3.5 Stars

Readable and interesting, but lacking that special something. I liked reading about the nerdy parts and thought the high school heartbreak parts felt so true. But I wanted that one extra THING to happen to take this book to the next level. ( )

Actual Rating: Solid 4 stars

This was sweet and funny. I had a handful of problems with it (Amy was not super likable. Like I get why she was making the decisions she was and my not finding her likable probably makes me seem not super likable but it is what it is.) I loved Craig’s friends - I actually cared more about his friendships and family more than I cared about his relationship with Amy. Craig grew up a lot through the course of the book, and it was pretty believable character growth.

I thought there’d be a little more ‘90s nostalgia peppered in but really this could have been set in modern day and it wouldn’t have changed anything about the story (except the cost of college would have been even less affordable).

But I laughed out loud multiple times, so I definitely still recommend the book. ( )

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Pro: I really liked Craig and thought he was a wonderful perspective for this story!

Pro: I thought the high school experience was authentic and made me remember a teenage version of myself. I remember falling in love and not being able to see when a relationship wasn't working.

Pro: I loved the setting! I felt myself nodding in agreement to things that teenagers today might not understand (like not being able to use the phone after a certain time). It was very nostalgic.

Con: There were a few times I found it difficult to follow the story. I would have to stop, flip back, and then try to read it again before it clicked. I don't know if it was Craig's way of thinking, or the writing.

Con: I didn't appreciate Craig's outlook on college -- it was narrow-minded and unrealistic. There are always options and choices, even if they aren't easy or enjoyable.

The author warns readers that this book will not have a happy ending, but it's hard not to wish for one anyways. It reminded me of They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera. Its title tells you they both die, but you hope for the best until the very last page.

In the end, there were a few things that irked me, but I enjoyed it overall. Craig was funny and viewed the world in an unorthodox way, but one that would make sense to a teenager in the 90s. As for Amy... she wasn't a horrible person, but she did do horrible things. I thought it was a very realistic portrayal of high school, love, and heartbreak.

Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on October 15, 2018. ( )

FROM AMAZON: The worst thing that's ever happened to Craig is also the best: Amy. Amy and Craig never should've gotten together. Craig is an awkward, Dungeons & Dragons-playing geek, and Amy is the beautiful, fiercely intelligent student-body president of their high school.

Yet somehow they did, until Amy dumped him. Then got back together with him. Then dumped him again. Then got back together with him again. Over and over and over.

Unfolding during their senior year, Amy and Craig's exhilarating, tumultuous relationship is a kaleidoscope of joy, pain, and laughter as an uncertain future-and adult responsibility-loom on the horizon.