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A Blind Spot for Boys
Shana has always had a blind spot for boys. Can she trust the one who's right in front of her?
Sixteen-year-old Shana Wilde is officially on a Boy Moratorium. After a devastating breakup, she decides it's time to end the plague of Mr. Wrong, Wrong, and More Wrong.
Enter Quattro, the undeniably cute lacrosse player who slams into Shana one morning in Seattle. Sparks don't just fly; they ignite. And so does Shana's interest. Right as she's about to rethink her ban on boys, she receives crushing news: Her dad is going blind. Quattro is quickly forgotten, and Shana and her parents vow to make the most of the time her father has left to see. So they travel to Machu Picchu, and as they begin their trek, they run into none other than Quattro himself. But even as the trip unites them, Quattro pulls away mysteriously... Love and loss, humor and heartbreak collide in this new novel from acclaimed author Justina Chen.
Sixteen-year-old Shana Wilde is officially on a Boy Moratorium. After a devastating breakup, she decides it's time to end the plague of Mr. Wrong, Wrong, and More Wrong.
Enter Quattro, the undeniably cute lacrosse player who slams into Shana one morning in Seattle. Sparks don't just fly; they ignite. And so does Shana's interest. Right as she's about to rethink her ban on boys, she receives crushing news: Her dad is going blind. Quattro is quickly forgotten, and Shana and her parents vow to make the most of the time her father has left to see. So they travel to Machu Picchu, and as they begin their trek, they run into none other than Quattro himself. But even as the trip unites them, Quattro pulls away mysteriously... Love and loss, humor and heartbreak collide in this new novel from acclaimed author Justina Chen.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 2014
24 people are currently reading
1706 people want to read
About the author
Justina Chen
11 books686 followersJustina Chen was fated to be a storyteller. After all, her middle name means illuminate, which is what she aims to do with her novels: to be a light in the world.
Her novels include NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL, a finalist for 9 state book awards, and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (AND A FEW WHITE LIES), winner of the Asian Pacific American Literature Award. Additionally, she's written a beloved picture book, THE PATCH, a number of other YA novels, and multiple storytelling guides for leaders.
Justina's next book is WITH TWICE THE LOVE, DESSIE MEI, her debut middle grade novel for young readers. She's thrilled for you to meet Dessie and Donna in May 2024. The book is available for pre-order now.
While she has called Seattle, Sydney, and Shanghai home, Justina feels at ease wherever she goes so long as she has her coconut black tea, books, and a notebook.
Her novels include NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL, a finalist for 9 state book awards, and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (AND A FEW WHITE LIES), winner of the Asian Pacific American Literature Award. Additionally, she's written a beloved picture book, THE PATCH, a number of other YA novels, and multiple storytelling guides for leaders.
Justina's next book is WITH TWICE THE LOVE, DESSIE MEI, her debut middle grade novel for young readers. She's thrilled for you to meet Dessie and Donna in May 2024. The book is available for pre-order now.
While she has called Seattle, Sydney, and Shanghai home, Justina feels at ease wherever she goes so long as she has her coconut black tea, books, and a notebook.
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August 26, 2015
You can also read my review HERE.
Awww. GUYSSS.
Warm fuzzies all over. Justina Chen is a foreign author to me and honestly, after reading A Blind Spot for Boys, I don't understand why I haven't read any other of her works yet! When I finished the novel, I felt rejuvenated. I was transported to Machu Picchu without even moving a foot. That's how vivid Justina Chen's writing is.
Shana just got out of a bad break up. And when I say bad, I meant the messy-and-painful kind of bad. Dom really hurt her and her way of coping up is dating a lot of guys then just tossing them at the side. Now this kind of attitude will annoy me for sure, but I just really felt sorry for Shana. First of all, I'm a girl.. I UNDERSTAND. Second, she's just sixteen!! Too young to be hurt like that by an older guy. So even though I don't agree with all her decisions, I kind of understand. And then.. Quattro came along.
The characters were great, I really loved Shana. I was suprised on how much I relate her. It's a different story when it comes to Quattro though. Yes, he is swoony.. but I did not really feel that connected to him. Grace and the others are golden! They're very real to me. Shana's parents are exceptional. This is one of those YA Contemporary that both of the parents are actually alive! And even though there are tragedies that keeps hitting them, how they responded is very realistic. I really love that each one of the characters has their own backstories that are meaningful and inspirational. You will not help but be moved.
It's true that readers might think that this book is just about a girl trying to move on from a bad breakup and went all boy-crazy based on the cover, but believe me when I say that it's so much more than that. It's about growing up, heartbreak, opening up and standing up again when life keeps hitting you, hard. Justina Chen is a brilliant writer! Not just because of her gorgeous writing or her way of making me swoon, but because with a novel with approximately 300 pages, she inspired me, made me experience the beauty of Machu Picchu and made me believe that love isn't easy but.. it's worth it!
"Maybe that's all we're supposed to do after we've taken a spill: brush ourselves off, get back on our feet. No fuss. No blame. Just soldier on."
Awww. GUYSSS.
Warm fuzzies all over. Justina Chen is a foreign author to me and honestly, after reading A Blind Spot for Boys, I don't understand why I haven't read any other of her works yet! When I finished the novel, I felt rejuvenated. I was transported to Machu Picchu without even moving a foot. That's how vivid Justina Chen's writing is.
Shana just got out of a bad break up. And when I say bad, I meant the messy-and-painful kind of bad. Dom really hurt her and her way of coping up is dating a lot of guys then just tossing them at the side. Now this kind of attitude will annoy me for sure, but I just really felt sorry for Shana. First of all, I'm a girl.. I UNDERSTAND. Second, she's just sixteen!! Too young to be hurt like that by an older guy. So even though I don't agree with all her decisions, I kind of understand. And then.. Quattro came along.
The characters were great, I really loved Shana. I was suprised on how much I relate her. It's a different story when it comes to Quattro though. Yes, he is swoony.. but I did not really feel that connected to him. Grace and the others are golden! They're very real to me. Shana's parents are exceptional. This is one of those YA Contemporary that both of the parents are actually alive! And even though there are tragedies that keeps hitting them, how they responded is very realistic. I really love that each one of the characters has their own backstories that are meaningful and inspirational. You will not help but be moved.
It's true that readers might think that this book is just about a girl trying to move on from a bad breakup and went all boy-crazy based on the cover, but believe me when I say that it's so much more than that. It's about growing up, heartbreak, opening up and standing up again when life keeps hitting you, hard. Justina Chen is a brilliant writer! Not just because of her gorgeous writing or her way of making me swoon, but because with a novel with approximately 300 pages, she inspired me, made me experience the beauty of Machu Picchu and made me believe that love isn't easy but.. it's worth it!
September 4, 2014
Goodreads ate up my review--or at least the three paragraphs I had of my review--for this book just minutes ago. If you're a busy college student whose calculus professor has just informed you that twelve hours of math homework a week is the average...well, let's just say you can understand my frustration. But, I digress. Back to A Blind Spot for Boys.
Chen's North of Beautiful utterly charmed when I first read it a few years ago and has continued to do so upon every re-read. Yet, for reasons unknown, I have not braved the waters of Chen's fairly extensive back list. I blame the horde of mixed reviews which accompany her work--her novels seem to be a hit or miss with most readers and, what's more, they vary depending on the title. I don't know many who actively like or dislike every title she's written--myself included.
A Blind Spot for Boys is a truly intriguing mix of a variety of topics, themes, and ideals. It introduces us to Shana, an ambitious young protagonist whose passion for photography and dedication to her fashion blog define her life. Well, that and a long history of boyfriends. Just a matter of months ago Shana was dating Dom--she, being underage, and he, being six years older--and in the aftermath of his discovery of her age and their consequent breakup, boys have flitted in and out of her life. She thought she had found "The One" with Dom and no matter how hard she tries to move on, her heart won't let her.
On a mission to capture the perfect photograph, though, Shana bumps into Quattro, an attractive guy who--like her string of past boyfriends--is absolutely into her. Before the two can further their relationship past acquaintances, however, Shana's father--a bed bug exterminator--is diagnosed with blindness. In a matter of months he will lose his eyesight and the photography career he gave up to continue the family business, the traveling dreams he and his wife forsake to raise three children--all these come into the forefront of his existence.
Surprisingly enough, it takes only a matter of chapters to cover this--unusual for Chen whose North of Beautiful took nearly half the novel to truly get rolling--but the bulk of A Blind Spot for Boys takes place on the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu where Shana, once again, bumps into Quattro. I appreciated how thoroughly this novel balanced both familial and romantic relationships. While we are given glimpses into the tight circle of friends Shana maintains, the focus is solely on the disease tearing apart her family and new relationship struggles tearing apart her heart.
Frankly, I didn't feel entirely connected with the story line of A Blind Spot for Boys. I'm not sure why. Chen does a superb job of creating an intriguing plot line following Shana and her family on the Inca Trail as the people they meet and experiences they undergo manage to change their lives and shape their perspective on the world. Yet, perhaps it felt too neat and predictable. It's nearly a prerequisite to writing a tale with travel within it that new sights and sounds will drastically alter your life--as it has done for Shana and the members aboard their expedition to Machu Pichu. Thus, perhaps the ultimate revelations felt predictable more than revealing?
Yet, that being said, I completely admire the pacing of Shana's growth as she gradually gains the maturity to look beyond her idealized version of her relationship with Dom and acknowledge that she's better off without him; that, in reality, she escaped an abusive relationship. In realizing that, Shana begins to put other instances in her life into perspective as well--her friendship with her brother, Max, who knew Dom; her relationships with her close girl friends from whom she had kept Dom a secret; and even her own Boy Ban that keeps her at a distance from Quattro and those like him.
While A Blind Spot for Boys excels in Shana's personal agency, pushing her forward, and subtly touches upon the delicate balance of marriage as we look into the lives of Shana's parents, the romance is both a highlight and a downfall. Quattro's hot/cold attitude toward Shana is frustrating, though his understanding of her is swoon-worthy. His back story is compelling but the amount of time it takes to finally come to light is disappointing. It's a mixed bag, as is this novel, but perhaps in the hands of the right reader--one who is more in touch with Shana than I am--I don't doubt it can be an incredible experience.
A Blind Spot for Boys hasn't made me any more inclined to go through Chen's backlog but I certainly don't regret picking it up. I relish the lack of slut-shaming within its pages, the honesty with which Chen writes relationships of every nature and every age group, and the pace at which she chronicles the growth of her characters. Granted, it isn't perfect--and hasn't made my heart palpitate wildly--but it's a solid, strong contemporary read. No doubt about it.
Chen's North of Beautiful utterly charmed when I first read it a few years ago and has continued to do so upon every re-read. Yet, for reasons unknown, I have not braved the waters of Chen's fairly extensive back list. I blame the horde of mixed reviews which accompany her work--her novels seem to be a hit or miss with most readers and, what's more, they vary depending on the title. I don't know many who actively like or dislike every title she's written--myself included.
A Blind Spot for Boys is a truly intriguing mix of a variety of topics, themes, and ideals. It introduces us to Shana, an ambitious young protagonist whose passion for photography and dedication to her fashion blog define her life. Well, that and a long history of boyfriends. Just a matter of months ago Shana was dating Dom--she, being underage, and he, being six years older--and in the aftermath of his discovery of her age and their consequent breakup, boys have flitted in and out of her life. She thought she had found "The One" with Dom and no matter how hard she tries to move on, her heart won't let her.
On a mission to capture the perfect photograph, though, Shana bumps into Quattro, an attractive guy who--like her string of past boyfriends--is absolutely into her. Before the two can further their relationship past acquaintances, however, Shana's father--a bed bug exterminator--is diagnosed with blindness. In a matter of months he will lose his eyesight and the photography career he gave up to continue the family business, the traveling dreams he and his wife forsake to raise three children--all these come into the forefront of his existence.
Surprisingly enough, it takes only a matter of chapters to cover this--unusual for Chen whose North of Beautiful took nearly half the novel to truly get rolling--but the bulk of A Blind Spot for Boys takes place on the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu where Shana, once again, bumps into Quattro. I appreciated how thoroughly this novel balanced both familial and romantic relationships. While we are given glimpses into the tight circle of friends Shana maintains, the focus is solely on the disease tearing apart her family and new relationship struggles tearing apart her heart.
Frankly, I didn't feel entirely connected with the story line of A Blind Spot for Boys. I'm not sure why. Chen does a superb job of creating an intriguing plot line following Shana and her family on the Inca Trail as the people they meet and experiences they undergo manage to change their lives and shape their perspective on the world. Yet, perhaps it felt too neat and predictable. It's nearly a prerequisite to writing a tale with travel within it that new sights and sounds will drastically alter your life--as it has done for Shana and the members aboard their expedition to Machu Pichu. Thus, perhaps the ultimate revelations felt predictable more than revealing?
Yet, that being said, I completely admire the pacing of Shana's growth as she gradually gains the maturity to look beyond her idealized version of her relationship with Dom and acknowledge that she's better off without him; that, in reality, she escaped an abusive relationship. In realizing that, Shana begins to put other instances in her life into perspective as well--her friendship with her brother, Max, who knew Dom; her relationships with her close girl friends from whom she had kept Dom a secret; and even her own Boy Ban that keeps her at a distance from Quattro and those like him.
While A Blind Spot for Boys excels in Shana's personal agency, pushing her forward, and subtly touches upon the delicate balance of marriage as we look into the lives of Shana's parents, the romance is both a highlight and a downfall. Quattro's hot/cold attitude toward Shana is frustrating, though his understanding of her is swoon-worthy. His back story is compelling but the amount of time it takes to finally come to light is disappointing. It's a mixed bag, as is this novel, but perhaps in the hands of the right reader--one who is more in touch with Shana than I am--I don't doubt it can be an incredible experience.
A Blind Spot for Boys hasn't made me any more inclined to go through Chen's backlog but I certainly don't regret picking it up. I relish the lack of slut-shaming within its pages, the honesty with which Chen writes relationships of every nature and every age group, and the pace at which she chronicles the growth of her characters. Granted, it isn't perfect--and hasn't made my heart palpitate wildly--but it's a solid, strong contemporary read. No doubt about it.
August 14, 2015
Photography, travel, family, romance, adventure, life. I adored that all these favourite themes of mine were a part of the book but more than that I highly enjoyed the story itself. A Blind Spot For Boys was a great read!
September 17, 2014
This is one emotional hike for me.
DISCLAIMER #1: My dad was diagnosed with MILD GLAUCOMA just a month ago. He was told that he's lucky that the doctors diagnosed it early because it could lead to permanent blindness. My dad's a pastry chef. He doesn't only need his hands, he needs his eyes, so you can just imagine the terror that his condition brought to the family. Thankfully, it was quickly remedied. Why am I saying this? I'm saying it as a disclaimer so that you guys won't be surprised with the level of emotion that I have for this book. It struck too close to my heart. Blame it on the plot! :)
DISCLAIMER #2: I have read NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL and I absolutely love (yes, I still do) it, so my expectation for this book is sky high. Did it meet my expectations? I'm not telling you just yet. READ ON. :)
Now onto the review...
Yes, I feel like I hiked with the characters and it's so... fulfilling.
First of all, I thought that this book would be very much just about a teenager's struggle with relationships. I made a big mistake (or not) of not re-reading the blurb when I read this, so I really thought that it would be just about that. It started out with her past relationship as the focus. However, I couldn't be more wrong. It's way more than that... just... way more than I ever expected!
Shana, our heroine, is a typical teen. She has school and boy problems, a blog to update, a Facebook profile, small bug problems for her family and a big dream to be a photographer. She likes to have fun and she is determined to tell stories using her camera. I think her biggest negative trait here is that she was leaving a trail of broken hearts. Yeah, she's a serial flirt because of a not so nice past. She then decides to not entertain boys anymore... until she meets Quattro, a guy who could possibly break down all of her defenses. The boy has his own problems to deal with, so their relationship slowly built. I like that her reactions are totally realistic. While I was reading this, I couldn't count the times wherein I said "Yeah, if I were still a teen, I would definitely say that or react that way too." To be honest, I found her problems ( at first ) quite simple and then everything else starts to happen.
Her dad gets diagnosed with a worst possible illness for a photographer and a man who loves adventures. He's told that he's only got a number of months until his eyesight diminishes. Her family scrambles for some normalcy after that Earth shaking news while she internally cringes for her own future --> again, a big sign of being so realistic. Which teen wouldn't worry about her future when the basic foundation of her life is rapidly changing? Anyway, her parents suddenly decides that they should go to those trips that they planned a long time ago. Her destination with her parents: Machu Picchu.
One way to desribe Machu Picchu for them? It was a vacation that turned out to be an adventure and then turned out to be a venue for soul searching.
They go on the hike of their lives. They meet various people with colorful personalities. I personally love GRACE because she's courageous and maybe it comes with her age, but she's so determined. I think she's a fictional symbol that when you want something, nothing can stop you. I also like Stesha because she's so wise and has a lot of quotable quotes. I like almost everyone in their travel group except for Hank who's a fictional embodiment of cowardice and selfishness. I say that because in the face of danger and panic, a person's true color does show and unfortunately, even though he made up for it, he still did something that I'd be ashamed of if her were nonfictional and related to me. LOL.
That trip served as their beacon of light because there were so many realizations and so many fears that were resolved. I guess that if I were Shana's dad and I'm about to go blind, I'd be as frustrated as he is and if I were her mom, I'd be so scared, but would want to stay positive too. Needless to say, I admire her parents' togetherness after everything.
I also admire Shana because she has seen the light. She realized her worth with the help of adults, of course (which should be the case in real life for every teen). She got the chance to try and make a big difference using her photos here. I'm happy for her character in the end.
Her love life is also fun to read about. It's kinda funny when the serial flirt experiences the same treatment that she had for boys. They are so cute together. :) Quattro is lucky because Shana is quite talented and very loyal too. Her talent with capturing moments of life is outstanding for a teenager. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that the author is also an accomplished photographer to have described pictures that can really make me imagine images in my head.
The ending is really dramatic and made my tear up. It reminded me that moments in one's life should be cherished and that we can really treat everyday as an adventure. :)
DISCLAIMER #1: My dad was diagnosed with MILD GLAUCOMA just a month ago. He was told that he's lucky that the doctors diagnosed it early because it could lead to permanent blindness. My dad's a pastry chef. He doesn't only need his hands, he needs his eyes, so you can just imagine the terror that his condition brought to the family. Thankfully, it was quickly remedied. Why am I saying this? I'm saying it as a disclaimer so that you guys won't be surprised with the level of emotion that I have for this book. It struck too close to my heart. Blame it on the plot! :)
DISCLAIMER #2: I have read NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL and I absolutely love (yes, I still do) it, so my expectation for this book is sky high. Did it meet my expectations? I'm not telling you just yet. READ ON. :)
Now onto the review...
Yes, I feel like I hiked with the characters and it's so... fulfilling.
First of all, I thought that this book would be very much just about a teenager's struggle with relationships. I made a big mistake (or not) of not re-reading the blurb when I read this, so I really thought that it would be just about that. It started out with her past relationship as the focus. However, I couldn't be more wrong. It's way more than that... just... way more than I ever expected!
Shana, our heroine, is a typical teen. She has school and boy problems, a blog to update, a Facebook profile, small bug problems for her family and a big dream to be a photographer. She likes to have fun and she is determined to tell stories using her camera. I think her biggest negative trait here is that she was leaving a trail of broken hearts. Yeah, she's a serial flirt because of a not so nice past. She then decides to not entertain boys anymore... until she meets Quattro, a guy who could possibly break down all of her defenses. The boy has his own problems to deal with, so their relationship slowly built. I like that her reactions are totally realistic. While I was reading this, I couldn't count the times wherein I said "Yeah, if I were still a teen, I would definitely say that or react that way too." To be honest, I found her problems ( at first ) quite simple and then everything else starts to happen.
Her dad gets diagnosed with a worst possible illness for a photographer and a man who loves adventures. He's told that he's only got a number of months until his eyesight diminishes. Her family scrambles for some normalcy after that Earth shaking news while she internally cringes for her own future --> again, a big sign of being so realistic. Which teen wouldn't worry about her future when the basic foundation of her life is rapidly changing? Anyway, her parents suddenly decides that they should go to those trips that they planned a long time ago. Her destination with her parents: Machu Picchu.
One way to desribe Machu Picchu for them? It was a vacation that turned out to be an adventure and then turned out to be a venue for soul searching.
They go on the hike of their lives. They meet various people with colorful personalities. I personally love GRACE because she's courageous and maybe it comes with her age, but she's so determined. I think she's a fictional symbol that when you want something, nothing can stop you. I also like Stesha because she's so wise and has a lot of quotable quotes. I like almost everyone in their travel group except for Hank who's a fictional embodiment of cowardice and selfishness. I say that because in the face of danger and panic, a person's true color does show and unfortunately, even though he made up for it, he still did something that I'd be ashamed of if her were nonfictional and related to me. LOL.
That trip served as their beacon of light because there were so many realizations and so many fears that were resolved. I guess that if I were Shana's dad and I'm about to go blind, I'd be as frustrated as he is and if I were her mom, I'd be so scared, but would want to stay positive too. Needless to say, I admire her parents' togetherness after everything.
I also admire Shana because she has seen the light. She realized her worth with the help of adults, of course (which should be the case in real life for every teen). She got the chance to try and make a big difference using her photos here. I'm happy for her character in the end.
Her love life is also fun to read about. It's kinda funny when the serial flirt experiences the same treatment that she had for boys. They are so cute together. :) Quattro is lucky because Shana is quite talented and very loyal too. Her talent with capturing moments of life is outstanding for a teenager. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that the author is also an accomplished photographer to have described pictures that can really make me imagine images in my head.
The ending is really dramatic and made my tear up. It reminded me that moments in one's life should be cherished and that we can really treat everyday as an adventure. :)
July 28, 2014
My Thoughts: I was so excited to read this one! I loved the summary and I loved the cover! I anxiously have been awaiting it!
I’ve read a few not so good reviews about this one but I didn’t let that influence me. I still really loved it! We are introduced to Shana and her family. She has a few siblings but they are away most of the time but she also lives with her mother and father. Her father is starting to go blind and they say he will be completely blind within 6 months. Talk about a hardship!
Shana meets a boy named Quattro. Boy, was he a sweetie. I was instantly drawn to him. He just happened to be scouting colleges where Shana was and they bump into one another. She thinks he’s cute but after her last relationship she doesn’t want to jump into anything new.
Well, they end up spending a little bit of time together and then they go their separate ways. A little bit of time goes on, and her family decides to take a trip before her father goes blind and guess who is there!!! Yep, Quattro and his father! They came to do an important task. Talk about fate!!!
I loved Machu Picchu! I loved exploring it, and learning more about it. I loved Shana and her family’s moments and I loved the time Shana got to spend with Quattro. I loved every minute of it! I loved watching Shana explore her feelings and all the pictures she took! I just loved both Quattro and Shana and put them together, and wham! I also liked learning about her past relationship. It helped me understand things a lot better.
I loved all the hiking, I loved all the other characters, I loved the little things that were said, and I loved all the stolen moments between them!
And, the ending, yay!
Being there with Shana during the things that happened at Machu Picchu, wow! I loved how strong and brave she was.
Overall: I really enjoyed this one. I loved the cuteness of it. I loved the plot, and the loved the characters. I also loved all the wisdom thrown throughout it. I can see this won’t be everyone’s favorite but I really enjoyed it. This one is probably more of a 4.5 cupcake rating but I'm rounding it up!
Cover: Cute! I love the people on it, and I think it fits perfectly. I would definitely pick this up in a bookstore, no doubt!
What I’d Give It: 5/5 Cupcakes
_____________
Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com
I’ve read a few not so good reviews about this one but I didn’t let that influence me. I still really loved it! We are introduced to Shana and her family. She has a few siblings but they are away most of the time but she also lives with her mother and father. Her father is starting to go blind and they say he will be completely blind within 6 months. Talk about a hardship!
Shana meets a boy named Quattro. Boy, was he a sweetie. I was instantly drawn to him. He just happened to be scouting colleges where Shana was and they bump into one another. She thinks he’s cute but after her last relationship she doesn’t want to jump into anything new.
Well, they end up spending a little bit of time together and then they go their separate ways. A little bit of time goes on, and her family decides to take a trip before her father goes blind and guess who is there!!! Yep, Quattro and his father! They came to do an important task. Talk about fate!!!
I loved Machu Picchu! I loved exploring it, and learning more about it. I loved Shana and her family’s moments and I loved the time Shana got to spend with Quattro. I loved every minute of it! I loved watching Shana explore her feelings and all the pictures she took! I just loved both Quattro and Shana and put them together, and wham! I also liked learning about her past relationship. It helped me understand things a lot better.
I loved all the hiking, I loved all the other characters, I loved the little things that were said, and I loved all the stolen moments between them!
And, the ending, yay!
Being there with Shana during the things that happened at Machu Picchu, wow! I loved how strong and brave she was.
Overall: I really enjoyed this one. I loved the cuteness of it. I loved the plot, and the loved the characters. I also loved all the wisdom thrown throughout it. I can see this won’t be everyone’s favorite but I really enjoyed it. This one is probably more of a 4.5 cupcake rating but I'm rounding it up!
Cover: Cute! I love the people on it, and I think it fits perfectly. I would definitely pick this up in a bookstore, no doubt!
What I’d Give It: 5/5 Cupcakes
_____________
Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com
March 13, 2021
Such a great story of a group of people braving the Inca Trail, all the while having something on their mind. I traveled with Shana as she experienced a mudslide, and confusion with Quattro. She learned a lot, and her dad realized he cares more about having his family than having his sight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2020
** spoiler alert **
Book Review: Justina Chen - A Blind Spot for Boys
"Survival does that, doesn't it? She mused."
"Warps us?"
"Shapes us."
― Justina Chen, A Blind Spot for Boys
A Blind Spot for Boys is your standard YA love story, but it does set itself apart in a few aspects. The cover wasn't really enticing to me, so I put it off for this long.
Surprisingly, its pretty good. I went into this with my only background on the author being North of Beautiful , which I honestly didn't enjoy (Terra and Jacob make a cameo though!). A Blind Spot for Boys takes a lot of YA factors and puts a whole new perspective on them.
The whole instant-connection thing that happens was there, and we're introduced to Quattro at the very beginning of the story, and it takes the entirety of the novel to get them together. Quite a hassle. The rest of the characters though, they're amazing. And as for Shana, our heroine, there was growth. I think that's what was great about this book, there were so many realizations and revelations for Shana (and a bunch of other characters too). In a way, Quattro became the bland one here. The fact that you could pick things up from Grace (her strength and her sexy until the end husband), Shana's parents (and sine qua non), Quattro's dad (and true fortitude), Helen and Hank (and the sacrifice love needs), and Stesha (life in general), among others, wow.
Another thing I loved was the research done on this book. It's not amazingly scientific or whatever, but the author did actually look into some unique things and made sure they weren't just twisted to fit her story (such as some YA novels might do). The bed-bug fighting techniques, Macchu Pichu, photography, the psychological effects of going blind, even college applications, were essential parts of the story that made it whole and real.
The complaint that would bring the rating down, though, is the whole Quattro thing itself. Their romance was just a push-and-pull that took way too long. And the number of times Shana mentioned the moratorium almost pushed it. Aside from that though, great book.
Overall: The plot was slow moving, but relevant. The characters (aside from Quattro) were very alive and memorable, and the story does shed some light on a lot of important things about life, despite being simply a YA romance novel. I'm looking forward to looking for and reading more of Justina Chen's books.
3.5/5
Book Review: Justina Chen - A Blind Spot for Boys
"Survival does that, doesn't it? She mused."
"Warps us?"
"Shapes us."
― Justina Chen, A Blind Spot for Boys
A Blind Spot for Boys is your standard YA love story, but it does set itself apart in a few aspects. The cover wasn't really enticing to me, so I put it off for this long.
Surprisingly, its pretty good. I went into this with my only background on the author being North of Beautiful , which I honestly didn't enjoy (Terra and Jacob make a cameo though!). A Blind Spot for Boys takes a lot of YA factors and puts a whole new perspective on them.
The whole instant-connection thing that happens was there, and we're introduced to Quattro at the very beginning of the story, and it takes the entirety of the novel to get them together. Quite a hassle. The rest of the characters though, they're amazing. And as for Shana, our heroine, there was growth. I think that's what was great about this book, there were so many realizations and revelations for Shana (and a bunch of other characters too). In a way, Quattro became the bland one here. The fact that you could pick things up from Grace (her strength and her sexy until the end husband), Shana's parents (and sine qua non), Quattro's dad (and true fortitude), Helen and Hank (and the sacrifice love needs), and Stesha (life in general), among others, wow.
Another thing I loved was the research done on this book. It's not amazingly scientific or whatever, but the author did actually look into some unique things and made sure they weren't just twisted to fit her story (such as some YA novels might do). The bed-bug fighting techniques, Macchu Pichu, photography, the psychological effects of going blind, even college applications, were essential parts of the story that made it whole and real.
The complaint that would bring the rating down, though, is the whole Quattro thing itself. Their romance was just a push-and-pull that took way too long. And the number of times Shana mentioned the moratorium almost pushed it. Aside from that though, great book.
Overall: The plot was slow moving, but relevant. The characters (aside from Quattro) were very alive and memorable, and the story does shed some light on a lot of important things about life, despite being simply a YA romance novel. I'm looking forward to looking for and reading more of Justina Chen's books.
3.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2015
I will admit to getting a little teary eyed.
Whenever I read a novel with a medical condition I get paranoid that that's what's happening to me. Oh joy. Pretty sure I'm not actually going blind, but that doesn't mean that I don't get worried.
This was the third Justina Chen book that I've ever read, and I dove into it excitedly. Ah. Now I want to go to Machu Picchu.
PRETTY DANG CERTAIN THAT TERRA AND JACOB (North of Beautiful) MADE A CAMEO! *squees* Not by name or anything, obv, but unnamed in a scene. Which means I'm not 100% certain.
I got sucked into the story and set it down for a week. But when I picked it up again, it was hard to put down. I ended up finishing it, but the ending was (like the aforementioned North of Beautiful) *screech*halt*. No epilogue. Nada. Not that I expected it, but sometimes I NEED TO KNOW MORE. Several things were left unresolved, however, since initial plans changed from the beginning of the book to the end of the book, I don't think that one of the unresolved things needed to be resolved.
Things that this book made me want to do: go to Machu Picchu, investigate Seattle, take up photography more seriously, eat food, bake like a fiend, go to Machu Picchu, wait, I said that already. But, really. I want to go off and bake cookies, pies, cakes, everything, until my arms fall off.
Honestly, though, my biggest issue was the money issue. Looking at the http://www.peru-explorer.com/inca-tra... I see that the Inca 4 Day tour is $799 per person (however, the real question is whether Stesha's trip would cost more or less), which would mean... $2400 for the trail alone. Not to mention the plane tickets and the hotel and equipment. Tack on the additional trips to Belize and Guatemala, I don't even want to pretend that this is affordable. Shana talked about how little money that they had when really, even with cashing out the retirement fund, this is still more money than I've seen in my entire life. I don't even want to know how much money she spent on the fancy camera. I think all of her characters run for sure at middle class, but when I heard Machu Picchu and didn't have the ability to look up how much the trip would cost, my eyes were popping out of my head "AND YOU THINK THAT YOU DON'T HAVE MONEY?????" (on a more important note, I just looked up the cost of a one way flight to Cusco leaving in two weeks from today (which was how many weeks from the decision to make their trip to the trip beginning)... it's almost $2500 for three one-way tickets. I didn't do the math to figure out the cost of the entire trip, but it's thousands of dollars. And I still want to go to Machu Picchu.
This is it for now. Until I think of some other detail to say "OH MY GOODNESS, SHANA" about.
Whenever I read a novel with a medical condition I get paranoid that that's what's happening to me. Oh joy. Pretty sure I'm not actually going blind, but that doesn't mean that I don't get worried.
This was the third Justina Chen book that I've ever read, and I dove into it excitedly. Ah. Now I want to go to Machu Picchu.
PRETTY DANG CERTAIN THAT TERRA AND JACOB (North of Beautiful) MADE A CAMEO! *squees* Not by name or anything, obv, but unnamed in a scene. Which means I'm not 100% certain.
I got sucked into the story and set it down for a week. But when I picked it up again, it was hard to put down. I ended up finishing it, but the ending was (like the aforementioned North of Beautiful) *screech*halt*. No epilogue. Nada. Not that I expected it, but sometimes I NEED TO KNOW MORE. Several things were left unresolved, however, since initial plans changed from the beginning of the book to the end of the book, I don't think that one of the unresolved things needed to be resolved.
Things that this book made me want to do: go to Machu Picchu, investigate Seattle, take up photography more seriously, eat food, bake like a fiend, go to Machu Picchu, wait, I said that already. But, really. I want to go off and bake cookies, pies, cakes, everything, until my arms fall off.
Honestly, though, my biggest issue was the money issue. Looking at the http://www.peru-explorer.com/inca-tra... I see that the Inca 4 Day tour is $799 per person (however, the real question is whether Stesha's trip would cost more or less), which would mean... $2400 for the trail alone. Not to mention the plane tickets and the hotel and equipment. Tack on the additional trips to Belize and Guatemala, I don't even want to pretend that this is affordable. Shana talked about how little money that they had when really, even with cashing out the retirement fund, this is still more money than I've seen in my entire life. I don't even want to know how much money she spent on the fancy camera. I think all of her characters run for sure at middle class, but when I heard Machu Picchu and didn't have the ability to look up how much the trip would cost, my eyes were popping out of my head "AND YOU THINK THAT YOU DON'T HAVE MONEY?????" (on a more important note, I just looked up the cost of a one way flight to Cusco leaving in two weeks from today (which was how many weeks from the decision to make their trip to the trip beginning)... it's almost $2500 for three one-way tickets. I didn't do the math to figure out the cost of the entire trip, but it's thousands of dollars. And I still want to go to Machu Picchu.
This is it for now. Until I think of some other detail to say "OH MY GOODNESS, SHANA" about.
September 16, 2014
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
A Blind Spot for Boys is so much more than just a cute young adult contemporary romance. It is about finding yourself, and experiencing new things, and family, and relationships and really so much more. There is also a really cute romance. :p I felt like I was discovering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu right along with all of the hikers in the story. The beauty in Justina Chen's book is the writing. It was elegant and detailed. The story flowed along beautifully and I could vividly picture all of the scenes, even feel the horror of the mudslide.
Shana and Quattro have each experienced too much sadness for people their age. Quattro has lost his mother and Shana's father is suddenly going blind. They are each on this journey, or dream walk hike to Machu Picchu for different reasons. Neither of them are looking for a relationship, and they ended up each finding each other, but for me that was secondary to the whole storyline. It really wasn't but I still felt like there was a bigger message at play than just a romance. And I loved that about A Blind Spot for Boys.
I enjoyed how real the book felt. Justina Chen didn't sugar coat things. When Shana's dad first learns that he will lose his sight in 6 months, he does not take it well. In fact, he doesn't take it well for most of the book. This might sounds weird, but I really appreciated that. Not that I wanted him to be unhappy and take it out on his family, but come on! I know I wouldn't be all sunshine and roses if I found out something like that. I would be scared and grumpy and not pleasant. This book is about a different journey for each of the characters. It was a treat to see all of it. And Grace just stole my heart! I loved her!
A Blind Spot for boys is a powerful read. Shana is on the search for the kind of photos that will "crack your heart open" and that is really what this book is about. What will crack the hearts open of each of the characters. Plus it both made me yearn to go to Machu Picchu and at the same time, terrified to. It is such a beautiful place, and A Blind Spot for Boys was a beautiful story.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
A Blind Spot for Boys is so much more than just a cute young adult contemporary romance. It is about finding yourself, and experiencing new things, and family, and relationships and really so much more. There is also a really cute romance. :p I felt like I was discovering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu right along with all of the hikers in the story. The beauty in Justina Chen's book is the writing. It was elegant and detailed. The story flowed along beautifully and I could vividly picture all of the scenes, even feel the horror of the mudslide.
Shana and Quattro have each experienced too much sadness for people their age. Quattro has lost his mother and Shana's father is suddenly going blind. They are each on this journey, or dream walk hike to Machu Picchu for different reasons. Neither of them are looking for a relationship, and they ended up each finding each other, but for me that was secondary to the whole storyline. It really wasn't but I still felt like there was a bigger message at play than just a romance. And I loved that about A Blind Spot for Boys.
I enjoyed how real the book felt. Justina Chen didn't sugar coat things. When Shana's dad first learns that he will lose his sight in 6 months, he does not take it well. In fact, he doesn't take it well for most of the book. This might sounds weird, but I really appreciated that. Not that I wanted him to be unhappy and take it out on his family, but come on! I know I wouldn't be all sunshine and roses if I found out something like that. I would be scared and grumpy and not pleasant. This book is about a different journey for each of the characters. It was a treat to see all of it. And Grace just stole my heart! I loved her!
A Blind Spot for boys is a powerful read. Shana is on the search for the kind of photos that will "crack your heart open" and that is really what this book is about. What will crack the hearts open of each of the characters. Plus it both made me yearn to go to Machu Picchu and at the same time, terrified to. It is such a beautiful place, and A Blind Spot for Boys was a beautiful story.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
September 28, 2014
**Originally posted on Bookish Wanderlove**
Opening Lines
The Good
A Blind Spot for Boys first caught my eye about a month ago when Shane @ Itching for Books had it as her WoW pick. I instantly added it on Goodreads and than while browsing through upcoming blog tours IndieSage PR had it listed!! Talk about perfect timing :).
I haven't read anything by Justina Chen so I wasn't really sure how what to expect. This was my first time reading a book set in Machu Piccu. I'm not sure if there are many books out set in Peru but I was so interested in the setting that I actually did some googling to find out what Machu Piccu was really like. A Blind Spot for Boys started off really slow for me, I was a little that I wouldn't be able to get into the story but luckily it picks up a couple of chapters in when we find out about Shana's dad going blind.
Justina Chen did an excellent job at writing a story that would make you stop and think. While many might read this purely for romance there's so much more to this novel than that. It mostly focuses on both Shana and Quattro dealing with personal things and the overall outlook on life that you just really have no idea what the future holds. I'm not sure if it was suppose to be A Blind Spot for Boys just pulled so many different emotions from me!
Overall, A Blind Spot for Boys was beautifully written and a touching read! A perfect summer read that really makes you think about the way we live our lives. I can't wait to read more from Justina Chen in the future!
Opening Lines
"If you want to see the world with fresh eyes, haul yourself off to the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market. At least that's what Dad said twelve years ago when he brought me to the brick wall studded with spat-out, stretched-thin, and air-hardened wads of gum. Thousands of pieces. Hundreds of thousands."
The Good
A Blind Spot for Boys first caught my eye about a month ago when Shane @ Itching for Books had it as her WoW pick. I instantly added it on Goodreads and than while browsing through upcoming blog tours IndieSage PR had it listed!! Talk about perfect timing :).
I haven't read anything by Justina Chen so I wasn't really sure how what to expect. This was my first time reading a book set in Machu Piccu. I'm not sure if there are many books out set in Peru but I was so interested in the setting that I actually did some googling to find out what Machu Piccu was really like. A Blind Spot for Boys started off really slow for me, I was a little that I wouldn't be able to get into the story but luckily it picks up a couple of chapters in when we find out about Shana's dad going blind.
Justina Chen did an excellent job at writing a story that would make you stop and think. While many might read this purely for romance there's so much more to this novel than that. It mostly focuses on both Shana and Quattro dealing with personal things and the overall outlook on life that you just really have no idea what the future holds. I'm not sure if it was suppose to be A Blind Spot for Boys just pulled so many different emotions from me!
Overall, A Blind Spot for Boys was beautifully written and a touching read! A perfect summer read that really makes you think about the way we live our lives. I can't wait to read more from Justina Chen in the future!
January 7, 2017
My first book of the year; "A blind Spot For boys"-Justina Chen
I enjoyed most of this book, but there were a few parts that i found a little boring or not as intriguing.
About a month ago when I checked this book out, i remember it being a very long process (reading wise)-Even though there are a lot of visual, it wasn't very clear and it loss my interest and meaning. On the other hand, i enjoy the characters that were betrayed in the book, for ex. the main character, Shana Wilde, she's a photographer, that travels with her dad and they share hobbies and take photos together, as she find out her dad is dignosed with cancer the only man she can see in her life is her dad. She's always had a blind spot for boys, but when she took a photo of a guys in machu pichu, she realised a whole lot....fell in love with him.
i'm more than half way through the book but i reckon i'll end the book here and choose another one.
I enjoyed most of this book, but there were a few parts that i found a little boring or not as intriguing.
About a month ago when I checked this book out, i remember it being a very long process (reading wise)-Even though there are a lot of visual, it wasn't very clear and it loss my interest and meaning. On the other hand, i enjoy the characters that were betrayed in the book, for ex. the main character, Shana Wilde, she's a photographer, that travels with her dad and they share hobbies and take photos together, as she find out her dad is dignosed with cancer the only man she can see in her life is her dad. She's always had a blind spot for boys, but when she took a photo of a guys in machu pichu, she realised a whole lot....fell in love with him.
i'm more than half way through the book but i reckon i'll end the book here and choose another one.
August 6, 2016
OMG! OMG! OMG!
I WON, I WON, I WON, I WON!!!
I'M FREAKING OUT NOW!
AFTER READING:
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed most of this book, but there were a few parts that I found a little boring. I also for some reason did not like Grace's character that much. Everyone in the book loved her, but I would have been uncomfortable around her. Also, her reveal about her leg was just weirdly done.
I think that Shana and Quattro were cute together. I also liked Quattros reason for going on the Machu Pichu expedition. It was pretty sad.
Mostly though, I think it was fun and full of emotional scenes.
I WON, I WON, I WON, I WON!!!
I'M FREAKING OUT NOW!
AFTER READING:
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed most of this book, but there were a few parts that I found a little boring. I also for some reason did not like Grace's character that much. Everyone in the book loved her, but I would have been uncomfortable around her. Also, her reveal about her leg was just weirdly done.
I think that Shana and Quattro were cute together. I also liked Quattros reason for going on the Machu Pichu expedition. It was pretty sad.
Mostly though, I think it was fun and full of emotional scenes.
September 11, 2014
3.5 - 4 Crazy Stars!
This was great read. I laughed and cried. I just love how moving this book is. I'm usually not one for YA but I enjoyed reading this.
This was great read. I laughed and cried. I just love how moving this book is. I'm usually not one for YA but I enjoyed reading this.
October 24, 2018
A really good read I scored for $1 at Dollar Tree. Think you will enjoy it no matter what age you are.
September 3, 2014
Two-second recap:
In A Blind Spot for Boys, critically-acclaimed YA author Justina Chen introduces us to Shana, a teenaged girl who is forced to learn how to cope when her father reveals that he's losing his sight.
As Shana and her family work to help her father come to terms with his diagnosis, she also learns what it means to find beauty and hope, in the most unlikely of places.
***
Intro:
I've loved Justina Chen since the release of Nothing but the Truth [and a few white lies] (seven years ago!), and I've looked forward to the release of each of her books with the same type of enthuiasum that I normally reserve for JK Rowling or Rick Riordan.
When I heard about A Blind Spot for Boys, I totally knew that this was something that I wanted to read. Not only did the book have a unique-sounding premise, the fact that it was partially set in Machu Picchu - a place that I've wanted to visit - made me want to read it all the more.
Luckily for me, I was able to get an ARC from Little Brown!
***
Things that worked:
Characterizations:
I knew from page one that I would like Shana. She's beautiful and intelligent, but she's also a girl who marches to the beat of her own drummer. She likes finding quirky fashion, and enjoys photography - which can often be a solitary hobby.
Chen makes it clear fairly early on that even though Shana may appear to be nothing more than a pretty and talented face to many of those around her, this is a girl who should not be underestimated. This is also a girl with baggage, something that Chen disseminates nicely later on.
The Parental Factor:
If you've read any of my previous YA reviews, you'd know that I'm a big advocate for parents making appearances in YA literature.
Shana's parents play big roles in her life, from sharing her hobbies, to just being involved in her life. So it's pretty unsurprising that when her dad announces his diagnosis, Shana and her parents rally together like a unit, to help him adjust.
Even as news sinks in and Shan and her parents take off on their trip, Chen doesn't hesitate to show just how much of an impact Shana's parents on her life, for better or for worse. The trip shows Shana's parents - her father especially - in all of the blunt truth of his diagnosis and his relationship with Shana's mother - which is a powerful mechanism of growth and reflection for Shana.
The location factor:
As a writer, one of Chen's biggest strengths is her ability to relocate her characters to a new or foreign location, and have them learn/be motivated by the eureka moments that come naturally with travel.
Chen makes fine use of Machu Picchu, using every winding path, muddy trail and awe-inspiring location to motivate her characters to think, and to look beyond their own lives.
The romance factor:
One of the best things I like about Justina's books, is the fact that her characters never let themselves get overwhelmed by potential romantic interests.
Even though Shana clearly likes Quattro, she's cautious and approaches her interest with hesitation. She remembers what it was like to be in a relationship that wasn't healthy for her, and wants to make sure that she's not making the same mistake twice.
While I can't necessarily speak for all readers, I do think that educators, parents and young readers will appreciate Justina's approach toward depicting an abusive relationship, and Shana's self-awareness in not wanting to repeat that cycle - especially when she see is play out in another relationship.
This is a topic that isn't always discussed in YA, so I appreciate Justina's willingness to take it on, and to show how it's possible to move on from that point.
And finally…
The ending:
Without giving any spoilers away, Justina brings her characters back to where they started - their home.
However, they're not in despair or anguish over Shana's father's diagnosis anymore. There's a tacit understanding that even if their future isn't perfect, and will likely involve difficult, almost unimaginable challenges, Shana and her family will undergo these challenges together.
Growth and maturity has changed every member of the family, and theirs is a future that they will face as a team.
Things that didn't work/Things to consider:
My one minor issue with A Blind Spot for Boys, was the fact that many of Shana's encounters and subsequent lessons in Cusco, felt a little too broad and clichéd.
While Justina normally has a gift for writing about life's obstacles in a way where everything feels magical - see Terra's visit to China in North of Beautiful - Shana's time with her fellow hikers felt like Justina was checking off a mental checklist of quirky, but lovable characters that could help her protagonist become fully self-actualized.
There was the older woman who taught Shana not to shy away from always pursuing her goal; the handsome and rich couple who looked perfect, but whose subsequent falling out reminded Shana that the grass isn't always greener on the other size; and of course, the cute heroric boy who always happened to be there when needed.
While all of the lessons were undoubtedly valuable ones, I also didn't really feel like they had the sort of long-term impact that would truly impact Shana's outlook on life. I don't know. I think that if this had been any author other but Justina, I would have just accepted these life lessons for what they are.
But because it was Justina, I wanted more - as weird as that may sound.
***
Final verdict:
While I definitely think that Justina Chen could have dug deeper with Shana's overall character arc, I also think that A Blind Spot for Boys was overall, an enjoyable, thoughtful read on learning how to conquer personal fears and making the most of every moment that you have.
The book's intelligent decision to focus on family and the continued development of familial love, over the idea of potentially fleeting romance, is a factor that likely also make this book a god choice for educators and parents who are looking for strong female characters for their younger readers.
I highly recommend the book for fans of Justina's, but also for fans who are looking for a contemporary fiction book where the protagonist is genuinely interested in learning about herself, and growing physically and emotionally.
In A Blind Spot for Boys, critically-acclaimed YA author Justina Chen introduces us to Shana, a teenaged girl who is forced to learn how to cope when her father reveals that he's losing his sight.
As Shana and her family work to help her father come to terms with his diagnosis, she also learns what it means to find beauty and hope, in the most unlikely of places.
***
Intro:
I've loved Justina Chen since the release of Nothing but the Truth [and a few white lies] (seven years ago!), and I've looked forward to the release of each of her books with the same type of enthuiasum that I normally reserve for JK Rowling or Rick Riordan.
When I heard about A Blind Spot for Boys, I totally knew that this was something that I wanted to read. Not only did the book have a unique-sounding premise, the fact that it was partially set in Machu Picchu - a place that I've wanted to visit - made me want to read it all the more.
Luckily for me, I was able to get an ARC from Little Brown!
***
Things that worked:
Characterizations:
I knew from page one that I would like Shana. She's beautiful and intelligent, but she's also a girl who marches to the beat of her own drummer. She likes finding quirky fashion, and enjoys photography - which can often be a solitary hobby.
Chen makes it clear fairly early on that even though Shana may appear to be nothing more than a pretty and talented face to many of those around her, this is a girl who should not be underestimated. This is also a girl with baggage, something that Chen disseminates nicely later on.
The Parental Factor:
If you've read any of my previous YA reviews, you'd know that I'm a big advocate for parents making appearances in YA literature.
Shana's parents play big roles in her life, from sharing her hobbies, to just being involved in her life. So it's pretty unsurprising that when her dad announces his diagnosis, Shana and her parents rally together like a unit, to help him adjust.
Even as news sinks in and Shan and her parents take off on their trip, Chen doesn't hesitate to show just how much of an impact Shana's parents on her life, for better or for worse. The trip shows Shana's parents - her father especially - in all of the blunt truth of his diagnosis and his relationship with Shana's mother - which is a powerful mechanism of growth and reflection for Shana.
The location factor:
As a writer, one of Chen's biggest strengths is her ability to relocate her characters to a new or foreign location, and have them learn/be motivated by the eureka moments that come naturally with travel.
Chen makes fine use of Machu Picchu, using every winding path, muddy trail and awe-inspiring location to motivate her characters to think, and to look beyond their own lives.
The romance factor:
One of the best things I like about Justina's books, is the fact that her characters never let themselves get overwhelmed by potential romantic interests.
Even though Shana clearly likes Quattro, she's cautious and approaches her interest with hesitation. She remembers what it was like to be in a relationship that wasn't healthy for her, and wants to make sure that she's not making the same mistake twice.
While I can't necessarily speak for all readers, I do think that educators, parents and young readers will appreciate Justina's approach toward depicting an abusive relationship, and Shana's self-awareness in not wanting to repeat that cycle - especially when she see is play out in another relationship.
This is a topic that isn't always discussed in YA, so I appreciate Justina's willingness to take it on, and to show how it's possible to move on from that point.
And finally…
The ending:
Without giving any spoilers away, Justina brings her characters back to where they started - their home.
However, they're not in despair or anguish over Shana's father's diagnosis anymore. There's a tacit understanding that even if their future isn't perfect, and will likely involve difficult, almost unimaginable challenges, Shana and her family will undergo these challenges together.
Growth and maturity has changed every member of the family, and theirs is a future that they will face as a team.
Things that didn't work/Things to consider:
My one minor issue with A Blind Spot for Boys, was the fact that many of Shana's encounters and subsequent lessons in Cusco, felt a little too broad and clichéd.
While Justina normally has a gift for writing about life's obstacles in a way where everything feels magical - see Terra's visit to China in North of Beautiful - Shana's time with her fellow hikers felt like Justina was checking off a mental checklist of quirky, but lovable characters that could help her protagonist become fully self-actualized.
There was the older woman who taught Shana not to shy away from always pursuing her goal; the handsome and rich couple who looked perfect, but whose subsequent falling out reminded Shana that the grass isn't always greener on the other size; and of course, the cute heroric boy who always happened to be there when needed.
While all of the lessons were undoubtedly valuable ones, I also didn't really feel like they had the sort of long-term impact that would truly impact Shana's outlook on life. I don't know. I think that if this had been any author other but Justina, I would have just accepted these life lessons for what they are.
But because it was Justina, I wanted more - as weird as that may sound.
***
Final verdict:
While I definitely think that Justina Chen could have dug deeper with Shana's overall character arc, I also think that A Blind Spot for Boys was overall, an enjoyable, thoughtful read on learning how to conquer personal fears and making the most of every moment that you have.
The book's intelligent decision to focus on family and the continued development of familial love, over the idea of potentially fleeting romance, is a factor that likely also make this book a god choice for educators and parents who are looking for strong female characters for their younger readers.
I highly recommend the book for fans of Justina's, but also for fans who are looking for a contemporary fiction book where the protagonist is genuinely interested in learning about herself, and growing physically and emotionally.
January 9, 2018
Justina Chen paints depth and insight into every scene and every character in "A Blind Spot for Boys." She shows us a world many of us are blind to see, and she does it skillfully through the lens of her heroine's camera. In her characters we see kindness, moxie, and the virtue of finding value in everyone around us. The chemistry between Quatro and Shana sizzles, and their story is engaging and well executed. For me, Justina Chen could have deleted the entire thread of Shana's fashion blog and the story would have been stronger for it. However, it is not distracting enough not to read this book. I have a passion for Machu Picchu, and discovering it was their destination in the story came as such a lovely surprise. All in all, I have a deep place in my heart for this book about living your dreams, running toward adventure, falling in love, letting go, and finding your true self in the middle of it all.
Favorite quote:
"The difference between romance and relationship is the courage to meet every 'What's next?' with one answer: Who knows...but I'll be there with you."
~Justina Chen, Blind Spot Boys
Favorite quote:
"The difference between romance and relationship is the courage to meet every 'What's next?' with one answer: Who knows...but I'll be there with you."
~Justina Chen, Blind Spot Boys
May 13, 2020
As someone who's trekked and experienced first-hand how lifechanging it can be, I loved the premise of the book immensely. It turned out to be so much more nuanced than what the blurb promised, though. This is my third Justina Chen book and they always leave me with a fresh spark and excitement for life and long days of introspection.
Some of the themes I really enjoyed were the challenges Shana's parents' relationship went through in the face of his fading eyesight, her own growth and interactions with the people in the trekking group and her friendship with Ginny and Reb. I found myself not even caring if things would work out romantically or not within the pages of this book and if it was just left open ended.
Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys coming of age stories or a good YA. Now I am gonna go and try to not re-read North of Beautiful.
Some of the themes I really enjoyed were the challenges Shana's parents' relationship went through in the face of his fading eyesight, her own growth and interactions with the people in the trekking group and her friendship with Ginny and Reb. I found myself not even caring if things would work out romantically or not within the pages of this book and if it was just left open ended.
Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys coming of age stories or a good YA. Now I am gonna go and try to not re-read North of Beautiful.
February 25, 2020
Well, the trip to Machu Picchu was underwhelming, as I'd visited there in the 70's, and yes it was a wonderful adventure, but not cluttered with tourists, mudslides, a hot/cold romance or boring people. Could not like Shana or Quattro, and didn't find their budding teenage love very interesting or believable. Didn't care for the writing style or the characterizations.....and what's with the strange "reveal" scene of Grace's...awkward? I also had a problem that Shana had a relationship when she was 15 with a 22 year old guy, and yes he supposedly dumps her when he finds out her age, but what were her parents thoughts about this? I became so bored, that I very nearly didn't finish, but it's for a book club, so yeah.
February 7, 2021
Don't judge the book by it's cover! There is romance here, but a lot more; a father's diagnosis that will change a family, friendship, grief, relationship mistakes, photography, college choices, overcoming life's obstacles, ageism, etc. etc. I also loved this book because it brought back my own memories (thankfully no mudslides) of being in Machu Picchu... and made me want to go back! Great teen read.
June 21, 2017
Overall an engaging read. Shana was definitely a vivid, likable protagonista and Quattro a very worthy love interest. Grace and Stesha were inspiring. The "blind spot" motif was creatively interpreted in various ways, keeping it fresh but consistent.
March 26, 2024
Honestly I was hoping for better. The blurb grabbed my attention but then I just couldn't get into it. This is my first by Justina Chen and just because I didn't like this one doesn't mean I won't give her another try.
July 18, 2018
A book about realizing what really matters in your life, WHO really matters in your life, and not letting limitations stop you.
December 29, 2018
Book set in seattle and Peru about teenagers. Other issues include romance, death of a parent, poverty, catastrophe, school
November 26, 2021
4.5 stars. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Adventure, family, romance, it had it all
March 15, 2022
cliche, and enjoyable
February 8, 2015
Ugh. I am so totally and unequivocally disappointed by this. It was cliche and terrible and used far, faaaaaaaaar too many exclamation points. The characters felt tired, like they were put together just so one could say this book had "quirky characters." They lacked real meaning, and real individuality, there wasn't a single one that I hadn't read before. There was some kind of weird insta-love type feelings, even if they weren't acted upon necessarily… Compared to (my memory of) North of Beautiful this book is utterly terrible. I wasn't charmed, I wasn't interested, I had to suspend my disbelief and the only reason I finished it is because I've made a pledge to read a book a weekend this year and didn't have time to start, finish, and review another one. Unfortunately, for me personally, this book was very, very, VERY bad.
Shana is on a boy-motoriom, she is not seeing any guys or flirting or anything. But then she meets this guy. And then she and said guy end up on the same trip to Macchu Pichu and… I feel really bad being so hard on this book but really, not good…
SPOILERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS DISCUSSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The writing was so atrociously juvenile. The only time I thought that words were used correctly was the singular use of the f-word, that was very good. The rest of it, with the exclamation points and overused cliches was just really, really bad. Books like this really make me thankful for all of the well-written, meaningful contemporary books that are out there.
Also, this whole "reputation" that she has with being this heartbreaker… we've heard a lot about it, but it's really never been illustrated to us in any meaningful way. She had her heart broken and she then went through a string of hook-ups, cliche, obviously, but also not even written or presented well. None of it felt real to me. At all.
And then the whole mudslide thing… It just felt really unrealistic and totally inauthentic. And then the kind of "lessons" they were trying to preach were just terrible. It was very, very juvenile and seemed like it was trying to achieve this, like, big and important moment that it just couldn't.
And I was so excited about this book, too. I loved North of Beautiful and it was a travel book, with Machhu Pichu which is a place I'm fascinated by in a Spanish speaking country (which is irrelevant except for the fact that if the book ever actually had characters speaking a little in Spanish [which would be reasonable and add even a fraction of a much needed dose of authenticity) I would understand that they're saying.) It just sounded so intriguing and like it would be good and then it was just so terrible and so disappointing…
And Grace was cool, obviously, but it was obvious that was the object. I wasn't allowed to fall in love with Grace of my own accord, as the reader, but I was forced into it by being bombarded with images of her quirkiness and how Shana learned so much from her.
UUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Something that is really indicative of my feelings towards this book is that I was so, SO tempted not to finish it. I can't think of a book that I've started and in which I've read more than ten pages in the past two years that I then stopped. I was very, very close to doing that with this book. Closer than I've been in a very long time.
Her best friends had no airtime, what made them her best friends? The absolute fear of an impending illness or disability was glossed over to make it fit with the story line that had already been established…
And the whole movie making thing and all that… just felt so absurd and so unrealistic and I honestly could not stand it.
I honestly don't have much more to say, the overall impression that the book gave me is really all that's in any way memorable about it, so I don't really want to discuss little points as I usually love to. This book was inauthentic, preachy, unrealistic, poorly written, juvenile, and just plain old bad. I do not, under any circumstances, recommend it.
FFFFFFFFFFFIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ridiculously bad: 64%
Shana is on a boy-motoriom, she is not seeing any guys or flirting or anything. But then she meets this guy. And then she and said guy end up on the same trip to Macchu Pichu and… I feel really bad being so hard on this book but really, not good…
SPOILERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS DISCUSSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The writing was so atrociously juvenile. The only time I thought that words were used correctly was the singular use of the f-word, that was very good. The rest of it, with the exclamation points and overused cliches was just really, really bad. Books like this really make me thankful for all of the well-written, meaningful contemporary books that are out there.
Also, this whole "reputation" that she has with being this heartbreaker… we've heard a lot about it, but it's really never been illustrated to us in any meaningful way. She had her heart broken and she then went through a string of hook-ups, cliche, obviously, but also not even written or presented well. None of it felt real to me. At all.
And then the whole mudslide thing… It just felt really unrealistic and totally inauthentic. And then the kind of "lessons" they were trying to preach were just terrible. It was very, very juvenile and seemed like it was trying to achieve this, like, big and important moment that it just couldn't.
And I was so excited about this book, too. I loved North of Beautiful and it was a travel book, with Machhu Pichu which is a place I'm fascinated by in a Spanish speaking country (which is irrelevant except for the fact that if the book ever actually had characters speaking a little in Spanish [which would be reasonable and add even a fraction of a much needed dose of authenticity) I would understand that they're saying.) It just sounded so intriguing and like it would be good and then it was just so terrible and so disappointing…
And Grace was cool, obviously, but it was obvious that was the object. I wasn't allowed to fall in love with Grace of my own accord, as the reader, but I was forced into it by being bombarded with images of her quirkiness and how Shana learned so much from her.
UUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Something that is really indicative of my feelings towards this book is that I was so, SO tempted not to finish it. I can't think of a book that I've started and in which I've read more than ten pages in the past two years that I then stopped. I was very, very close to doing that with this book. Closer than I've been in a very long time.
Her best friends had no airtime, what made them her best friends? The absolute fear of an impending illness or disability was glossed over to make it fit with the story line that had already been established…
And the whole movie making thing and all that… just felt so absurd and so unrealistic and I honestly could not stand it.
I honestly don't have much more to say, the overall impression that the book gave me is really all that's in any way memorable about it, so I don't really want to discuss little points as I usually love to. This book was inauthentic, preachy, unrealistic, poorly written, juvenile, and just plain old bad. I do not, under any circumstances, recommend it.
FFFFFFFFFFFIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ridiculously bad: 64%
October 16, 2016
I just love her books I always learn so many new things.
September 29, 2014
This story centers around Shana, who is a junior in high school. She has given up boys for the time being after a break-up that strained her relationship with one of her brothers. She does meet a boy, Quattro, by accident, but vows to just be friends with him. (He just so happens to be on a break from girls!) In the meantime, her father is given a devastating diagnosis. Her dad has about six months left until he will be completely blind. Her parents have put off some important adventures due to life getting in the way, but her parents decide to take a major trip with each of their kids before Shana's father loses his sight. The book tells the story of Shana's trip with her parents to Machu Picchu.
The trip is not going the way that anyone in her family expected. Shana's parents seem to have a strained relationship for the first time. Shana's mom is being protective of her husband, who does not want to be handled with kid gloves. He has to deal with the anger he has over his diagnosis. Shana is also blindsided by the fact that she runs into Quattro on the trip. He is there with his father with another tour group, but they run into each other quite a bit. Quattro is dealing with a different loss himself. Something very tragic happens on the trip and it brings some people together and rips other people apart. Shana learns to use her love of photography for two very important projects that will help bring some of the people that she cares about together.
Even though the main character of this book is a teenager, I think this book could be enjoyed by anyone. There are so many great lessons to learn from this book. Probably lesson that spoke to me the most was to cherish everyday. In the case of Shana's father, his lesson was cherishing every experience that he had left to see with his own eyes. Shana had to learn to appreciate her father in a whole new way and the relationship her parents have. I'm not ashamed to admit my eyes got a little misty near the end when Shana showed them a video she made for her father's birthday. She also learns to appreciate the sacrifices her father has made not just for her, but his own brothers and sisters. Some people had a hard time accepting that. Shana also learns many things about herself. She learns some of the reasons her relationship ended so horribly wrong with her last boyfriend. Everyone that went on the trip to Machu Picchu had a some kind of self discovery. Quattro learns that everything happens for a reason and sometimes you have to be patient. This really was a beautiful story and did not feel like a young adult novel at all. Like I mentioned before, anyone can relate to this book and learn something from it!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review*
The trip is not going the way that anyone in her family expected. Shana's parents seem to have a strained relationship for the first time. Shana's mom is being protective of her husband, who does not want to be handled with kid gloves. He has to deal with the anger he has over his diagnosis. Shana is also blindsided by the fact that she runs into Quattro on the trip. He is there with his father with another tour group, but they run into each other quite a bit. Quattro is dealing with a different loss himself. Something very tragic happens on the trip and it brings some people together and rips other people apart. Shana learns to use her love of photography for two very important projects that will help bring some of the people that she cares about together.
Even though the main character of this book is a teenager, I think this book could be enjoyed by anyone. There are so many great lessons to learn from this book. Probably lesson that spoke to me the most was to cherish everyday. In the case of Shana's father, his lesson was cherishing every experience that he had left to see with his own eyes. Shana had to learn to appreciate her father in a whole new way and the relationship her parents have. I'm not ashamed to admit my eyes got a little misty near the end when Shana showed them a video she made for her father's birthday. She also learns to appreciate the sacrifices her father has made not just for her, but his own brothers and sisters. Some people had a hard time accepting that. Shana also learns many things about herself. She learns some of the reasons her relationship ended so horribly wrong with her last boyfriend. Everyone that went on the trip to Machu Picchu had a some kind of self discovery. Quattro learns that everything happens for a reason and sometimes you have to be patient. This really was a beautiful story and did not feel like a young adult novel at all. Like I mentioned before, anyone can relate to this book and learn something from it!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review*
September 24, 2014
❦❦❦❦- 4 Floral Hearts!
We've Fallen and There's No Going Back!
http://loveineverypage.weebly.com/ya-...
THE STORY:
Shana had her heart broken by her now ex-boyfriend Dom and she's been catching and releasing guys since, leaving behind a line of broken hearts. Now she's sworn off boys and started her Boy Moratorium. When she meets Quattro, she begins to rethink her ban on boys, but when she learns that her father is going blind, she re-enforces her resolve so she can focus on her family. A trip to Machu Picchu to give her father one last grand photo safari together before he loses his sight, unexpectedly brings Shana and Quattro back together. But each has their own journey and the road to each other is paved with heartbreak, loss, acceptance, and love.
THE COUPLE:
Shana and Quattro met at the Gum Wall where she was waiting for the perfect moment to make her photo, and Quattro almost ran her over with his bike. Although Shana was hesitant to have any kind of relationship with Quattro, a friendship quickly forms between them. But when she starts feeling a little more than friendship for him, she ignores him. She had to stick to her Boy Moratorium, and besides, Quattro was on a Girl Moratorium, so nothing could happen between them anyway. Their respective trips to Machu Picchu draw them back together, though, and the journey begins. What I really liked was that although they tried to remain friends, the feelings that grow while they get to know each other on the hike won't allow it. They fight it, trying to protect themselves, but there are moments when their resistance just crumbles.
THE ROMANCE:
A Blind Spot for Boys mostly focuses on each of their journeys on the hike to Machu Picchu, so there isn't a lot of romance. But like I said earlier, there are those moments where their feelings are just too big to ignore. Each of them has a reason for making the hike - Shana is trying to get over her heartbreak over Dom and cope with her father's coming blindness, and Quattro is still grieving his mother's death and the guilt he feels. I also really like how it wasn't just Shana and Quattro's love story. We see the relationships between Shana's parents, the Gamers, the love Grace had for her husband, etc. I also really liked Shana's mother's belief in sine qua non - that every lasting relationship has one thing that is essential, otherwise it will fall apart. So this book was more about the journey, and sometimes that's the most important thing in the moment. I would really love it if there were a sequel. I think it'd be really great to read about Shana and Quattro now that they are home, or even another journey they could go on.
We've Fallen and There's No Going Back!
http://loveineverypage.weebly.com/ya-...
THE STORY:
Shana had her heart broken by her now ex-boyfriend Dom and she's been catching and releasing guys since, leaving behind a line of broken hearts. Now she's sworn off boys and started her Boy Moratorium. When she meets Quattro, she begins to rethink her ban on boys, but when she learns that her father is going blind, she re-enforces her resolve so she can focus on her family. A trip to Machu Picchu to give her father one last grand photo safari together before he loses his sight, unexpectedly brings Shana and Quattro back together. But each has their own journey and the road to each other is paved with heartbreak, loss, acceptance, and love.
THE COUPLE:
Shana and Quattro met at the Gum Wall where she was waiting for the perfect moment to make her photo, and Quattro almost ran her over with his bike. Although Shana was hesitant to have any kind of relationship with Quattro, a friendship quickly forms between them. But when she starts feeling a little more than friendship for him, she ignores him. She had to stick to her Boy Moratorium, and besides, Quattro was on a Girl Moratorium, so nothing could happen between them anyway. Their respective trips to Machu Picchu draw them back together, though, and the journey begins. What I really liked was that although they tried to remain friends, the feelings that grow while they get to know each other on the hike won't allow it. They fight it, trying to protect themselves, but there are moments when their resistance just crumbles.
THE ROMANCE:
A Blind Spot for Boys mostly focuses on each of their journeys on the hike to Machu Picchu, so there isn't a lot of romance. But like I said earlier, there are those moments where their feelings are just too big to ignore. Each of them has a reason for making the hike - Shana is trying to get over her heartbreak over Dom and cope with her father's coming blindness, and Quattro is still grieving his mother's death and the guilt he feels. I also really like how it wasn't just Shana and Quattro's love story. We see the relationships between Shana's parents, the Gamers, the love Grace had for her husband, etc. I also really liked Shana's mother's belief in sine qua non - that every lasting relationship has one thing that is essential, otherwise it will fall apart. So this book was more about the journey, and sometimes that's the most important thing in the moment. I would really love it if there were a sequel. I think it'd be really great to read about Shana and Quattro now that they are home, or even another journey they could go on.
September 26, 2014
Join us for the Blog Tour, eARC Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway: Blind Spot For Boys by Justina Chen
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
The main reason why I wanted to read Blind Spot for Boys was because Justina Chen set part of it in a place that's on my bucket list: Machu Picchu.
Troubled rich kid meets troubled poor kid and a love interest blossoms. They're trying to fight it, but somehow the feelings bubble through. What happens next? While the story may have gone all Pretty in Pink, I am infinitely glad that it didn't. Of course there's a happy ending (it's a romance, after all) but how they got to it makes this interesting. As something Stesha could say, it's the journey that makes it an adventure.
Shana thinks she has it all figured out: her college course, boys, life in general. That is, until her father makes some mistakes at work that lead to him finding out he's turning blind. Then her perfect parents turn on one another and her whole world goes awry. Add to that her secret of the boy who dumped her and she's completely, totally lost.
On her wandering so to build up her portfolio, she almost gets flattened by a most interesting looking guy. Quattro. Not only does he look interesting but he himself is interesting, too. And, pretty much perfect. A semi-date leads to her blocking him out, afraid of what might happen again.
Machu Picchu suddenly looms in the distance and Shana finds herself on a trail with a motley crew of people, her parents, and surprisingly, Quattro with his father. The challenges of the terrain and the trail itself peel away layers and reveals who is truly who on the inside.
While Ms Chen may not have trekked Machu Pichu personally, she definitely translated the feelings hikers have very accurately. There's no better way to know what a person is truly like except when they're tired, dirty, and still have a ways to go on challenging terrain before being able to rest. And that's also the best way to turn friends into family. Very few things would be off-limits after experiences like this!
I like that while it's inspiring with its ideals and positivity, there is no trace of simperingly sweet sermons designed to mold young readers into better persons. It's simply a story of one of the toughest times in a person's life, that cusp of turning into an adult from an almost independent teen.
A Blind Spot for Boys should be on a must-read list of books. While Justina Chen may have disguised this as a light summer romp (did she? I wonder?) there are lessons planted here that are tiny seeds waiting to take root later on.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
The main reason why I wanted to read Blind Spot for Boys was because Justina Chen set part of it in a place that's on my bucket list: Machu Picchu.
Troubled rich kid meets troubled poor kid and a love interest blossoms. They're trying to fight it, but somehow the feelings bubble through. What happens next? While the story may have gone all Pretty in Pink, I am infinitely glad that it didn't. Of course there's a happy ending (it's a romance, after all) but how they got to it makes this interesting. As something Stesha could say, it's the journey that makes it an adventure.
Shana thinks she has it all figured out: her college course, boys, life in general. That is, until her father makes some mistakes at work that lead to him finding out he's turning blind. Then her perfect parents turn on one another and her whole world goes awry. Add to that her secret of the boy who dumped her and she's completely, totally lost.
On her wandering so to build up her portfolio, she almost gets flattened by a most interesting looking guy. Quattro. Not only does he look interesting but he himself is interesting, too. And, pretty much perfect. A semi-date leads to her blocking him out, afraid of what might happen again.
Machu Picchu suddenly looms in the distance and Shana finds herself on a trail with a motley crew of people, her parents, and surprisingly, Quattro with his father. The challenges of the terrain and the trail itself peel away layers and reveals who is truly who on the inside.
While Ms Chen may not have trekked Machu Pichu personally, she definitely translated the feelings hikers have very accurately. There's no better way to know what a person is truly like except when they're tired, dirty, and still have a ways to go on challenging terrain before being able to rest. And that's also the best way to turn friends into family. Very few things would be off-limits after experiences like this!
I like that while it's inspiring with its ideals and positivity, there is no trace of simperingly sweet sermons designed to mold young readers into better persons. It's simply a story of one of the toughest times in a person's life, that cusp of turning into an adult from an almost independent teen.
A Blind Spot for Boys should be on a must-read list of books. While Justina Chen may have disguised this as a light summer romp (did she? I wonder?) there are lessons planted here that are tiny seeds waiting to take root later on.
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