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Everything Changes
Seventeen-year-old Raven Walker has never had a boyfriend. She’s never really been interested in boys. But she was always too afraid to examine what that might mean. Until she meets Morgan O’Shea and finds herself inexplicably drawn to her.
As their friendship develops, Raven is forced to face the possibility that her interest in Morgan might actually be attraction and that she might be gay.
Acknowledging the possibility opens Raven’s world to the excitement of her first romance, but it also leaves her struggling to come to terms with her sexuality and the impact it will have on her relationships with her family and friends.
As their friendship develops, Raven is forced to face the possibility that her interest in Morgan might actually be attraction and that she might be gay.
Acknowledging the possibility opens Raven’s world to the excitement of her first romance, but it also leaves her struggling to come to terms with her sexuality and the impact it will have on her relationships with her family and friends.
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2014
10 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Hale
85 books9 followersGrowing up in a small town in Southern Ontario, Samantha Hale was an avid reader who fell in love with the written word in all its forms. She was fascinated with the way a book could take her away to another world and began writing herself, finding that she loved creating her own worlds just as much as she loved reading about the ones in her favorite novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 15, 2014
This was a really sweet and poignant read. A book that I read in a really short space of time and just read from beginning to end, mostly with a slightly charming, sweet smile on my face. (Honest!)
Seventeen-year-old Raven Walker has never had a boyfriend. She’s never really been interested in boys. But she was always too afraid to examine what that might mean. Until she meets Morgan O’Shea and finds herself inexplicably drawn to her.
Raven has been under soooooo much pressure from her friends at school about dating boys, she's been on dates but nothing ever really clicked for her and her friends are all applying a fair bit of pressure. She's still trying to figure out why and what might be going on for her internally. She just knows it's not her "thing".
Through mutual friendship Raven meets Morgan who is very open about being a lesbian from first conversation. Essentially Raven starts to feel all sorts of confusing emotions that eventually has her starting to think about what it means for her, something she has been avoiding looking at for quite some time.
The book beautifully tackles the issues of fear of coming out to family and friends, my heart was feeling it for Raven as she battled not only with accepting things herself but getting to a place of feeling that others may still accept her for who she is.
We go on the journey with Raven as she begins to understand and accept who she is deep down inside. It's a really lovely book with some poignant moments in it, it's romance without being all gushy and over the top, it's balanced and has a meaningful message in the pages.
I found the characters of Raven and Morgan to be really well done, I liked the way Morgan stood up for herself at times and who she was whilst at the same time being caring and patient.
Will Raven be able to process what she is feeling and who she is? What about her family and friends? Will she give in to pressure to conform to be what others expect her to be? Dear readers, you will have to read to find out where the book goes and if indeed it has a sad or happy ending.
This was a really nice book with a story to tell, well written, easy to read and like I said I smiled a lot reading it. A lovely book.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Raven Walker has never had a boyfriend. She’s never really been interested in boys. But she was always too afraid to examine what that might mean. Until she meets Morgan O’Shea and finds herself inexplicably drawn to her.
Raven has been under soooooo much pressure from her friends at school about dating boys, she's been on dates but nothing ever really clicked for her and her friends are all applying a fair bit of pressure. She's still trying to figure out why and what might be going on for her internally. She just knows it's not her "thing".
Through mutual friendship Raven meets Morgan who is very open about being a lesbian from first conversation. Essentially Raven starts to feel all sorts of confusing emotions that eventually has her starting to think about what it means for her, something she has been avoiding looking at for quite some time.
The book beautifully tackles the issues of fear of coming out to family and friends, my heart was feeling it for Raven as she battled not only with accepting things herself but getting to a place of feeling that others may still accept her for who she is.
We go on the journey with Raven as she begins to understand and accept who she is deep down inside. It's a really lovely book with some poignant moments in it, it's romance without being all gushy and over the top, it's balanced and has a meaningful message in the pages.
I found the characters of Raven and Morgan to be really well done, I liked the way Morgan stood up for herself at times and who she was whilst at the same time being caring and patient.
Will Raven be able to process what she is feeling and who she is? What about her family and friends? Will she give in to pressure to conform to be what others expect her to be? Dear readers, you will have to read to find out where the book goes and if indeed it has a sad or happy ending.
This was a really nice book with a story to tell, well written, easy to read and like I said I smiled a lot reading it. A lovely book.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2020
3.5 stars
This was a sweet coming of age romance. It was a quick read due to the young audience it’s targeted for.
I would like to think that my teenage self would have enjoyed this more than I did as an adult. Ive gotten over my own teenage drama and do not enjoy revisiting it. I’m not sure when coming out stories lost their appeal for me, but somewhere along the way I stopped liking them. Perhaps it reminds me of my own. Perhaps it brings back sour memories. Or perhaps I simply enjoy adult novels now.
Regardless of my own opinion on the story itself, the writing was fairly well done and the characters believable. The romance was sweet, although G-rated. All in all, I would happily pick up another one of Hales novels in the future.
This was a sweet coming of age romance. It was a quick read due to the young audience it’s targeted for.
I would like to think that my teenage self would have enjoyed this more than I did as an adult. Ive gotten over my own teenage drama and do not enjoy revisiting it. I’m not sure when coming out stories lost their appeal for me, but somewhere along the way I stopped liking them. Perhaps it reminds me of my own. Perhaps it brings back sour memories. Or perhaps I simply enjoy adult novels now.
Regardless of my own opinion on the story itself, the writing was fairly well done and the characters believable. The romance was sweet, although G-rated. All in all, I would happily pick up another one of Hales novels in the future.
November 3, 2014
I wonder if I'm too old for YA/NA books, because Everything Changes really rubbed me the wrong way.
*SPOILERS*
Long story short: I wouldn’t recommend this book. Especially for you, who is gay and is trying to find your voice. Raven was under pressure when she came out of the closet. She did it for Morgan, not for herself. Morgan didn’t want to be a closet case, great, kudos to her, but it wasn’t fair to demand a kind of support that Raven wasn’t ready to give. This unbalanced dynamic in their relationship ruined the whole story for me.
*ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.*
*SPOILERS*
Long story short: I wouldn’t recommend this book. Especially for you, who is gay and is trying to find your voice. Raven was under pressure when she came out of the closet. She did it for Morgan, not for herself. Morgan didn’t want to be a closet case, great, kudos to her, but it wasn’t fair to demand a kind of support that Raven wasn’t ready to give. This unbalanced dynamic in their relationship ruined the whole story for me.
*ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.*
March 18, 2020
It had been a while since I've read a YA book.
The story was great even if a little too short.
The story was great even if a little too short.
August 28, 2014
*I was provided a free download of Everything Changes by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for affording me this opportunity.*
The last few years has seen an increase in Young Adult offerings in Lesbian literature. Well, if not an increase in offerings, there's definitely been an increase in visibility. So much so, that the Golden Crown Literary society, for one, added a Young Adult category to the awards handed out each year. Is this increase in visibility due to a change in politics? A change in societal attitudes? An increase in the number of Millennials entering the writing world? Honestly, I don't know. But I am very happy with the added visibility....regardless of the reason.
Samantha Hale has added her name to the growing list of young adult authors in lesbian literature quite admirably. Everything Changes is a well-written, nicely-edited coming of age/coming out story. While it's not ground-breaking and unique in its subject matter, it's still so important for these stories to be published. Teenagers and young adults need to have these stories to relate to; they need them to know that they are not alone in this world.
The characters in Everything Changes are quite believable. While significantly past my teenage years, I can still remember those feelings of confusion. (I wish I had figured it out as early on in life as Raven did.) I remember "going through the motions" to make sure that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing - drooling over boys, dating boys, wanting to make out with boys. But deep down, I didn't want to do all of those things. Fortunately for Raven, she meets someone who is able to make her examine herself and her feelings. She is able to face those feelings and finally admit to herself who she really is. Unfortunately for Raven - like it is for many young people - she also had to admit to others who she really is. There's the rub. Will she lose her family and friends?
The biggest drawback to Everything Changes is the length. The eBook version I was provided by NetGalley and BSB is only 140 pages - 13 pages of which consist of the title page, acknowledgments, etc. So, while it made for a quick read, it also left me wanting more. I believe Hale could have gone deeper into Raven's story. She hit all of the right issues and emotions, but I think she could have spent more time on those issues and emotions. The situations were realistic, but they seemed a bit simplified. I just didn't get the feeling I was reading the whole story. This should really be taken as a compliment - it's a good thing that I wanted more!
All-in-all, Everything Changes is a good read. It's honest and it's relatable. Should Hale wish to write a follow-up about Raven and Morgan, I'd certainly read it.
Seventeen-year-old Raven Walker has never had a boyfriend. She’s never really been interested in boys. But she was always too afraid to examine what that might mean. Until she meets Morgan O’Shea and finds herself inexplicably drawn to her.
As their friendship develops, Raven is forced to face the possibility that her interest in Morgan might actually be attraction and that she might be gay.
Acknowledging the possibility opens Raven’s world to the excitement of her first romance, but it also leaves her struggling to come to terms with her sexuality and the impact it will have on her relationships with her family and friends.
The last few years has seen an increase in Young Adult offerings in Lesbian literature. Well, if not an increase in offerings, there's definitely been an increase in visibility. So much so, that the Golden Crown Literary society, for one, added a Young Adult category to the awards handed out each year. Is this increase in visibility due to a change in politics? A change in societal attitudes? An increase in the number of Millennials entering the writing world? Honestly, I don't know. But I am very happy with the added visibility....regardless of the reason.
Samantha Hale has added her name to the growing list of young adult authors in lesbian literature quite admirably. Everything Changes is a well-written, nicely-edited coming of age/coming out story. While it's not ground-breaking and unique in its subject matter, it's still so important for these stories to be published. Teenagers and young adults need to have these stories to relate to; they need them to know that they are not alone in this world.
The characters in Everything Changes are quite believable. While significantly past my teenage years, I can still remember those feelings of confusion. (I wish I had figured it out as early on in life as Raven did.) I remember "going through the motions" to make sure that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing - drooling over boys, dating boys, wanting to make out with boys. But deep down, I didn't want to do all of those things. Fortunately for Raven, she meets someone who is able to make her examine herself and her feelings. She is able to face those feelings and finally admit to herself who she really is. Unfortunately for Raven - like it is for many young people - she also had to admit to others who she really is. There's the rub. Will she lose her family and friends?
The biggest drawback to Everything Changes is the length. The eBook version I was provided by NetGalley and BSB is only 140 pages - 13 pages of which consist of the title page, acknowledgments, etc. So, while it made for a quick read, it also left me wanting more. I believe Hale could have gone deeper into Raven's story. She hit all of the right issues and emotions, but I think she could have spent more time on those issues and emotions. The situations were realistic, but they seemed a bit simplified. I just didn't get the feeling I was reading the whole story. This should really be taken as a compliment - it's a good thing that I wanted more!
All-in-all, Everything Changes is a good read. It's honest and it's relatable. Should Hale wish to write a follow-up about Raven and Morgan, I'd certainly read it.
September 14, 2014
This novella was more than a delight and caused a lot of fun memories about my days in high school. What I personally missed was having really good friends as my family moved between my sophomore and junior year. That makes it ever so satisfying to see long-term friends be so congenial and sensitive to each other's needs. It didn’t take me long to pick up on the threads of the underlying tension that the key character, Raven, was experiencing. I definitely recommend this for all ages, but teenagers might really find it eye-opening. Enjoyably heart-warming!
Raven is in high school and she has some really fine, long-term friends. However, she cannot quite empathize with them when they tell her how all giggly and weak-kneed they get about their current boyfriends. Quite by accident at a lonely hearts Valentine's party, Raven meets Morgan. Raven is failing art history. Morgan is an art major and offers to help her crash study the weekend before her exam. This entire chance encounter brings Raven's deepest feelings and questions about herself front and center. It was amazing to experience everything that Raven faces, feels, and fidgets over. Everything changes!
Morgan ends up at the Valentines dinner, because she broke up with her girlfriend before her school year started, isn't ready to start dating again, and knows Raven's best friend's older sister who is cooking the dinner. After a bit of a squeamish intro to Raven, Morgan's feathers get unruffled enough to offer to tutor Raven the following weekend before her midterm exam in art history. Such an adorably delightful yet simply perfectly constructed monumental encounter. I smiled from ear to ear. Morgan is just amazing. Fantabulous!
Every teenager facing Raven's questions and concerns should get to meet someone like Morgan. I adored her and for me, she is the magic that positively makes this story extraordinarily touching. Sweetness personified!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Raven is in high school and she has some really fine, long-term friends. However, she cannot quite empathize with them when they tell her how all giggly and weak-kneed they get about their current boyfriends. Quite by accident at a lonely hearts Valentine's party, Raven meets Morgan. Raven is failing art history. Morgan is an art major and offers to help her crash study the weekend before her exam. This entire chance encounter brings Raven's deepest feelings and questions about herself front and center. It was amazing to experience everything that Raven faces, feels, and fidgets over. Everything changes!
Morgan ends up at the Valentines dinner, because she broke up with her girlfriend before her school year started, isn't ready to start dating again, and knows Raven's best friend's older sister who is cooking the dinner. After a bit of a squeamish intro to Raven, Morgan's feathers get unruffled enough to offer to tutor Raven the following weekend before her midterm exam in art history. Such an adorably delightful yet simply perfectly constructed monumental encounter. I smiled from ear to ear. Morgan is just amazing. Fantabulous!
Every teenager facing Raven's questions and concerns should get to meet someone like Morgan. I adored her and for me, she is the magic that positively makes this story extraordinarily touching. Sweetness personified!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 2, 2019
Coming out story of a 17 year old. I came out much later in life and still had my struggles. Well done, I did feel the main character was pushed a bit to come out by the girlfriend, but ultimately we all need something to push us out of the closet.
February 6, 2019
Awkward and bland and a bit awful actually. But it was kind of sweet, and exactly what I was expecting. A generous three.
February 5, 2020
Short and sweet
November 21, 2020
Was enjoyable but the ending was a tad abrupt I thought. 3.5 stars
August 28, 2014
Raven is your average seventeen year old. She's gone on dates, she hangs out with her friends, but she's never enjoyed those dates, and she's always felt slightly different from her friends. She never knew why she couldn't connect with any guys. She thought it was because she grew up with them, watching them eat paste in kindergarten and grow through puberty. That is, until she meets Morgan. Just one look at Morgan and Raven is entranced. What does this mean for Raven though. Is she gay? Is it just some weird draw to Morgan because Morgan IS gay and Raven's never met a gay person before? What if Raven is in fact gay, what does she do? What will her parents think? What will her friends think? Will they still want to be her friend?
This was a very sweet and light read. Sure it revolves around a 17 years old but for the content that is inside the book, Raven could've been 13. There is no swearing, no hanky panky, and nothing inappropriate taking place in the book. It was very wholesome of a story. So this is actually a great story for all ages, both young teen and adult.
I did feel like the story was a bit robotic at times. Like it was just a catalog of events instead of a story. We would go from one event with Raven hanging out with Morgan to Raven hanging out with her friends with no real story between events. It just didn't flow well for me. Which in the end kept me from fully getting into the story.
In the end though, this is a good story. The author didn't add unnecessary drama or crazy plot twists. She kept it clean, simple and very realistic. She also left things kind of open because not everything is resolved in the end. However, there is hope of things will get better. I liked that the author didn't just write that everyone accepted Raven's sexuality *YAY* the end. Because the truth is, not everyone is okay with things/people that are different from them. So I liked that even though these people knew Raven her whole life, they struggled with her sexuality. Like being gay changed who she was.
Favorite quote...
"It hadn't been the most enthusiastic of acceptance. While she was grateful Chloe hadn't freaked out or taken off, she couldn't help but think that a true friend wouldn't have to make an effort to be her friend. She wouldn't have to try not to treat her differently, or not feel awkward around her. This one piece of information shouldn't affect a decade of friendship.
Except it did."
This was a very sweet and light read. Sure it revolves around a 17 years old but for the content that is inside the book, Raven could've been 13. There is no swearing, no hanky panky, and nothing inappropriate taking place in the book. It was very wholesome of a story. So this is actually a great story for all ages, both young teen and adult.
I did feel like the story was a bit robotic at times. Like it was just a catalog of events instead of a story. We would go from one event with Raven hanging out with Morgan to Raven hanging out with her friends with no real story between events. It just didn't flow well for me. Which in the end kept me from fully getting into the story.
In the end though, this is a good story. The author didn't add unnecessary drama or crazy plot twists. She kept it clean, simple and very realistic. She also left things kind of open because not everything is resolved in the end. However, there is hope of things will get better. I liked that the author didn't just write that everyone accepted Raven's sexuality *YAY* the end. Because the truth is, not everyone is okay with things/people that are different from them. So I liked that even though these people knew Raven her whole life, they struggled with her sexuality. Like being gay changed who she was.
Favorite quote...
"It hadn't been the most enthusiastic of acceptance. While she was grateful Chloe hadn't freaked out or taken off, she couldn't help but think that a true friend wouldn't have to make an effort to be her friend. She wouldn't have to try not to treat her differently, or not feel awkward around her. This one piece of information shouldn't affect a decade of friendship.
Except it did."
August 1, 2014
This was a good, clean, and cute lesbian novel which I would definitely recommend for a younger audience (hence YA).
The MC, Raven, is very likable and Hale does a good job of writing her in the third person. I prefer to read first person novels about coming out because I feel I connect more and the emotions are better expressed. But Hale manages to get things in that no other authors, from my experience anyway, have touched upon; mainly about how Raven can be touching one of her best friends, who is a girl, and realizing there is a difference between touching a friend and someone you have a crush on after stressing about it. This was one of my favorites parts and I have to acknowledge that it is FINALLY being recognized. This is something a lot of questioning girls think about and fear. So thank you Samantha Hale for getting it down in words.
I also love that while the romance is a main part, it doesn't overshadow Raven's struggles about coming out. The romance remains real but can easily be put aside when needed to let deeper things come into play.
My one major flaw is its length. I feel that while a lot of topics are discussed, they are done so too briefly. This can easily be longer and I really think that would make this book go above and beyond what it already is.
Overall, this is a great novel about coming out and first love. I recommend it to anyone who has struggled coming to terms with their own sexuality.
The MC, Raven, is very likable and Hale does a good job of writing her in the third person. I prefer to read first person novels about coming out because I feel I connect more and the emotions are better expressed. But Hale manages to get things in that no other authors, from my experience anyway, have touched upon; mainly about how Raven can be touching one of her best friends, who is a girl, and realizing there is a difference between touching a friend and someone you have a crush on after stressing about it. This was one of my favorites parts and I have to acknowledge that it is FINALLY being recognized. This is something a lot of questioning girls think about and fear. So thank you Samantha Hale for getting it down in words.
I also love that while the romance is a main part, it doesn't overshadow Raven's struggles about coming out. The romance remains real but can easily be put aside when needed to let deeper things come into play.
My one major flaw is its length. I feel that while a lot of topics are discussed, they are done so too briefly. This can easily be longer and I really think that would make this book go above and beyond what it already is.
Overall, this is a great novel about coming out and first love. I recommend it to anyone who has struggled coming to terms with their own sexuality.
January 29, 2015
I was into the book in the beginning. I liked the character of Raven, I thought she was funny and charming. I thought the writing was quite good as well, so it looked like a promising story.
But then it all happened way too fast. Morgan and Raven jump into a relationship after a handful of moments together. The writer fails to show us how attracted the girls are to each other. There is no chemistry, and I find Morgan's behavior to be really inconsistent. First, she says she's not ready to date, but then starts a relationship with Raven, who's still coming to terms with her sexuality. Secondly, in the beginning she is very understanding and sweet, and then out of the blue just kind of turns on Rae and pressures her out of the closet.
The plot lacks originality as well.... overall, kind of a boring read.
But then it all happened way too fast. Morgan and Raven jump into a relationship after a handful of moments together. The writer fails to show us how attracted the girls are to each other. There is no chemistry, and I find Morgan's behavior to be really inconsistent. First, she says she's not ready to date, but then starts a relationship with Raven, who's still coming to terms with her sexuality. Secondly, in the beginning she is very understanding and sweet, and then out of the blue just kind of turns on Rae and pressures her out of the closet.
The plot lacks originality as well.... overall, kind of a boring read.
January 5, 2015
This book was good in that it was something different, and offered a different type of romance that you normally get in YA fiction. My problem was that the book didn't focus much on the romance. It focused more on the main character struggling with her sexuality... for about 20 pages, and then being pressured by her girlfriend, who she barely knows and has no chemistry with, to come out, even though she's not ready. I expected more from this book, and was excited to read a romance starring two girls. Unfortunately, it missed the mark.
September 18, 2014
The focus of Everything Changes is the path Raven takes to coming out as (as she calls it) gay and her relationship with Morgan. While this is an important concept be in books, there is just not much to the process in this book. It feels like an after-school-special with a formulaic plot, pacing and a neat/tidy wrap up in time for a happy family dinner.
Read
May 8, 2016This book was very good. It talked about two girls who were in a relationship and I just could not stop reading it. It is short so I recommend anyone who likes romance stories that are short to read it. It is also very dramatic
November 28, 2014
Love this book. Easy to read. Page turner. Heartfelt. Full review here www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com
July 22, 2016
Meh. It was a challenge to be enthused about this book given the seesaw quality of writing, limited range of the characters' emotions, and the broadly indifferent (or contrived) context in which the main character perceives her life to have evolved.
EVERYTHING CHANGES is fiction at its simplest: there is only one character of relevance, there are zero splinter plots, the character arcs are predictable and linear, and there are no conflicts the main character encounters that she herself did not create. To wit, EVERYTHING CHANGES isn't bad; rather, it's simplistically (weakly) written. Whether this is what contemporary readers require, however, is another concern entirely.
This book is a coming-out story. That's it. No ruminations on true love. No vacillations on one's place in society. No internal conflict that manifests in new or challenging ways. None. EVERYTHING CHANGES focuses all 180 pages on one girl, Raven, owning up to her capacity to say, "I'm gay," out loud, and nothing more.
In sociological terms, this book probes an interesting dilemma: how do teens, who are new to self-identifying on the LGBTQIA spectrum but are afraid to do so publicly, manage self-doubt? There is value in claiming the self -- to say, "I am" -- in spite of one's circumstances. And for this Cartesian effort, Hale's story has value. Raven is acrimonious toward physical contact with others (males) and can't figure out why. She's dislocated herself, emotionally, from personal relationships because it's never worked out. Except for when she meets Morgan.
Morgan is an art school freshman (and proud lesbian) who knows what she wants and doesn't want. Somewhat predictably, Morgan's interaction with the main character causes seventeen-year-old and closeted Raven to muster a few bold moves and break out of her shell. Also predictably, Raven is terrified of what being gay means, how that affects her family relations, personal friendships, and social (high school) life. Raven's paranoia and stress endangers her romance with Morgan, and things get worse before they get better.
Hale deserves kudos for drawing a line from Raven's due caution (toward living out) to the very real problem of internalized homophobia. Raven hates the idea of being categorized as an "other," while at the same time she knows full well that nothing is truly different about her. In the real world, this may manifest in physically or psychologically stressful or violent ways. EVERYTHING CHANGES, however, provides a decidedly vanilla version (Raven ignores her friends for a week and cries to herself).
The book nevertheless falls short in terms of getting the reader comfortable with drawing these kinds of serious, behavioristic implications from the text.
The quality of writing is noticeably better in the second half of the book than in the first. Structurally, the book abdicates a lot of context. There are multiple occasions where characters have a chat, but the nature of their discussion is completely glossed over in favor of the author scurrying to the end of the dialogue, interjecting a simple and feathery resolution, and moving on. This happens every time characters sit down to eat a meal or watch a movie, which is a lot. It's not a problem to time-skip through life's boring parts; however, when one skips too much, readers will suspect there's nothing in these character's lives that's worth skipping to. If the life events we're skipping over clearly don't matter. Do the characters matter?
In EVERYTHING CHANGES, the answer isn't always clear. The book's average chapter length is around five or six pages. Some chapters are less than two pages long -- e.g., a phone conversation (pp. 105–106); a conversation about a phone conversation (pp. 155–156) -- and the result (of a lack of substantive context) is a blatant cheapening of the narrative. If the phone conversation occurs in the same scene as the chapters both before it and after, why bother? As a transitional scene, it's a complete waste of energy (and unwittingly highlights another one of the book's problems: scene breaks and chapter breaks).
There's also a handful of vague overwriting, for example, which really take the wind out of what should be brief, intimate moments. Characters roll their eyes a lot (p. 24-26). And simple behaviors/actions become terribly clunky with phrases such as, "handing around the condiments" (p. 17), "the house was in darkness when Raven pulled into the driveway" (p. 39), or "the kiss with Morgan had been pushed from the forefront of her mind" (p. 43), which is a strange lyrical inversion the book's editor, or any editor should have caught.
The prize for the most vague? "Her dark green dress brought out the flecks in her eyes" (p. 129), which sounds nice, but doesn't make a lot of sense. What flecks? Flecks of what?
The most burdensome phrase? Try, "She took a couple of bites that were tasteless on her tongue and settled heavily in her stomach" (p. 166). This book, one finds, is quite the nightmare for anyone whose bane in life are excess prepositional phrases.
Pronouns are a recurring problem as well. Primarily, this is because there are no recurring male characters in this book. None. (AJ, the boyfriend of Raven's pal Chloe, as well as Raven's father, unnamed, appear but don't speak until the Third Act.) As such, the balance or lack thereof regarding any and all instances of "she" and "her" and their appropriate proper nouns go up in the air after the first two or three chapters. To whom is the author referring when they open up a chapter, blankly, with "she" or "her," and nothing else?
Sometimes, Hale has no control over the subject. One scene to which this applies finds Raven mulling the consequences of having stolen a kiss from Morgan, and thus hyper-rationalizing why doing so again may or may not be a good idea: "The first time she'd kissed her, and then run away, Morgan had forgiven her. She'd understood Raven was feeling lost and confused. If she did it a second time, she wouldn't be so understanding. If she kissed Morgan now, it would mean something" (p. 64). She who? Her who? Reread it carefully and figure it out. The author isn't going to help you.
EVERYTHING CHANGES does have the occasional gem. The biggest and shiniest of which is a speech Morgan gives when declaring that dating a girl who refuses to come out does more harm to their relationship than good. "All the time we spend holed up in here instead of going out, like a normal couple," Morgan says, "that's me taking a step backward" (p. 121). Few in the LGBTQIA community speak of the difficulties and dynamics of out/in-closet dating. Most assume it's not even an issue. But it is. And Morgan's discourse on how doing everything the average couple does becomes "less than" when one individual (Raven), refuses to be [her]self in public, is painfully, regrettably true. (Naturally, this is only one part of the argument, since cultural indices may inhibit safe, public interactions; but Morgan's point is clear: if you can't be yourself, then I can't be myself.)
EVERYTHING CHANGES documents a very narrow emotional response to a very individual situation, through a very narrow narrative lens. Settling into all those caveats, it's an okay book. But the rules and boundaries ascribed to a teenager coming out of the closet are rarely, if ever this well-defined. And this is where the book's central conflict, indeed its whole premise, bears scrutiny. Raven has a small but stable support network, a patient and mature first-love girlfriend, and a relatively uneventful suburban life who's the largest dilemma is an art history midterm. Everything changes? Not really.
EVERYTHING CHANGES is fiction at its simplest: there is only one character of relevance, there are zero splinter plots, the character arcs are predictable and linear, and there are no conflicts the main character encounters that she herself did not create. To wit, EVERYTHING CHANGES isn't bad; rather, it's simplistically (weakly) written. Whether this is what contemporary readers require, however, is another concern entirely.
This book is a coming-out story. That's it. No ruminations on true love. No vacillations on one's place in society. No internal conflict that manifests in new or challenging ways. None. EVERYTHING CHANGES focuses all 180 pages on one girl, Raven, owning up to her capacity to say, "I'm gay," out loud, and nothing more.
In sociological terms, this book probes an interesting dilemma: how do teens, who are new to self-identifying on the LGBTQIA spectrum but are afraid to do so publicly, manage self-doubt? There is value in claiming the self -- to say, "I am" -- in spite of one's circumstances. And for this Cartesian effort, Hale's story has value. Raven is acrimonious toward physical contact with others (males) and can't figure out why. She's dislocated herself, emotionally, from personal relationships because it's never worked out. Except for when she meets Morgan.
Morgan is an art school freshman (and proud lesbian) who knows what she wants and doesn't want. Somewhat predictably, Morgan's interaction with the main character causes seventeen-year-old and closeted Raven to muster a few bold moves and break out of her shell. Also predictably, Raven is terrified of what being gay means, how that affects her family relations, personal friendships, and social (high school) life. Raven's paranoia and stress endangers her romance with Morgan, and things get worse before they get better.
Hale deserves kudos for drawing a line from Raven's due caution (toward living out) to the very real problem of internalized homophobia. Raven hates the idea of being categorized as an "other," while at the same time she knows full well that nothing is truly different about her. In the real world, this may manifest in physically or psychologically stressful or violent ways. EVERYTHING CHANGES, however, provides a decidedly vanilla version (Raven ignores her friends for a week and cries to herself).
The book nevertheless falls short in terms of getting the reader comfortable with drawing these kinds of serious, behavioristic implications from the text.
The quality of writing is noticeably better in the second half of the book than in the first. Structurally, the book abdicates a lot of context. There are multiple occasions where characters have a chat, but the nature of their discussion is completely glossed over in favor of the author scurrying to the end of the dialogue, interjecting a simple and feathery resolution, and moving on. This happens every time characters sit down to eat a meal or watch a movie, which is a lot. It's not a problem to time-skip through life's boring parts; however, when one skips too much, readers will suspect there's nothing in these character's lives that's worth skipping to. If the life events we're skipping over clearly don't matter. Do the characters matter?
In EVERYTHING CHANGES, the answer isn't always clear. The book's average chapter length is around five or six pages. Some chapters are less than two pages long -- e.g., a phone conversation (pp. 105–106); a conversation about a phone conversation (pp. 155–156) -- and the result (of a lack of substantive context) is a blatant cheapening of the narrative. If the phone conversation occurs in the same scene as the chapters both before it and after, why bother? As a transitional scene, it's a complete waste of energy (and unwittingly highlights another one of the book's problems: scene breaks and chapter breaks).
There's also a handful of vague overwriting, for example, which really take the wind out of what should be brief, intimate moments. Characters roll their eyes a lot (p. 24-26). And simple behaviors/actions become terribly clunky with phrases such as, "handing around the condiments" (p. 17), "the house was in darkness when Raven pulled into the driveway" (p. 39), or "the kiss with Morgan had been pushed from the forefront of her mind" (p. 43), which is a strange lyrical inversion the book's editor, or any editor should have caught.
The prize for the most vague? "Her dark green dress brought out the flecks in her eyes" (p. 129), which sounds nice, but doesn't make a lot of sense. What flecks? Flecks of what?
The most burdensome phrase? Try, "She took a couple of bites that were tasteless on her tongue and settled heavily in her stomach" (p. 166). This book, one finds, is quite the nightmare for anyone whose bane in life are excess prepositional phrases.
Pronouns are a recurring problem as well. Primarily, this is because there are no recurring male characters in this book. None. (AJ, the boyfriend of Raven's pal Chloe, as well as Raven's father, unnamed, appear but don't speak until the Third Act.) As such, the balance or lack thereof regarding any and all instances of "she" and "her" and their appropriate proper nouns go up in the air after the first two or three chapters. To whom is the author referring when they open up a chapter, blankly, with "she" or "her," and nothing else?
Sometimes, Hale has no control over the subject. One scene to which this applies finds Raven mulling the consequences of having stolen a kiss from Morgan, and thus hyper-rationalizing why doing so again may or may not be a good idea: "The first time she'd kissed her, and then run away, Morgan had forgiven her. She'd understood Raven was feeling lost and confused. If she did it a second time, she wouldn't be so understanding. If she kissed Morgan now, it would mean something" (p. 64). She who? Her who? Reread it carefully and figure it out. The author isn't going to help you.
EVERYTHING CHANGES does have the occasional gem. The biggest and shiniest of which is a speech Morgan gives when declaring that dating a girl who refuses to come out does more harm to their relationship than good. "All the time we spend holed up in here instead of going out, like a normal couple," Morgan says, "that's me taking a step backward" (p. 121). Few in the LGBTQIA community speak of the difficulties and dynamics of out/in-closet dating. Most assume it's not even an issue. But it is. And Morgan's discourse on how doing everything the average couple does becomes "less than" when one individual (Raven), refuses to be [her]self in public, is painfully, regrettably true. (Naturally, this is only one part of the argument, since cultural indices may inhibit safe, public interactions; but Morgan's point is clear: if you can't be yourself, then I can't be myself.)
EVERYTHING CHANGES documents a very narrow emotional response to a very individual situation, through a very narrow narrative lens. Settling into all those caveats, it's an okay book. But the rules and boundaries ascribed to a teenager coming out of the closet are rarely, if ever this well-defined. And this is where the book's central conflict, indeed its whole premise, bears scrutiny. Raven has a small but stable support network, a patient and mature first-love girlfriend, and a relatively uneventful suburban life who's the largest dilemma is an art history midterm. Everything changes? Not really.
January 15, 2019
Found this book on Scribd and found it a fun quick read. It was interesting to see Ravens struggle with coming out first to herself and then to friends and family, and how that effected her relationship with Morgan. There was no inclination in the beginning that her family was religious or that she might have friends that were homophobic so I thought it was strange that she was so sure that they’d disown her or something, which just threw me off quite a bit while reading. I definitely feel that it ended too soon as when I saw that “About the Author” i audibly said “what?!?!” I would have liked to see more but I can also see why it was ended there. Overall, an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2020
I see that this book has mixed reviews, but I enjoyed it.
As with some of the other reviewers I was not real happy about the pressure to come out but I feel that the real problem is that this book is too short. It should be a lot longer both in pages and timescale so that the story and characters can be developed.
A cute, clean romance. Maybe not the best book in the genre but certainly not the worst.
As with some of the other reviewers I was not real happy about the pressure to come out but I feel that the real problem is that this book is too short. It should be a lot longer both in pages and timescale so that the story and characters can be developed.
A cute, clean romance. Maybe not the best book in the genre but certainly not the worst.
January 30, 2019
YA coming out story very much focused on the internal dialog and issues faced by the young woman coming to terms with herself. The romance is primarily a catalyst rather than the end point of the story. Deals with a range of reactions, though the negative responses are considerably milder than they might be.
February 4, 2019
Entertaining yet Predictable
A good, entertaining story with interesting characters. It was a very enjoyable & easy to read. I recommend this book..
A good, entertaining story with interesting characters. It was a very enjoyable & easy to read. I recommend this book..
January 20, 2017
Unexpected ending, worst I've probably read :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
fine for what it was, definitely made for a younger audience so I was absolutely rolling my eyes at some bits and god the vendetta I have against Morgan is insane , but I enjoyed it overall and found it a fun and quick read
February 6, 2017
I read this one for Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge #20. Raven is a high school student who realizes that she is gay when she is attracted to Morgan, a college student. The two begin dating, and Morgan encourages Raven to come out to her parents and best friends. After the two break up over a misunderstanding, Raven tells her parents she's gay. Then she comes out to her best friend, Summer. I think one reason this book received some positive reviews was because of the way Hale addresses the subject. It doesn't make up for bad writing and shallow characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2016
*Spoilers included in the review*
The summary sounded pretty good. And the first pages were well made to introduce Raven, 17 years old girls who was never really interested in a boy when her two best friends since she is 3/4yo are in a two years relationship and a flirt.
The story start around Valentine's day, our heroine, without boyfriend end up passing that night with one of her best friend, her best friend's sister and three friends of the said sister. One basically saying during her first conversation with Raven she is gay and just broke up.
After knowing this fact Raven is all bothered because of this girl, Morgan, who is around 19/20yo. She act weirdly that her best friend think she is homophobe when she is actually all about how she want to kiss Morgan.
Pace of the book go so so so fast. Though Raven act weird and not that nice, Morgan tutor her one weekend and that end by a kiss. Basically Raven come out to and start going out with Morgan (I won't cut the fun and goes in details) in less than....... 5 days!!!!
If this already don't turn people off enough, Morgan say on Monday that Raven should take her time to come out to her family and friends..... yet 2 weeks or so later, and 2 dates, broke up with her because she wants Ravens to be out.
Here how I would have summarized the book: 17yo Ravens fall in love with college student Morgan. Once they start going out, she is pressured by her girlfriend at almost every meetings or phone call to come out until after a 2 to 3 weeks relationship, Ravens come out to her family and friends because of the pressure.
I'm sorry, but how contradictory this story is, it's a coming out story yet the author force the main character to come out under the pressure of her girlfriend.
Yet when she does and everything goes badly for her, only one of her best friends is there for her because the girlfriend broke up with her.
Then in like 10 pages, everyone accept her or say they will try and she got her girlfriend back. I'm just speechless. Does that mean Morgan will pressure her like this for sex too? 'You don't want to have sex yet, then let's break up?' Is this what the author try to make out of this?
Coming out and realizing you are gay/lesbian is already hard enough without having to be pressured by a person who is supposed to love you and adore you more than anything. And to put such pressure on an young girl after a such short relationship is just too much.
The worst is that Morgan said she needed one year to come out on her parents and friends. Yet forced Ravens to come out after 2 dates and 2 weeks of relationship.
I'm giving out 2 stars for the character of Summer.
The summary sounded pretty good. And the first pages were well made to introduce Raven, 17 years old girls who was never really interested in a boy when her two best friends since she is 3/4yo are in a two years relationship and a flirt.
The story start around Valentine's day, our heroine, without boyfriend end up passing that night with one of her best friend, her best friend's sister and three friends of the said sister. One basically saying during her first conversation with Raven she is gay and just broke up.
After knowing this fact Raven is all bothered because of this girl, Morgan, who is around 19/20yo. She act weirdly that her best friend think she is homophobe when she is actually all about how she want to kiss Morgan.
Pace of the book go so so so fast. Though Raven act weird and not that nice, Morgan tutor her one weekend and that end by a kiss. Basically Raven come out to and start going out with Morgan (I won't cut the fun and goes in details) in less than....... 5 days!!!!
If this already don't turn people off enough, Morgan say on Monday that Raven should take her time to come out to her family and friends..... yet 2 weeks or so later, and 2 dates, broke up with her because she wants Ravens to be out.
Here how I would have summarized the book: 17yo Ravens fall in love with college student Morgan. Once they start going out, she is pressured by her girlfriend at almost every meetings or phone call to come out until after a 2 to 3 weeks relationship, Ravens come out to her family and friends because of the pressure.
I'm sorry, but how contradictory this story is, it's a coming out story yet the author force the main character to come out under the pressure of her girlfriend.
Yet when she does and everything goes badly for her, only one of her best friends is there for her because the girlfriend broke up with her.
Then in like 10 pages, everyone accept her or say they will try and she got her girlfriend back. I'm just speechless. Does that mean Morgan will pressure her like this for sex too? 'You don't want to have sex yet, then let's break up?' Is this what the author try to make out of this?
Coming out and realizing you are gay/lesbian is already hard enough without having to be pressured by a person who is supposed to love you and adore you more than anything. And to put such pressure on an young girl after a such short relationship is just too much.
The worst is that Morgan said she needed one year to come out on her parents and friends. Yet forced Ravens to come out after 2 dates and 2 weeks of relationship.
I'm giving out 2 stars for the character of Summer.
September 9, 2015
Well, I originally was going to rate this 4/5 stars, then saw the reviews and.... Hm. 3? 4? We'll see how I feel after writing this out.
I do recommend this book to anyone who wants to read.... literally anything. It's pretty darn cute. Also, lesbians! Finally! A book about lesbians written for girls! I love it.
And I loved Morgan and Raven. I loved the cute fluffiness of it all.
I guess the issue begins about in the middle of the book, when you realise you've been reading about Raven's sexuality troubles- which is not a problem if the book is meant to be a romance. So there's one small complaint, that Raven's sexuality was discussed and written about more than the romance itself. It's also certainly true that Raven and Morgan get into their relationship rather quickly. I didn't have an issue with this, since my (limited) relationship experience has always been rather fast-paced and goes from "i like you" to cuddling in about .5 seconds.
So if you don't like reading about "am i gay? am i straight? what will everyone think of me now?" don't read this. There is a lot of that.
The only other thing I think I'd point out would be Morgan pressuring Raven to come out. This whole issue felt real to me because you can feel the conflict- Morgan doesn't want to be forced back into the closet. She wants to kiss Raven in public and talk about her like a girlfriend and just be normal. Raven wants to keep everything quiet. She's still not sure of herself and she doesn't know how everyone will react.
So of course, it's a pretty difficult issue. The problem people have with the book is that Morgan is pressuring Raven to come out, and it turns into a "if you don't come out, I'm not willing to date you" scenario.
Here's where I'm split. I think Morgan shouldn't be forced into the closet. She has the right to not date Raven if she doesn't want to. However, she made it into a situation where Raven basically had to come out. It was a situation with a lot of power dynamics going on, and I must agree that I didn't like Morgan taking advantage of her power over Raven.
Anyway! Super long post there, sorry, but I think I'll rate this 4 stars. Short, cute, fun to read. No real complaints here.
Took me about an hour, by the way, so you could read all of this before bed (which is just what I'd recommend doing.)
I do recommend this book to anyone who wants to read.... literally anything. It's pretty darn cute. Also, lesbians! Finally! A book about lesbians written for girls! I love it.
And I loved Morgan and Raven. I loved the cute fluffiness of it all.
I guess the issue begins about in the middle of the book, when you realise you've been reading about Raven's sexuality troubles- which is not a problem if the book is meant to be a romance. So there's one small complaint, that Raven's sexuality was discussed and written about more than the romance itself. It's also certainly true that Raven and Morgan get into their relationship rather quickly. I didn't have an issue with this, since my (limited) relationship experience has always been rather fast-paced and goes from "i like you" to cuddling in about .5 seconds.
So if you don't like reading about "am i gay? am i straight? what will everyone think of me now?" don't read this. There is a lot of that.
The only other thing I think I'd point out would be Morgan pressuring Raven to come out. This whole issue felt real to me because you can feel the conflict- Morgan doesn't want to be forced back into the closet. She wants to kiss Raven in public and talk about her like a girlfriend and just be normal. Raven wants to keep everything quiet. She's still not sure of herself and she doesn't know how everyone will react.
So of course, it's a pretty difficult issue. The problem people have with the book is that Morgan is pressuring Raven to come out, and it turns into a "if you don't come out, I'm not willing to date you" scenario.
Here's where I'm split. I think Morgan shouldn't be forced into the closet. She has the right to not date Raven if she doesn't want to. However, she made it into a situation where Raven basically had to come out. It was a situation with a lot of power dynamics going on, and I must agree that I didn't like Morgan taking advantage of her power over Raven.
Anyway! Super long post there, sorry, but I think I'll rate this 4 stars. Short, cute, fun to read. No real complaints here.
Took me about an hour, by the way, so you could read all of this before bed (which is just what I'd recommend doing.)
September 16, 2015
I received Everything Changes from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Everything Changes is short — short enough that there’s really nothing to the story than Raven meeting Morgan, recognizing her attraction to Morgan, realizing that she’s gay, starting a relationship with Morgan, and finding a way to come out to her friends and family. Okay, that might sound like a lot, but none of it is dealt with in depth. Even the characters are not very well-developed; there just isn’t time for that.
I enjoyed the scenes of Raven and Morgan getting to know each other, but even in them I didn’t feel like I was getting to know either of them very well. Raven is a high school student struggling with art history. Morgan is a college student majoring in art who offers to tutor her. Neither girl seems to have much else to her. They’re lesbians and they’re students. And? What else? Nothing.
I guess I should be grateful that they do have other friends. In fact, that’s how they meet. They each continue to see their friends, although Raven avoids hers for a bit because she’s not sure how they’re going to react when she comes out. That’s understandable though. I really like that Raven is suddenly insecure around Chloe and Summer, her two best friends. It’s the little things like feeling self-conscious when Chloe changes clothes in front go her, something that’s happened hundreds of times before, or accidentally brushing her foot against Chloe’s under the table. These things are nothing to Chloe, but they now mean something to Raven. It’s not that she’s attracted to Chloe; she’s not. It’s just that things are more awkward because now she’s ready to admit to herself that she’s attracted to girls.
It’s not a bad book, but Everything Changes suffers from its short length. A longer book would give the characters and the storyline time to develop more slowly. It’s set over the course of a few weeks, beginning in mid-February, but the way it’s presented, everything about it just feels rushed.
Everything Changes is short — short enough that there’s really nothing to the story than Raven meeting Morgan, recognizing her attraction to Morgan, realizing that she’s gay, starting a relationship with Morgan, and finding a way to come out to her friends and family. Okay, that might sound like a lot, but none of it is dealt with in depth. Even the characters are not very well-developed; there just isn’t time for that.
I enjoyed the scenes of Raven and Morgan getting to know each other, but even in them I didn’t feel like I was getting to know either of them very well. Raven is a high school student struggling with art history. Morgan is a college student majoring in art who offers to tutor her. Neither girl seems to have much else to her. They’re lesbians and they’re students. And? What else? Nothing.
I guess I should be grateful that they do have other friends. In fact, that’s how they meet. They each continue to see their friends, although Raven avoids hers for a bit because she’s not sure how they’re going to react when she comes out. That’s understandable though. I really like that Raven is suddenly insecure around Chloe and Summer, her two best friends. It’s the little things like feeling self-conscious when Chloe changes clothes in front go her, something that’s happened hundreds of times before, or accidentally brushing her foot against Chloe’s under the table. These things are nothing to Chloe, but they now mean something to Raven. It’s not that she’s attracted to Chloe; she’s not. It’s just that things are more awkward because now she’s ready to admit to herself that she’s attracted to girls.
It’s not a bad book, but Everything Changes suffers from its short length. A longer book would give the characters and the storyline time to develop more slowly. It’s set over the course of a few weeks, beginning in mid-February, but the way it’s presented, everything about it just feels rushed.
October 4, 2014
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This book is a great coming out story. It has the ups and the downs for coming out as a teenage in a world that still isn't all that supportive. Raven is finishing up high school and finally figuring out that she isn't quite like her friends, and of course the catalyst is a love interest.
The plot has certainly been done before. It's the out-for-you trope that works because it so often happens. In this case, there's the added element that Raven didn't even want to think about her sexuality until she had to.
This is a complete story that does leave some plot threads hanging, as it should. They're left that way in real life. I loved when Raven came out to her parents, and her quick and smart alec remarks to them. Something I can totally hear a smart teenager who has finally taken hold of who they are saying.
However, there are some elements I wasn't fond of. I felt Morgan wasn't patient enough. Weeks after discovery of oneself isn't a lot of time to start making life changes, and I felt her push back with Raven was more a plot device than something realistic--in other words, had it been months or years even, it would have been more believable to me.
Secondly, the only mention of Christianity of faith is upon Raven coming out. There's no question of it or mention of it before. It felt as though it was put in there for effect rather than reality. There were several Sundays in this novel where the family was out doing things and there was never a question of going to church in the morning or evening. If it was going to be part of Raven's fear or her parents reactions, it needed to be fleshed out more.
Overall, this is an excellent book. It's well-written and the plot carries quickly. I read it in one afternoon, so it's certainly something that passes quickly. The characters are believable and real (except for explained above), and I definitely connected with Raven.
4 stars
~AJ
This book is a great coming out story. It has the ups and the downs for coming out as a teenage in a world that still isn't all that supportive. Raven is finishing up high school and finally figuring out that she isn't quite like her friends, and of course the catalyst is a love interest.
The plot has certainly been done before. It's the out-for-you trope that works because it so often happens. In this case, there's the added element that Raven didn't even want to think about her sexuality until she had to.
This is a complete story that does leave some plot threads hanging, as it should. They're left that way in real life. I loved when Raven came out to her parents, and her quick and smart alec remarks to them. Something I can totally hear a smart teenager who has finally taken hold of who they are saying.
However, there are some elements I wasn't fond of. I felt Morgan wasn't patient enough. Weeks after discovery of oneself isn't a lot of time to start making life changes, and I felt her push back with Raven was more a plot device than something realistic--in other words, had it been months or years even, it would have been more believable to me.
Secondly, the only mention of Christianity of faith is upon Raven coming out. There's no question of it or mention of it before. It felt as though it was put in there for effect rather than reality. There were several Sundays in this novel where the family was out doing things and there was never a question of going to church in the morning or evening. If it was going to be part of Raven's fear or her parents reactions, it needed to be fleshed out more.
Overall, this is an excellent book. It's well-written and the plot carries quickly. I read it in one afternoon, so it's certainly something that passes quickly. The characters are believable and real (except for explained above), and I definitely connected with Raven.
4 stars
~AJ
December 7, 2015
I received a copy of this book from netgalley for an honest review.
Mostly cute and sweet romance story about a girl coming out as gay and growing into her own self. This book was a fast read and I thought did a good job with portraying how hard it is for someone to come out as gay. The reactions of Raven’s friends and family through her coming out process, were a realistic and good range of how people react.
Raven’s inter turmoil throughout the book really makes you see through her eyes and how difficult coming to terms with being gay can be for some people.
However, there was one part I found really annoying about halfway through the book. Possible *Spolier Alert*
Raven goes to a party and ends up talking to a boy there after she is in a relationship with Morgan. The boy kisses her and when Raven turns him down he stalks off. Raven’s friends proceed to tell her that it was her fault he kissed her because she was giving the wrong signals… Not only do her friends do that but Morgan does too.
“And you probably spent most of the night with him too, right? Talking, laughing, giving him absolutely no indication that you were with somebody.”
Because if you are talking and laughing with someone at a party, and don’t tell them you are in a relationship then you should just expect to get hit on and kissed. I found this very backwards and sexiest.
Morgan also says, “But I hate the thought that I’ve got to worry about guys hitting on you.”
Which sounds really controlling. It’s not Raven’s fault, nor is any girls fault, gay or straight, if a guy hits on her. That is all on the guy, he alones controls his actions.
I get that Morgan wants Raven to come out and tell the world about their wonderful relationship but Raven just came to the conclusion that she was gay like the week before. I assume adjusting would take some time.
Overall, a good book I would recommend.
Mostly cute and sweet romance story about a girl coming out as gay and growing into her own self. This book was a fast read and I thought did a good job with portraying how hard it is for someone to come out as gay. The reactions of Raven’s friends and family through her coming out process, were a realistic and good range of how people react.
Raven’s inter turmoil throughout the book really makes you see through her eyes and how difficult coming to terms with being gay can be for some people.
However, there was one part I found really annoying about halfway through the book. Possible *Spolier Alert*
Raven goes to a party and ends up talking to a boy there after she is in a relationship with Morgan. The boy kisses her and when Raven turns him down he stalks off. Raven’s friends proceed to tell her that it was her fault he kissed her because she was giving the wrong signals… Not only do her friends do that but Morgan does too.
“And you probably spent most of the night with him too, right? Talking, laughing, giving him absolutely no indication that you were with somebody.”
Because if you are talking and laughing with someone at a party, and don’t tell them you are in a relationship then you should just expect to get hit on and kissed. I found this very backwards and sexiest.
Morgan also says, “But I hate the thought that I’ve got to worry about guys hitting on you.”
Which sounds really controlling. It’s not Raven’s fault, nor is any girls fault, gay or straight, if a guy hits on her. That is all on the guy, he alones controls his actions.
I get that Morgan wants Raven to come out and tell the world about their wonderful relationship but Raven just came to the conclusion that she was gay like the week before. I assume adjusting would take some time.
Overall, a good book I would recommend.
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