Mini Reviews of (Don't You) Forget About Me and 17 First Kisses

(Don't You) Forget About Me by Kate Karyus Quinn
Harper Collins Canada

June 10, 2014

3/5 stars

Source: Publisher

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I've previously read Quinn's debut novel Another Little Piece and thought it was one of the most unique books I've read in 2013. Her writing style is the right amount of confusing that makes you want to keep on reading to find out what is going on. I was ecstatic when I received (Don't You) Forget About Me in the mail. Also, look at that gorgeous cover! After I read its synopsis I knew that this will have a similar writing style to Another Little Piece and I was right. I have to point out that the writing is just as superb and unique as it was in her debut novel but I just had some issues with the plot and the characters. I wish I knew a bit more about the plot (since the synopsis barely gives anything away) because I wouldn't have picked it up. Our main protagonist drowns herself in pills to forget about the misery she is currently living in. Her town is a magical one. Meaning everyone who lives there has perfect health.. but it comes with a price. Every fourth year, something BIG happens and many people (usually 13-17 years old) end up dying. That's what happened to her sister.. or at least what everyone believes. The whole novel is about Skylar taking pills and forgetting everything as well as her trying to find out what happened to her sister (not a good combination right? lay off the pill girl!). Still, what kept me going was the writing and the mystery. You know me, I can't resist a mystery. The ending was shocking. I have to give Quinn props on the twist. Total mind screw. This is why I gave it 3 stars.. because even though I had issues with it, overall I enjoyed it. I know many of my good friends loved the book. You can Check both Carina @ Carina's Books as well as Sam @ Realm Of Fiction's reviews. I will definitely be checking out any new books by Quinn because I just love her writing style, it really gets to me. 

17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen

Harper Collins Canada

June 17, 2014

2/5 stars

Source: Publisher

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If I were to rate the first half of the book, I would have probably given it a 3 to a 3.5. 17 First Kisses is about a girl with a not so great friend. yea, it's that kind of book. It always amazes me how so many contemporary female protagonists always seem to have such sucky and crappy supposed best friends. That's how it is for Claire at least. Her best friend, Megan, always got what she wanted, from what to do, where to go, who is cool or not, and boys. But I don't blame Megan.. Megan is selfish and conceited.. sure, she's not harming anyone.. but Claire.. I am so frustrated at Claire. Why would she put up with this crap? I've been in situations where someone I thought was a friend turned out crappy.. what did I do? I dropped her and ran the opposite way. However, that wasn't my only problem. The introduction of a new guy sort of creates a bigger rift for both girls and they compete for his attention.. it is just so immature and demeaning to women out there.. I mean, if a guy can't obviously decide between you two.. is he really worth it? Then there is the introduction of this other love interest for Claire that literally popped up out of nowhere.. and Claire's feelings change so dramatically.. it all felt so unreal and just unpleasant for me. I don't mind the whole changing your heart direction.. but could we at least have gotten to know the guy a bit more? The characters all felt two dimensional and I barely knew anything about them beyond their names. I think less critical and younger people might enjoy this book but I can't. I read too many contemporary and I think that really raised the bar for what I expect from my contemporary novels. I'm disappointed that I didn't like this because I did like the plot.. just not the direction the author took with it.