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You, Me, & Letting Go
A love so epic, no label is needed.
Van Sato’s got labels. Tourettes, ADHD, SPD - words that have defined his existence since the time he was old enough to know what they meant. Now, Van wants to prove he’s more than an acronym, a syndrome, a problem kid. He takes a summer job as a day camp counselor to prove he’s capable of independence and moving on to the next phase in his life. Maybe, he might even make a friend while there. Someone who’s got just as many or even more labels than him. Someone who understands what it’s like.
Tabby Dubanowksi wants to forget about everything, the hospitalization, the judgment, the whispers behind her back. As a camp counselor, she will be admired, looked up to, and able to help people who don’t know anything about her old life. Tabby wants a fresh start and a chance to re-ignite her passion for film-making, if only for one summer.
After running away from their pasts, Van and Tabby collide in a storm cloud of attraction laced with self-doubt, insecurity, shame, and blame. Now, with Van feeling like he might have to quit his job, and Tabby struggling to quell the urge to cut, they will struggle to find themselves in a world designed to keep them apart.
Van Sato’s got labels. Tourettes, ADHD, SPD - words that have defined his existence since the time he was old enough to know what they meant. Now, Van wants to prove he’s more than an acronym, a syndrome, a problem kid. He takes a summer job as a day camp counselor to prove he’s capable of independence and moving on to the next phase in his life. Maybe, he might even make a friend while there. Someone who’s got just as many or even more labels than him. Someone who understands what it’s like.
Tabby Dubanowksi wants to forget about everything, the hospitalization, the judgment, the whispers behind her back. As a camp counselor, she will be admired, looked up to, and able to help people who don’t know anything about her old life. Tabby wants a fresh start and a chance to re-ignite her passion for film-making, if only for one summer.
After running away from their pasts, Van and Tabby collide in a storm cloud of attraction laced with self-doubt, insecurity, shame, and blame. Now, with Van feeling like he might have to quit his job, and Tabby struggling to quell the urge to cut, they will struggle to find themselves in a world designed to keep them apart.
- GenresContemporaryYoung Adult
286 pages, ebook
First published May 14, 2019
5 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Katie Kaleski
11 books109 followersKatie Kaleski has started down many career paths and held many jobs—indie craft store clerk, pizza maker, photo developer, shoe salesperson and cashier, dental assistant in the army, daycare teacher, student teacher—but her favorite one by far is being a writer.
She’s originally from Chicago, so she says things like pop, gym shoes, and front room. Her favorite food group is sugar, and she loves writing young adult and romance novels.
She’s originally from Chicago, so she says things like pop, gym shoes, and front room. Her favorite food group is sugar, and she loves writing young adult and romance novels.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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June 12, 2019ARCs are available here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
April 27, 2019
This was a great story about two teenagers trying to hold down a job for the summer. I LOVED it! He has Tourette’s and she has anorexia and the were precious.
Life is beautiful and life is hard. It was written well but finished up a little bit to soon for me.
Things I loved
* Van
* The summer camp
* HEA
This was an ARC gift and all thoughts and opinions were my own :)
Life is beautiful and life is hard. It was written well but finished up a little bit to soon for me.
Things I loved
* Van
* The summer camp
* HEA
This was an ARC gift and all thoughts and opinions were my own :)
May 16, 2019
For years, Tourettes was stereotyped as somebody yelling inappropriate language spontaneously. Of course, typically the individual didn’t have Tourettes and would be making a joke. The one thing I definitely came away with from You, Me, & Letting Go by Katie Kaleski is that Tourettes is really no joking matter.
Both main characters, Van and Tabby, have issues that have made their teenage years beyond difficult. For Van, it’s the mix of Tourettes with ADHD and SPD, the latter two syndromes we learn may go hand-in-hand with Tourettes. For Tabby, it’s anorexia and cutting. As a result, they’ve been sheltered, which makes both of them come across younger than the average 17 year old. As counselors at a day camp, they find each other and begin to make huge advances.
Much of this novel felt very young to me, which is okay. It is YA, after all. But I felt like there were characters who were portrayed as having black and white emotions; some were nasty without nuance. In the text, an explanation is offered, that they’re dealing with their own issues of self-esteem or battling some other issues. I suppose that explanation should suffice, but the reader never really knows if that’s true.
My favorite character was Matt, Van’s best and only friend up until he meets Tabby. Matt befriended Van despite Van’s tics and Tourettes and kept being his friend but not out of pity. He treats him like an equal. I also loved how the very young campers are open to Van and their interactions.
The one issue I have regards the message I gleaned, which may not have been intended. Can a person with “labels” only be with another person with “labels” because they’re the only ones who will understand?
You, Me, & Letting Go very honestly deals with Tourettes and accompanying syndromes, allowing the reader a glimpse of what life is like. Likewise, it offers an idea of what it’s like to live with anorexia, how to move on and deal well in situations in which others have no problems whatsoever.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Both main characters, Van and Tabby, have issues that have made their teenage years beyond difficult. For Van, it’s the mix of Tourettes with ADHD and SPD, the latter two syndromes we learn may go hand-in-hand with Tourettes. For Tabby, it’s anorexia and cutting. As a result, they’ve been sheltered, which makes both of them come across younger than the average 17 year old. As counselors at a day camp, they find each other and begin to make huge advances.
Much of this novel felt very young to me, which is okay. It is YA, after all. But I felt like there were characters who were portrayed as having black and white emotions; some were nasty without nuance. In the text, an explanation is offered, that they’re dealing with their own issues of self-esteem or battling some other issues. I suppose that explanation should suffice, but the reader never really knows if that’s true.
My favorite character was Matt, Van’s best and only friend up until he meets Tabby. Matt befriended Van despite Van’s tics and Tourettes and kept being his friend but not out of pity. He treats him like an equal. I also loved how the very young campers are open to Van and their interactions.
The one issue I have regards the message I gleaned, which may not have been intended. Can a person with “labels” only be with another person with “labels” because they’re the only ones who will understand?
You, Me, & Letting Go very honestly deals with Tourettes and accompanying syndromes, allowing the reader a glimpse of what life is like. Likewise, it offers an idea of what it’s like to live with anorexia, how to move on and deal well in situations in which others have no problems whatsoever.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2019
Rating: 3.5 Stars
She was trying to forget about the past year and become "Tabby". He was trying to prove to his family, that he was able to independently navigate his life. After a rocky start, they find that their best chances of letting go may lie in each other.
The Characters
Both Van and Tabby were dealing with some major personal baggage. Van physically and mentally struggled with his Touretts, ADHD, and SPD. Though he was very aware of his tics, they were not always easy to manage. Part of his journey was coming to terms with his multiple disorders, and being more open about them.
Tabby also had some challenges to deal with. She was still in recovery following an inpatient stay for anorexia and self harm. She struggled with many of the triggers, and her inner pain and turmoil came across as quite authentic.
Van and Tabby had some great support systems. Kaleski gave each a stupendous best friend, and I especially liked the bromance between Van and Matt. Van suffered from some very major tics, but Matt was able to see past his disorder and see how wonderful Van was.
The Romance
Tabby may have been dealing with some major mental health issues, but most of her scars were on the inside. Van's disorders made themselves known in quite overt ways, but Tabby saw past all that, and was able to appreciate how sweet and funny Van was. I definitely smiled a lot as I read their interactions, but what really won my heart, was the time she took to get to understand him and his needs. I have been seeing this more in books featuring people with ASD, and it's an approach that can work with, and should be used more often, with all people, but especially people with special needs. The idea of someone putting extra time and effort into getting to understand what you need to be comfortable just touches me every time I see it in books and in real life.
All of this was accompanied by a fun day camp setting, a bunch of rom-com moments, interesting family dynamics, and a lot of self discovery, which left me feeling the feels and smiling from ear to ear.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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She was trying to forget about the past year and become "Tabby". He was trying to prove to his family, that he was able to independently navigate his life. After a rocky start, they find that their best chances of letting go may lie in each other.
The Characters
Both Van and Tabby were dealing with some major personal baggage. Van physically and mentally struggled with his Touretts, ADHD, and SPD. Though he was very aware of his tics, they were not always easy to manage. Part of his journey was coming to terms with his multiple disorders, and being more open about them.
Tabby also had some challenges to deal with. She was still in recovery following an inpatient stay for anorexia and self harm. She struggled with many of the triggers, and her inner pain and turmoil came across as quite authentic.
Van and Tabby had some great support systems. Kaleski gave each a stupendous best friend, and I especially liked the bromance between Van and Matt. Van suffered from some very major tics, but Matt was able to see past his disorder and see how wonderful Van was.
The Romance
Tabby may have been dealing with some major mental health issues, but most of her scars were on the inside. Van's disorders made themselves known in quite overt ways, but Tabby saw past all that, and was able to appreciate how sweet and funny Van was. I definitely smiled a lot as I read their interactions, but what really won my heart, was the time she took to get to understand him and his needs. I have been seeing this more in books featuring people with ASD, and it's an approach that can work with, and should be used more often, with all people, but especially people with special needs. The idea of someone putting extra time and effort into getting to understand what you need to be comfortable just touches me every time I see it in books and in real life.
All of this was accompanied by a fun day camp setting, a bunch of rom-com moments, interesting family dynamics, and a lot of self discovery, which left me feeling the feels and smiling from ear to ear.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
May 2, 2019
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
TW: Self-Harm, bullying
Tabby is teenage girl who was bullied in school which caused her to become Anorexic and admitted to the hospital due to self-harm. When Summer arrives, she gets a job as a camp counselor to try to start over and to be around people who don't know about her or what happened to her.
As if being a teenage boy isn't bad enough, Van Soto has a multitude of syndromes including Tourettes, ADHD and SPD. In an attempt to prove to his family that he can take care of himself, he gets a Summer job as a camp counselor. There he meets Tabby, well he knows her from school and makes sure to say so. Tabby not knowing about his syndromes begins to panic and think the past has come back to haunt her.
Upon getting to know each other, Tabby finds out all of Van's tics are part of his syndromes. They are both attracted to each other but aren't sure of how to proceed with their feelings. Van has never had a girlfriend before and Tabby has only had one boyfriend. Van has issues with being touched lightly and blurting out everything that pops into his mind.
Can Tabby and Van overcome their struggles and prove to everyone including themselves that they will indeed be "okay"?
TW: Self-Harm, bullying
Tabby is teenage girl who was bullied in school which caused her to become Anorexic and admitted to the hospital due to self-harm. When Summer arrives, she gets a job as a camp counselor to try to start over and to be around people who don't know about her or what happened to her.
As if being a teenage boy isn't bad enough, Van Soto has a multitude of syndromes including Tourettes, ADHD and SPD. In an attempt to prove to his family that he can take care of himself, he gets a Summer job as a camp counselor. There he meets Tabby, well he knows her from school and makes sure to say so. Tabby not knowing about his syndromes begins to panic and think the past has come back to haunt her.
Upon getting to know each other, Tabby finds out all of Van's tics are part of his syndromes. They are both attracted to each other but aren't sure of how to proceed with their feelings. Van has never had a girlfriend before and Tabby has only had one boyfriend. Van has issues with being touched lightly and blurting out everything that pops into his mind.
Can Tabby and Van overcome their struggles and prove to everyone including themselves that they will indeed be "okay"?
April 26, 2019
Oh my goodness, I think everybody should read this book - it needs to be in schools and added to reading lists. It blew me away. I had some understanding of Tourettes before reading this, but afterwards, I feel I know a lot more. It really gives you an insight into how it is living with the condition and all the complications someone has in life. I loved Van and found him inspirational (I know he would hate that, but after all, he's a character who could teach a lot of people about this).
Tabby also has a couple of huge life-changing conditions (read to find out what).
The two of them see each other in a way they could only dream of. They don't give up on the dream and it's beautiful to read how they give the other strength and drive to better themselves.
All that starts though with the decision to start a job for the summer to work on themselves. They just didn't realise they'd meet each other and further that motivation to strive for bigger things.
I'd recommend this til I'm blue in the face - I can't urge you enough to read. It's a lovely story that has so much to say.
Tabby also has a couple of huge life-changing conditions (read to find out what).
The two of them see each other in a way they could only dream of. They don't give up on the dream and it's beautiful to read how they give the other strength and drive to better themselves.
All that starts though with the decision to start a job for the summer to work on themselves. They just didn't realise they'd meet each other and further that motivation to strive for bigger things.
I'd recommend this til I'm blue in the face - I can't urge you enough to read. It's a lovely story that has so much to say.
May 15, 2019
Katie Kaleski never disappoints ❤
I could not put this book down. My heart is everywhere at the moment. I have an even stronger respect for the amazing people in the world who have Tourettes and ADHD, and all the other letters. Van is definitely my new favorite. I loved Tabby. I highly recommend this book. I won't be quiet about it. You'll have to tape my mouth shut. It is amazing and Katie Kaleski never disappoints me with her writing. Brilliant.
I could not put this book down. My heart is everywhere at the moment. I have an even stronger respect for the amazing people in the world who have Tourettes and ADHD, and all the other letters. Van is definitely my new favorite. I loved Tabby. I highly recommend this book. I won't be quiet about it. You'll have to tape my mouth shut. It is amazing and Katie Kaleski never disappoints me with her writing. Brilliant.
July 15, 2019
DNF at 50%
Although I do understand that this story has a unique set of characters and that I learned of Tourettes because of it, this book just wasn't for me.
Both Van and Tabby are different in their characterisation but they slip into the same cliche YA character tropes. And I can guess how this ends but I cannot physically push myself to read this.
First off, the writing isn't the best and every single action of the two is told on the same monotone and it just becomes way too much to read until something happens.
Second, seeing as Tabby is someone who deals with self harm and low self esteem, her reaction to Van's condition just does not feel right at all. And it bothered me a lot.
Third, after halfway through the book I still can't get myself to feel anything for the characters.
This book had a lot of potential because of its unique characters. I just wish it hadn't gone down the same cliche drain.
~Copy provided by publisher in exchange of an honest review. ~
Although I do understand that this story has a unique set of characters and that I learned of Tourettes because of it, this book just wasn't for me.
Both Van and Tabby are different in their characterisation but they slip into the same cliche YA character tropes. And I can guess how this ends but I cannot physically push myself to read this.
First off, the writing isn't the best and every single action of the two is told on the same monotone and it just becomes way too much to read until something happens.
Second, seeing as Tabby is someone who deals with self harm and low self esteem, her reaction to Van's condition just does not feel right at all. And it bothered me a lot.
Third, after halfway through the book I still can't get myself to feel anything for the characters.
This book had a lot of potential because of its unique characters. I just wish it hadn't gone down the same cliche drain.
~Copy provided by publisher in exchange of an honest review. ~
March 15, 2019
This is such a sweet and honest romance and I loved it from beginning to end. Van and Tabby have so many obstacles to overcome but you never stop rooting for them. They'll break your heart and make you cry but in a really good way.
April 1, 2019
Charming story about a couple of teens determined not to allow their pasts to dictate their future. Tabby and Van have a lot to learn... and a lot to learn from each other, having some fun along the way. Always go with a guy the kids love
May 17, 2019
**Review can be found at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
Tabby has had a rough year but is finally learning to love herself and be confident again. She is looking forward to leaving behind the past, one baby step at time, and she is excited to have her job as a summer kids day camp counselor. Vin has a lot on his plate with his tourettes, ADHD and SPD, all things keeping him from being just a regular teen. He is trying to prove he can handle growing up with getting a summer job as a camp counselor, but maybe it was more than he bargained for. What neither teen expected was to find love over this summer while learning to love themselves.
I will admit that I was a little leery going into the book based on they hard subject matter in the synopsis (self harm is usually something I avoid in stories), but I am always interested in books that deal with illness or disorders of all kinds so I figured I would give this a shot. This was the first time I have ever encountered a character with Tourettes in a story and I needed to know more. I am happy to report that this was actually a sweet, cute and at times really funny YA romance that I enjoyed. And sure, there are some tough things that the story deals with, but somehow, magically, the author was able to keep the tone light and uplifting and I really appreciated that.
I learned many things from this story about tourettes, coping mechanisms and anxiety- and most importantly I learned that a group of bunnies is called a fluffle. Seriously, Vic was so freaking adorable, his interactions with the kids was the stuff of swooning, and sure he had a great way of sticking his foot in his mouth all the time, but he was pretty charming about it. And Tabby was so understanding and wonderful, fully able to appreciate Van for his words, heart and good looks, able to look past his struggles to have a real relationship and not judge. They had such a quirky relationship that worked well for them both, but I am not going to lie, some of the time it was so AWKWARD! I felt embarrassed for them at times, but still loved them so much. Side note, they both had the best of friends, the most supportive besties two kids could ask for, and I am holding out for a love connection for them too. I may not ever be able to look at squirrels the same though...
I found that You, Me and Letting Go was just what I wanted to read without realizing it. It was full of acceptance, personal growth, fun interactions and learning to love one's self and others- as well as some awesome sounding art, be it paper plate animals or crafty films. This was such an adorable read and I highly recommend this story for anyone looking for a cute YA romance that has the ability to educate and entertain.
Tabby has had a rough year but is finally learning to love herself and be confident again. She is looking forward to leaving behind the past, one baby step at time, and she is excited to have her job as a summer kids day camp counselor. Vin has a lot on his plate with his tourettes, ADHD and SPD, all things keeping him from being just a regular teen. He is trying to prove he can handle growing up with getting a summer job as a camp counselor, but maybe it was more than he bargained for. What neither teen expected was to find love over this summer while learning to love themselves.
I will admit that I was a little leery going into the book based on they hard subject matter in the synopsis (self harm is usually something I avoid in stories), but I am always interested in books that deal with illness or disorders of all kinds so I figured I would give this a shot. This was the first time I have ever encountered a character with Tourettes in a story and I needed to know more. I am happy to report that this was actually a sweet, cute and at times really funny YA romance that I enjoyed. And sure, there are some tough things that the story deals with, but somehow, magically, the author was able to keep the tone light and uplifting and I really appreciated that.
Van caught sight of me. “Oh my God, stupid. I have a tendency not to think before I do things. I don’t like the feeling of sweat rolling down my back, so …”
“You had to swab yourself down.” I wanted to tell him to continue, and I’d just watch, but I’m sure that would’ve been inappropriate.
I learned many things from this story about tourettes, coping mechanisms and anxiety- and most importantly I learned that a group of bunnies is called a fluffle. Seriously, Vic was so freaking adorable, his interactions with the kids was the stuff of swooning, and sure he had a great way of sticking his foot in his mouth all the time, but he was pretty charming about it. And Tabby was so understanding and wonderful, fully able to appreciate Van for his words, heart and good looks, able to look past his struggles to have a real relationship and not judge. They had such a quirky relationship that worked well for them both, but I am not going to lie, some of the time it was so AWKWARD! I felt embarrassed for them at times, but still loved them so much. Side note, they both had the best of friends, the most supportive besties two kids could ask for, and I am holding out for a love connection for them too. I may not ever be able to look at squirrels the same though...
I found that You, Me and Letting Go was just what I wanted to read without realizing it. It was full of acceptance, personal growth, fun interactions and learning to love one's self and others- as well as some awesome sounding art, be it paper plate animals or crafty films. This was such an adorable read and I highly recommend this story for anyone looking for a cute YA romance that has the ability to educate and entertain.
May 15, 2019
This is a really sweet and heartwarming story about a couple of teenagers with some struggles, besides the usual teenage drama. Van has to deal with Tourettes, ADHD and SPD. Tabby is dealing with anorexia and the urge to cut herself. I think it's a good thing to bring up these kind of subjects in a YA book, so that they're being acknowledged.
I really like both Van and Tabby, and it's easy to put myself in their shoes, even though I don't have any of their experience (besides having been a teenager once...). I feel sorry for them sometimes (I'm sure they wouldn't like that!), I get angry when they're treated badly and I feel happy when things go well. This means that the author did a great job with the characters!
The love story is sweet and adorable, even though it has its difficulties, of course. The book is also funny at times, I laughed out loud at some occasions (that doesn't happen very often)! I'm sure this is not a book for everyone, but I love reading something sweet in between the the things I usually read! I highly recommend this book to anyone who's up for a cute YA romance, or someone who wants to know what it's like to live with Tourettes.
I received an ARC from the author and I'm happy to give a review.
I really like both Van and Tabby, and it's easy to put myself in their shoes, even though I don't have any of their experience (besides having been a teenager once...). I feel sorry for them sometimes (I'm sure they wouldn't like that!), I get angry when they're treated badly and I feel happy when things go well. This means that the author did a great job with the characters!
The love story is sweet and adorable, even though it has its difficulties, of course. The book is also funny at times, I laughed out loud at some occasions (that doesn't happen very often)! I'm sure this is not a book for everyone, but I love reading something sweet in between the the things I usually read! I highly recommend this book to anyone who's up for a cute YA romance, or someone who wants to know what it's like to live with Tourettes.
I received an ARC from the author and I'm happy to give a review.
May 2, 2019
This review was originally posted on my review blog Deanna Reads Books
If you are looking for a cute teen romance, than look no further than Katie Kaleski's You, Me, & Letting Go. I also want to point out that this book deals with a lot of issues that teens may face, so I also want to preface my review with some trigger warnings. Some of these include bullying, self-harm and eating disorders. They are discussed in a really healthy way about getting better, but I feel like I would be doing my reader's a disservice by not mentioning it up front.
I haven't read a lot of books with characters like Van who have Tourettes, ADHD or SPD, but I was really glad we saw some representation in a book for teens like this. It's interesting because while I was reading this, I happened to stumble upon a clip of the singer Billie Eilish talking about having Tourettes. Clearly a coincidence, but such a strange one to occur! I don't know enough about these conditions to say if Van's portrayal is a good representation, but as an outsider it felt genuine to me. I would love to hear from a reviewer who has these conditions to see if they are a good representation.
I could relate to Tabby a lot, mostly because I have a lot of scarring from mean middle school girls. Why are girls so awful to each other? Not to the extent that Tabby dealt with, but I think it's something a lot of young girls can relate to. In this book Tabby is just overcoming her issues and is fresh out of treatment, and she's still struggling to figure it all out. I was really glad to see she has a good supportive system with her mom and her best friend.
I felt like the pacing could have been a little better on this book. I felt like towards the end it dragged on a bit and there felt like unnecessary drama was added in. Look, I know it's a book for teens, but when Van and Tabby have some miscommunication and are fighting, I felt like it was so unnecessary. I get it, that I am not the target audience, so maybe the drama doesn't bother other readers.
In general this was a fun book to read, despite my issues with some of the relationship drama.
If you are looking for a cute teen romance, than look no further than Katie Kaleski's You, Me, & Letting Go. I also want to point out that this book deals with a lot of issues that teens may face, so I also want to preface my review with some trigger warnings. Some of these include bullying, self-harm and eating disorders. They are discussed in a really healthy way about getting better, but I feel like I would be doing my reader's a disservice by not mentioning it up front.
I haven't read a lot of books with characters like Van who have Tourettes, ADHD or SPD, but I was really glad we saw some representation in a book for teens like this. It's interesting because while I was reading this, I happened to stumble upon a clip of the singer Billie Eilish talking about having Tourettes. Clearly a coincidence, but such a strange one to occur! I don't know enough about these conditions to say if Van's portrayal is a good representation, but as an outsider it felt genuine to me. I would love to hear from a reviewer who has these conditions to see if they are a good representation.
I could relate to Tabby a lot, mostly because I have a lot of scarring from mean middle school girls. Why are girls so awful to each other? Not to the extent that Tabby dealt with, but I think it's something a lot of young girls can relate to. In this book Tabby is just overcoming her issues and is fresh out of treatment, and she's still struggling to figure it all out. I was really glad to see she has a good supportive system with her mom and her best friend.
I felt like the pacing could have been a little better on this book. I felt like towards the end it dragged on a bit and there felt like unnecessary drama was added in. Look, I know it's a book for teens, but when Van and Tabby have some miscommunication and are fighting, I felt like it was so unnecessary. I get it, that I am not the target audience, so maybe the drama doesn't bother other readers.
In general this was a fun book to read, despite my issues with some of the relationship drama.
June 11, 2019
Katie Kaleski tells a heartfelt story of two very different teens, with challenges and experiences that resonate with readers of all ages. She balances heartache with humour. Her characters, as always, are diverse in their health, disability, culture and life experience. However, she tells of their personal health difficulties in a way that does not over shadow their common experience of teenage love, relationships, challenges and conflict. Through these loveable characters we experience even the unfamiliar in a familiar way - heartache, fear, and the lifelong quest for self-acceptance and self-confidence. From the start I found myself cheering the characters on, liking and caring for them. They remain in my memory past reading the last page.
May 27, 2019
I enjoyed the story line in this book. It's important to read/write about characters with mental and chronic illness. One thing that I had to get past while reading this was that the author referred to the person "having Tourrette" instead of Tourrette's. Maybe it was something that was overlooked in the research for the book but it was hard to get past for me.
Overall, it was a good plot and I would definitely read more about these characters. I think that Van was really well written and Tabby was a fun character.
Overall, it was a good plot and I would definitely read more about these characters. I think that Van was really well written and Tabby was a fun character.
April 18, 2020
Delightful!! Katie took a few serious issues and fabulously wove them into this lovely story. I fell head over heels for Van and Tabby. I felt every Tourette tick, awkward sensation, and embarrassing moment. I wanted to reach into the pages and hug (firmly) these characters. If you enjoy a good romantic young adult contemporary that marches right through difficult situations, then you'll love this story and these two teenagers.
May 16, 2019
I'm giving this book a 2 1/2 puppy rating. There are a lot of things I didn't enjoy about this book. My full review will be posted later on this month on my blog. But for now this one just wasn't for me.
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