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Now and Forever
Romance takes center stage in this spectacular love story from bestselling author Susane Colasanti. Perfect for fans of Jenny Han, Sarah Dessen, and Jennifer E. Smith!
Sterling is crazy in love with Ethan. Not only is he the sweetest boy she's ever met, but he's an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. And since forever, he's believed he has what it takes to be a star. When Ethan becomes an overnight sensation, he's thrown head-first into the glam world of celebrity--and so is Sterling. Before she knows it, she's attending red-carpet premieres, getting free designer clothes, and flying around the country to attend Ethan's monumental sold-out concerts.
It's a dream come true...but whose dream is Sterling living? And what do you do when "forever" comes to an end?
Sterling is crazy in love with Ethan. Not only is he the sweetest boy she's ever met, but he's an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. And since forever, he's believed he has what it takes to be a star. When Ethan becomes an overnight sensation, he's thrown head-first into the glam world of celebrity--and so is Sterling. Before she knows it, she's attending red-carpet premieres, getting free designer clothes, and flying around the country to attend Ethan's monumental sold-out concerts.
It's a dream come true...but whose dream is Sterling living? And what do you do when "forever" comes to an end?
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2014
88 people are currently reading
5745 people want to read
About the author
Susane Colasanti
20 books3,993 followersSusane Colasanti is the bestselling author of When It Happens, Take Me There, Waiting for You, Something Like Fate, So Much Closer, Keep Holding On, All I Need, Now and Forever, and the City Love trilogy. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from New York University. Before becoming a full-time author in 2007, Susane was a high school science teacher for ten years. She lives in New York City.
You can connect with Susane on her Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
You can connect with Susane on her Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
April 8, 2015
Initial reaction: Honestly, this could've been a lot better for the story it showcased. It came across as incredibly underdeveloped and petty. I didn't care for it or for the all too quick romance it tried to push along the way.
Full review:
I wasn't very impressed with "Now and Forever" when it was all said and done. I can get behind a rising teen musician's claim to fame and the girlfriend who grows with him, but unfortunately, I found this too shallow of a read to connect with me. It's a shame really, because despite some qualms to start, I'd hoped that it would get better as it went along. There were certainly points where it could've been better, but it dropped the ball.
Sterling is a high school teen whose boyfriend (Ethan) is in a up and coming rock band destined for stardom. I had a hunch that this would be a rise and fall type story, but wasn't sure the angle which it would take. I wasn't entirely convinced of Ethan's talents based on Sterling's description of him ("Elvis Presley" and "Michael Jackson" like, but not sounding like anything or anyone else. Wait...what?) The descriptions Sterling gives of Ethan's talents and rise to fame are clunky, awkward and contradictory, and I couldn't excuse it for just being "awkward teen speak" as it was probably going for. It was just too over the top and inauthentic. I read on thinking that - even with the clunky beginning and descriptions of Ethan and Sterling's relationship - it would get better.
Sterling navigates rough times as she faces her boyfriend's increasing distance, visits her grandmother, confronts "haters" among fans who compete for her boyfriend's interests, and observes the band's scuffles (including with the manager) as Ethan's star rises even above his bandmates - measured in some chapters by the number of social media followers he has. Much of these are palpable problems, I'm not going to knock the book for that.
I will criticize it for having one-dimensional characters and predictable, shallow presentation, though. This book was just not good. I think it might be one of Colasanti's weakest ones to date.
You're pretty much stuck with Sterling's voice throughout the entire book, and that makes it difficult to see how Ethan grapples with fame or beyond the rosy-tinted glasses (see what I did there?) that Sterling sees him in as far as their relationship goes. The perspective point from Sterling is also problematic because Sterling...is a brat. She shames whomever she can about their grammar, debates the intelligence of her boyfriend's fans based on their "text speak", and in general isn't willing to stand up for her friends even when she sees them having scuffles that threaten to pull them apart. Not to mention she wants to be a book publisher in the future (I see you, Mary Sue. I see you very, VERY clearly. That's not funny.)
But I figure I can handle a bratty/problematic protagonist. Just as long as the story carries me along and invests me in the journey of said protagonist(s).
Turns out, there's really not much of a story here, not even remotely a likable one. First offense is that I'm not convinced by Sterling or Ethan's chemistry to begin with - it's told to you in numerous occasions in a way that's not endearing - and it feels like it's talking down to the reader each and every time they seem to be noted as "forever" lovers. Please man. And if I had to read the word "melting" once more when reading about Sterling's reactions to Ethan, it was too soon.
Second offense: Ethan's purported rise to fame is so thinly drawn that it's predictable down to the conflicts it spurs. And much of this information is *told* (NOT shown) to the reader, which makes even more of a disconnect. Ethan getting the invested and isolated interest of his manager? Check. Ethan getting his bandmates to change their original name because people really want to see Ethan more than the others? Check. Ethan getting a successful solo record? Maybe even two? Check. Ethan becoming more distant from his friends and girlfriend because of rise to fame? Definite check. Problem is, alongside other threadbare sidestories with other characters that are barely featured in the novel (Sterling's Gram included - and I liked her), you really don't get a chance to see the development this cast has. It's because of the thinly-drawn state of it all. I even wanted to feel more as Sterling finds herself on the end of internet backlash just for being Ethan's RL girlfriend, but it's mostly Sterling just verbalizing at her "haters" even when the book should have an opportunity to actually show her anguish and insecurity there. I don't understand why this very real problem, among others, was so lacking in intimacy on Colasanti's part. She could've dug her heels into that and made it mean more. Teens, even reluctant readers, would be able to appreciate a narrative that actually gives more time to develop the characters and show their relationships in more detail. We want to spend MORE time with these characters, give them the time to SHINE for being SHOWN not TOLD, for goodness sake.
It was even difficult to connect with one major character death in this book because the character whom it affected was in the book for quite a bit of time, but the presentation made it come out of the blue between other events. I'll admit that provided Sterling a chance to see how much Ethan didn't care that it happened, but again, the emotional disconnect was such a problem, the narrative events didn't hit me at my core. I hated that I couldn't connect to these characters or situations just because they were so shallow in presentation and told so predictably in places.
Don't get me started on the threadbare romance in this book. As far as I'm concerned, there wasn't a romance, just a brief passing connections between Sterling and a boy who was in her boyfriend's circles, knew that Ethan's distance was becoming a problem, didn't speak up about it, and then all of a sudden - BOOM. Sterling falls for this dude. Nevermind that Sterling was emotionally cheating with this guy, before she even suspected that Ethan might or might not have been unfaithful. She just ASSUMED so.
Are you kidding me? Ugh.
I'll give the narrative credit for investing me at least in the themes and for a couple of the characters who had promising interactions, but this was mostly too shallow of a narrative for me to get behind. The fact that the ending was so rushed and the experience giving me less time to get to know the characters and more time being dictated to was even worse for wear.
I was going to give this the benefit of the doubt at 1.5 stars for a rating, but I'm dropping it because the quality of this work just wasn't there, and I can't give credit for a novel experience that was shortchanged despite having few moments of promise. The problems outweighed the good aspects tremendously, and it's an issue that I think Colasanti's going to have to address at some point in her narratives - character and plot development as well as not talking down to her readership. Kids and teens can handle deeper themes and presentations than this. And so can I.
Overall score: 1/5 stars.
Full review:
I wasn't very impressed with "Now and Forever" when it was all said and done. I can get behind a rising teen musician's claim to fame and the girlfriend who grows with him, but unfortunately, I found this too shallow of a read to connect with me. It's a shame really, because despite some qualms to start, I'd hoped that it would get better as it went along. There were certainly points where it could've been better, but it dropped the ball.
Sterling is a high school teen whose boyfriend (Ethan) is in a up and coming rock band destined for stardom. I had a hunch that this would be a rise and fall type story, but wasn't sure the angle which it would take. I wasn't entirely convinced of Ethan's talents based on Sterling's description of him ("Elvis Presley" and "Michael Jackson" like, but not sounding like anything or anyone else. Wait...what?) The descriptions Sterling gives of Ethan's talents and rise to fame are clunky, awkward and contradictory, and I couldn't excuse it for just being "awkward teen speak" as it was probably going for. It was just too over the top and inauthentic. I read on thinking that - even with the clunky beginning and descriptions of Ethan and Sterling's relationship - it would get better.
Sterling navigates rough times as she faces her boyfriend's increasing distance, visits her grandmother, confronts "haters" among fans who compete for her boyfriend's interests, and observes the band's scuffles (including with the manager) as Ethan's star rises even above his bandmates - measured in some chapters by the number of social media followers he has. Much of these are palpable problems, I'm not going to knock the book for that.
I will criticize it for having one-dimensional characters and predictable, shallow presentation, though. This book was just not good. I think it might be one of Colasanti's weakest ones to date.
You're pretty much stuck with Sterling's voice throughout the entire book, and that makes it difficult to see how Ethan grapples with fame or beyond the rosy-tinted glasses (see what I did there?) that Sterling sees him in as far as their relationship goes. The perspective point from Sterling is also problematic because Sterling...is a brat. She shames whomever she can about their grammar, debates the intelligence of her boyfriend's fans based on their "text speak", and in general isn't willing to stand up for her friends even when she sees them having scuffles that threaten to pull them apart. Not to mention she wants to be a book publisher in the future (I see you, Mary Sue. I see you very, VERY clearly. That's not funny.)
But I figure I can handle a bratty/problematic protagonist. Just as long as the story carries me along and invests me in the journey of said protagonist(s).
Turns out, there's really not much of a story here, not even remotely a likable one. First offense is that I'm not convinced by Sterling or Ethan's chemistry to begin with - it's told to you in numerous occasions in a way that's not endearing - and it feels like it's talking down to the reader each and every time they seem to be noted as "forever" lovers. Please man. And if I had to read the word "melting" once more when reading about Sterling's reactions to Ethan, it was too soon.
Second offense: Ethan's purported rise to fame is so thinly drawn that it's predictable down to the conflicts it spurs. And much of this information is *told* (NOT shown) to the reader, which makes even more of a disconnect. Ethan getting the invested and isolated interest of his manager? Check. Ethan getting his bandmates to change their original name because people really want to see Ethan more than the others? Check. Ethan getting a successful solo record? Maybe even two? Check. Ethan becoming more distant from his friends and girlfriend because of rise to fame? Definite check. Problem is, alongside other threadbare sidestories with other characters that are barely featured in the novel (Sterling's Gram included - and I liked her), you really don't get a chance to see the development this cast has. It's because of the thinly-drawn state of it all. I even wanted to feel more as Sterling finds herself on the end of internet backlash just for being Ethan's RL girlfriend, but it's mostly Sterling just verbalizing at her "haters" even when the book should have an opportunity to actually show her anguish and insecurity there. I don't understand why this very real problem, among others, was so lacking in intimacy on Colasanti's part. She could've dug her heels into that and made it mean more. Teens, even reluctant readers, would be able to appreciate a narrative that actually gives more time to develop the characters and show their relationships in more detail. We want to spend MORE time with these characters, give them the time to SHINE for being SHOWN not TOLD, for goodness sake.
It was even difficult to connect with one major character death in this book because the character whom it affected was in the book for quite a bit of time, but the presentation made it come out of the blue between other events. I'll admit that provided Sterling a chance to see how much Ethan didn't care that it happened, but again, the emotional disconnect was such a problem, the narrative events didn't hit me at my core. I hated that I couldn't connect to these characters or situations just because they were so shallow in presentation and told so predictably in places.
Don't get me started on the threadbare romance in this book. As far as I'm concerned, there wasn't a romance, just a brief passing connections between Sterling and a boy who was in her boyfriend's circles, knew that Ethan's distance was becoming a problem, didn't speak up about it, and then all of a sudden - BOOM. Sterling falls for this dude. Nevermind that Sterling was emotionally cheating with this guy, before she even suspected that Ethan might or might not have been unfaithful. She just ASSUMED so.
Are you kidding me? Ugh.
I'll give the narrative credit for investing me at least in the themes and for a couple of the characters who had promising interactions, but this was mostly too shallow of a narrative for me to get behind. The fact that the ending was so rushed and the experience giving me less time to get to know the characters and more time being dictated to was even worse for wear.
I was going to give this the benefit of the doubt at 1.5 stars for a rating, but I'm dropping it because the quality of this work just wasn't there, and I can't give credit for a novel experience that was shortchanged despite having few moments of promise. The problems outweighed the good aspects tremendously, and it's an issue that I think Colasanti's going to have to address at some point in her narratives - character and plot development as well as not talking down to her readership. Kids and teens can handle deeper themes and presentations than this. And so can I.
Overall score: 1/5 stars.
May 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. loved seeing Ethan's journey to fame but them fame got to him. I'm glad Sterling eventually came to realise she needs to live her life and do things she loves. Did not see the end coming though.
January 18, 2015
I couldnt wait to read thia book because Susane Colasanti had wrote it and she is definitely my favorite author.
At first, the book was exiting and i couldn't stop reading it, but as i continued reading it i started to get bored over the same thing over and over. Sterling going to visiting Ethan on his tour, then she goes back home and worries about Ethan, then goes back to the tour and everything repeats again.
I was disappointed with this book because with every single book i have read of her, this is one of the two books i didn't like as much as the others.
Susane always made happy love endings but this time, she complicated everything. I think Ethan should have been there for Sterling when he was away and fight for her so that they could get back together but he never did.
I really hope Susane writes another book soon so that i could read it, because she is still an amazing writer and my favorite author.
p.s. I loved that she mentioned Taylor Swift in the book lol
At first, the book was exiting and i couldn't stop reading it, but as i continued reading it i started to get bored over the same thing over and over. Sterling going to visiting Ethan on his tour, then she goes back home and worries about Ethan, then goes back to the tour and everything repeats again.
I was disappointed with this book because with every single book i have read of her, this is one of the two books i didn't like as much as the others.
Susane always made happy love endings but this time, she complicated everything. I think Ethan should have been there for Sterling when he was away and fight for her so that they could get back together but he never did.
I really hope Susane writes another book soon so that i could read it, because she is still an amazing writer and my favorite author.
p.s. I loved that she mentioned Taylor Swift in the book lol
June 21, 2014
I have these friends, let’s call them Grace and Amy*. Grace is a children’s book editor and Amy is a high school ESL teacher. Amy is forever mentioning to Grace how her students need high concept, low reading level books since it’s difficult to get high school students to read when all the books for their reading level are about seven-year-olds or whatever. Well Amy, do I have the book for you.
There are a lot of things about Now and Forever that I absolutely hated, but by far the worst thing was the writing. I’ve read one other Susane Colasanti book, All I Need, which I also had issues with, but I don’t remember thinking it was written by a 12-year-old. Allow me to demonstrate what reading this book was like: “Now and Forever is about a girl. The girl’s name is Sterling. Sterling is a senior in high school. Sterling has a boyfriend named Ethan. Ethan dreams of being a rock star. Ethan starts to get famous.” It’s not just me, right? That’s annoying? As I was reading I just kept thinking that if Susane Colasanti had any finesse or maturity to her writing five or six or seven of the sentences I was reading could easily have been combined into one or two.
The writing was hands down the must frustrating part of this reading experience, it was like I was reading the world’s longest picture book that was missing the pictures, but that certainly wasn’t the only problem. Sterling is a bit of an enigma. During the book she’s in her senior year of high school and she has two major interests: correcting bad grammar and cooking. I’ll be the first person to admit that bad grammar drives me batty, but Sterling takes it to a whole other level. She’s constantly telling people in stores why their signs are wrong and she carries around a Sharpie to do her own gorilla corrections to signs. I suppose this could possibly be interpreted as charming, but really I just wanted to tell Sterling to calm down and stop being an a-hole (she’s obviously never heard the expression it’s better to be happy than right). Sterling’s other interest is cooking. Her grandmother taught her to cook and she is apparently a renowned baker in her town. So much so that she apparently bakes enough to be able to sell hundreds of baked goods at a town celebration.
The other odd thing about Sterling is that when she grows up she wants to be a book publisher. Not work for a book publisher, but be a book publisher. As someone who worked in publishing I’m familiar with this job, but I was surprised that Sterling was. I was also surprised, given her grammar Nazism, that she didn’t want to be a copyeditor or an editor. Especially since becoming a book publisher requires many years spent in lesser positions. Not to mention that prior to the last year, when Sterling found her calling in grammar, she hated school and didn’t do so well. Yet that hasn’t stopped her from applying to schools like Princeton and Yale.
Unfortunately Sterling’s romance with Ethan did not help things. At first the relationship was a little cute, but it soon became sickeningly cute. I tried to tell myself that I’m single and bitter and old and these are two kids in love, but it was just too much. Ethan’s lines were cheesy and fake and I felt bad for Sterling that she believed stuff he was saying (although to Ethan and Colasanti’s credit for much of the book I think Ethan believed them too). Sterling also thought this truly awful thing when Ethan would say something vomit-inducing to her. Depending on where she was she would think “Melting. In. The lobby” or “Melting. In. The Car” or “Melting. In. Shake Shack” (they really liked Shake Shack). Maybe Ethan wasn’t a bad guy, but his ambition and focus were a turnoff for me and I never took any interest in Sterling and Ethan’s romance, which meant another nail in the coffin for this one.
I swear that in an earlier description there was mention of another interest for Sterling, a guy involved in Ethan’s tour. There’s no mention of that in the description on Goodreads now, but I still kept waiting for it to happen. And when it did happen it didn’t make the book any better. Even though I didn’t buy into Sterling and Ethan’s relationship I still wasn’t ok with Sterling essentially emotionally cheating on Ethan. I found Sterling’s relationship with the roadie pretty unbelievable, I just didn’t see either of them taking an interest in each other and when it comes down to it they barely knew each other, but quickly became pretty obsessed with each other. And the ending, oh god, thank goodness I am not into spoiling books because you do not want to get me started on that ending.
Maybe at this point you’re wondering if there is anything good about this book? Yes, two things. First, the basic idea for the story, a girl’s boyfriend is suddenly famous and she needs to navigate a new world. I still like the premise even though Susane Colasanti did her best to ruin it for me. Second, each chapter opens with the current number of followers Ethan has (not clear if it was Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), but that was a really great way to quantify and show Ethan’s rapid rise to fame.
Bottom Line: Susane Colasanti we are done. I read one of your books and didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it, but after this one I am done with you now and forever. I know you’re popular so I thought I’d give you another shot, but wow, what a mistake that was. The writing here was so atrocious that I am embarrassed for everyone involved with this book. Not to mention that the characters and story just fell completely flat. Do. Not. Read. This.
* These are their real names
This review first appeared on my blog.
There are a lot of things about Now and Forever that I absolutely hated, but by far the worst thing was the writing. I’ve read one other Susane Colasanti book, All I Need, which I also had issues with, but I don’t remember thinking it was written by a 12-year-old. Allow me to demonstrate what reading this book was like: “Now and Forever is about a girl. The girl’s name is Sterling. Sterling is a senior in high school. Sterling has a boyfriend named Ethan. Ethan dreams of being a rock star. Ethan starts to get famous.” It’s not just me, right? That’s annoying? As I was reading I just kept thinking that if Susane Colasanti had any finesse or maturity to her writing five or six or seven of the sentences I was reading could easily have been combined into one or two.
The writing was hands down the must frustrating part of this reading experience, it was like I was reading the world’s longest picture book that was missing the pictures, but that certainly wasn’t the only problem. Sterling is a bit of an enigma. During the book she’s in her senior year of high school and she has two major interests: correcting bad grammar and cooking. I’ll be the first person to admit that bad grammar drives me batty, but Sterling takes it to a whole other level. She’s constantly telling people in stores why their signs are wrong and she carries around a Sharpie to do her own gorilla corrections to signs. I suppose this could possibly be interpreted as charming, but really I just wanted to tell Sterling to calm down and stop being an a-hole (she’s obviously never heard the expression it’s better to be happy than right). Sterling’s other interest is cooking. Her grandmother taught her to cook and she is apparently a renowned baker in her town. So much so that she apparently bakes enough to be able to sell hundreds of baked goods at a town celebration.
The other odd thing about Sterling is that when she grows up she wants to be a book publisher. Not work for a book publisher, but be a book publisher. As someone who worked in publishing I’m familiar with this job, but I was surprised that Sterling was. I was also surprised, given her grammar Nazism, that she didn’t want to be a copyeditor or an editor. Especially since becoming a book publisher requires many years spent in lesser positions. Not to mention that prior to the last year, when Sterling found her calling in grammar, she hated school and didn’t do so well. Yet that hasn’t stopped her from applying to schools like Princeton and Yale.
Unfortunately Sterling’s romance with Ethan did not help things. At first the relationship was a little cute, but it soon became sickeningly cute. I tried to tell myself that I’m single and bitter and old and these are two kids in love, but it was just too much. Ethan’s lines were cheesy and fake and I felt bad for Sterling that she believed stuff he was saying (although to Ethan and Colasanti’s credit for much of the book I think Ethan believed them too). Sterling also thought this truly awful thing when Ethan would say something vomit-inducing to her. Depending on where she was she would think “Melting. In. The lobby” or “Melting. In. The Car” or “Melting. In. Shake Shack” (they really liked Shake Shack). Maybe Ethan wasn’t a bad guy, but his ambition and focus were a turnoff for me and I never took any interest in Sterling and Ethan’s romance, which meant another nail in the coffin for this one.
I swear that in an earlier description there was mention of another interest for Sterling, a guy involved in Ethan’s tour. There’s no mention of that in the description on Goodreads now, but I still kept waiting for it to happen. And when it did happen it didn’t make the book any better. Even though I didn’t buy into Sterling and Ethan’s relationship I still wasn’t ok with Sterling essentially emotionally cheating on Ethan. I found Sterling’s relationship with the roadie pretty unbelievable, I just didn’t see either of them taking an interest in each other and when it comes down to it they barely knew each other, but quickly became pretty obsessed with each other. And the ending, oh god, thank goodness I am not into spoiling books because you do not want to get me started on that ending.
Maybe at this point you’re wondering if there is anything good about this book? Yes, two things. First, the basic idea for the story, a girl’s boyfriend is suddenly famous and she needs to navigate a new world. I still like the premise even though Susane Colasanti did her best to ruin it for me. Second, each chapter opens with the current number of followers Ethan has (not clear if it was Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), but that was a really great way to quantify and show Ethan’s rapid rise to fame.
Bottom Line: Susane Colasanti we are done. I read one of your books and didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it, but after this one I am done with you now and forever. I know you’re popular so I thought I’d give you another shot, but wow, what a mistake that was. The writing here was so atrocious that I am embarrassed for everyone involved with this book. Not to mention that the characters and story just fell completely flat. Do. Not. Read. This.
* These are their real names
This review first appeared on my blog.
June 11, 2025
This is a YA book written by a YA author and I think that needs to be remembered when going into this book. With that being the frame of reference, I really enjoyed many aspects of this book. I think it captured the young and dumb that every 18-year-old experiences. Outside of the oddity of becoming a rock star, I think the emotions and story line are relatable. I could easily imagine this story actually playing out like it did in real life. I’m happy where Sterling ended up! 3.75 stars for me!
June 22, 2014
This was my first Susane Colasanti book and I have to say I was expecting more, based on some of the positive feedback from her previous books. At first, I was like this:
Cause it's Susane Colasanti and it's YA contemporary and I love stories about young love and people turning into global music sensations. Then my excitement sort of went down by page.
Now & Forever had its moments, and then there were times I felt it was lacking in a sense. I liked the premise of a teen boy realizing his dream and becoming a big pop star, as well as a young relationship trying to make it through that. However, I just didn't like the male character enough to care about their love. I know, that's sad, but it's how I felt throughout the book.
Sterling (liked the name) was a likable one, though her obsession to fix typos had bugged me a tad sometimes. From the middle on it sort of simmered because that was putting me off her. Once that was drowned out, I liked her a bit more. She had dreams just like Ethan did and she wasn't going after them or taking the time to discover herself, instead she was putting her life on hold for him. Throughout the story it was all about Ethan and how she'd be perceived by magazines and his over-the-top fans. When she meets another guy, Damien, and they develop this wonderful friendship. I liked Damien from start. He pulled me in the way Ethan couldn't. And I was anticipating the end of Sterling's played out relationship with a guy who obviously had changed (actually to me, he was like that from start but everyone just failed to see) just so she could start something even greater with Damien. While the ending didn't go exactly like that, it sure was sweet anyway.
As for other characters, I didn't really care for them. Georgia was a cool friend until the stress of Ethan's fame took a hold on her friendship with Sterling. And Grams was awesome. So sad what happened to her. That's about where my interest ended in regards to secondary characters though. None were very much impactful.
In the end, it wasn't a bad read; It had a good pacing, nailed the world of music and touring, and what sudden fame can do to a young relationship. And I liked how Sterling had an awakening (though it took something to actually happen for her to wake up) and started to think more about herself and not make her life revolve around Ethan anymore. That epitome was a great addition because at one point I wanted to shake her. My issue is that while there was so much potential, I didn't get the fireworks. It's not about me being older than the characters either because I love YA and especially contemporary, it's just that there were things that rubbed me the wrong way.
Cause it's Susane Colasanti and it's YA contemporary and I love stories about young love and people turning into global music sensations. Then my excitement sort of went down by page.
Now & Forever had its moments, and then there were times I felt it was lacking in a sense. I liked the premise of a teen boy realizing his dream and becoming a big pop star, as well as a young relationship trying to make it through that. However, I just didn't like the male character enough to care about their love. I know, that's sad, but it's how I felt throughout the book.
Sterling (liked the name) was a likable one, though her obsession to fix typos had bugged me a tad sometimes. From the middle on it sort of simmered because that was putting me off her. Once that was drowned out, I liked her a bit more. She had dreams just like Ethan did and she wasn't going after them or taking the time to discover herself, instead she was putting her life on hold for him. Throughout the story it was all about Ethan and how she'd be perceived by magazines and his over-the-top fans. When she meets another guy, Damien, and they develop this wonderful friendship. I liked Damien from start. He pulled me in the way Ethan couldn't. And I was anticipating the end of Sterling's played out relationship with a guy who obviously had changed (actually to me, he was like that from start but everyone just failed to see) just so she could start something even greater with Damien. While the ending didn't go exactly like that, it sure was sweet anyway.
As for other characters, I didn't really care for them. Georgia was a cool friend until the stress of Ethan's fame took a hold on her friendship with Sterling. And Grams was awesome. So sad what happened to her. That's about where my interest ended in regards to secondary characters though. None were very much impactful.
In the end, it wasn't a bad read; It had a good pacing, nailed the world of music and touring, and what sudden fame can do to a young relationship. And I liked how Sterling had an awakening (though it took something to actually happen for her to wake up) and started to think more about herself and not make her life revolve around Ethan anymore. That epitome was a great addition because at one point I wanted to shake her. My issue is that while there was so much potential, I didn't get the fireworks. It's not about me being older than the characters either because I love YA and especially contemporary, it's just that there were things that rubbed me the wrong way.
May 23, 2014
I’m so close to giving this book one star. The first half was so annoying. The girl and the boyfriend just rub me the wrong way. The girl was all about: ‘my boyfriend is this, my boyfriend is that,’ ‘he was born to be a star,’ etc. Now, that boy was getting the springboard to stardom and she was left there glancing at him on the sidelines, feeling sorry for herself. I wish I could understand her and the relationship (which at some point I did, at least the rational and obvious part) but the said relationship was weak as a rotten wooden board. I did see the relationship going downwards by the way they interacted; it didn’t seem good enough for that kind of test.
Ethan was a budding musician, just needed the right opportunity. And that chance happened. He literally gained followers every chapter making their relationship drifting further and further away. The thing is, there’s not enough in the foundation to make the girl, Sterling, feels secured, which I think boils down to what I just got from the beginning. I didn’t get to see how their relationship was, it was all about Ethan’s untapped talent in need of the spotlight. It was all about that.
But my real problem was Sterling. The girl numerous times drove me bonkers! I’m so fessed up on her and attitude. The girl had an uncanny ability to annoy me, magnificently if I may so myself. Was there really a need to rub to these people faces that she was ‘the biggest fan’ via her backstage access since she was the girlfriend? I don’t think there was a need to prove that point. And I also think, she might not intentionally try to make fun of the fan, but she did mimic the way she fangirled over her boyfriend, in an observer point of view, it’ll look the way. And don’t get me started with the way she talks: I’m. Not. Happy. With. This. The excessive use of the period was so annoying considering she was a grammar nazi.
Having read few books from the author, the other guy, Damien, was not really a surprise. Of course, it was deliberately and conveniently pointed out that he was the right one: listening to her, dropping everything just to be with her unlike her rock star boyfriend. The only salvation of the book was her decision at the end, if the past relationship was any indication no wonder it fell apart; so the decision? I approved. I’m relieved she chose the most ideal option. And after reading, I was thinking about the title: is it about the now that might be forever? Or is about the now didn’t equate forever? Or am I just thinking way ahead and it's just a plain cheesy title? I can’t decide.
Originally published at The Aeropapers. Please leave any comments there.
Ethan was a budding musician, just needed the right opportunity. And that chance happened. He literally gained followers every chapter making their relationship drifting further and further away. The thing is, there’s not enough in the foundation to make the girl, Sterling, feels secured, which I think boils down to what I just got from the beginning. I didn’t get to see how their relationship was, it was all about Ethan’s untapped talent in need of the spotlight. It was all about that.
But my real problem was Sterling. The girl numerous times drove me bonkers! I’m so fessed up on her and attitude. The girl had an uncanny ability to annoy me, magnificently if I may so myself. Was there really a need to rub to these people faces that she was ‘the biggest fan’ via her backstage access since she was the girlfriend? I don’t think there was a need to prove that point. And I also think, she might not intentionally try to make fun of the fan, but she did mimic the way she fangirled over her boyfriend, in an observer point of view, it’ll look the way. And don’t get me started with the way she talks: I’m. Not. Happy. With. This. The excessive use of the period was so annoying considering she was a grammar nazi.
Having read few books from the author, the other guy, Damien, was not really a surprise. Of course, it was deliberately and conveniently pointed out that he was the right one: listening to her, dropping everything just to be with her unlike her rock star boyfriend. The only salvation of the book was her decision at the end, if the past relationship was any indication no wonder it fell apart; so the decision? I approved. I’m relieved she chose the most ideal option. And after reading, I was thinking about the title: is it about the now that might be forever? Or is about the now didn’t equate forever? Or am I just thinking way ahead and it's just a plain cheesy title? I can’t decide.
Originally published at The Aeropapers. Please leave any comments there.
May 19, 2014
Nope. I am done. This was just not the read for me. Sterling and Ethan and their entourage have got to be some of the most self absorbed annoying teenagers I have ever read and that is saying something since I read pretty much only YA. Sterling is even weak when she is attempting to be strong and in my opinion none of the boys were crush worthy enough to hold my attention for a summer romantic read. I know there is truth in some of the behavior in this book, but I just couldn't do it right now. I read Colasanti's book "When It Happens" and fell in love with it and its characters. I own it in book and audiobook form, but I have been disappointed in her last 3 books. I have to say the magic is gone and I am breaking up with you.
November 28, 2018
Definitely not a good read.
My first Susane Colasanti book and I am deeply disappointed. I need a refund for the hours I wasted. I can't believe I actually finished this one.
The writing style felt like an amateur writer. The characters were self absorbed teenagers with very little substance.
The blurb was promising, and I actually thought the other was good because a few friends like her. Oh well. Not sure if I'm too old for her stories or it really is not a good one. Hah.
I think I'll give her another try, so if you can suggest her best book, please let me know! 😊
My first Susane Colasanti book and I am deeply disappointed. I need a refund for the hours I wasted. I can't believe I actually finished this one.
The writing style felt like an amateur writer. The characters were self absorbed teenagers with very little substance.
The blurb was promising, and I actually thought the other was good because a few friends like her. Oh well. Not sure if I'm too old for her stories or it really is not a good one. Hah.
I think I'll give her another try, so if you can suggest her best book, please let me know! 😊
March 27, 2015
I was seriously disappointed in this book, even though going into it after dnf'ing it in September I didn't really have big expectations for it. If I didn't need to finish a book I DNF'd for my March tbr jar challenge, I would've WDNF'd it again. It just lacked a lot. It was predictable and really cheesy and the writing really got to me at times. This main character 'melts into floor. melts into chair. melts against wall.' By the end I was glad it was over, it was a predictable ending as well, I called it 150 pages in. Although Ethan cheated on Sterling and she was upset about it as one would be when one cheats on you, I felt like she was in the wrong too by talking to Damien like she did. I don't know why, because technically it wasn't considered cheating but I just felt like she was in the wrong with Damien too. I felt like I was reading a Justin Bieber fanfic if I'm honest. It took Sterling the whole book to realize how Ethan had changed and how she deserved to live her life for her and not just worry about Ethan 24/7. Overall my feelings towards Susane's writing has changed, this is the second book by her where I wasn't really a fan; despite my having nearly ten of her novels. All I Need and Now and Forever have made me wonder what I liked about the other books I've read by her. Overall, I give it a 2 star rating. A book talk or review will be on my channel eventually.
June 13, 2014
“The right boy doesn’t make your stomach twist into anxious knots. He doesn’t make you panic when he’s not calling. He doesn’t make you wonder who he’s out with. He fills you with peaceful certainty that your love was meant to be. He will support you no matter what. He’s always with you, even when he’s not. And you just know he wants to be with you now and forever. Because there’s nowhere else he’d rather be.”
I have always loved Susane Colasanti’s books. They are sweet, charming, easy-to-read, and filled with tales of young love. Her stories always manage to take me back to a simpler time, when love took precedence over all. “Now and Forever” once again allowed me to travel back to this simpler time and experience the excitement of first love all over again.
The premise of this story was something straight out of every young girl’s fantasy: who wouldn’t want to be the girlfriend of a famous rock star? The first few chapters were sweet and light-hearted, and I had assumed I knew exactly what to expect from this book. But I have to be honest: I underestimated this book. I thought it would be another uplifting fairytale about young love – a time when all is perfect and everything somehow manages to work out for the best. I love stories like that. They cheer me up. They allow me to escape from the less-perfect, far more normal version of everyday life. But seldom do they impact me in such a way that I can’t simply shut the book at the end and leave it all behind. Those stories never manage to stick with me. But “Now and Forever” will.
“Now and Forever” was a perfect mix of uplifting and real. Colasanti gave the readers our happy fantasy world, but respected us enough to be honest with us: life isn’t always perfect. Things don’t always work out the way we plan. Simply stated: sometimes life can suck. But the best part about life is that it goes on. We live and learn. And even the less-than-ideal circumstances are good for us. In most cases, they even help us in a way we never anticipated, teaching us exactly what we most needed to learn so that we can live our lives the best way possible – the way we always dreamed but never knew was within our reach.
Without giving too much away, I will simply say that this book was meaningful. It was exciting and fun, full of love and laughter, but especially strength and hope. Colasanti reminds us to go after our own dreams, no matter how far away they may seem.
I have always loved Susane Colasanti’s books. They are sweet, charming, easy-to-read, and filled with tales of young love. Her stories always manage to take me back to a simpler time, when love took precedence over all. “Now and Forever” once again allowed me to travel back to this simpler time and experience the excitement of first love all over again.
The premise of this story was something straight out of every young girl’s fantasy: who wouldn’t want to be the girlfriend of a famous rock star? The first few chapters were sweet and light-hearted, and I had assumed I knew exactly what to expect from this book. But I have to be honest: I underestimated this book. I thought it would be another uplifting fairytale about young love – a time when all is perfect and everything somehow manages to work out for the best. I love stories like that. They cheer me up. They allow me to escape from the less-perfect, far more normal version of everyday life. But seldom do they impact me in such a way that I can’t simply shut the book at the end and leave it all behind. Those stories never manage to stick with me. But “Now and Forever” will.
“Now and Forever” was a perfect mix of uplifting and real. Colasanti gave the readers our happy fantasy world, but respected us enough to be honest with us: life isn’t always perfect. Things don’t always work out the way we plan. Simply stated: sometimes life can suck. But the best part about life is that it goes on. We live and learn. And even the less-than-ideal circumstances are good for us. In most cases, they even help us in a way we never anticipated, teaching us exactly what we most needed to learn so that we can live our lives the best way possible – the way we always dreamed but never knew was within our reach.
Without giving too much away, I will simply say that this book was meaningful. It was exciting and fun, full of love and laughter, but especially strength and hope. Colasanti reminds us to go after our own dreams, no matter how far away they may seem.
December 17, 2014
Predicable.
I feel bad giving this one merely two starts, but honestly, I can't give it more.
I've read Colasanti many times and although I've not loved all of them, I have liked them all to varying degrees. This one was just nothing remarkable.
This book really needed the second POV from Ethan. IT is alluded to that he is having lots of friction with his overbearing manager, but we get just the briefest glimpse of that. He was dealing with his own problems and as a reader it would have been nice to get his feelings on all of it.
Not my favorite.
I feel bad giving this one merely two starts, but honestly, I can't give it more.
I've read Colasanti many times and although I've not loved all of them, I have liked them all to varying degrees. This one was just nothing remarkable.
This book really needed the second POV from Ethan. IT is alluded to that he is having lots of friction with his overbearing manager, but we get just the briefest glimpse of that. He was dealing with his own problems and as a reader it would have been nice to get his feelings on all of it.
Not my favorite.
November 14, 2014
More like 3.5 stars
I don't know why it took so much time for me to read it but I'm glad I finally finished this.
Can you believe I cried over this book? I can't.
It's just so pitiful and unfair when someone's "forever" goes nowhere. Basically, I don't believe in eternal relationships, and this stupid "forever" is just a hollow sound for me. But the characters believed in that. They really did.
I didn't like the main characters (actually, all of the characters), and I truly hated Ethan from the very beginning. He seemed pretty cute at first, but when he became a big star, he bared his true colors. And I didn't feel sorry for him and his awful mistakes, but I did for Sterling. She's a sweet and loyal girl, and even when she acted like a big fool, I still cared about her. Sterling has always supported Ethan, and the whole world was only about Ethan for her. She totally forgot about herself (as much as Ethan did). Fortunately, closer to the end she realizes what she really needs and wants.
Overall, this is a good contemporary book and it is worth 3 stars, at least. And I'm really into this stuff like superstar-boys, so... I wanna read other books like this one.
I don't know why it took so much time for me to read it but I'm glad I finally finished this.
Can you believe I cried over this book? I can't.
It's just so pitiful and unfair when someone's "forever" goes nowhere. Basically, I don't believe in eternal relationships, and this stupid "forever" is just a hollow sound for me. But the characters believed in that. They really did.
I didn't like the main characters (actually, all of the characters), and I truly hated Ethan from the very beginning. He seemed pretty cute at first, but when he became a big star, he bared his true colors. And I didn't feel sorry for him and his awful mistakes, but I did for Sterling. She's a sweet and loyal girl, and even when she acted like a big fool, I still cared about her. Sterling has always supported Ethan, and the whole world was only about Ethan for her. She totally forgot about herself (as much as Ethan did). Fortunately, closer to the end she realizes what she really needs and wants.
Overall, this is a good contemporary book and it is worth 3 stars, at least. And I'm really into this stuff like superstar-boys, so... I wanna read other books like this one.
February 25, 2014
What to say, what to say...
While I didn't enjoy this book, I still must admit a teen girl very well might.
The writing was stunted and had way too much "teen slang" for my liking. The characters were undeveloped and I found myself more than once saying, "What? Where did THAT come from...can you tell me more?" And the answer would be "NO".
The reason I gave it two stars is because the premise is romantic and idealized, and like I mentioned, I think it could find an audience with teen girls. I just think there are way better stories out there girls could relate to rather than this one.
So, I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to my library colleagues because I think money could be better spent on something else.
While I didn't enjoy this book, I still must admit a teen girl very well might.
The writing was stunted and had way too much "teen slang" for my liking. The characters were undeveloped and I found myself more than once saying, "What? Where did THAT come from...can you tell me more?" And the answer would be "NO".
The reason I gave it two stars is because the premise is romantic and idealized, and like I mentioned, I think it could find an audience with teen girls. I just think there are way better stories out there girls could relate to rather than this one.
So, I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to my library colleagues because I think money could be better spent on something else.
October 31, 2014
I don't know what's wrong that this book only has an average rating of 3.46. I didn't expect that. For me, this book was ahhhh-mazing. TOPS.
One of the best I've read this year. *sigh*
It was amazing. Sterling was a character you could totally relate to. It was expected what had happened to her and Ethan. I love this book to bits, even though most of the reviews said otherwise. And I do think the ending was perfect. I never liked Ethan since the beginning anyway.
One of the best I've read this year. *sigh*
It was amazing. Sterling was a character you could totally relate to. It was expected what had happened to her and Ethan. I love this book to bits, even though most of the reviews said otherwise. And I do think the ending was perfect. I never liked Ethan since the beginning anyway.
September 5, 2023
0.5
I have a lot to say about this book. For one, the main character was pretty shallow. She went out of her way to correct any and all grammar mistakes she saw. I think this was supposed to make her 'quirky' or to give her something to stand out, but all it did was make me dislike the character immensely. Most of the book was filler and completely predictable. I know that this is supposed to be a cutesy romance, but it's hard to get behind it when the romance is all just mentioned on page and barely shown enough to be believable. There wasn't a lot of substance within the plot at all, either.
I have a lot to say about this book. For one, the main character was pretty shallow. She went out of her way to correct any and all grammar mistakes she saw. I think this was supposed to make her 'quirky' or to give her something to stand out, but all it did was make me dislike the character immensely. Most of the book was filler and completely predictable. I know that this is supposed to be a cutesy romance, but it's hard to get behind it when the romance is all just mentioned on page and barely shown enough to be believable. There wasn't a lot of substance within the plot at all, either.
February 24, 2017
What if you happened to be the girlfriend of the biggest rockstar in the world? What if one night your boyfriend becomes an overnight sensation, and suddenly you're selling out stadiums? What if I told you that it has happened to a girl named Sterling? Her boyfriend Ethan is now considered the heartthrob of their generation.
Sterling and Ethan are known to be the “it” couple. The relationship that everyone wants. Sterling falls head over heels for Ethan. Ethan is known to be so genuine and smart, but also and amazing singer, songwriter, and can kill it with any kind of guitar. This boy has dreamed of becoming a rockstar. Come to find out that his dream, very rapidly comes to a reality as he becomes an overnight sensation.
Sterling could not be happier for him. However, she wakes up from her dream, and realizes that she now needs to balance her personal life, and rockstar girlfriend life, which doesn’t come easy for her. Although she loves to be with Ethan and watch him sell out stadiums and be the heartthrob of teenage girls. It’s not her dream:it’s not what she wants. There are pros and cons to this sort of life, but she refuses to give up.
This book to me actually brought enjoyment. This book had some humor, and of course with any other book, it had drama. I personally am not a huge fan of reading, but I loved reading it. It definitely brought in a lot of our world into it, so it made me feel like I was part of it. It felt as if I was in the background, watching all this happening before my eyes.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a little real world situations. I do warn that I would only recommended for 8th grade and up for language used in this book.
Sterling and Ethan are known to be the “it” couple. The relationship that everyone wants. Sterling falls head over heels for Ethan. Ethan is known to be so genuine and smart, but also and amazing singer, songwriter, and can kill it with any kind of guitar. This boy has dreamed of becoming a rockstar. Come to find out that his dream, very rapidly comes to a reality as he becomes an overnight sensation.
Sterling could not be happier for him. However, she wakes up from her dream, and realizes that she now needs to balance her personal life, and rockstar girlfriend life, which doesn’t come easy for her. Although she loves to be with Ethan and watch him sell out stadiums and be the heartthrob of teenage girls. It’s not her dream:it’s not what she wants. There are pros and cons to this sort of life, but she refuses to give up.
This book to me actually brought enjoyment. This book had some humor, and of course with any other book, it had drama. I personally am not a huge fan of reading, but I loved reading it. It definitely brought in a lot of our world into it, so it made me feel like I was part of it. It felt as if I was in the background, watching all this happening before my eyes.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a little real world situations. I do warn that I would only recommended for 8th grade and up for language used in this book.
February 24, 2017
The book Now and Forever consisted a love story that has a tragedy. Sterling lives a difficult life because she has divorced parents. She usually lives with her mother because her father has another set of family. Sterling has a boyfriend named Ethan that is a rock star. Ethan is in a rock band and happens to be a great singer and songwriter. Sterling and Ethan always had the perfect relationship until fame got to Ethan. Ethan backstabs Sterling by doing the worst thing you could do to a girl. This book consists of love, drama, hate, and most importantly teaches young girls a valuable lesson. I recommend this reading for people who are girl teenagers and people who love to read about romance. This book is very hard to put down if you love to read books mixtures between love and loyalty. I personally loved this book because something happens in it that you really don’t see coming.
Read
April 5, 2015I am a big Susane Colasanti fan. I think she's so awesome and I love the pop culture references she adds in her books. I was really looking forward to Now and Forever and was so excited to find it on the New Releases shelf at the library. However, I didn't enjoy it and just wanted to share some of my honest opinions so that I can maybe help others who are thinking about reading this.
1. My first star deduction is because of the lack of detail. The structure of this book is really cool, as each chapter marks a new set of 'followers' that Ethan has. It shows the gradual increase in his popularity, which also affects Sterling. There were so many cool characters in this book (like Gram, Georgia, and Damien) but they weren't mentioned enough. I felt likeI didn't really know any of them and I would have liked to know more.
2. Honestly, Sterling bugged me so much! And she didn't even grow very much in the end. She needs to take a chill pill and not be so uptight and judgmental. Her propensity for fixing typos was really bizarre and I'm surprised that nobody punched her for how rude she was about it. If I met her in real life, I would definitely want to punch her.
3. My third star deduction was because of how nauseating Sterling and Ethan's relationship was. It bothered me that she was so obsessed with him. Some of the inner dialogue going on didn't seem healthy and I don't think that's a good example to be sending out to teenage girls who will read this.
However, just because I didn't like this doesn't mean I'm less of a Susane Colasanti fan. It's just that this particular book didn't sit well with me, for the reasons I listed above. I think I'll still look forward to whatever she releases in the future.
Also, I'm kind of paranoid about writing this review because I'm sure there REALLY ARE people like Sterling out there who will be like, "She put a comma in the wrong place! She doesn't understand grammar and must not be very intelligent so her review means nothing." But hey, this is my goodreads account so I'll do what I want :)
1. My first star deduction is because of the lack of detail. The structure of this book is really cool, as each chapter marks a new set of 'followers' that Ethan has. It shows the gradual increase in his popularity, which also affects Sterling. There were so many cool characters in this book (like Gram, Georgia, and Damien) but they weren't mentioned enough. I felt likeI didn't really know any of them and I would have liked to know more.
2. Honestly, Sterling bugged me so much! And she didn't even grow very much in the end. She needs to take a chill pill and not be so uptight and judgmental. Her propensity for fixing typos was really bizarre and I'm surprised that nobody punched her for how rude she was about it. If I met her in real life, I would definitely want to punch her.
3. My third star deduction was because of how nauseating Sterling and Ethan's relationship was. It bothered me that she was so obsessed with him. Some of the inner dialogue going on didn't seem healthy and I don't think that's a good example to be sending out to teenage girls who will read this.
However, just because I didn't like this doesn't mean I'm less of a Susane Colasanti fan. It's just that this particular book didn't sit well with me, for the reasons I listed above. I think I'll still look forward to whatever she releases in the future.
Also, I'm kind of paranoid about writing this review because I'm sure there REALLY ARE people like Sterling out there who will be like, "She put a comma in the wrong place! She doesn't understand grammar and must not be very intelligent so her review means nothing." But hey, this is my goodreads account so I'll do what I want :)
August 22, 2016
My Thoughts: Yep Yep, Colasanti is one of my all time favorite authors. I just devour her books when I start them.
We are introduced to Ethan and Sterling. Perfect couple. Sterling wants to go to college eventually while Ethan just wants to play music. So when he gets a record deal, his goals and dreams sour. Sterling tries her best standing by him and she’s a good girlfriend. I didn’t like how she started treating some of her friends though there for a while. I could see a bit of a change in her. I also liked all the other characters. Like, the guy friend she meets on Ethan’s tour and her best friend who's a girl. I liked Ethan enough but I never felt much for him.
I really liked Now And Forever but I just felt like it was too focused on Ethan’s music career. I know that is the point, but I just didn’t love that angle really.
I liked this one, I did but I felt like it was probably one of the least favorites of Colasanti of mine. Just wasn’t as drawn into the story-line I think.
Overall: I generally liked all the characters and how things went down. I kind of saw the Ethan situation coming from a mile away so I wasn’t really surprised when that happened. I wish I had been, but I just wasn’t.
I can’t wait to see what Colasanti writes next and I still have a few more of hers to read to get caught up.
Cover: Love it! These books always have such cute and realistic covers. I’m always drawn into the book by those amazing colorful covers! Love this one!
What I’d Give It: 3/5 Cupcakes
___________
Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com
We are introduced to Ethan and Sterling. Perfect couple. Sterling wants to go to college eventually while Ethan just wants to play music. So when he gets a record deal, his goals and dreams sour. Sterling tries her best standing by him and she’s a good girlfriend. I didn’t like how she started treating some of her friends though there for a while. I could see a bit of a change in her. I also liked all the other characters. Like, the guy friend she meets on Ethan’s tour and her best friend who's a girl. I liked Ethan enough but I never felt much for him.
I really liked Now And Forever but I just felt like it was too focused on Ethan’s music career. I know that is the point, but I just didn’t love that angle really.
I liked this one, I did but I felt like it was probably one of the least favorites of Colasanti of mine. Just wasn’t as drawn into the story-line I think.
Overall: I generally liked all the characters and how things went down. I kind of saw the Ethan situation coming from a mile away so I wasn’t really surprised when that happened. I wish I had been, but I just wasn’t.
I can’t wait to see what Colasanti writes next and I still have a few more of hers to read to get caught up.
Cover: Love it! These books always have such cute and realistic covers. I’m always drawn into the book by those amazing colorful covers! Love this one!
What I’d Give It: 3/5 Cupcakes
___________
Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com
April 15, 2018
Ethan Cross (a wannabe rockstar) is dating Sterling (a nobody with a passion for cooking). Ethan Cross becomes famous. Ethan Cross becomes more of a dick.
I just saved you an hour of your life.
So that extremely bland little summary above is scarily accurate. Very little happens aside from this. The descriptions are awful. I honestly felt like this was written by a preteen.
All the characters are so predictable. As soon as I read the first chapter, I had already been able to infer what the next 200 pages would be like. And none of the characters are even vaguely likable.
Sterling is so freaking shallow and insecure, it is infuriating. She is also a hypocrite. The whole book she felt that people were judging her harshly for shallow small stuff (her looks, being Ethan's girlfriend etc.) but she was super judgemental about typos. Like she would actually take a pen out and just correct stuff. Who does that?
Also, everyone in this book was so white and so very straight. No diversity. One character in particular was being set up as Sterling's replacement love interest but he was 17 and didn't live at home. I thought (naively) that he was going to get some interesting character arc. But no. He was given a backstory that was moulded around what Sterling needed.
Rating: 10/100
Age: 12 & up
Warnings: Shallow (so very shallow), references to sex
I just saved you an hour of your life.
So that extremely bland little summary above is scarily accurate. Very little happens aside from this. The descriptions are awful. I honestly felt like this was written by a preteen.
All the characters are so predictable. As soon as I read the first chapter, I had already been able to infer what the next 200 pages would be like. And none of the characters are even vaguely likable.
Sterling is so freaking shallow and insecure, it is infuriating. She is also a hypocrite. The whole book she felt that people were judging her harshly for shallow small stuff (her looks, being Ethan's girlfriend etc.) but she was super judgemental about typos. Like she would actually take a pen out and just correct stuff. Who does that?
Also, everyone in this book was so white and so very straight. No diversity. One character in particular was being set up as Sterling's replacement love interest but he was 17 and didn't live at home. I thought (naively) that he was going to get some interesting character arc. But no. He was given a backstory that was moulded around what Sterling needed.
Rating: 10/100
Age: 12 & up
Warnings: Shallow (so very shallow), references to sex
June 2, 2014
"Before I was fighting change. [...] But instead of fighting change, I need to embrace change. That's what I've been learning in yoga. Change is a natural part of life. It's the only way we can grow and evolve and become stronger."
There are a lot of statements about how change is good in this book but I beg to differ. Change isn't always necessarily a good thing. In Sterling's case, it was good for her because she realized how she needed her entire world to stop revolving around Ethan.
The change that occured in Ethan's didn't turn him for the better though. It was inevitable for him to start acting like any other diva, young as he was and vulnerable to what the red carpet offered him. But deep down, I know Ethan's still a decent person. He just let the fame get to his head.
The ending was bittersweet. I was glad that Sterling was finally focusing on herself but I was sad that things had to happen the way they did between her and Ethan. I can't help but hope that they'll eventually find their way back to each other. I didn't like Damien. I hope when Ms. Colasanti is bored, she'll get on her laptop and get back to Ethan and Sterling's "forever".
August 6, 2014
Now & Forever initially seemed like a cute and quick contemporary read but it evolved into something much deeper than that. This novel is focused on the idea of staying true to yourself even though life is changing all around you.
I'm giving this book two stars but don't think this book is terrible...it just wasn't anything special to me. The first quarter of the book was great, but as the novel continued, I just felt that there was a lot of repetition going on within the storyline and it started to bore me (which for a book that is only 258 pages, was a bit disappointing).
Certain aspects of the main character, Sterling, I loved (for example her fixation on correcting typos) and others I didn't. I was also a bit disappointed by the direction Ethan's character took. The way this novel wraps up had me feeling like Ethan's problems were still unresolved.
The core message of this book was great, but the execution of it fell flat for me. I've read a few novels focused on celebrities and fame this month, and I think now is a good time to give myself some space from them. :P
I'm giving this book two stars but don't think this book is terrible...it just wasn't anything special to me. The first quarter of the book was great, but as the novel continued, I just felt that there was a lot of repetition going on within the storyline and it started to bore me (which for a book that is only 258 pages, was a bit disappointing).
Certain aspects of the main character, Sterling, I loved (for example her fixation on correcting typos) and others I didn't. I was also a bit disappointed by the direction Ethan's character took. The way this novel wraps up had me feeling like Ethan's problems were still unresolved.
The core message of this book was great, but the execution of it fell flat for me. I've read a few novels focused on celebrities and fame this month, and I think now is a good time to give myself some space from them. :P
March 9, 2014
Has Ms. Colasanti always written this way? It felt too disjointed. And what's with all those annoying single-word sentences? Like. Come. On. Enough. With. The. Melting. Already.
Anyway, I thought it was an okay read. But aside from Sterling, the other characters weren't interesting at all.
Anyway, I thought it was an okay read. But aside from Sterling, the other characters weren't interesting at all.
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October 8, 2019Personal response:
I think that Now and Forever is a great book. I enjoy reading this book, because it is very interesting. There are a lot of plot twists to the story. It has many different moods throughout the story.
Plot Summary:
Sterling is in love with her boyfriend, Ethan Cross. Ethan has been waiting for his dream of being a famous singer to come true. When Ethan becomes famous, Sterling is his number one fan. She helps him with everything and anything she can. When Ethan starts missing school, Sterling worries that he is not going to go to college or finish high school. In the midst of Ethan becoming famous, Sterling forgets who she really is. She's being dressed up by Ethan's designer, going to all his concerts, losing friends, and doing horribly in school. She worries that Ethan will cheat on her because he has over a million. Damien, Ethan’s roadie, talks to Sterling and tries to help her with whatever he can. They talk more than Ethan and Sterling do. During one of Ethan’s interviews, the interviewer asks what “forever” means to him. He explains that no one is guaranteed forever and most marriages end up getting divorced. Sterling notices that Ethan said that and second-guesses everything. She shows up at his hotel room earlier so she can see him before his show, but the bodyguard tells her she could not go in. She has a feeling that he is with another girl. After his show, a picture pops up everywhere of Ethan kissing a girl. Sterling is broken. Her grandma dies just before Sterling finds out that Ethan cheated. Before Sterling leaves for college she talks to Damien. Damien and Sterling confess their love for each other, but Sterling mentions she needs time to love herself and find herself again.
Characterization:
Sterling is the main character. She goes through a lot throughout the story. She is crazy in love with Ethan. While Ethan's on his tour, Sterling's grandma dies. Ethan has no sympathy for Sterling. Later, he hooks up with a fan. Sterling is crushed about her grandma and now Ethan cheating. She does not know what to do. She hides in her room for three weeks. When she talks to Damien, she feels better about herself. Sterling eventually gets her life together, goes to college, and makes cooking videos for college students. Sterling experiences a breakup and a loss of a close relative during the story but also makes the best out of her life.
Ethan is also a main character in the story. He is crazy in love with Sterling. When he becomes famous, he loses who he is. He becomes distant from Sterling, making her worry that he is going to cheat. He claims he would never do anything to hurt her. With him gone all the time, missing school, ditching her plans, they are a step closer to breaking up. Eventually, Ethan cheats on her, lies to her, and loses her. Ethan does not care because he is famous. When he realizes what he loses, he tries to get Sterling back, but Sterling does not want to be with him. Ethan is crushed but goes on with his life. Ethan also goes through a lot during the story.
Setting:
The setting takes place in unspecified cities during modern times. The setting is important because with Ethan being all over the world and him cheating, the story would not have plot twists. It takes place during modern times, because of them calling and texting each other while Ethan is away on tour. Ethan always tells Sterling he will never hurt her. If Ethan weren’t famous he would stay home and go to school, he would not have cheated on Sterling and would not be noticed by every fangirl.
Theme:
The theme of this book is to never lose yourself to someone. During the story, Sterling loses herself to Ethan. She revolved her world around him forgetting that she had her own life. She realizes how stupid she is to make everything about him. When Damien starts talking to Sterling, he wants to talk about her. Talking about her helped Sterling realize she has a life too and that she can do anything she wants.
Recommendations:
I recommend this book to women in high school or beyond. I recommend this book to girls because it is a romantic book and girls may be going through what Sterling goes through. I recommend this book to high schoolers or older women rather than younger children because of the language and content throughout the story.
I think that Now and Forever is a great book. I enjoy reading this book, because it is very interesting. There are a lot of plot twists to the story. It has many different moods throughout the story.
Plot Summary:
Sterling is in love with her boyfriend, Ethan Cross. Ethan has been waiting for his dream of being a famous singer to come true. When Ethan becomes famous, Sterling is his number one fan. She helps him with everything and anything she can. When Ethan starts missing school, Sterling worries that he is not going to go to college or finish high school. In the midst of Ethan becoming famous, Sterling forgets who she really is. She's being dressed up by Ethan's designer, going to all his concerts, losing friends, and doing horribly in school. She worries that Ethan will cheat on her because he has over a million. Damien, Ethan’s roadie, talks to Sterling and tries to help her with whatever he can. They talk more than Ethan and Sterling do. During one of Ethan’s interviews, the interviewer asks what “forever” means to him. He explains that no one is guaranteed forever and most marriages end up getting divorced. Sterling notices that Ethan said that and second-guesses everything. She shows up at his hotel room earlier so she can see him before his show, but the bodyguard tells her she could not go in. She has a feeling that he is with another girl. After his show, a picture pops up everywhere of Ethan kissing a girl. Sterling is broken. Her grandma dies just before Sterling finds out that Ethan cheated. Before Sterling leaves for college she talks to Damien. Damien and Sterling confess their love for each other, but Sterling mentions she needs time to love herself and find herself again.
Characterization:
Sterling is the main character. She goes through a lot throughout the story. She is crazy in love with Ethan. While Ethan's on his tour, Sterling's grandma dies. Ethan has no sympathy for Sterling. Later, he hooks up with a fan. Sterling is crushed about her grandma and now Ethan cheating. She does not know what to do. She hides in her room for three weeks. When she talks to Damien, she feels better about herself. Sterling eventually gets her life together, goes to college, and makes cooking videos for college students. Sterling experiences a breakup and a loss of a close relative during the story but also makes the best out of her life.
Ethan is also a main character in the story. He is crazy in love with Sterling. When he becomes famous, he loses who he is. He becomes distant from Sterling, making her worry that he is going to cheat. He claims he would never do anything to hurt her. With him gone all the time, missing school, ditching her plans, they are a step closer to breaking up. Eventually, Ethan cheats on her, lies to her, and loses her. Ethan does not care because he is famous. When he realizes what he loses, he tries to get Sterling back, but Sterling does not want to be with him. Ethan is crushed but goes on with his life. Ethan also goes through a lot during the story.
Setting:
The setting takes place in unspecified cities during modern times. The setting is important because with Ethan being all over the world and him cheating, the story would not have plot twists. It takes place during modern times, because of them calling and texting each other while Ethan is away on tour. Ethan always tells Sterling he will never hurt her. If Ethan weren’t famous he would stay home and go to school, he would not have cheated on Sterling and would not be noticed by every fangirl.
Theme:
The theme of this book is to never lose yourself to someone. During the story, Sterling loses herself to Ethan. She revolved her world around him forgetting that she had her own life. She realizes how stupid she is to make everything about him. When Damien starts talking to Sterling, he wants to talk about her. Talking about her helped Sterling realize she has a life too and that she can do anything she wants.
Recommendations:
I recommend this book to women in high school or beyond. I recommend this book to girls because it is a romantic book and girls may be going through what Sterling goes through. I recommend this book to high schoolers or older women rather than younger children because of the language and content throughout the story.
November 19, 2017
This was such a cute book! There's this girl, she's dating a rockstar, and obviously that complicates the relationship. She starts becoming insecure as more and more girls become obsessed with her boyfriend, and starts getting jealous when pretty girls take pictures with her boyfriend or swoon over him. She starts wondering why he would even want to be with her when there's so many hotter girls out there. Then, she doesn't get to see him as much since he's so busy with touring. She starts losing sight of her, and her chill life. Media makes it worse by amplifying problems, and she gets a lot of hate comments, which get to her and make her sad. Overall, the relationship gets more and more complicated. She meets new people, makes new friends, and confides in a special someone when her own boyfriend drifts away. I really loved this book. Although it was very stereotypical, and a living cliche, it was still cute, and fulfilled my crazy fantasies and imagination. You don't have to think when reading this book, just enjoy the story, which I loved a lot. I got lost in the story, it made me happy, and it made me smile, which is all that matters. I really liked the quote "boys are scared of commitment. That's just a fact." It made me laugh so hard. I really like this author's writing (which is clear because I've been rereading a lot of her books).
May 16, 2018
This was a really good book I enjoyed the way the author really captured the moment In her writing but also made an ending that was surprising but also good because now sterling can focus on her life and do what she wants but It was a good book that I recommend to those who love books with a good message in the end.
August 30, 2014
Cute definitely gets Now & Forever. I really adored the meaning of the book title, Ethan Cross and Sterling were really so perfect. They couldn’t get enough of each other. Ethan even wrote her a song! He calls her his muse. But when Ethan suddenly jumps from being a nobody to every girl’s dream. That can’t be good.
It sounds really fun and cute so I quickly picked it up and bought a copy for myself. Despite the ratings of the book, I wanted to have my own copy because the cover is just gorgeous, but you can’t tell who the guy silhouette is. That’s right. You are guessing it right, unless you’re confused. I can be very confusing…but anyways there’s a mash of love triangle. It wasn’t at all seen clearly, but I really sensed the chemistry between them.
I actually had a hard time liking and disliking the book because I was indecisive. There are parts that made me hate Sterling and Ethan, but some also made me squeal like an obsessed fan. Ethan is living his dream, but he’s dragging Sterling along with him. UGH. Ethan Cross became obnoxious, the whole “Do you know who I am?” gets to me because why the hell would he think he’s superior. Maybe I’m getting the wrong idea on how Sterling ever loved a guy like him. The beginning of the story just oozes with passion and loyalty. But being a rockstar made Ethan think highly of himself. Not cool, bro.
What I loved about Sterling is how committed she is to Ethan, she never cheated on him even when all of Ethan’s friends wanted to get ahold of her. She’s off limits. I also really adored her loyalty to herself, she never got the red carpet idea get to her head. She was proud of her boyfriend, but that’s not everything to her. She had her friends and family. This is the “awwww” moment.
I’m just warning you guys that this has a super bittersweet ending even when the story is fluffy, cute and cliché. I enjoyed the plot because of the lightness. I mentioned cliché so I think you can already guess what the ending will be like. I know what you’re thinking. Yup, I’m psychic. (No spoilers, though.)
I’m recommending this to all of you. It’s a nice read when you’re bored, it cures the reading slump plus the writing isn’t at all heavy. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I got to. Rock on!
October 23, 2015
I’ve never read any of Susane Colasanti’s books before. Right now I don’t think I’ll be reading any of her older or future books.
Midway into the first chapter of Now and Forever, I was already struggling against my gag reflex. After having been enticed by the book summary to read this story and expecting something a little different, I was not prepared for the disappointment I felt by the time I got to the end of chapter two. Honestly, this book caters to every cheesy YA cliché imaginable.
Lots and LOTS of telling and very little showing. The reader doesn’t really get to know Ethan, apart from what you’re being told by Sterling, which only amounts to him being hot, cute, famous and having a gazillion fans who is obsessed with him. This story is pretty much only about Sterling and her whining about being left behind while her boyfriend is rising to fame. Well, boo hoo Sterling. Poor you.
Everything ABOUT Ethan – what he does, how he behaves, what he eats, his busy schedule, his hopes and dreams, and so forth and so on, are told to the reader by Sterling. It didn’t work for me. I wanted to see Ethan in action. I wanted to feel the atmosphere and feel part of his rise to fame. That just didn’t happen and it put me off a great deal.
Plus, Sterling is such a Mary Sue! She can do no wrong. The most annoying, though, was how I had to sit through pages and pages of her increasing jealousy as Ethan’s fame skyrocketed.
Halfway through the book I thought: okay, this is probably just a load of background info dump to get to know the characters, so let’s carry on and see what happens in the rest of the story. But no. The info dump from a one-sided perspective continues until the end.
The one good thing I can say is that the ending was not what I thought it was going to be. In the last few pages Sterling actually grows a backbone and makes a mature decision. Good for you, Sterling!
If this sort of storytelling concocted from every single cliché imaginable in YA literature doesn’t bother you, then go ahead and knock yourself out. If you’re anything like me – someone who feels inexplicably compelled to finish what she started – then all I can tell you is that at least this is a quick read.
Midway into the first chapter of Now and Forever, I was already struggling against my gag reflex. After having been enticed by the book summary to read this story and expecting something a little different, I was not prepared for the disappointment I felt by the time I got to the end of chapter two. Honestly, this book caters to every cheesy YA cliché imaginable.
Lots and LOTS of telling and very little showing. The reader doesn’t really get to know Ethan, apart from what you’re being told by Sterling, which only amounts to him being hot, cute, famous and having a gazillion fans who is obsessed with him. This story is pretty much only about Sterling and her whining about being left behind while her boyfriend is rising to fame. Well, boo hoo Sterling. Poor you.
Everything ABOUT Ethan – what he does, how he behaves, what he eats, his busy schedule, his hopes and dreams, and so forth and so on, are told to the reader by Sterling. It didn’t work for me. I wanted to see Ethan in action. I wanted to feel the atmosphere and feel part of his rise to fame. That just didn’t happen and it put me off a great deal.
Plus, Sterling is such a Mary Sue! She can do no wrong. The most annoying, though, was how I had to sit through pages and pages of her increasing jealousy as Ethan’s fame skyrocketed.
Halfway through the book I thought: okay, this is probably just a load of background info dump to get to know the characters, so let’s carry on and see what happens in the rest of the story. But no. The info dump from a one-sided perspective continues until the end.
The one good thing I can say is that the ending was not what I thought it was going to be. In the last few pages Sterling actually grows a backbone and makes a mature decision. Good for you, Sterling!
If this sort of storytelling concocted from every single cliché imaginable in YA literature doesn’t bother you, then go ahead and knock yourself out. If you’re anything like me – someone who feels inexplicably compelled to finish what she started – then all I can tell you is that at least this is a quick read.
October 17, 2017
I liked this book until the end and it just went down hill.
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