My Rebellion Checklist

by Susan Soares

Victoria Matherson's summer to-do list looked something like this:

1. Get organized for college
2. Complete summer job at Dad’s office
3. Spend a romantic summer with Adam

During the first week of her summer vacation, Victoria’s super planned life suddenly swerves completely off track. Her boyfriend breaks up with her unexpectedly, she gets in a near-fatal car wreck, and her parents announce the end of their twenty-year marriage.

Victoria decides to live life messily, to take chances, and finally to rebel. Taking on the new name of “Tori,” she creates a checklist of rebellion:

#3 Get an extreme haircut
#6 Pierce something

which she’ll use to show everyone around her that all the changes to her perfectly organized life haven’t affected her in the least. Even though they have.

With the help of her quirky and cute co-worker Zack, Tori will check off the crazy items on her list and learn what it means to give up control and be free. But just how far will she go?

Genres: Young Adult, Summer Romance, Contemporary

ebook

First published March 8, 2015

About the author

Susan Soares grew up in a small town in Massachusetts, always dreaming of one day being an author. After numerous short stories, poems and plays, those dreams finally became a reality when her first book, My Zombie Ex-Boyfriends was published. (Featherweight Press, 2013)
Susan's second book is a YA contemporary novel- Heart on a String, released June 2014, Susan is also the author of My Rebellion Checklist and Holding My Breath.

Susan received her MA in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University, and is pursuing teaching. When she isn’t writing Susan spends her time reading, experimenting with photography, planning her next Disney World vacation and chasing after her kids.

Susan loves to read YA fiction. Maybe it’s because her inner sixteen-year-old still wants to be prom queen. You can see what Susan’s up to and what she’s reading on her YouTube channel at : http://www.youtube.com/user/shewrites....

Reviews

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thing i want to say is thank you to the author for letting me read an eArc i really appreciate it!!

Okay down to business first thing i want to say is i thoroughly enjoyed this book. The idea was really good and unique and it was fun to watch Victorias journey to rebellion. The plot was a nice pace and i was never bored i was always entertained. The characters all seemed very real to me especially Victoria. The writing style was so addicting i could not stop reading! The book gripped you right away from the first page not a lot of books can grab a readers attention so quickly, so i was surprised. I really liked Victoria she was a very strong character. Anna was also a great side character i enjoyed her although i had some problems with her. I also really liked Rebecca. As for Zack i wanted more moments of them together it would have strengthened them. It would have also been nice for them to share more things about each other to get to know each other better. I would have liked the romance element to have and a little more depth to it.

All in all i really recommend this book it was light and fun and different but also had some substance to it.

[Anesha †Curious & Obsessive Bookworm† · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Its not the disability that defines you; it's how you deal with the challenges the disability presents with you. We have an obligation to the abilities we DO have, not the disability." - Jim Abbot."

Know that feeling of complete helplessness? Where no matter how much you lay out the do's and don't's that at the end of the day, if imperfection wants to scream at you, it's gonna?

Well Victoria, who quickly after seeing her perfect world shatter refused to answer to anything but Tori, was hit with a rude awakening (literally I might add). Her journey to revamping herself was subtle yet rapid. From the accident to her new job. I really enjoyed her journey. To be honest though she was too frigid. lol. I get that's who and how she is, but for me, personally I got a little irked by her need to keep perfection or the length she'll go to just to keep things organize. Again, it's not a fault of the book, it fits perfectly quite naturally but my bias ass didnt like it.

I did love Zack, unconditionally I might add


I fell in love with him the moment he said his first quote. And when I realize that was a part of him, I seriously couldn't stop grinning. He is everything 'Tori' isn't which made their relationship work. They were total opposites. How effortlessly he made his way into her life and I knew he liked her the moment he saw her but he didn't rush anything. I love how things grew from strangers to friends to more.

"Its the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.' - John Wooden"



Like when Zack says or do something endearing, it really did have me sighing.

I had to use alot of my imagination to fluff up the read. I guess it comes with growth in reading because I know for a fact if I had read this book 2 yrs ago, I'd be freaking out on cloud fucking infinity. But the me now, wish there was more... I didn't like how Tori went back to her cheating bf and let it reach to that. The dude was a total fuckboy. I hate fuckboys <_<.

Meh there are other stuff that had me -_- alot. But that really has to do with my mentality and how I see things now. Like the part with her friend (the one who works at the pizza place with her) had sex again and had the pregnant scare. Like, she used a condom but the ".1%" was effective from the condom being 99% effective. That part and the girl saying what happened in the past seriously annoyed me, like I get the message of waiting for the right person and blah blah. But...sex... Me? Who love erotica? ... Don't you dare tell me to run from sex like it's the plague.

But overall - I found this book refreshing, nostalgic and relaxing.

Oh. Her mom? Didn't like her much...Oooooh, I did not. And the dad was...soft. Ugh.

I need alpha male in my system D:

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

What you need to know: My Rebellion Checklist is a fun and refreshing story about finding yourself when you get lost, reminding us all that we don’t need to prove something, or be perfect, to do just that.

I found this book to be exactly what I needed to read at exactly the right time. We all have those times where we just feel… lost. Soares does an amazing job showing the dynamic of a girl named Victoria who really has no clue who she is and finds that that’s exactly what she is, lost. Her world is brought completely upside down by a series of events, and the rapid succession of decisions she makes as a result and the uncertainty she feels is something that every single one of us has felt at some point or another in our lives.

The novel is definitely a quick read, which is something that I found great since books similar to this one can tend to drag in spots and rush too much in others. Soares keeps a steady pace throughout the novel that keeps the reader engaged and wanting to know what exactly Tori will do next, and where that will leave her and the people in her life. The struggles that Tori experiences are very real and very relateable to anyone who has felt trapped by the constraints of what is expected of them. The beauty about this book is that the message relayed throughout is consistent, strong, and one that we should never stop being reminded of.

The characters in My Rebellion Checklist make for an interesting balance of confused parents, freedom loving boys, and girls who just want to prove they’re not who everyone thinks they are. Throw them all together, and voila! A witty and interesting group of characters that make you smile, laugh, roll your eyes, and want to talk some sense into them. It’s often hard to really get a range of characters together that compliment each other and avoid being irritating, but Soares seems to do it quite smoothly. I also thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of Tori’s persona. For spoliery-ish reasons I will not mention specifics, but I was extremely happy with the way she was portrayed.

And though I say this book is fresh and quirky, I don’t want you to come away from reading this thinking that it’s all fluff. There’s angst. But again, it’s a really, really good balance of it. The conflicts that Soares puts the characters through help to both progress the plot of the story and reveal the inner workings and feelings of our characters. It’s a light story, but it’s not too light. My only issue when it comes to plot development is that I wish the events in the story came full circle. I felt that some pieces of the story, while interesting, were left out to dry when they could have been the the pieces to help make the story the “full package.” This is honestly the only reason I couldn’t give it a higher rating.

My Rebellion Checklist is a book that I would recommend to anyone feeling that uncertainty we all feel sometimes. It’s a reminder that we don’t always need to be proving something. We don’t always need to be following the beaten path set before us. We can accept ourselves and simply like the person that we are, no strings attached. This is what the book does. And because of this alone, I hope that you’d consider plopping this book right into that “to-read” pile of yours :)

[Aoibheann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, Thank you very much to the author for allowing me to Advance Read & Review this novel- thoroughly enjoyed!

5 Stars!

Summary
Victoria feels like her life is falling apart, her parents inform her they're getting a divorce as she's recovering from a car accident and her relationship with her boyfriend comes to an end. Constantly living her life to please her parents and stuck in her ways, she decides to break free from routine and set out to change herself.

Creating a list of changes, including her name being shortened to Tori, getting a tattoo etc, she sets out to find herself and become her own person, regardless of the opinions of everyone else.

Soon she realises that Finding herself doesn't necessarily mean going to extremes and maybe she didn't have to go too far to discover who she wanted to be.


My Thoughts:

I really loved the idea of this story and how true and focused it remained on Tori’s rebellion. So many novels try to fit in multiple story-lines; however this really kept to the singular plot and was expanded and built upon really well.

Loved;
Tori’s character was one of the few I’ve read about that I feel I can relate to a lot. She’s stuck in her rigid planned ways and wants to break free of routine. I like how her list went beyond the simple appearance change and enjoyed accompanying her on her journey to just get lost and find herself. Her internal battle with her own mind, especially after her mom kept upsetting her, was quite an emotional rollercoaster but wasn’t exaggerated. One can understand why she turned to Adam after suffering rejection and why she decided to run the red light.

The plot was focused around such a simple idea- a rebellion list. You wouldn’t think you could centre a novel on such a small choice but the simplicity of the decision was crafted really well to make the novel, e.g. quitting working for her dad which lead her to the Pizza shop, leading her to ultimately completing her list. It all just flowed effortlessly with the subtle connections.

The characters were all extremely real and credible. I think Rebecca really stood out to me as she was clearly Tori’s best friend and had her best interests at heart but the fact she was hurt and affected by Tori’s extremities (like getting a tattoo, running the red light) really emphasised her love for her friend, rather than being the stereotypical best friend that just supported anything and everything.

The romance element to this was beautiful. Tori and Zack’s instant chemistry was palpable but it wasn’t over-kill. They had a flirty close relationship but Zack came across like a genuine guy and not some “book boyfriend” that seems to perfect to exist. Their relationship wasn’t made a core feature of the novel that took over but was subtle enough that you were willing something to happen between them.


Overall, I think this was a really great read. The idea was so original and quirky and the whole plot flowed really well. All the characters had their idiosyncrasies and really stood on their own with strength. I really loved the introduction of the novel with Tori being on her way to hospital; it captivated my attention immediately and laid out the foundations of the novel with a solid start. The novel continued on the high level it began which is a definite plus! Will definitely be recommending.

[TLBC · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: (ARC provided)
3.5-4 stars!

This was a super cute book! After getting a sudden dose of realty Victoria/Tori realizes being miss perfect hasn't paid off. She decides to start a list of everything rebellious she can think of and check them off one by one.

Zack her cute and quirky co-worker is there to help her with the list. He gets her to explore herself and do things "out of order" hoping she'll understand not everything can be controlled.

I loved Zack's character he had a quirkiness about him that reminded me a little of Jessica Park's characters. (This is a compliment because I love Jessica Park's books). Zack had me smiling whenever he would say or do something and you could tell he was much smarter than he leads on. He was funny and just a go with the flow, laid back person. Whereas Tori was the complete opposite she was so structured and type A. It was fun to see her slowly come out of her shell a little but still she she couldn't fully give up her OCD tendencies. The two of them made me laugh together.

All in all a easy, fun, and fast read.

I recommend!

posted first on http://triciaciak.blogspot.com/

[Prex Ybasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a Free Copy of this novel in exchange for a review.

The checklist is realistic, something that teenagers will definitely appreciate. In the beginning, I expected it to be fast-paced, that the protagonist would somehow tick off some elements of her checklist every chapter and it would include activities like go skydiving, have a relationship with a drug-addict or get drunk everyday. Tori, however is quite different as she tries to follow her checklist in the order that she has made them. The activities aren't as dangerous as I thought they would be but are safe and not at all surprising for a girl at Tori's age.

I do have some minor concerns though. I am not sure though whether the accident in the beginning of the novel is necessary. Tori's problem with her family catapults her to having the Rebellion Checklist and somehow the first three chapters don't give it justice.

Despite not having reached certain expectations set by the title—I mean, come on, titles can always be misleading—, it is a good read.

Full Review: https://theybascouniversity.wordpress...

[Pete Tarsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her first two books, Susan Soares tells a comedic and supernatural romance (My Zombie Ex-Boyfriends), and a sweet tearjerker about coping with grief and loss (Heart on a String). In her third book, My Rebellion Checklist, she rebels against the plots of her previous stories in the best way possible and delivers her best book yet.

Victoria Matherson plans out everything in her life. She has checklists, sticky notes, organizers, you name it. After her graduation, she has her summer before college all planned out. The reader doesn’t learn how planned out she has it because the story starts with an event that swerves her plans off course. She is involved in a near-fatal car crash.

It’s a fantastic opening chapter because it jumps right into the action. The reader learns details about the car crash just as Victoria is. The accident isn’t her fault—she was doing everything correctly and lawfully—but that doesn’t change the fact that it happened.

They say disasters come in threes, and the car crash is the first. Before long, her boyfriend breaks up with her, and her parents tell her they’re getting a divorce. Without warning, Victoria’s perfect life is no longer perfect, and Victoria decides that’s it’s no longer worth it to be perfect. It’s no longer worth it to be Victoria. It’s time to be Tori, and it’s time for her to rebel.

She starts the titular checklist with the first item, which is to quit her job at her father’s office. This choice is completely natural for a teenager who’s now feeling somewhere between sad, confused, betrayed, and downright ticked off at her parents. The decision leads her to a job at a pizza place, which leads her to new and interesting characters, which leads her to check off more items on her list.

The list is a clever plot device because it provides a road-map and/or ticking-clock element to the story, but it all unfolds so organically from one checkpoint to the next. She may be changing her hairstyle or getting something pierced, but each decision believably leads to the next.

One of the author’s strengths includes the ability to create real teen characters with dialogue, actions, and quirks that breathe life into them. The supporting cast of characters is no exception. Best friend Rebecca is a usually supportive voice of reason. New friend Annie has a rebellious streak herself but offers sage advice from someone who’s been there. New coworker Zack is a little bit of a goof but always has the right quote for the moment—is he carefree and rebellious on the outside but with an organized mind?

And then there’s Victoria, a protagonist whose journey is well worth following and whose transformation is well worth rooting for. In Soares’ previous books, the main character almost took a somewhat passive role as the story dictated. Kaitlyn in My Zombie Ex-Boyfriends spent about half of the book avoiding the problem. Marissa in Heart on a String hides her grief. Here, Victoria/Tori takes action! She does stuff. Some of it is sensible, and some of it isn’t. She makes choices, she makes mistakes, she has her highs and lows, she gets bruised, and she learns—all this makes her instantly relatable. Victoria’s story is just like our own. She’s imperfect just like we all are.

This is a tight, well-written, and engaging story about a girl finding herself in that time period between high school and college when we’re all trying to find our own identity. Is she the super-organized Type-A Victoria? Or is she the carefree and rebellious Tori? Or maybe she’s a little bit of both. In the end, aren’t we all? That’s certainly what I took away from this book as I reflected upon my own life. We’re a little bit of both, and as I thought more about it, I realized the cleverness of the title of the book.

My Rebellion Checklist. At first glance, it’s the device that so deftly keeps the plot moving. But it’s such an oxymoron: if you’re going to rebel, you don’t plan it out via a checklist. That fits Victoria’s personality perfectly, so it’s believable. But it’s much more than a mere plot device; My Rebellion Checklist also nicely exemplifies the theme of being somewhere between the two. Rebel or organizer? Tori or Victoria? These are the questions the likeable protagonist faces in the book, and questions we all face in life.

This is a book intended for young adults of high school age or older. There are a few curse words, and there are references to alcohol, drugs, and sex. But the dialogue and situations read true and realistic for an 18-year-old protagonist. The story and characters crackle with life, the plot never relents, and in the end, I felt I learned something about life and myself. For all these reasons and so many more, I enthusiastically give My Rebellion Checklist FIVE STARS!

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received My Rebellion Checklist in exchange for an honest review.

I finished two books last week: Finally and My Rebellion Checklist. They’re both about girls Rory (age 12) and Victoria (age 18) trying new things, but for different reasons. Rory’s finally allowed to do certain things because she’s turning twelve and Victoria’s letting go after her world falls apart following a serious car accident and her parents’ separation.

Unlike Rory, Victoria, who decides she’d rather be called Tori (it even rhymes with Rory) doesn’t sound like she would be much fun to be around. She’s too tightly wound, always trying to do the right thing and please her parents. At one point Zack asks her to go somewhere a few towns away and Tori pretty much quietly freaks out about going there for the first time without a trial run. It seems that whenever she has to go somewhere new, she goes there a day or so before to make sure she can get there without getting lost. It’s recommended that you do that for a job interview, and maybe it would be a good idea before meeting your boyfriend’s parents or something important, but just for meeting friends to hang out? I mean, the girl has a cell phone. GPS is going to get her there.

I’m kind of surprised she managed to hang onto her boyfriend Adam for as long as she did (a year, before he dumped her one week before her car accident). There really isn’t anything to suggest that they would have put up with her complete focus on rules, organization, and order, and since they weren’t having sex either, I don’t know what he would have seen in her. She’s lucky to be rid of him, though, because he’s a jerk. I don’t get what she saw in him either.

After abruptly quitting her job in her father’s office, Tori makes a list of more rebellious things she can do over the summer before she leaves for college. Her parents are too absorbed in their own separation drama — and jumping right back into the dating pool — to pay much attention, but it’s clear that they don’t really understand what’s going on with her. And maybe they just don’t care. It doesn’t seem like they’re checked out parents, but they don’t put any effort in either.

One of the rebellious items on Tori’s list is to make different fashion choices. Instead of her usual conservative neutrals, she starts shopping at thrift stores because where else can she afford a whole new wardrobe and still be able to buy books for college? Claudia Kishi would approved of some of the outfits Tori puts together.

It’s fun to watch Tori step out of her comfort zone and try the things on her list. She can’t completely let go of her cautious nature and enjoy them all, but she’s willing to give them a try. Along the way, she makes some new friends at her new job. Zack and Annie seem like they’re really good for her, and they’re there for her a little more than her best friend is. That’s at least partially Tori’s fault for making a lot of changes in a short time and not including Rebecca in them. It’s understandable that Rebecca would be caught off guard and not quite understand why Tori is trying to change who she is.

Tori and Zack have some fun scenes, but the romance isn’t strong and it seems like elements of it are missing, like they are to be filled in later. Although My Rebellion Checklist is overall well-written and entertaining with good characters, there’s nothing really to make it stand out in a crowded YA contemporary market.

[Medavis66 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really strong YA book. Not a lot of the normal angst, which was a refreshing change. Instead, Rebellion Checklist was a story of the struggles a young girl went through the summer after her senior year. That summer started off totally wrong and went in a downward spiral fast. However, she also met Zach and he was there to help her check off many things from her new checklist. This was an honest story about all of the unexpected changes that happen when some things go completely awry - like her parents' marriage. I enjoyed the gamut of emotions she ran through and the alterations she made to her list as the book went along. Sometimes planning is good. Sometimes you need to get lost to be free. But you need to have the love and support of a good friend, like Rebecca, always.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book earlier this year as a beta-reader and I quite enjoyed it and you should read it.

(I'm also in the acknowledgements page which still amazes me.)