Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between

Admiring Jennifer’s books from afar on Goodreads - and even those on my own shelf (I own three, I believe), made me realize how much I was bound to enjoy her books. The cover art is modern and fun and sweet usually depicting an image of a silhouetted couple, obviously in love. When I received a copy of Jennifer’s September novel in the mail, I was beyond delighted. I had requested the book, but wasn’t confident it would be something I’d receive.As if this didn’t already pique my interest – come on, you gotta’ admit, this one sounds cuuute – I had two really good blogging friends (shout-out to Amber and Kara) telling me, reading a book by this author was a must. Though I would have eventually gotten around to reading them, I’m glad a review copy did arrive on my doorstep, “forcing” me to sit down, and become lost in its charms. Saying this probably isn’t fair since this is the only of Jennifer’s I’ve read, but this book, somehow seemed… different.Clare and Aiden are amazing characters. I loved how “unpolished” they were. They were average teenagers on the cusp of changes and bigger decisions yet they were unique. I never once questioned their love or relationship, which flows naturally and reads authentic in every situation. I was swept into their whirlwind night, flip-flopping in my opinion of what the endgame was to be (and I may or may not have read ahead… but I’ll never tell). The interesting side stories and memories the characters inspire is charm personified. Basically, when I turned the last page, I was left wondering why I’d not read one of Jennifer’s books. This might have been my prologue to her works, but it won’t be the epilogue. Lighthearted when it counts, poignant when it should be, and appropriately emotional, 'Hello, Goodbye and Everything In-Between' should be on your “must” list for this fall. In short, you’ll despise having to say “goodbye” to this charmer.Content: I honestly don't remember much of issue in this novel. There are a few minor profanities and perhaps a sexual reference or two, and a "fade to black" type sex scene.

Jennifer E. Smith is one of my favorite contemporary YA authors. I feel like I can always count on her to deliver a good story that takes me to a place in my teenage years. While I’ve loved all her books, her first one is my favorite. When I was at ALA this year, one of the Little, Brown publicists told me she liked this one even better.Do I agree? Not really. I did enjoy this story, but I think maybe the plot was too far from my own experience to really get engrossed.For instance, as noted in the summary, Clare and Aiden have been together for a few years. I didn’t have a high school boyfriend. I also didn’t go to college too far away from home (though I did move out). I had also ditched the high school scene kind of early to do some early college work.That being said, there was a lot of tension and emotion that I could relate to. There is something so surreal and unbelievable about graduating high school and leaving for college. Even though you’ve spent four years with a group of people (provided you attended the same high school for all four years), those last days feel like a rush cramming memories and goodbyes. There is pressure to make it memorable. If you can make it memorable, then maybe it will last. Though, deep down you know things are going to change.Another thing I love about Smith’s books are her flawed characters. Clare is self-absorbed. Not in a mean girls way, but in a “I’ve got big things going on and I’m failing to recognize other people do too” kind of way. And it was refreshingly normal. There is a lot of hurt and cutting words are exchanged, but it’s motivated by fear, change, and loss rather than a desire to wound someone. So, while it would have been easy to be annoyed by Clare or Aiden or any of the rest of the characters, I was just sympathetic.So, while I wouldn’t say it was better than Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, it was definitely on par with Smith’s other novels, and I can’t wait to read the next one.

Niece loved it

Although shorter than I'd like it to be the book is amazing. You really feel for the characters. Would definitely recommend.

Great

I am a sucker for a YA romance and having watched the movie on Netflix - which was so disappointing, clashy characters and just plain boring, I thought I would give the book a go because usually if the movie is bad, the book is better. But… no. Whilst I’m glad the weird “fart argument” wasn’t present in the book, as it was in film - a very cringe unnecessary scene, I did understand the theme behind it and thought there would be a better metaphor in the book but there wasn’t. It was just very lack lustre. I didn’t feel that these characters would yearn or pine for each other. I didn’t feel the love between them. A very good friendship maybe but I wasn’t reading a long fighting for them.