Hello my friends. I know it has been AGES since I've blogged or written. I've gotten out of the habit and really need to get back in the saddle with one of my favorite books so far this year.
Let me first start by saying I was thrilled and completely honored to be asked to review this newest release by Tammara Webber. I fell in love with her writing when I read "Between the Lines" which has become one of my favorite YA trilogies. When I found out she was doing a stand alone novel, I was intrigued because I was wondering how I was going to survive living with her characters for only 1 book. I did survive and I'm here to give you a head's up of why you NEED to read this book.
Take a look at the synopsis from Goodreads then try to tell me you aren't reeled in...
EASY
Tammara Webber
Mature Young Adult (language/sexual situations/drinking)Publication: May 25, 2012Kindle Edition
provided by author for review
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, stalked by her ex’s frat brother, and failing a class for the first time in her life.
Her econ professor gives her an email address for Landon, the class tutor, who shows her that she’s still the same intelligent girl she’s always been. As Jacqueline becomes interested in more from her tutor than a better grade, his teasing responses make the feeling seem mutual. There’s just one problem—their only interactions are through email.
Meanwhile, a guy in her econ class proves his worth the first night she meets him. Nothing like her popular ex or her brainy tutor, Lucas sits on the back row, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. At a downtown club, he disappears after several dances that leave her on fire. When he asks if he can sketch her, alone in her room, she agrees—hoping for more.
Then Jacqueline discovers a withheld connection between her supportive tutor and her seductive classmate, her ex comes back into the picture, and her stalker escalates his attention by spreading rumors that they’ve hooked up. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.
How can I start this review with out fan-girling all over it? I don't think it's possible so I"m going to jump right in...
What I love about this book (and Ms. Webber's other books) is that her characters are very realistic. You can get in their heads and understand their motivations, thoughts, and actions. While reading this book, I felt like Jacqueline could have been me or any one of my friends in college. I identified with her thoughts about school and especially the fact that she's a music student. When I was a student, I'd gone through that part in life where your mind isn't on your studies so you slack off and then have to make a comeback academically. Also, I met my husband online when I was in high school, so I understand the connection you can make with someone through the computer like Jacqueline does with her tutor. Like I said, I TOTALLY GOT JACQUELINE! When things get bad for Jacqueline, you want to be her best friend and hold her hand and give her a pint of ice cream and gossip about the stupid things boys do.
I made so many book marks in this book! (this only happens when I am completely into a story and get all mushy inside or when something makes me literally laugh out loud)
The picture Ms. Webber paints of college is very accurate. While some of college life can be scary in both emotional and physical ways, there are parts that can be pretty great - as I read this book, I felt it was very spot-on.
Small Spoiler Warning & Author Recommendation (Mature Young Adults for language, drinking, & sexual situations)
Fair warning: this book can get pretty emotional. The author advisement should be taken into consideration before reading this novel. There are a lot of things going on, especially the part about sexual assault. Even though the topic can be harrowing, it was dealt with head on and showed the reality that many women face after having been sexually assaulted. However, I would definitely suggest this to high school aged readers. If I could make this book extremely popular and get it on required reading lists all over the world, I would just for the awareness.
MY SHORT LIST OF AWESOME STUFF ABOUT EASY:
- HOT, artistic, brainy guys
- Drama
- Comedy
- I loved the email banter between Jacqueline & her tutor: "Of course I’m brainy! I’m the all-knowing tutor. And in case you’re wondering - yes, you’re my favorite. ;)" (Kindle Location 552)
- I adored the chemistry Jacqueline has with her econ classmate. CHA-CHING!
- Everyone needs a best friend like Erin. She's the perfect balance of zany & voice of reason. “Could be hot…” she whispered. “Especially if there’s a uniform. Or handcuffs.” (Kindle Location 1508).
- Hasn't everyone had that one "specific-class-friend" that you only see maybe 2x's a week at class but you have great conversations with?! I <3 BENJI! “Um, giving half the class an exhaustive summary every Monday morning—in lurid detail—of how much of an alcoholic skank you are? Isn’t all that attractive, either. Just sayin’.” (Kindle Locations 2693-2695).
In short: You NEED to read this book. You SHOULD read this book. I couldn't put it down. At one point I actually screamed, "AAAHHH! I LOVE THIS BOOK!" and I even put a note in my edition to remind me of when I did so (in case you're wondering Location 1378).
