Review: A different kind of NA...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 4, 2013
I think I've been lucky that my experience with New Adult has been quite positive. It seems like I'm reading titles that don't really fit the NA cliche, and Precious Things definitely breaks the mold, too. It takes place at a community college instead of a university, which is why it became one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I would say that Isabelle accepting that she's at a CC and reevaluating her self-image is the most important aspect of Precious Things. Of course, some of her growth is due to a boy, but their romance isn't the focus. Much like the author's debut novel, music plays an integral role in Isabelle's life, but in a very different way than it did for Julia. Isabelle's story also touches on family drama, which felt very real and not forced at all.I believe there's some kind of stigma about attending a CC, but the author explores a few of the reasons why people end up there in Precious Things. As someone who did go to CC before transferring, I did appreciate that, even if my reasons were very different than those mentioned. Isabelle was accepted to two universities, but couldn't afford to go thanks to her father's mismanagement of their finances. Needless to say, she's angry about this and doesn't feel like she belongs there. She does have this elitist attitude towards all of her classes until she realizes that this is her situation now, and she needs good grades when it comes time to transfer. However things are looking up when she puts down her walls and makes a friend, opens herself up to her poetry professor, and of course, she meets her Electronic Music TA, Evan...Evan. Evan, Evan, Evan. He's not a bad boy, nor is he covered in tattoos or piercings. He's just a normal guy who wears  a hoodie. As a girl who has half a closet full of hoodies (not an exaggeration), I can appreciate this. He also does sweet and sexy things that aren't totally over-the-top, maybe a little cheesy, but that's all right with me! Evan is just a good guy. I wish there had been more of him though! The romance isn't really the focus of Precious Things, but more Evan couldn't have hurt!Now, about the expected fight that rips our lovely couple apart for a few chapters before they realize they're being stupid and come running back to each other...it's lame. I think I say this about most couples' quarrels in NA so far, but really, their break up is dumb. I will say that their fight is prompted by something that I hadn't seen before, but it still didn't work for me. I didn't believe Isabelle's reaction or find it appropriate. Yes, she had a right to be upset, but she blew it up way too far and put her precious grades in jeopardy, which I found out of character. Evan was looking for a little support even if she couldn't give him all that he needed. Instead she just ditches him like it's the worst thing in the world and it felt like she took it personal even though it had nothing to do with her. I did love Isabelle's apology though. I thought that was really clever and was certainly fitting for a guy like Evan.The ending of Precious Things was perfect. Even though I hated the fight, their reunion was great. But what made the ending perfect was that they just start dating again, no declarations of undying love after knowing each other for just one semester. No lifelong commitments were made. It was just refreshing. And I enjoyed seeing Isabelle come to terms with being at a community college. I think the author handled that perfectly as well. It's still not exactly where Isabelle wants to be, but it's where she is now, and she's going to make the most out of it.*Disclaimer: I received this book from the author for review. No compensation was offered or accepted.