Monday, November 14, 2016

REVIEW: We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Growing up across the street from each other, Scott and Cath have been best friends their entire lives. Cath would help Scott with his English homework, he would make her mix tapes (it's the 80's after all), and any fight they had would be forgotten over TV and cookies. But now they've graduated high school and Cath is off to college while Scott is at home pursuing his musical dreams. During their first year apart, Scott and Cath's letters help them understand heartache, annoying roommates, family drama and the pressure to figure out what to do with the rest of their lives. And through it all, they realize that the only person they want to turn to is each other. But does that mean they should be more than friends? The only thing that's clear is that change is an inescapable part of growing up. And the friends who help us navigate it share an unshakable bond.

What a great book!! This was another surprise for me. I don't know if it's because I've been in a reading slump or what, but I have had extremely low expectations for almost every ARC I pick up. But this one was so awesome. I love the letter format, first of all. Cath and Scott have been friends throughout their entire lives and I could feel how much they cared about each other. Letters can be a tricky thing. If they aren't done right, they can prevent you from connecting with the characters. That was not the case with this one. One of the best things about this book was the way each POV was so different and unique. The letters span the length of a year, the year after they graduate high school. Cath is a freshman in college and Scott is working at his dad's clothing store. There were so many issues in this book, like homesickness and divorce and just trying to figure out your life after high school. We can all relate to that, right? I loved their humor and banter and even when they fought, there was just so much respect there. This book also takes place in the 80's and there are a crazy amount of awesome musical references. I was rooting for these two through the whole book and I can't even think of anything I would change. It was such a great contemporary read and though it did have a few moments, most of the book was pretty light and humorous. 

Buy/Borrow/Skip: Buy this one.

10 comments :

  1. I have seen nothing but awesome things about this book so far and now you liked it too. I love letter format and am all about an 80's time frame. Great review!!

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  2. Oh, I'm glad you liked this one! I've been eyeing it during my bookstore jaunt this week but was on the fence. I'm definitely buying! Love the 80s and the letters between characters.

    Lovely review!

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    1. Joyous Reads, oh you definitely need this one! You will not regret it. :)

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  3. OH yay!! I'm glad this is good because I was dubious about it (letters are hit or miss for me too) and hadn't seen a ton of good reviews....but I still added it to my TBR yesterday.😂 Because I'm a complete sucker and I wanted to know haha. I'm glad it was a nice surprise for you!

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    1. Cait, you will enjoy this one for sure. I'm so glad I could help add to your TBR! :)

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  4. Oh, I didn't realize it was in letter format. At least with those, it's quick to find out if you like it or not. (At least for me)

    I have this one waiting for me too. I'm so glad you liked it!

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  5. I keep hearing great reviews on this book that seemed to sneak in under the radar, unlike real tornadoes. Thanks for the review!

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    1. No problem Danielle! This one is definitely an underrated book. I hope more people read it. I hope you read it and love it. :)

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