Review: How I Lost You by Janet Gurtler

Title: How I Lost You
Author: Janet Gurtler
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Publication date: April 23rd, 2013

Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary)

Source: Publisher 

Format: ARC

Pages: 309

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There are a few things Grace Anderson knows for sure. One is that nothing will ever come between her and her best friend, Kya Kessler. They have a pact. Buds Before Studs. Sisters Before Misters. But in the summer before senior year, life throws out challenges they never expected. And suddenly the person who's always been there starts to need the favor returned. Grace and Kya are forced to question how much a best friend can forgive. And the answer is not what they expected.

I had no expectations for this book, and I guess it didn't really disappoint me. I have read many great reviews for it, and that what made me get a bit excited. The difference in this book than other contemporaries is that this one revolves mainly on the friendship. Grace and Kya and best friends since childhood, and Grace is kind of her caretaker most of the time. Kya suffered a tragic event when she was young, her dad is an alcoholic, and her mother doesn't give a crap of what she does or where she is. Grace feels like she is obliged to take care of her, and sometimes she goes too far.

I guess they both are really tight friends, but I guess Kya got the best out of it. Grace was always taking care of Kya, scared to hurt her feelings, and would sacrifice stuff just so she would please Kya. Kya isn't that bad either. She really does want Grace to be happy, but sometimes she just acts a bit selfish, which kind of bugged me out. I liked the fact that most of the book also revolved around paintball, which I didn't know was an actual sport until now. Or is it? Anyhow, Kya and Grace are kick-butt in paintball, and I liked that in both of them. They both work at a paintball place who Grace's dad actually owns. When these new boys come to play, Kya immediately flirts and seeks all the attention. Another annoying thing. Though one boy doesn't actually look at her, and is interested in Grace. 

At some point, it was kind of sad to see their friendship going down the hole. The whole Buds Before Studs was so cute, but nothing lasts forever. I can see how many people can relate to this. There will always be an end to your "best friend", and if you're still holding on to yours, then consider yourself to be lucky. Overall, I really enjoyed reading "How I Lost You", and would totally recommend it to all those who have lost a dear friend of theirs. It's sad, but it's the truth. Can't wait to read more of Janet Gurtler's future stuff!

Other books by Janet Gurtler:
Who I kissed