Meet Cute

The Bookworm says... Maybe. Meet Cute is a lovely collection of short stories written by Jennifer Armentrout, Dhonielle Clayton, Katie Cotugno, Jocelyn Davies, Huntley Fitzpatrick, Nina LaCour, Emery Lord, Katharine McGee, Kass Morgan, Julie Murphy, Meredith Russo, Sara Shepard, Nicola Yoon, and Ibi Zoboi. Each short story is exactly what you would expect, based on the title- a meet cute. A "meet cute", as defined by Urban Dictionary, is a scene in which a future romantic couple meets for the first time. Each of the stories contained in this anthology is charming and wistful and makes you believe that love at first sight might really be possible. Days later I remained thinking about Aviva's statistics project and Blythe's mission. At the end of each story, I found myself frustrated that I had reached the end, because even after a short number of pages I was already rooting for the romance. This anthology is a light, feel-good summer read that will fill your heart with joy as you turn the pages on the beach; a collection of work from such talented authors would be hard pressed to disappoint.

"Your own age- you guess- but somehow younger- carefree, dead sure that the world is theirs to enjoy, with every intention of doing that." (From "Say Everything" by Huntley Fitzpatrick)


Previously reviewed by Nicola Yoon- Everything, Everything and The Sun is Also A Star

The Sun Is Also A Star

The Bookworm says... Yes! The Sun Is Also A Star is truly a shining sophomore novel for the lovely Nicola Yoon. Natasha and Daniel collide in a near fatal moment on a corner in Times Square. It is a big day for each- Natasha's family is being deported, and Daniel has an interview with a Yale alumnus. Natasha is a firm believer in science and the accuracy of the scientific method; her only mission is to reverse her father's mistakes and keep her family in America. Daniel is a poet, a dreamer, who is trying to be happy in his life while living up to his parents' expectations. Once Daniel sees Natasha, his interview immediately fades from his mind. All that matters is getting to know this intriguing, beautiful girl with the "DEUS EX MACHINA" jacket and the afro. Daniel invites Natasha to get coffee, and she obliges; his most pressing issue is no longer the Yale interview- it's making a girl who doesn't believe in love fall in love.

The Sun Is Also A Star proved itself to be an outstanding new YA romance that questions the power of fate and expectations, and what happens if you defy them. I'm not going to lie, the beginning of this book did not have me sold. I was unsure if I would finish the book pleased or disappointed. Just looking at the exposition, the cliche is undeniable- love at first sight in Times Square? Come on. But, as I continued to read, Daniel and Natasha drew me in, their different cultures (Korean American and Jamaican) providing something unique and interesting to the story. After around 100 pages, I could not deny the quality of this story. By the end, any hint of cliche that would take away from the reading experience was gone. Upon finishing the book, I was beyond crushed that the twenty-or-so pages I thought I had left was actually a preview of Everything, Everything, Nicola Yoon's first novel. I could have read another hundred pages of this book easily. This is an adorable YA that is sure to tug at your heart strings- don't miss out!

"The sun is also a star, and it's our most important one."

Previously reviewed by Nicola Yoon: Everything, Everything

DISCLAIMER: Review is based on an advance reader's copy. Tentative on-sale date is November 1, 2016.

Everything, Everything

The Bookworm says... Yes! Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon is such a great read. Maddy has Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, so she's basically allergic to everything. Because of this, she hasn't left her house in seventeen years. She hasn't even had a reason to desire leaving, until Olly moves in. She feels herself falling for him, and she hasn't even met him yet. If and when they do meet, Maddy knows she will be doomed with a love she can't tend to. 

This was such a great book. Maddy is clever and smart while being sheltered and naive at the same time. The email dialogue between Maddy and Olly is perfect, and gives the reader a more personal sense of relation with each character. 

"Everything's a risk. Not doing anything's a risk. It's up to you."

DISCLAIMER: review is based off of an uncorrected galley. Official release date is Spetember 1st, 2015.