What do you think?
Rate this book
A Story of Now #1
A Story of Now
Nineteen-year-old Claire Pearson knows she needs a life. And some new friends.
But brittle, beautiful, and just a little bit too sassy for her own good sometimes, she no longer makes friends easily. And she has no clue where to start on the whole finding a life front, either. Not after a confidence-shattering year dogged by bad break-ups, friends who have become strangers, and her constant failure to meet her parents sky-high expectations.
When Robbie and Mia walk into Claire’s work they seem the least likely people to help her find a life. But despite Claire’s initial attempts to alienate them, an unexpected new friendship develops.
And it’s the warm, brilliant Mia who seems to get Claire like no one has before. Soon, Claire begins to question her feelings for her new friend.
The sequel, The Sum of These Things, will be released in late 2015. Paperback available July 15.
Length: approx. 140,000
Themes: Australia, lesbian, Melbourne, young adult, new adult
But brittle, beautiful, and just a little bit too sassy for her own good sometimes, she no longer makes friends easily. And she has no clue where to start on the whole finding a life front, either. Not after a confidence-shattering year dogged by bad break-ups, friends who have become strangers, and her constant failure to meet her parents sky-high expectations.
When Robbie and Mia walk into Claire’s work they seem the least likely people to help her find a life. But despite Claire’s initial attempts to alienate them, an unexpected new friendship develops.
And it’s the warm, brilliant Mia who seems to get Claire like no one has before. Soon, Claire begins to question her feelings for her new friend.
The sequel, The Sum of These Things, will be released in late 2015. Paperback available July 15.
Length: approx. 140,000
Themes: Australia, lesbian, Melbourne, young adult, new adult
388 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2015
32 people are currently reading
2365 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 20, 2016
My first thought when trying to come up with a review for this book is, "I have no idea how to label it." This is a romance, but the romance doesn't really happen until the last third of the book. It's a coming-of-age story, but the main character's already 20. It's a coming out story, but the main character doesn't actually come out. The best way to describe A Story of Now is to say that it's a few months in the life of a character; these months include self-doubt, aimlessness, family difficulty, new friendships, budding romantic feelings, and an unbelievable amount of alcohol consumption. (Seriously, if I were a character in this novel, I'd be dead by the halfway point).
Really, this book is Claire. Claire's kind of a lot to take, and I can see how some readers might not like her. Personally, I'm pretty sure she and I would be thick as thieves, but your mileage will vary. Claire is frequently abrasive, she deals out cutting sarcasm without much concern over where it lands or who it hits, and she has little or no idea where her life is headed. She's also funny, honest, occasionally self-conscious, and loyal to a fault. How much you like the book will probably depend on how much you like Claire and, fortunately, I liked her a lot.
The writing. I'm really mixed here. The third-person, present tense works, but it's also pretty clear that it's not the author's comfort zone. I say that because there were multiple instances, most frequently during reminiscences, where she conjugated incorrectly. It wasn't a huge deal, maybe a half-dozen times in total, but it was noticeable to me. Also, there were a number of scenes that, while they did offer some further character interactions, didn't really move the plot at all. Those scenes tended to slow the whole story down. I enjoyed the characters enough not to be bothered by the meandering, but some readers may be put off by it.
Speaking of which, the characters are fantastic, and they're really the strongest aspect of the story. Yes, there are some characters that, on the surface, resemble stereotypes, but they all have much more depth than you'll find in typical romantic fare. The gay best-friend has a life outside of his friendship, complete with a boyfriend, his own talents, and a bundle of flaws to humanize him. There's an under-educated blonde friend with bad taste in boyfriends, sure, but she also has an unusual naivete and a longing to write. Everyone, and I do mean everyone is fleshed out: parents, friends, co-workers, former friends, parents' friends, everyone. As a result, the world feels full of life and complexity.
As for the romance, well, it takes a long time to get going. A really, really, long time. That's okay, since the romance is only part of the story, but it's something to be aware of if you're primarily a romance reader. It's beautiful and angsty in a way that only best-friends-turned-lovers stories can be, and it's made even more potent by the fact that the novel spends the majority of its time building that friendship up. While there's a bit of miscommunication and emotional bungling, it all feels natural rather than contrived. Painfully natural. The kind of natural that makes you wish you could pave the entire planet with asphalt just to get rid of all that damned nature. So, yeah, very realistic. The pay-off? Totally worth it.
If you're up for a sort-of-lesfic, kind-of-a-coming-of-age story, kind-of-a-coming-out story, not-really-a-family-drama, eventually a romance, this is definitely worth your time.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
Really, this book is Claire. Claire's kind of a lot to take, and I can see how some readers might not like her. Personally, I'm pretty sure she and I would be thick as thieves, but your mileage will vary. Claire is frequently abrasive, she deals out cutting sarcasm without much concern over where it lands or who it hits, and she has little or no idea where her life is headed. She's also funny, honest, occasionally self-conscious, and loyal to a fault. How much you like the book will probably depend on how much you like Claire and, fortunately, I liked her a lot.
The writing. I'm really mixed here. The third-person, present tense works, but it's also pretty clear that it's not the author's comfort zone. I say that because there were multiple instances, most frequently during reminiscences, where she conjugated incorrectly. It wasn't a huge deal, maybe a half-dozen times in total, but it was noticeable to me. Also, there were a number of scenes that, while they did offer some further character interactions, didn't really move the plot at all. Those scenes tended to slow the whole story down. I enjoyed the characters enough not to be bothered by the meandering, but some readers may be put off by it.
Speaking of which, the characters are fantastic, and they're really the strongest aspect of the story. Yes, there are some characters that, on the surface, resemble stereotypes, but they all have much more depth than you'll find in typical romantic fare. The gay best-friend has a life outside of his friendship, complete with a boyfriend, his own talents, and a bundle of flaws to humanize him. There's an under-educated blonde friend with bad taste in boyfriends, sure, but she also has an unusual naivete and a longing to write. Everyone, and I do mean everyone is fleshed out: parents, friends, co-workers, former friends, parents' friends, everyone. As a result, the world feels full of life and complexity.
As for the romance, well, it takes a long time to get going. A really, really, long time. That's okay, since the romance is only part of the story, but it's something to be aware of if you're primarily a romance reader. It's beautiful and angsty in a way that only best-friends-turned-lovers stories can be, and it's made even more potent by the fact that the novel spends the majority of its time building that friendship up. While there's a bit of miscommunication and emotional bungling, it all feels natural rather than contrived. Painfully natural. The kind of natural that makes you wish you could pave the entire planet with asphalt just to get rid of all that damned nature. So, yeah, very realistic. The pay-off? Totally worth it.
If you're up for a sort-of-lesfic, kind-of-a-coming-of-age story, kind-of-a-coming-out story, not-really-a-family-drama, eventually a romance, this is definitely worth your time.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
November 26, 2015
Our protagonist is Claire a 21 year old Australian college student. Claire lives at home with her disapproving mother and workaholic father. Claire’s parents push her to become a lawyer following in the family footsteps. She of course has zero desire to do want her parents want her to do. Claire is super cool and refreshingly self-aware. She’s judgy, brash, unapologetic, kind and confident in who she is. Claire knows she is operating well below her potential, and she's totally aware that she is meant to do something greater, she just can’t get motivated to choose another path.
Enter Mia, our other main character. Mia is everything Claire is not. She is studious, super focused, she is soft spoken, shy, geeky, and like Claire very lovable.
The two girls have an instant friend connection. Their friendship is witty and fun. As story evolves and our characters are fleshed out and we begin to see a shift in dynamics. Claire and Mia begin to figure themselves out on different levels. Mia struggling with her sexuality, and Claire easily sliding into hers, upon her self discovery of her romantic feelings toward Mia. A drunken kiss, changes everything!
This is a fantastic read. Great character development! The journey is a good one. As the reader you never feel like their is a rush to get somewhere with these characters. There is depth in the storytelling and it’s wonderful. Emily O’Beirne knocked it out of the park. Buy the book, and wait impatiently with me counting down the days to the next one.
https://theromanticreaderblog.wordpre...
Enter Mia, our other main character. Mia is everything Claire is not. She is studious, super focused, she is soft spoken, shy, geeky, and like Claire very lovable.
The two girls have an instant friend connection. Their friendship is witty and fun. As story evolves and our characters are fleshed out and we begin to see a shift in dynamics. Claire and Mia begin to figure themselves out on different levels. Mia struggling with her sexuality, and Claire easily sliding into hers, upon her self discovery of her romantic feelings toward Mia. A drunken kiss, changes everything!
This is a fantastic read. Great character development! The journey is a good one. As the reader you never feel like their is a rush to get somewhere with these characters. There is depth in the storytelling and it’s wonderful. Emily O’Beirne knocked it out of the park. Buy the book, and wait impatiently with me counting down the days to the next one.
https://theromanticreaderblog.wordpre...
March 20, 2017
Talk about slow burn, I think this story has the slowest developing f/f romance I've yet to read. In this genre, that's not a bad thing and is actually quite refreshing. But, the possibility of romance isn't even in the equation until about 3/4 of the book is done because Claire and her to-be love interest are thought to be straight, like there's not even a hint of another sexual preference.
'A Story of Now' is more a story of burgeoning friendships and self-discovery with a romance as a bonus side effect we're hit with towards the end. The entire read is a lovely journey and definitely worth it.
If you're looking to read this book as a romance, this is not about two young women that know they are lesbian or are even questioning. It's more about one person questioning and the other being completely taken by surprise...so it's a questioning/pansexual romance. However, this doesn't take away from the legitimacy of the relationship and thankfully, since the two take so long getting to know each other, it's more solid than most f/f romances I've read.
The well-developed characters, with Claire as a strong lead protagonist, are what drive the story and I found the narrative interesting because, rather than drama drama drama, we often gets snippets of the mundane. No one is a super-hero, everyone has flaws, and not one character is rich. Each character is dealing with real life problems in a real world way which made the story feel very organic and true to life.
What threw me about 'A Story of Now' was that I thought this was a young adult book (no, I did not read the blurb) because so many people have listed it as such and the cover seems more like one but it's not. It's a new adult story since it takes place in college and the characters are 19 - 21. Yeah, there are hints of what might be found in YA but new adult is a very different dynamic.
I found this to be a solid read and really enjoyed it.
4.3 stars.
'A Story of Now' is more a story of burgeoning friendships and self-discovery with a romance as a bonus side effect we're hit with towards the end. The entire read is a lovely journey and definitely worth it.
If you're looking to read this book as a romance, this is not about two young women that know they are lesbian or are even questioning. It's more about one person questioning and the other being completely taken by surprise...so it's a questioning/pansexual romance. However, this doesn't take away from the legitimacy of the relationship and thankfully, since the two take so long getting to know each other, it's more solid than most f/f romances I've read.
The well-developed characters, with Claire as a strong lead protagonist, are what drive the story and I found the narrative interesting because, rather than drama drama drama, we often gets snippets of the mundane. No one is a super-hero, everyone has flaws, and not one character is rich. Each character is dealing with real life problems in a real world way which made the story feel very organic and true to life.
What threw me about 'A Story of Now' was that I thought this was a young adult book (no, I did not read the blurb) because so many people have listed it as such and the cover seems more like one but it's not. It's a new adult story since it takes place in college and the characters are 19 - 21. Yeah, there are hints of what might be found in YA but new adult is a very different dynamic.
I found this to be a solid read and really enjoyed it.
4.3 stars.
May 13, 2018
It's hard to describe this book but it felt like I was reading a cross between someone's diary and the script of an episode of Beverly Hills 90210. Though to be fair it's in Australia, so maybe an episode of Paradise Beach?
The story started off slow for me personally. I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't for it to be so mundane. I kept waiting for it to pick up the pace a little and when it did for a chapter or two it immediately slowed down again. There was nothing that really stood out about these characters, they all just felt a little bland.
I have to admit I'm not a big fan of Claire because of her being so judgmental and a hypocrite at times but she did grow on me a little towards the end of the book. I liked Mia a lot more because her character felt more complex. There are a lot of secondary characters introduced but only a few stand out.
There's not much else that I feel I should mention about this book. The writing was ok, the chemistry between the leads was also just ok because the majority of the book was spent on them figuring out who they are and what they want. It's only during perhaps the final 1/4 of the book that we see more of Claire and Mia navigate their new found relationship.
There is one thing I'm curious about though. Is it me or was there a hell of a lot of drinking in this? I mean it was like these characters were hungover every damn weekend! My college experience wasn't like that and I went to college in Amsterdam! Oh well fingers crossed I'll like book 2 more.
The story started off slow for me personally. I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't for it to be so mundane. I kept waiting for it to pick up the pace a little and when it did for a chapter or two it immediately slowed down again. There was nothing that really stood out about these characters, they all just felt a little bland.
I have to admit I'm not a big fan of Claire because of her being so judgmental and a hypocrite at times but she did grow on me a little towards the end of the book. I liked Mia a lot more because her character felt more complex. There are a lot of secondary characters introduced but only a few stand out.
There's not much else that I feel I should mention about this book. The writing was ok, the chemistry between the leads was also just ok because the majority of the book was spent on them figuring out who they are and what they want. It's only during perhaps the final 1/4 of the book that we see more of Claire and Mia navigate their new found relationship.
There is one thing I'm curious about though. Is it me or was there a hell of a lot of drinking in this? I mean it was like these characters were hungover every damn weekend! My college experience wasn't like that and I went to college in Amsterdam! Oh well fingers crossed I'll like book 2 more.
dnf
April 21, 2017I tried, three times, and failed, three times. I really really wanted to read this book, due to the great reviews. However, few authors manage to woe me with present tense narration, as was the case here. This is fully on me, so take my non-review for what it is! Not a review, just my musings.
January 5, 2016
3.5
I gotta admit, I didn't like Claire at first. She was sassy, judgemental, rude, etc. I'm fully aware that was the point and she was actually supposed to be like that. Maybe that's why I didn't really like the book when I started reading it. I mean, it sucks when you're not a fan of the main character, right?
But then boom, something happened and I really started liking Claire. I don't even know why, it was nothing specific, it just happened. She never stopped being this 'sassy, not really nice' girl. Which is fine, it wouldn't be her otherwise.
I'm really glad that finally we didn't have the classic 'gay panic' after she realized she had feelings for Mia. She just went for it. That's what was very different from other similar books and I loved it. It was actually my favorite part. So what, she had feelings for a girl even though she was supposed to be straight. No big deal. Amazing.
Her only problem was the shy Mia and her confusing behaviour. No drama, no gay panic, no homophobic reactions (Yet. We will see what happens in the sequel). That's what I really liked.
The minor characters were okay too. I think I liked everyone. Especially Mia, of course. Not that she's a minor character. Mia was sweet, kind, shy, geeky and it was adorable.
Oh. I almost forgot. I wasn't fan of the constant drinking in the book. Like, they werealways drinking. I know, they were 20 something and people at that age like to party, but really? That often?
I gotta admit, I didn't like Claire at first. She was sassy, judgemental, rude, etc. I'm fully aware that was the point and she was actually supposed to be like that. Maybe that's why I didn't really like the book when I started reading it. I mean, it sucks when you're not a fan of the main character, right?
But then boom, something happened and I really started liking Claire. I don't even know why, it was nothing specific, it just happened. She never stopped being this 'sassy, not really nice' girl. Which is fine, it wouldn't be her otherwise.
I'm really glad that finally we didn't have the classic 'gay panic' after she realized she had feelings for Mia. She just went for it. That's what was very different from other similar books and I loved it. It was actually my favorite part. So what, she had feelings for a girl even though she was supposed to be straight. No big deal. Amazing.
Her only problem was the shy Mia and her confusing behaviour. No drama, no gay panic, no homophobic reactions (Yet. We will see what happens in the sequel). That's what I really liked.
The minor characters were okay too. I think I liked everyone. Especially Mia, of course. Not that she's a minor character. Mia was sweet, kind, shy, geeky and it was adorable.
Oh. I almost forgot. I wasn't fan of the constant drinking in the book. Like, they werealways drinking. I know, they were 20 something and people at that age like to party, but really? That often?
February 14, 2016
This is a nice romance who deals with insecurity and inferiority complex.
Claire and Mia, the two lead characters are both really nice, but both have to grow up a little in order to find their way to happiness.
Claire is openly in a crisis state. She has relationship problems with her family, and she really doesn't know which direction to give her life. At the beginning of the novel we see her all grumpy and in a superiority complex mood masquerading an inferiority complex. So I agree whith what I read in other reviews: initially, Claire is an unpleasant bit of a jerk. We have to know her a little more in order to start to be sympathetic with her. Yet I came to love her, after a while.
Two considerations came in my mind here:
1) I found out that every superiority complex is always a form of inferiority complex. It's just a matter oh how deeply you look at it.
2) Frankly having a lead character in such a crisis is really refreshing. By now I have read tons of romances where every main lady is succesful in profession, career or just purpose. A succesful character is certainly charismatic, but sometimes is good to see (aside from just angst in relationships) someone who is struggling with work, and lacks ideas of what to do next. It makes Claire very human.
The other lead, Mia, seems to be calm and secure. She is beautiful and cool in Claire's eyes but... she behaves in a strange way.
That's because
That's what makes Mia so endearing to me.
PS: I really didn't like the drinking issue. They drink too much alcohol in this book. I know it is a way of life index and so on, and I don't want to be rigid. But I found it dangerous rather than cool. I think it's not even fun.
Drinking to unconsciousness and awaking in a total stranger's bed is quite a disturbing thought for me.
Claire and Mia, the two lead characters are both really nice, but both have to grow up a little in order to find their way to happiness.
Claire is openly in a crisis state. She has relationship problems with her family, and she really doesn't know which direction to give her life. At the beginning of the novel we see her all grumpy and in a superiority complex mood masquerading an inferiority complex. So I agree whith what I read in other reviews: initially, Claire is an unpleasant bit of a jerk. We have to know her a little more in order to start to be sympathetic with her. Yet I came to love her, after a while.
Two considerations came in my mind here:
1) I found out that every superiority complex is always a form of inferiority complex. It's just a matter oh how deeply you look at it.
2) Frankly having a lead character in such a crisis is really refreshing. By now I have read tons of romances where every main lady is succesful in profession, career or just purpose. A succesful character is certainly charismatic, but sometimes is good to see (aside from just angst in relationships) someone who is struggling with work, and lacks ideas of what to do next. It makes Claire very human.
The other lead, Mia, seems to be calm and secure. She is beautiful and cool in Claire's eyes but... she behaves in a strange way.
That's because
That's what makes Mia so endearing to me.
PS: I really didn't like the drinking issue. They drink too much alcohol in this book. I know it is a way of life index and so on, and I don't want to be rigid. But I found it dangerous rather than cool. I think it's not even fun.
Drinking to unconsciousness and awaking in a total stranger's bed is quite a disturbing thought for me.
July 7, 2015
I received a copy via net galley.
I absolutely LOVED this book. This won't be a review, more like gushing and random crying about how I need book two right now. This is a beautiful love story, frustrating but equally worth it in the end. I loved the characters, the writing style I found odd at first but soon I found myself completely blissful in the story I just kept turning page after page. I also really enjoyed how the author handled the romantic scenes as delicate vs. something overly erotic. It was a light steam but you still knew something was happening. Blushing, smiling, and teary eyed, this book has become probably an all time favorite. I cannot wait for the sequel to see what becomes of Mia and Claire. <3
I absolutely LOVED this book. This won't be a review, more like gushing and random crying about how I need book two right now. This is a beautiful love story, frustrating but equally worth it in the end. I loved the characters, the writing style I found odd at first but soon I found myself completely blissful in the story I just kept turning page after page. I also really enjoyed how the author handled the romantic scenes as delicate vs. something overly erotic. It was a light steam but you still knew something was happening. Blushing, smiling, and teary eyed, this book has become probably an all time favorite. I cannot wait for the sequel to see what becomes of Mia and Claire. <3
December 13, 2016
I really liked this story. A very easy 5 stars.
It's sweet and I love both Claire and Mia, actually I loved all of the characters, they were written very well.
I loved how the story started, with Claire meeting these two people at random in the dive bar she works and how even though she insults one of them a friendship develops. It's random and it happens naturally. It was really easy to get lost in Claire's world and how shes trying to figure out who she is and how shes supposed to fit.. especially when he mum is constantly dragging her does and nit picking everything she does- its not surprising she's feeling insecure about herself.
I loved her somewhat bitchy and brutally honest attitude. I loved the banter between all of the characters and it was all very believable to me.
I could go on about how much I loved this story but I think everyone has done a great job an I'd probably just be repeating what they've said already.
I will definitely be buying the second book, I cant wait to find out what happens next... :)
It's sweet and I love both Claire and Mia, actually I loved all of the characters, they were written very well.
I loved how the story started, with Claire meeting these two people at random in the dive bar she works and how even though she insults one of them a friendship develops. It's random and it happens naturally. It was really easy to get lost in Claire's world and how shes trying to figure out who she is and how shes supposed to fit.. especially when he mum is constantly dragging her does and nit picking everything she does- its not surprising she's feeling insecure about herself.
I loved her somewhat bitchy and brutally honest attitude. I loved the banter between all of the characters and it was all very believable to me.
I could go on about how much I loved this story but I think everyone has done a great job an I'd probably just be repeating what they've said already.
I will definitely be buying the second book, I cant wait to find out what happens next... :)
March 26, 2024
PERFECTION
July 11, 2022
Reread: This story describes the time immediately after High School when one is newly minted as an adult, the future is nebulous and every decision one makes is fraught with power and possibility. This book is one of my favorites regardless of genre. I loved the character of Claire who bears the book's main focus with all of her all supposed toughness a protective cover for her frailty. The story is written in the unusual first person present tense which seems surprisingly ideal for this story of 'right now'. This new future is made up on the fly in unknown territory made especially more daunting with her falling for a girl when nothing in this new life has been settled.
I believe the author captures this time in a young woman's life well, nothing reading false or shallow. I love this book. I really enjoyed the character of Claire - all gentle insults and supposed toughness hiding a sensitive soul. Her mother in the story is amazing, in a negative way, so harshly critical of every aspect of Claire's life, redefining the word 'maternal'. The father is mostly absent. Mia, one of the new friends Claire meets has this wonderful supporting family and one would imagine their respective confidence levels reversed, but one must be strong in Claire's family and we are witness to her growing confidence and courage.
I read reviews decrying the excessive drinking as detrimental to the story, but I remember being that age and, unfortunately, it was "high times" for me as well
★★★★★★
Old review: This book initially astonished me with the depth of its characters and use of first person present tense. Everything around Claire is "now" and was so vividly painted with words, her personality so likeably complex as a young woman trying to sort out what is to be her life. She meets a new crew of friends who seem like the next stage in her development as is typical after leaving high school.
So yeah, I became an instant fan of the author and had to buy paperback hard copies to store in my library. This story moved me in a way that is unfortunately all too rare, a delight to be found. I don't know what happened to my original review. I originally read this in 2015. ★★★★★★
I believe the author captures this time in a young woman's life well, nothing reading false or shallow. I love this book. I really enjoyed the character of Claire - all gentle insults and supposed toughness hiding a sensitive soul. Her mother in the story is amazing, in a negative way, so harshly critical of every aspect of Claire's life, redefining the word 'maternal'. The father is mostly absent. Mia, one of the new friends Claire meets has this wonderful supporting family and one would imagine their respective confidence levels reversed, but one must be strong in Claire's family and we are witness to her growing confidence and courage.
I read reviews decrying the excessive drinking as detrimental to the story, but I remember being that age and, unfortunately, it was "high times" for me as well
★★★★★★
Old review: This book initially astonished me with the depth of its characters and use of first person present tense. Everything around Claire is "now" and was so vividly painted with words, her personality so likeably complex as a young woman trying to sort out what is to be her life. She meets a new crew of friends who seem like the next stage in her development as is typical after leaving high school.
So yeah, I became an instant fan of the author and had to buy paperback hard copies to store in my library. This story moved me in a way that is unfortunately all too rare, a delight to be found. I don't know what happened to my original review. I originally read this in 2015. ★★★★★★
January 2, 2016
Sooooo this one is difficult for me. I enjoyed the story line. I enjoyed the cast of characters as well. The writing was good. However, I found it somewhat over descriptive. There are scenes that don't really lead you anywhere. Hence the 4 stars. It's a nice, angsty, coming out falling in love story.
September 10, 2015
A coming of age story. Nice, but very long and detailed. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
September 28, 2021
This is it, this is the one. I am so thoroughly in love I’ve spontaneously combusted and am now lying here as a pile of smoldering ash too smitten to move. This book was everything I have ever wished for in a sapphic contemporary, it checked all the boxes and it even has a sequel??? Which I’m going to instantly start now. Amazing amazing amazing, just absolutely loved this book. So wonderfully written, loved all the characters, the romance, the friendships, everything
March 10, 2016
I received this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
This was a difficult book for me to rate, because how I feel about the first half of the book is vastly different from how I feel about the second half of the book. But let me take things in order. First and foremost, I hate the POV in this book. I love the third person POV - it's my favorite! But I found myself extremely annoyed by the fact that it was written in the present tense. Now, at about 20% of the way into the book, I finally clued in to the literary device that connects the title with the style. And that was good for me. I'm sure most people would've clued in within the first five to ten pages, but high school was over twenty years ago for me so I feel pretty good that I can still be considered a semi-literate ape. It also connects to that transitional phase between high school and college, between teenager and adult, and the transitory nature of the turbulent feelings that period of time can engender. That all said, I still hated it. Every time I picked up the book, I felt like there was a tiny Rod Sterling in my head, narrating things for me. Probably not a problem for those younger than igneous rock.
So, on to the first half of the book. I had a great deal of trouble getting through this part. O'Beirne does an absolutely excellent job at capturing the sort of directionless apathy that a great many people go through during this time of their lives. Heck, I'm in my forties and I still feel like I don't know what I want to do with my life. And Claire brought all of that into crystal clear focus for me. I remember exactly that sort of paralysis of motivation when I was her age. My problem was, that even with the superb writing, nothing really happens in the first half of the book. It was long, interminable, actually, and I found myself putting the book down and reading others in between. Her characters did capture my interest, and I did find myself thinking about the book again and again, but if I wasn't actually reading the book for review, I might not have picked it back up. So my most generous rating for the first half of the book is 3 stars.
Then I got to the last half of the book.
The last half of the book more than made up for the first half. Here, the fact that O'Beirne somehow wrote all of those emotions that perfectly describe the terror and wonder and absolute joy of the first time someone has sex with someone who matters make the whole book. And the fact that she perfectly captures the insecurity of wanting it to mean more but not being sure how the other person felt about it and being too scared to ask, shows me that not only does she get it, but that those feelings must be universal. I loved that Claire, so unsure about where she wanted to go in life, was the one who was absolutely certain that she did not want to lose this relationship. And that she was able to completely understand how Mia kept talking herself in to not believing it could happen, because she kept trying to do the same thing. This part of the book would make me recommend this book to anybody. So the rating for this half would be somewhere between 4 and 5 stars, depending on which part I'm rhapsodizing about at the moment you asked me.
This book totally sucked me in, and made me care about the characters inside. So yes, at the end of the book, I find myself glad that I read the whole thing. But it took too long to get there. And I am uncertain whether I'd pick up the sequel, even though I find myself curious about what happens next.
This was a difficult book for me to rate, because how I feel about the first half of the book is vastly different from how I feel about the second half of the book. But let me take things in order. First and foremost, I hate the POV in this book. I love the third person POV - it's my favorite! But I found myself extremely annoyed by the fact that it was written in the present tense. Now, at about 20% of the way into the book, I finally clued in to the literary device that connects the title with the style. And that was good for me. I'm sure most people would've clued in within the first five to ten pages, but high school was over twenty years ago for me so I feel pretty good that I can still be considered a semi-literate ape. It also connects to that transitional phase between high school and college, between teenager and adult, and the transitory nature of the turbulent feelings that period of time can engender. That all said, I still hated it. Every time I picked up the book, I felt like there was a tiny Rod Sterling in my head, narrating things for me. Probably not a problem for those younger than igneous rock.
So, on to the first half of the book. I had a great deal of trouble getting through this part. O'Beirne does an absolutely excellent job at capturing the sort of directionless apathy that a great many people go through during this time of their lives. Heck, I'm in my forties and I still feel like I don't know what I want to do with my life. And Claire brought all of that into crystal clear focus for me. I remember exactly that sort of paralysis of motivation when I was her age. My problem was, that even with the superb writing, nothing really happens in the first half of the book. It was long, interminable, actually, and I found myself putting the book down and reading others in between. Her characters did capture my interest, and I did find myself thinking about the book again and again, but if I wasn't actually reading the book for review, I might not have picked it back up. So my most generous rating for the first half of the book is 3 stars.
Then I got to the last half of the book.
The last half of the book more than made up for the first half. Here, the fact that O'Beirne somehow wrote all of those emotions that perfectly describe the terror and wonder and absolute joy of the first time someone has sex with someone who matters make the whole book. And the fact that she perfectly captures the insecurity of wanting it to mean more but not being sure how the other person felt about it and being too scared to ask, shows me that not only does she get it, but that those feelings must be universal. I loved that Claire, so unsure about where she wanted to go in life, was the one who was absolutely certain that she did not want to lose this relationship. And that she was able to completely understand how Mia kept talking herself in to not believing it could happen, because she kept trying to do the same thing. This part of the book would make me recommend this book to anybody. So the rating for this half would be somewhere between 4 and 5 stars, depending on which part I'm rhapsodizing about at the moment you asked me.
This book totally sucked me in, and made me care about the characters inside. So yes, at the end of the book, I find myself glad that I read the whole thing. But it took too long to get there. And I am uncertain whether I'd pick up the sequel, even though I find myself curious about what happens next.
November 20, 2015
~*This review also posted on Deanie Grrrl*~
Source: NetGalley (Received in exchange for an honest review)
Format: E-book (Kindle 2nd Gen)
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.50 actual)
Favorite Quote: “’And what prompted this radical makeover, if I may ask?’
‘Well, Mia, I was running out of ways to disappoint my mother. And then it came to me.’”
What I Liked: Oh wow. There are so many things I loved about this book. But first things first, I’d like to touch on the queer characters. Yes. Waiter, I’ll have a big plate of that. There are not enough Young Adult novels out there where main character girls fall in love with other girls. There’s always the gay bff, but this is one of the first books in this age group that I’ve read with queer girls. I love it!
As a girl that used to spend ages reading queer fics on deviantART (and writing a few, not to toot my own horn) (toot toot), this book felt like coming home. The perfect characters, the angst, the short, addicting chapters. It felt like I was scrolling down a webpage, fiending after the next chapter like I used to fiend over Drarry fics on ff.net. While the writing style does take some time to get used to, the characters keep you wanting more.
I definitely connected with Claire. I connect even more with her hate of working in customer service. I’ve done retail. I’ve done coffee. I’ve done call lines and the like. It all totally blows and all you want to do is complain to other people who work in retail. Or coffee shops. Or bars. Or people who just work in general. Claire’s wit and sassy banter with Mia had me laughing out loud, nodding my head and thinking “so true girl, so true.” Also, there was actual banter between Claire and Mia, instead of the love interesting getting all the good lines. How cool is that??
Also this book is set in Melbourne. This is the first book I’ve read that’s been set in Australia and I want ten more please. And a plane ticket to Down Under.
What I Didn’t Like: It takes a long while to get used to O’Beirne’s writing style. At the end of one chapter she’ll have set up an event to happen in the next and then time skips ahead and Claire recollects what happens at said built up event. Eventually this just becomes a part of Claire’s personality but at first it put me off.
I also don’t like that the next book isn’t out yet. But that shouldn’t count against it. The .50 I deducted was for the writing style thing that I didn’t like.
Why You Should Read It: This book is for every girl that ever liked another girl. If you love contemporary romance and queer characters this is the perfect novel for you. It’s also a good book to read to bridge the gap between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, which I think is very important. There aren’t enough books about 19 year olds as characters tend to be either on the cusp of 16 or 30. This is also the perfect book for anyone who finds it hard to read real books in place of online fic and fanfic. It reads like a gem you’d find online that you beg the author for more chapters.
Source: NetGalley (Received in exchange for an honest review)
Format: E-book (Kindle 2nd Gen)
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.50 actual)
Favorite Quote: “’And what prompted this radical makeover, if I may ask?’
‘Well, Mia, I was running out of ways to disappoint my mother. And then it came to me.’”
What I Liked: Oh wow. There are so many things I loved about this book. But first things first, I’d like to touch on the queer characters. Yes. Waiter, I’ll have a big plate of that. There are not enough Young Adult novels out there where main character girls fall in love with other girls. There’s always the gay bff, but this is one of the first books in this age group that I’ve read with queer girls. I love it!
As a girl that used to spend ages reading queer fics on deviantART (and writing a few, not to toot my own horn) (toot toot), this book felt like coming home. The perfect characters, the angst, the short, addicting chapters. It felt like I was scrolling down a webpage, fiending after the next chapter like I used to fiend over Drarry fics on ff.net. While the writing style does take some time to get used to, the characters keep you wanting more.
I definitely connected with Claire. I connect even more with her hate of working in customer service. I’ve done retail. I’ve done coffee. I’ve done call lines and the like. It all totally blows and all you want to do is complain to other people who work in retail. Or coffee shops. Or bars. Or people who just work in general. Claire’s wit and sassy banter with Mia had me laughing out loud, nodding my head and thinking “so true girl, so true.” Also, there was actual banter between Claire and Mia, instead of the love interesting getting all the good lines. How cool is that??
Also this book is set in Melbourne. This is the first book I’ve read that’s been set in Australia and I want ten more please. And a plane ticket to Down Under.
What I Didn’t Like: It takes a long while to get used to O’Beirne’s writing style. At the end of one chapter she’ll have set up an event to happen in the next and then time skips ahead and Claire recollects what happens at said built up event. Eventually this just becomes a part of Claire’s personality but at first it put me off.
I also don’t like that the next book isn’t out yet. But that shouldn’t count against it. The .50 I deducted was for the writing style thing that I didn’t like.
Why You Should Read It: This book is for every girl that ever liked another girl. If you love contemporary romance and queer characters this is the perfect novel for you. It’s also a good book to read to bridge the gap between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, which I think is very important. There aren’t enough books about 19 year olds as characters tend to be either on the cusp of 16 or 30. This is also the perfect book for anyone who finds it hard to read real books in place of online fic and fanfic. It reads like a gem you’d find online that you beg the author for more chapters.
August 5, 2015
Couldn't read the book word for word. I skipped through a few parts (bro's accident, kid rescue, so many of Claire's thoughts). I was interested in reading more about Claire and Mia but it seems so little of it occurs in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2015
A real slow book but worth every page. :)
January 20, 2022
I'm honestly not sure how to review this book, but I will say that I need to read more Emily O'Beirne and I need to do it sooner than later because this is twice now (out of two times) that I've finished a novel and am just in awe of the journey she's taken me on.
But I'm not sure what else to say about it either.
If you're here for a romance, then buckle in. This one will take a really long time to emerge, but it's lovely when it does finally manifest.
If you're here for a super plot-driven narrative, then this isn't that book.
A Story of Now is largely a coming-of-age story with a protagonist, Claire, who's just trying to figure out (or actually trying not to figure out) what her life should look like. She's in university but isn't really into what she's studying and doesn't think it will make her at all employable when/if she ever graduates. She works at a university bar--a place chosen so that no one she knows would even think of having a drink there. She feels adrift from her high school friends. She's living at home, being driven insane by her mother. She's a bit of a mess.
When two people walk into her bar one night, she doesn't know it yet, but her life is about to change. Robbie and Mia aren't anything like the friends she's had in the past, but they both sort of insert their way into Claire's life, despite Claire being an absolute asshole when they first meet.
Claire is 19 at the start of the novel, and I liked that this is set post-high school. There's a lot--probably too much--media about the high school experience. But there really isn't a lot about the time just after--when you're legally an adult but still feel like a kid. There's so much uncertainty about that time, so much angst about who you're supposed to become. It's a wonderful time in life, but it's also really easy to feel adrift during it, too. And I think this novel nails that experience.
I absolutely loved this novel. And I'm equally excited and afraid there's sequel because I loved it so much. Emily O'Beirne, I cannot wait to read more of your work because it really is a cut above other stuff out there.
But I'm not sure what else to say about it either.
If you're here for a romance, then buckle in. This one will take a really long time to emerge, but it's lovely when it does finally manifest.
If you're here for a super plot-driven narrative, then this isn't that book.
A Story of Now is largely a coming-of-age story with a protagonist, Claire, who's just trying to figure out (or actually trying not to figure out) what her life should look like. She's in university but isn't really into what she's studying and doesn't think it will make her at all employable when/if she ever graduates. She works at a university bar--a place chosen so that no one she knows would even think of having a drink there. She feels adrift from her high school friends. She's living at home, being driven insane by her mother. She's a bit of a mess.
When two people walk into her bar one night, she doesn't know it yet, but her life is about to change. Robbie and Mia aren't anything like the friends she's had in the past, but they both sort of insert their way into Claire's life, despite Claire being an absolute asshole when they first meet.
Claire is 19 at the start of the novel, and I liked that this is set post-high school. There's a lot--probably too much--media about the high school experience. But there really isn't a lot about the time just after--when you're legally an adult but still feel like a kid. There's so much uncertainty about that time, so much angst about who you're supposed to become. It's a wonderful time in life, but it's also really easy to feel adrift during it, too. And I think this novel nails that experience.
I absolutely loved this novel. And I'm equally excited and afraid there's sequel because I loved it so much. Emily O'Beirne, I cannot wait to read more of your work because it really is a cut above other stuff out there.
April 16, 2016
The story opens with an introduction to Claire, a somewhat apathetic character with an overbearing mother trying to get through university while tending bar with her friend Nina. From the start she is snarky and difficult: an acquired taste, if you will. She’s recovering from a breakup and has outgrown the friendships she cultivated in high school, now feeling adrift in a world she’s not quite sure how she fits into.
This all changes once Robbie and Mia walk into her life, two fellow university students that strong arm her into their social realm. Friendships get tested, relationships change, and we watch Claire change right along with them. Her journey is one of self-discovery, while retaining her delightfully feisty nature. Luckily for everyone in this book, characterization is really where this author shines. Her dialogue flows naturally with plenty of humor throughout, while giving each actor their distinct personalities, attitudes and voices, but they also all work together really well. All are believably flawed, some with more self-awareness than other. I disappeared into the narrative, wanting to know what would happen from one page to the next.
Although Claire is quite young (she turns 20 towards the end), the themes discussed are all those any generation can relate to, whether it be first love, overbearing parents, life stresses, or the more general (but always present) what am I supposed to be doing with my life? The author could have trimmed quite a bit out, removed some repetitive conversations and scenes that could’ve tightened up the story, but overall a very enjoyable read.
This all changes once Robbie and Mia walk into her life, two fellow university students that strong arm her into their social realm. Friendships get tested, relationships change, and we watch Claire change right along with them. Her journey is one of self-discovery, while retaining her delightfully feisty nature. Luckily for everyone in this book, characterization is really where this author shines. Her dialogue flows naturally with plenty of humor throughout, while giving each actor their distinct personalities, attitudes and voices, but they also all work together really well. All are believably flawed, some with more self-awareness than other. I disappeared into the narrative, wanting to know what would happen from one page to the next.
Although Claire is quite young (she turns 20 towards the end), the themes discussed are all those any generation can relate to, whether it be first love, overbearing parents, life stresses, or the more general (but always present) what am I supposed to be doing with my life? The author could have trimmed quite a bit out, removed some repetitive conversations and scenes that could’ve tightened up the story, but overall a very enjoyable read.
February 3, 2016
--I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review--
This is a wonderfully written story about a 19 year old girl named Clare, that falls for a girl for the first time. The story is written from the point of Clare, who comes from a very structured family with a very controlling mother (who, of course, drives her nuts). While her mother is pushing her to become a lawyer or to pick some other well-off professional field, Clare is still debating what she actually wants to do with her future. While doing so, she is going to university part time and working nights at a bar. Then, one night at work, she meets Robbie and Mia for the first time.
While Clare doesn't really pay them too much attention, her coworker/friend (Nina) becomes friends with Robbie. This prompts Robbie and Mia to come back to the bar another night to hang out. This time around Clare actually chats with them a bit, leading to a friendship being born between the four of them. Over time, Mia and Clare find themselves growing closer to one another. Then, one day it dawns on Clare that she might actually have feelings for Mia other than just friendship.
I really loved this book! It wasn't overly sappy or filled with annoying amounts of drama... It felt more real. The characters were well developed and Clare's thoughts & emotions were portrayed well. I became attached to the characters and found myself not wanting to put this book down. Upon finishing the book, I immediately wished the second one was out. I wanted to continue on and see what was going to happen to them next.
This is a wonderfully written story about a 19 year old girl named Clare, that falls for a girl for the first time. The story is written from the point of Clare, who comes from a very structured family with a very controlling mother (who, of course, drives her nuts). While her mother is pushing her to become a lawyer or to pick some other well-off professional field, Clare is still debating what she actually wants to do with her future. While doing so, she is going to university part time and working nights at a bar. Then, one night at work, she meets Robbie and Mia for the first time.
While Clare doesn't really pay them too much attention, her coworker/friend (Nina) becomes friends with Robbie. This prompts Robbie and Mia to come back to the bar another night to hang out. This time around Clare actually chats with them a bit, leading to a friendship being born between the four of them. Over time, Mia and Clare find themselves growing closer to one another. Then, one day it dawns on Clare that she might actually have feelings for Mia other than just friendship.
I really loved this book! It wasn't overly sappy or filled with annoying amounts of drama... It felt more real. The characters were well developed and Clare's thoughts & emotions were portrayed well. I became attached to the characters and found myself not wanting to put this book down. Upon finishing the book, I immediately wished the second one was out. I wanted to continue on and see what was going to happen to them next.
December 22, 2015
I loved, loved, loved this book! I felt instantly connected with the characters and following them on their journey together. Now I can be impatient at times when following the romance develop. In this book the romance definitely moves slowly and I think on this occasion the pace was perfect for the characters and their development. I can say the wait was definitely worth it! I thought it was written so beautifully well!
You have to love the way Claire handles falling for another girl and not once did she ever try to label herself she just went with it.
I'm just about to start the next book and I can't wait to dive back into this world Emily O'Beirne has created for us.
Also loved reading about my home city Melbourne :)
You have to love the way Claire handles falling for another girl and not once did she ever try to label herself she just went with it.
I'm just about to start the next book and I can't wait to dive back into this world Emily O'Beirne has created for us.
Also loved reading about my home city Melbourne :)
June 4, 2016
This is one of the best books I have read. There are so many characters in it and every last one of them is well written and just really likeable. The way 'A story of Now' is written made me feel as if I was experiencing everything that happend myself instead of reading about it.
While it is a really cute story it stays realistic. Not everything in life is love, peace and harmony.
I want to add some triggers: There is slight talk about body images and a lot of alcohol; just a heads up.
I got it as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.
While it is a really cute story it stays realistic. Not everything in life is love, peace and harmony.
I want to add some triggers: There is slight talk about body images and a lot of alcohol; just a heads up.
I got it as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.
August 12, 2015
Simple, sweet, and a perfect book to cuddle with when you need to feel fuzzy and romantic. The couple in the story are incredibly relatable, and the plot feels honest and realistic. Only thing keeping the book from getting a five is that the main character can become very self-centered and obnoxious at times, but the story overpowers her annoying tendencies. Can't wait to read the next one!
August 16, 2020
this was a re-read and its still 5 stars..if you have not read Emily O’Beirne's book I highly recommend you get on it.
December 24, 2023
So, four stars for this being the book that made me slow down. The title says it all: it's a story of now, the mundane, for Claire, consisting of going through the motions of trying to figure life out, even though at nineteen there's not much semblance of what your life will eventually be.
I know the pacing can be off-putting, and Claire herself is no picnic at the beginning, but hear me out: this may be the first novel I've read that accurately captures the squishy period of making friends as a new adult. I like that Claire admits that she's hard to get to know now, and there is no longer easiness with those old HS friends. And on paper, she feels like she's got nothing to speak of. And up until the end, that's nearly true: she studies a very niche humanity (her major is French... but beyond that, there's no plan), she works a job that pays pocket money, despite having the ability to move on, and still lives at home with parents with whom she's got a strange disconnect as well. Her mother is... a word I don't think Goodreads will stand for, so... suffice to say, Claire's mom is critical.
I like that Mia wasn't a manic pixie dream girl; she begins as an overachieving acquittance turned friend, later turned girlfriend for Claire. Mia's got her own struggles (i.e. worrying she's not going to get into med school, wondering why she's discontent with guys in her romantic realm).
I will say, the writing is somewhat jarring: ex: Cam, Claire's older brother, is involved in a pretty serious car accident, and we don't get this info, only that he is in the hospital, for about twenty pages or so. Editing mishap?
Also, that scene was so beautiful: I pictured Claire and Mia doing-the-do to "Glass Vase Cello Case"
by Tattle Tale. Sadly, not on Spotify 😒.
I'm excited to see what's next for these two and their merry band. Please not a third act break-up.
I know the pacing can be off-putting, and Claire herself is no picnic at the beginning, but hear me out: this may be the first novel I've read that accurately captures the squishy period of making friends as a new adult. I like that Claire admits that she's hard to get to know now, and there is no longer easiness with those old HS friends. And on paper, she feels like she's got nothing to speak of. And up until the end, that's nearly true: she studies a very niche humanity (her major is French... but beyond that, there's no plan), she works a job that pays pocket money, despite having the ability to move on, and still lives at home with parents with whom she's got a strange disconnect as well. Her mother is... a word I don't think Goodreads will stand for, so... suffice to say, Claire's mom is critical.
I like that Mia wasn't a manic pixie dream girl; she begins as an overachieving acquittance turned friend, later turned girlfriend for Claire. Mia's got her own struggles (i.e. worrying she's not going to get into med school, wondering why she's discontent with guys in her romantic realm).
I will say, the writing is somewhat jarring: ex: Cam, Claire's older brother, is involved in a pretty serious car accident, and we don't get this info, only that he is in the hospital, for about twenty pages or so. Editing mishap?
Also, that scene was so beautiful: I pictured Claire and Mia doing-the-do to "Glass Vase Cello Case"
by Tattle Tale. Sadly, not on Spotify 😒.
I'm excited to see what's next for these two and their merry band. Please not a third act break-up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2024
3.5 rating
I enjoyed this alot
I enjoyed this alot
July 31, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Book Enthusiast Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
A Story of Now is a standalone novel somewhere between the young adult (YA) and new adult (NA) genres and is the debut of author Emily O'Beirne. This wasn't "just" a love story; it's the ongoing life story of nineteen-year-old Claire Pearson and how she tries to navigate her way through the expectations that people have around her and trying to come up with expectations she has of herself. There's no doubt that she's beautiful and intelligent, but she's also like an aimless wanderer, not really finding gratification from her choices and decisions but making do anyhow. She's in transition but it's a transition that her mother wishes would go at a speed more to her liking, one that will show that her daughter is, indeed, living up to her potential (and her parents' standards) instead of the slower than a snail's pace it's at for the moment.
Forging new relationships isn't exactly high on Claire's list of priorities, what with her relationship with her boyfriend ending because of distance, both literally and proverbially, and her growing out of her friendships with those she knew in high school. Meeting Mia and Robbie becomes a turning point for her and her life begins to move forward. She finds herself with a core group of friends who truly are people she can count on. Mia's relationship with her brother Cam is also an interesting one because it's easy to see that they're comrades in the dysfunctional relationship they have with their parents, especially their mother, and while there is indeed a closeness between the two siblings, Cam being more independent and having his own life and career makes him as Claire's somewhat constant touchstone and occasional buffer.
Claire is a lead character that was way too easy for me to like and understand because so much of her and her story reminded me of, well, me. I also feel that she's someone that a lot of readers can not just empathize with but also see as a reflection of themselves, whether one part or more or in totality, either in the present or sometime in their past. Her story does not end with this book but it doesn't have a cliffhanger either, so one could possibly read it as a standalone, though I have a feeling that once you do read A Story of Now, you'll end up like me--wishing it were already December so you could find out where Claire's tale will lead her, whether it be in her burgeoning relationship with Mia or her college and career plans. There's still a lot of story to be told, but for now, this 2015 favorite is exceptional. Five-plus stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Book Enthusiast Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
A Story of Now is a standalone novel somewhere between the young adult (YA) and new adult (NA) genres and is the debut of author Emily O'Beirne. This wasn't "just" a love story; it's the ongoing life story of nineteen-year-old Claire Pearson and how she tries to navigate her way through the expectations that people have around her and trying to come up with expectations she has of herself. There's no doubt that she's beautiful and intelligent, but she's also like an aimless wanderer, not really finding gratification from her choices and decisions but making do anyhow. She's in transition but it's a transition that her mother wishes would go at a speed more to her liking, one that will show that her daughter is, indeed, living up to her potential (and her parents' standards) instead of the slower than a snail's pace it's at for the moment.
Forging new relationships isn't exactly high on Claire's list of priorities, what with her relationship with her boyfriend ending because of distance, both literally and proverbially, and her growing out of her friendships with those she knew in high school. Meeting Mia and Robbie becomes a turning point for her and her life begins to move forward. She finds herself with a core group of friends who truly are people she can count on. Mia's relationship with her brother Cam is also an interesting one because it's easy to see that they're comrades in the dysfunctional relationship they have with their parents, especially their mother, and while there is indeed a closeness between the two siblings, Cam being more independent and having his own life and career makes him as Claire's somewhat constant touchstone and occasional buffer.
Claire is a lead character that was way too easy for me to like and understand because so much of her and her story reminded me of, well, me. I also feel that she's someone that a lot of readers can not just empathize with but also see as a reflection of themselves, whether one part or more or in totality, either in the present or sometime in their past. Her story does not end with this book but it doesn't have a cliffhanger either, so one could possibly read it as a standalone, though I have a feeling that once you do read A Story of Now, you'll end up like me--wishing it were already December so you could find out where Claire's tale will lead her, whether it be in her burgeoning relationship with Mia or her college and career plans. There's still a lot of story to be told, but for now, this 2015 favorite is exceptional. Five-plus stars. ♥
January 16, 2022
My favorite part of any story is character. Meaty, interesting, flawed, messy, but well-fleshed out and complex portraits of people with rich inner worlds are absolutely my thing and this is the kind of book that has that in spades.
It's not really a story about a 19 year old who is trying to understand her place in the world and her future path, or a story about coming out because there isn't really any big coming out scene or discussions, or even about love, but all of the above and then some. All the characters are rich and interesting and bring another dimension to the story.
My favorite thing about this book and the sequel is Claire, our POV character. She's complex and interesting and has been hurt in the past and basically verbally brought down by her mother every hour of her life and therefore has a lot of problems to get over before she can get her life and sense of self-worth together. She's a self-confessed brat but one of those people who have a hard shell but are absolute mushes with deep feelings once you get past their defences. If you like Claire, you will really enjoy this book (and I certainly did).
My second favorite part about this book and the sequel is how we "see" Mia described through Claire's eyes. It's a tough balance to get right, but a love interest can come off extremely shallow and bland if the author, through the POV character, keeps telling and not showing us why that person is remarkable. In this case, the way Claire views and interacts with Mia as they meet, become best friends and eventually fall in love is lovely and sweet and pure and it makes me root for them to make it, despite both their issues.
All in all, if you like well-done characters, this is a good story. It is also the slowest of slow-burns, IMO, but well worth it because we get to see a great example of how to do strangers to friends to lovers, which is a trope that is usually a bit rushed.
It's not really a story about a 19 year old who is trying to understand her place in the world and her future path, or a story about coming out because there isn't really any big coming out scene or discussions, or even about love, but all of the above and then some. All the characters are rich and interesting and bring another dimension to the story.
My favorite thing about this book and the sequel is Claire, our POV character. She's complex and interesting and has been hurt in the past and basically verbally brought down by her mother every hour of her life and therefore has a lot of problems to get over before she can get her life and sense of self-worth together. She's a self-confessed brat but one of those people who have a hard shell but are absolute mushes with deep feelings once you get past their defences. If you like Claire, you will really enjoy this book (and I certainly did).
My second favorite part about this book and the sequel is how we "see" Mia described through Claire's eyes. It's a tough balance to get right, but a love interest can come off extremely shallow and bland if the author, through the POV character, keeps telling and not showing us why that person is remarkable. In this case, the way Claire views and interacts with Mia as they meet, become best friends and eventually fall in love is lovely and sweet and pure and it makes me root for them to make it, despite both their issues.
All in all, if you like well-done characters, this is a good story. It is also the slowest of slow-burns, IMO, but well worth it because we get to see a great example of how to do strangers to friends to lovers, which is a trope that is usually a bit rushed.
November 27, 2015
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, it started quite slowly but totally relatable because Claire is a twenty years old looking for her way in life, clashing with her parents view of the world and specially the way they want her to live her life.
“Well, it’s not as if there aren’t any other options. It’s just that Claire can’t figure out what fits with her idea of herself in the world”
It’s focused mainly in Claire, her journey to find her place and definition of self separating herself from her parents and the world expectations, which I think we can all relate at some point of our lives even if we never acted upon it.
Claire meets Mia, a med-school aspirant, while she is working the bar and slowly builds a friendship that eventually (like halfway through the book) evolves in a romantic relationship.
I have to accept that I complained a lot about the pace of the book and how long it took to get to the romance part, I love slow burns as much as the next person but this was getting crazy, looking back I can appreciate a little more this slow build up (don’t get me wrong I still think it’s exaggerated but I sort of see the point).
When we finally hit that place of no return when you crush on your possibly best friend, when the excuses stop existing and you’re left to deal with the consequences of your acts it’s a scary place that I loved exploring with Claire, she is so brave and makes me wish I was this confrontational when I was in a similar spot, so this relationship and this dynamic won my heart. It made me incredibly happy to know there’s going to be a book two with a lot more of body and potential in the romance department.
“Well, it’s not as if there aren’t any other options. It’s just that Claire can’t figure out what fits with her idea of herself in the world”
It’s focused mainly in Claire, her journey to find her place and definition of self separating herself from her parents and the world expectations, which I think we can all relate at some point of our lives even if we never acted upon it.
Claire meets Mia, a med-school aspirant, while she is working the bar and slowly builds a friendship that eventually (like halfway through the book) evolves in a romantic relationship.
I have to accept that I complained a lot about the pace of the book and how long it took to get to the romance part, I love slow burns as much as the next person but this was getting crazy, looking back I can appreciate a little more this slow build up (don’t get me wrong I still think it’s exaggerated but I sort of see the point).
When we finally hit that place of no return when you crush on your possibly best friend, when the excuses stop existing and you’re left to deal with the consequences of your acts it’s a scary place that I loved exploring with Claire, she is so brave and makes me wish I was this confrontational when I was in a similar spot, so this relationship and this dynamic won my heart. It made me incredibly happy to know there’s going to be a book two with a lot more of body and potential in the romance department.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews