Review - On the Fence by Kasie West

Title: On The Fence

Author: Kasie West

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 296

Published: July 1st 2014 by HarperTeen 

ISBN:  9780062235671

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

 

Description: For sixteen-year-old Charlotte Reynolds, aka Charlie, being raised by a single dad and three older brothers has its perks. She can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows—including her longtime neighbor and honorary fourth brother, Braden. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world of makeup, lacy skirts, and BeDazzlers. Even stranger, she's spending time with a boy who has never seen her tear it up in a pickup game.  To cope with the stress of faking her way through this new reality, Charlie seeks late-night refuge in her backyard, talking out her problems with Braden by the fence that separates them. But their Fence Chats can't solve Charlie's biggest problem: she's falling for Braden. Hard. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high. 

I Give This ...

I've read Kasie West's debut novel but haven't managed to get to anything else written by here (even the second book in her series).  I've been interested in her contemporary work, so I decided this would fit the bill.  Plus, I like the idea of the boy next door.

I liked Charlotte from the first few pages.  I didn't really identify with her, but I felt her personality really jumped off the pages.  I liked how at ease with her brothers.  I liked that her dad gives her a challenge because to help her learn a lesson.  Part of me does wish it would have been a little harder for her to find a job, but I enjoyed the job that was available to her.  I think it taught her a lot about who she was, who she could be, and what she wanted.  

Honestly, I wasn't sure what part of the story I enjoyed more...the boy or the job.  You see, I think the job is a big part of the story her.  Charlie didn't have to be just a tomboy.  She was allowed to be feminine whenever she felt like it.  But, she was so afraid that her brothers would give her a hard time.  Her job allowed her to explore that side that I think she hadn't wanted to for a long time.  

And then there's the boy.  Braden is the typical boy next door.  I love that he is so close to her brothers that there's really no separation to them and him.  I think Charlie has always noticed him, but never give him much thought until they started their late night talks at the fence.  But, Charlie has a hard time ready his intentions.  She's never had much practice ready boys off the field.

I also enjoyed the two surprise twists in the story.  One, I had a feeling about given the hints and dreams that Charlie kept having about the accident that killed her mom.  The other one was a given considering Charlie has 3 older brothers.  I'm sure they thought they were protecting her.  Overall, I loved this story.  I have another one of her contemporaries that I need to read as soon as possible.  

 

Review - Pivot Point (Pivot Point #1) by Kasie West

Review: Pivot Point

Author: Kasie West

Pages: 352

Series: 1st 

Published: February 12th 2013 by HarperTeen 

ISBN: 9780062117373

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.  In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.
I Give This ...

  

Every once in awhile a book comes on the radar that has an idea that seems so fresh and new that I can't help but be excited about it.  That's what this one was for me.  And, I am so happy to report that this lived up to my expectations.  

At first I was a little confused about this special town and the powers the people possessed.  The different terms used to describe the people are specific to their powers and aren't very well explained.  Some of the terms make perfect sense, but others don't.  It took awhile to get use to it.  But once I understood how it all worked, I found that I really enjoyed the idea behind it all.

I found Addie to be particularly fascinating.  Her power is an anomaly.  She can search into the future how specific decisions will play out.  I can't imagine knowing how each decision could be influenced in that manner.  Each potential future is told through alternating chapters.  I thought it might be a little hard to follow, but I found that I had no trouble.  What was amazing to me was how each future had the potential to overlap.    It's one of the instances that it clearly shows how much thought the author put into her story.  Each little detail coincides with another event in the other future.  It was absolutely amazing to me.

I also found it extremely interesting to watch how each future played out.  The idea that know matter what choices you make, you might be predestined to be in specific places and specific times.  The people and events might change slightly, but you will end up exactly were you are meant to be.  I also really enjoyed the ending, although it felt a little rushed after Addie makes her decision which future to live out.  But, I've found it's a hard gap to write about (that moment between the future she's seen and when that actual moment arrives).  

Overall an awesome book!  I'm really excited to see where the story goes.  I have no idea how this will play out into a series.