Dan Cereill has more problems than Jay Z. Between his dad coming out as gay, a financial meltdown, and a new school, the poor kid is stuck in the worst soap opera ever. But everything takes a backseat when he meets Estelle…because there’s nothing better than stalking someone to forget your problems. Honestly, who knew a fourteen year old could be so creepy?
Books like this one make me wonder if maybe I’m getting a little old for certain YA Contemporaries. While some of Dan’s choices made me cringe, I understand that the author tried to step into the mind of a fourteen year old. However, the final product is too similar to a terrible high school movie to make an impact. Dan is instantly obsessed with Estelle, even though her character is boring and very flat. I just didn’t get the appeal. Also, he does things that are beyond creepy and I couldn’t blame his age for any of it. My first note while I was reading this was “stalker vibe?” and it applies to the entire book. I don’t feel like this is a coming-of-age story. It comes off as a very exaggerated story about a bunch of teens that were more like characters than people. Everything was too over-the-top to be believable and/or enjoyable.
I think what bothered me the most about this novel is that it actually had a lot of potential. The family issues could’ve been developed more. Even though the pacing was too slow for my taste, I did enjoy the few clever and witty parts of the story. But all the good parts were overshadowed by the very uncomfortable romance. Focusing so much on his obsession really hurt the story and drove me insane. I really wanted to love it–and I did find it charming it at times–but I can’t get over the flaws.
Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!)
How thank goodness, I was not the only one. I gave this book two stars – I really did not like it O_O I’m 20 years old and I thought the same thing – am I too old for YA contemporaries? They’ve collectively been bothering me for about three years now – makes sense, since I’m no longer 17. This book especially though. Anywayyyy, great review, Paola! So sorry you didn’t enjoy this one either – hopefully the next you read will be AWESOME! 🙂
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Paola Carolina
Thank you, Alyssa! I don’t want to give up on YA but I’ve been craving something new lately. YA contemporaries are really letting me down and I really think my age is the issue. I think I can’t relate to most of them anymore D:
Ilex
Oh, no! I loved Wildlife, so I’ve been really looking forward to reading this book. Now I’m scared! 🙁
Paola Carolina
Ahhh! Maybe you’ll love it! I haven’t read Wildlife but this one just wasn’t for me.
Kyra
Meh, I’m not sure if I’ll be reading this! Romances with obsession and slight stalkerish tendencies I don’t enjoy so I probably won’t be giving this a go. Great review! 🙂
Paola Carolina
Thank you, Kyra! <3 (Obsession + stalkerish tendencies are no fun).
Crystal Books Unbound
I haven’t read this series yet (although I have it) but just the other day I’ve been feeling like I’m too old to read YA in general. Especially dystopian YA. Why is every story basically the same and why is the female main character worried about flirting when her life is in danger! I get so frustrated that I just think it’s time for me to bow out. Great post though. I feel like a lot of older bloggers are having the same feelings about YA.
Paola Carolina
YES!!!! I gave up on dystopian YA a while ago. I can’t enjoy something that has been done a million times, you know? It really makes me sad that I haven’t been enjoying a lot of YA lately. I hope a great book comes along so I don’t give up all together.
Heather @ Random Redheaded Ramblings
Think I’ll avoid this one, I frequently feel old reading YA books as I’m in my thirties but can’t give them up or should I say won’t give them up!
Paola Carolina
I can’t either! Even though I’ve been reading some pretty awful YA books lately D:
La Coccinelle @ The Ladybug Reads...
Oh, but stalking and unhealthy relationship dynamics are so romantic! Aren’t they?
Hmmm… Maybe I really am too old to be reading YA.
Paola Carolina
🙁 I always think I’m too old for YA after I finish a terrible book but then a brilliant book comes along and I change my mind haha
Carina Olsen
Ahh, noo 🙁 I’m so sorry that you disliked this book so much sweetie. I do like the cover, sort of. But yeah. Doesn’t sound like a book for me either :\ This genre isn’t much for me, lol 🙂 Thank you for sharing your awesome thoughts about it 🙂
Paola Carolina
Haha, thank you for reading my rant! 😀
Barbara
It seems a pretty interesting storyline! Somehow I am always so attracted to stories that include a teenager moving house and changing schools. I can think of few movies and books that have this as a main story! Thanks for sharing! 🙂