Review: Hug to your chest type of book
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 24, 2014
IF ONLY by AJ Pine is a book that left me confused. Not because of the plot or characters, but why, oh, why isn't more New Adult written in this vein?? The closest comp title I can come up with is Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl. Pine clearly loves the english language and takes care to craft her words with love and heart. When her characters discuss books, it's not to tick off a "we are in college so must discuss a generic class" box. Her characters LOVE their books. A ROOM WITH A VIEW, THE GREAT GATSBY and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING all play significant roles.I honestly feel the need to reread A ROOM WITH A VIEW AND MUCH ADO, STAT.The heroine, Jordan Brooks, spends her junior year in Aberdeen, Scotland. I additionally appreciated the non-USA study abroad setting. Exchange trips are often period of seismic personal growth and this story was no exception.There is bit of a love-triangle. Don't want to give away spoilers. Let's just say I'm keenly anticipating Book 2. Even if you don't generally like love-triangles, you will dig IF ONLY because Pine handles the plot with deft care. This was an impressive debut and I look forward to more from this author.