Review : When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

ABOUT THE BOOK/: At the start of her senior year, Sara wants two things: to get into a top college and to find true love. Tobey also wants two things in his senior year: to win Battle of the Bands and to make Sara fall in love with him. A popular jock named Dave, though, moves in on Sara first. But Tobey's quirky wit and big blue eyes are hard for Sara to ignore. Plus, he gets the little things that matter to her - like why she loves the Lloyd Dobler boom-box scene in the movie Say Anything....Can a slacker rock-star wanna be win the heart of a pretty class brain like Sara?Hilariously and movingly told through Tobey's and Sara's authentic voices, Susane Colasanti's debut novel sizzles in its portrayal of two young people searching for the one.


(taken from susanecolasanti.com)



THE REVIEW /:

Elements ;


1. Shocking Factor - 7/10
2. Thrilling Factor - 8/10
3. Funny Factor - 8.5/10
4. Honesty Factor - 9/10
5. Originality Factor - 7.5/10


and


Narrator's Voice - 8/10

Overall conclusion - Truth be told, I wanted to read this book just for the pretty cover. I was at the cashier when suddenly I caught my sight on When It Happens. Of course, I could only buy one book so I rushed home, called my friend and made her promise she'd buy it. I haven't even read the book jacket, but I just know its something I'd like. And I was right, partly. I didn't just like it, I loved it.


This book is fun, fresh and honest! When It Happens is the ultimate romance read. From the narrative voice, I prefer reading Sara's than Tobey because it seems like Tobey tries too hard to sound tough. I can somehow relate to Sara. She's just looking for something real because sometimes life/ highschool could get a bit over-rated. Tobey is a cute guy, he's adorable and charming, so I get how Sara can't resist him. I was rooting for Tobey since the first. I'm so happy at how Sara's and Tobey's relationship turned out. My favourite character though, would be Maggie. She's hilarious. Scenes with Sara and Tobey are sweet, romantic and well-written. I personally love the remake of the scene in Say Anything with the boom box and all. The funny and easy-going dialogue was what really got to me.

Colasanti connects the main characters through music, thus educating to those of us who needs help in that field. It's fun to read from two perspectives regarding the same situation. Although I can tell how the story goes, its great to explore the book and find some of my prediction wrong. I marvelled at the thought that this is actually a debut novel. Such an inspiring writing. The realistic take on this novel shows how high school really is. When It Happens would definitely suck you in and after you've finished the book, you'd find yourself wide awake, wishing you'd have that something 'real' too.

TIQA