Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Cathy Reviews: A Little Something Different

My mother-in-law Cathy has really stepped up to help me with the blog these past few weeks, taking on a few more reviews than normal in order to give me some much-needed time to get caught up on some reading. A huge thank you to her for being my co-blogger lately!

A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Sandy Hall
Contemporary Young Adult
Swoon Reads/Macmillan
272 pages
Available Now
Source: ARC from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.

But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship.

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....


CATHY'S THOUGHTS
A Little Something Different is a charming contemporary YA romance novel. We meet our two main characters, Gabe and Lea, in a creative writing class. We can see the potential for a budding romance, but unfortunately our love birds are too shy to act on their feelings. What makes this novel unique is that the story is told from fourteen different viewpoints, none of which belong to our main characters. They are truly the center of the story and have no idea that everyone else is talking about them. I found this to be a very clever idea. 

We hear about how this great love between Gabe and Lea should develop and grow from all those who come into contact with the couple. Some perspectives are a little funnier and wittier than others, and of course some are easier to relate to, but all of them together truly make for a little something different. Even the squirrel that shares a park bench with them chimes in from time to time!
 

While this is a quick read, I did find that so many perspectives tended to slow the pace of the plotline. That being said however, this is a book that is fun to pick up on a rainy afternoon or take to the beach. So add it to the list for just the right moment.

Rating: 3.5/5


Find Sandy:


This book was sent to me by the publisher free of charge for the purpose of a review
I received no other compensation and the above is Cathy's honest opinion.

25 comments:

  1. I bought a copy of this from one book blogger few months ago. I thought the cover looks fun and swoon read. I guess I'll be cautious when to start this one. Thanks for reviewing Cathy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am honored that Jenny has me on her blog. You will probably finish this in one sitting so pick a nice afternoon.

      Delete
  2. Maybe something cute, quick & quirky like this is exactly what I need for my next day off... Thank you for your review Cathy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like the way you think, what an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon off!

      Delete
  3. Too bad for the slow part but it sounds sweet, well the cover is definitely cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is cute and you do hear the story from 14 points of view!

      Delete
  4. Sounds cute, but I wonder if this would work better as a movie than a book. That's a lot povs to write for!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you might be right about the movie. It would keep things moving. And a talking squirrel that's pretty novel!

      Delete
  5. I've heard so many great things about this one and I've been very curious about it. I have to admit that I'm not usually one for multiple perspectives so that scares me a bit, especially when there are POVs from squirrels! But it sounds too cute to miss out on.
    Lovely review, Cathy! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nick. I am sure with how much you read, this will fly by in an afternoon!

      Delete
  6. I rarely enjoy multiple perspectives so I don't think this is for me. Still, I'm glad you managed to enjoy it--thanks for such an honest and helpful review, Cathy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad you found it useful. They are many good things about this book but so many people were telling the story that it was just a little slow for me. But very clever concept.

      Delete
  7. I was supposed to review this but my copy never showed up. I don't mind mutiple POVS so I would probably like it, and a squirrel? How fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought the squirrel was funny! Sorry the book didn't make it to you.

      Delete
  8. I read this one quite awhile back and found it to be pretty adorable. And really, it was well done considering we got the story from everyone but the main characters!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did think that was unique about never hearing from the main characters

      Delete
  9. Nothing wrong with a read that is purely for escape. ;) Wonderful review Cathy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am there with you. Nothing better than to escape into a story! Thanks

      Delete
  10. I quite enjoyed this book, too. It's very quirky. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Despite the slow pace it does look good, and I love the cover

    ReplyDelete
  12. A Little Something Different does sound very charming! I'm glad you enjoyed it in spite of the slower pace, Gabe and Lea seem like they have a sweet romance, which I always love :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Glad you enjoyed this one! I really liked it, but sometimes I just want to shake both Gabe and Lea for their shyness XD Glad they work it out in the end though. And I agree, this is such a unique way to tell a story!

    The Literary Huntress

    ReplyDelete