wants what the heart wants. How love is taking a chance with an uncertain future, but that it can be worth it. I am a lover of romance, so I gobbled it all up.
Overall: A zany and quirky look at YA culture with the bonus of a cute romance with some food for thought.
**I would like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book
Are you super organized?
Let us know in the comments!
Hmm, I've been a tad bit hesitant about this, but it actually sounds pretty good. Unique, for sure. I like the way you described the author and her character sort of arguing. That seems like fun, and maybe this book could help readers understand the struggle authors sometimes go through while writing. Have to add this to my TBR!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! :)
Veronika @ The Regal Critiques
It seems most of the criticism has been the way the author wrote herself into the book, not the rest of the story. It didn't really bother me, as it was not the main focus. The story seemed strange at first, but it grows and the positive messages become really clear as the story progresses.
DeleteThe premise is so incredibly unique and I was kind of intrigued when this one first came out. But, having read Dreamology by Keating last year and being pretty underwhelmed I decided to give this one a pass. Glad it was mostly enjoyable, though. And it is pretty funny how Keating kind of made fun of it even as she was writing it. :)
ReplyDeleteTanya @ Girl Plus Books
I never read Dreamology. This one sounded interesting, and it delivered.
DeleteThis sounds fascinating! I know that others have used this premise before but I've not read any of those - the only similar thing that comes to mind is the film Ruby Sparks (which was both interesting and very annoying, LOL). I'm a lover of romance too Sam, so I have high hopes for this one! :)
ReplyDeleteI think the closest comparison, that I could think of, would be Stranger Than Fiction. It was a cute, fun read. It was missing something that would push it to the 4-5 range, but I did enjoy it.
DeleteThat is... interesting. So the author is in the book? I love love and a book about love sounds great, but I hate love triangles so this one would not be for me. :D I'm glad you enjoyed it overall, Sam!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
It's fun, and you can tell the author was having a good time, and not taking it all too seriously.
DeleteThis seems like a very cute read!
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question: I like to think I'm a fairly organized person. Not to the point of color-coding every outfit, but I believe that everything has it's place and that it should stay there C:
I am all about every thing has a place, and every place has a thing. I get a little bent out of shape when people do not put things back where they belong, because that leads to needless searching. I do hang my clothes in color order, and within the color, from long to short sleeves.
DeleteThis is such a fun concept for a book. I actually don't think I have read anything like this before. Glad you enjoyed it. I would say that I am very organized in some ways and not at all in others. :)
ReplyDeleteI think organization is good, as long as it does not control you. =)
DeleteI like that there is a lot to think about underneath the surface of this one, plus it sounds like a lot of fun too! The references to story elements and the author battling the MC for control- glad it all works. Definitely looks like a good one!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun. It was cute. It had heart. There was something missing, that would have pushed it into the "wow" factor range, but it was a good read. If you like contemporaries with a touch of odd, borrow it.
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