Author: Robin Constantine
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: Dec 31, 2013
Review:
Wren’s family owns a quirky catering hall. After saving
Grayson’s life the two share a moment and Grayson then peruses Wren. But from
the outset problems plague their relationship and they have to decide if this
connection is worth saving, or if they should go their separate ways.
The novel is written in dual point of view, which is quickly
becoming one of my favorite points of view in YA contemporary. It gives the
reader the chance to connect with both parties. I don’t think I would have
liked Grayson, at all, if half of the story hadn’t been from his perspective.
Wren is the average, quiet girl at her all-girls catholic
school. The youngest of three, her parents describe her as the easy child.
Connecting with quiet characters is always a little hard for me. I have never
been quiet. If Wren’s parent-teacher conferences went like this “Your child is
bright, but quiet” mine went like this, “Your child will not shut up! She’s
bright but it’s overshadowed by all the damn talking she does.” It is a
testament to Constantine ’s
writing that she was able to make me relate to Wren.
Grayson is completely different from Wren. Outgoing,
lacrosse star, criminal. I actually liked him more then Wren. His problems
seemed more real and immediate. I was never sure if his old buddies were going
to rat on him, or if he was going to be able to get his life together enough to
deserve Wren.
One of the highlights of this story was Wren’s two best
friends Madison and Jazz. I liked how completely different they were from each
other and from Wren. It was nice that they were always there to support her. I
am looking forward to wild, exciting, Madison
getting her own story.
My biggest complaint about this novel is that a lot of the
problems in the plot were never resolved. Grayson has a difficult relationship
with his mother and her new family, that isn’t really resolved. Wren has a kind
of feud going on with Ava and that isn’t really resolved, and one character’s
pregnancy is never really handled either. I guess in life things aren’t
resolved in nice little packages but, to me, if felt like a lot of things were
just left hanging at the end. There is a companion story from the point of view
of Wren’s friend Madison though so maybe that will tackle some unresolved
questions, especially those regarding Ava.
The Promise of Amazing straddled the line between YA issue
lit and fluffy YA contemporary and I really enjoyed that dichotomy. I am
looking forward to reading Madison ’s story and
seeing how Constantine
tackles her sophomore novel.
This is looks great! And perfect for my list of contemporaries to branch out and read! Happy Reading Emily!
ReplyDeleteOhh yay! Glad to hear you enjoyed this! Great review hun! (:
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you enjoyed this...I've definitely read mixed reviews. The premise sounds so cute and like you, I like dual POV books so I've decided to give this a try. Great review! ~Pam
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I had no idea that there was a companion novel. That might help to resolve some of the open endness of this book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
- Tabitha @ Tabitha's Book Blog
I'm glad to see another positive review! So many people are really down on this book, and it made me sad because I enjoyed it. I do wish we'd seen more of Grayson's family. I loved his younger siblings and the depth his relationship with them gave him. I melt for boys who are cute with younger sibs. Great review, Emily!
ReplyDeleteMary @ Mary Had a Little Book Blog