Lindsey Leavitt
Contemporary Young Adult
320 pages
Bloomsbury
Available March 26th
Received for review via NetGalley
THE STORY (from Goodreads)
When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars). The List:
1. Run for pep club secretary
2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree
3. Sew a dress for Homecoming
4. Find a steady
5. Do something dangerous
But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far.
MY THOUGHTS
Going Vintage is an extremely cute contemporary read, one that explores not only our current addiction to technology, but also how various relationship dynamics are affected by the online world in a humorous way that keeps us laughing and nodding our heads in agreement with Mallory’s quest to return to what’s she’s sure was a simpler time. Her realization that a simpler time in terms of technology does not necessarily equate to an easier life–free of challenges or heartache–is a joy to follow as the light slowly dawns, illuminating aspects of her family that were previously kept secret as well as aspects of herself that aren’t altogether complimentary.
Mallory is an absolute delight of a protagonist, her dry sense of humor drawing us in immediately even as her boyfriend’s online activities temporarily bring her world to a screeching halt. Her voice as she tells her story is beautifully conversational in nature, setting us immediately at ease and making us feel as though she’s sitting across from us relaying her experiences complete with animated hand gestures and a rich tonality to her storytelling. While she may take her shunning of modern technology a bit far after Jeremy’s betrayal, she approaches her family’s minor dramas and her budding relationship with Oliver maturely and logically, never allowing herself to get so swept up that her emotions override rational thought.
While lovers of romance (like me) may be a tiny bit disappointed that things with Oliver don’t progress all that far, the realist in us can’t help but appreciate Mallory’s approach to the fledgling relationship. She refreshingly opts to take her interest in Oliver at a snail’s pace, wanting to learn more about who she is first instead of quickly jumping into the arms of someone new and allowing herself to be defined by a life other than her own. This story is not about Mallory and Oliver but rather Mallory individually–her strengths and weaknesses and how they affect the decisions she makes moving forward–and we’re by her side every step of the way as she becomes both teacher and student in a lesson about herself.
Overall, Going Vintage is a quick and entertaining read full of witty banter and small dramas that has us watching the number of pages remaining dwindle with a frown as we don’t want our time with Mallory to end.
Rating: 4/5
That is a pretty awesome review. I liked how you said about the romance between Mallory and Oliver, I am happy that it isn't too rushed in the romance department. Mallory sounds like a delightful character and I would definitely pick this up for her voice!
ReplyDelete- Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf
This was just a really fun book Juhina, I hope you give it a try!
DeleteSuch a cute cover :D Cool list to follow too, go grand ma ;)
ReplyDeleteRight? Her grandma is clearly awesome, and her sister is just hilarious:)
DeleteReally looking forward to this one! Great list! :)
ReplyDeleteHope you love it like I did!
DeleteAlthough I am a lover of romance (like you,) it is always refreshing to pick up a book where the characters don't jump into a new relationship, especially when the heartbreak from the past one might still be fresh. I am excited to read this and find out more about Mallory and her attempts to live technology free, which sounds quite impossible. I am glad you enjoyed this one. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. Mallory and Oliver were adorable, but given how Jeremy's revelation rocked her world, it felt right for her to approach things so cautiously:)
DeleteI've seen this book around but haven't read it yet. I sounds like a really funny book :) I must read this cause I like it when characters don't jump on each other right away. That rarely happens xD Great review Jenny :)
ReplyDeleteI liked that the romance was slow to develop as well, but I wouldn't have been upset at all if there had been an extra kiss in there or two ;-)
DeleteI'm a romance whore really! I love it. Yep, some plots are better without it, but at the same time, love surrounds us everywhere and it feels real to have our actions driven by love and passion. I feel like these not insta-love books are like a breath of fresh air though. This weekend I read I think 4-5 books in NA genre and most of them had that instant connection-intrigue etc and I feel like it's time to seek out something new and fresh. The way you speak about Mallory, it delights me that one can be so animated and humorous that you feel like that person is right there with you. I have it on my TBR pile, but I'm sure it would have been just that - a book to read, but now I actually want to read it. Thanks, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteSAME! And I can recognize that in myself and therefore cut some books a little slack when the romance is subtle:) I think you'll really like Mallory Siiri, she's a trip!
DeleteLike you, I thought this one was absolutely adorable! I loved Oliver and Mallory was a fantastic narrator as well. Wonderful review, Jenny!(:
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! I'm so glad you liked it too Keertana!
DeleteHmm, the romance thing leaves me a bit conflicted: the romance reader in me wants it to be lovely, sweet, intense, but the rational part of me admires Mallory's choice.
ReplyDeleteI find the idea behind this book so very interesting! I could never live without tech (I'm a book blogger, duh), but sometimes, I do regret the way we live. I think I'll enjoy Mallory's story a lot, and I'll enjoy her dry sense of humor even more.
Fantastic review, Jenny!
The romance is definitely lovely and sweet, but not intense. This is definitely Mallory's story, and while Oliver is there on the periphery, the spotlight is firmly on her and her alone:) I liked that about it, but I'm a sucker for a romance, so at the same time I craved a little more. Apparently I can never be pleased ;-)
DeleteThat is a really great idea for a premise and an original one, too. I can see why this would be entertaining to read! Of course, the romance sounds perfect for me as I'm all for ultra slow buildups, even if you don't get to see a fully fledged relationship by the end of the novel. All around, pretty great - I could see myself really liking this one! Thanks for this great review, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll really enjoy this one Aylee, it just made me laugh and realize how much I couldn't do what Mallory does. I need my computer. I NEED IT!
DeleteI loved this book, I read it forever ago on Netgalley and remember it being super cute. I think I want a huge poster of that book cover...:D Great review Jenny!!
ReplyDeleteYEAH TINA!!! This is definitely a re-read for me. It was just adorable:)
DeleteThis books sounds like good ol' fashioned fun. Sometimes a girl just needs a fun book to giggle about on the beach. I love a book with a girl who has a sense of humor (this is crucial for me).
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Jenny! I'm going to save this one for when I'm laying out on the beach this summer.
That's exactly what it is Hannah! Enjoy Mallory and Oliver when in your sandy paradise:)
DeleteWonderful review Jenny and I felt the same way. This is a book I would totally recommend to teens since it has so many messages and Mallory is a wonderful role model.
ReplyDeleteWasn't this the cutest book? I thought it was such a fun, light read and I enjoyed Mallory's dry sense of humor too. I loved her sister, Ginnie, as well...she is definitely someone I'd want to hangout with! Great review, Jenny! I'm glad you liked this book as well.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review. You've made me want it all the more. I'm the realist that likes when love doesn't end in neat little knots.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you liked this too, Jenny! I thought it was such a cute read. I agree that the romance was slightly disappointing but it was definitely very realistic. It was important for Mallory to learn about herself first before jumping into a relationship. And wasn't Mallory one awesome protagonist?
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Jenny!
This is up next on my TBR. Although I love romance too, it's refreshing to see a character focus on herself as opposed to a boy.
ReplyDeleteThis was a really fun book, and you touched on a lot of the same things in your review that I really liked. I have to admit that I also wanted more progression between Mallory and Oliver(to the extent I complained to my roommate about it!), in the end I think the way things ended up was fitting. So much of this book was about Mallory finding out who she is outside a relationship and learning to stand on her own, and while I think her and Oliver were wonderful together in all their eccentric ways, I'm glad it ended how it did.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! It was quirky, and stands out from all the contemporary romances on the market. And while it was super fun, it was also surprisingly deep and made me assess my use of technology and family relationships. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I was put off by the cover. It just looked like it would have too much drama or something... BUT...
ReplyDeleteI do love the sound of Mallory. Sounds like a book that would be great for women of all ages. I love the sound of Oliver and the "possible" relationship to follow. Perhaps she will write a sequel and give us that romance. :) Brilly review. I now want to read this!
I always admire characters who stay true to their beliefs and stand by them even when abandoning them is just the easier route. Mallory sounds like my type of girl. Really looking forward to picking this one up!
ReplyDeleteAlright, after reading your review and several others I have come to the conclusion that I need to read this book. I really love the way your described it and I think it will git me well.
ReplyDeleteI loved Oliver and how her opinion of him changed so much. I also liked that she wasn't all about jumping into a relationship with him right away. However I found myself wishing just for a little something more between them, but that was my own selfishness. I'm glad you liked this one too!
ReplyDeleteI completely adored this book! (Actually, I think my review is going up this week, too...) Mallory was a fantastic character -- funny and caring, a bit reactionary and loves her family. I totally want more characters like her!
ReplyDeleteYay for your love of this book Jenny, I've had my eye on this book forever! I normally like my books with a sweet romance, but from your review I can see that you still found Going Vintage to be an enjoyable read, despite the lack of romance, so if I still end up with a witty read, I'll take it! I can't wait to compare notes with you on this once I've read my copy! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of this book! The premise sounds really unique and it has definitely piqued my interest. Mallory seems like a character that I will absolutely love! Persistent and bubbly, I bet we would be best friends if she were real. And I think it's rather interesting--and possibly refreshing--that Leavitt leaves the romance a little off to the side. GOOOORGEOUS review, Jenny! :)
ReplyDeleteJenny, I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed Leavitt's Sean Griswold's Head so I was planning on checking this out. But, you've made me more excited about it because I love that romance is a subplot and the book focuses on the MC trying to learn more about herself. Mallory sounds like a fabulous protagonist!
ReplyDeleteLove your well-written review and this looks adorable! Adding it to my TBR shelf.
ReplyDeleteOh this sounds like so much fun! I'm completely addicted to technology and often dream about "going vintage," if just for a little while. Glad to hear Mallory is smart about her new relationship with Oliver, especially after being cheated on (or cyber cheated on?). I love when a heroine has a healthy approach to her love life (even if it means I get less kissing in the book). :-)
ReplyDeleteI already really wanted to read this one, but now I'm SUPER excited to buy it. Fantastic review, Jenny!
We are review buddies today! of course you said it much more eloquently than I did, but I so agree with everything you said in your review. I loved the budding relationship with Oliver that he was an eagle scout and he could earn "10 Owls for Charm at Hogwarts". I loved the way she brought in some pop culture. And how she showed every generation had its drama with or without the technology. But really, Mallory rocked!
ReplyDeleteFabulous review!
Heather
hehe.. so YES I am totally like you when it comes to romance and I might be just as disappointed as you about the slow progression. Still, this book sounds cute and definitely should go on my reading pile!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about the romance, Jenny. I wished we had a little more (shocker!). Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been dying to read this book. I loved Leavitt's previous book Sean Griswold's Head. I think she does a nice job writing family/romance/and learning your way at that age.
ReplyDelete