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laughlinesandliterature's review
4.0
*I received this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*
The Boy I Love was actually very good, and it exceeded my expectations. I was intrigued by the subject matter, but it also left me thinking that it would probably just be incredibly cliche or full of immature characters. There was a little of that, but for the most part I found that it handled the topic with sensitivity and really had a message for the target audience.
I really enjoyed Wren, I liked that there were moments that she felt very mature for her age, and then moments when she was incredibly immature. I felt this was accurate though based on the fact that she was 16. It’s that age when you know you should be more mature, but hormones and high school make it difficult. Sometimes Wren felt like she wasn’t a real character though because she was overly mature.
Like when she decides to keep Tim’s secret, there’s no hesitation or worry about what this might mean for her. She doesn’t think about not dating other boys because she’s secretly in love with Tim. It just bothered me because when you like someone finding out that they like someone else, opposite sex or not, it hurts. But it didn’t hurt Wren, she was just incredibly accepting of that. Which is not a bad thing, but it just didn’t feel genuine to her character. Especially when she was freaking out about the farm so much, I felt that was much more in line with her personality.
I also had a hard time with Wren’s friend Allie. She took the opposite path from Wren, and became even more immature. It was difficult to understand why the two of them would be friends. Allie always seemed to put Wren down, or leave her out. Plus, when Wren really started to fit in Allie was jealous, which is understandable but she didn’t even think about how it had been for Wren before.
I thought that the whole book was incredibly interesting, and the premise really is the book. It’s just that the characters and story were better developed than other books that are similar. I would give the book 4 out of 5 stars because while it was good there were things that I think could’ve been improved upon.
*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2014/05/the-boy-i-love-by-nina-de-gramont-review.html*
The Boy I Love was actually very good, and it exceeded my expectations. I was intrigued by the subject matter, but it also left me thinking that it would probably just be incredibly cliche or full of immature characters. There was a little of that, but for the most part I found that it handled the topic with sensitivity and really had a message for the target audience.
I really enjoyed Wren, I liked that there were moments that she felt very mature for her age, and then moments when she was incredibly immature. I felt this was accurate though based on the fact that she was 16. It’s that age when you know you should be more mature, but hormones and high school make it difficult. Sometimes Wren felt like she wasn’t a real character though because she was overly mature.
Like when she decides to keep Tim’s secret, there’s no hesitation or worry about what this might mean for her. She doesn’t think about not dating other boys because she’s secretly in love with Tim. It just bothered me because when you like someone finding out that they like someone else, opposite sex or not, it hurts. But it didn’t hurt Wren, she was just incredibly accepting of that. Which is not a bad thing, but it just didn’t feel genuine to her character. Especially when she was freaking out about the farm so much, I felt that was much more in line with her personality.
I also had a hard time with Wren’s friend Allie. She took the opposite path from Wren, and became even more immature. It was difficult to understand why the two of them would be friends. Allie always seemed to put Wren down, or leave her out. Plus, when Wren really started to fit in Allie was jealous, which is understandable but she didn’t even think about how it had been for Wren before.
I thought that the whole book was incredibly interesting, and the premise really is the book. It’s just that the characters and story were better developed than other books that are similar. I would give the book 4 out of 5 stars because while it was good there were things that I think could’ve been improved upon.
*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2014/05/the-boy-i-love-by-nina-de-gramont-review.html*
kbranfield's review
5.0
The Boy I Love by Nina de Gramont is a thought-provoking novel of friendship that touches on a number of relevant social issues. In many ways, it is a typical coming of age story with all of the usual teenage angst and drama. However, through the adroit first person narration of sixteen year old Wren Piner, this ordinary novel becomes an extraordinary tale of friendship and courage that is heartfelt and compelling.
Wren has been best friends with Allie Hackett for most of their lives, but their transition to a new school suddenly strains their close bond. Wren has been content to live in the shadow of her beautiful and popular friend, but when surprising events put Wren in the limelight, she is stunned by Allie's unhappy reaction. But it is Allie's jealousy over Wren's new friendship with Tim Greenlaw that drives a wedge between the girls and they begin to drift apart. While Wren's feelings for Tim take an unexpectedly romantic turn, he divulges a closely held secret that ultimately brings them closer together.
Wren is very comfortable in her skin and she has a surprising amount of confidence for a teenager. She has a strong moral compass, she stands up for what she believes in and she does not hesitate to voice her opinions. Wren is kind, compassionate and steadfastly loyal with an admirable capacity for forgiveness. She is dismayed by the situation with Allie, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, she seizes the opportunity to seek out her own interests. Wren is very honest with herself about her own bouts of jealousy and the hopelessness of unrequited love but she never lets either get in the way of her friendships.
Allie is self-centered and since she has had very little disappointment in her life, she is stunned when things don't go her way. She is unreasonable in her expectations where Tim is concerned and her immaturity over his relationship with Wren leads to the disintegration of their friendship. Allie rebuffs Wren's attempts to smooth over their disagreement and she begins to make self-destructive decisions.
Tim is an all American boy who is much admired by his peers. Popular and well-liked, this new school year marks a change in his life as he gives up sports to explore his interest in theater. His growing distress over a change is his church's policy is the driving force in confessing both his secret and the conflicting feelings that go with it. Tim takes comfort in Wren's easy acceptance of his admission and their friendship easily weathers the difficulties they eventually face.
There are really no surprises about what is going to happen in The Boy I Love. The book summary pretty much lays out the storyline, but the execution of the plot and the depth of the characters are what makes it an outstanding and unpredictable read. Nina de Gramont introduces sensitive topics in a straightforward manner and the characters reactions to the various situations are realistic. While the novel's target audience is teenagers, I highly recommend The Boy I Love readers of all ages. It is a meaningful novel with a powerful message of love and acceptance that everyone can relate to.
Wren has been best friends with Allie Hackett for most of their lives, but their transition to a new school suddenly strains their close bond. Wren has been content to live in the shadow of her beautiful and popular friend, but when surprising events put Wren in the limelight, she is stunned by Allie's unhappy reaction. But it is Allie's jealousy over Wren's new friendship with Tim Greenlaw that drives a wedge between the girls and they begin to drift apart. While Wren's feelings for Tim take an unexpectedly romantic turn, he divulges a closely held secret that ultimately brings them closer together.
Wren is very comfortable in her skin and she has a surprising amount of confidence for a teenager. She has a strong moral compass, she stands up for what she believes in and she does not hesitate to voice her opinions. Wren is kind, compassionate and steadfastly loyal with an admirable capacity for forgiveness. She is dismayed by the situation with Allie, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, she seizes the opportunity to seek out her own interests. Wren is very honest with herself about her own bouts of jealousy and the hopelessness of unrequited love but she never lets either get in the way of her friendships.
Allie is self-centered and since she has had very little disappointment in her life, she is stunned when things don't go her way. She is unreasonable in her expectations where Tim is concerned and her immaturity over his relationship with Wren leads to the disintegration of their friendship. Allie rebuffs Wren's attempts to smooth over their disagreement and she begins to make self-destructive decisions.
Tim is an all American boy who is much admired by his peers. Popular and well-liked, this new school year marks a change in his life as he gives up sports to explore his interest in theater. His growing distress over a change is his church's policy is the driving force in confessing both his secret and the conflicting feelings that go with it. Tim takes comfort in Wren's easy acceptance of his admission and their friendship easily weathers the difficulties they eventually face.
There are really no surprises about what is going to happen in The Boy I Love. The book summary pretty much lays out the storyline, but the execution of the plot and the depth of the characters are what makes it an outstanding and unpredictable read. Nina de Gramont introduces sensitive topics in a straightforward manner and the characters reactions to the various situations are realistic. While the novel's target audience is teenagers, I highly recommend The Boy I Love readers of all ages. It is a meaningful novel with a powerful message of love and acceptance that everyone can relate to.
herlifewithbooks's review against another edition
Not NEARLY as bad as the cover and title might have you think.
I mean, nothing mind-blowing either, but it's not even really a romance! Ack!
I mean, nothing mind-blowing either, but it's not even really a romance! Ack!
jenna_justi2004's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Outing, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, and Violence
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