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How It Ends
There are two sides to every story.
It’s friends-at-first-sight for Jessie and Annie, proving the old adage that opposites attract. Shy, anxious Jessie would give anything to have Annie’s beauty and confidence. And Annie thinks Jessie has the perfect life, with her close-knit family and killer grades. They're BFFs…until suddenly they're not.
Told through alternating points of view, How It Ends is a wildly fast but deeply moving read about a friendship in crisis. Set against a tumultuous sophomore year of bullying, boys and backstabbing, the novel shows what can happen when friends choose assumptions and fear over each other.
It’s friends-at-first-sight for Jessie and Annie, proving the old adage that opposites attract. Shy, anxious Jessie would give anything to have Annie’s beauty and confidence. And Annie thinks Jessie has the perfect life, with her close-knit family and killer grades. They're BFFs…until suddenly they're not.
Told through alternating points of view, How It Ends is a wildly fast but deeply moving read about a friendship in crisis. Set against a tumultuous sophomore year of bullying, boys and backstabbing, the novel shows what can happen when friends choose assumptions and fear over each other.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2016
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5437 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
January 12, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Edelweiss.)
“I just don’t get it Annie,” she says. “I don’t understand why you don’t miss me the way I miss you.”
Both girls had it hard in this story. Annie had to deal with a step-mother who wasn’t very nice to her, and Jessie had to deal with bullying and anxiety. I could see the situation from both sides though – Annie being upset that Jessie didn’t want to spend time with her and her other friends, and Jessie not wanting to subject herself to the bullying that she knew she’d get from Annie’s friends.
The storyline in this was about Jessie and Annie’s friendship, and the way it changed as Annie began to hang out with other girls, and Jessie continued to have anxiety problems that made her withdraw more and more. There was also a bit of a love triangle with Annie starting a relationship with the boy that Jessie had a crush on.
The ending to this was okay, and I was pleased that the girls ended the story reasonably happy.
6 out of 10
“I just don’t get it Annie,” she says. “I don’t understand why you don’t miss me the way I miss you.”
Both girls had it hard in this story. Annie had to deal with a step-mother who wasn’t very nice to her, and Jessie had to deal with bullying and anxiety. I could see the situation from both sides though – Annie being upset that Jessie didn’t want to spend time with her and her other friends, and Jessie not wanting to subject herself to the bullying that she knew she’d get from Annie’s friends.
The storyline in this was about Jessie and Annie’s friendship, and the way it changed as Annie began to hang out with other girls, and Jessie continued to have anxiety problems that made her withdraw more and more. There was also a bit of a love triangle with Annie starting a relationship with the boy that Jessie had a crush on.
The ending to this was okay, and I was pleased that the girls ended the story reasonably happy.
6 out of 10
June 8, 2016
We read books for a lot of reasons. Sometimes we read them for a light, fluffy time. Sometimes we read them to escape. And sometimes we read them for the sort of emotional gutpunch that leaves us gasping on the floor. This book is in the latter category. It's as harrowing and realistic a look at the life cycle of a young friendship as I've ever seen. It's by turns funny, warm, soulful, and heartwrenching. Apparently, the author has worked with teens, and this experience shines through in her razor sharp dialogue.
Highly recommended for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Sara Zarr. And also fans of, you know, all other authors.
Highly recommended for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Sara Zarr. And also fans of, you know, all other authors.
September 26, 2015
Confession: I was totally awkward in high school. I never felt comfortable in my own skin. I focused on track practice and schoolwork and most of all, friendships. As a teen girl, my friendships were everything to me. But since my best friend went to a different high school, I was kind of a loner.
And as someone who felt painfully uncool basically a hundred per cent of the time, I still remember the heady feeling when someone I thought was way out of my popularity league talked to me. So when I first read the blurb for HOW IT ENDS, I knew I could relate to Jessie completely—how when Annie, the cool new girl, first talks to her, she feels like Annie must be talking to someone else. I’ve been out of high school for years now, but that one line brought me right back.
Reading about the evolution of Jessie and Annie’s friendship was so visceral and real. Catherine Lo intertwines their vastly different personalities so beautifully and shows how they complement each other and make each other stronger. I loved the use of dual POV here, because with a story like this—a story so intricate and brimming with so many emotions—getting inside both girls’ heads was really important.
But while Jessie and Annie complement each other, they achieve the level of closeness that only comes with a lot of trust that the other person won't hurt you. Trust, which is precious and fragile, and can be chipped away at in bits or torn apart completely.
It was fascinating to me to see Jessie and Annie interpret people’s words and actions in such different ways. There were times when Jessie didn’t understand Annie and Annie didn’t understand Jessie, and you just want to hug them and tell them to talk it out and make up, since that’s what best friends do. But they’re teenage girls, and it’s not that easy. When the secret Jessie is keeping from Annie gets out and Annie lets Jessie in on what she’s hiding, you just know those secrets aren’t going to stay contained— I was literally holding my breath waiting for the fallout.
I saw parts of my teenage self in both Jessie and Annie. I was insecure and lonely, but I was also bold and stubborn. I was both a leader and a follower. I made good choices and bad ones. It’s impossible to put labels on girls, because the second you slap us with one label, our instinct is to slither out of it and become someone else. I loved that Jessie and Annie had so many facets to their personalities. They felt like real people. They felt like parts of me from years ago. And a book that does that— a book that makes you see yourself in the characters, that makes you think what you would have done in their situations, or what you would have done differently— well, that’s not just a book anymore. It’s an experience. This one will hurt your heart and make you think long after the last page.
And as someone who felt painfully uncool basically a hundred per cent of the time, I still remember the heady feeling when someone I thought was way out of my popularity league talked to me. So when I first read the blurb for HOW IT ENDS, I knew I could relate to Jessie completely—how when Annie, the cool new girl, first talks to her, she feels like Annie must be talking to someone else. I’ve been out of high school for years now, but that one line brought me right back.
Reading about the evolution of Jessie and Annie’s friendship was so visceral and real. Catherine Lo intertwines their vastly different personalities so beautifully and shows how they complement each other and make each other stronger. I loved the use of dual POV here, because with a story like this—a story so intricate and brimming with so many emotions—getting inside both girls’ heads was really important.
But while Jessie and Annie complement each other, they achieve the level of closeness that only comes with a lot of trust that the other person won't hurt you. Trust, which is precious and fragile, and can be chipped away at in bits or torn apart completely.
It was fascinating to me to see Jessie and Annie interpret people’s words and actions in such different ways. There were times when Jessie didn’t understand Annie and Annie didn’t understand Jessie, and you just want to hug them and tell them to talk it out and make up, since that’s what best friends do. But they’re teenage girls, and it’s not that easy. When the secret Jessie is keeping from Annie gets out and Annie lets Jessie in on what she’s hiding, you just know those secrets aren’t going to stay contained— I was literally holding my breath waiting for the fallout.
I saw parts of my teenage self in both Jessie and Annie. I was insecure and lonely, but I was also bold and stubborn. I was both a leader and a follower. I made good choices and bad ones. It’s impossible to put labels on girls, because the second you slap us with one label, our instinct is to slither out of it and become someone else. I loved that Jessie and Annie had so many facets to their personalities. They felt like real people. They felt like parts of me from years ago. And a book that does that— a book that makes you see yourself in the characters, that makes you think what you would have done in their situations, or what you would have done differently— well, that’s not just a book anymore. It’s an experience. This one will hurt your heart and make you think long after the last page.
April 4, 2016
Wow. This book was crazy.
I'm so blown away by how complex this story and it's characters were.
How It Ends tackles a lot of meaningful subjects and Catherine Lo wrote this book so perfectly. I'm really at a loss for words because I'm still trying grasp how incredible this book is.
I'm so blown away by how complex this story and it's characters were.
How It Ends tackles a lot of meaningful subjects and Catherine Lo wrote this book so perfectly. I'm really at a loss for words because I'm still trying grasp how incredible this book is.
September 8, 2015
Is there anything more complex than sixteen year old best girlfriends? I don't think so. Jealousy and love and competitiveness get all jumbled up, especially when one girl "rises in the social strata" of that hell called high school.
Debut novelist Catherine Lo's brutally honest depiction of the end of a friendship tore at things inside me that I thought I'd long forgotten. No one 'feels' like high school girls. And boys-shmoys....Nothing hurts more than losing your best friend.
This is an incredible read that you'll tear through, cause you won't be able to stop until you find out "How It Ends"
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! GET THIS ONE ASAP!!
(ARC read)
August 31, 2015
Such a real, messy, brutal, and hopeful story about friendship, the hazards of simply being in high school, and figuring your shit out. Loved this book and can't wait for the world to meet these girls!
Read
March 22, 2017Man, this is such an under-read but super relevant read. How many of us can relate to a friendship breakup in part due to one's social anxiety? And how infrequently do we get to see that very real divide as a source for a relationship falling apart? It was kind of like watching my Twitter feed come to life, seeing how the inability to discuss anxiety in particular crumbled things between them, how literally being unable to voice her thoughts and feelings held Jessie back in such a real way. It's rare to find a friendship in YA torn apart by such dominantly internal factors, even though let's be real - that totally happens in life. I really hope socially anxious teens find this book and feel less alone when they read it.
July 20, 2015
I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this debut novel and I loved every page. Lo is an amazing talent who has brought vivid and real characters to life in this story about friendship and trust and how much teen girls are willing to love themselves and each other. For a novel that deals with the very serious topic of bullying and self-acceptance in high school, Lo still managed to make me laugh out loud. A. Lot. Her characters are so real and loveable and raw you can’t help but root for them to find their way. Teens are going to scramble to make room for this on their bookshelves!
January 10, 2016
I stayed up until 2am to finish this book. It is absolutely fantastic. The characters are so multi-dimensional, the teen angst is spot on. The voices of Jess and Annie are authentic. There are so many times in this story my heart strings tugged for both of these girls. There is one scene where Annie shares a memory that was so overwhelmingly heartbreaking it brought tears to my eyes.
This book is so real on so many levels. Best friends becoming enemies. The boys that get in the way. The bitches and the angels and the breaking point when enough is enough. This brought back high school all over again. Beautifully written. Teens are going to eat this one up.
This book is so real on so many levels. Best friends becoming enemies. The boys that get in the way. The bitches and the angels and the breaking point when enough is enough. This brought back high school all over again. Beautifully written. Teens are going to eat this one up.
March 15, 2016
Wow! This is a brave, honest, complex tale of a BFF relationship on the rocks. A must-read for anyone who loves a good friendship story, this book transported me right back to high school. I couldn't put it down, and devoured it in one long, glorious sitting!
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
October 30, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Any female can tell you that friendships - especially best friendships - during adolescence can be as full of drama as any romantic relationship. And it can hurt a lot more when they implode, too. Very rarely are the nuances of female friendship so well explored as they are in HOW IT ENDS, where we see the alternating points of view of Jessie and Annie as they meet, connect, become best friends, and fall apart. I went in expecting, based on the title, that this would be chronicle of Jessie and Annie's friendship from beginning to end; as I neared the end of the book, I was dreading the idea, because both girls were such winning characters and watching their friendship fall apart was painful. I am happy to say that the title doesn't refer to what you think it does, and the book ends exactly as it needs to. Both Jessie and Annie have complex family lives and personalities that both drive them together and try to tear them apart. They face very real challenges - mental illness, teen pregnancy, bullying, a parent's remarriage - but these elements never feel tacked on or heavyhanded.
I admit that, as a bookish introvert, I identified far more with Jessie than with Annie. I especially appreciated the way the author explores the intricacies of girl bullying, with the character of Courtney picking on Jessie so subtly and maliciously and chronically that Annie doesn't even see it. This story felt both universal and extremely personal and specific - these girls aren't anybody's symbols, but fully realized people struggling to figure out what's most important in life.
Any female can tell you that friendships - especially best friendships - during adolescence can be as full of drama as any romantic relationship. And it can hurt a lot more when they implode, too. Very rarely are the nuances of female friendship so well explored as they are in HOW IT ENDS, where we see the alternating points of view of Jessie and Annie as they meet, connect, become best friends, and fall apart. I went in expecting, based on the title, that this would be chronicle of Jessie and Annie's friendship from beginning to end; as I neared the end of the book, I was dreading the idea, because both girls were such winning characters and watching their friendship fall apart was painful. I am happy to say that the title doesn't refer to what you think it does, and the book ends exactly as it needs to. Both Jessie and Annie have complex family lives and personalities that both drive them together and try to tear them apart. They face very real challenges - mental illness, teen pregnancy, bullying, a parent's remarriage - but these elements never feel tacked on or heavyhanded.
I admit that, as a bookish introvert, I identified far more with Jessie than with Annie. I especially appreciated the way the author explores the intricacies of girl bullying, with the character of Courtney picking on Jessie so subtly and maliciously and chronically that Annie doesn't even see it. This story felt both universal and extremely personal and specific - these girls aren't anybody's symbols, but fully realized people struggling to figure out what's most important in life.
December 8, 2015
I read this arc in return for a fair review.
I knew going into this book I'd be in for some drama.
Jessie is a teen who has no friends and just wants to keep her head down until she makes it out of high school. Annie is a new girl, and sets out to befriend Jessie right away.
Through alternating POV chapters, we see how their friendship starts, how it grows complicated, and what it takes to end a friendship.
Ugh. This book. I felt so bad for the characters. I wanted to jump right into the story and make everything better for them. Because I loved them and I wanted them to be happy and for good things to happen to them. But that makes for a boring book.
Instead we have a book full of wonderful drama, of misunderstandings, of mistakes, of hurting each other accidentally and intentionally.
It's a book about mental illness. And about loss, and new families. It's complicated and wonderful, just like life.
Would appeal to fans of Eleanor & Park or other dual narratives or people who want a book less about romance (though there is some) and more about friendship.
I knew going into this book I'd be in for some drama.
Jessie is a teen who has no friends and just wants to keep her head down until she makes it out of high school. Annie is a new girl, and sets out to befriend Jessie right away.
Through alternating POV chapters, we see how their friendship starts, how it grows complicated, and what it takes to end a friendship.
Ugh. This book. I felt so bad for the characters. I wanted to jump right into the story and make everything better for them. Because I loved them and I wanted them to be happy and for good things to happen to them. But that makes for a boring book.
Instead we have a book full of wonderful drama, of misunderstandings, of mistakes, of hurting each other accidentally and intentionally.
It's a book about mental illness. And about loss, and new families. It's complicated and wonderful, just like life.
Would appeal to fans of Eleanor & Park or other dual narratives or people who want a book less about romance (though there is some) and more about friendship.
October 11, 2015
Where do I even begin? I loved every part of this book so much. The feelings were real and spoke to today's teenager and all that they go through/worry about. I can't wait to recommend this one to my friends and my students!
February 11, 2016
Books rarely have left me speechless as he did How it Ends. I really do not know where to begin to explain all the feelings that caused me and how fascinating, refreshing and adorable that reading was.
At first glance, we might think it's just another story about two friends who for some reason or another have problems or typical teen drama. But the story itself has too much meaning, or at least for me it did.
Anxiety, heartbreak, betrayal, distrust ... and the list of topics covered in this book can continue, but the two main ones are the friendship and the way in which we perceive certain things and delve into them. Leaving clear that sometimes we do not need over-think things since such action could lead to too much distrust him.
"The problem with the world is that intelligent people are the full of doubts while the stupid ones are full of confidence"
One of the topics mentioned most often is bullying and how even time can't erease Irreparable scars left for people who suffered it.
Characters as invaluable as Jess and Annie are those who will always be etched in my memory. Two very different but yet so similar personalities. Starting with Jessie: simple dresses may seem typical introverted teen who prefers to stay home and read than partying and socializing. but we must remember that there is always a reason behind all that to which we see no explanation. It depends on how you see it, but I think we all have a Jess within us. An unconscious that makes us distrust in many cases, that stops us and full of uncertainty. To some extent it is good but a bit of mistrust in the case of Jess shows that abuse it can be detrimental to both sides, both for us and for people who are around us.
For me (a person suffering constant anxiety) anxiety theme discussed in the book is very important because it is well explained. Opening eyes to people who had only a vague idea of what it is, to see the world through the eyes of a person with that condition.
On the other hand, we see Annie: extrovert, confident and happy. But it's just another example of people who have suffered most are those who always show a happy face when in fact still suffering inside. Annie's life has been a bunch of disappointments from the issue of her mother. Although he has tried to cope it is remarkable that such things can never be overcome by more that you try. To be honest, it's one of the strongest characters of which I have read. There is a phrase a couple of times is repeated for the book that stuck in my memory, "I can't go back to yesterday, because I was a different person then" that simple quote got me thinking about the constant change in the we are every day and the impact it has on us both around us to change our personality, thoughts, and even our lives. Not to mention that we also explore the mind of two people completely passionated about art, I personally enjoy widely.
It teaches us that a good and true friendship is based on trust, and without it many times would be lost.
I think it goes without saying that Catherin did a wonderful job in this book, which will certainly be one of many stories that will be looking for her. A very good debut for those who want to laugh, mourn and have a good time reading endearing characters.
At first glance, we might think it's just another story about two friends who for some reason or another have problems or typical teen drama. But the story itself has too much meaning, or at least for me it did.
Anxiety, heartbreak, betrayal, distrust ... and the list of topics covered in this book can continue, but the two main ones are the friendship and the way in which we perceive certain things and delve into them. Leaving clear that sometimes we do not need over-think things since such action could lead to too much distrust him.
"The problem with the world is that intelligent people are the full of doubts while the stupid ones are full of confidence"
One of the topics mentioned most often is bullying and how even time can't erease Irreparable scars left for people who suffered it.
Characters as invaluable as Jess and Annie are those who will always be etched in my memory. Two very different but yet so similar personalities. Starting with Jessie: simple dresses may seem typical introverted teen who prefers to stay home and read than partying and socializing. but we must remember that there is always a reason behind all that to which we see no explanation. It depends on how you see it, but I think we all have a Jess within us. An unconscious that makes us distrust in many cases, that stops us and full of uncertainty. To some extent it is good but a bit of mistrust in the case of Jess shows that abuse it can be detrimental to both sides, both for us and for people who are around us.
For me (a person suffering constant anxiety) anxiety theme discussed in the book is very important because it is well explained. Opening eyes to people who had only a vague idea of what it is, to see the world through the eyes of a person with that condition.
On the other hand, we see Annie: extrovert, confident and happy. But it's just another example of people who have suffered most are those who always show a happy face when in fact still suffering inside. Annie's life has been a bunch of disappointments from the issue of her mother. Although he has tried to cope it is remarkable that such things can never be overcome by more that you try. To be honest, it's one of the strongest characters of which I have read. There is a phrase a couple of times is repeated for the book that stuck in my memory, "I can't go back to yesterday, because I was a different person then" that simple quote got me thinking about the constant change in the we are every day and the impact it has on us both around us to change our personality, thoughts, and even our lives. Not to mention that we also explore the mind of two people completely passionated about art, I personally enjoy widely.
It teaches us that a good and true friendship is based on trust, and without it many times would be lost.
I think it goes without saying that Catherin did a wonderful job in this book, which will certainly be one of many stories that will be looking for her. A very good debut for those who want to laugh, mourn and have a good time reading endearing characters.
February 25, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
How It Ends is such a touching story about friendship. This book has a realistic representation of two friends who slowly drift apart and is very relatable. What I especially enjoyed was the main character and the believable way that her anxiety was shown.
How It Ends is the story of a friendship, from beginning to end. Two girls quickly become best friends, but their friendship slowly falls apart over the course of a year. I loved how this book focuses on friendship, as I prefer a strong group of friends to a couple any day. I definitely enjoyed reading about Jessie and Annie’s adventures together.
What I most enjoyed about How It Ends is that it is relatable and realistic. Jessie and Annie’s friendship isn’t perfect and their pasts get in the way of their bond. One of my least favourite things in books is the perfect friendship where nothing every goes wrong. I’m sure that many people will be able to relate to the characters in the book and the struggle of having to choose between your friends.
I really enjoyed the main character in How It Ends, Jessie. She is such a complex character with plenty of flaws. Jessie has anxiety, which makes her friendship pretty tough. I absolutely loved the way Jessie’s anxiety was portrayed in the book. It is serious and not romanticized. I find a lot of the time in books, anxiety is used to make female characters seem like they need rescuing, or just thrown in to make them seem more complex. I really appreciated how strong Jessie is, even with her anxiety, and the fact that her anxiety was shown realistically.
How It Ends is a great friendship story that is very relatable. The main character has anxiety, which I found to be portrayed very believably. The only part of the book that I didn’t enjoy was the ending, but I still liked the book overall.
How It Ends is such a touching story about friendship. This book has a realistic representation of two friends who slowly drift apart and is very relatable. What I especially enjoyed was the main character and the believable way that her anxiety was shown.
How It Ends is the story of a friendship, from beginning to end. Two girls quickly become best friends, but their friendship slowly falls apart over the course of a year. I loved how this book focuses on friendship, as I prefer a strong group of friends to a couple any day. I definitely enjoyed reading about Jessie and Annie’s adventures together.
What I most enjoyed about How It Ends is that it is relatable and realistic. Jessie and Annie’s friendship isn’t perfect and their pasts get in the way of their bond. One of my least favourite things in books is the perfect friendship where nothing every goes wrong. I’m sure that many people will be able to relate to the characters in the book and the struggle of having to choose between your friends.
I really enjoyed the main character in How It Ends, Jessie. She is such a complex character with plenty of flaws. Jessie has anxiety, which makes her friendship pretty tough. I absolutely loved the way Jessie’s anxiety was portrayed in the book. It is serious and not romanticized. I find a lot of the time in books, anxiety is used to make female characters seem like they need rescuing, or just thrown in to make them seem more complex. I really appreciated how strong Jessie is, even with her anxiety, and the fact that her anxiety was shown realistically.
How It Ends is a great friendship story that is very relatable. The main character has anxiety, which I found to be portrayed very believably. The only part of the book that I didn’t enjoy was the ending, but I still liked the book overall.
November 25, 2015
This book is so awesome! It's so complex! That's where the real joy of the book lies. All of the characters have multiple facets to them. Every single one. And you're never quite sure what to think about them. The book uses its multiple viewpoints to amazing effect. For instance, you see Jessie's mom flip out on Jessie, and then you see her being extremely kind to Annie, and you realize, this is the same person. These two behaviors spring from the same place. And it makes you realize how complex a personality is, and how the same psyche can react to different situations in such different ways.
It would not be an understatement to say that every character in this book is complex and surprising (even the wicked stepmother! Even the clique of mean girls!) And what's great is that this isn't simply a reversal in character. They don't change and become good. Instead you simply realize how terribly complex they were all along.
Anyway, loved the book. The one it most closely reminded me of was another slice of life book, Megan McCafferty's SLOPPY FIRSTS.
Okay, so finally, I will have some real talk. The book is all about creating characters and then making us see them in different ways. But because of that, the first 80 pages of the book seem like a collection of stereotypes: the clique of mean girls; the evil stepmom; the kooky-but-warm family; the heartthrob who's secretly into the hero; the girl who's an outcast but who is really SO original and SO fun. It's tough. The writing is always good, but you don't _know_ the author yet, and you don't know that the book is going to rise above this beginning. But it does. Trust me, it does. And it's so worth it. Seen from page 280, you'll see than even the most stereotypical stuff on pages 1-80 was put there for a reason.
(Disclosure: I got this ARC through an ARC tour, but it wasn't sent to me with any expectation of a review, positive or otherwise).
It would not be an understatement to say that every character in this book is complex and surprising (even the wicked stepmother! Even the clique of mean girls!) And what's great is that this isn't simply a reversal in character. They don't change and become good. Instead you simply realize how terribly complex they were all along.
Anyway, loved the book. The one it most closely reminded me of was another slice of life book, Megan McCafferty's SLOPPY FIRSTS.
Okay, so finally, I will have some real talk. The book is all about creating characters and then making us see them in different ways. But because of that, the first 80 pages of the book seem like a collection of stereotypes: the clique of mean girls; the evil stepmom; the kooky-but-warm family; the heartthrob who's secretly into the hero; the girl who's an outcast but who is really SO original and SO fun. It's tough. The writing is always good, but you don't _know_ the author yet, and you don't know that the book is going to rise above this beginning. But it does. Trust me, it does. And it's so worth it. Seen from page 280, you'll see than even the most stereotypical stuff on pages 1-80 was put there for a reason.
(Disclosure: I got this ARC through an ARC tour, but it wasn't sent to me with any expectation of a review, positive or otherwise).
June 7, 2016
This was such an emotional read that after I finished the last page, I could not bring myself to get up and throw away all the tissues that Catherine Lo had just made me go through; I just had to sit and recover for a few minutes instead. Lo's portrayal of these two teen girls, their friendship, and all the complex emotions, insecurities, and rationalizations that lead to its breakdown, was utterly convincing and utterly compelling. I felt like I understood the choices that each girl was making, and yet I also understood how each felt completely betrayed by the other. Along with that, each one is going through separate, significant personal issues, which made me feel so much for each of them -- and which made the importance of their friendship all the more intense. Meanwhile, the cruel social games and hierarchies surrounding them made my heart ache. I'm so glad I got a chance to borrow an advance copy of this book.
February 15, 2016
HOW IT ENDS was a page turner with a fast paced and engaging plot, told from alternating points of view. The voices of best friends Jessie and Annie were so real, the dynamics of their relationship portrayed with such authenticity it brought me right back to high school. I loved watching their friendship evolve over the course of the book as each character went through her own ups and downs. While issues like anxiety disorder and pregnancy were addressed--and dealt with in such an insightful, sensitive way--I loved that the friendship remained the heart of this story! I suspect teens will relate to this book on many levels! Recommended!
*I received an ARC in exchange for on honest review*
*I received an ARC in exchange for on honest review*
May 30, 2016
This was AMAZING. More detailed review coming later.
November 10, 2015
You know how some characters read like people you've met in real life? People who immediately come to mind when hearing an internal voice, and you're like, "OMG, that's XX!"
That is how I felt reading Catherine Lo's remarkable debut book, HOW IT ENDS.
This is a story about how two teenage girls with plenty of personal drama end up as fast friends. In many scenes, the novel felt like a window into the lives of today's teen.
The girls do what so many of us can relate to--they become completely starstruck with one another, as if the other can do no wrong, piling so many expectations on their friend that you can't help thinking, "No, no, no, just stop!" as their lives spiral further and further out of control--and not just with each other.
Lo's writing style is vivid and real. The twists and turns in this book kept me whipping through the pages. The issues facing her characters left me breathless at times--tough, controversial issues that were handled with so much intelligence and grace. Thank you for writing those scenes, Catherine! This book is going to reach the readers craving your honesty.
Lo is an author to watch and HOW IT ENDS is a story I'll not soon forget!
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
That is how I felt reading Catherine Lo's remarkable debut book, HOW IT ENDS.
This is a story about how two teenage girls with plenty of personal drama end up as fast friends. In many scenes, the novel felt like a window into the lives of today's teen.
The girls do what so many of us can relate to--they become completely starstruck with one another, as if the other can do no wrong, piling so many expectations on their friend that you can't help thinking, "No, no, no, just stop!" as their lives spiral further and further out of control--and not just with each other.
Lo's writing style is vivid and real. The twists and turns in this book kept me whipping through the pages. The issues facing her characters left me breathless at times--tough, controversial issues that were handled with so much intelligence and grace. Thank you for writing those scenes, Catherine! This book is going to reach the readers craving your honesty.
Lo is an author to watch and HOW IT ENDS is a story I'll not soon forget!
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
November 15, 2015
Brutal and honest, Catherine Lo’s portrayal of friendship, family and love in HOW IT ENDS is about as real as it gets. I wish I’d had this book to read when I was navigating my own high-school friendships. It impressively deals with the fear of letting your friends find out who you really are alongside all the other challenges that high school throws at you. A very powerful story – I had a lump in my throat throughout.
January 23, 2016
Told in dual POV, Lo's debut is an honest and real portrayal of the ugly dynamics of female friendships in high school. Gut-wrenching and painful with characters you will recognize. We've all known an Annie or a Jessie, or been one ourselves. This one should have wide appeal to teens who find themselves in the pages.
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June 19, 2018An honest and gripping picture of anxiety that's so prevalent among teens today. This story about how friendship is affected by secrets and past emotional trauma, including bullying, is a brave debut for author Catherine Lo.
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February 4, 2016I really thought the friendship story here, about the kind of relationship that sizzles at the start, then reaches an explosion, then leaves you wondering how it'll end, is well done, relatable, and the kind of thing we can always use more of in YA. Annie and Jessie are average girls dealing with average challenges that sophomore year of high school brings. Their voices are distinct, and since we get the dual POV, we see insights into each girl in ways we otherwise would not. Jessie's struggle with anxiety is well done, though I had some reservations about Annie's consistency throughout -- she bursts into the story as a hard-edged girl (who I loved for that) but becomes so softened so quickly, I had a hard time buying it. I also wished
Also tackled in this book is
Readers who are looking for stories of girl friendship will do well with this, even if some of the characters who are secondary -- Courtney, the stereotypical evil girl, Madge, Annie's stereotypical evil step mother, and so forth -- are not fleshed out particularly well.
Also tackled in this book is
Readers who are looking for stories of girl friendship will do well with this, even if some of the characters who are secondary -- Courtney, the stereotypical evil girl, Madge, Annie's stereotypical evil step mother, and so forth -- are not fleshed out particularly well.
January 31, 2019
*I upped my rating after rereading*
GRADE: B
ONE WORD: Oversimplification
Fifteen-year-old Jessie, insecure and anxious, is surprised when new girl Annie wants to be friends. Annie, still grieving her mother's sudden death, feels like an outcast in her own home with her critical stepmother and perfect stepsister. When these two hurting girls become best friends, their issues collide with misunderstandings, poor communication, Jessie's well meaning mother, bullies and a boy not worth either of their energies threatens to destroy both girls.
Told from both Annie and Jessie's first person POVs, the best part of HOW IT ENDS is that both characters are complex, flawed, hurting and sympathetic. Theirs isn't a friendship that ends because one girl is wrong and the other right, both girls make mistakes. Debut writer Catherine Lo did a great job showing how friendship can go wrong over misinterpretations and miscommunications, and that both girls contributed to the scenarios. I loved the Avery family and Mrs Avery, even when she stepped over the line, but found Annie's family to be stereotypical. I wish her relationship with her stepsister was further explored. With the exception of Charlie and Sophie, the minor characters felt clichéd.
I found the ending to be overly optimistic and Disneyesque, but hopeful which is why HOW IT ENDS will probably be received better my tweens and younger teens, despite of a few mature scenarios.
THEMES: friendship, high school, growing up, families, stepfamilies, romance, pregnancy, bullying
HOW IT ENDS is a great example of the complexities of teen friendship, misinterpretation, miscommunication from the points of view of two insecure girls.
GRADE: B
ONE WORD: Oversimplification
Fifteen-year-old Jessie, insecure and anxious, is surprised when new girl Annie wants to be friends. Annie, still grieving her mother's sudden death, feels like an outcast in her own home with her critical stepmother and perfect stepsister. When these two hurting girls become best friends, their issues collide with misunderstandings, poor communication, Jessie's well meaning mother, bullies and a boy not worth either of their energies threatens to destroy both girls.
Told from both Annie and Jessie's first person POVs, the best part of HOW IT ENDS is that both characters are complex, flawed, hurting and sympathetic. Theirs isn't a friendship that ends because one girl is wrong and the other right, both girls make mistakes. Debut writer Catherine Lo did a great job showing how friendship can go wrong over misinterpretations and miscommunications, and that both girls contributed to the scenarios. I loved the Avery family and Mrs Avery, even when she stepped over the line, but found Annie's family to be stereotypical. I wish her relationship with her stepsister was further explored. With the exception of Charlie and Sophie, the minor characters felt clichéd.
I found the ending to be overly optimistic and Disneyesque, but hopeful which is why HOW IT ENDS will probably be received better my tweens and younger teens, despite of a few mature scenarios.
THEMES: friendship, high school, growing up, families, stepfamilies, romance, pregnancy, bullying
HOW IT ENDS is a great example of the complexities of teen friendship, misinterpretation, miscommunication from the points of view of two insecure girls.
February 18, 2016
Everyone can relate to the ups and downs of friendship. High school friendships are even more of a roller coaster, and in many ways, more important than any other in how they form a person, help them grow, and guide them in their decisions. HOW IT ENDS is an incredibly realistic portrayal of the life cycle of a friendship. Told from the perspective of two high-school sophomores, Annie and Jessie, this book takes readers on the highs and lows of a friendship, each moment in each main character's life marked by the thoughts and presence of the other. The girls work to determine which choices are best made independently and which ones should be bounced off the other. The book delves into what secrets and personal information should be kept and what can safely be shared, and in the end, HOW IT ENDS confirms that the loyalty of a best friend can often be the only thing that gets someone through the toughest times. Author Catherine Lo uses her twelve years of working with at-risk teenagers to create a debut novel that so many can relate to.
June 5, 2016
to sum up this review, how it ends is an outgoing, heartbreaking, meaningful story of friendship that will leave you wanting more of jessie and annie's story. i give it a 4/5 stars! you won't want to miss this one, so pick it up when it hits shelves june 7th!
when i first received this book, i hadn't heard much about it. the only thing i had read about it was the mini description on the back (which is different than the one above), but it was enough to intrigue me. i picked up this book not knowing what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised.
when we meet jessie, it is clear that she isn't one of those "popular" girls. she's the shy one who sits with the video-game-lovers, that is bullied by popular girls, but is also very smart and gets good grades. i appreciated the fact that this character seems realistic. jessie, in a way, reminds me of myself. i'm shy, don't have a HUGE amount of friends, but still care about my schoolwork. i haven't read a lot of books where the main character wasn't the star of the school, so it was nice to be reading from a different point of view.
annie, on the other hand, is the opposite. she's fun, outgoing, and has (or, had, at her old school) a lot of friends. my first thought was "oh no, she'll be joining the popular squad" but i was wrong. right away, she decides she wants to be friends with jessie. this was another major thing i loved about how it ends. it shows that anyone can be friends with anyone, and that labels aren't everything. like they say, opposites attract. the fact that annie chose jessie over the popular group made me tear up. these kind of things don't happen often (at least, at my school they don't) but i sure as heck love to see it happen.
how it ends takes place in high school, so i found myself relating to and knowing about lots of the events that took place, such as parties, drinking (ew) and relationships. (not that i am ever a part of these events, NO WAY. but i've heard stories from others) it reveals the harsh realities of high school, and what it is like to be in both jessie's and annie's shoes.*
*is this correct grammar? i can't remember...
they say even the best of friends have their fights, right? no friendship is perfect, including jessie's and annie's.* through the ups and downs, they learn the truths about one another and unravel the secrets that until now, had remained untold. could one little secret tear apart their friendship? i guess you'll have to read to figure this out ;) wow. that sounded like i was either reading off of the synopsis (which i'm not, i swear!) or trying to sell the book (heck yeah i am cause you all gotta read this).
*sorry if this grammar is still incorrect
ooh! ooh! another thing i'd like to say i loved about this book: PARENTS WERE PRESENT! i rarely see this in YA anymore, but i'm not quite sure why. jessie's parents are super supportive, and willing to help her in any situation. annie, on the other hand, hated her step-mother and step-sister (her real mom died, dad remarried) so it was interesting to see their family lives play out as well as their school lives.
~SPOILER ALERT: AVOID THIS PARAGRAPH~
the only thing i didn't necessarily like about the book was the pregnancy. if the character were, say, age 20, i'd be okay with it, but FIFTEEN?! that just isn't realistic nor is it likely. so, um, yeah. that is all i have to say about that.
how it ends is a book primarily based on friendship, which is one of my favorite things to read about. even though their friendship isn't perfect, this book was a beautiful read. i already wish there was a sequel, because i need more of jessie and annie!
***quick note: i tried to make this review non-spoilery, so i didn't include too much detail! that being said, sorry this review was short.
when i first received this book, i hadn't heard much about it. the only thing i had read about it was the mini description on the back (which is different than the one above), but it was enough to intrigue me. i picked up this book not knowing what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised.
when we meet jessie, it is clear that she isn't one of those "popular" girls. she's the shy one who sits with the video-game-lovers, that is bullied by popular girls, but is also very smart and gets good grades. i appreciated the fact that this character seems realistic. jessie, in a way, reminds me of myself. i'm shy, don't have a HUGE amount of friends, but still care about my schoolwork. i haven't read a lot of books where the main character wasn't the star of the school, so it was nice to be reading from a different point of view.
annie, on the other hand, is the opposite. she's fun, outgoing, and has (or, had, at her old school) a lot of friends. my first thought was "oh no, she'll be joining the popular squad" but i was wrong. right away, she decides she wants to be friends with jessie. this was another major thing i loved about how it ends. it shows that anyone can be friends with anyone, and that labels aren't everything. like they say, opposites attract. the fact that annie chose jessie over the popular group made me tear up. these kind of things don't happen often (at least, at my school they don't) but i sure as heck love to see it happen.
how it ends takes place in high school, so i found myself relating to and knowing about lots of the events that took place, such as parties, drinking (ew) and relationships. (not that i am ever a part of these events, NO WAY. but i've heard stories from others) it reveals the harsh realities of high school, and what it is like to be in both jessie's and annie's shoes.*
*is this correct grammar? i can't remember...
they say even the best of friends have their fights, right? no friendship is perfect, including jessie's and annie's.* through the ups and downs, they learn the truths about one another and unravel the secrets that until now, had remained untold. could one little secret tear apart their friendship? i guess you'll have to read to figure this out ;) wow. that sounded like i was either reading off of the synopsis (which i'm not, i swear!) or trying to sell the book (heck yeah i am cause you all gotta read this).
*sorry if this grammar is still incorrect
ooh! ooh! another thing i'd like to say i loved about this book: PARENTS WERE PRESENT! i rarely see this in YA anymore, but i'm not quite sure why. jessie's parents are super supportive, and willing to help her in any situation. annie, on the other hand, hated her step-mother and step-sister (her real mom died, dad remarried) so it was interesting to see their family lives play out as well as their school lives.
~SPOILER ALERT: AVOID THIS PARAGRAPH~
the only thing i didn't necessarily like about the book was the pregnancy. if the character were, say, age 20, i'd be okay with it, but FIFTEEN?! that just isn't realistic nor is it likely. so, um, yeah. that is all i have to say about that.
how it ends is a book primarily based on friendship, which is one of my favorite things to read about. even though their friendship isn't perfect, this book was a beautiful read. i already wish there was a sequel, because i need more of jessie and annie!
***quick note: i tried to make this review non-spoilery, so i didn't include too much detail! that being said, sorry this review was short.
April 28, 2016
I was so excited when I was approved for this title. The cover caught my eye, and the description sounded like something I'd really enjoy. It reminded me of the movie, The Break-Up, with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, but between friends. And I suppose in ways, that's what it was.
How It Ends could have been fantastic. It could have made my list of favorites for 2016. It deals with a lot of social issues, but the pacing issues left me disconnected to the majority of the story.
We start out meeting Jessie --- a shy, anxiety-ridden 15 year-old who doesn't know where she belongs in the high school hierarchy. She is sort of a loner. And, of course, has a crush on one of the most popular boys at school. Enter Annie --- new to the scene, outgoing, seemingly Jessie's opposite in every way. The girls click and become inseparable. I guess.
This is when the pacing problem really begins. The girls are hanging out, and it just references time passing. Time in which we don't get to really see them interact and become besties. We are just sort of told it happens. I understand we can't be privy to every minor detail, but we also expect some semblance of relationship to be established. I mean, Jessie couldn't even confide a crush in Annie!
Anyway, their friendship struggles begin when Annie is befriended by Jessie's enemy, the popular Courtney. The rift continually gets bigger as Jessie is convinced Courtney hates her and is making fun of her, blah, blah, blah... And then there's the boy. Scott. Jessie's secret crush. And now, Annie's boyfriend. Secrets are being kept on both sides of the friendship and thus, the demise.
I realize both girls are teens (and on the younger end of the spectrum), but in a lot of ways, I found myself annoyed with Jessie's over-sensitivity. A lot of her behaviors and actions were blamed on her anxiety, but there were still things that went unaddressed. She is also extremely immature for most of the story. I would have struggled to maintain a friendship with her. And Annie... I liked her voice, but I kept waiting for a mental illness to be revealed, and it never came. I was confused by her actions throughout the book and would have liked more parental involvement in order to explain the whys. I think both girls' issues were hinted at (as well as the reasons behind them), but it felt unsatisfying.
It wasn't until the last 30% or so that the pacing stabilized and we got more of a day-by-day vibe. This is due to a huge development with one of the girls. I'm still not sure if I like the way it was handled, but I do appreciate the author took the time to address it at the end of the story, too. (Sorry for being vague, but I'm trying to be spoiler free. This will make sense if you read the book!) Things are wrapped up pretty nicely, and I was okay with how the story ends.
If you enjoy stories about friendship, I'd recommend How It Ends. The pacing may throw you off at times, but overall, it's enjoyable and does hit on some important topics.
How It Ends could have been fantastic. It could have made my list of favorites for 2016. It deals with a lot of social issues, but the pacing issues left me disconnected to the majority of the story.
We start out meeting Jessie --- a shy, anxiety-ridden 15 year-old who doesn't know where she belongs in the high school hierarchy. She is sort of a loner. And, of course, has a crush on one of the most popular boys at school. Enter Annie --- new to the scene, outgoing, seemingly Jessie's opposite in every way. The girls click and become inseparable. I guess.
This is when the pacing problem really begins. The girls are hanging out, and it just references time passing. Time in which we don't get to really see them interact and become besties. We are just sort of told it happens. I understand we can't be privy to every minor detail, but we also expect some semblance of relationship to be established. I mean, Jessie couldn't even confide a crush in Annie!
Anyway, their friendship struggles begin when Annie is befriended by Jessie's enemy, the popular Courtney. The rift continually gets bigger as Jessie is convinced Courtney hates her and is making fun of her, blah, blah, blah... And then there's the boy. Scott. Jessie's secret crush. And now, Annie's boyfriend. Secrets are being kept on both sides of the friendship and thus, the demise.
I realize both girls are teens (and on the younger end of the spectrum), but in a lot of ways, I found myself annoyed with Jessie's over-sensitivity. A lot of her behaviors and actions were blamed on her anxiety, but there were still things that went unaddressed. She is also extremely immature for most of the story. I would have struggled to maintain a friendship with her. And Annie... I liked her voice, but I kept waiting for a mental illness to be revealed, and it never came. I was confused by her actions throughout the book and would have liked more parental involvement in order to explain the whys. I think both girls' issues were hinted at (as well as the reasons behind them), but it felt unsatisfying.
It wasn't until the last 30% or so that the pacing stabilized and we got more of a day-by-day vibe. This is due to a huge development with one of the girls. I'm still not sure if I like the way it was handled, but I do appreciate the author took the time to address it at the end of the story, too. (Sorry for being vague, but I'm trying to be spoiler free. This will make sense if you read the book!) Things are wrapped up pretty nicely, and I was okay with how the story ends.
If you enjoy stories about friendship, I'd recommend How It Ends. The pacing may throw you off at times, but overall, it's enjoyable and does hit on some important topics.
May 12, 2018
High school is one major thing in life that changes everyone! Still this one thing can ruin someone's life as well as make it.
People don't understand what it is like for people with social anxiety disorder. They just treat them like they are the trash amongst the shiny polished jewels. No one understands them, and their potential, they just bully and mock them, just to make things worse.
This book evoked something in me, probably my own high school experience as an outcast, and the solution which I could never make of, because no one supported me then!!!
People don't understand what it is like for people with social anxiety disorder. They just treat them like they are the trash amongst the shiny polished jewels. No one understands them, and their potential, they just bully and mock them, just to make things worse.
This book evoked something in me, probably my own high school experience as an outcast, and the solution which I could never make of, because no one supported me then!!!
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