This was really nice! The author obviously thinks fictional characters are far better at eavesdropping than real people as too many times overheard information moved the plot forward, but that's forgivable. ( )

I absolutely loved the Impossible Vastness of Us. Everything from the characters, to the plot, to the relationships was amazing.

Fynn, India, and Eloise were all fantastic characters. The mystery behind each of their different backgrounds had me hooked as I wanted to know what they were hiding. I really liked how the characters were flawed and had personalities and emotions that reflected those of teens. I felt like each character could be relatable to the reader through their own way. I also loved the diverse representation Eloise provided. Even though India and Eloise have a hard time warming up to those around them, it added a lot to their character development and their relationship dynamics. I loved how the family dynamic was developed between India and her mother, and Eloise and her father.

The Impossible Vastness of Us is a beautiful, heartfelt novel perfect for fans of contemporary romance. ( )

This was the first YA genre title I’ve read by Samantha Young. India Maxwell moves across the country when her mother marries a man from Boston and now has to contend with a new stepsister, Eloise, and her boyfriend, Finn. The relationship between Eloise and India particularly grew on me. In some ways it reminded me of Erin Watt’s Royals series. This is the perfect read if you love lots of drama, relationships and mean girls, galore.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
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I'm just going to start this review by saying 5 stars is NOT enough. What did I just read? My heart literally aches for the characters in this book. This was NOT what I expected when I picked this book to review, it is SO much more. I am literally at a loss for words when I think about this book, and the emotional pull it has. I really wish I was a writer and could wax poetic about this, but...I am just me and if you do one thing in your life, read this book, have your teenager read this book. There is no sex, there is talk of it and some making out, however if you let that be your focus you really lose the big picture. This book tackles some of the harshest realities kids face these days, and you will NOT be sorry you read this, of that you can be sure. This book is told entirely through India's point of view.



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When I first read the synopsis of The Impossible Vastness of Us I was really intrigued. I thought the premise sounded interesting, so I thought I’d give it a go! Overall I thought it was enjoyable. There are some heavier topics discussed once we learn more about India’s background, as well as Finn’s; and it’s pretty heartbreaking at times. India has a shaky relationship with her mother, Hayley, and you do eventually learn why that is. It helps the reader understand why India is so cold and aloof towards Hayley.

A few things fell flat for me though. The flow of the book was difficult to follow. There would be time jumps, but no indication that this was happening – no page break, nor line. Usually there would be a new chapter, or at least an extra paragraph space between time jumps. So that took some getting used to and at times it was confusing.

The ending was also pretty anticlimactic. The epilogue is only two pages (if that) long, and it wasn’t an epilogue at all, in my opinion. Epilogues are supposed to give the reader a glimpse of the characters’ lives further on down the line, and help wrap up the storyline. This epilogue just felt like another chapter, and I have to admit I was disappointed.

I did really like how India, Eloise, and Finn form a unique friendship and bond. They each had certain beliefs or opinions about the other when they first met; but as they got to know each other that friendship grew. It makes the reader remember that they shouldn’t judge those they don’t know; and that you can’t always trust your first impression of a person.

This story is full of twists; some you may see coming, but others I think will be a surprise.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on Books For The Living. ( )