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The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash
Birdie never meant to be at the party. Bash should have been long gone. But when they meet, a collision course is set off they may never recover from.
Sebastian Alvaréz is just trying to hold the pieces together: to not flunk out, to keep his sort-of-best friend Wild Kyle from doing something really bad, and to see his beloved Ma through chemo. But when he meets Birdie Paxton, a near-Valedictorian who doesn’t realize she’s smoking hot in her science pun T-shirt, at a party, an undeniable attraction sparks. And suddenly he’s not worried about anything. But before they are able to exchange numbers, they are pulled apart. A horrifying tragedy soon links Birdie and Bash together—but neither knows it. When they finally reconnect, and are starting to fall—hard—the events of the tragedy unfold, changing both their lives in ways they can never undo. Told in alternating perspectives, The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash by Candace Ganger is a beautiful, complex, and ultimately hopeful teen novel that will move you to the very last page.
Sebastian Alvaréz is just trying to hold the pieces together: to not flunk out, to keep his sort-of-best friend Wild Kyle from doing something really bad, and to see his beloved Ma through chemo. But when he meets Birdie Paxton, a near-Valedictorian who doesn’t realize she’s smoking hot in her science pun T-shirt, at a party, an undeniable attraction sparks. And suddenly he’s not worried about anything. But before they are able to exchange numbers, they are pulled apart. A horrifying tragedy soon links Birdie and Bash together—but neither knows it. When they finally reconnect, and are starting to fall—hard—the events of the tragedy unfold, changing both their lives in ways they can never undo. Told in alternating perspectives, The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash by Candace Ganger is a beautiful, complex, and ultimately hopeful teen novel that will move you to the very last page.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2017
14 people are currently reading
1729 people want to read
About the author
Candace Ganger
4 books109 followersCandace Ganger is a mother, blogger, Entertainment writer for Showbiz Cheat Sheet, and contributing writer for sites like Romper, Teen Vogue, TWLOHA, Bustle, XO Jane & Hello Giggles. She’s also an obsessive marathoner and continual worrier (yay!). Her debut YA novel, THE INEVITABLE COLLISION OF BIRDIE & BASH, is out now via St. Martin’s Griffin, and she’s part of a YA mental health anthology, LIFE INSIDE MY MIND, out now via S&S. Her forthcoming YA novel from St. Martin’s Wednesday Books, SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID, releases September 24, 2019.
Aside from having past lives as a singer, nanotechnology website editor, and world’s worst* vacuum sales rep, she’s also ghostwritten hundreds of projects for companies, best-selling fiction and award-winning nonfiction authors alike. Candace—aka—Candyland— has a severe** Milky Way latte addiction + eats way too many*** donuts/doughnuts but all things in excess, amiright?
FYI: She’s TOTALLY awkward in person (#sorrynotsorry).
*she was okay, at best.
**what counts as severe?
***don’t judge me
Aside from having past lives as a singer, nanotechnology website editor, and world’s worst* vacuum sales rep, she’s also ghostwritten hundreds of projects for companies, best-selling fiction and award-winning nonfiction authors alike. Candace—aka—Candyland— has a severe** Milky Way latte addiction + eats way too many*** donuts/doughnuts but all things in excess, amiright?
FYI: She’s TOTALLY awkward in person (#sorrynotsorry).
*she was okay, at best.
**what counts as severe?
***don’t judge me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
March 26, 2021
Full Review on The Candid Cover
I am not usually one for super tragic books, but The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash drew me in. It tells the story of two people linked by tragedy, though one of them doesn’t know it. One of the main characters, Birdie, is so intelligent, and the author’s writing is whip-smart. However, it is a good idea to have some tissues nearby because this book is an emotional rollercoaster.
This book’s concept really intrigued me. Basically Bash, and his friend are in the car that runs over Birdie’s baby brother, causing him severe injury. There is a low chance of survival, and Bash and his friend never own up to the accident. The plot thickens as Birdie and Bash end up working at a rollerskating rink together while Birdie is unaware of their connection. I enjoyed the suspense that built up as Bash struggled to tell Birdie what he did and being able to understand both sides of the story. This story is so complex and absolutely heart-wrenching, making it an incredible debut.
I really enjoyed Birdie’s character in the novel. She is so intelligent and not afraid to make math jokes. Birdie is also pretty sassy because of her ability to recite random facts, which provided some comic relief. She struggles a lot after the accident and blames herself, so I really sympathized with her. I found Birdie to be such a realistic character and one who is very likeable.
Candace Ganger has a very entertaining writing style. I found the writing in this book to be similar to John Green’s since it is both clever and comedic. Ganger is able to write about tragic events while still incorporating some fun scenes, which I appreciated. It is also clear that she did her research while writing this book because there are some great chemic metaphors scattered throughout the story. This amusing writing really added a lot to the book and is the perfect complement to Birdie and Bash’s story.
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash is a clever story about two teens who are linked by a tragedy. I loved the main character and her intelligence, and the author’s writing style is so engaging. Though this book is pretty heavy, it’s worth the read.
I am not usually one for super tragic books, but The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash drew me in. It tells the story of two people linked by tragedy, though one of them doesn’t know it. One of the main characters, Birdie, is so intelligent, and the author’s writing is whip-smart. However, it is a good idea to have some tissues nearby because this book is an emotional rollercoaster.
This book’s concept really intrigued me. Basically Bash, and his friend are in the car that runs over Birdie’s baby brother, causing him severe injury. There is a low chance of survival, and Bash and his friend never own up to the accident. The plot thickens as Birdie and Bash end up working at a rollerskating rink together while Birdie is unaware of their connection. I enjoyed the suspense that built up as Bash struggled to tell Birdie what he did and being able to understand both sides of the story. This story is so complex and absolutely heart-wrenching, making it an incredible debut.
I really enjoyed Birdie’s character in the novel. She is so intelligent and not afraid to make math jokes. Birdie is also pretty sassy because of her ability to recite random facts, which provided some comic relief. She struggles a lot after the accident and blames herself, so I really sympathized with her. I found Birdie to be such a realistic character and one who is very likeable.
Candace Ganger has a very entertaining writing style. I found the writing in this book to be similar to John Green’s since it is both clever and comedic. Ganger is able to write about tragic events while still incorporating some fun scenes, which I appreciated. It is also clear that she did her research while writing this book because there are some great chemic metaphors scattered throughout the story. This amusing writing really added a lot to the book and is the perfect complement to Birdie and Bash’s story.
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash is a clever story about two teens who are linked by a tragedy. I loved the main character and her intelligence, and the author’s writing style is so engaging. Though this book is pretty heavy, it’s worth the read.
July 14, 2017
Full review on YAWednesdays.
Oh man, oh man, oh man...is this book on everyone's TBR?!?
TLDR: Obviously, this is a book that Candace poured her heart and soul into. You can feel the raw emotion of every nuance of this book bleeding onto every page. One part The Sky Is Everywhere with shades of I'll Meet You There and The Sun Is Also a Star, this is a near-perfect contemporary that will be the perfect summer beach read.
The full, gushing review is up on YAWednesdays.
Oh man, oh man, oh man...is this book on everyone's TBR?!?
TLDR: Obviously, this is a book that Candace poured her heart and soul into. You can feel the raw emotion of every nuance of this book bleeding onto every page. One part The Sky Is Everywhere with shades of I'll Meet You There and The Sun Is Also a Star, this is a near-perfect contemporary that will be the perfect summer beach read.
The full, gushing review is up on YAWednesdays.
dnf
September 18, 2017I received this via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own:).
----
I really hate DNFing books I've won but in this case, I couldn't stand the two main characters... the only ones I felt anything for was Bash's mom and Birdie's little brother but even they couldn't save this for me.
The writing wasn't bad, it kept my attention but, well... *points above and shrugs*
Lots of people loved this so give it a shot if it interests you still... I wish you happy reading
----
I really hate DNFing books I've won but in this case, I couldn't stand the two main characters... the only ones I felt anything for was Bash's mom and Birdie's little brother but even they couldn't save this for me.
The writing wasn't bad, it kept my attention but, well... *points above and shrugs*
Lots of people loved this so give it a shot if it interests you still... I wish you happy reading
August 24, 2016
I'm proud to tell you I read and provided a quote for this novel. Tight writing, vividly portrayed characters, and a plot so poignant, it'll stick with you long after you close the book, BIRDIE & BASH is a smart debut that needs to be on top of your reading pile. I think fans of John Greene's ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES will enjoy this story. I know I did.
July 18, 2017
In "The Inevitable Collision of Birdie and Bash," Birdie and Bash meet at a party. Birdie isn't supposed to be at the party. Bash is trying to escape from everything else in his life by going to the party. Bash is trying to do the same. At the time, neither of them can imagine the inextricable ways that their lives will be tied forever more.
On its surface, this book seems like fun romp but it is so much more than that. This book is filled with a lot of drama and questions about whether its better to hide or its better to tell the truth even with the truth has the power to rip people apart. I loved seeing the main characters and the secondary characters in the book explore what this meant for each of them throughout the book. You're pulling for the truth the whole time but the author keeps you guessing so that you are not sure on what side the characters are going to end up until the very end. I love when a book can keep me on my toes like that!
The characters really make this book. I really liked how the author gave depth to not only the main characters but the secondary characters as well (Birdie's sister and Bash's friend, Kyle - OMG! Both of these characters!). Birdie has a pretty good life. Yeah, she fights with her sister and yearns for a closer relationship. Yeah, she just lost a scholarship but things are okay until the unimaginable happens and Birdie suddenly realizes how good her family had it. Bash is struggling. His mother (the only person that she really has in the entire world) is dying and he is doing everything he can to try to forget about it. He can't confront what his life might/ will be like when he loses his mother. This book goes deep and makes you care about these characters so much.
I was left wanting the ending to draw out a bit more so we could see what happens to these characters and their families after the book ends but this isn't one of those books that would ever lend itself well to a sequel. There is a bit of beauty in the way the author left it: open with a good dose of hope for the future.
On its surface, this book seems like fun romp but it is so much more than that. This book is filled with a lot of drama and questions about whether its better to hide or its better to tell the truth even with the truth has the power to rip people apart. I loved seeing the main characters and the secondary characters in the book explore what this meant for each of them throughout the book. You're pulling for the truth the whole time but the author keeps you guessing so that you are not sure on what side the characters are going to end up until the very end. I love when a book can keep me on my toes like that!
The characters really make this book. I really liked how the author gave depth to not only the main characters but the secondary characters as well (Birdie's sister and Bash's friend, Kyle - OMG! Both of these characters!). Birdie has a pretty good life. Yeah, she fights with her sister and yearns for a closer relationship. Yeah, she just lost a scholarship but things are okay until the unimaginable happens and Birdie suddenly realizes how good her family had it. Bash is struggling. His mother (the only person that she really has in the entire world) is dying and he is doing everything he can to try to forget about it. He can't confront what his life might/ will be like when he loses his mother. This book goes deep and makes you care about these characters so much.
I was left wanting the ending to draw out a bit more so we could see what happens to these characters and their families after the book ends but this isn't one of those books that would ever lend itself well to a sequel. There is a bit of beauty in the way the author left it: open with a good dose of hope for the future.
June 20, 2017
I don't want to be TOO hard on this book since it did hold my attention and stir some emotions in me. But I also have some issues with it. It tried really hard to use science as an analogy for love. But all the talk of chemical reactions and equations missed the mark in my opinion. In the same vein, I didn't believe Birdie as a nerd. It was only on the surface - glasses, a math t-shirt, good grades. I didn't buy it. It also didn't feel realistic that a minor was living on his own with no money, no electricity, ONE shirt... and nobody seemed to notice. I wish the cover had been different. This one is a cute cover - for a different book. The roller skates make it look like a light-hearted teen story that it is anything but. The entire book is filled with tragedy. I would have preferred one of Bash's bear drawings to be featured. All that being said, there is a lot packed into this book from small details to major questions about life and death.
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.]
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.]
June 5, 2018
"There are moments in life, vivid ones splashed onto blank canvas, that hang in front of you, swing like a pendulum you can't grasp. But you reach, eyes wide open, because if you close them, everything changes. So fast."
"Some of those collisions, like love, or whatever that means, are inevitable, no matter what you do to stop it. I can only hope it won't hurt too bad."
"There are so many variables in everyday life, things I don't always notice at first that can change the outcome dramatically. That's the beauty/pitfall of science/love."
🎶Soundtrack: Mama Always Told Me by Antoine Bradford
"Some of those collisions, like love, or whatever that means, are inevitable, no matter what you do to stop it. I can only hope it won't hurt too bad."
"There are so many variables in everyday life, things I don't always notice at first that can change the outcome dramatically. That's the beauty/pitfall of science/love."
🎶Soundtrack: Mama Always Told Me by Antoine Bradford
Read
November 22, 2017This was slow going until about page 100. I didn't particularly find myself interested in either character. Not bad, but definitely not for me. It's a romance built upon tragedy, with two families who are struggling with death and destruction, along with financial woes (which was refreshing, though it made Kyle, the rich kid, much more of a stereotype than a fully-fleshed character, and he needed much more depth to make the impact of his part of this greater). Birdie's chapters with the attempt at cleverness at the end of each didn't come across as authentic as they could have.
August 24, 2016
I was lucky enough to read and blurb this debut novel, emphasis on the lucky. The characters of Birdie and Bash stuck with me long after I finished reading - the sign of an excellent read. Candace Granger is one talented writer. Add it to your TBR pile now.
August 24, 2016
Thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this book already. I devoured it in one sitting because I couldn't pull myself away from these richly crafted characters. The plot and writing reeled me in then refused to let me go. This debut is a stunner. Add it to your must read list now!
July 25, 2017
I always have one YA book tapped to be my companion at the beach for a day in the summer. Candace Ganger's debut novel, The Inevitable Collison of Birdie and Bash was that book.
Birdie and Sebastian (Bash) meet at a party. There's interest on both sides, but nothing happens that night. Well, nothing between the two of them. But something does happen that will change both their lives.... The reader knows what has transpired and can only be a silent witness as events unfold. The pair meet again and the sparks are still there.....but so is what happened....
Two great lead characters - I was happily in their corner, hoping that the fates would align for them. But Ganger has set a pretty high set of obstacles for the pair. Maybe tragedies is a better word to use.
The supporting cast is easy to categorize - Bash's friend Kyle is very easy to - well, to hate. Birdie's grandpa Sarge says little, but has much to say when he does speak. Ms. Camilla had me in tears. But it was only on reading the author's notes that I discovered Ganger had taken inspiration from her own life for some of the characters and heartbreak. You can feel that personal connection in the writing.
Birdie is a science nerd. Ganger cleverly uses science terms and Lessons of the Day to accompany situations, relationships and developments as the book progresses.
"Lesson of the Day: There are reasons - many reasons - some particles shouldn't combine, no matter how curious you are about the outcome. Sometimes things explode; sometimes they dissipate, evaporate, disintegrate. And sometimes they collide and become something so much more than you ever thought they could."
My only quibble is Bash's taking the blame for 'the incident' - I did have a hard time thinking that someone would actually do that. But, it's absolutely a driving point of the plot, so it's very necessary.
Loss, grief, love, friendship, coming of age and more populate this novel. It's a really wonderful debut.
Birdie and Sebastian (Bash) meet at a party. There's interest on both sides, but nothing happens that night. Well, nothing between the two of them. But something does happen that will change both their lives.... The reader knows what has transpired and can only be a silent witness as events unfold. The pair meet again and the sparks are still there.....but so is what happened....
Two great lead characters - I was happily in their corner, hoping that the fates would align for them. But Ganger has set a pretty high set of obstacles for the pair. Maybe tragedies is a better word to use.
The supporting cast is easy to categorize - Bash's friend Kyle is very easy to - well, to hate. Birdie's grandpa Sarge says little, but has much to say when he does speak. Ms. Camilla had me in tears. But it was only on reading the author's notes that I discovered Ganger had taken inspiration from her own life for some of the characters and heartbreak. You can feel that personal connection in the writing.
Birdie is a science nerd. Ganger cleverly uses science terms and Lessons of the Day to accompany situations, relationships and developments as the book progresses.
"Lesson of the Day: There are reasons - many reasons - some particles shouldn't combine, no matter how curious you are about the outcome. Sometimes things explode; sometimes they dissipate, evaporate, disintegrate. And sometimes they collide and become something so much more than you ever thought they could."
My only quibble is Bash's taking the blame for 'the incident' - I did have a hard time thinking that someone would actually do that. But, it's absolutely a driving point of the plot, so it's very necessary.
Loss, grief, love, friendship, coming of age and more populate this novel. It's a really wonderful debut.
October 3, 2017
I loved reading this heartbreaking book. Both Birdie and Bash are grieving. They meet at a party and were attracted to one another, but that encounter was cut short. Bash is a junkie and an alcoholic who uses these drugs to dull the ache caused by his mother's impending death due to cancer. One night after binging, Bash lets his friend drive and they run over Birdie's brother. Not knowing what they hit and afraid of the legal consequences, they flee the scene.
This was a tough book to read—it is not oxymoronic that it was tough to read AND I love it. The best friend character reeks of white male privilege and disgusted me every time he appeared. Bash wore the same clothes every day and was working himself up to self destruction because he could not picture life without his mom.
As for Birdie... Her story was a bit too close to home for me. Granted, my sister was an adult when she had her accident which resulted in traumatic brain injury, but Joanne's plight and Benny's were similar. I love how they did not shy away of discussing the obscene hospital bills—in little over a year my sister has raked up more than $400,000 dollars in medical bills. Birdie's story and that of her family rang truest of all.
As is mostly the case for me, I did not appreciate the ending which felt rushed. It was also hard for me to see Birdie's attraction to Bash, especially when she kept talking about his body odor.
This was a tough book to read—it is not oxymoronic that it was tough to read AND I love it. The best friend character reeks of white male privilege and disgusted me every time he appeared. Bash wore the same clothes every day and was working himself up to self destruction because he could not picture life without his mom.
As for Birdie... Her story was a bit too close to home for me. Granted, my sister was an adult when she had her accident which resulted in traumatic brain injury, but Joanne's plight and Benny's were similar. I love how they did not shy away of discussing the obscene hospital bills—in little over a year my sister has raked up more than $400,000 dollars in medical bills. Birdie's story and that of her family rang truest of all.
As is mostly the case for me, I did not appreciate the ending which felt rushed. It was also hard for me to see Birdie's attraction to Bash, especially when she kept talking about his body odor.
September 19, 2020
I honestly just bought this for the cover and didn’t expect much from it, but I actually really enjoyed it! Super easy to get through and it definitely made me tear up a time or two.
May 29, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks!!!
I'm going to have to agree with another reviewer when they said that they had never read about two more reprehensible characters before. And while I wouldn't go that fare, Birdie and Bash certainly rank up there in terms of unlikability.
If I could compare what this book was trying to be, I would say that this book was trying to be John Green mashed up with Eleanor & Park with a side dash of Richard Linklater's films all rolled up in one.
The result was a disaster of epic proportions.
Birdie Jenkins and Sebastian Alvarez meet at a party and fall head over heels in instalove. But their potential romance could very well become squashed by the fact that Bash was a part of something catastrophic in Birdie's life, though they both don't know it. I could have gotten behind the book if these two main characters we such that I could root for them. Sadly, I couldn't. Again, I'm going to go with the fact that I may have been simply too old for this type of teenage drama.
**Trolls pop out from behind the bushes and whisper.
'Then why the fuck do you still read YA??!!'
**Trolls take their toll and disappear behind the bushes.**
I still read YA because underneath all those books about generic teenage problems are gems of stories. Being a teenager can be a pretty crappy time for some, but a scary time for all. It's a time when you're discovering who you are and who you want to be. It's the final years when a person's values, morals, and personalities are being shaped. When a teenager makes up their mind about their religious stance, political stance, and what is right and wrong, there's usually no turning back. Seeing these teenagers change their views, become (hopefully) better people, learn from their mistake is why I still have faith in the YA genre. So here are some books to help you with that.
* Want a book about a girl breaking free from her parent's control discovering who she wants to become? Read I Am Her Revenge.
* Want an escapist read about rich teenagers who, despite tragic circumstances, become resilient adults? Read Even in Paradise.
* Want a book about finding your own path and doing what's right even if it's impossible? Read Prisoner of Night and Fog.
* Want a book about teens that act like real teens, talk like real teens, and has very much the same presence, except a bit better executed? Read Suffer Love.
Those are the books that still give me hope in the YA genre, despite some misfires. And unfortunately, this book was a misfire. But some will like the portrayal of these teens, major warts and all. So don't let that deter you.
Endnote: Is it just me, or did anybody else get the vibe that this book was taking place in the 70s or 80s? Or am I just becoming too obsessed with Stranger Things?
I'm going to have to agree with another reviewer when they said that they had never read about two more reprehensible characters before. And while I wouldn't go that fare, Birdie and Bash certainly rank up there in terms of unlikability.
If I could compare what this book was trying to be, I would say that this book was trying to be John Green mashed up with Eleanor & Park with a side dash of Richard Linklater's films all rolled up in one.
The result was a disaster of epic proportions.
Birdie Jenkins and Sebastian Alvarez meet at a party and fall head over heels in instalove. But their potential romance could very well become squashed by the fact that Bash was a part of something catastrophic in Birdie's life, though they both don't know it. I could have gotten behind the book if these two main characters we such that I could root for them. Sadly, I couldn't. Again, I'm going to go with the fact that I may have been simply too old for this type of teenage drama.
**Trolls pop out from behind the bushes and whisper.
'Then why the fuck do you still read YA??!!'
**Trolls take their toll and disappear behind the bushes.**
I still read YA because underneath all those books about generic teenage problems are gems of stories. Being a teenager can be a pretty crappy time for some, but a scary time for all. It's a time when you're discovering who you are and who you want to be. It's the final years when a person's values, morals, and personalities are being shaped. When a teenager makes up their mind about their religious stance, political stance, and what is right and wrong, there's usually no turning back. Seeing these teenagers change their views, become (hopefully) better people, learn from their mistake is why I still have faith in the YA genre. So here are some books to help you with that.
* Want a book about a girl breaking free from her parent's control discovering who she wants to become? Read I Am Her Revenge.
* Want an escapist read about rich teenagers who, despite tragic circumstances, become resilient adults? Read Even in Paradise.
* Want a book about finding your own path and doing what's right even if it's impossible? Read Prisoner of Night and Fog.
* Want a book about teens that act like real teens, talk like real teens, and has very much the same presence, except a bit better executed? Read Suffer Love.
Those are the books that still give me hope in the YA genre, despite some misfires. And unfortunately, this book was a misfire. But some will like the portrayal of these teens, major warts and all. So don't let that deter you.
Endnote: Is it just me, or did anybody else get the vibe that this book was taking place in the 70s or 80s? Or am I just becoming too obsessed with Stranger Things?
August 17, 2017
A young adult novel about a pair of teens, one boy and one girl both dealing with family members with severe health issues. Bash's, (the boy) mother has advanced cancer and Birdie's (the girl) younger sister is in a coma at a local hospital. The two meet at a party and over the course of the book have an up and down relationship until the finale. They are not perfect kids. In fact they would not have been my friends. Bash is kind of a jerk and his best friend Kyle is even worse. Most teenagers will like it.
October 7, 2018
Great characters
Loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I felt for all of the characters in this book, the main two were exceptional but the rest of the cast was heart-warming and full of life as well. A very easy, well-written and enjoyable read.
Loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I felt for all of the characters in this book, the main two were exceptional but the rest of the cast was heart-warming and full of life as well. A very easy, well-written and enjoyable read.
July 24, 2017
This book was my most anticipated read of July 2017. Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an ARC! I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this book earlier, and therefore review it for you (my fabulous readers). This is a Young-Adult Fiction novel, centering around our two main characters, Birdie and Bash. Birdie is the nerd, interested in entering the medical field (if she wasn't a fictional character, I hope she would read www.futuremedicalleaders.com ) ;). Bash is just trying to keep his life together: his personal, family, and academic life.
Being the self- proclaimed chemistry nerd I am, I adored the chemistry relations to this book. The equations, balancing, variables, it all soothed my chemistry soul. There were often Lesson of the Day's at the end of each chapter. These were often chemistry related, but also served as a great way to really see how our beloved main character(s) were doing.
Birdie was a great female protagonist, and I found her personality to be very relatable. She frequently enjoys witty bantering with Bash which was the cutest thing to read about. While there was a slight coming of age story for each, I enjoyed reading about Bash grow up and into the person he was meant to be.
The dramatic irony was crazy, and a great literary touch to this novel. Ganger writes with beautiful imagery which added to this beautiful reading experience. This book is very touching, and with that said, it is a similar writing style to John Green. I enjoyed all of the characters, and how they worked together to create a unique plot line. This book will make you "feel all the feels" as us fangirls say.
The pace of this book was fast, and the plot line "threads" all sorted themselves out. Sometimes when you read a book, you can read 100 pages, and not remember a thing that happened. However, this novel, was the opposite, where I remembered every detail, and by page 40, was already able to give my mother the run down on the plot and tell her how much I loved this book.
Reading this book, I heard so much of the author's voice. The characters wrote are Ganger's and her writing style and literary voice helped to call these character's her own. This is her debut novel, and I can't wait to read more books from her, as again, her writing was breathtakingly unique. I would recommend this book to fans of the writing style of John Green, fans of Young-Adult Fiction, and YA contemporary and romance. Overall, I give this book 5/5 stars.
Being the self- proclaimed chemistry nerd I am, I adored the chemistry relations to this book. The equations, balancing, variables, it all soothed my chemistry soul. There were often Lesson of the Day's at the end of each chapter. These were often chemistry related, but also served as a great way to really see how our beloved main character(s) were doing.
Birdie was a great female protagonist, and I found her personality to be very relatable. She frequently enjoys witty bantering with Bash which was the cutest thing to read about. While there was a slight coming of age story for each, I enjoyed reading about Bash grow up and into the person he was meant to be.
The dramatic irony was crazy, and a great literary touch to this novel. Ganger writes with beautiful imagery which added to this beautiful reading experience. This book is very touching, and with that said, it is a similar writing style to John Green. I enjoyed all of the characters, and how they worked together to create a unique plot line. This book will make you "feel all the feels" as us fangirls say.
The pace of this book was fast, and the plot line "threads" all sorted themselves out. Sometimes when you read a book, you can read 100 pages, and not remember a thing that happened. However, this novel, was the opposite, where I remembered every detail, and by page 40, was already able to give my mother the run down on the plot and tell her how much I loved this book.
Reading this book, I heard so much of the author's voice. The characters wrote are Ganger's and her writing style and literary voice helped to call these character's her own. This is her debut novel, and I can't wait to read more books from her, as again, her writing was breathtakingly unique. I would recommend this book to fans of the writing style of John Green, fans of Young-Adult Fiction, and YA contemporary and romance. Overall, I give this book 5/5 stars.
July 28, 2017
From its title, THE INEVITABLE COLLISION OF BIRDIE & BASH may lead one to believe it’s a lighthearted story about two young people who are destined to meet. Perhaps in some chaotic or bizarrely funny way. But while destiny and chaos may play a part in this story, the events that bring Birdie and Bash together are anything but light or fun.
Theirs is a story that is devastatingly heartbreaking, incredibly moving, achingly hopeful. Their lives are consumed by pain, tragedy, and loss. But their connection is more than one based on shared sorrow. And their love story, while bittersweet, cannot be called tragic.
If Birdie hadn’t been so upset about the news she received about her scholarship, she never would have gone to the party. She never would have met Bash that night. She never would have felt the need to try and confess to her mother, setting in motion the events that led to the worst thing to ever happen to her family.
If Bash had listened to his mother, he never would have stayed friends with Kyle. He never would have been at the party where he met Couch Girl, a.k.a. Birdie. He never would have witnessed Kyle doing the stupidest thing in his life, setting in motion the events that led to Bash making the worst mistake of his.
If either had done just one thing differently, it might have been enough to alter both outcomes. So many things had to come together just right for them to meet, for their lives to become inextricably interwoven, and for their worlds to be forever changed.
Candace Ganger created a story about love and family and friendship that is unexpected and beautiful and heartrending. She introduces two characters who are interesting, kind, strong, sympathetic, and immensely likable. And she challenges them to find their way through their anguish and to each other.
Told in alternating points of view, THE INEVITABLE COLLISION OF BIRDIE & BASH promises to put readers and characters alike through an emotional wringer. It invites them to question destiny, fate, and scientific theory. It is sad but not dark. It is sweet but not saccharine. It is gorgeous and intense and absolutely unforgettable.
Theirs is a story that is devastatingly heartbreaking, incredibly moving, achingly hopeful. Their lives are consumed by pain, tragedy, and loss. But their connection is more than one based on shared sorrow. And their love story, while bittersweet, cannot be called tragic.
If Birdie hadn’t been so upset about the news she received about her scholarship, she never would have gone to the party. She never would have met Bash that night. She never would have felt the need to try and confess to her mother, setting in motion the events that led to the worst thing to ever happen to her family.
If Bash had listened to his mother, he never would have stayed friends with Kyle. He never would have been at the party where he met Couch Girl, a.k.a. Birdie. He never would have witnessed Kyle doing the stupidest thing in his life, setting in motion the events that led to Bash making the worst mistake of his.
If either had done just one thing differently, it might have been enough to alter both outcomes. So many things had to come together just right for them to meet, for their lives to become inextricably interwoven, and for their worlds to be forever changed.
Candace Ganger created a story about love and family and friendship that is unexpected and beautiful and heartrending. She introduces two characters who are interesting, kind, strong, sympathetic, and immensely likable. And she challenges them to find their way through their anguish and to each other.
Told in alternating points of view, THE INEVITABLE COLLISION OF BIRDIE & BASH promises to put readers and characters alike through an emotional wringer. It invites them to question destiny, fate, and scientific theory. It is sad but not dark. It is sweet but not saccharine. It is gorgeous and intense and absolutely unforgettable.
March 26, 2018
I’m an emotional wreck right now, having just finished this book. The beginning was painful to read with such seriously bad things happening to both main characters but wow, the second half was amazing and ended with such a powerful, feel-good, punch in the gut. I loved everyone in this book, all the characters except for Wild Kyle and would love to read another book by this author again. Once I clear the tears from my eyes.
July 25, 2017
I absolutely loved this book, it was an emotional roller-coaster read for me but it was exactly what I needed at the time.
See my full review here ; http://bellathebibliophile.blogspot.c...
See my full review here ; http://bellathebibliophile.blogspot.c...
November 7, 2017
Oh man oh man oh man. This is an epic love story at its finest. One of my favorites of all time, for sure.
July 27, 2017
There is no book better to pull you out of a reading slump than one that will move you, break you and inspire hope. The Inevitable Collision Of Birdie & Bash did just that to me, marking the beginning of a great summer with this fabulous read. However, with character to watch as they go through trauma and a slow burning but glorious romance, the beginning failed to intrigue me and keep me reading. Lucky for me it was the only book I had for a long car ride, so I pushed myself through those 40 pages in search of entertainment.
Those 40 pages really struck me as a bad middle-grade novel with their simplicity of character and plot which seemed like it was a story created by the common 12-year-old. It was boring, the characters were one dimensional and most of all, it was as emotional as half a pack of stale crackers. On exactly page 41 I became invested, heck I almost cried on that page, the emotions were gone and then it all came and hit me as hard as a car. Bad analogy? TICoB&B was still predictable, it was easily ignored as the shine of the characters blasted throughout the book. The characters kept me entertained through their worries, moments and methods of recuperating. TICoB&B had me on edge with every event from the initial accident to the drawings. Gagner puppeteered this character's beautiful, creating a story to break and move readers.
Throughout their issues, Gagner revealed more of their true character, pulling them far away from the cookie cutter characters from early on. Each character with their own methods of dealing with loss and trauma, I felt for them and began to cheer them on in their moments of light. Bridie was a hot nerd who placed so much guilt upon her own shoulders, it was sad. While Bash placed, even more, guilt and pain on himself, in his and Birdies relationship, Bash has issues allowing himself to love her. He was kind, however often an angsty jerk at times. Sarge was one of my favourite character with his bubble wrap and moments of wisdom. However, the minor character of Dr. Stein has a special place in my heart as he changed the book, and its characters' lives, for the better.
One major thing I did not understand nor enjoy about this book was the chemistry pushing through the seams. It was very forced and difficult to understand. Most of the time I just skipped the chemistry paragraphs in order not to bore or distract myself from the story
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash broke and moved me, but it was still predictable with a very weak start.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest unbiased review.
Those 40 pages really struck me as a bad middle-grade novel with their simplicity of character and plot which seemed like it was a story created by the common 12-year-old. It was boring, the characters were one dimensional and most of all, it was as emotional as half a pack of stale crackers. On exactly page 41 I became invested, heck I almost cried on that page, the emotions were gone and then it all came and hit me as hard as a car. Bad analogy? TICoB&B was still predictable, it was easily ignored as the shine of the characters blasted throughout the book. The characters kept me entertained through their worries, moments and methods of recuperating. TICoB&B had me on edge with every event from the initial accident to the drawings. Gagner puppeteered this character's beautiful, creating a story to break and move readers.
Throughout their issues, Gagner revealed more of their true character, pulling them far away from the cookie cutter characters from early on. Each character with their own methods of dealing with loss and trauma, I felt for them and began to cheer them on in their moments of light. Bridie was a hot nerd who placed so much guilt upon her own shoulders, it was sad. While Bash placed, even more, guilt and pain on himself, in his and Birdies relationship, Bash has issues allowing himself to love her. He was kind, however often an angsty jerk at times. Sarge was one of my favourite character with his bubble wrap and moments of wisdom. However, the minor character of Dr. Stein has a special place in my heart as he changed the book, and its characters' lives, for the better.
One major thing I did not understand nor enjoy about this book was the chemistry pushing through the seams. It was very forced and difficult to understand. Most of the time I just skipped the chemistry paragraphs in order not to bore or distract myself from the story
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash broke and moved me, but it was still predictable with a very weak start.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest unbiased review.
June 19, 2017
First, let me say, this is the first book I have won through the Giveaway program from Goodreads. So thank you to Goodreads, St. Martin's Press, and Girffin Teen for the advance copy of The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash. I was so excited to receive my copy in the mail! A big thank you to all parties.
Now for the book. I admit that I am notorious for judging a book by it's cover and this book was no exception. Based on the cover alone-to me- it looks like a light-hearted, fun read- it is not. This is a fairly serious book about very serious issues: alcohol abuse, poverty, hit-and-run accidents, and cancer. So on some level, I was a little disappointed in the content of the book- but that was my fault for giving more credence to the cover than how the book is described in the synopsis.
Overall, this was a pretty good book. I liked the characters and the story was decent. It was not a difficult book to read. I think I could hand this to some of the older teens who come to the library where I work and they would like the book. However, it does have some intense scenes and strong language- so I don't think I'd hand this to anyone under grade 9.
My biggest quibble with the book was some things that were just not believable to me. The characters sometimes were not consistent- for example, Bash is on the verge of out-and-out poverty and yet he never seems to run out of gas for his car of spending money to pay for snacks, etc. But the biggest inconsistency is how Bash is bailed out at the end by the father of the boy who is the actual culprit in the hit and run incident. I mean this kid is getting bailed out constantly and then his dad suddenly decides that he's going to protect Bash and expose his son? It just didn't seem to fit the story. I think it was the only way that the author could get her character out of trouble.
Also, I don't know that I believe that Birdie would be able to accept Bash after she learns of his involvement in the accident that almost caused the death of her little brother. I just can't believe it. I think most people are fiercely loyal to their family and that would trump her attraction to Bash.
But it's not a bad read- it's just not the best I've read. I read a lot of YA so it needs to be exceptional to receive more than 3 stars from me.
Now for the book. I admit that I am notorious for judging a book by it's cover and this book was no exception. Based on the cover alone-to me- it looks like a light-hearted, fun read- it is not. This is a fairly serious book about very serious issues: alcohol abuse, poverty, hit-and-run accidents, and cancer. So on some level, I was a little disappointed in the content of the book- but that was my fault for giving more credence to the cover than how the book is described in the synopsis.
Overall, this was a pretty good book. I liked the characters and the story was decent. It was not a difficult book to read. I think I could hand this to some of the older teens who come to the library where I work and they would like the book. However, it does have some intense scenes and strong language- so I don't think I'd hand this to anyone under grade 9.
My biggest quibble with the book was some things that were just not believable to me. The characters sometimes were not consistent- for example, Bash is on the verge of out-and-out poverty and yet he never seems to run out of gas for his car of spending money to pay for snacks, etc. But the biggest inconsistency is how Bash is bailed out at the end by the father of the boy who is the actual culprit in the hit and run incident. I mean this kid is getting bailed out constantly and then his dad suddenly decides that he's going to protect Bash and expose his son? It just didn't seem to fit the story. I think it was the only way that the author could get her character out of trouble.
Also, I don't know that I believe that Birdie would be able to accept Bash after she learns of his involvement in the accident that almost caused the death of her little brother. I just can't believe it. I think most people are fiercely loyal to their family and that would trump her attraction to Bash.
But it's not a bad read- it's just not the best I've read. I read a lot of YA so it needs to be exceptional to receive more than 3 stars from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2017
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash took me by surprise in the best of ways. This cute, shockingly deep contemporary is the epitome of not judging a book by its cover. You look at the pretty swirls, the bright red and purple, and the roller skates, and you think it's just another sugary contemporary - oh how wrong you are.
This book leads you in through a double-helix spiral. It is an emotional roller coaster that shakes, turns, and spins you out of sorts in the best way possible. The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash brings two characters together in the wake of a tragedy they are both deeply connected to in ways that will tear out your heart. This book also poses the question of truth and whether or not hiding the truth in order to protect someone is ever a reason to lie. It keeps you on your toes because you think you know which direction it's heading, but then you realize you're protecting what you want to happen and then WHAM, it all falls apart and you're stuck in the rubble.
Don't let me scare you off, guys. While this book is definitely one that requires some tissue assistance, it is also filled with light and laughter in some unexpected ways. The characters are a hoot, especially Birdie. She's smart, fierce, and so full of nerdness I couldn't help but cheer. Bash is pretty awesome, too. In addition to the characters, the writing itself is humorous. It's quick, chatty, and somehow effortless.
The metaphors, the excellent characterization, and the overall emotional ride combine forces in The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash to create something magical. The book will make you laugh, definitely make you cry, and it might even make you question some of your own choices. It's fun, smart, witty, and emotionally traumatizing and I wouldn't want it any other way.
This book leads you in through a double-helix spiral. It is an emotional roller coaster that shakes, turns, and spins you out of sorts in the best way possible. The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash brings two characters together in the wake of a tragedy they are both deeply connected to in ways that will tear out your heart. This book also poses the question of truth and whether or not hiding the truth in order to protect someone is ever a reason to lie. It keeps you on your toes because you think you know which direction it's heading, but then you realize you're protecting what you want to happen and then WHAM, it all falls apart and you're stuck in the rubble.
Don't let me scare you off, guys. While this book is definitely one that requires some tissue assistance, it is also filled with light and laughter in some unexpected ways. The characters are a hoot, especially Birdie. She's smart, fierce, and so full of nerdness I couldn't help but cheer. Bash is pretty awesome, too. In addition to the characters, the writing itself is humorous. It's quick, chatty, and somehow effortless.
The metaphors, the excellent characterization, and the overall emotional ride combine forces in The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash to create something magical. The book will make you laugh, definitely make you cry, and it might even make you question some of your own choices. It's fun, smart, witty, and emotionally traumatizing and I wouldn't want it any other way.
August 22, 2017
I fell in love with Bash. He is a broken boy who has had a hard life and his mom is dying of cancer. When he meets Birdie after a terrible tragedy, he tries to keep away from her but, just like chemistry, their components keep bringing them together. This book is heartbreaking and sad, it's definitely a hard read, but so very worth it. You may cry, you will laugh, and you will root for a happy ending! Some books I read and can't remember the characters the next day. Birdie and Bash will be in my heart forever. Read this if you want a heartwarming, feel-good, in-depth novel about two people in the throes of tragedies who find each other.
April 8, 2017
First two chapters are really rough, but if you can power through that, it's a good story.
I received this ARC from the publisher.
I received this ARC from the publisher.
July 16, 2017
Birdie and Bash meet at a party on a night that will change both of their lives -- not because of their meeting, but because of the tragedy that befalls them later that night. Although both are dealing with their own separate problems, fate seems to be throwing them together. With everything stacking up against them, can they overcome all the obstacles they face and be happy together?
So, first off, we all know that we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover. I judged this book by its cover (sorry) and was really shocked at what I found inside. The cover, with its cartoon drawing of roller skates, with its bright colors and retro style, made me think that this would be a cute, lighthearted romance, more middle grade than anything. It is not.
This book is sad and dark and very much not MG. Even for YA, it’s on the darker side. This is the story of a teenage boy who wants to do the right thing but is torn by his loyalty to his best friend. This is the story of a teenage girl whose baby brother is currently comatose in the PICU because of something that may or may not be her fault. This is a very sad, very emotional book. It’s so sad and emotional that, at times, it can be very difficult to read. You would not get that from the cover.
This book explores some pretty dark themes. The blurb doesn’t make this clear, either. I have no issue with the part of the blurb about Birdie, or the part about the relationship between Birdie and Bash. The bit about Bash, though, makes this book sound very different than it is:
Bash is, deep down, a good guy who’s been dealt a bad hand. You wouldn’t know it from the blurb, but he lives by himself in a rundown trailer without electricity. There are holes in the walls. He can feel the wind on his face when he sleeps. He expresses concern about literally freezing to death. It’s no wonder that he’s nearly flunking out when he’s barely surviving.
Bash might not particularly like “Wild Kyle,” but the lazy, entitled, incredibly rich boy is his best friend. And, yes, Bash tries to keep Kyle on the straight and narrow, but what the blurb doesn’t tell you is that he attempts to keep his friend from driving drunk. That’s the “something really bad.” And Bash doesn’t succeed. Kyle drives drunk, and it sets up the whole rest of the book.
“See his beloved Ma through chemo” really trivializes what’s going on as well. Bash’s mother is dying. She lives in a nursing home and has begun hospice care. She is not going to get better. Bash knows this.
Why do the cover and the blurb work so hard to make this book seem like something it’s not? It seems like a good setup for failure, if you ask me. For me personally, I want to know what I’m getting into. If I’m expecting a lighthearted romance and I get death and destruction, it’s going to affect my rating.
I think what I’m getting at was that I was a little unsettled by the plot. And not because I thought it was shocking -- in fact, Huntley Fitzpatrick’s My Life Next Door explores a very similar situation -- but because it wasn’t the kind of story I was expecting.
And maybe it’s because I read (and loved) MLND, but I don’t understand the hate toward Bash in the reviews. He wasn’t driving. He tried to stop Kyle and he wanted to come forward. Kyle is just a kid, yes, but he’s rich and powerful and, above all, Bash’s only friend. I get it. And more than anything, I just wanted to save Bash from his horrible life and protect him at all costs.
This book may not have been what I expected, but it’s a good story about family, about tragedy, and about the consequences of your actions.
I received a free ARC of The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash from St. Martin’s Griffin via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
So, first off, we all know that we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover. I judged this book by its cover (sorry) and was really shocked at what I found inside. The cover, with its cartoon drawing of roller skates, with its bright colors and retro style, made me think that this would be a cute, lighthearted romance, more middle grade than anything. It is not.
This book is sad and dark and very much not MG. Even for YA, it’s on the darker side. This is the story of a teenage boy who wants to do the right thing but is torn by his loyalty to his best friend. This is the story of a teenage girl whose baby brother is currently comatose in the PICU because of something that may or may not be her fault. This is a very sad, very emotional book. It’s so sad and emotional that, at times, it can be very difficult to read. You would not get that from the cover.
This book explores some pretty dark themes. The blurb doesn’t make this clear, either. I have no issue with the part of the blurb about Birdie, or the part about the relationship between Birdie and Bash. The bit about Bash, though, makes this book sound very different than it is:
Sebastian Alvaréz is just trying to hold the pieces together: to not flunk out, to keep his sort-of-best friend Wild Kyle from doing something really bad, and to see his beloved Ma through chemo.
Bash is, deep down, a good guy who’s been dealt a bad hand. You wouldn’t know it from the blurb, but he lives by himself in a rundown trailer without electricity. There are holes in the walls. He can feel the wind on his face when he sleeps. He expresses concern about literally freezing to death. It’s no wonder that he’s nearly flunking out when he’s barely surviving.
Bash might not particularly like “Wild Kyle,” but the lazy, entitled, incredibly rich boy is his best friend. And, yes, Bash tries to keep Kyle on the straight and narrow, but what the blurb doesn’t tell you is that he attempts to keep his friend from driving drunk. That’s the “something really bad.” And Bash doesn’t succeed. Kyle drives drunk, and it sets up the whole rest of the book.
“See his beloved Ma through chemo” really trivializes what’s going on as well. Bash’s mother is dying. She lives in a nursing home and has begun hospice care. She is not going to get better. Bash knows this.
Why do the cover and the blurb work so hard to make this book seem like something it’s not? It seems like a good setup for failure, if you ask me. For me personally, I want to know what I’m getting into. If I’m expecting a lighthearted romance and I get death and destruction, it’s going to affect my rating.
I think what I’m getting at was that I was a little unsettled by the plot. And not because I thought it was shocking -- in fact, Huntley Fitzpatrick’s My Life Next Door explores a very similar situation -- but because it wasn’t the kind of story I was expecting.
And maybe it’s because I read (and loved) MLND, but I don’t understand the hate toward Bash in the reviews. He wasn’t driving. He tried to stop Kyle and he wanted to come forward. Kyle is just a kid, yes, but he’s rich and powerful and, above all, Bash’s only friend. I get it. And more than anything, I just wanted to save Bash from his horrible life and protect him at all costs.
This book may not have been what I expected, but it’s a good story about family, about tragedy, and about the consequences of your actions.
I received a free ARC of The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash from St. Martin’s Griffin via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 23, 2017
On a warm September day I driving back home from college, opened the front door, and at that moment the phone started ringing. It was a green dialer, long cord and mounted on a wall. If you lived in the late 70's you know that phone. I answered it and on the other end a girl was crying. She asked for my mom. Mom was part of a church prayer chain. Old church ladies called our house all of the time. But never a girl and never crying.
Mom came to the phone and was very concerned, very sympathetic. I eavesdropped on this call, which I never did because these calls were usually boring, and tried to understand from the interchange why the girl was crying.
Mom told me later that this girl’s family had experienced a family tragedy that day. I had so little experience with anything similar in my own family that I couldn’t comprehend what she was dealing with.
The above is my personal intro to my unwritten, non-existent book: The Inevitable Collision of Kath and Eene. I would not have known of or read The Inevitable Collision of Birdie and Bash without the occurrence of these events.
Kathy, the crying girl had experienced a profound family tragedy and her daughter Candace has incorporated it into a young adult/teen romance, drama, suspense novel.
Author Candace Ganger wanted feedback on her first novel-baby. As a former video store owner, I have been giving movie reviews for years. I should be a pro. But I have been wondering if I am not qualified in this situation. I was too close to the above real life events and it was difficult to re-live them through print. My other disqualifications: I am not experienced in the genre of Young Adult, and as a family friend, I could be a little biased!
So I will step back and say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. A few pages in and I forgot that I knew the author and then made acquaintance with Birdie and Bash. Yes, it involved reliving a traumatic time, but from the outside. I could watch others figure out their situation.
As a typically non-reader of Young Adult fiction, I appreciated that I wasn’t spoken to or written to in a juvenile or condescending way. I enjoyed the book as an adult reading a novel.
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie and Bash is close to an adult novel. The main characters are about to graduate high school. More adult-ish themes are language, marijuana smoking, death/funerals and medical insurance. But sexuality here is only hinted at. Most of the drama centers on getting to that first kiss.
Literature nerds may appreciate the Pride and Prejudice themes present here. There is a brother servant/master relationship similar to Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. With all of the drama and with a twist. There is enough big sister- little sister drama to please Elizabeth Bennett and sisters fans as well.
Overall I loved this book. As a former professional movie nut, there is cinematic imagery throughout. These characters and situation would translate easily to a visual format.
Biased or not, I loved the funny, dramatic, suspenseful Collision of Birdie and Bash.
- Janenne Chambers
Mom came to the phone and was very concerned, very sympathetic. I eavesdropped on this call, which I never did because these calls were usually boring, and tried to understand from the interchange why the girl was crying.
Mom told me later that this girl’s family had experienced a family tragedy that day. I had so little experience with anything similar in my own family that I couldn’t comprehend what she was dealing with.
The above is my personal intro to my unwritten, non-existent book: The Inevitable Collision of Kath and Eene. I would not have known of or read The Inevitable Collision of Birdie and Bash without the occurrence of these events.
Kathy, the crying girl had experienced a profound family tragedy and her daughter Candace has incorporated it into a young adult/teen romance, drama, suspense novel.
Author Candace Ganger wanted feedback on her first novel-baby. As a former video store owner, I have been giving movie reviews for years. I should be a pro. But I have been wondering if I am not qualified in this situation. I was too close to the above real life events and it was difficult to re-live them through print. My other disqualifications: I am not experienced in the genre of Young Adult, and as a family friend, I could be a little biased!
So I will step back and say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. A few pages in and I forgot that I knew the author and then made acquaintance with Birdie and Bash. Yes, it involved reliving a traumatic time, but from the outside. I could watch others figure out their situation.
As a typically non-reader of Young Adult fiction, I appreciated that I wasn’t spoken to or written to in a juvenile or condescending way. I enjoyed the book as an adult reading a novel.
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie and Bash is close to an adult novel. The main characters are about to graduate high school. More adult-ish themes are language, marijuana smoking, death/funerals and medical insurance. But sexuality here is only hinted at. Most of the drama centers on getting to that first kiss.
Literature nerds may appreciate the Pride and Prejudice themes present here. There is a brother servant/master relationship similar to Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. With all of the drama and with a twist. There is enough big sister- little sister drama to please Elizabeth Bennett and sisters fans as well.
Overall I loved this book. As a former professional movie nut, there is cinematic imagery throughout. These characters and situation would translate easily to a visual format.
Biased or not, I loved the funny, dramatic, suspenseful Collision of Birdie and Bash.
- Janenne Chambers
May 5, 2017
“The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash” which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a beautifully written and poignant story that begins when sparks ignite at a party between Sebastian Alvaréz (Bash) who’s floundering under the weight of poor high school grades, an responsible best friend and a mother undergoing chemo, and brainy, goal-oriented Birdie Paxton. From two different worlds, they never expect to meet again until fate intervenes and their lives collide after a tragic accident.
Emotionally-charged and riveting the story that revolves around bad choices, lies and secrets as Birdie and Bash recount the tragic circumstances that set their lives on a collision course after their infatuation for each other is renewed while working at the local skating rink. Candace Ganger creates intensity and suspense as the plot heats up with Bash’s struggle to survive destitution and the pain of his mother’s failing health while being coerced into keeping a secret and suppressing his moral conscience when his best friend’s shows rash irresponsibility after a tragic accident. Tension constantly builds not only as Bash fights his inner demons and heartbreak, but Birdie faces her own guilt while falling hard for a scarred and broken- hearted boy.
The romance between Bash and Birdie is moving as these two talented individuals so different in temperament and background connect only to be torn apart by a bad choice that shatters her family and a loss that undermines his sense of self-worth. Yet with every good story there is hope, forgiveness, healing and love even in a time of sorrow.
Candace Ganger brings characters to life who are complex, realistic and unforgettable with all their flaws and faults. Birdie Paxton a smart and driven senior at West Clifton High School has always been obedient and responsible unlike her sister the troubled and rebellious Brynn. From a hardworking close-knit family, she’s determined to make her dream of success a reality although lack of a scholarship and a tragedy may rob her of her goal. In contrast, poverty-stricken Sebastian Alvaréz (Bash) a talented artist is flunking at school, his chief fan and loving mother at death’s doorstep. A teen with lots of potential who feels like a failure, Bash is devoted to his mother and protective and loyal to his best friend Kyle Taylor. “Wild Kyle” who’s wealthy and self-absorbed, is a loner with only one friend who can tolerate him. Cocky, obnoxious and reckless as he feeds his perverse habits, he’s a coward who will betray his best friend to save himself.
“The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash is a story with amazing characters woven into a complex and highly-charged plot that stirs your heart as it progresses quickly and smoothly to a sad but hopeful climax. I loved it and rate it highly.
Emotionally-charged and riveting the story that revolves around bad choices, lies and secrets as Birdie and Bash recount the tragic circumstances that set their lives on a collision course after their infatuation for each other is renewed while working at the local skating rink. Candace Ganger creates intensity and suspense as the plot heats up with Bash’s struggle to survive destitution and the pain of his mother’s failing health while being coerced into keeping a secret and suppressing his moral conscience when his best friend’s shows rash irresponsibility after a tragic accident. Tension constantly builds not only as Bash fights his inner demons and heartbreak, but Birdie faces her own guilt while falling hard for a scarred and broken- hearted boy.
The romance between Bash and Birdie is moving as these two talented individuals so different in temperament and background connect only to be torn apart by a bad choice that shatters her family and a loss that undermines his sense of self-worth. Yet with every good story there is hope, forgiveness, healing and love even in a time of sorrow.
Candace Ganger brings characters to life who are complex, realistic and unforgettable with all their flaws and faults. Birdie Paxton a smart and driven senior at West Clifton High School has always been obedient and responsible unlike her sister the troubled and rebellious Brynn. From a hardworking close-knit family, she’s determined to make her dream of success a reality although lack of a scholarship and a tragedy may rob her of her goal. In contrast, poverty-stricken Sebastian Alvaréz (Bash) a talented artist is flunking at school, his chief fan and loving mother at death’s doorstep. A teen with lots of potential who feels like a failure, Bash is devoted to his mother and protective and loyal to his best friend Kyle Taylor. “Wild Kyle” who’s wealthy and self-absorbed, is a loner with only one friend who can tolerate him. Cocky, obnoxious and reckless as he feeds his perverse habits, he’s a coward who will betray his best friend to save himself.
“The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash is a story with amazing characters woven into a complex and highly-charged plot that stirs your heart as it progresses quickly and smoothly to a sad but hopeful climax. I loved it and rate it highly.
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