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Love and Other Unknown Variables
Charlie Hanson has a clear vision of his future. A senior at Brighton School of Mathematics and Science, he knows he’ll graduate, go to MIT, and inevitably discover solutions to the universe’s greatest unanswered questions. He’s that smart. But Charlie’s future blurs the moment he reaches out to touch the tattoo on a beautiful girl’s neck.
The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy at the donut shop—until she learns he’s a student at Brighton where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. But, in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy.
By the time he learns she's ill—and that the pranks were a way to distract Ms. Finch from Charlotte’s illness—Charlotte’s gravitational pull is too great to overcome. Soon he must choose between the familiar formulas he’s always relied on or the girl he’s falling for (at far more than 32 feet per second squared).
The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy at the donut shop—until she learns he’s a student at Brighton where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. But, in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy.
By the time he learns she's ill—and that the pranks were a way to distract Ms. Finch from Charlotte’s illness—Charlotte’s gravitational pull is too great to overcome. Soon he must choose between the familiar formulas he’s always relied on or the girl he’s falling for (at far more than 32 feet per second squared).
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2014
57 people are currently reading
6426 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Lee Alexander
2 books221 followersShannon Lee Alexander is a wife and mother (of two kids and one yellow terrier named Harriet Potter). She is passionate about coffee, books, and cancer research. Math makes her break out in a sweat. She is the author of Love and Other Unknown Variables and Life after Juliet. She currently lives in Indianapolis with her family.
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April 17, 2015
Love and Other Unknown Variables or That Feeling When You Laugh and Cry at the Same Time
Every once in a while you find a book that manages to surprise you. Just when you think how you've read every possible plot twist out there, bam! - there goes your heart and soul, whisked away in that latest book you have read and that should have been called The Biggest Emotional Roller Coaster Ever.
Yes, Shannon Lee Alexander, that is the sound of my heart breaking into million pieces. And I blame you for it! You and your brilliant novel.
If you liked TFIOS, you will love this book even more.
I know I did! Unlike many other readers, I wasn't that much impressed with John Green's novel (you can read my review here). I did like a general idea of the story, there were few really awesome parts - but I could not get over his writing style.
What does this have with Love and Other Unknown Variables? First, writing is absolutely amazing. (I'm favoring female authors, so what?) It is funny and thought provoking without that nagging feeling that author is trying too hard. Story flows so naturally and keeps you on your toes all the time. Tanja made a great list of things that LAOUV makes you do - read her review as soon as you finish with mine - you feel everything, you cry and laugh, it makes you think about everything (even some of the things that never crossed your mind before). In the end, you are so grateful for the things you have, for every person that is important in your life, you will hug your sister or brother and tell them how much you appreciate them. You will remember that teacher from high school that opened your eyes to new things or you will remember that class full of pranksters who challenged you and made you a better teacher because, by the end of the day, we all learn from each other.
I really need to read To Kill a Mockingbird!
I have never read a book that made me want to read Harper Lee. I usually end up rolling my eyes and thinking: "Not again!" It would be awesome if I could find used and loved copy like the one Charlotte gave to Charlie.
In the end...
I would love to recommend Love and Other Unknown Variables to everyone. If you are fan of The Fault in Our Stars, you will love this book. If you did not like it - I am absolutely sure that Shannon Lee Alexander will win over your heart just like she did mine. Fans of sweet love stories and young adult authors like Melina Marchetta and Jandy Nelson, must read this book. And if you are math geek - well, what are you waiting for?
Review posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
October 20, 2015
4 Stars!!
Charlie attends Brighton School of Math and Science, a school for the nerds and everything in his life had been planned out a long time ago. He will graduate and attend MIT an resolve great questions. While Charlie and the other kids from his school love math and science, this can’t be said about English. The kids of Brighton School are super smart so they always find something to drive all the English teachers crazy. The English teacher this year is Ms. Finch, a young woman who is determined to make them love English literature.
Like I mentioned above Charlie’s future is already known, so he never expects his life to change so drastically when she meets Charlotte. But Charlotte is not a simply girl. No! She’s special, she loves art, she’s Ms. Finch’s little sister and she also is Charlie’s little sister, Becca best friend. At first, Charlotte is not impressed with Charlie. Their first encounter is a little awkward to say the least, but as the story progresses and they find out who they truly are, they become friends. Together they orchestrate a very effective prank campaign. When Charlie finds out that Charlotte is ill his entire world is shattered. Why does she have to be ill especially now when she found her?
This one was a very sweet, funny and also a little emotional at times YA novel. It was exactly what I expected and wanted. I also can label it as a coming of age story. One aspect of the story that I really enjoyed was the writing. The writing was simply great, flawless and the pace of the story was perfect for me. “Love and Other Unknown Variables” is written in first POV (Charlie’s POV) and I loved it. So we get to know Charlotte only through this boy’s eyes. His POV was enough IMO and I think there’s a reason the author preferred a single POV instead of two.
Charlie’s voice felt, real, honest and the entire time he was adorable. Charlie is a very smart boy; he’s a nerd, but when it comes to girls and romantic relationships he can be really awkward. Being in his head was entertaining to say the least. I loved his personality and I truly admired his boldness even if most of the time (or all the time) he didn’t have a clue how to approach a girl. He was portrayed as a great friend (btw, I loved his small group of friends who were pretty great) and also as a great brother to his little sister Becca. Needless to say it was very easy for me to like him.
This book was about Charlotte as much as it was about Charlie. Charlotte was very easy to like as well. I loved her maturity and her courage and her relationship with Charlie’s sister was so cute. Charlotte has a big impact in Charlie’s life. She changed him and I have to say I loved those changes.
Charlie and Charlotte’s relationship progressed naturally and their interactions even from the beginning felt so genuine. Their connection felt real despite the fact they were so young. It was palpable and so, so sweet. They were great with each other.
Overall, a great read!
Charlie attends Brighton School of Math and Science, a school for the nerds and everything in his life had been planned out a long time ago. He will graduate and attend MIT an resolve great questions. While Charlie and the other kids from his school love math and science, this can’t be said about English. The kids of Brighton School are super smart so they always find something to drive all the English teachers crazy. The English teacher this year is Ms. Finch, a young woman who is determined to make them love English literature.
Like I mentioned above Charlie’s future is already known, so he never expects his life to change so drastically when she meets Charlotte. But Charlotte is not a simply girl. No! She’s special, she loves art, she’s Ms. Finch’s little sister and she also is Charlie’s little sister, Becca best friend. At first, Charlotte is not impressed with Charlie. Their first encounter is a little awkward to say the least, but as the story progresses and they find out who they truly are, they become friends. Together they orchestrate a very effective prank campaign. When Charlie finds out that Charlotte is ill his entire world is shattered. Why does she have to be ill especially now when she found her?
This one was a very sweet, funny and also a little emotional at times YA novel. It was exactly what I expected and wanted. I also can label it as a coming of age story. One aspect of the story that I really enjoyed was the writing. The writing was simply great, flawless and the pace of the story was perfect for me. “Love and Other Unknown Variables” is written in first POV (Charlie’s POV) and I loved it. So we get to know Charlotte only through this boy’s eyes. His POV was enough IMO and I think there’s a reason the author preferred a single POV instead of two.
Charlie’s voice felt, real, honest and the entire time he was adorable. Charlie is a very smart boy; he’s a nerd, but when it comes to girls and romantic relationships he can be really awkward. Being in his head was entertaining to say the least. I loved his personality and I truly admired his boldness even if most of the time (or all the time) he didn’t have a clue how to approach a girl. He was portrayed as a great friend (btw, I loved his small group of friends who were pretty great) and also as a great brother to his little sister Becca. Needless to say it was very easy for me to like him.
This book was about Charlotte as much as it was about Charlie. Charlotte was very easy to like as well. I loved her maturity and her courage and her relationship with Charlie’s sister was so cute. Charlotte has a big impact in Charlie’s life. She changed him and I have to say I loved those changes.
Charlie and Charlotte’s relationship progressed naturally and their interactions even from the beginning felt so genuine. Their connection felt real despite the fact they were so young. It was palpable and so, so sweet. They were great with each other.
Overall, a great read!
November 12, 2014
Love and Other Unknown Variables ended up being a much more emotional read than I expected, and one that has substance and depth. Not the fluffy story I somehow expected after seeing this cover and blurb (which, to be fair, I only skimmed). There were things that were a tad annoying like the prank story arc, but aside from that it was a really good read.
We're treated to a brilliant, literal narrator, Charlie, who, despite his genius level of intelligence, can be very oblivious and awkward especially in social and romantic situations. This makes for a very endearing read at times, and humorous at others. I loved his bluntness and no-bull way of thinking. I also loved that even if he was socially inept when it came to girls, he would still risk it and just see what happens. It wasn't the kind of read where you're rolling your eyes at the shy narrator who's too awkward to make a move, frustratingly letting opportunity slide by. His character is also very real and very easy to like. He's written as this average high school teenager at heart, despite his being in the "smart school" and already having his future mapped out. The secondary characters are also given realistic, open personalities. Personalities that really give the book some extra life and a bigger heart. I loved how supportive his friends were, and I especially enjoyed the stability they offered in his life. There's no angst or fruitless drama. His best friends are a couple, and they're his friends. And that is that. What I liked even more, though, is seeing Charlie form a bond with his sister. I love it when sibling relationships and shown with such authenticity in books.
I'm not saying there isn't any fruitless happenings at all, however. The school they attend has this reputation of pranking their English teacher until the latter quits. Their teacher this summer is none other than the love interest's sister. Even though it had me rolling my eyes at first, you do eventually realize that these ridiculous and sometimes mean pranks work well to show us how one's perspective can change in an instant. When Charlie finds out the real reason why Charlotte needs her sister distracted, the book suddenly becomes way more intense. Proving the pranks to be silly and immature in the face of such a real, heartbreaking monster. We literally see Charlie becoming more mature; he grows up before our eyes, and it's sad in a way - to have to go through such an emotional ordeal so young in life.
One might say that getting attached so young is impossible, yet this author makes us believe in Charlie and Charlotte's connection. Being in Charlie's head, we can see how much of an affect she has in him. How much she has changed him, made him a better person, a person who is likely to take bigger chances. A person who knows what really matters in life. To not fear change. Sometimes, it takes some ugliness to show us what's really important. I love this book for what it ended up being. I love it for taking an ugly subject and giving us a beautiful story. I'd recommend it to fans of John Green and Gayle Forman.
--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
We're treated to a brilliant, literal narrator, Charlie, who, despite his genius level of intelligence, can be very oblivious and awkward especially in social and romantic situations. This makes for a very endearing read at times, and humorous at others. I loved his bluntness and no-bull way of thinking. I also loved that even if he was socially inept when it came to girls, he would still risk it and just see what happens. It wasn't the kind of read where you're rolling your eyes at the shy narrator who's too awkward to make a move, frustratingly letting opportunity slide by. His character is also very real and very easy to like. He's written as this average high school teenager at heart, despite his being in the "smart school" and already having his future mapped out. The secondary characters are also given realistic, open personalities. Personalities that really give the book some extra life and a bigger heart. I loved how supportive his friends were, and I especially enjoyed the stability they offered in his life. There's no angst or fruitless drama. His best friends are a couple, and they're his friends. And that is that. What I liked even more, though, is seeing Charlie form a bond with his sister. I love it when sibling relationships and shown with such authenticity in books.
I'm not saying there isn't any fruitless happenings at all, however. The school they attend has this reputation of pranking their English teacher until the latter quits. Their teacher this summer is none other than the love interest's sister. Even though it had me rolling my eyes at first, you do eventually realize that these ridiculous and sometimes mean pranks work well to show us how one's perspective can change in an instant. When Charlie finds out the real reason why Charlotte needs her sister distracted, the book suddenly becomes way more intense. Proving the pranks to be silly and immature in the face of such a real, heartbreaking monster. We literally see Charlie becoming more mature; he grows up before our eyes, and it's sad in a way - to have to go through such an emotional ordeal so young in life.
One might say that getting attached so young is impossible, yet this author makes us believe in Charlie and Charlotte's connection. Being in Charlie's head, we can see how much of an affect she has in him. How much she has changed him, made him a better person, a person who is likely to take bigger chances. A person who knows what really matters in life. To not fear change. Sometimes, it takes some ugliness to show us what's really important. I love this book for what it ended up being. I love it for taking an ugly subject and giving us a beautiful story. I'd recommend it to fans of John Green and Gayle Forman.
--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
December 2, 2014
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
Eeeeeh. I'm honestly feeling disappointed with Love and Other Unknown Variables because more than half the Goodreads reviews have rated this book 5 stars. Sadly, I just don't see the appeal.
The book follows Charlie, a boy who attends Brighton School of Mathematics and Science and has his entire future planned out. He wants to go to MIT and he's crazy good at maths. In fact, everyone in his school is pretty darn good at maths and/or science. They all hate literature and all things English related. Like Charlie mentions in the book, his school goes through English teachers like Hogwarts go through Defence in the Dark Arts professors. Each year they target the English teacher and play pranks on he/she until they go mad and just leave. This year, the teacher is Ms. Finch, and she's determined to set the students of this maths and science school on the right road. Charlotte, the new girl in town who recently becomes Charlie's sister's best friend, also happens to be Ms. Finch's younger sister.
What I didn't like were the pranks Charlie and his classmates pulled on Ms. Finch. The reason behind the pranks just didn't feel acceptable or believable to me. Charlotte basically tells Charlie to pull pranks on her sister (the teacher) so her sister's attention will be averted and she won't have time to keep an eye on Charlotte. What kind of reason is that? Also, the grudge these students have against English just annoyed me to no end. In my state, we also have a Science school and I know a few people who go there--they don't pull pranks on their English teachers or detest English like these kids did at Brighton.
The romance was something I shrug my shoulders at. I didn't see why Charlie and Charlotte were attracted to each other. And I got pretty bored of Charlie talking about Charlotte 24/7. Especially when he just talked about her hips and legs and how much he wanted to kiss her. That's not love, that's just attraction. That being said, the romance didn't bother me as much in the second half of the novel as much as the first half--probably because the romance started to grow on me.
I loved the other relationships in this novel though. I liked how Charlie and his sister, Becca, grew closer throughout this book. They weren't that tight in the beginning, but in a way, Charlotte brought them together. I liked how Greta and James, had such a large involvement with Charlie's life. They're his best friends, and were so honest with him.
Love and Other Unknown Variables was a nerdy read that I did enjoy, but felt that some of the things needed a more realistic and believable touch. I didn't cry in the end because I saw the ending coming before I even started the book, but I definitely felt pretty sad in the end.
Eeeeeh. I'm honestly feeling disappointed with Love and Other Unknown Variables because more than half the Goodreads reviews have rated this book 5 stars. Sadly, I just don't see the appeal.
The book follows Charlie, a boy who attends Brighton School of Mathematics and Science and has his entire future planned out. He wants to go to MIT and he's crazy good at maths. In fact, everyone in his school is pretty darn good at maths and/or science. They all hate literature and all things English related. Like Charlie mentions in the book, his school goes through English teachers like Hogwarts go through Defence in the Dark Arts professors. Each year they target the English teacher and play pranks on he/she until they go mad and just leave. This year, the teacher is Ms. Finch, and she's determined to set the students of this maths and science school on the right road. Charlotte, the new girl in town who recently becomes Charlie's sister's best friend, also happens to be Ms. Finch's younger sister.
What I didn't like were the pranks Charlie and his classmates pulled on Ms. Finch. The reason behind the pranks just didn't feel acceptable or believable to me. Charlotte basically tells Charlie to pull pranks on her sister (the teacher) so her sister's attention will be averted and she won't have time to keep an eye on Charlotte. What kind of reason is that? Also, the grudge these students have against English just annoyed me to no end. In my state, we also have a Science school and I know a few people who go there--they don't pull pranks on their English teachers or detest English like these kids did at Brighton.
The romance was something I shrug my shoulders at. I didn't see why Charlie and Charlotte were attracted to each other. And I got pretty bored of Charlie talking about Charlotte 24/7. Especially when he just talked about her hips and legs and how much he wanted to kiss her. That's not love, that's just attraction. That being said, the romance didn't bother me as much in the second half of the novel as much as the first half--probably because the romance started to grow on me.
I loved the other relationships in this novel though. I liked how Charlie and his sister, Becca, grew closer throughout this book. They weren't that tight in the beginning, but in a way, Charlotte brought them together. I liked how Greta and James, had such a large involvement with Charlie's life. They're his best friends, and were so honest with him.
Love and Other Unknown Variables was a nerdy read that I did enjoy, but felt that some of the things needed a more realistic and believable touch. I didn't cry in the end because I saw the ending coming before I even started the book, but I definitely felt pretty sad in the end.
~Thank you Entangled Teen for the review copy!~
July 12, 2015
“Please don't confuse love and logic Charlie. They aren't even remotely related. “
I have a crush on Charlie Hanson.
First of all, I loooooove stories written from a male point of view… let me clarify. I love them when they’re done well, and this one…. Well it’s done amazingly well.
Secondly… I have to tell you right up front that this story did not make me cry. If you’re looking through some reviews for this book, you’re definitely going to see a lot of comments about crying, and if you’re a book-cryer, be prepared, you may need some Kleenex going into this.
Charlie Hanson is a giant nerd. And I love him. He’s honest, he’s straightforward and he’s totally a teenage boy. Charlie attends Brighton School of Science and Mathematics and he’s got his future planned out. He’ll graduate and attend MIT and solve all the great unanswered questions … at least that is his plan until he meets Charlotte.
Charlotte is new to town and just happens to end up being his little sister’s best friend. His little sister has never had one of those so no matter how much he’s attracted to her, even if Charlotte was remotely interested in a nerd like him, he couldn’t and wouldn’t screw up her one and only friendship.
Plus… she just so happens to be Brighton’s newest English teacher’s, younger sister.
At Brighton, the focus has always been on Math and Science and the students don’t see any value in the ‘arts’. But Ms. Finch is determined to make them see the value and she’s heard about all the past teachers and what they had to endure. She isn’t going to give up no matter what kind of things they try.
“Brighton goes through English teachers like Hogwarts devours defense against the dark arts teachers”.
And so begins a school year of pranks in order to get Ms. Finch to quit her job, with Charlie leading the way, and when Charlotte finds out what is happening, she convinces Charlie that it’s a good thing. That any distraction he can cause that keeps her sister’s attention away from her, the better off she’ll be.
But aside from all the high school hi-jinks, there is a much more serious issue going on. Something that Charlotte keeps to herself and there’s a reason that Charlotte is pushing Charlie to distract her sister. Despite all the reasoning Charlie does, nothing really is making much sense anymore and though his common sense tells him not to fall for Charlotte, he just can’t seem to help himself.
Alexander tells a wonderful, heartwarming story here. The writing is well-done and the pacing and flow of the story really worked for me. I found myself not only loving our two main characters but also connecting with some of the peripheral characters as well… Charlie’s best friends, the cranky old woman down the block and I even loved his little sister!
While this story has a very serious side to it, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The serious is balanced wonderfully with some fun, sweet and lighthearted moments.
If you’re looking for something that will definitely make you laugh out loud at times and possibly cry a bit at others, I can’t recommend this one more.
I’ll be adding this one to my list of favorite boy POV stories!
Thank you to Entangled Teen and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I have a crush on Charlie Hanson.
First of all, I loooooove stories written from a male point of view… let me clarify. I love them when they’re done well, and this one…. Well it’s done amazingly well.
Secondly… I have to tell you right up front that this story did not make me cry. If you’re looking through some reviews for this book, you’re definitely going to see a lot of comments about crying, and if you’re a book-cryer, be prepared, you may need some Kleenex going into this.
Charlie Hanson is a giant nerd. And I love him. He’s honest, he’s straightforward and he’s totally a teenage boy. Charlie attends Brighton School of Science and Mathematics and he’s got his future planned out. He’ll graduate and attend MIT and solve all the great unanswered questions … at least that is his plan until he meets Charlotte.
Charlotte is new to town and just happens to end up being his little sister’s best friend. His little sister has never had one of those so no matter how much he’s attracted to her, even if Charlotte was remotely interested in a nerd like him, he couldn’t and wouldn’t screw up her one and only friendship.
Plus… she just so happens to be Brighton’s newest English teacher’s, younger sister.
At Brighton, the focus has always been on Math and Science and the students don’t see any value in the ‘arts’. But Ms. Finch is determined to make them see the value and she’s heard about all the past teachers and what they had to endure. She isn’t going to give up no matter what kind of things they try.
“Brighton goes through English teachers like Hogwarts devours defense against the dark arts teachers”.
And so begins a school year of pranks in order to get Ms. Finch to quit her job, with Charlie leading the way, and when Charlotte finds out what is happening, she convinces Charlie that it’s a good thing. That any distraction he can cause that keeps her sister’s attention away from her, the better off she’ll be.
But aside from all the high school hi-jinks, there is a much more serious issue going on. Something that Charlotte keeps to herself and there’s a reason that Charlotte is pushing Charlie to distract her sister. Despite all the reasoning Charlie does, nothing really is making much sense anymore and though his common sense tells him not to fall for Charlotte, he just can’t seem to help himself.
Alexander tells a wonderful, heartwarming story here. The writing is well-done and the pacing and flow of the story really worked for me. I found myself not only loving our two main characters but also connecting with some of the peripheral characters as well… Charlie’s best friends, the cranky old woman down the block and I even loved his little sister!
While this story has a very serious side to it, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The serious is balanced wonderfully with some fun, sweet and lighthearted moments.
If you’re looking for something that will definitely make you laugh out loud at times and possibly cry a bit at others, I can’t recommend this one more.
I’ll be adding this one to my list of favorite boy POV stories!
Thank you to Entangled Teen and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
April 3, 2015
This book was not at all what I expected. I thought it was going to be this cute, frivolous little love story that would likely warm my heart and leave me with a smile on my face. I couldn't have been more wrong.
This is what some might deem a "cancer book". But I didn't know that going into it. Obviously. I might not have read it had I known, but I would have missed out on such a poignant story and I would have regretted it, like I've been regretting not reading this sooner since I first began reading the book.
Love and Other Unknown Variables, with it's cute and nerdy math allusions and metaphors was much deeper and more thought-provoking than I could have imagined. Charlie, with his aspirations for MIT, was utterly adorkable. I knew from the first page that I was going to love him. And he only proved himself more worthy of my affections as the story wore on. I love a good male narrator, and Charlie is definitely on my list of favorites.
And Charlotte was a breath of fresh air. Or rather, Charlotte and Charlie together were. She's sick. He can't help falling for her. And though it's ten kinds of painful to watch it unfold, knowing how it will likely end, I can't say I'm sorry for it. Because it's real and true and inspiring. They had real conversations instead of misunderstanding after misunderstanding. They talked and dealt with their issues like normal people, even if it would have been easier to run and hide from them.
I'll be honest, I kind of wanted to hide from their problems, too, at times. The story was equal parts hopeful, terrifying, and just plain sorrowful. And as if I hadn't shed enough tears already, the author's note at the end choked me up further. It all just culminated in this really beautiful, touching story. I can't believe I almost passed on it because it looked TOO cutesy! I blame the adorable cover for that, though.
October 6, 2014
I want infinity, even though I know I can't reach it.
I wasn't sure about what to expect when I went into Love and Other Unknown Variables. I was thinking of a fun, quirky and easy read. In a way, I guess this book did deliver.
Charlie's a huge nerd, and it was easy to find him endearing enough. For crying out loud, he still recites the Periodic Table of Elements while he brushes his teeth--weird, but definitely cute. He also has an ambition and he's passionate about it, which not a lot of male characters are these days.
If you want to fall in love, then fall.
Truth be told, I was a bit indifferent to the romance. I did like how Charlie did these adorable things to show his affection, but I just couldn't feel a huge connection between him and Charlotte. She was an odd one, showing up at Charlie's door during the most random times, and it was a bit creepy sometimes. When he thought of her, suddenly she was there.
Charlotte had a lot of problems of her own, and it was cute how Charlie felt like he needed to help her solve them. There was this whole business with making Charlotte's sister's life miserable to take her attention off Charlotte, and I wasn't a fan of it. I thought this plan was tactless, stupid and completely pointless. Why not let your sister show you how much she loves you?
It's not enough to be your best. You need to be someone else's best, too.
The romance aside, this book also explored a lot of different kinds of relationships.
In the first half, we focused a lot on the very tight friendship between Charlie and his two best friends (who I just loved as a couple). They were both really supportive of Charlie and pushed him to come out of his shell. They also had quirks of their own. They also had a small falling-out, which made their friendship even more solid and realistic.
The second half gave us an insight to Charlie's relationship with his sister. They weren't very close before Charlotte showed up, but they started to realize how much they needed and loved each other. They became each other's pillars to lean on when they needed it most.
Simply put: time is fluid. The faster your world spins out of control, the slower timer crawls. The more time you need, the less you're sure to get. It's all relative.
Shannon Lee Alexander's writing is of the same style as popular authors such as John Green and Rainbow Rowell. Fans of both authors will probably get into Alexander's book with ease.
Overall, Love and Other Unknown Variables has a lot of potential to become the next big thing. With its nerdy cast and simple story, plenty of readers will find themselves drawn into this passionate novel.
August 12, 2014
Review to come closer to release date. I feel like my heart was just ripped out of my chest, stomped upon, bandaged and re-inflated, and then stuffed back into me with a sweet kiss and a hug of understanding. I'm smiling through my tears. Wonderful story.
October 7, 2014
Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
Warning: I feel like it's my duty to warn you that you'll see this book connected and compared to the other cancer book we all have heard of. While the reasons for that are there and the comparison is justified in my opinion, I also want to say that this is not just another TFIOS wannabe, and it's much much more than that.
Meet Charlie or I would like to call him one of the sweetest and cutest male character I have ever seen. By those adjectives I don't refer to his looks, but to his character. He is maybe your typical high school nerd, who loves everything science related and somehow believes that it's the only thing he will dedicate his life to (but lets face it we all though that when we discovered things that we were good at). But soon enough someone will show him that life is much more than that and that there are things that he is yet to discover. And all also that you don't necessarily have to be good at something to do it. What counts are lessons that you learn in the process and Charlie learned a lot.
Also heck to the author who did an amazing job with writing this book in male POV and boy, did she deliver.
Then there is Charlotte, a girl you will grow to love and her wit and quirky sense of humor will make you laugh out loud. She is a fighter, a girl that while experiencing a great deal of injustice from the universe still fights and decides that maybe she can't win the war, but there are always battles to be won.
So instead of saying more I'll just make a list. List of things this book made me do:
- laugh
- cry
- laugh out loud (you should consider not reading this when people are around as how can you explain that you're laughing so much with this kind of story?)
- love (characters, story, life,...)
- think (about characters, story, life,..)
- feel (everything)
- appreciate (books mostly and my decision to be a reader) (and authors, too - for being our heroes who give us stories that we love, without even meeting us first, when some people whom we have met did so little in comparison)
- give second chance (to the publisher in this case as - Entangled, I regret ever thinking that you only published same old romance stories. I'm sorry.)
Finally, I think I want to recommend this book to people who didn't like TFIOS and think that they won't like any other cancer book (I can think of few) as Charlie and his story might surprise you.
Warning: I feel like it's my duty to warn you that you'll see this book connected and compared to the other cancer book we all have heard of. While the reasons for that are there and the comparison is justified in my opinion, I also want to say that this is not just another TFIOS wannabe, and it's much much more than that.
Meet Charlie or I would like to call him one of the sweetest and cutest male character I have ever seen. By those adjectives I don't refer to his looks, but to his character. He is maybe your typical high school nerd, who loves everything science related and somehow believes that it's the only thing he will dedicate his life to (but lets face it we all though that when we discovered things that we were good at). But soon enough someone will show him that life is much more than that and that there are things that he is yet to discover. And all also that you don't necessarily have to be good at something to do it. What counts are lessons that you learn in the process and Charlie learned a lot.
Also heck to the author who did an amazing job with writing this book in male POV and boy, did she deliver.
Then there is Charlotte, a girl you will grow to love and her wit and quirky sense of humor will make you laugh out loud. She is a fighter, a girl that while experiencing a great deal of injustice from the universe still fights and decides that maybe she can't win the war, but there are always battles to be won.
So instead of saying more I'll just make a list. List of things this book made me do:
- laugh
- cry
- laugh out loud (you should consider not reading this when people are around as how can you explain that you're laughing so much with this kind of story?)
- love (characters, story, life,...)
- think (about characters, story, life,..)
- feel (everything)
- appreciate (books mostly and my decision to be a reader) (and authors, too - for being our heroes who give us stories that we love, without even meeting us first, when some people whom we have met did so little in comparison)
- give second chance (to the publisher in this case as - Entangled, I regret ever thinking that you only published same old romance stories. I'm sorry.)
Finally, I think I want to recommend this book to people who didn't like TFIOS and think that they won't like any other cancer book (I can think of few) as Charlie and his story might surprise you.
November 7, 2014
This was fantastic! Take Stephanie Perkins and mix her with John Green and you get this!
September 6, 2014
This is a review of an ARC provided through Netgalley by Entangled Press in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t even know where to begin with how much I love “Love and Other Unknown Variables.” Love may not be a strong enough word. There are so many things about it that make it a breath of fresh air in the Young Adult genre.
Shannon Lee Alexander’s writing seems effortless and flows in a way that pulls you in quickly and keeps you engaged, making it nearly impossible to put it down. The characters are all intriguing and the dialogue is realistic for teenagers, something not always present, which adds to the relatibility of the characters to the target audience.
I was thrilled to find a coming-of-age romance narrated with such tenderness by a male narrator. Charlie is flawed but likable, and grows in a way that is inspiring. It was especially wonderful to see how siblings can grow together and become friends as they age, as well as how those we think we know can be so much more than we give them credit for.
I can’t say much else without spoiling the book, but the themes of difficult choices and thinking outside of the lines, both literally and metaphorically in this case, are explored with an excellent mix of humor and gravity.
I feel privileged for the opportunity to be one of the first to read “Love and Other Unknown Variables.” My honest opinion that the book, as well as Shannon Lee Alexander, will become a force to be reckoned with in the world of Young Adult literature, something which is well-deserved.
I don’t even know where to begin with how much I love “Love and Other Unknown Variables.” Love may not be a strong enough word. There are so many things about it that make it a breath of fresh air in the Young Adult genre.
Shannon Lee Alexander’s writing seems effortless and flows in a way that pulls you in quickly and keeps you engaged, making it nearly impossible to put it down. The characters are all intriguing and the dialogue is realistic for teenagers, something not always present, which adds to the relatibility of the characters to the target audience.
I was thrilled to find a coming-of-age romance narrated with such tenderness by a male narrator. Charlie is flawed but likable, and grows in a way that is inspiring. It was especially wonderful to see how siblings can grow together and become friends as they age, as well as how those we think we know can be so much more than we give them credit for.
I can’t say much else without spoiling the book, but the themes of difficult choices and thinking outside of the lines, both literally and metaphorically in this case, are explored with an excellent mix of humor and gravity.
I feel privileged for the opportunity to be one of the first to read “Love and Other Unknown Variables.” My honest opinion that the book, as well as Shannon Lee Alexander, will become a force to be reckoned with in the world of Young Adult literature, something which is well-deserved.
December 14, 2014
This is way better than The Fault in Our Stars. And I liked that book. Imagine that.
I love how honest, funny and emotional this book is. I don't like Math but this books made me tolerate Math. You read a cancer book, you think "Oh my God, this is gonna be a sob-fest."
Well, with this book? Not really. You will feel it tug on your heartstrings, you will feel sadness but what's weird is how it can also make you smile at the same time. You'll look like a psycho, trust me. A good kind of psycho, though.
Awesome family values and friendship. The romantic relationships are cute and not too sappy.
Amazing read.
January 7, 2015
4.5 stars!
THIS BOOK. Oh my, I don’t even know where to start with this. ALL the feels, people, ALL THE FEELS!!
Well, let’s start with this cover. Seriously?! This “totes adorbs”, if there ever was such a saying. ;) At first glance I knew it was a book made just for me. *cheesin’ grin* I fall hard for book covers, especially when they’re as adorable as this one. As most of my friends and readers know, I’m a HUGE contemp fan. And this book just screams, “Lisa, you will LOVE this book!!” Guess what… the cover was totally accurate in that proclamation because I DID love it!
This is one of those books that starts off one way, then just takes a completely different turn and heads another. At first it was a bit on the slow side. I wasn’t sure I was in the mood to read it… but thankfully, I stuck with it, and, oh, man, am I happy that I did! I quickly got to know this fantastic group of characters, felt a part of their story, and it just went full-speed ahead from there.
I kinda wish this synopsis stopped before the last paragraph. I went into this book having not read the description in months and really not knowing what it was about. So when the View Spoiler » came upon me, I was shocked. I had spent the beginning part of the story not knowing what was up with Charlotte and Jo and coming up with all different ideas in my head. Yes, one of my thoughts happened to be corrected, but I had liked not knowing. I feel knowing beforehand kind of takes a bit away from the story. So if you haven’t read the synopsis yet (the “spoiler” above is for you guys ;) ) do yourself and favor and don’t. Just go into this story blind. I do that with almost every book I read. Sometimes it really doesn’t matter… other times, it makes all the difference.
This is definitely a book I will be recommending to others for a longggggg time. I think it’s great for teenagers, as well as us adults that really enjoy our YA stories. Its cast of strong-personality characters really leads this story to a perfect conclusion. It delves into some pretty serious real-life issues, while loaded with tons of silliness and laughs. This is one of those books that I think a majority of people will enjoy, regardless of your genre preference. I’ll definitely be telling my teenage niece about this one. Just be warned… All. The. Feels.
(Thanks to Entangled Teen for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
THIS BOOK. Oh my, I don’t even know where to start with this. ALL the feels, people, ALL THE FEELS!!
“Sometimes life is like that, you know. It smacks
us when we’re down. The brave get back up. At least, they do in the
books.”
Well, let’s start with this cover. Seriously?! This “totes adorbs”, if there ever was such a saying. ;) At first glance I knew it was a book made just for me. *cheesin’ grin* I fall hard for book covers, especially when they’re as adorable as this one. As most of my friends and readers know, I’m a HUGE contemp fan. And this book just screams, “Lisa, you will LOVE this book!!” Guess what… the cover was totally accurate in that proclamation because I DID love it!
This is one of those books that starts off one way, then just takes a completely different turn and heads another. At first it was a bit on the slow side. I wasn’t sure I was in the mood to read it… but thankfully, I stuck with it, and, oh, man, am I happy that I did! I quickly got to know this fantastic group of characters, felt a part of their story, and it just went full-speed ahead from there.
I kinda wish this synopsis stopped before the last paragraph. I went into this book having not read the description in months and really not knowing what it was about. So when the View Spoiler » came upon me, I was shocked. I had spent the beginning part of the story not knowing what was up with Charlotte and Jo and coming up with all different ideas in my head. Yes, one of my thoughts happened to be corrected, but I had liked not knowing. I feel knowing beforehand kind of takes a bit away from the story. So if you haven’t read the synopsis yet (the “spoiler” above is for you guys ;) ) do yourself and favor and don’t. Just go into this story blind. I do that with almost every book I read. Sometimes it really doesn’t matter… other times, it makes all the difference.
“Simply put: time is fluid. The faster your world spins out of control, the slower time crawls. The more time you need, the less you’re sure to get. It’s all relative”
This is definitely a book I will be recommending to others for a longggggg time. I think it’s great for teenagers, as well as us adults that really enjoy our YA stories. Its cast of strong-personality characters really leads this story to a perfect conclusion. It delves into some pretty serious real-life issues, while loaded with tons of silliness and laughs. This is one of those books that I think a majority of people will enjoy, regardless of your genre preference. I’ll definitely be telling my teenage niece about this one. Just be warned… All. The. Feels.
(Thanks to Entangled Teen for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
October 19, 2014
~~4.5 INFINITE HOPE HEARTS~~
Release date October 7th, 2014
That was a really emotional read for me but it didn't make me cry. If you loved TFIOS then you’ll enjoy this book. Charlotte & Charlie’s story is one that you won’t easily forget. It did make me laugh a little at the beginning. I like how the author mixes the humor in with such a depressing emotional read. I was excited to receive an ARC from NetGalley for this book. The synopsis drew me in and I was hooked. This is in Charlie’s POV, which I enjoyed immensely. I think because of this, it made it less depressing. Great job Shannon Lee Alexander!
Charlie had his future all planned out. Graduate and then off to MIT. His life was on a straight and narrow course, that’s until he meets Charlotte. Charlotte throws a wrench into his plans. After meeting Charlotte he questions the future that he planned for. Charlie doesn’t have a math problem that he can’t solve but he has problems figuring out how to act around girls without getting assaulted in the process. All the scenarios made me laugh. Poor Charlie. At least he tried, right?
Charlotte is trying to make the best of her time she has left. She’s sick and has been for awhile. She wants to get her overprotective sister to loosen up and not constantly breathing down her back. She ask Charlie to help her with keeping her sister busy with the senior pranks.
This was a really good read for me. I wasn’t disappointed. I haven’t been having much luck with my ARC’s but this one was actually good.
August 29, 2016
I can't believe that this is Shannon Lee Alexander's debut. All the flails. All the fun. All the feels.
MIT-bound nerd Charlie Hanson's world is completely changed when he notices a girl with a tattoo on her neck in line in front of him. He can't help but to touch her, and their connection is instantaneous. Whirlwind artsy Charlotte, coincidentally also referred to as Charlie, is new in town--her sister just became the English teacher at Charlie's school. Talk about a small world; Charlotte is Charlie's sister's new BFF, so of course you know sparks are flying. When Charlotte finds out Charlie and his fellow classmates are the ones behind all the shenanigans that get pulled on her sister, she surprisingly doesn't tell him to stop--she encourages it. Charlotte has a big secret--one that she doesn't want too much focus on.
I loved pretty much everything about this book. I loved the pacing and the angst. I loved watching Charlotte and Charlie fall in love. Sometimes math and science can't fix everything, and the development of Charlie's character through it all was wonderful. I loved the pensiveness of this book and how insightful it was.
I loved the chemistry between Charlie and Charlotte. If you're a fan of strong friendships, you're going to love this book. I can't wait to see what Alexander comes up with next.
Heartbreaking and real, Love and Other Unknown Variables will have readers experiencing the soaring heights of first-time love with whip-smart characters reminiscent of a John Green novel.
--
MIT-bound nerd Charlie Hanson's world is completely changed when he notices a girl with a tattoo on her neck in line in front of him. He can't help but to touch her, and their connection is instantaneous. Whirlwind artsy Charlotte, coincidentally also referred to as Charlie, is new in town--her sister just became the English teacher at Charlie's school. Talk about a small world; Charlotte is Charlie's sister's new BFF, so of course you know sparks are flying. When Charlotte finds out Charlie and his fellow classmates are the ones behind all the shenanigans that get pulled on her sister, she surprisingly doesn't tell him to stop--she encourages it. Charlotte has a big secret--one that she doesn't want too much focus on.
I loved pretty much everything about this book. I loved the pacing and the angst. I loved watching Charlotte and Charlie fall in love. Sometimes math and science can't fix everything, and the development of Charlie's character through it all was wonderful. I loved the pensiveness of this book and how insightful it was.
Time is fluid. The faster your world spins out of control, the slower timer crawls. The more time you need, the less you're sure to get.
I loved the chemistry between Charlie and Charlotte. If you're a fan of strong friendships, you're going to love this book. I can't wait to see what Alexander comes up with next.
Heartbreaking and real, Love and Other Unknown Variables will have readers experiencing the soaring heights of first-time love with whip-smart characters reminiscent of a John Green novel.
--
September 11, 2014
I mean...how am I supposed to form words about my love of Charlie. IDK if they have invented them yet.
I can't say enough about how well done this book is. I have an affinity for male POV, and this is done so well. I fell instantly in love with his thinking and its really a well done "nerd romance".
The cover is fantastic, and the supporting characters make the book feel alive and organic. There is nothing I can say I would change about this book. Grab it, savor it and share it with someone you love.
I will be signing the praises of Love and Other Unknown Variables for a long time to come.
Thanks to netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I can't say enough about how well done this book is. I have an affinity for male POV, and this is done so well. I fell instantly in love with his thinking and its really a well done "nerd romance".
The cover is fantastic, and the supporting characters make the book feel alive and organic. There is nothing I can say I would change about this book. Grab it, savor it and share it with someone you love.
I will be signing the praises of Love and Other Unknown Variables for a long time to come.
Thanks to netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley/publisher in exchange of an honest review.
I am not one who loves mathematics and I was at first a bit worried about reading this, worried that I might not like it since I have no affinity with maths. Luckily you don't need to love maths to love this book.
Charlie is a wonderful, sweet, but a bit strange of a character. He is awkward (see his notes on girls), but he tries his best. I loved how smart he was and how he tried his best in school. I loved his ideas for pranks, though he at first didn't participate (for reasons). And when he did participate, I could see why people followed him, and wanted him to lead.
I loved how he reacted to Charlotte, and how awkward it at times got (sooo cute). I won't spoil anything else, but believe me you will love him for all he does for Charlotte.
There are various hilarious situations happening, like him driving a car in a garden of and elderly lady and all that happens with that.
Charlie starts off a bit strange, but he grows, throughout the book you will see him change, see him understand the world just a little bit more.
Charlotte, my second favourite character (ah, darn it, I loved them all), poor girl. I won't spoil anything, you will have to find out for yourself why she is a poor girl. I loved her spunky attitude, and I loved how she was so smart and knew a lot of things. Even with everything happening she tries to stay positive and joyful. I really admire that.
Then we have Charlie's friends, his family, that elderly lady. It is quite rare for me that I like all characters and wish they all would have gotten more time in the spotlight. But I did, they all did their things, they all helped Charlie so much with everything. Yes, even the old grumpy lady (who turns out to be pretty nice).
The story is great, I won't say much, since I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Just that it is wonderful, great and you will cry, laugh, scream and shake your head.
This is a book I would highly recommend, and if I could I would rate it higher than the 5 stars I gave.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I am not one who loves mathematics and I was at first a bit worried about reading this, worried that I might not like it since I have no affinity with maths. Luckily you don't need to love maths to love this book.
Charlie is a wonderful, sweet, but a bit strange of a character. He is awkward (see his notes on girls), but he tries his best. I loved how smart he was and how he tried his best in school. I loved his ideas for pranks, though he at first didn't participate (for reasons). And when he did participate, I could see why people followed him, and wanted him to lead.
I loved how he reacted to Charlotte, and how awkward it at times got (sooo cute). I won't spoil anything else, but believe me you will love him for all he does for Charlotte.
There are various hilarious situations happening, like him driving a car in a garden of and elderly lady and all that happens with that.
Charlie starts off a bit strange, but he grows, throughout the book you will see him change, see him understand the world just a little bit more.
Charlotte, my second favourite character (ah, darn it, I loved them all), poor girl. I won't spoil anything, you will have to find out for yourself why she is a poor girl. I loved her spunky attitude, and I loved how she was so smart and knew a lot of things. Even with everything happening she tries to stay positive and joyful. I really admire that.
Then we have Charlie's friends, his family, that elderly lady. It is quite rare for me that I like all characters and wish they all would have gotten more time in the spotlight. But I did, they all did their things, they all helped Charlie so much with everything. Yes, even the old grumpy lady (who turns out to be pretty nice).
The story is great, I won't say much, since I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Just that it is wonderful, great and you will cry, laugh, scream and shake your head.
This is a book I would highly recommend, and if I could I would rate it higher than the 5 stars I gave.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 27, 2015
I did not have a good time reading this book. First, pretentious teens at a STEM-focused high school decide to make their English teacher's life hell, because they're too good for ~unquantifiable nonsense~. Second, the Popular Kid with the power to stop it decides to lead the harassment instead. Why? Because said English teacher's sister, the Girl with the Infinity Tattoo, is tired of people pitying her for having cancer and wants her sister to be too busy dealing with work to spend time focusing on her.
Hopefully Charlotte will be happy to hear that I not only didn't pity her, I actively hoped she would die soon (and preferably suffer along the way) for being an inconsiderate jerk.
Even if the English teacher was ready for the pranks, it's still not what I want to hear about. Maybe if they had stopped a lot earlier, I could have salvaged the story, but there was too much else to overcome by that point. It's too bad this book so rubbed me the wrong way, because I really wanted to like Charlie. He had such promising glimmers of being a good dude, what with being nice to his socially awkward sister and willingly helping an old lady fix the garden he destroyed with his reckless driving.
I also loved seeing him fall in love and discover his capacity to care, for the first time, about something other than sterile numbers. I'm not knocking math there, I'm saying it was great to read the YA novel version of the excellent TV show Numb3rs. I could feel the love come alive, and it was beautiful.
Too bad he got stuck with the kind of love interest that makes girls sabotage each other and write songs like "You Belong With Me."
Hopefully Charlotte will be happy to hear that I not only didn't pity her, I actively hoped she would die soon (and preferably suffer along the way) for being an inconsiderate jerk.
Even if the English teacher was ready for the pranks, it's still not what I want to hear about. Maybe if they had stopped a lot earlier, I could have salvaged the story, but there was too much else to overcome by that point. It's too bad this book so rubbed me the wrong way, because I really wanted to like Charlie. He had such promising glimmers of being a good dude, what with being nice to his socially awkward sister and willingly helping an old lady fix the garden he destroyed with his reckless driving.
I also loved seeing him fall in love and discover his capacity to care, for the first time, about something other than sterile numbers. I'm not knocking math there, I'm saying it was great to read the YA novel version of the excellent TV show Numb3rs. I could feel the love come alive, and it was beautiful.
Too bad he got stuck with the kind of love interest that makes girls sabotage each other and write songs like "You Belong With Me."
February 15, 2017
“Scientists believe time travel is something like that, in its simplest sense, the leaping across from one part of the circle to another. If it’s true, everything lasts forever.
“Which sucks, because it means I will miss you forever. But it’s cool, too, because it means in my own stupid way, I get to love you forever.”
THIS BOOK WAS SOO GOOD.
It was funny and also sad. I loved the characters so much they were smart, talented, real and so funny "eau de rotten piggie" and loved the family dinamic.
One thing I learn from this book is that some things defy logic and reason and we should fight, be our heroes or other people heroes because live is short and we should live it to the fullest.
The point is, sometimes real problems have to be solved with imagination.
“Which sucks, because it means I will miss you forever. But it’s cool, too, because it means in my own stupid way, I get to love you forever.”
THIS BOOK WAS SOO GOOD.
It was funny and also sad. I loved the characters so much they were smart, talented, real and so funny "eau de rotten piggie" and loved the family dinamic.
One thing I learn from this book is that some things defy logic and reason and we should fight, be our heroes or other people heroes because live is short and we should live it to the fullest.
The point is, sometimes real problems have to be solved with imagination.
March 22, 2016
I liked this book- I think I would have liked it more if I wasn't subconsciously comparing it to The Fault in Our Stars at times. To be fair, I LOVED the main character Charlie because he was such a sweet, awkward guy who honestly wanted to be the best person he could be. He had such an impressive character growth and development and his relationship with his sister was adorable. Overall, a good solid 4 stars.
April 9, 2015
**This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review**
A very good read. It was emotional, raw, humorous, real, and simply adorable. It was quite a rollercoaster of a story.
I will definitely say that I wasn't moved, I shed no tears, and I didn't really get sad... BUT I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a lot of fun, despite the not-so-happy parts. This story follows Charlie Hanson and his first real experience with infatuation and love. Because he's a Math and Science aficionado, there really isn't much room for anything else, especially something as unreliable and unstable as emotion (love). Until he meets Charlotte Finch.
This is a character driven story that feeds on the emotion and the vulnerability of the reader -- rather well -- in my opinion. I enjoyed being in Charlie's head and seeing the world of love through his eyes, though very flawed and very confused. It was such an adventure. His two best friends, Greta and James, add a very endearing touch to the story and as well as a nice dose of humor and reality for Charlie and for the reader.
The characters as a whole brought the story together rather well, and all of the supporting cast really played a huge role in Charlie's development as a young boy in life and in love. It's part of the reason why I enjoyed him so much by the end of the book. I will admit that at the beginning of the book, he annoyed me to no end. But I think that was intentional by Alexander. Charlie's starting point had to be a place that needed definite "fixing" and by the end of the book, the fruits of that labor are very apparent and well received.
I think that a lot of readers can and probably will get something of personal value from this story because, although it has some really sad moments in it (some that are quite unrelatable to me), you can still find yourself in moments of personal reflection because romantic relationships, hardships, friendships, family, etc. -- these are all life aspects that we have dealt with (and still are dealing with) at one point or another.
The romantic elements of this book weren't too over the top, they weren't fake or forced. The way that it all progressed and came together was really great, in my opinion. I'm not a fan of instalove, like a lot of people, so I was definitely anticipating that Alexander would take her time with these two, especially since the whole book really focused on Charlie and his dealings with his newfound affections.
The humor throughout was so much fun. James was the perfect mix of comic and companion, even Charlotte has her moments of funny. But each character played a key role in the plot's progression. From Ms. Finch to Charlotte to Mrs. Dunwitty -- everyone had purpose. And it was made known through the book. I actually think that my favorite character was Mrs. Dunwitty, Charlie's neighborhood elder. Her interactions with Charlie were probably my favorite moments in the book and many of his changes are due to her influence in his life. I think that everyone needs a Dunwitty in their lives.
Overall, this book was a nice surprise. It was quite enjoyable. I definitely recommend as a nice contemporary read that will stroke your feels and send you on a ride.
A very good read. It was emotional, raw, humorous, real, and simply adorable. It was quite a rollercoaster of a story.
I will definitely say that I wasn't moved, I shed no tears, and I didn't really get sad... BUT I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a lot of fun, despite the not-so-happy parts. This story follows Charlie Hanson and his first real experience with infatuation and love. Because he's a Math and Science aficionado, there really isn't much room for anything else, especially something as unreliable and unstable as emotion (love). Until he meets Charlotte Finch.
This is a character driven story that feeds on the emotion and the vulnerability of the reader -- rather well -- in my opinion. I enjoyed being in Charlie's head and seeing the world of love through his eyes, though very flawed and very confused. It was such an adventure. His two best friends, Greta and James, add a very endearing touch to the story and as well as a nice dose of humor and reality for Charlie and for the reader.
The characters as a whole brought the story together rather well, and all of the supporting cast really played a huge role in Charlie's development as a young boy in life and in love. It's part of the reason why I enjoyed him so much by the end of the book. I will admit that at the beginning of the book, he annoyed me to no end. But I think that was intentional by Alexander. Charlie's starting point had to be a place that needed definite "fixing" and by the end of the book, the fruits of that labor are very apparent and well received.
I think that a lot of readers can and probably will get something of personal value from this story because, although it has some really sad moments in it (some that are quite unrelatable to me), you can still find yourself in moments of personal reflection because romantic relationships, hardships, friendships, family, etc. -- these are all life aspects that we have dealt with (and still are dealing with) at one point or another.
The romantic elements of this book weren't too over the top, they weren't fake or forced. The way that it all progressed and came together was really great, in my opinion. I'm not a fan of instalove, like a lot of people, so I was definitely anticipating that Alexander would take her time with these two, especially since the whole book really focused on Charlie and his dealings with his newfound affections.
The humor throughout was so much fun. James was the perfect mix of comic and companion, even Charlotte has her moments of funny. But each character played a key role in the plot's progression. From Ms. Finch to Charlotte to Mrs. Dunwitty -- everyone had purpose. And it was made known through the book. I actually think that my favorite character was Mrs. Dunwitty, Charlie's neighborhood elder. Her interactions with Charlie were probably my favorite moments in the book and many of his changes are due to her influence in his life. I think that everyone needs a Dunwitty in their lives.
Overall, this book was a nice surprise. It was quite enjoyable. I definitely recommend as a nice contemporary read that will stroke your feels and send you on a ride.
October 25, 2014
I do not have the words to tell you how amazing this book it. As a matter of fact, I don't think there are enough words in the universe to tell you how much I loved it. If you are a John Green fan (like I am), just take the utter swooniness of Augustus Waters (The Fault in Our Stars) and the obsessive nerdiness of Colin Singleton (An Abundance of Katherines), combine them with the questing loyalty of Quentin Jacobsen (Paper Towns) and you have Charlie Hanson.
Charlie attends a special school for kids who are advanced in Science and Math. To charlie, Math is logical. It just makes sense. English and Literature however is something that is seen as emotional and therefore unnecessary.
Despite having a girl for a best friend, Charlie has always struck out in the love department. He even keeps a scientific record of each epic fail. After seeing Charlotte Finch once morning in a donut shop, Charlie is surprised to find her sitting at his house; as his reclusive sister's new best friend. Charlie knows that even though he has never met ANYONE like Charlotte Finch, all they can ever be is friends because he doesn't want to do anything to hurt his younger sister.
Charlie is epically geeky and so very sweet to those around him. And speaking of those around him, the whole cast of characters in this book is amazing.
First there is Greta and James. Greta is Charlie's outspoken best and James is her boyfriend. It's great the way Greta and James include Charlie without making him feel like a third wheel. Becca is Charlie's sister and she is quirky to say the least. Charlotte becomes her best friend; her only friend. On the outside, Charlotte appears to be Charlie's opposite, and that may be true, but they bring out the best in each other. Even with Charlie and Charlotte's growing friendship, they never exclude Becca or make her feel unwelcome. They become a tight band of friends, looking out for each other and trying to protect each other. It's just perfect.
This is a fantastic YA book complete with laughter and tears, love and loss, and sunshine and rain. It will completely take over your heart.
**I received an ARC of this story from Entangled and Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 27, 2014
A sympathetic 2.5 stars
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley.)
There wasn’t anything horribly wrong with this book, I just didn’t enjoy it.
The characters in this were alright I suppose, but I just couldn’t warm to them. They irritated me a bit in places, and I just didn’t care what happened to them. I did feel quite sorry for everybody involved when Charlotte’s diagnosis came out, but other than that, I just didn’t really get a feel for them.
The storyline in this started out being about one thing, and by the end felt like it was about something completely different. I found the pace quite slow, and I just couldn’t connect to the story at all. I got bored, and just wanted it to end. Even when Charlotte’s diagnosis came out I couldn’t get into the story.
There was romance, but again, I just did not care.
The ending was quite sad, and I did feel quite sorry for the author when I read the message at the end explaining that she went through something similar. It’s for this reason that I’m giving this book 2.5 stars; but overall – I didn’t enjoy this story.
5 out of 10.
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley.)
There wasn’t anything horribly wrong with this book, I just didn’t enjoy it.
The characters in this were alright I suppose, but I just couldn’t warm to them. They irritated me a bit in places, and I just didn’t care what happened to them. I did feel quite sorry for everybody involved when Charlotte’s diagnosis came out, but other than that, I just didn’t really get a feel for them.
The storyline in this started out being about one thing, and by the end felt like it was about something completely different. I found the pace quite slow, and I just couldn’t connect to the story at all. I got bored, and just wanted it to end. Even when Charlotte’s diagnosis came out I couldn’t get into the story.
There was romance, but again, I just did not care.
The ending was quite sad, and I did feel quite sorry for the author when I read the message at the end explaining that she went through something similar. It’s for this reason that I’m giving this book 2.5 stars; but overall – I didn’t enjoy this story.
5 out of 10.
April 27, 2015
Read more of our reviews at: www.thebookjarblog.wordpress.com
This is the story of a brilliant, albeit, awkward teen Charlie, and his relationship with Charlotte. Charlotte is a free spirit who lives in the present because of her illness. Charlotte's sister happens to be Charlie's English teacher and in order to distract her sister, Charlie becomes a prankster. With college on the horizon, and Charlotte becoming something more to Charlie, he finds that math isn't the most important thing anymore.
First off, this book is a tear jerker. Just warning you ahead of time so you have kleenex on hand, I didn't so I was blubbering over my kindle. Okay now I really enjoyed this book. Shannon Lee Alexander writes Charlie perfectly, he the quintessential teenage boy who's trying to figure out his first real relationship. Charlotte is a girl, wise beyond her years but also slightly annoying (partly because of her illness). The two are navigating their relationship, her illness and Charlie's impending leave for college in the fall. I enjoyed the two characters together, but sometimes I felt their relationship was sudden, rushed and unrealistic. It was an enjoyable read that is easy and fun.3.5/5
This is the story of a brilliant, albeit, awkward teen Charlie, and his relationship with Charlotte. Charlotte is a free spirit who lives in the present because of her illness. Charlotte's sister happens to be Charlie's English teacher and in order to distract her sister, Charlie becomes a prankster. With college on the horizon, and Charlotte becoming something more to Charlie, he finds that math isn't the most important thing anymore.
First off, this book is a tear jerker. Just warning you ahead of time so you have kleenex on hand, I didn't so I was blubbering over my kindle. Okay now I really enjoyed this book. Shannon Lee Alexander writes Charlie perfectly, he the quintessential teenage boy who's trying to figure out his first real relationship. Charlotte is a girl, wise beyond her years but also slightly annoying (partly because of her illness). The two are navigating their relationship, her illness and Charlie's impending leave for college in the fall. I enjoyed the two characters together, but sometimes I felt their relationship was sudden, rushed and unrealistic. It was an enjoyable read that is easy and fun.3.5/5
April 30, 2015
Tore my heart. Review to come
September 4, 2015
Очень понравилась книга. Давно у меня такого не было. Последние страниц 10-15 слезы вообще было не сдержать.
Захотелось познакомиться с творчеством этого автора поближе.
Захотелось познакомиться с творчеством этого автора поближе.
September 4, 2016
Pourquoi j'ai choisi ce livre? lol
C'est une histoire tendre, drôle et émouvante.
C'est une histoire tendre, drôle et émouvante.
October 5, 2015
THIS FUUUUU BOOK. THIS. FUUUUU BOOK!
*insert gif of Bradley Cooper chucking the book out the window in The Silver Lining’s Playbook*
If any review, ever starts off with “this fuuuuuuuu book” assume it’s a heartbreaker. An outright, kick you in the crotch, heartbreaker.
I don’t even have words right now, all I’m doing is lying in my bed, rolling from side to side, making dying whale noises and trying not to dribble tears from my eyes.
But coherency is a must as a reviewer so let me just tell you right off the bat, this book will break your heart. Yes. Absolutely. It will also make you snort and laugh, and apparently that’s the authors way of saying sorry for breaking your heart in the first place. But as we all know, I’m not happy unless there’s a sad ending that I don’t wana accept, but also I hate when that happens.
Love and Other Unknown Variables is brilliant. I knew it from the moment I started reading it, with it’s witty characters, (enter Charlie, Charlotte, Becca, James, Greta) - all of them were just seriously amazing characters - realistic, fiercely loyal, hilarious to the point I snorted so many times my sister thought there was a pig in the room, and oh so loveable.
We’ll start with Charlie. A nerd, a dork, on the road to brilliance at MIT, unsure of himself as a guy, but sure of himself as a genius who is always right. He doesn’t know much about girls, as his documentation of treating them almost like a science project will reveal (liking touching their neck in a queue at Kirspy Kreme), but he knows about maths and science and he knows literature is a waste of time. He is, in essence, a real dork.
His two and what seems like only friends, are Greta (the one person who beat him in a test) and her boyfriend, James. They both have come to accept him for the dork he is and quite frankly, are dorks themselves who attend Brighton with him - an all maths and science school engineered to lead students to greatness at Ivy League colleges. Greta is unflinchingly honest, loveable, strong, loyal. James is equally all those things, as well as goofy, gentle and hilarious. Together these three seriously had me laughing silently under the covers, bed shaking slightly from my movement.
There was a particular scene, with James and Charlie, that really got me as one of those Hit You In Da Feelz moments. James was meant to be an almost tertiary character, who puts up with Charlie because his girlfriend is friends with him. But no. The author took this character, blasted that scenario out the water and said nope - James is gna like Charlie, because that’s the kinda good guy he is and because once you know Charlie, you love Charlie. Sure, some days it’s harder than normal - but that's friendship.
In this particular scene, in a rare moment of being alone together, James and Charlie are talking. James asks him a question, to why Charlie replies, does it matter?
Here’s an excerpt to bring you up to speed. Read the whole thing okay?
----
“My nose aches as I wrinkle it. “Does it matter?”
“Let’s do a little experiment to answer that question.” James shifts his weight next to me, and I think it’s to pick up another rock, but instead, his right shoulder crashes into my chest as he shoves me into the creek. I land on my butt in the murky sludge coating the bottom”.
“What the hell was that for?” So much for all that friendship I thought I saw a moment ago.
James levels me with a rare look for him—gravity. “Does it matter?”
“Yes, it matters. It’s cold, and I’m soaked.”
“How much do you like Charlotte? I dare you to tell me it doesn’t matter.”
It’s like the air is being squeezed from my lungs.
“See. It matters. Greta’s here because she’s loyal to you. I’m here for Greta. Why are you here, freezing your nuts off, for Charlotte Finch?”
And it’s there. The answer is there, like it was always part of me. “Because she matters.”
“Look, I’m not saying you shouldn’t help this girl, but you should know what you’re getting into. I’m also not saying you really have a choice when it comes to your motives. I get that. No one wants to fall and get hurt.” He steps closer to the creek’s edge. “I’m just saying to prepare for heartache, because it’s always harder to be the one still hanging around.” He reaches a hand out toward me, clasping mine firmly in his and pulling me from the water.
“And know I’ll be here to help pick you up,” he says once we’re both standing on solid ground.
I need to reevaluate. James isn’t just Greta’s boyfriend. James is my other best friend.”
----
Doesn’t that kinda stuff just warm the cockles of your heart? Where two guys, friends by chance, bonded by choice, just display these emotions without being all cheesy and cringey? The answer on your lips, is yes. It’s wonderful and I love that the author included such a moment, these moments between Charlie and James, moments between Charlie and Greta to truly display what friendship is about, even when there are no words, just actions.
Moving on to Charlie’s little sister - Becca, oh Becca, how I love thee. She’s one of my favourite characters from this book, even though all of them run a close competition for that title. She’s a shadow of Charlie, brilliantly smart with subjects, but not so great with people. Yet she knows about friendship, she knows about loyalty, and how to love. She opens her world up to Charlotte, these two and their bond made me wana weep silently. Wise for her 16 years, she finds comfort in her brother, and lends solace to Charlie when they both need it most.
As for the final character, Charlotte herself, with her ocean blue eyes, long legs, infinity tattoo, and sketchpad - she didn’t hit me as hard as the other characters, but she was wonderful in her own rights. Non-judgmental, artistic, strong, and real. Her display of strength wasn’t an open or clear cut one - but rather subtle in the way that despite everything, she chooses to live the way she wants, fall in love when knowing the outcome, make strong bonds despite the repercussions
- and that’s strength in itself for me. She was great.
The author wove this wonderful story with wonderful characters, and I couldn’t put it down. It was poetic, (without looking like she was trying to hard) it was honest, it was blunt - and such a joy to read, even if it did make you wana die (but in good ways, always good ways). And the humour just tickled me pink. The whole Brighton revolution was seriously just perfect - the way they look up to Charlie, the pranks they orchestrated, and Ms Finch’s reaction to it all.
This book maaaannnn. I mean I knew what was gna happen when I picked this book up. I just knew. And I’ve read so many other books that follow the same path - but this one just kinda started off all funny and crazy and then slowly reached out when it saw how comfortable I was, and grabbed hold of my heart and thought “oh let me just step all over you”. And I loved every single moment of the joy and pain. The title is to apt as well - because we find out that you can plan your life, plan your future, the way Charlie did - but there’s always going to be these unknown variables that barge into your life and change it’s course - or at least your perception of everything around you. *deep sigh*
And like always when I’m head over heels with a book - I’m going to leave behind some of my favourite moments, funniest moments from the book. Read them all. And when you’re done - go and read the whole book.
__
“Brighton goes through English teachers like Hogwarts devours defence against the dark arts teachers”.
__
“Well,” she says, “that’s one way to get out of a pop quiz.” She bends over and offers me a hand. My braced arm slips in some puke and I crumple at her feet.
“Mr. Thomas. Please come help Mr. Hanson to the bathroom.” Ms. Finch steps away from me as James tries to figure out the best way to help me up without getting covered in nastiness.
“We’re finally doing this,” James whispers as he drags me out the door, “together.”
__
“How does he know? Who ratted?” He’s dented the kinky curls on both sides of his head, squeezing it tightly between giant palms, so his head now looks oblong, like an egg.”
“He doesn’t know dick,” Greta says”.
__
“Who are you talking to, you little bitch?”
Becca untangles her arm and turns to face Mostly-Naked. “To whom are you talking, Derrick No-Dick?” she asks, her lips grim lines of distaste. “My brother and I are here to collect our friend. Can you wrap the only organ in your body smaller than your penis around that fact?”
My little sister. I’m so proud.”
__
“There’s a can of flamingo-ass paint (not the official name on the can) in her old tool shed”.
__
“Mrs. Dunwitty, no offence, but I’m pretty sure you’re older than Moses.”
__
“James stoops beside Greta. “How’s Becca?”
I look away from the two of them. “Dunno. She won’t open the door.”
James nods. “I can fix that,” he says, reaching into Greta’s hair and extracting a bobby pin. He straightens it and pokes it into the little hole in the knob, and then jiggles it until we hear a click.
Greta looks impressed and outraged.
“I live with a house full of drama queens,” he says, shrugging.”
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*insert gif of Bradley Cooper chucking the book out the window in The Silver Lining’s Playbook*
If any review, ever starts off with “this fuuuuuuuu book” assume it’s a heartbreaker. An outright, kick you in the crotch, heartbreaker.
I don’t even have words right now, all I’m doing is lying in my bed, rolling from side to side, making dying whale noises and trying not to dribble tears from my eyes.
But coherency is a must as a reviewer so let me just tell you right off the bat, this book will break your heart. Yes. Absolutely. It will also make you snort and laugh, and apparently that’s the authors way of saying sorry for breaking your heart in the first place. But as we all know, I’m not happy unless there’s a sad ending that I don’t wana accept, but also I hate when that happens.
Love and Other Unknown Variables is brilliant. I knew it from the moment I started reading it, with it’s witty characters, (enter Charlie, Charlotte, Becca, James, Greta) - all of them were just seriously amazing characters - realistic, fiercely loyal, hilarious to the point I snorted so many times my sister thought there was a pig in the room, and oh so loveable.
We’ll start with Charlie. A nerd, a dork, on the road to brilliance at MIT, unsure of himself as a guy, but sure of himself as a genius who is always right. He doesn’t know much about girls, as his documentation of treating them almost like a science project will reveal (liking touching their neck in a queue at Kirspy Kreme), but he knows about maths and science and he knows literature is a waste of time. He is, in essence, a real dork.
His two and what seems like only friends, are Greta (the one person who beat him in a test) and her boyfriend, James. They both have come to accept him for the dork he is and quite frankly, are dorks themselves who attend Brighton with him - an all maths and science school engineered to lead students to greatness at Ivy League colleges. Greta is unflinchingly honest, loveable, strong, loyal. James is equally all those things, as well as goofy, gentle and hilarious. Together these three seriously had me laughing silently under the covers, bed shaking slightly from my movement.
There was a particular scene, with James and Charlie, that really got me as one of those Hit You In Da Feelz moments. James was meant to be an almost tertiary character, who puts up with Charlie because his girlfriend is friends with him. But no. The author took this character, blasted that scenario out the water and said nope - James is gna like Charlie, because that’s the kinda good guy he is and because once you know Charlie, you love Charlie. Sure, some days it’s harder than normal - but that's friendship.
In this particular scene, in a rare moment of being alone together, James and Charlie are talking. James asks him a question, to why Charlie replies, does it matter?
Here’s an excerpt to bring you up to speed. Read the whole thing okay?
----
“My nose aches as I wrinkle it. “Does it matter?”
“Let’s do a little experiment to answer that question.” James shifts his weight next to me, and I think it’s to pick up another rock, but instead, his right shoulder crashes into my chest as he shoves me into the creek. I land on my butt in the murky sludge coating the bottom”.
“What the hell was that for?” So much for all that friendship I thought I saw a moment ago.
James levels me with a rare look for him—gravity. “Does it matter?”
“Yes, it matters. It’s cold, and I’m soaked.”
“How much do you like Charlotte? I dare you to tell me it doesn’t matter.”
It’s like the air is being squeezed from my lungs.
“See. It matters. Greta’s here because she’s loyal to you. I’m here for Greta. Why are you here, freezing your nuts off, for Charlotte Finch?”
And it’s there. The answer is there, like it was always part of me. “Because she matters.”
“Look, I’m not saying you shouldn’t help this girl, but you should know what you’re getting into. I’m also not saying you really have a choice when it comes to your motives. I get that. No one wants to fall and get hurt.” He steps closer to the creek’s edge. “I’m just saying to prepare for heartache, because it’s always harder to be the one still hanging around.” He reaches a hand out toward me, clasping mine firmly in his and pulling me from the water.
“And know I’ll be here to help pick you up,” he says once we’re both standing on solid ground.
I need to reevaluate. James isn’t just Greta’s boyfriend. James is my other best friend.”
----
Doesn’t that kinda stuff just warm the cockles of your heart? Where two guys, friends by chance, bonded by choice, just display these emotions without being all cheesy and cringey? The answer on your lips, is yes. It’s wonderful and I love that the author included such a moment, these moments between Charlie and James, moments between Charlie and Greta to truly display what friendship is about, even when there are no words, just actions.
Moving on to Charlie’s little sister - Becca, oh Becca, how I love thee. She’s one of my favourite characters from this book, even though all of them run a close competition for that title. She’s a shadow of Charlie, brilliantly smart with subjects, but not so great with people. Yet she knows about friendship, she knows about loyalty, and how to love. She opens her world up to Charlotte, these two and their bond made me wana weep silently. Wise for her 16 years, she finds comfort in her brother, and lends solace to Charlie when they both need it most.
As for the final character, Charlotte herself, with her ocean blue eyes, long legs, infinity tattoo, and sketchpad - she didn’t hit me as hard as the other characters, but she was wonderful in her own rights. Non-judgmental, artistic, strong, and real. Her display of strength wasn’t an open or clear cut one - but rather subtle in the way that despite everything, she chooses to live the way she wants, fall in love when knowing the outcome, make strong bonds despite the repercussions
- and that’s strength in itself for me. She was great.
The author wove this wonderful story with wonderful characters, and I couldn’t put it down. It was poetic, (without looking like she was trying to hard) it was honest, it was blunt - and such a joy to read, even if it did make you wana die (but in good ways, always good ways). And the humour just tickled me pink. The whole Brighton revolution was seriously just perfect - the way they look up to Charlie, the pranks they orchestrated, and Ms Finch’s reaction to it all.
This book maaaannnn. I mean I knew what was gna happen when I picked this book up. I just knew. And I’ve read so many other books that follow the same path - but this one just kinda started off all funny and crazy and then slowly reached out when it saw how comfortable I was, and grabbed hold of my heart and thought “oh let me just step all over you”. And I loved every single moment of the joy and pain. The title is to apt as well - because we find out that you can plan your life, plan your future, the way Charlie did - but there’s always going to be these unknown variables that barge into your life and change it’s course - or at least your perception of everything around you. *deep sigh*
And like always when I’m head over heels with a book - I’m going to leave behind some of my favourite moments, funniest moments from the book. Read them all. And when you’re done - go and read the whole book.
__
“Brighton goes through English teachers like Hogwarts devours defence against the dark arts teachers”.
__
“Well,” she says, “that’s one way to get out of a pop quiz.” She bends over and offers me a hand. My braced arm slips in some puke and I crumple at her feet.
“Mr. Thomas. Please come help Mr. Hanson to the bathroom.” Ms. Finch steps away from me as James tries to figure out the best way to help me up without getting covered in nastiness.
“We’re finally doing this,” James whispers as he drags me out the door, “together.”
__
“How does he know? Who ratted?” He’s dented the kinky curls on both sides of his head, squeezing it tightly between giant palms, so his head now looks oblong, like an egg.”
“He doesn’t know dick,” Greta says”.
__
“Who are you talking to, you little bitch?”
Becca untangles her arm and turns to face Mostly-Naked. “To whom are you talking, Derrick No-Dick?” she asks, her lips grim lines of distaste. “My brother and I are here to collect our friend. Can you wrap the only organ in your body smaller than your penis around that fact?”
My little sister. I’m so proud.”
__
“There’s a can of flamingo-ass paint (not the official name on the can) in her old tool shed”.
__
“Mrs. Dunwitty, no offence, but I’m pretty sure you’re older than Moses.”
__
“James stoops beside Greta. “How’s Becca?”
I look away from the two of them. “Dunno. She won’t open the door.”
James nods. “I can fix that,” he says, reaching into Greta’s hair and extracting a bobby pin. He straightens it and pokes it into the little hole in the knob, and then jiggles it until we hear a click.
Greta looks impressed and outraged.
“I live with a house full of drama queens,” he says, shrugging.”
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October 12, 2014
Love and Other Unknown Variables by Shannon Lee Alexander
Average Rating on Goodreads: 4.30 of 5 Stars
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Pages: 350
Synopsis:
Charlie Hanson has a clear vision of his future. A senior at Brighton School of Mathematics and Science, he knows he’ll graduate, go to MIT, and inevitably discover solutions to the universe’s greatest unanswered questions. He’s that smart. But Charlie’s future blurs the moment he reaches out to touch the tattoo on a beautiful girl’s neck.
The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy at the donut shop—until she learns he’s a student at Brighton where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. But, in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy.
By the time he learns she's ill—and that the pranks were a way to distract Ms. Finch from Charlotte’s illness—Charlotte’s gravitational pull is too great to overcome. Soon he must choose between the familiar formulas he’s always relied on or the girl he’s falling for (at far more than 32 feet per second squared)
I hadn't even heard of this book until my good friend Cassie, a blogger over at Fangirling Misses, told me about it. While she was reading it she kept raving and then finally told me to just read it for myself. And I did...
I have to say, given that it is a cancer book, I was kinda apprehensive because I knew how much I loved The Fault in Our Stars and I wasn't sure how much I would like this one because of that. Boy how wrong I was. This book was fantastic.
I feel like this one was easier to relate to because because you don't have teenagers that use metaphors all the time and who seem to have an endless supply of world knowledge. The kids are just like normal teenagers trying to overcome problems.
I also liked the fact that Charlie wasn't the usual guy. You guys know the ones I'm talking about. Gorgeous, drool worthy, a guy that could make a girl drop her panties in two seconds flat. Charlie isn't like that. He doesn't know he's handsome. He isn't a pig and hooks up with a whole group of girls. No. He's a good guy and you don't see that a lot in books nowadays. It was refreshing.
Our other MC is Charlotte. Even though she has cancer, she doesn't let that cripple her. She's strong and doesn't rely on people. It makes females look strong even in the face of death and I liked that. Charlotte was my favorite out of the two MCs if I had to choose.
I actually didn't know that it would be written in Charlie's POV when I first started it so it was ind of disarming but I got used to it and it actually wasn't bad. I normally don't like when it's in a male POV because I find it harder to relate to.
One of these days I want to read a book where it's told in the cancer patient POV and she/he dies. It would be something new since you always get the person left behind's POV.
Supporting characters....I have to say that every single one of them was pretty well developed even if you didn't get that much time with some of them.
- Mrs. Dunwitty...LOVE HER. I liked her from when Charlie first ran over her garden. She's so sassy xD
- Greta...She's like a young Mrs. Dunwitty and doesn't take anyone's crap. Probably my favorite supporting character ;)
- Becca. She's so sweet and kinda reminds me of myself when I was younger and couldn't even talk to people without having a nervous breakdown
- And then we have Jo or as Charlie always refers to her as, Ms. Finch. We didn't get all that much of her except when they were playing pranks on her or they were dealing with cancer stuff. But I like her. She's the calm and rational one of the Finch sisters and brings a sense of maturity to the novel
All in all, it was a very touching book, one that I would recommend to everyone. So...go read it! *makes shooing motions* XD
Average Rating on Goodreads: 4.30 of 5 Stars
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Pages: 350
Synopsis:
Charlie Hanson has a clear vision of his future. A senior at Brighton School of Mathematics and Science, he knows he’ll graduate, go to MIT, and inevitably discover solutions to the universe’s greatest unanswered questions. He’s that smart. But Charlie’s future blurs the moment he reaches out to touch the tattoo on a beautiful girl’s neck.
The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy at the donut shop—until she learns he’s a student at Brighton where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. But, in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy.
By the time he learns she's ill—and that the pranks were a way to distract Ms. Finch from Charlotte’s illness—Charlotte’s gravitational pull is too great to overcome. Soon he must choose between the familiar formulas he’s always relied on or the girl he’s falling for (at far more than 32 feet per second squared)
I hadn't even heard of this book until my good friend Cassie, a blogger over at Fangirling Misses, told me about it. While she was reading it she kept raving and then finally told me to just read it for myself. And I did...
I have to say, given that it is a cancer book, I was kinda apprehensive because I knew how much I loved The Fault in Our Stars and I wasn't sure how much I would like this one because of that. Boy how wrong I was. This book was fantastic.
I feel like this one was easier to relate to because because you don't have teenagers that use metaphors all the time and who seem to have an endless supply of world knowledge. The kids are just like normal teenagers trying to overcome problems.
I also liked the fact that Charlie wasn't the usual guy. You guys know the ones I'm talking about. Gorgeous, drool worthy, a guy that could make a girl drop her panties in two seconds flat. Charlie isn't like that. He doesn't know he's handsome. He isn't a pig and hooks up with a whole group of girls. No. He's a good guy and you don't see that a lot in books nowadays. It was refreshing.
Our other MC is Charlotte. Even though she has cancer, she doesn't let that cripple her. She's strong and doesn't rely on people. It makes females look strong even in the face of death and I liked that. Charlotte was my favorite out of the two MCs if I had to choose.
I actually didn't know that it would be written in Charlie's POV when I first started it so it was ind of disarming but I got used to it and it actually wasn't bad. I normally don't like when it's in a male POV because I find it harder to relate to.
One of these days I want to read a book where it's told in the cancer patient POV and she/he dies. It would be something new since you always get the person left behind's POV.
Supporting characters....I have to say that every single one of them was pretty well developed even if you didn't get that much time with some of them.
- Mrs. Dunwitty...LOVE HER. I liked her from when Charlie first ran over her garden. She's so sassy xD
- Greta...She's like a young Mrs. Dunwitty and doesn't take anyone's crap. Probably my favorite supporting character ;)
- Becca. She's so sweet and kinda reminds me of myself when I was younger and couldn't even talk to people without having a nervous breakdown
- And then we have Jo or as Charlie always refers to her as, Ms. Finch. We didn't get all that much of her except when they were playing pranks on her or they were dealing with cancer stuff. But I like her. She's the calm and rational one of the Finch sisters and brings a sense of maturity to the novel
All in all, it was a very touching book, one that I would recommend to everyone. So...go read it! *makes shooing motions* XD
Read
January 8, 2015
I'd seen this book on Netgalley, the interesting cover and intriguing summary had me downloading it. I have to admit though, the fact it was another story involving a romance with a girl with an illness did make me think this was going be yet another YA cancer story. Now cancer stories aren't necessarily bad, it's just that they've started to seem a little overused in YA fiction. It's begun to feel like a plot device that's being used for no other reason than to make you cry and to sell books. I'd enjoy most of them more if it felt they actually had something significant to say about a serious issue.
I actually enjoyed this book in the very beginning, I was almost sure this was going to be a book I would absolutely love. The characters were quirky and funny, they were characters that actually had me laughing out loud. But the happy feeling didn't last for long and soon I began to get a little bit frustrated with the book. It started to drag a little, there seemed to be nothing really happening plot wise and that gets boring fast. But my biggest issue probably came at about the 40% mark and it eventually caused me to have to DNF the book altogether. I wasn't even going to bother reviewing it, but the urge to moan about it is too strong.
The characters, the characters I'd been so sure I loved, turned out to be what made me want to put the book down. Charlotte became the character I hated the most because she acted in a way that I think is completely unacceptable, but she doesn't even seem to realise. And to make the a million times worse, everyone else acts like it isn't a bad thing either. When she finally tells Charlie what's wrong with her, he doesn't react the way that she wants him to. He doesn't even do anything wrong, he just doesn't act in the way she wanted him to. So what does Charlotte do, Charlotte goes and punches Charlie in the face. Not a little slap, she full on punches him in the face and gives him a bloody nose. And everyone acts like this is a totally acceptable way to behave. No! No... No... No... NOOOOOO! What is wrong with these people? I wanted Charlie to punch her back so badly, at least then someone might have actually reacted. I had to rage quit after that, I don't want to read a book where it's deemed perfectly acceptable for someone to just punch you in the face if you don't act how they want you to. I'm sure the characters would have felt differently if the roles had been reversed. NOT COOL!DNF
I really wanted to love this one, it felt like it had so much to offer in the beginning. But that one moment is just something that I could not get over. I instantly hated Charlotte, lost all respect for Charlie that he doesn't really react at all and didn't understand why everyone else acted like it was okay. IT'S NOT OKAY!
*I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review and received no monetary compensation for this review.
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