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My So Called Afterlife #1
18 Things
Olga Gay Worontzoff thinks her biggest problems are an awful name and not attending prom with Conner, her best friend and secret crush since kindergarten.
Then, Conner is killed in a freak boating accident and Olga feels responsible for his death.
When she downs an entire bottle of pills to deal with the emotional pain, her parents force her into counseling. There, her therapist writes a prescription in the form of a life list titled “18 Things”: eighteen quests to complete the year of her eighteenth birthday.
But there’s more to Olga’s quests than meets the eye and when her therapist reveals a terrifying secret, her world is shaken.
There’s only one thing she knows for certain: her choices won’t just affect her future, but all eternity.
Then, Conner is killed in a freak boating accident and Olga feels responsible for his death.
When she downs an entire bottle of pills to deal with the emotional pain, her parents force her into counseling. There, her therapist writes a prescription in the form of a life list titled “18 Things”: eighteen quests to complete the year of her eighteenth birthday.
But there’s more to Olga’s quests than meets the eye and when her therapist reveals a terrifying secret, her world is shaken.
There’s only one thing she knows for certain: her choices won’t just affect her future, but all eternity.
246 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2013
165 people are currently reading
1391 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Ayres
6 books125 followersJamie Ayres writes young adult paranormal love stories by night and teaches young adults as a high school English teacher by day. When not at home on her laptop or at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing random children and reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this. Although she spent her youthful summers around Lake Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her prince charming, two children (sometimes three based on how Mr. Ayres is acting), and a basset hound. She really does have grandmothers named Olga and Gay but unlike her heroine, she's thankfully not named after either one of them. She loves lazy pajama days, the first page of a good book, stupid funny movies, and sharing stories with fantastic people like you. Her books include the first two installments of her trilogy, 18 Things, 18 Truths, & 18 Thoughts.. Visit her online via Twitter, Facebook, or at www.jamieayres.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
November 30, 2014
Well, I did write it . . . :-)
February 23, 2014
1.5 of 5 stars
Before Olga's best friend/crush died, her biggest problem was her old fashion name. After downing a handful of pills, she's sent to a therapist who recommends Olga make a list of 18 things to do before her eighteenth birthday to reconfirm her commitment to life.
I love the premise if the book, but the execution fell short of my expectations. While much of the writing was above average, the dialogue was sophomoric, not typical of how teenagers I know talk. The characters were one dimensional and stereotypical- the girl who's a bully because of a sad home life, the bad boy who's deep and thoughtful on the inside etc. There was also a lot if Christian, religious references, though this wasn't advertised in the blurb. Apparently there is only one psychologist in town, who everyone sees. She calls herself Dr Judy, to both adults and adolescents. I'm a psychologist and believe she was poorly researched and not written true to character.
The end of each chapter had quotes and discussion questions which the writer admits were shameless publicity plugs (tacky). I found them to be distracting and overly preachy-treacly. I'm all for bibliotherapy and learning from literature, but not in such an in-your-face manner. I don't recommend this book and probably wouldn't read anything else by this writer.
Before Olga's best friend/crush died, her biggest problem was her old fashion name. After downing a handful of pills, she's sent to a therapist who recommends Olga make a list of 18 things to do before her eighteenth birthday to reconfirm her commitment to life.
I love the premise if the book, but the execution fell short of my expectations. While much of the writing was above average, the dialogue was sophomoric, not typical of how teenagers I know talk. The characters were one dimensional and stereotypical- the girl who's a bully because of a sad home life, the bad boy who's deep and thoughtful on the inside etc. There was also a lot if Christian, religious references, though this wasn't advertised in the blurb. Apparently there is only one psychologist in town, who everyone sees. She calls herself Dr Judy, to both adults and adolescents. I'm a psychologist and believe she was poorly researched and not written true to character.
The end of each chapter had quotes and discussion questions which the writer admits were shameless publicity plugs (tacky). I found them to be distracting and overly preachy-treacly. I'm all for bibliotherapy and learning from literature, but not in such an in-your-face manner. I don't recommend this book and probably wouldn't read anything else by this writer.
February 4, 2013
So this book started out with a strong beginning. I really enjoyed it. Couldn't put it down despite the ridiculous language from the teenagers which had me wanting to hide under the table in utter embarrassment for the author. What teen says "word", "tru dat", "dawg", etc?!
I had hope as I read. Even after the Olga/Nate relationship started to stall, I still had hope. I kept reading thinking this is a nice YA fiction about a girl dealing with guilt and grief.
But, I knew this book was classified a YA Paranormal.
I was waiting for the paranormal twist and the more I read, the more I knew I was going to be angry. I knew what was coming.
Forget that at 80% through the book, the paranormal twist had yet be revealed.
I should have STAR'd because I was close to throwing the book through the window but it was on my Kindle so. . .
and I knew IT. I just knew the author was going to make the number one mistake in writing. I don't want to give any spoilers but I am so upset I invested all the time. So upset.
So upset I feel I need to retract a star.
I still feel this would be a great YA book about grief.
I had hope as I read. Even after the Olga/Nate relationship started to stall, I still had hope. I kept reading thinking this is a nice YA fiction about a girl dealing with guilt and grief.
But, I knew this book was classified a YA Paranormal.
I was waiting for the paranormal twist and the more I read, the more I knew I was going to be angry. I knew what was coming.
Forget that at 80% through the book, the paranormal twist had yet be revealed.
I should have STAR'd because I was close to throwing the book through the window but it was on my Kindle so. . .
and I knew IT. I just knew the author was going to make the number one mistake in writing. I don't want to give any spoilers but I am so upset I invested all the time. So upset.
So upset I feel I need to retract a star.
I still feel this would be a great YA book about grief.
February 13, 2016
DNF
I just couldn't do it. The writing is terrible. The dialogue is terrible. The main character is annoying. I could only read to chapter 4 and I had to stop. I just can't take anymore. Do yourself a favor and just don't.
I just couldn't do it. The writing is terrible. The dialogue is terrible. The main character is annoying. I could only read to chapter 4 and I had to stop. I just can't take anymore. Do yourself a favor and just don't.
June 20, 2017
Life can be complicated and full of pain, especially when you're in high school. Olga is secretly in love with her best friend and throwing a pity party for herself because she's not going to prom with him. But when he dies in a freak accident, Olga feels responsible. Her life spins out of control. It's when she starts making a bucket list, does she realize she's been given a second chance. Can 18 things save a life? Such a heart-breaking and moving book. You'll need Kleenux nearby. Brilliantly written and highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
August 13, 2020
Still making my way through some of my Kindle backlog (in alphabetical order) and I'm starting to wonder if I have anything in here that I might actually fully enjoy.
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18 Things is a story about grief, learning to move forward, and growing up. It's about tough choices and breaking out on your own. But it's also a story that gets bogged down in its own messages and lessons. Much of it feels like a cliche kind of teen story, with some of the dialogue being too perfect, too cheesy, or just off. In addition to that, it is a story with religious overtones, which in itself isn't a bad thing, but it's not my thing...at al and there were instances where it went beyond being an important part of the story into preaching. I get that the morals of the story are meant to rely heavily upon that religious principle but there were moments where it just felt shoehorned in.
Also note, there are some jokes in here that are either cringy or down right offensive.
-
18 Things is a story about grief, learning to move forward, and growing up. It's about tough choices and breaking out on your own. But it's also a story that gets bogged down in its own messages and lessons. Much of it feels like a cliche kind of teen story, with some of the dialogue being too perfect, too cheesy, or just off. In addition to that, it is a story with religious overtones, which in itself isn't a bad thing, but it's not my thing...at al and there were instances where it went beyond being an important part of the story into preaching. I get that the morals of the story are meant to rely heavily upon that religious principle but there were moments where it just felt shoehorned in.
Also note, there are some jokes in here that are either cringy or down right offensive.
February 8, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
3.5 stars
During a sailing trip on Lake Michigan, Olga Gay Worontzoff's best friend - and for ever secret crush - Conner gets killed after being struck by lightning and falling into the cold water. Olga blames herself for his death and attempts suicide/takes an accidental overdose of sleeping pills. She's then sent to a psychiatrist who suggests she makes a list of 18 things to help her cope. Hence the title.
I read the second book in this series, 18 Truths, last year. I know that's not how you're supposed to read it, but I ended up with an ARC and found it intriguing enough to now want to read the first and also the third book. I do suggest though to start with the first book.
Having already read 18 Truths meant I was going into this book already knowing how it would end. However, it didn't bother me, although I was wondering how look it would have taken me to figure it out by myself.
I really enjoyed reading it. Not too much is happening, but I find that refreshing every now and then. I do need to warn people that can't stand any mention of religion in books though. This book suffered the least from it, but I noted in my review of the second book and also while reading the third book that it felt preachy at times (which is IMHO annoying, I like to be able to make up my own mind), but here it's more like a mention she's praying or going to church (which I don't mind reading).
In the end I think it was a good start to the series. It's not something I read a lot, but it was nice for a change.
18 Things is the first book in the My So Called Afterlife-series. The other books in this series are 18 Truths and 18 Thoughts (Review to come)
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 stars
During a sailing trip on Lake Michigan, Olga Gay Worontzoff's best friend - and for ever secret crush - Conner gets killed after being struck by lightning and falling into the cold water. Olga blames herself for his death and attempts suicide/takes an accidental overdose of sleeping pills. She's then sent to a psychiatrist who suggests she makes a list of 18 things to help her cope. Hence the title.
I read the second book in this series, 18 Truths, last year. I know that's not how you're supposed to read it, but I ended up with an ARC and found it intriguing enough to now want to read the first and also the third book. I do suggest though to start with the first book.
Having already read 18 Truths meant I was going into this book already knowing how it would end. However, it didn't bother me, although I was wondering how look it would have taken me to figure it out by myself.
I really enjoyed reading it. Not too much is happening, but I find that refreshing every now and then. I do need to warn people that can't stand any mention of religion in books though. This book suffered the least from it, but I noted in my review of the second book and also while reading the third book that it felt preachy at times (which is IMHO annoying, I like to be able to make up my own mind), but here it's more like a mention she's praying or going to church (which I don't mind reading).
In the end I think it was a good start to the series. It's not something I read a lot, but it was nice for a change.
18 Things is the first book in the My So Called Afterlife-series. The other books in this series are 18 Truths and 18 Thoughts (Review to come)
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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February 2, 2013I don't usually read contemporary YA. Still, I really liked how this novel wasn't afraid to bring up the subject of God. The protag actually prays, which I found oddly refreshing. Way to go Ms. Ayres for writing such a great coming of age story and for not being ashamed of your faith! I'm off to compose my own bucket list.
January 28, 2013
I was excited to get this book and support a fellow new author and put it on my kindle on its day of release. The book is listed as YA Paranormal. Having that title I read the majority of the book guessing when something paranormal was actually going to happen. When I was at 88% read...finally the paranormal aspect came in. It was a good twist, one I will not spoil here, but I found it distracting that it waited so long to come into play. The theme of the story was interesting, come up with a list of 18 Things to do the year you turn 18 in a way to deal with the death of a friend. I liked how the supporting characters moved through the main characters list and supported her. My biggest compliment for this book is that I found the prologue and the first chapter very well written. They totally pulled me in. However, the pull of the book wained for me after that. Being the mom of an 18 year old and a 16 year old I found the language the characters used immature. More middle school than high school. I read some of the dialogue to my boys and they agreed. There were many literary references in the book, I know the author is a teacher and can guess she probubly teaches English. I had a hard time connecting to some of the references and wonder if younger readers may be at a loss as well. The author chose to have the characters be huge Star Wars fans, which reminded me of the guys from Big Bang Theory. I didn't mind that the characters were suppose to be geeky but there were a lot of references that I missed out on as I am not a big fan myself. At the end of the book the MC gives a long speech that refers back to many aspects of Star Wars and I got a bit lost in reading it. Overall I thought the message was positive. I kept waiting for a bit more spirituality and felt like the author was going to go for it and then pulled back. I was confused as to where this book actually falls in the genre world. My favorite line in the book is when a Dr. tells Olga, the MC that kids these days have it wrong when they text YOLO, You only live once. They instead should text YODO, you only die once. You live every day of your life but only die one day. I would give this book three stars and would recommend it to a younger reader. The next book in her series is sneak peeked at the end of this one and I have to say I give the author props for writing killer beginnings. Not sure I will read the next book but the teaser makes me think I want to.
June 2, 2020
Olga Gay Worontzoff had a crush we can all relate to. The boy next door (maybe not literally, but figuratively), the best friend, the one who you truly believe doesn't know you exist as anything other than a friend. And is there anything worse than being placed in the "friend box?" Yes- as we learn, it's never getting to tell your friend that you're in love with them. It's the death of your best friend, the person you love, and in a very real way, the death of your future- or at least the future you think you'll have. When she takes too many painkillers to ease the emotional pain, her therapist recommends she list 18 things to accomplish. And her life turns around.
Overall, I loved the characters, but your heart is drawn more to Tammy and Nate. Tammy, the high school stereotype who we find out has more to her than meets the eye. Nate, the bad boy, the runner up the rebound who is just so tempting... You find yourself rooting for him to win her heart even as you understand her holding on to a memory of what was and the promise of what could have been.
I found myself reading the last quarter of the book through teary eyes, and by the end I was actively sobbing. This book made me laugh, it made me think, and it made me cry bittersweet tears. I cannot wait for the next installment, 18 Truths. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author- 5 stars!
Overall, I loved the characters, but your heart is drawn more to Tammy and Nate. Tammy, the high school stereotype who we find out has more to her than meets the eye. Nate, the bad boy, the runner up the rebound who is just so tempting... You find yourself rooting for him to win her heart even as you understand her holding on to a memory of what was and the promise of what could have been.
I found myself reading the last quarter of the book through teary eyes, and by the end I was actively sobbing. This book made me laugh, it made me think, and it made me cry bittersweet tears. I cannot wait for the next installment, 18 Truths. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author- 5 stars!
January 1, 2016
Actual rating: 1.5
Where to even start with this?
Okay, so. I couldn't really give this book only one star, or I could have but I guess I felt like it deserved a star for effort, at least. It started out strong but... took a giant nosedive toward "what is even going on" pretty quickly.
Not even halfway through the book and I was sick to death of hearing how much Olga loved Connor and how they were "soulmates" and how he was going to be the father of her children- homegirl needed to chill, because he didn't even know she liked him? Like, I'm sorry but that was just the tiniest bit creepy, in my honest opinion.
I think Olga just annoyed me in general. She seemed pretty whiny and I don't know, I never really connected to any of these characters. The way the teens spoke, I could look over. I liked the concept of the book- but I pretty much guessed what happened.
It just felt like such a warped story and I don't say that in a cruel way. I just didn't find it easy to connect with and this literally felt like it was dragging on FOREVER. There were plenty of points I think it would have been wise to end on, especially because it's only the first book in a series.
Maybe the author's aim was to leave more to put in another book or make this one seemed firmly closed? I don't really know, but I don't have a desire to finish the series.
Where to even start with this?
Okay, so. I couldn't really give this book only one star, or I could have but I guess I felt like it deserved a star for effort, at least. It started out strong but... took a giant nosedive toward "what is even going on" pretty quickly.
Not even halfway through the book and I was sick to death of hearing how much Olga loved Connor and how they were "soulmates" and how he was going to be the father of her children- homegirl needed to chill, because he didn't even know she liked him? Like, I'm sorry but that was just the tiniest bit creepy, in my honest opinion.
I think Olga just annoyed me in general. She seemed pretty whiny and I don't know, I never really connected to any of these characters. The way the teens spoke, I could look over. I liked the concept of the book- but I pretty much guessed what happened.
It just felt like such a warped story and I don't say that in a cruel way. I just didn't find it easy to connect with and this literally felt like it was dragging on FOREVER. There were plenty of points I think it would have been wise to end on, especially because it's only the first book in a series.
Maybe the author's aim was to leave more to put in another book or make this one seemed firmly closed? I don't really know, but I don't have a desire to finish the series.
August 14, 2016
I received a copy of 18 Things courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
18 things is the 5th or 6th book I've read from Curiosity Quills, and I have loved every one! As with all the books before it from this publisher, 18 Things is unique and original. Olga experiences her first broken heart, in the form of her best friend dying, and her being unable to save him. And before she gets to tell him that she loves him. Olga goes thru a year of ups and downs, with the saving grace coming in the form of Nate.
I just loved the characters in 18 Things! They were real, had a sense of humor, and I of course appreciated the Star Wars references. The grief Olga experienced after losing her best friend Connor broke my heart, but the idea of the list was a great way to help her heal, and I enjoyed the variety of ways that were on it. I guessed there was a twist at the end, but I was questioning my guess until the last chapter. Let me be clear tho, this book wasn't predictable! I saw there was possibly a sequel, and I'm really hoping that's the case!
**update- this is going to be a trilogy!
18 things is the 5th or 6th book I've read from Curiosity Quills, and I have loved every one! As with all the books before it from this publisher, 18 Things is unique and original. Olga experiences her first broken heart, in the form of her best friend dying, and her being unable to save him. And before she gets to tell him that she loves him. Olga goes thru a year of ups and downs, with the saving grace coming in the form of Nate.
I just loved the characters in 18 Things! They were real, had a sense of humor, and I of course appreciated the Star Wars references. The grief Olga experienced after losing her best friend Connor broke my heart, but the idea of the list was a great way to help her heal, and I enjoyed the variety of ways that were on it. I guessed there was a twist at the end, but I was questioning my guess until the last chapter. Let me be clear tho, this book wasn't predictable! I saw there was possibly a sequel, and I'm really hoping that's the case!
**update- this is going to be a trilogy!
October 28, 2014
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
Oh dear me this was dull, and the paranormal aspect arrived way too late!
I felt quite sorry for Olga in the way she lost Conner and blamed herself, it would have been a difficult thing to go through, feeling partly responsible for your best friend’s death, and being unable to come to terms with both the grief and the guilt.
The storyline in this just bored me. I was expecting something paranormal, but instead just got this monotony of Olga’s daily life. I mean really? I just lost interest and could not get back into this story. I kept waiting for the paranormal aspect to show up, but it took so long it killed the whole thing. The paranormal aspect didn’t turn up until the 86% mark in a shock revelation, and considering that the book then ended at the 92% mark, it was really late in the story.
There was romance but it didn’t interest me.
The ending just happened, without any real explanation as to what would happen next for Olga and Nate. I seriously hope book 2 is an improvement.
4.5 out of 10.
Oh dear me this was dull, and the paranormal aspect arrived way too late!
I felt quite sorry for Olga in the way she lost Conner and blamed herself, it would have been a difficult thing to go through, feeling partly responsible for your best friend’s death, and being unable to come to terms with both the grief and the guilt.
The storyline in this just bored me. I was expecting something paranormal, but instead just got this monotony of Olga’s daily life. I mean really? I just lost interest and could not get back into this story. I kept waiting for the paranormal aspect to show up, but it took so long it killed the whole thing. The paranormal aspect didn’t turn up until the 86% mark in a shock revelation, and considering that the book then ended at the 92% mark, it was really late in the story.
There was romance but it didn’t interest me.
The ending just happened, without any real explanation as to what would happen next for Olga and Nate. I seriously hope book 2 is an improvement.
4.5 out of 10.
March 24, 2013
**Provided by Netgalley and Curiosity Quills Press for an honest review**
OMG i have not had a cry fest with a book since i read If I stay by Gayle Forman.
This book was wonderfully written and had the best twist towards the end i've read in ages. If was also refreshing that the author was not intimidated to have her main heroine pray to God and have a religious background in the story.
The story is very well written and all the characters complimented each other perfectly. You are most certainly taken on a quest with the heroine to evolve and grow as the book progresses.
This book will leave you in a slight daze where you think about your own life choices.
I can't recommend this book highly enough!!
OMG i have not had a cry fest with a book since i read If I stay by Gayle Forman.
This book was wonderfully written and had the best twist towards the end i've read in ages. If was also refreshing that the author was not intimidated to have her main heroine pray to God and have a religious background in the story.
The story is very well written and all the characters complimented each other perfectly. You are most certainly taken on a quest with the heroine to evolve and grow as the book progresses.
This book will leave you in a slight daze where you think about your own life choices.
I can't recommend this book highly enough!!
February 12, 2015
Cliff notes version: Olga is your typical nerdy teenager with a huge crush on her best friend. Said best friend dies and she blames herself, spiraling her towards a series of events (including a hot guy, rabid otters, and cantankerous monkeys) that help her not only move on with her life but start to really live for herself.
Seems pretty touchy feely, and normally I would role my eyes but secretly love it. This time, there’s no eye rolling. While there were some clichés befitting a YA Drama, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Our main character takes a literal roller coaster ride of emotions throughout this story and the author’s use of the first person narrative took us on that journey with her.
Meaning I had to grab for a tissue more than once but I also got stares from people on the bus when I would randomly laugh out loud.
Olga was true to her emotions, she felt deeply, and she reacted just as strongly which I really admired – though some of her language rubbed me the wrong way because (get this) I thought she was too gentle with her language. But she was true to her character – and to the world that the author created for her. This is a world where your mother makes you listen to recordings of sermons on a road trip with your friends. This is a world where guys can attack a girl at a party and he’ll get told off with a warning. But this is also a world of second chances and everyday miracles so while I didn’t always like what was going on, it was consistent and entertaining.
My favourite thing about it was that the story just kept moving forward. Olga has a lot of things going on and her inner monologue is literally enough to fill a novel but the narrative just keeps chugging along. It would have been so easy to sink into the depression that we find ourselves in so early on in the book but then magically, things start happening and we get to see firsthand how Olga moves on with her life. Yes, she remembers her loss and yes, her emotions can rise and fall quite suddenly…almost like a human being who has experienced loss. Crazy.
But speaking of crazy: Nate. I fell in love with Nate fairly quickly – almost as quickly as Olga. I kind of wanted to see more of him. Yes, we know some of his backstory and our main character can guess at his emotions but there were so many times when I wanted to just walk up to him, shake him, and say: “what are you really feeling?”
A lot of my Random Notes While Reading were more emotion-based but those are fun, too, right?
· If you’re going to start a book, start with hot guys
· Of course it’s the best friend
· Oh, ow, my heart…I wasn’t expecting that
· *slow clap* I always worry about first person character descriptions; well done
· Oh, this bitch, I hate these girls
· This is making me very emotional, I commend you
· Seriously, I feel like I’m absorbing Olga’s guilt and it’s killing me
· Who doesn’t like Zac Efron look-a-likes?
· That guess was too specific, young man
· Wow, you really are attracted to this guy
· I’m not tearing up, you are!
· I do get frustrated with stories that perpetuate the notion that tragedy is the push you need to “start living”
· STOP THAT! I had a feeling you would do that but stop!
· Justified. I would have slapped her, too
· It’s not uncommon to prematurely blow white sticky stuff everywhere but in public?
. Sorry, I couldn’t resist
· I love when books call out their own clichés
· Dude, I don’t care how hot you are, you do not hit on a girl at her best friend’s wake
· I get it, he’s like the replacement/reincarnation
· DUDE?!
· Ah yes, the angst teen blog
· Of course
· Wow, thanks mom
· *snickers* “ta-tas”? That word makes me giggle
· Whoa, dude, no
· Did you just forget about the girl with the ta-tas?
· See that’s not the series I would have gone with but I’m selfish
· I took the liberty of checking out her blog – someone has taken it!
· I don’t know what it is about Bucket Lists but even I want to take another look at mine
· Sweetie, duh
· Nate, you’re awesome; I wish I knew more about you
· Seriously, as much as I’m coming down on this story a bit, I’m totally in love; we’re not dwelling on the darkness but we’re not forgetting either, it’s really hitting home
· Please stop denying it – as adorable as it is
· If it’s not, can I date him
· I would totally do that – I have done that with a potato peeler
· Spoilers!
· How are you this awesome?
· I laughed out loud. Halloween.
· Please, you’re 18
· The author has done this a few times: A question, then the narrative digresses, then the answer comes so I have to go back and reread
· “Darn Tootin’”
· Hello, Pot
· Cheesy but sweet
· I’m not…okay I’m crying a little
· Her speech made me giggle
· I need to take a walk
·
· Oh, that makes her relationship with her mom so sad
· Okay…that happened…
So, boys and girls, you know what comes next. I’m excited to read the next chapter in the lives of these characters.
Seems pretty touchy feely, and normally I would role my eyes but secretly love it. This time, there’s no eye rolling. While there were some clichés befitting a YA Drama, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Our main character takes a literal roller coaster ride of emotions throughout this story and the author’s use of the first person narrative took us on that journey with her.
Meaning I had to grab for a tissue more than once but I also got stares from people on the bus when I would randomly laugh out loud.
Olga was true to her emotions, she felt deeply, and she reacted just as strongly which I really admired – though some of her language rubbed me the wrong way because (get this) I thought she was too gentle with her language. But she was true to her character – and to the world that the author created for her. This is a world where your mother makes you listen to recordings of sermons on a road trip with your friends. This is a world where guys can attack a girl at a party and he’ll get told off with a warning. But this is also a world of second chances and everyday miracles so while I didn’t always like what was going on, it was consistent and entertaining.
My favourite thing about it was that the story just kept moving forward. Olga has a lot of things going on and her inner monologue is literally enough to fill a novel but the narrative just keeps chugging along. It would have been so easy to sink into the depression that we find ourselves in so early on in the book but then magically, things start happening and we get to see firsthand how Olga moves on with her life. Yes, she remembers her loss and yes, her emotions can rise and fall quite suddenly…almost like a human being who has experienced loss. Crazy.
But speaking of crazy: Nate. I fell in love with Nate fairly quickly – almost as quickly as Olga. I kind of wanted to see more of him. Yes, we know some of his backstory and our main character can guess at his emotions but there were so many times when I wanted to just walk up to him, shake him, and say: “what are you really feeling?”
A lot of my Random Notes While Reading were more emotion-based but those are fun, too, right?
· If you’re going to start a book, start with hot guys
· Of course it’s the best friend
· Oh, ow, my heart…I wasn’t expecting that
· *slow clap* I always worry about first person character descriptions; well done
· Oh, this bitch, I hate these girls
· This is making me very emotional, I commend you
· Seriously, I feel like I’m absorbing Olga’s guilt and it’s killing me
· Who doesn’t like Zac Efron look-a-likes?
· That guess was too specific, young man
· Wow, you really are attracted to this guy
· I’m not tearing up, you are!
· I do get frustrated with stories that perpetuate the notion that tragedy is the push you need to “start living”
· STOP THAT! I had a feeling you would do that but stop!
· Justified. I would have slapped her, too
· It’s not uncommon to prematurely blow white sticky stuff everywhere but in public?
. Sorry, I couldn’t resist
· I love when books call out their own clichés
· Dude, I don’t care how hot you are, you do not hit on a girl at her best friend’s wake
· I get it, he’s like the replacement/reincarnation
· DUDE?!
· Ah yes, the angst teen blog
· Of course
· Wow, thanks mom
· *snickers* “ta-tas”? That word makes me giggle
· Whoa, dude, no
· Did you just forget about the girl with the ta-tas?
· See that’s not the series I would have gone with but I’m selfish
· I took the liberty of checking out her blog – someone has taken it!
· I don’t know what it is about Bucket Lists but even I want to take another look at mine
· Sweetie, duh
· Nate, you’re awesome; I wish I knew more about you
· Seriously, as much as I’m coming down on this story a bit, I’m totally in love; we’re not dwelling on the darkness but we’re not forgetting either, it’s really hitting home
· Please stop denying it – as adorable as it is
· If it’s not, can I date him
· I would totally do that – I have done that with a potato peeler
· Spoilers!
· How are you this awesome?
· I laughed out loud. Halloween.
· Please, you’re 18
· The author has done this a few times: A question, then the narrative digresses, then the answer comes so I have to go back and reread
· “Darn Tootin’”
· Hello, Pot
· Cheesy but sweet
· I’m not…okay I’m crying a little
· Her speech made me giggle
· I need to take a walk
·
· Oh, that makes her relationship with her mom so sad
· Okay…that happened…
So, boys and girls, you know what comes next. I’m excited to read the next chapter in the lives of these characters.
August 6, 2014
It almost had 3 stars from me, and I will explain why it did not. First, why it maintained 2.
I actually liked the characters. I was invested in their lives, and there were moments where they had me laughing. I liked Olga. She felt real. Her relationship with her parents felt real. I liked The Jedi Order, current and new members. I read a review saying the kids were one-note, but teenagers aren't that deep. These teens in particular didn't need that deep of a situation because Olga was the important one.
The prologue hooked me. I liked meeting Conner for that brief period, and I wanted to see how, as a Paranormal fiction, he might come into play throughout the story. The story itself was nice. I liked watching Olga do her 18 things with her friends and blossoming into a well-rounded person.
It started losing stars for a few reasons, in no real order.
1) That I had to wait until the end of the book to get to the Paranormal aspect of the story burned me up a little. As I said, I saw the clues, and I kept saying to myself, "She hasn't had any asthma attacks, and what about her vision getting better?" There were no other signs regarding the Paranormal, and readers can't be led through a story tagged as a certain genre without getting the elements of that genre a little more. The dreams could have been played up a little more. Certainly Olga's sudden athleticism when she was a math whiz. Info dumping the clues at the end felt more like a cop-out.
2)Teenagers in 2012 (I'm going to be a little specific about this, because little details can also ruin a good story) don't do some of the following: say "da bomb", worry about not wearing white after Labor Day (I'm almost sure), want to watch Citizen Kane (in my TWENTIES, I didn't want to see that movie even after being forced to), or sing Indigo Girls at Karaoke Nights. I was a teenager in 2002 and wouldn't have put them on my list of Karaoke Hits. When I think 90s Rock: Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Alanis Morrisette. Coming back to Green Day was a good save. The dialogue felt unrealistic, and sometimes was just plain exposition and info dumping. Teenagers change with the times, and as they're the main characters in this story, some time should've gone into researching teens. Twitter probably would've been the best bet, or hanging around the high school students' frequent spots. Teens certainly should have been used as Beta readers, and they would've raised the red flags immediately.
3)Structurally, this needed a professional edit and another revision. I think that would've made it a 3-to-5 star-worthy story. A lot of the big rules were broken that writers tell us not to do: avoid cliches, info-dumping, flowery prose, and this was riddled with it. Continuity was slightly off (eg.; Olga's a math geek, but she's always quoting literature). To my surprise, there were even sort of tongue-in-cheek statements about cliches, info dumping, and bad endings and big twists that left me wondering if that was on purpose or not.
I almost want to read 18 Truths for the premise and getting to see more of Conner, but the first page or so of the prologue already presented some of the tongue-in-cheek moments, so I won't let myself be disappointed again. If there are only 18 Things and 18 Truths, and assuming 18 Truths does have the same issues, then I have a feeling they could have been one book if a major chop was done.
I would LOVE to see a second edition with a major revision. I was really rooting for this story.
I actually liked the characters. I was invested in their lives, and there were moments where they had me laughing. I liked Olga. She felt real. Her relationship with her parents felt real. I liked The Jedi Order, current and new members. I read a review saying the kids were one-note, but teenagers aren't that deep. These teens in particular didn't need that deep of a situation because Olga was the important one.
The prologue hooked me. I liked meeting Conner for that brief period, and I wanted to see how, as a Paranormal fiction, he might come into play throughout the story. The story itself was nice. I liked watching Olga do her 18 things with her friends and blossoming into a well-rounded person.
It started losing stars for a few reasons, in no real order.
1) That I had to wait until the end of the book to get to the Paranormal aspect of the story burned me up a little. As I said, I saw the clues, and I kept saying to myself, "She hasn't had any asthma attacks, and what about her vision getting better?" There were no other signs regarding the Paranormal, and readers can't be led through a story tagged as a certain genre without getting the elements of that genre a little more. The dreams could have been played up a little more. Certainly Olga's sudden athleticism when she was a math whiz. Info dumping the clues at the end felt more like a cop-out.
2)Teenagers in 2012 (I'm going to be a little specific about this, because little details can also ruin a good story) don't do some of the following: say "da bomb", worry about not wearing white after Labor Day (I'm almost sure), want to watch Citizen Kane (in my TWENTIES, I didn't want to see that movie even after being forced to), or sing Indigo Girls at Karaoke Nights. I was a teenager in 2002 and wouldn't have put them on my list of Karaoke Hits. When I think 90s Rock: Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Alanis Morrisette. Coming back to Green Day was a good save. The dialogue felt unrealistic, and sometimes was just plain exposition and info dumping. Teenagers change with the times, and as they're the main characters in this story, some time should've gone into researching teens. Twitter probably would've been the best bet, or hanging around the high school students' frequent spots. Teens certainly should have been used as Beta readers, and they would've raised the red flags immediately.
3)Structurally, this needed a professional edit and another revision. I think that would've made it a 3-to-5 star-worthy story. A lot of the big rules were broken that writers tell us not to do: avoid cliches, info-dumping, flowery prose, and this was riddled with it. Continuity was slightly off (eg.; Olga's a math geek, but she's always quoting literature). To my surprise, there were even sort of tongue-in-cheek statements about cliches, info dumping, and bad endings and big twists that left me wondering if that was on purpose or not.
I almost want to read 18 Truths for the premise and getting to see more of Conner, but the first page or so of the prologue already presented some of the tongue-in-cheek moments, so I won't let myself be disappointed again. If there are only 18 Things and 18 Truths, and assuming 18 Truths does have the same issues, then I have a feeling they could have been one book if a major chop was done.
I would LOVE to see a second edition with a major revision. I was really rooting for this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2016
This book was an insult to my brain. The first half of the prologue was okay, but it took a nose dive and stayed down. I have a three chapter rule because several books I have read turned themselves around somewhere during the second or third chapter, but wanting to see how much more absurd it could get kept me going a bit farther.
There were so many things wrong with this book from incorrectly used vocabulary, to over use of cliche sayings, and corny dialogue. This author is supposedly an English teacher for middle school. It was almost like she stole a few of her students' essays and fashioned them into a flimsy story. She did not reasearch content well, which is a must when you don't have experience with certain life situations. It was all just totally off.
She said they lived in a small town, but then wrote there are thousands of students in the high school. Um... After her friend's death in a boating accident, several days later, the news media crowds around her best friend's car in the school parking lot, like paparazzi following a celebrity. Huh? So many of them shouting her name as she walks toward the school she can't hear anything else. Really? Her friends have to shield her from them? A teacher has cookies and punch the classroom to welcome her back after the death of her friend? What?
Her dialouge was super corny. Teenagers don't talk that way. She had nurses standing in a hospital hallway by the elevators asking personal questions of a family member, and giving medical information in a public area for anyone to hear. And the counseling session was unreal. Counselors do not give the kind of advice the author had this one dispensing. To round off my tirade, there was also an injection of religion, in a preachy way.
I paid full price for this ebook, $6.49, and at that time I didn't know you could return them to Amazon if you had had them for less than seven days, so I was robbed of my hard earned cash by an author who doesn't have time for revisions (see below). They should be free then!
* Curiosity Quills Press is a group of self publishers who support each other. Their motto is,"A gaggle of literary marauders with a bone to grind and not enough time for revisions." If they don't have enough time for revisions, they shouldn't ask to be paid money for their books! What an outright insult to readers. I therefore assume that all of the four and five star ratings, are infact, from those other supportive Curiosity Quill members. The next time I see this publishing house on another book I am going to run screaming in the opposite direction.
There were so many things wrong with this book from incorrectly used vocabulary, to over use of cliche sayings, and corny dialogue. This author is supposedly an English teacher for middle school. It was almost like she stole a few of her students' essays and fashioned them into a flimsy story. She did not reasearch content well, which is a must when you don't have experience with certain life situations. It was all just totally off.
She said they lived in a small town, but then wrote there are thousands of students in the high school. Um... After her friend's death in a boating accident, several days later, the news media crowds around her best friend's car in the school parking lot, like paparazzi following a celebrity. Huh? So many of them shouting her name as she walks toward the school she can't hear anything else. Really? Her friends have to shield her from them? A teacher has cookies and punch the classroom to welcome her back after the death of her friend? What?
Her dialouge was super corny. Teenagers don't talk that way. She had nurses standing in a hospital hallway by the elevators asking personal questions of a family member, and giving medical information in a public area for anyone to hear. And the counseling session was unreal. Counselors do not give the kind of advice the author had this one dispensing. To round off my tirade, there was also an injection of religion, in a preachy way.
I paid full price for this ebook, $6.49, and at that time I didn't know you could return them to Amazon if you had had them for less than seven days, so I was robbed of my hard earned cash by an author who doesn't have time for revisions (see below). They should be free then!
* Curiosity Quills Press is a group of self publishers who support each other. Their motto is,"A gaggle of literary marauders with a bone to grind and not enough time for revisions." If they don't have enough time for revisions, they shouldn't ask to be paid money for their books! What an outright insult to readers. I therefore assume that all of the four and five star ratings, are infact, from those other supportive Curiosity Quill members. The next time I see this publishing house on another book I am going to run screaming in the opposite direction.
April 9, 2014
Olga's character was quite fun thoughout the book, but her character and those around her are exactly what you expect: The "never been kissed" kind of girl who magically finds a guy that is head over heals with her "plain jane look" (Nate). Then lets add in the "dumb pretty girl" (Tammy) .. rock guys (group) and a best friend (Nicole).
The dynamic of Olga and Nate is similar to any other YA novel, but the idea of the "bucket list" was fun to see from the prospective of a youthful character, and some of the ideas for the list are fun. I can appreciate taht the book is keeped PG throughout.
The paranormal aspect through me off some, and i feel it was introduced too late in the book for development, hence it felt very rushed and jumpy. It could have used 3 - 4 chapters of development / understanding.
The book is a good read for helping those through depression and for that the book deserves the 3 stars.
The dynamic of Olga and Nate is similar to any other YA novel, but the idea of the "bucket list" was fun to see from the prospective of a youthful character, and some of the ideas for the list are fun. I can appreciate taht the book is keeped PG throughout.
The paranormal aspect through me off some, and i feel it was introduced too late in the book for development, hence it felt very rushed and jumpy. It could have used 3 - 4 chapters of development / understanding.
The book is a good read for helping those through depression and for that the book deserves the 3 stars.
January 13, 2015
Two and a half stars because writing a book is a lot of work.
I really enjoyed this book until the middle where it went preachy and Christian Fiction on me. So disappointed, this book had potential. The last chapters turned full fledged Bible study. Add to that all of the slang of youth today and you have painted yourself into a Christian fiction corner where your books will be irrelevant in 2-3 years.
Would I buy this for our library and catalog it young adult? No. It definitely missed the mark. I won't be reading the others either.
I really enjoyed this book until the middle where it went preachy and Christian Fiction on me. So disappointed, this book had potential. The last chapters turned full fledged Bible study. Add to that all of the slang of youth today and you have painted yourself into a Christian fiction corner where your books will be irrelevant in 2-3 years.
Would I buy this for our library and catalog it young adult? No. It definitely missed the mark. I won't be reading the others either.
March 16, 2016
I admit that when I first picked up this book, I was looking for an easy read. This book is exactly that. I wasn't expecting much from it. what I walked away with, however, is an amazing read with a brilliant concept. I am a big fan of books that throw something extra in the last few chapters. This book showed that it is okay to get over death, and it is okay to never get over it, until it eventually kills you. Wonderful job!
May 19, 2013
This book came across as a formulaic teenage novel at first, but I ended up being more than pleasantly surprised when I finished reading it. Shall not elaborate because the “why” will be a spoiler in itself.
This book is the first of a series. Will not recommend it to my elder daughter pending the publication of all its sequels. Just hope the series will not be a long-drawn one.
This book is the first of a series. Will not recommend it to my elder daughter pending the publication of all its sequels. Just hope the series will not be a long-drawn one.
April 22, 2014
4.5/5.0
Wow, just wow! Being struck speechless and bowled over by a book doesn’t happen often but in this regard Jamie Ayres is a force of nature!
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Wow, just wow! Being struck speechless and bowled over by a book doesn’t happen often but in this regard Jamie Ayres is a force of nature!
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 21, 2015
Interesting Teen Work
Being a grandmother, I found the plot aggravating in the long run although the story was nicely written and flowed well. Emphasis on the Christian beliefs and values, so this might not be the cup of tea for an agnostic or atheist inclined reader.
Being a grandmother, I found the plot aggravating in the long run although the story was nicely written and flowed well. Emphasis on the Christian beliefs and values, so this might not be the cup of tea for an agnostic or atheist inclined reader.
April 15, 2016
A difficult subject (depression and grief, yet well written in a non-depressing way). Fun characters. I was enjoying this novel immensely, I was going to give it a four-stars!, that is until the very last chapter... The plot twist has left me confused and disappointed. It ruined it all for me.
January 7, 2016
Great until the ending twist them it totally ruined it. Not even going for the next one.
July 2, 2016
DNF at 29%. It's just not doing it for me.
May 5, 2017
This book... I'm not sure how to put into words my thoughts without giving away too much. I'll start from the beginning.
18 Things starts out strong; heartbreaking, and powerful. I really felt Olga's grief. That shows real skill. I was hooked, and, since it was on audible, I listened while I worked around my house and in my car pretty much non-stop.
Nate is the perfect match for Olga. He's sweet and kinda goofy and nerdy, just like her. Although, the narrator gave him a ridiculous TMNT kind of voice, I did enjoy him, even if Olga was totally oblivious to his obvious liking of her.
There were some super cheesy moments that made me cringe as it moved into the second half of the book. Things that teens haven't said or done since the 90s. The guys all having TMNT voices only highlighted the awkward. And what was with the dis of Bill and Ted?? No. Next it will be Ferris Bueler and BTTF. Not acceptable.
That end... ohh, I was pretty mad about it actually. At work all day I brewed over that twist. But the fact that I cared so much said how involved I got with the book. I hated it because it felt so unjust for the characters I'd come to care about.
So yes, I'll be "reading" aka audible, the rest of this series. Excited to see what happens next, because there were some big loose ends with this one!
18 Things starts out strong; heartbreaking, and powerful. I really felt Olga's grief. That shows real skill. I was hooked, and, since it was on audible, I listened while I worked around my house and in my car pretty much non-stop.
Nate is the perfect match for Olga. He's sweet and kinda goofy and nerdy, just like her. Although, the narrator gave him a ridiculous TMNT kind of voice, I did enjoy him, even if Olga was totally oblivious to his obvious liking of her.
There were some super cheesy moments that made me cringe as it moved into the second half of the book. Things that teens haven't said or done since the 90s. The guys all having TMNT voices only highlighted the awkward. And what was with the dis of Bill and Ted?? No. Next it will be Ferris Bueler and BTTF. Not acceptable.
That end... ohh, I was pretty mad about it actually. At work all day I brewed over that twist. But the fact that I cared so much said how involved I got with the book. I hated it because it felt so unjust for the characters I'd come to care about.
So yes, I'll be "reading" aka audible, the rest of this series. Excited to see what happens next, because there were some big loose ends with this one!
March 28, 2023
I've had 18 Things since the book was released several years ago, but for some reason, I just couldn't get into it. I finally sat down with it and committed, and found it.... it wasn't bad. I'd say 3.5 stars if that was an option.
The book reads very typical YA, for the most part. I get the sense this series is full of BIG changes in the last act of each book (based on reading some reviews for the later two books). I suspected something similar to what was going on.
After a traumatic prologue, I liked the journey that Olga went on. I found her parents, particularly her mother to be unbelievable (but also, I don't understand parents who treat 18th birthdays as though magically people mature and have new knowledge of life - trust your kids and give them room to mature and grow before then, folks). And there were some odds bits with the friends, but overall, it was fun to see Olga working through her bucket list and making an impression on the people around her. It was also a good reminder to live life to the fullest because you just never know....
The book reads very typical YA, for the most part. I get the sense this series is full of BIG changes in the last act of each book (based on reading some reviews for the later two books). I suspected something similar to what was going on.
After a traumatic prologue, I liked the journey that Olga went on. I found her parents, particularly her mother to be unbelievable (but also, I don't understand parents who treat 18th birthdays as though magically people mature and have new knowledge of life - trust your kids and give them room to mature and grow before then, folks). And there were some odds bits with the friends, but overall, it was fun to see Olga working through her bucket list and making an impression on the people around her. It was also a good reminder to live life to the fullest because you just never know....
April 11, 2020
I feel unsure of how to rate this. I see now that I paid no attention to the genre, although I got this book for free, so it didn't matter to me anyways.
This story invoked so many emotions. It was shaping into a wonderful story about dealing with grief, learning to love yourself, enjoying every moment of life....the story is BEAUTIFUL....that is until you get about 90% through. Then a twist occurs. A twist that is so unexpected it makes your jaw drop. BUT it's a twist, that in my opinion, obliterates the beauty of the rest of the story. Maybe that is the author's intent, I'm not sure.
What I am sure about is, as previously mentioned, this book was free so I feel okay that I spent time reading it despite not appreciating the way it ended. Would I pay for this book? No. Do I want to see what happens next? Also no. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the About the Author section & acknowledgments. They were quite humorous & showed a lot of personality.
This story invoked so many emotions. It was shaping into a wonderful story about dealing with grief, learning to love yourself, enjoying every moment of life....the story is BEAUTIFUL....that is until you get about 90% through. Then a twist occurs. A twist that is so unexpected it makes your jaw drop. BUT it's a twist, that in my opinion, obliterates the beauty of the rest of the story. Maybe that is the author's intent, I'm not sure.
What I am sure about is, as previously mentioned, this book was free so I feel okay that I spent time reading it despite not appreciating the way it ended. Would I pay for this book? No. Do I want to see what happens next? Also no. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the About the Author section & acknowledgments. They were quite humorous & showed a lot of personality.
January 11, 2017
Most of the storyline of 18 Things is well done. The Plot Twist kind of kills the whole book, however. It’s ridiculous. The author also lays on the religious sermon pretty thick at that point, too, which just doesn’t go along with the rest of the book very well. The book is also in need of an editor. Tenses occasionally changed inappropriately. Several times helping verbs were missing. Cliches were overused. Similes were also overused. In an attempt to not repeat words too often, the author used synonyms. The problem was sometimes the words used as synonyms didn’t actually mean the same thing (for example, butter and margarine). Most of the story was good enough, however, that the editing problems alone would have only reduced my rating to a 4. The Major Plot Twist was so bad, the ending lowered my rating an additional two stars down to 2.
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