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FML
There’s more than one way to get the girl in this fun and fast-paced novel about one epic party and a kiss that could change everything.
Tonight’s the night: Simon’s big chance to finally get with Cassie. Cassie, who he’s loved for ages. Cassie, who is newly boyfriend-free. Cassie, who just happens to be throwing the biggest party of the year. Simon’s plan is simple: He’ll go to the party, she’ll fall in love with him, they’ll make out like crazy, and the night will be a complete success.
But things don’t ever go as planned…especially when it comes to Cassie.
In two alternating plotlines, Simon goes after the girl of his dreams and stumbles toward his destiny. It’s one night, one party, and a thousand ways for things to go wrong…but a million ways for them to go right.
Tonight’s the night: Simon’s big chance to finally get with Cassie. Cassie, who he’s loved for ages. Cassie, who is newly boyfriend-free. Cassie, who just happens to be throwing the biggest party of the year. Simon’s plan is simple: He’ll go to the party, she’ll fall in love with him, they’ll make out like crazy, and the night will be a complete success.
But things don’t ever go as planned…especially when it comes to Cassie.
In two alternating plotlines, Simon goes after the girl of his dreams and stumbles toward his destiny. It’s one night, one party, and a thousand ways for things to go wrong…but a million ways for them to go right.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2013
32 people are currently reading
1856 people want to read
About the author
Shaun David Hutchinson
30 books5,023 followersShaun is a major geek and all about nerdy shenanigans. He is the author of many queer books for young adults. Find out more information at shaundavidhutchinson.com. He currently lives in Seattle and watches way too much Doctor Who.
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July 28, 2012If you loved Deathday, you're going to love FML. If you hated Deathday, I still think you're going to love FML.
The kind of bawdy, zany humor I tapped for Deathday is the sort of thing I think an author can only get away with once in a lifetime. So while FML still has plenty of funny moments, it's also got a lot of heart, a lot of sweet moments, and a lot of smooching.
I'm immensely proud of this book and I think that if you're looking for a great book about real people struggling to figure out their places in the world, then this is the book for you.
Also, no one dies.
The kind of bawdy, zany humor I tapped for Deathday is the sort of thing I think an author can only get away with once in a lifetime. So while FML still has plenty of funny moments, it's also got a lot of heart, a lot of sweet moments, and a lot of smooching.
I'm immensely proud of this book and I think that if you're looking for a great book about real people struggling to figure out their places in the world, then this is the book for you.
Also, no one dies.
January 5, 2013
Seen at Scott Reads It
Have you ever seen any of those teenager movies where the guy crushes on a girl for years and finally works up the courage to prove he likes her at a party? If you have seen any of those raunchy movies then you're already familiar with the premise of fml by Shaun Hutchinson.
Simon Cross is your average geeky teenager who falls in love with the most popular girl in his school. You know him as "that guy" from those movies I previously mentioned. Simon Cross is a likeable character but I have a problem with him. Simon Cross crosses the line between liking someone and being overly obsessed. Simon Cross faces ridiculous obstacles to get with Cassie such as dressing up as a woman and kissing a dog. I don't think that Cassie was really worth dressing up as a woman for and these other ridiculous obstacles. There is a point where a normal person would just
t give up and just move on but not Simon Cross.
fml is a fun and entertaining book but it seemed like a stereotypical party story. I did enjoy how fml was told in the two alternating storylines because that was an interesting and unique technique I had never seen done before. My favorite characters was Simon's two gay friends, Coop and Ben (I think that was his name) because they were really realistic and funny. I really like the cover for fml and this is what drew me into reading fml. This book had a really predictable ending but everything seemed to tie up nicely. fml was an interesting book that I definitely would have enjoyed more if I hadn't seen this story countless times before in every teenage movie. I would recommend fml if you're looking for a light but fun read!
I would like to thank Simon Pulse for providing me with an ARC.
Have you ever seen any of those teenager movies where the guy crushes on a girl for years and finally works up the courage to prove he likes her at a party? If you have seen any of those raunchy movies then you're already familiar with the premise of fml by Shaun Hutchinson.
Simon Cross is your average geeky teenager who falls in love with the most popular girl in his school. You know him as "that guy" from those movies I previously mentioned. Simon Cross is a likeable character but I have a problem with him. Simon Cross crosses the line between liking someone and being overly obsessed. Simon Cross faces ridiculous obstacles to get with Cassie such as dressing up as a woman and kissing a dog. I don't think that Cassie was really worth dressing up as a woman for and these other ridiculous obstacles. There is a point where a normal person would just
t give up and just move on but not Simon Cross.
fml is a fun and entertaining book but it seemed like a stereotypical party story. I did enjoy how fml was told in the two alternating storylines because that was an interesting and unique technique I had never seen done before. My favorite characters was Simon's two gay friends, Coop and Ben (I think that was his name) because they were really realistic and funny. I really like the cover for fml and this is what drew me into reading fml. This book had a really predictable ending but everything seemed to tie up nicely. fml was an interesting book that I definitely would have enjoyed more if I hadn't seen this story countless times before in every teenage movie. I would recommend fml if you're looking for a light but fun read!
I would like to thank Simon Pulse for providing me with an ARC.
June 4, 2016
2.75 stars
I picked this up because it seemed like it would be a lot like the movie, Can't Hardly Wait, which I loved as a teenager. In some ways, it was. FML is about a guy that has been obsessed with a girl for years and decides to finally tell her at a party now that she has finally broken up with her boyfriend.
Simon, the main character, passed up a chance to kiss Cassie, his dream girl, years ago and has regretted it ever since. Fate seems to provide the perfect opportunity for him to confess his undying love when she throws a huge party at her house. It's not just any party. It is a barter party where everyone brings stuff to trade fellow party goers for things they want. Simon intends to trade something to Cassie in exchange for a kiss.
Simon attends the party with his two best friends, Coop and Ben, that are in the kind of relationship Simon wishes he could have. The author tells two alternate stories of what happens that night. The stories start from the same point, but quickly take paths in different crazy directions.
I liked how some of the minor parts of the story overlapped and you knew what was going on because you saw a glimpse of it in the other version. I think the idea to show two versions of the story with alternating chapters was cool. I feel like this book might have been more enjoyable as a movie though. This mostly has to do with the characters. When you watch a movie, you don't see what the character is thinking and you sometimes just have to piece things together about them by things other people say. That's acceptable in a movie, but in a book I want to know the characters more than that. His best friends also really just kind of annoyed me for the most part. Despite the interesting way the story is told, it was just okay. The characters weren't memorable and the plot wasn't very original. It is still a quick fun read if that is what you are looking for.
I picked this up because it seemed like it would be a lot like the movie, Can't Hardly Wait, which I loved as a teenager. In some ways, it was. FML is about a guy that has been obsessed with a girl for years and decides to finally tell her at a party now that she has finally broken up with her boyfriend.
Simon, the main character, passed up a chance to kiss Cassie, his dream girl, years ago and has regretted it ever since. Fate seems to provide the perfect opportunity for him to confess his undying love when she throws a huge party at her house. It's not just any party. It is a barter party where everyone brings stuff to trade fellow party goers for things they want. Simon intends to trade something to Cassie in exchange for a kiss.
Simon attends the party with his two best friends, Coop and Ben, that are in the kind of relationship Simon wishes he could have. The author tells two alternate stories of what happens that night. The stories start from the same point, but quickly take paths in different crazy directions.
I liked how some of the minor parts of the story overlapped and you knew what was going on because you saw a glimpse of it in the other version. I think the idea to show two versions of the story with alternating chapters was cool. I feel like this book might have been more enjoyable as a movie though. This mostly has to do with the characters. When you watch a movie, you don't see what the character is thinking and you sometimes just have to piece things together about them by things other people say. That's acceptable in a movie, but in a book I want to know the characters more than that. His best friends also really just kind of annoyed me for the most part. Despite the interesting way the story is told, it was just okay. The characters weren't memorable and the plot wasn't very original. It is still a quick fun read if that is what you are looking for.
March 4, 2020
2.5 - With completing this book I’ve now read every full-length novel released by Shaun David Hutchinson (as of February 2020). While it has been interesting to go back and read his two earliest books, they definitely didn’t pack the same punch that his later books do.
fml follows Simon Cross as he goes to a party in his senior year of high school. From afar he’s been in love with a girl named Cassie since freshman year. Now that she’s broken up with her boyfriend Simon thinks this is his final chance to make a move before school ends. The premise sounds pretty basic, and for the most part it is. However the story does follow two different paths that Simon’s night takes. In one plotline he goes to the party to win over Cassie. In another he decides to go with a girl named Natalie instead.
One of my main issues with the book is that it was pretty difficult to keep the two alternate paths straight in my head. I had issues remembering which events happened in which plotline. Having the alternate stories taking place at the party at the same time with basically all the same characters just got messy, at least in my opinion. It would’ve been easier to follow if the stories diverged a lot from each other rather than being so close. I also didn’t like how some things that should’ve been called out were not, like the main character kissing someone without consent.
And while the whole “guy is in love with a girl that he basically doesn’t know but just admires and falls in love with an idea rather than the real her” plotline does get questioned and challenged a lot throughout the book, it just wasn’t fun to read.
I wouldn’t really recommend reading this unless you have a burning desire to be a Shaun David Hutchinson completionist.
fml follows Simon Cross as he goes to a party in his senior year of high school. From afar he’s been in love with a girl named Cassie since freshman year. Now that she’s broken up with her boyfriend Simon thinks this is his final chance to make a move before school ends. The premise sounds pretty basic, and for the most part it is. However the story does follow two different paths that Simon’s night takes. In one plotline he goes to the party to win over Cassie. In another he decides to go with a girl named Natalie instead.
One of my main issues with the book is that it was pretty difficult to keep the two alternate paths straight in my head. I had issues remembering which events happened in which plotline. Having the alternate stories taking place at the party at the same time with basically all the same characters just got messy, at least in my opinion. It would’ve been easier to follow if the stories diverged a lot from each other rather than being so close. I also didn’t like how some things that should’ve been called out were not, like the main character kissing someone without consent.
And while the whole “guy is in love with a girl that he basically doesn’t know but just admires and falls in love with an idea rather than the real her” plotline does get questioned and challenged a lot throughout the book, it just wasn’t fun to read.
I wouldn’t really recommend reading this unless you have a burning desire to be a Shaun David Hutchinson completionist.
June 28, 2020
Intriguing...
Simon wants to tell the girl of his dreams that he loves her. He's got the perfect opportunity to do it: a party at Cassie (his dream girl)'s house. What begins as a night of light drinking, parties, and bartering for gossip, kisses or fun, swirls into a vortex of reality and fantasy as new friendships, enemies, and situations unwind in what may be the wildest night of Simon's life.
The secondary characters of Ben and Coop (the gay couple who are Simon's BFF's), Aja (Simon's rebound and....), Eli (Cassie's ex), and other notable characters compliment Simon's situation. The most fun character is the cute, unique and defying all forms of social norm, Stella, along with her dog Falkor, who for me, has provided one of the most unique female protagonists (specifically in terms of personality AND appearance), which says, hey, Geeks are just as, if not more so, dateable, than the hot jock/cheerleader tropes, and the book does proclaim, hey not everybody gets their happy ending, but it proves that as a teenager, and more so as an adult, its just a part of life.
Emotions run rampant and while some aren't quite realistic (either in the reality or the dream), the story does keep you intrigued, but if you've read a lot of YA fic, you do get an idea of where Simon's journey is heading.
The chapters alternate between the reality of the situation and "what the rumor mill story will be the upcoming monday" or "how Simon views the party in his head" which slowly begin to meld together during the one night's progression.
Fun read.
Simon wants to tell the girl of his dreams that he loves her. He's got the perfect opportunity to do it: a party at Cassie (his dream girl)'s house. What begins as a night of light drinking, parties, and bartering for gossip, kisses or fun, swirls into a vortex of reality and fantasy as new friendships, enemies, and situations unwind in what may be the wildest night of Simon's life.
The secondary characters of Ben and Coop (the gay couple who are Simon's BFF's), Aja (Simon's rebound and....), Eli (Cassie's ex), and other notable characters compliment Simon's situation. The most fun character is the cute, unique and defying all forms of social norm, Stella, along with her dog Falkor, who for me, has provided one of the most unique female protagonists (specifically in terms of personality AND appearance), which says, hey, Geeks are just as, if not more so, dateable, than the hot jock/cheerleader tropes, and the book does proclaim, hey not everybody gets their happy ending, but it proves that as a teenager, and more so as an adult, its just a part of life.
Emotions run rampant and while some aren't quite realistic (either in the reality or the dream), the story does keep you intrigued, but if you've read a lot of YA fic, you do get an idea of where Simon's journey is heading.
The chapters alternate between the reality of the situation and "what the rumor mill story will be the upcoming monday" or "how Simon views the party in his head" which slowly begin to meld together during the one night's progression.
Fun read.
May 24, 2017
I never went to any real parties back when I was in high school (yeah, yeah, I was a dork), but if they were anything like the party in FML I really missed out during my teenage years.
If you’re in the mood for a fun, clever story featuring unique characters, a wild party, and a dose of alternate realities, FML is the book for you. Simon, the protagonist, has had a crush on Cassie, one of the most popular girls at school, for years. When he hears that she’s having a senior year blowout – and that she’s newly single – Simon decides to use the opportunity to finally profess his love for her.
FML starts as one story but quickly diverges into two separate storylines, showing the different ways the party could unfold based on Simon’s decisions as well as events that are out of his control. It’s almost like one of those old “pick your adventure” books in that it allows you to see how different decisions affect the outcome of the story.
At times it was a little confusing trying to keep the events of both storylines straight, but doing so was well worth the effort. It was really cool watching how the same events and interactions occurred in both plots but in very different ways. Plus, everything came together perfectly at the end – I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting resolution.
I had such a great time reading FML. There are a lot of wild, entertaining stunts going on at the party, from contact Scrabble to a poolside re-enactment of Romeo and Juliet. There’s also the really fun aspect of the party being a “barter” party, which basically means that all of the party-goers are running around the whole night trying to come up with crazy schemes to trade one object for another until they end up with a specific target object. The revelers and their zany antics serve as a great backdrop for the story; in a way they’re almost like part of the setting more than they are actual characters.
The characters who do serve a purpose beyond being part of the background aren’t your normal teen scene stock characters. Cassie isn't conventionally beautiful, nor is she confident and bold like many popular girls in books and movies. She has depth, flaws, and unique personality traits, and I could see why Simon likes her. Likewise, Cassie’s ex-boyfriend isn’t a tool, but a good guy who legitimately loves her and is nice to her and others, even the less-than-cool kids at school. Simon’s gay best friends are popular, not the objects of ridicule, and there’s not one big, bad bully but several, each of whom is very distinct.
Again, I may not have gotten to go to any actual parties as a teen, but reading about the one in FML is the next best thing. If you’re up for a crazy, unexpectedly fun read, check out FML today.
This review can also be found on my blog, Angela's Library.
If you’re in the mood for a fun, clever story featuring unique characters, a wild party, and a dose of alternate realities, FML is the book for you. Simon, the protagonist, has had a crush on Cassie, one of the most popular girls at school, for years. When he hears that she’s having a senior year blowout – and that she’s newly single – Simon decides to use the opportunity to finally profess his love for her.
FML starts as one story but quickly diverges into two separate storylines, showing the different ways the party could unfold based on Simon’s decisions as well as events that are out of his control. It’s almost like one of those old “pick your adventure” books in that it allows you to see how different decisions affect the outcome of the story.
At times it was a little confusing trying to keep the events of both storylines straight, but doing so was well worth the effort. It was really cool watching how the same events and interactions occurred in both plots but in very different ways. Plus, everything came together perfectly at the end – I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting resolution.
I had such a great time reading FML. There are a lot of wild, entertaining stunts going on at the party, from contact Scrabble to a poolside re-enactment of Romeo and Juliet. There’s also the really fun aspect of the party being a “barter” party, which basically means that all of the party-goers are running around the whole night trying to come up with crazy schemes to trade one object for another until they end up with a specific target object. The revelers and their zany antics serve as a great backdrop for the story; in a way they’re almost like part of the setting more than they are actual characters.
The characters who do serve a purpose beyond being part of the background aren’t your normal teen scene stock characters. Cassie isn't conventionally beautiful, nor is she confident and bold like many popular girls in books and movies. She has depth, flaws, and unique personality traits, and I could see why Simon likes her. Likewise, Cassie’s ex-boyfriend isn’t a tool, but a good guy who legitimately loves her and is nice to her and others, even the less-than-cool kids at school. Simon’s gay best friends are popular, not the objects of ridicule, and there’s not one big, bad bully but several, each of whom is very distinct.
Again, I may not have gotten to go to any actual parties as a teen, but reading about the one in FML is the next best thing. If you’re up for a crazy, unexpectedly fun read, check out FML today.
This review can also be found on my blog, Angela's Library.
June 24, 2013
FML does something that I really haven’t read before in a non-science fiction/fantasy book, it takes the reader down two different alternative realities based on the single decision of the protagonist. What this split of realities does is allow readers to see the full story without characters seeming to spill their guts so that the readers know what’s going on. Not only that but the different realities play off each other switching right when the normal progression of a story would begin to fall flat. This energizes the story and keeps readers captivated until the very last page.
Of course, besides the split realities, which allowed the story arcs to be flushed out more than most books, FML also just has plain sensational characters. I would say that the split realities allowed Shaun David Hutchinson to make the characters more engaging and realistic, but Hutchison has already proven that he can and does create truly amazing characters. This was proven in Hutchinson’s previous book The Deathday Letter. It's hard to pin down exactly what makes Hutchinson's characters so likable, but they truly are. Perhaps it's how relatable they are. Perhaps it's the fact that Hutchinson is able to capture the real essence of teenage insecurity, hope, and recklessness. Or maybe it's just some unknown quality. Whatever it is, Hutchinson truly has a gift, and for this reason alone readers should buy FML.
As for the story itself FML is just plain great. It's funny, filled to the brim with party hijinks, and still makes time to create very real and heartfelt moments that readers will be sure to commiserate with.
Between the story and the characters readers wont be able to put FML down until the last page is finished, making FML a must read for anyone looking for an engaging and well written book. A definite must buy.
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Of course, besides the split realities, which allowed the story arcs to be flushed out more than most books, FML also just has plain sensational characters. I would say that the split realities allowed Shaun David Hutchinson to make the characters more engaging and realistic, but Hutchison has already proven that he can and does create truly amazing characters. This was proven in Hutchinson’s previous book The Deathday Letter. It's hard to pin down exactly what makes Hutchinson's characters so likable, but they truly are. Perhaps it's how relatable they are. Perhaps it's the fact that Hutchinson is able to capture the real essence of teenage insecurity, hope, and recklessness. Or maybe it's just some unknown quality. Whatever it is, Hutchinson truly has a gift, and for this reason alone readers should buy FML.
As for the story itself FML is just plain great. It's funny, filled to the brim with party hijinks, and still makes time to create very real and heartfelt moments that readers will be sure to commiserate with.
Between the story and the characters readers wont be able to put FML down until the last page is finished, making FML a must read for anyone looking for an engaging and well written book. A definite must buy.
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October 19, 2014
Book review of David Hutchinson’s FML
In the realistic fiction book FML, Simon who’s A love struck teenager is fighting to tell the girl of his dreams how he really feels about her. It’s the end of senior year and this is the last party before they all go off to college and regret all the chances they didn’t take. Simon took Cassie on a date freshman year and he’s been head over heels with her ever since. Now 3 years later he’s finally going to bring her the one item that he knows will prove his love to her. Obstacles have occurred the entire night at the party and Simon’s time is running out. The party is ending and Cassie is no where to be found, but Simon believes fate is on his side.
I thought the author did justice in devolving the character of Simon without direct traits. This is important because it makes it more satisfying if the reader is able to distinguishing traits and connect them to their life instead of just plainly stating their personality. The book was well written because it was believable and relatable to teenagers. David Hutchinson also gave the story voice, he had a unique way of relating images and scenes to the reader. While I was reading, I could visualize every scene and the way he worded the story made it easy to follow along but also different from other books. A quality of the story I thought could be improved is the back story of Simon and Cassie. The author gave some flashbacks but I would have liked to have read more to be able to connect even more to the story.
My rating for FML would be 4/5 stars because I like being able to connect to books and be able to relate it to my life in some way and this book made me able to do that. Also it was suspenseful and the writing was organized. I would recommend this book to teenagers and high school students because it captures high school/ teenage emotions and also teaches a lesson.
In the realistic fiction book FML, Simon who’s A love struck teenager is fighting to tell the girl of his dreams how he really feels about her. It’s the end of senior year and this is the last party before they all go off to college and regret all the chances they didn’t take. Simon took Cassie on a date freshman year and he’s been head over heels with her ever since. Now 3 years later he’s finally going to bring her the one item that he knows will prove his love to her. Obstacles have occurred the entire night at the party and Simon’s time is running out. The party is ending and Cassie is no where to be found, but Simon believes fate is on his side.
I thought the author did justice in devolving the character of Simon without direct traits. This is important because it makes it more satisfying if the reader is able to distinguishing traits and connect them to their life instead of just plainly stating their personality. The book was well written because it was believable and relatable to teenagers. David Hutchinson also gave the story voice, he had a unique way of relating images and scenes to the reader. While I was reading, I could visualize every scene and the way he worded the story made it easy to follow along but also different from other books. A quality of the story I thought could be improved is the back story of Simon and Cassie. The author gave some flashbacks but I would have liked to have read more to be able to connect even more to the story.
My rating for FML would be 4/5 stars because I like being able to connect to books and be able to relate it to my life in some way and this book made me able to do that. Also it was suspenseful and the writing was organized. I would recommend this book to teenagers and high school students because it captures high school/ teenage emotions and also teaches a lesson.
July 31, 2013
I had to read this book as soon as I heard about it. Why? Because Shaun David Hutchinson took on the same basic idea that I did for my upcoming debut, ASK AGAIN LATER. How weird is that? Like authors need any more proof that there are no original ideas, right?
FML was tons of fun, and definitely captured the chaos of that one epic party everyone remembers for the rest of their lives. Really enjoyable characters and believable events.
FML was tons of fun, and definitely captured the chaos of that one epic party everyone remembers for the rest of their lives. Really enjoyable characters and believable events.
March 22, 2017
This was a lot of fun and made me laugh out loud a bunch, which I always welcome in a book. It's basically exactly "Can't Hardly Wait" with a "Sliding Doors" construction, so it's hard to give it any points for originality, but it was a really enjoyable, funny read with an always-welcome diverse cast.
December 4, 2019
Did my life change as a result of reading this? No.
Did I find it hard to put down? Yes.
When I was in high school, there was no movie I watched more often than Can't Hardly Wait. I have used the line, "I can't feel my legs. I HAVE NO LEGS!" more times than I care to admit. The similarities between this book and that movie are as follows:
-Covers the span of one whopping night at a party that none of us have ever actually attended in real life.
-Main character pines after seemingly unobtainable girl for years. Seemingly unobtainable girl has a popular boyfriend.
-Said unobtainable girl finally becomes single right before party, which means it is now main character's ONE CHANCE TO REVEAL HOW HE HAS FELT FOR YEARS AND YEARS.
I should have adored this, but a few things kept me from it:
1. Simon is no Preston/Ethan Embry. He is a little more single minded, a little more crude (not obscenely so), and a little more annoying. I wasn't really rooting for Simon to get the girl. Not unobtainable girl or any girl really.
2. The supporting cast was just meh. I wouldn't call any of them memorable. Even Cassie wasn't worth pining over. I needed a good reason to believe he would keep this crush going for so long.
3. There is NO WAY all those things could have been fit into one evening. I've had many an enjoyable night in my life, and there was no way I was getting all that done before the sun came up. Including at one point being driven home, having a heart-to-heart conversation with his dad, and going BACK to the party.
Having griped about all that, I LOVED Stella. She was hands down my favorite part of the book.
3 It-Was-Fun-While-It-Lasted Stars
Did I find it hard to put down? Yes.
When I was in high school, there was no movie I watched more often than Can't Hardly Wait. I have used the line, "I can't feel my legs. I HAVE NO LEGS!" more times than I care to admit. The similarities between this book and that movie are as follows:
-Covers the span of one whopping night at a party that none of us have ever actually attended in real life.
-Main character pines after seemingly unobtainable girl for years. Seemingly unobtainable girl has a popular boyfriend.
-Said unobtainable girl finally becomes single right before party, which means it is now main character's ONE CHANCE TO REVEAL HOW HE HAS FELT FOR YEARS AND YEARS.
I should have adored this, but a few things kept me from it:
1. Simon is no Preston/Ethan Embry. He is a little more single minded, a little more crude (not obscenely so), and a little more annoying. I wasn't really rooting for Simon to get the girl. Not unobtainable girl or any girl really.
2. The supporting cast was just meh. I wouldn't call any of them memorable. Even Cassie wasn't worth pining over. I needed a good reason to believe he would keep this crush going for so long.
3. There is NO WAY all those things could have been fit into one evening. I've had many an enjoyable night in my life, and there was no way I was getting all that done before the sun came up. Including at one point being driven home, having a heart-to-heart conversation with his dad, and going BACK to the party.
Having griped about all that, I LOVED Stella. She was hands down my favorite part of the book.
3 It-Was-Fun-While-It-Lasted Stars
June 13, 2017
This book was not as good as I had hoped it would be. But then, it wasn't as bad as I feared, either, so I'm feeling pretty good about it, all told.
There were parts that I thought were really good; hilarious or poignant. But there also were parts I thought were not so good; raunchy or tropey.
However, taken as a whole, the book was enjoyable and I liked reading it.
There were parts that I thought were really good; hilarious or poignant. But there also were parts I thought were not so good; raunchy or tropey.
However, taken as a whole, the book was enjoyable and I liked reading it.
August 7, 2017
I HATE Simon Cross. This idiot spends the whole book pining after one girl, literally losing his best friends to do so, then proceeds to not want this girl after winning her over. He has so many chances to do something actually good in the book and proceeds to do the opposite for this stupid girl. Dumbest book ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
2.5 Cooper and Ben are some friends to have in your corner and I was so much invested in thier relationship then I was in the main characters entire life.
July 22, 2013
fml is a light and breezy, fun filled summer read.
It's a fast-paced, non-stop action tale that takes place on one crazy night in two alternate realities. Which basically means- this story that has two versions of the same party.
Confused? It can be a little at times.
I saw this movie once starring Gweneth Paltrow called Sliding Doors back in the 90's. The film alternates between two parallel universes, based on the two paths her character's life could take depending on whether or not she catches a train.
Roughly the same concept in fml.
The story is told two different ways depending on the decisions and choices main character, Simon Cross makes throughout the night during an epic party thrown by the girl of his dreams, Cassie.
Simon Cross is bravely pathetic. He's hell bent on telling the girl of his dreams, Cassie that he is madly in love with her. Never mind that his best friends, Coop and Ben think it's a very bad idea. He ignores the fact that she has just broken up with her long term boyfriend. Oh and he also seems blind to the girls that are practically throwing themselves at his feet during the night.
Nope! Cassie's the one.
At times Simon's obsessive behavior with Cassie gets old as does his constant proclamation of love to this girl that he has had exactly one date with three years ago. But at the same time I admired his determination and persistence to at least let her know his love for her.
I really enjoyed this book. His best friends, Coop and Ben were funny, loving and supportive. As well as his bitter and angry ex girlfriend, Aja. The situations that Simon gets himself into reminded me of the movies from the 80's Sixteen Candles and Can't Buy Me Love. Laugh out loud funny. As much as Simon bugged me at times I was absolutely rooting for him. I loved this kid. And it was really fun to see where his choices were going to take him.
Author, Hutchinson keeps the reader on their toes and you zip from one scenario to another at break neck speed. This story never gets boring.
I really liked fml and will be looking for more by this author in the future.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read and review fml.
It's a fast-paced, non-stop action tale that takes place on one crazy night in two alternate realities. Which basically means- this story that has two versions of the same party.
Confused? It can be a little at times.
I saw this movie once starring Gweneth Paltrow called Sliding Doors back in the 90's. The film alternates between two parallel universes, based on the two paths her character's life could take depending on whether or not she catches a train.
Roughly the same concept in fml.
The story is told two different ways depending on the decisions and choices main character, Simon Cross makes throughout the night during an epic party thrown by the girl of his dreams, Cassie.
Simon Cross is bravely pathetic. He's hell bent on telling the girl of his dreams, Cassie that he is madly in love with her. Never mind that his best friends, Coop and Ben think it's a very bad idea. He ignores the fact that she has just broken up with her long term boyfriend. Oh and he also seems blind to the girls that are practically throwing themselves at his feet during the night.
Nope! Cassie's the one.
At times Simon's obsessive behavior with Cassie gets old as does his constant proclamation of love to this girl that he has had exactly one date with three years ago. But at the same time I admired his determination and persistence to at least let her know his love for her.
I really enjoyed this book. His best friends, Coop and Ben were funny, loving and supportive. As well as his bitter and angry ex girlfriend, Aja. The situations that Simon gets himself into reminded me of the movies from the 80's Sixteen Candles and Can't Buy Me Love. Laugh out loud funny. As much as Simon bugged me at times I was absolutely rooting for him. I loved this kid. And it was really fun to see where his choices were going to take him.
Author, Hutchinson keeps the reader on their toes and you zip from one scenario to another at break neck speed. This story never gets boring.
I really liked fml and will be looking for more by this author in the future.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read and review fml.
February 2, 2013
Who hasn't wondered what would happen if they got the guy/girl who got away? What would have occurred if you bucked up and talked to that object of your affection? The rest of have to live with the "what ifs," but luckily for Simon Cross, he doesn't. FML focuses on Simon and his unrequited love for Cassandra (Cassie), girl of his dreams. Sounds like any other teen story, right? Guy wants girl, guy lusts for girl, guy does crazy things and girl realizes she wants him, and--boom--awkward guy gets hottie. But, this isn't just another teen story.
What's fantastic about FML is that we get to see two versions of the same party. In both, Simon wants the girl, but his adventures take different turns. Hutchinson's plotting and character development is another thing that makes this book unique. We see similar events unfold in both stories, but with tweaks that give the reader a fuller, more hilarious picture. What's forefront in one scenario, is in the backdrop of the other, and it's fun to see how the events play off each other.
If you read Hutchinson's first novel, The Deathday Letter, you won't be surprised by the humor, wit, and authentic teenage dialogue that is present throughout FML. Too often, teen novels leave out the teenspeak, but not so with FML. That said, Hutchinson creates range in the characters as well. Been and Coop, Simon's best friends are perfect examples of this. They are a gay couple, but you see they have all the same concerns as any other couple. In fact, they were my favorites. Not only because of their banter, but because of how real their relationship was.
Will Simon end up with Cassie or the quirky new girl, Stella? What will he discover about himself along the way? If you love books that give alternate stories, check out this teenage Sliding Doors, by Shaun Hutchinson. You'll be glad you did!
What's fantastic about FML is that we get to see two versions of the same party. In both, Simon wants the girl, but his adventures take different turns. Hutchinson's plotting and character development is another thing that makes this book unique. We see similar events unfold in both stories, but with tweaks that give the reader a fuller, more hilarious picture. What's forefront in one scenario, is in the backdrop of the other, and it's fun to see how the events play off each other.
If you read Hutchinson's first novel, The Deathday Letter, you won't be surprised by the humor, wit, and authentic teenage dialogue that is present throughout FML. Too often, teen novels leave out the teenspeak, but not so with FML. That said, Hutchinson creates range in the characters as well. Been and Coop, Simon's best friends are perfect examples of this. They are a gay couple, but you see they have all the same concerns as any other couple. In fact, they were my favorites. Not only because of their banter, but because of how real their relationship was.
Will Simon end up with Cassie or the quirky new girl, Stella? What will he discover about himself along the way? If you love books that give alternate stories, check out this teenage Sliding Doors, by Shaun Hutchinson. You'll be glad you did!
July 16, 2014
OH MY ELI FUCKING HOROWITZ Simon is hilarious. It was drop dead funny, from the beginning to the end. Sure, Simon was a tool and a dick, but it was previously stated that Simon had dick-like tendencies. Sure, I could wish Simon to be less desperate and not an ass, but it probably would have made the book less entertaining. It was a pretty good read. Sure, the plot wasn't original but it sure did make up with the humor and realistic characters.
There are only a few things that bugged me:
**CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS BELOW***
1.) At the end, Simon acts like Stella is a stranger, even though she really isn't. I was kind of confused at that point when they were at the diner. I assumed that the author was trying to be ironic and that Simon really did know who Stella was, or maybe they were both drunk and dysfunctional.
2.) Despite how realistic this was, it was a bit farfetched that Simon would suddenly have a revelation after kissing Cassie and be like, "NEVER MIND! I ACTUALLY LOVE STELLA!" Seriously, you went through all that trouble and yet you are going to give Cassie back to Eli? I don't believe it. Simon is an ass, he wouldn't do that. He would be greedy and keep Cassie for himself.
3.) Coop and Ben's relationship seemed a bit forced. I mean, I get it—they love each other. But why? It was like they constantly needed to inform the reader that they were in love, when we could obviously see that.
But all and all, it was a good read. If you want to read a hilarious book about partying and pining over a girl, read this one.
There are only a few things that bugged me:
**CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS BELOW***
1.) At the end, Simon acts like Stella is a stranger, even though she really isn't. I was kind of confused at that point when they were at the diner. I assumed that the author was trying to be ironic and that Simon really did know who Stella was, or maybe they were both drunk and dysfunctional.
2.) Despite how realistic this was, it was a bit farfetched that Simon would suddenly have a revelation after kissing Cassie and be like, "NEVER MIND! I ACTUALLY LOVE STELLA!" Seriously, you went through all that trouble and yet you are going to give Cassie back to Eli? I don't believe it. Simon is an ass, he wouldn't do that. He would be greedy and keep Cassie for himself.
3.) Coop and Ben's relationship seemed a bit forced. I mean, I get it—they love each other. But why? It was like they constantly needed to inform the reader that they were in love, when we could obviously see that.
But all and all, it was a good read. If you want to read a hilarious book about partying and pining over a girl, read this one.
January 1, 2016
Ever see Can't Hardly Wait or Sliding Doors? Or how about both together? Because that's exactly what fml is...
Simon Cross. Guy. In life long love with Cassie Castillo. Who has a boyfriend, Eli...well, maybe ex-boyfriend. Who he missed his shot with in the ninth grade. Who Simon vows to kiss by the end of the night at her house party.
At least that's what he promises his best friends (and dating duo) Ben and Coop while at the diner that night.
REALITY BITES - one direction this story can go. The real story of drinking, partying, fist-fights, declarations of love and just an all around s#!++y night.
LIVING THE DREAM - the other direction for this story. The one that should have been. Where a girl named Stella and her blind dog Falcor find Simon in a horrible situation...but the night gets so much better. It is a dream.
The story alternates between both sets of happenings. You get some pieces from one side while remaining blind on the other side. And vice versa. The sides were in great contrast, yet oddly, eerily similar to one another. Both leading to the same ending for Simon.
fml was a fun read. The two different versions of the same story were good, though I wasn't sure which side I was rooting to win. I guess overall I wanted Simon to realize the real world and not miss a thing.
What a fun read!
Simon Cross. Guy. In life long love with Cassie Castillo. Who has a boyfriend, Eli...well, maybe ex-boyfriend. Who he missed his shot with in the ninth grade. Who Simon vows to kiss by the end of the night at her house party.
At least that's what he promises his best friends (and dating duo) Ben and Coop while at the diner that night.
REALITY BITES - one direction this story can go. The real story of drinking, partying, fist-fights, declarations of love and just an all around s#!++y night.
LIVING THE DREAM - the other direction for this story. The one that should have been. Where a girl named Stella and her blind dog Falcor find Simon in a horrible situation...but the night gets so much better. It is a dream.
The story alternates between both sets of happenings. You get some pieces from one side while remaining blind on the other side. And vice versa. The sides were in great contrast, yet oddly, eerily similar to one another. Both leading to the same ending for Simon.
fml was a fun read. The two different versions of the same story were good, though I wasn't sure which side I was rooting to win. I guess overall I wanted Simon to realize the real world and not miss a thing.
What a fun read!
October 11, 2016
This book is like a mystery you never know what is going to happen next! Simon fell in love with this girl Cassie he would always talk about her. Cassie trough a barter party and Simon's mission before the party was done was to get a kiss from Cassie! Simon did everything he could to get that kiss that night! At the very end of the party Simon got his kiss from Cassie but there was one problem It didn't go how Simon planed! He thought It would be amazing but it was nothing like he imagined and he realized he wasn't in love with Cassie! Simon and Cassie didn't get together Cassie and Eli got together and Simon and Stella got together I know its a shock! This is my 2nd favorite book I have ever read to be honest!
July 7, 2013
Fun, light contemporary YA. It's like Can't Hardly Wait meets Sliding Doors. Great male POV that I would recommend to both guy and girl readers. Finds clever ways to make the two alternate realities intertwine without being repetitive. Gets a little over-the-top by the end, but never ceases to entertain!
September 5, 2013
This book was hilarious from the very beginning. Because of the comedy, I was easily drawn in and could not put it down. It wasn't the greatest piece of literature and it was a tad predictable BUT it was definitely enjoyable. It was a fun, easy, fast paced read with tons of cursing and realistic teenage events.
September 2, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book on my vacation in Mexico. Not 100% sure if it was because I had absolutely nothing to do or because it was just THAT good.
It's not like every stereo typical romance book you've read and the aspect of two alternatives makes it even better!
It's not like every stereo typical romance book you've read and the aspect of two alternatives makes it even better!
November 8, 2014
A little too simplistic at times and maybe a bit melodramatic, but it is a teen romance/angst book.
I rather liked the alternating scenarios. Reminded me a bit of the old Choose Your Own Adventure books.
Good writing style.
All in all a fun easy read.
I rather liked the alternating scenarios. Reminded me a bit of the old Choose Your Own Adventure books.
Good writing style.
All in all a fun easy read.
July 25, 2013
at first, i didnt think i would like this book, but somewhere, without me even noticing it, i found myself rooting for simon!
December 13, 2013
i love this book because i can relate to simone and Cassie.It is about real world problems that im facing myself
September 24, 2014
Very good and Interesting!
May 24, 2017
i think the very first book i've ever read by Shaun David Hutchinson was Deathday Letter. and then I read At the Edge of the Universe. just with those two books, i love reading his books! his tenacity in writing and the voices of his characters are just amazing, reckless, realistic and honest. that's why i love his books. it's more of his writing style that carries the whole story and I just love that.
ok FML! i actually had to google it to know the meaning (i know i suck!) this is another RivetedLit featured free read and I'm so happy I read this.
the story and the plot is quite simple. but the way all things came out was totally something i never expected. another thing why I like this author! simplicity turned to something more.
i have to admit though, i kind of don't get why there are two story lines... but i am formulating a hypothesis though... one says "Living the Dream" and the other is "Reality Bites". And it doesn't say why there are two story lines. but i think the author wants the readers to think as to why. i want to share my opinion but I feel like I will spoil you (if somebody ever reads my reviews) if i tell you. i came to hypothesize two reasons. and i hope you get your own hypotheses too.
in general, this book was okay. i would have given it a 3 stars but this book hit home to me. this made a very personal connection to me about growing up and moving on. it deserved a 4 stars from me because of that personal connection. you might say i'm biased but it is my personal and honest opinion.
this book definitely made me glue my eyes to the words. it was that interesting. i would definitely understand if other readers won't get this though.
so anyway, simple plot yet it tells a very interesting story. I think I kind of get why this book is the way that it is. again, superb writing and very intelligent characters.
ok FML! i actually had to google it to know the meaning (i know i suck!) this is another RivetedLit featured free read and I'm so happy I read this.
the story and the plot is quite simple. but the way all things came out was totally something i never expected. another thing why I like this author! simplicity turned to something more.
i have to admit though, i kind of don't get why there are two story lines... but i am formulating a hypothesis though... one says "Living the Dream" and the other is "Reality Bites". And it doesn't say why there are two story lines. but i think the author wants the readers to think as to why. i want to share my opinion but I feel like I will spoil you (if somebody ever reads my reviews) if i tell you. i came to hypothesize two reasons. and i hope you get your own hypotheses too.
in general, this book was okay. i would have given it a 3 stars but this book hit home to me. this made a very personal connection to me about growing up and moving on. it deserved a 4 stars from me because of that personal connection. you might say i'm biased but it is my personal and honest opinion.
this book definitely made me glue my eyes to the words. it was that interesting. i would definitely understand if other readers won't get this though.
so anyway, simple plot yet it tells a very interesting story. I think I kind of get why this book is the way that it is. again, superb writing and very intelligent characters.
November 15, 2016
I had said after reading Punkzilla that I was getting too old for a certain type of YA novel -- the ones full of partying and drinking and teens disobeying their parents. I don't mind these in service of a good story, but they rarely are. Alas, I had already purchased fml, so I read the damn thing anyway and...yep. Punks kids all over my lawn.
“People aren't meant to be perfect. We're all imperfect people looking for perfect moments to share with other imperfect people.”
So, fml uses the Sliding Doors approach of starting the story and letting it split into two alternate timelines. I've seen this work in movies and books, but I found it hard to follow here because the two storylines are SO similar. Basically, Simon has been in love with pretty girl Cassie since forever, and tonight he's got a "chance" to hook up with her -- she's recently single, and throwing a party. She also seems to be suffering from some pretty serious emotional issues, but he's ignoring that part. So at the beginning of the novel, he chooses whether to try one more time with her, or pursue a new relationship with a different girl.
What makes it confusing is he ends up going to the party and trying to hook up with Cassie in both storylines. There's a lot of nonsense about it being a "swap" party (you bring something for admission, try to trade it up for other stuff), and of course there's drinking and drugs and sex. Considering Simon's two best friends are gay and in a relationship together (which I felt was handled respectfully by the author), Simon himself is pretty intolerant of other people. Overall, it's just not a well-told story, or a story I could give a damn about.
“People aren't meant to be perfect. We're all imperfect people looking for perfect moments to share with other imperfect people.”
So, fml uses the Sliding Doors approach of starting the story and letting it split into two alternate timelines. I've seen this work in movies and books, but I found it hard to follow here because the two storylines are SO similar. Basically, Simon has been in love with pretty girl Cassie since forever, and tonight he's got a "chance" to hook up with her -- she's recently single, and throwing a party. She also seems to be suffering from some pretty serious emotional issues, but he's ignoring that part. So at the beginning of the novel, he chooses whether to try one more time with her, or pursue a new relationship with a different girl.
What makes it confusing is he ends up going to the party and trying to hook up with Cassie in both storylines. There's a lot of nonsense about it being a "swap" party (you bring something for admission, try to trade it up for other stuff), and of course there's drinking and drugs and sex. Considering Simon's two best friends are gay and in a relationship together (which I felt was handled respectfully by the author), Simon himself is pretty intolerant of other people. Overall, it's just not a well-told story, or a story I could give a damn about.
December 18, 2018
FML was less than mediocre. I couldn't relate to it at all - and not just because I'm not a high schooler. I didn't like how the entire book stretched out over one party. Come on. I much prefer plotlines that last over a few weeks at the least, not one measly night.
That must have been some damned good party, to last so long. To take up nearly 300 pages of time. I don't think I've ever attended one quite like it.
It's like the author is desperate for you to see the "good stuff" that they write. This novel was destined to be some cheesy chick lit book, yet at the end the author tried to defy Fate (which comes up several times in the book) by adding a coming-of-Jesus moment. It's like where the main character goes through some polarizing moment to make them realize that what they're after isn't meant for them.
Ugh. The ending of FML totally didn't match the rest of what happened. And don't try to defy it. You know I'm right.
That must have been some damned good party, to last so long. To take up nearly 300 pages of time. I don't think I've ever attended one quite like it.
It's like the author is desperate for you to see the "good stuff" that they write. This novel was destined to be some cheesy chick lit book, yet at the end the author tried to defy Fate (which comes up several times in the book) by adding a coming-of-Jesus moment. It's like where the main character goes through some polarizing moment to make them realize that what they're after isn't meant for them.
Ugh. The ending of FML totally didn't match the rest of what happened. And don't try to defy it. You know I'm right.
March 11, 2019
fml by Shaun David Hutchinson is a contemporary YA romance. Its about a boy named Simon attempting to fulfil his dream to kiss Cassie Castillo.
This book is for anyone that liked the film Can't Hardly Wait. In Simon's quest to get Cassie to kiss him, a ton of ridiculous things happen to him at a party. The story is told in two different places simultaneously. One is his dream world and the other is the reality of the party. Although its so funny, the things that happen even in his dream scenario.
This is a great light-hearted book which is a nice departure from some of the heavier subjects Hutchinson tackles.
This book is for anyone that liked the film Can't Hardly Wait. In Simon's quest to get Cassie to kiss him, a ton of ridiculous things happen to him at a party. The story is told in two different places simultaneously. One is his dream world and the other is the reality of the party. Although its so funny, the things that happen even in his dream scenario.
This is a great light-hearted book which is a nice departure from some of the heavier subjects Hutchinson tackles.
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