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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I couldn’t really get into it. The writing wasn’t my style and it didn’t hook me
4.5 ⭐️ | This story is the definition of beautiful! I loved every single second I spent reading this book. The writing flows amazingly well, the plot keeps you interested the whole time and the characters feel like your best friends… what more can a reader ask of a book?
Can’t wait to read more by these authors!
Can’t wait to read more by these authors!
I liked the premise, a teen girl whose every boyfriend dumps her to be with his one true love. She's the girl before. She's Rosalind from Romeo and Juliet. And, setting this in a high school production of Romeo and Juliet, the premise is great.
I liked the perspective of a high school drama club girl, and her interest in being a director, rather than an actress, that was a refreshing take on it. The drama club set was well drawn with pretty decently dimensioned side characters and side plots. Our main character, Megan is multi-dimensional and for the most part believable. But Megan was, unfortunately, not always likable or even logical. Sure, she's supposed to be an angsty teen with drama club level drama. She gets mad and gives her friends the silent treatment for weeks. And then weeks just pass, as the timeframe for this book seemed to drag on forever. I did high school theatre, and this seemed to take the entire year.
And Megan, when it mattered the most, really showed her ugly inner child. Near the end, she has such a tantrum that I didn't believe as realistic to her character as she acted in total disregard of what she and all of her friends hold most dear. Total drama llama. Lost me there.
Also, the pacing dragged. It took weeks, months, semesters, who knows how long to put on this high school play. Longer than any high school production I've ever heard of, and the lack of timing structure did it no favor as the entire book lacked a sense of urgency. Who knew how long this was all going to drag on, as we start working on memorizing Juliet, but then take off MONTHS to put on the Senior Showcase while the rest of the cast of Romeo and Juliet just sat around twiddling their thumbs. The pacing was off for me, but then, I love tight structure and this was as loose and flowing as some Elizabethan A-line dress. I think that contributed to my own slackish reading pace.
It took me weeks to finish this book as I was reading the hardcover rather than my usual audiobook. I wanted to finish, and did, but found it a bit tedious.
I liked that Megan didn't apologize for her flirting behavior and sexual agency. And her character had growth, prodded on by Owen, in which she realized that she deserved more than to be "The Girl Before" and to shed that tragic label. To demand more and to go after what she wanted for herself, not just for a fling. That was well done and worth the read.
I liked the premise, the use of the Shakespeare quotes, the setting in the high school drama production, and Megan's realization that she's not Rosalind. But not so much Megan's persistent immature behavior and her leisurely stroll to responsibility.
I liked the perspective of a high school drama club girl, and her interest in being a director, rather than an actress, that was a refreshing take on it. The drama club set was well drawn with pretty decently dimensioned side characters and side plots. Our main character, Megan is multi-dimensional and for the most part believable. But Megan was, unfortunately, not always likable or even logical. Sure, she's supposed to be an angsty teen with drama club level drama. She gets mad and gives her friends the silent treatment for weeks. And then weeks just pass, as the timeframe for this book seemed to drag on forever. I did high school theatre, and this seemed to take the entire year.
And Megan, when it mattered the most, really showed her ugly inner child. Near the end, she has such a tantrum that I didn't believe as realistic to her character as she acted in total disregard of what she and all of her friends hold most dear.
Spoiler
The production that everyone including her bestie Anthony was counting one, she just decides to not show up for the dress rehearsal and shows up hours late and doesn't apologize when the drama teacher tells her she'll be replaced as Juliet. WTF. That didn't make sense, as she'd built this up as her whole life. Get a grip, girl.Also, the pacing dragged. It took weeks, months, semesters, who knows how long to put on this high school play. Longer than any high school production I've ever heard of, and the lack of timing structure did it no favor as the entire book lacked a sense of urgency. Who knew how long this was all going to drag on, as we start working on memorizing Juliet, but then take off MONTHS to put on the Senior Showcase while the rest of the cast of Romeo and Juliet just sat around twiddling their thumbs. The pacing was off for me, but then, I love tight structure and this was as loose and flowing as some Elizabethan A-line dress. I think that contributed to my own slackish reading pace.
It took me weeks to finish this book as I was reading the hardcover rather than my usual audiobook. I wanted to finish, and did, but found it a bit tedious.
I liked that Megan didn't apologize for her flirting behavior and sexual agency. And her character had growth, prodded on by Owen, in which she realized that she deserved more than to be "The Girl Before" and to shed that tragic label. To demand more and to go after what she wanted for herself, not just for a fling. That was well done and worth the read.
I liked the premise, the use of the Shakespeare quotes, the setting in the high school drama production, and Megan's realization that she's not Rosalind. But not so much Megan's persistent immature behavior and her leisurely stroll to responsibility.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
4.5 stars ✨
I honestly didn’t think I’d love this book as much as I did. The book was cute, emotional and such a quick read.
First of all, the plot of the story was so well thought out in my opinion. I loved the idea of a girl who always dates someone, right before they meet “the one”, because who hasn’t felt that way at some point In their lives? I loved the development of each character. But mostly I loved the message this book sends to all the teens (or adults!) out there.
It was such a fun read. I mean a drama set in a drama department?! Now that was a combination I didn’t know I was missing.
If you’re looking for a simi- lighthearted teen romance read, I would definitely suggest this one. While the book did discuss some emotional topics/ themes I found myself enjoying the read in a nice way. I wanted so badly to take this book down to the beach and just lounge while reading. ❤️
I’m honestly so stunned by how in love I am with this book, these characters, and this fabulously original Shakespearian novel. I know I will certainly be picking up another Wibberley and Siegemund-Broka book in the future!
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes