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An Ordinary Me
From the outside looking in Garrison Davis seems like every other senior in high school. On the inside though, he’s an emotional wreck promising to not love anyone. He chooses to protect himself by vowing solitude. His dad is in prison for dealing drugs; his mother is a recovering addict and an emotional mess. The only thing that brings him joy is playing the drums and that feeling of being needed by his band. It is his escape, his passion. No one gets hurt or disappointed. That is until he lays his eyes on Reese at school. She is the exact example of what he cannot let himself get involved in. He would do nothing but drag her down with him.
“I want to tell her and show her how much I love her. I had loved her from the first time I saw her smile but I can’t, I won’t. She deserves so much more than I can offer. I’m the spawn of a drug dealer and an addict. I have never let myself love another person and now… I love her so much it hurts.”
Reese Owens is the exact opposite of Garrison. Inside she’s beaming; growing up in a happy home and on the outside she was a duck out of water. Her parents are the over protective set but are finally loosening the jail bars. Sophomore year in high school, she has never dated a boy and is envious of the social life her best friend Autumn Welch has. She meets Garrison and is instantly attracted to him. He pulls away when she pushes in. A whole new world opens up to Reese and she finds herself falling into situations she can’t get herself out of. Making bad decision after bad decision, she finds out the hard way on how life is full of choices. The one thing she wants more than anything is Garrison’s attention which she doesn’t get in return.
Garrison realizes he has to be honest with Reese and tell her how he really feels before he loses her for good. Just maybe, he will get love in return for the first time in his life. When he finally convinces himself to come forth, a life changing event occurs that could take away the only person in his life that truly loves him.
Is it too late? Does he get the chance to tell her? And when he confesses does it matter?
“I want to tell her and show her how much I love her. I had loved her from the first time I saw her smile but I can’t, I won’t. She deserves so much more than I can offer. I’m the spawn of a drug dealer and an addict. I have never let myself love another person and now… I love her so much it hurts.”
Reese Owens is the exact opposite of Garrison. Inside she’s beaming; growing up in a happy home and on the outside she was a duck out of water. Her parents are the over protective set but are finally loosening the jail bars. Sophomore year in high school, she has never dated a boy and is envious of the social life her best friend Autumn Welch has. She meets Garrison and is instantly attracted to him. He pulls away when she pushes in. A whole new world opens up to Reese and she finds herself falling into situations she can’t get herself out of. Making bad decision after bad decision, she finds out the hard way on how life is full of choices. The one thing she wants more than anything is Garrison’s attention which she doesn’t get in return.
Garrison realizes he has to be honest with Reese and tell her how he really feels before he loses her for good. Just maybe, he will get love in return for the first time in his life. When he finally convinces himself to come forth, a life changing event occurs that could take away the only person in his life that truly loves him.
Is it too late? Does he get the chance to tell her? And when he confesses does it matter?
- GenresRomanceYoung Adult
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2015
20 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 22, 2015
SNS Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Amanda's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book is beyond words. The story of Garrison and Reese is breathtaking. This story could be made of a person's true life. It does allow you to escape reality but it takes you into what could be someone else's reality. It was beautifully written and can really make you think. I can't wait to read more by this author, because so far I I love all of her works.
I was given an ARC for my honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Just finished gave it 5 stars. Really enjoyed it. Has a strong message that hopefully people will take note of
Reese is so excited to in high school her best friend Autumn is there and so is her big crush Cannon. She has crushed on him forever so she is hoping that he will notice her not as the girl that lived next door. The first day doesn't start off while she falls on her face in front of everyone, Autumn & Cannon don't help her up but one guy does. Garrison saw Reese from across the way but he could never be with her and as he is bad news through no fault of his own. Garrison tries to warn Reese about Cannon and that he will use her but she doesn't believe him. Cannon tries his luck but Reese realises that he is a fake and not a really nice person. Her & Garrison develop a friendship and they both realise that they want to be together but Garrison is off to the academy soon and she fears that she will never see him again. She makes a decision that will change her & Garrison's lives forever. Can they get through this or will it be too late for all their firsts. The story moved at a steady pace and I loved the characters. Reese is a young girl who sees the best in everyone but that blinds her to their faults. Garrison is a strong young man that has a really crappy family life but he wants to make a difference to others. They are both so different yet they belong together as they bring out the best in each other. And most of us can relate to the story line and we all have partied and made silly decisions. A really enjoyable read. ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~Patricia's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was about a couple of teenagers one who thought that he didn't deserve to be have love and one who Houghton they was just ordinary. Reese has the love of a family she thinks is way over protective. Garrison who wishes he had a family that would show him he was worth someone loving and having some one he could love. She wants him to admit how he feels and he doesn't want to hurt her. They find themselves in a few scraps along the way. Will they finally decide that life is too short to not tell the other how they feel or will a tragedy take that time away from them.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The opening scene is in a hospital. There is a great deal of sadness and heartache with Reese unconscious and Garrison in tears begging her to wake, to survive. The last scene is also in a hospital with a lot of tears flowing. In between these two scenes, is one heck of a story of survival, betrayal, anger, courage, backbone, determination and will. The crux of the matter is two kids feeling normal feelings of growing love but each thinking that they are not good enough for the other. My favorite scene was when Garrison sang at his bands concert a song that he wrote of his love for Reese and how he felt unworthy of her. He agreed to sing this song only because he knew Reese was not there. But he was mistaken, she was there with tears streaming down her face. Loved these two young people and their story. Lots of authentic emotion and real situations and actions. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to experience this story. Five Stars!
~~~~~~~~~~Ashley's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I love Reese and Garrison story. When your parents hurt you and you think you not deserve love. Then you think maybe you not good enough cause you and ordinary girl. But at the end every body is worthy of love. I love the characters so much potential in them and how equal they are in every way. This would make a lovely movie and i would probably have a 3rd row seat! :)
~~~~~~~~~~Amanda's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book is beyond words. The story of Garrison and Reese is breathtaking. This story could be made of a person's true life. It does allow you to escape reality but it takes you into what could be someone else's reality. It was beautifully written and can really make you think. I can't wait to read more by this author, because so far I I love all of her works.
I was given an ARC for my honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Just finished gave it 5 stars. Really enjoyed it. Has a strong message that hopefully people will take note of
Reese is so excited to in high school her best friend Autumn is there and so is her big crush Cannon. She has crushed on him forever so she is hoping that he will notice her not as the girl that lived next door. The first day doesn't start off while she falls on her face in front of everyone, Autumn & Cannon don't help her up but one guy does. Garrison saw Reese from across the way but he could never be with her and as he is bad news through no fault of his own. Garrison tries to warn Reese about Cannon and that he will use her but she doesn't believe him. Cannon tries his luck but Reese realises that he is a fake and not a really nice person. Her & Garrison develop a friendship and they both realise that they want to be together but Garrison is off to the academy soon and she fears that she will never see him again. She makes a decision that will change her & Garrison's lives forever. Can they get through this or will it be too late for all their firsts. The story moved at a steady pace and I loved the characters. Reese is a young girl who sees the best in everyone but that blinds her to their faults. Garrison is a strong young man that has a really crappy family life but he wants to make a difference to others. They are both so different yet they belong together as they bring out the best in each other. And most of us can relate to the story line and we all have partied and made silly decisions. A really enjoyable read. ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~Patricia's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was about a couple of teenagers one who thought that he didn't deserve to be have love and one who Houghton they was just ordinary. Reese has the love of a family she thinks is way over protective. Garrison who wishes he had a family that would show him he was worth someone loving and having some one he could love. She wants him to admit how he feels and he doesn't want to hurt her. They find themselves in a few scraps along the way. Will they finally decide that life is too short to not tell the other how they feel or will a tragedy take that time away from them.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The opening scene is in a hospital. There is a great deal of sadness and heartache with Reese unconscious and Garrison in tears begging her to wake, to survive. The last scene is also in a hospital with a lot of tears flowing. In between these two scenes, is one heck of a story of survival, betrayal, anger, courage, backbone, determination and will. The crux of the matter is two kids feeling normal feelings of growing love but each thinking that they are not good enough for the other. My favorite scene was when Garrison sang at his bands concert a song that he wrote of his love for Reese and how he felt unworthy of her. He agreed to sing this song only because he knew Reese was not there. But he was mistaken, she was there with tears streaming down her face. Loved these two young people and their story. Lots of authentic emotion and real situations and actions. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to experience this story. Five Stars!
~~~~~~~~~~Ashley's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I love Reese and Garrison story. When your parents hurt you and you think you not deserve love. Then you think maybe you not good enough cause you and ordinary girl. But at the end every body is worthy of love. I love the characters so much potential in them and how equal they are in every way. This would make a lovely movie and i would probably have a 3rd row seat! :)
December 26, 2015
I really wanted to like this book but when the heroine makes one bad decision after another there is only so much a reader can take.
Her childhood friend, Cannon, and what she thinks "love of her life" treats her like crap and people repeatedly tell her he only wants her for one thing, she still gives him chance after chance. Her attitude "well Cannon did ask me to the party nicely...and Canon smiled at me so I have to go to the party." He asked 5 other girls that were standing by her too!!!! Reese was not the brightest bulb on the tree!! Than Cannon basically tells her that she is naive and dumb in so many words and she still wants to go on a date with him. But the hero, Garrett, who is amazing, Reese does nothing.
Autumn, the heroine's BFF, was the worst BFF. First everything is about Autumn. On the first day of school Reese falls flat on her face. Cannon pretends he did not see it and Autumn just stands there and does not help her. Garrett helps her and I thought that this would be a wake up call for Reese to see just how poorly the people she wanted to be with were to her. Reese knows that Cannon pretended that he did not see it and she knows that Autumn just stood there, but she still wants to be around Cannon AND considers her "hungry only for boys" friend, her "best friend in the world". I can not stand when the heroine is that stupid and behavior that immature.
This one may work for you, but it did not work for me. I am not telling you not to read it. You may love it. This is my opinion.
Her childhood friend, Cannon, and what she thinks "love of her life" treats her like crap and people repeatedly tell her he only wants her for one thing, she still gives him chance after chance. Her attitude "well Cannon did ask me to the party nicely...and Canon smiled at me so I have to go to the party." He asked 5 other girls that were standing by her too!!!! Reese was not the brightest bulb on the tree!! Than Cannon basically tells her that she is naive and dumb in so many words and she still wants to go on a date with him. But the hero, Garrett, who is amazing, Reese does nothing.
Autumn, the heroine's BFF, was the worst BFF. First everything is about Autumn. On the first day of school Reese falls flat on her face. Cannon pretends he did not see it and Autumn just stands there and does not help her. Garrett helps her and I thought that this would be a wake up call for Reese to see just how poorly the people she wanted to be with were to her. Reese knows that Cannon pretended that he did not see it and she knows that Autumn just stood there, but she still wants to be around Cannon AND considers her "hungry only for boys" friend, her "best friend in the world". I can not stand when the heroine is that stupid and behavior that immature.
This one may work for you, but it did not work for me. I am not telling you not to read it. You may love it. This is my opinion.
March 26, 2015
4 Don't Ask Don't Tell Stars
No, this is not about the army. Or gay rights. But more about the stuff that goes unsaid. The things you wish you could just blurt out. You hold back. Afraid to say what you want to say. Afraid of the reaction. Afraid of the rejection.
Reese is a high school sophomore. She has a great family, loves to dance and knows she is not going to be the most popular girl at school. She's ok with that. She doesn't want to drink and party and give up all her firsts without meaning.
Cannon is the boy she has crushed on for years. Years. He is the big man on campus and the big jerk on campus. But he is so cute.
Garrsion is the sweet, cute drummer who sees Reese for her. He doesn't want more from her than she can give. But he does want more from her. Garrison knows that Reese is innocent. He is not. He has seen too much. Been through too much. He doesn't want to taint Reese. He's not what she needs.
To love someone, truly love them, inside and out in a once in a lifetime opportunity.
So who is the best choice for Reese? Cannon, the boy she has known all her life? Will he change for her? Or Garrision, the boy who has a past he doesn't want to share?
I loved her from the first time I saw her.
This is a sweet, angsty read. The characters are torn. Make bad decisions. Want to be there for each other. There are bonfires, underage drinking, love songs, sneaking around the parents, prison visits and the tough decisions teens have to make.
Don't keep this one a secret. It is not ordinary.
No, this is not about the army. Or gay rights. But more about the stuff that goes unsaid. The things you wish you could just blurt out. You hold back. Afraid to say what you want to say. Afraid of the reaction. Afraid of the rejection.
Reese is a high school sophomore. She has a great family, loves to dance and knows she is not going to be the most popular girl at school. She's ok with that. She doesn't want to drink and party and give up all her firsts without meaning.
Cannon is the boy she has crushed on for years. Years. He is the big man on campus and the big jerk on campus. But he is so cute.
Garrsion is the sweet, cute drummer who sees Reese for her. He doesn't want more from her than she can give. But he does want more from her. Garrison knows that Reese is innocent. He is not. He has seen too much. Been through too much. He doesn't want to taint Reese. He's not what she needs.
To love someone, truly love them, inside and out in a once in a lifetime opportunity.
So who is the best choice for Reese? Cannon, the boy she has known all her life? Will he change for her? Or Garrision, the boy who has a past he doesn't want to share?
I loved her from the first time I saw her.
This is a sweet, angsty read. The characters are torn. Make bad decisions. Want to be there for each other. There are bonfires, underage drinking, love songs, sneaking around the parents, prison visits and the tough decisions teens have to make.
Don't keep this one a secret. It is not ordinary.
March 14, 2015
I loved the story of Reese and Garrison. The two of them one Ashamed of where they came from the other wanting to be more than what she thought was just an ordinary girl. will they tell each other how they feel or will a tragedy keep them from a future they both deserve?
March 21, 2015
I really enjoyed this book
March 24, 2015
An Ordinary Me
YA Romance
This is a deeply moving YA book, about two high school students. One Garrison Davis who is a senior and should be having the best year of his life and Reese Owens a young girl who is discovering what high school is about, along the way these two people will meet and it will set them on a course that changes both of their lives.
Garrison is an amazing character, you are drawn to him from the very beginning. His home life has not been easy. Garrison's father is in prison and his mother is a drug addict. He has so much to deal with in his daily life. Garrison wants a better life for himself and is determined to leave his painful past behind.
Reese, I loved her she is every young girl in high school, always thinking that she doesn't look good enough or thinking of herself as a just an ordinary girl. Reese comes from a loving family, very different from Garrison. She always has her friend Autumn by her side who is completely opposite of Reese. Over the years Reese has had a crush on a boy she grew up with, Cannon, I'm not going to tell you about him you have to read the book...
Something happens that brings these two together, Garrison really is a knight in shining armor, but he doesn't think he's good enough for Reese, she thinks he's perfect, loyal and caring.
“I will say it one more time and I hope you really hear me. To love someone, truly love them, inside and out is a once in lifetime opportunity. If you pass it up you will regret it.” An Ordinary Me
There are so many things that I loved about this book it really captures the feelings of being a young teenager in high school, today. I loved how the author added in two teachers who were mentors to Garrison. This book is a heartfelt story with a good message on how you can over come any obstacle in your life and how two people can grow together and teach each other what love and family really means. It's a book that a teenager and adult would love.
Lacy
Fangirls Love Books
YA Romance
This is a deeply moving YA book, about two high school students. One Garrison Davis who is a senior and should be having the best year of his life and Reese Owens a young girl who is discovering what high school is about, along the way these two people will meet and it will set them on a course that changes both of their lives.
Garrison is an amazing character, you are drawn to him from the very beginning. His home life has not been easy. Garrison's father is in prison and his mother is a drug addict. He has so much to deal with in his daily life. Garrison wants a better life for himself and is determined to leave his painful past behind.
Reese, I loved her she is every young girl in high school, always thinking that she doesn't look good enough or thinking of herself as a just an ordinary girl. Reese comes from a loving family, very different from Garrison. She always has her friend Autumn by her side who is completely opposite of Reese. Over the years Reese has had a crush on a boy she grew up with, Cannon, I'm not going to tell you about him you have to read the book...
Something happens that brings these two together, Garrison really is a knight in shining armor, but he doesn't think he's good enough for Reese, she thinks he's perfect, loyal and caring.
“I will say it one more time and I hope you really hear me. To love someone, truly love them, inside and out is a once in lifetime opportunity. If you pass it up you will regret it.” An Ordinary Me
There are so many things that I loved about this book it really captures the feelings of being a young teenager in high school, today. I loved how the author added in two teachers who were mentors to Garrison. This book is a heartfelt story with a good message on how you can over come any obstacle in your life and how two people can grow together and teach each other what love and family really means. It's a book that a teenager and adult would love.
Lacy
Fangirls Love Books
June 1, 2015
This was a great read... very refreshing. Reese and Garrison are absolutely adorable together. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. Reese and Garrison met when least expected and something inside of Garrison comes alive. Something he hasn't felt in a long time.
Reese seems to be just an ordinary girl. To Garrison she is extraordinary. She is everything he wants, but everything he doesn't think he deserves. Who would want him? Why would anyone want him with the baggage he comes along with? Would he trust Reese enough to open up to her? Would Reese accept him for who he is?
No matter how hard Garrison tries, he can't stay away from her. Lines begin to blur with their relationship. What started off as a friendship, quickly turns to something more. Reese begins to see people for what they really are. People who she thought she liked, she begins to see their true colors. When Reese begins to fall for Garrison, she falls hard. The chemistry between the two is evident and seems to come naturally.
When two ordinary people love each other, amazing things can happen. Seeing Garrison struggle with his family's circumstances were hard. I wanted to reach into my kindle and give him a hug. To let him know that he wasn't alone. That he was worthy of having someone love him. Someone's family does not define who they are. You should never judge a book by its cover and that proves wise with Garrison. When Garrison finally realizes that people will accept him for who he is, I was thrilled for him. He deserved happiness. He deserved to be loved.
If you are looking for a book to warm your heart, to give you a breather, this is a great book to pick up. This is a YA book, so don't expect any 50 Shades of Grey in it, but you will still fall in love with the characters.
Reese seems to be just an ordinary girl. To Garrison she is extraordinary. She is everything he wants, but everything he doesn't think he deserves. Who would want him? Why would anyone want him with the baggage he comes along with? Would he trust Reese enough to open up to her? Would Reese accept him for who he is?
No matter how hard Garrison tries, he can't stay away from her. Lines begin to blur with their relationship. What started off as a friendship, quickly turns to something more. Reese begins to see people for what they really are. People who she thought she liked, she begins to see their true colors. When Reese begins to fall for Garrison, she falls hard. The chemistry between the two is evident and seems to come naturally.
When two ordinary people love each other, amazing things can happen. Seeing Garrison struggle with his family's circumstances were hard. I wanted to reach into my kindle and give him a hug. To let him know that he wasn't alone. That he was worthy of having someone love him. Someone's family does not define who they are. You should never judge a book by its cover and that proves wise with Garrison. When Garrison finally realizes that people will accept him for who he is, I was thrilled for him. He deserved happiness. He deserved to be loved.
If you are looking for a book to warm your heart, to give you a breather, this is a great book to pick up. This is a YA book, so don't expect any 50 Shades of Grey in it, but you will still fall in love with the characters.
March 27, 2015
As a high school English teacher, I absolutely love reading YA fiction, and I was thrilled to read and review An Ordinary Me. Garrison Davis, a teenager with a horrible home life, is resolute in making a better life for himself. Reese Owens, a young woman from a completely different lifestyle than Garrison, considers herself ordinary with no appealing qualities.
When these two characters meet, Garrison believes he cannot be the one Reese deserves. On the other hand, Reese feels she isn’t more than an average girl and definitely not who Garrison needs. The underlying theme in this book is one that all young adults can relate to—you can overcome certain obstacles in your life and rise above them. I loved how Ms. Taylor incorporates teacher companionship as well.
An Ordinary Me is a definite five-star recommendation from me by an author that I have now put on my YA TBR list. With well-developed teen characters undergoing realistic trials, this novel is a must read for all YA fans.
When these two characters meet, Garrison believes he cannot be the one Reese deserves. On the other hand, Reese feels she isn’t more than an average girl and definitely not who Garrison needs. The underlying theme in this book is one that all young adults can relate to—you can overcome certain obstacles in your life and rise above them. I loved how Ms. Taylor incorporates teacher companionship as well.
An Ordinary Me is a definite five-star recommendation from me by an author that I have now put on my YA TBR list. With well-developed teen characters undergoing realistic trials, this novel is a must read for all YA fans.
September 11, 2015
I enjoyed the book, but there were many, many occurrences of a couple different technical issues. Good plot, although a bit cliched. Also, seems like the author couldn't decide if she wanted to write in present tense or past tense. All throughout the book, the tense changed several times all in the same page, paragraph, and in some instances, even in one sentence. Eventually, I was able to ignore that, but I was not able to ignore the odd speech mannerisms of the characters, which did not seem natural at all, especially for teenagers. Texans talk very differently from other people, but I promise you that typically, we DO use contractions, which is something that the author didn't seem to think about. Also, I guess it's possible that these were just very mature teenagers, but their conversations with one another made them sound like adults; and I don't mean young adults. I don't completely blame the author; these issues could have been fixed by an editor. Fix all the technical issues and I think this is a 4-star book.
April 14, 2016
An Ordinary Me is a strange young adult romance.
Summery from Goodreads:
From the outside looking in Garrison Davis seems like every other senior in high school. On the inside though, he’s an emotional wreck promising to not love anyone. He chooses to protect himself by vowing solitude. His dad is in prison for dealing drugs; his mother is a recovering addict and an emotional mess. The only thing that brings him joy is playing the drums and that feeling of being needed by his band. It is his escape, his passion. No one gets hurt or disappointed. That is until he lays his eyes on Reese at school. She is the exact example of what he cannot let himself get involved in. He would do nothing but drag her down with him.
“I want to tell her and show her how much I love her. I had loved her from the first time I saw her smile but I can’t, I won’t. She deserves so much more than I can offer. I’m the spawn of a drug dealer and an addict. I have never let myself love another person and now… I love her so much it hurts.”
Reese Owens is the exact opposite of Garrison. Inside she’s beaming; growing up in a happy home and on the outside she was a duck out of water. Her parents are the over protective set but are finally loosening the jail bars. Sophomore year in high school, she has never dated a boy and is envious of the social life her best friend Autumn Welch has. She meets Garrison and is instantly attracted to him. He pulls away when she pushes in. A whole new world opens up to Reese and she finds herself falling into situations she can’t get herself out of. Making bad decision after bad decision, she finds out the hard way on how life is full of choices. The one thing she wants more than anything is Garrison’s attention which she doesn’t get in return.
“How is it possible to love someone and keep it quiet? Never to utter those very words knowing he doesn’t feel the same way. I finally fall in love and he only wants to be friends. He is everything I have always wanted and he keeps me at a distance making sure we don’t get too close. How can I ignore my feelings and act like I don’t have them when we are around each other? How do I resist the urge to move my lips towards his when he is talking to me?”
Garrison realizes he has to be honest with Reese and tell her how he really feels before he loses her for good. Just maybe, he will get love in return for the first time in his life. When he finally convinces himself to come forth, a life changing event occurs that could take away the only person in his life that truly loves him.
Is it too late? Does he get the chance to tell her? And when he confesses does it matter?
The first thing I have to say about this book is that it is written very strangely. It is supposed to be written like a young adult novel, yet it sounds weirdly adultish. The kids were too theological about how much they wanted each other. It spent too much time talking about how they were feeling about the romance and less action. It just irked me, because the story line had good possibilities.
The characters were very interesting. Garrison was a teenager who was pretty much living by himself because his mom is an alcoholic, and his dad is in prison. He is in his senior year of high school and can't wait to graduate. Reese is a sophomore girl. She is clumsy and really doesn't have that much personality. She falls for Garrison.
I enjoyed how they used Reese's injury as a way to make the story more interesting. It worked, and was probably the bets part of the whole book.
Finally, the bonus novella at the end was really neat. It was really romantic, but it worked because it was the wedding of Garrison and Reese. I enjoyed reading it because it tied it all together.
Overall, this was a so-so book where the cons outweighed the pros.
Summery from Goodreads:
From the outside looking in Garrison Davis seems like every other senior in high school. On the inside though, he’s an emotional wreck promising to not love anyone. He chooses to protect himself by vowing solitude. His dad is in prison for dealing drugs; his mother is a recovering addict and an emotional mess. The only thing that brings him joy is playing the drums and that feeling of being needed by his band. It is his escape, his passion. No one gets hurt or disappointed. That is until he lays his eyes on Reese at school. She is the exact example of what he cannot let himself get involved in. He would do nothing but drag her down with him.
“I want to tell her and show her how much I love her. I had loved her from the first time I saw her smile but I can’t, I won’t. She deserves so much more than I can offer. I’m the spawn of a drug dealer and an addict. I have never let myself love another person and now… I love her so much it hurts.”
Reese Owens is the exact opposite of Garrison. Inside she’s beaming; growing up in a happy home and on the outside she was a duck out of water. Her parents are the over protective set but are finally loosening the jail bars. Sophomore year in high school, she has never dated a boy and is envious of the social life her best friend Autumn Welch has. She meets Garrison and is instantly attracted to him. He pulls away when she pushes in. A whole new world opens up to Reese and she finds herself falling into situations she can’t get herself out of. Making bad decision after bad decision, she finds out the hard way on how life is full of choices. The one thing she wants more than anything is Garrison’s attention which she doesn’t get in return.
“How is it possible to love someone and keep it quiet? Never to utter those very words knowing he doesn’t feel the same way. I finally fall in love and he only wants to be friends. He is everything I have always wanted and he keeps me at a distance making sure we don’t get too close. How can I ignore my feelings and act like I don’t have them when we are around each other? How do I resist the urge to move my lips towards his when he is talking to me?”
Garrison realizes he has to be honest with Reese and tell her how he really feels before he loses her for good. Just maybe, he will get love in return for the first time in his life. When he finally convinces himself to come forth, a life changing event occurs that could take away the only person in his life that truly loves him.
Is it too late? Does he get the chance to tell her? And when he confesses does it matter?
The first thing I have to say about this book is that it is written very strangely. It is supposed to be written like a young adult novel, yet it sounds weirdly adultish. The kids were too theological about how much they wanted each other. It spent too much time talking about how they were feeling about the romance and less action. It just irked me, because the story line had good possibilities.
The characters were very interesting. Garrison was a teenager who was pretty much living by himself because his mom is an alcoholic, and his dad is in prison. He is in his senior year of high school and can't wait to graduate. Reese is a sophomore girl. She is clumsy and really doesn't have that much personality. She falls for Garrison.
I enjoyed how they used Reese's injury as a way to make the story more interesting. It worked, and was probably the bets part of the whole book.
Finally, the bonus novella at the end was really neat. It was really romantic, but it worked because it was the wedding of Garrison and Reese. I enjoyed reading it because it tied it all together.
Overall, this was a so-so book where the cons outweighed the pros.
June 11, 2016
This was a great high school romance on really looking deep down within yourself to discover who you truly are and what you are worth.
Garrison Davis has not had an easy time growing up and the only one who has truly helped him get to where he is now is his Aunt Ellen. He doesn't let many people get close to him and knows he wants to leave town as soon as he graduates. But when he sees Reese Owens, he knows immediately that she has his heart, even if he has to keep it guarded.
Reese Owens is a sophomore at Comal High and when her crush, Cannon Walker is paying attention to her she thinks she may get through all of high school ok with her best friend Autumn. But she soon realizes that maybe Cannon isn't everything she remembered him to be and relies on her new best friend Garrison to help her through.
Yet, as both Reese and Garrison develop feelings for each other, they continue to remain at the "friend" stage until one night when it may be to late.
I really enjoyed this book and it felt like I was back in high school going through all the emotions of trying to find my place. I think the author really understands what the kids are going through and does a great job dealing with all the highs and lows the kids feel and the pressures of doing the right thing or the popular thing.
I loved both of the characters of Reese and Garrison as they were each really trying to find their way through everything but coming from different places. Reese was worried about Cannon and fitting in with his crowd with Autumn whereas Garrison was just trying to escape from his past. Garrison was such a strong character but afraid to really let anyone in as most people have let him down. I super loved the talk between Garrison and Reese's dad as it made Garrison look at things differently.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to picking up more from this author!
Reviewed for Kylie's Fiction Addiction
Garrison Davis has not had an easy time growing up and the only one who has truly helped him get to where he is now is his Aunt Ellen. He doesn't let many people get close to him and knows he wants to leave town as soon as he graduates. But when he sees Reese Owens, he knows immediately that she has his heart, even if he has to keep it guarded.
Reese Owens is a sophomore at Comal High and when her crush, Cannon Walker is paying attention to her she thinks she may get through all of high school ok with her best friend Autumn. But she soon realizes that maybe Cannon isn't everything she remembered him to be and relies on her new best friend Garrison to help her through.
Yet, as both Reese and Garrison develop feelings for each other, they continue to remain at the "friend" stage until one night when it may be to late.
I really enjoyed this book and it felt like I was back in high school going through all the emotions of trying to find my place. I think the author really understands what the kids are going through and does a great job dealing with all the highs and lows the kids feel and the pressures of doing the right thing or the popular thing.
I loved both of the characters of Reese and Garrison as they were each really trying to find their way through everything but coming from different places. Reese was worried about Cannon and fitting in with his crowd with Autumn whereas Garrison was just trying to escape from his past. Garrison was such a strong character but afraid to really let anyone in as most people have let him down. I super loved the talk between Garrison and Reese's dad as it made Garrison look at things differently.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to picking up more from this author!
Reviewed for Kylie's Fiction Addiction
January 23, 2016
I read this synopsis a few days ago and I was really excited to read the book. The only issue was that it wasn’t free. So, I formally congratulate you, Brooklyn Taylor, your book was the first one, I, Paige Turner have ever bought to read and review.
I have to admit that I was disappointed as I got farther into the story. I was hoping for a novel that went more in-depth with the characters and, specifically, how Garrison Davis felt about his life. The synopsis promised me an engaging story where I could dive into Garrison’s mind and see just how much he wanted to break free of the trend his parents had begun to set. I wish it had entirely come through, but it wasn’t a bad experience.
Garrison is pretty cool. His name is cool and his character had potential to be cool(er). I could easily see some of his positive qualities and he seemed like a sincerely sweet kid with genuine intentions. I felt that while it may have been Taylor’s intention to make him appear conflicted with his emotions (which he was)...
Read the rest at: https://paigeturnerreads.wordpress.co...
I have to admit that I was disappointed as I got farther into the story. I was hoping for a novel that went more in-depth with the characters and, specifically, how Garrison Davis felt about his life. The synopsis promised me an engaging story where I could dive into Garrison’s mind and see just how much he wanted to break free of the trend his parents had begun to set. I wish it had entirely come through, but it wasn’t a bad experience.
Garrison is pretty cool. His name is cool and his character had potential to be cool(er). I could easily see some of his positive qualities and he seemed like a sincerely sweet kid with genuine intentions. I felt that while it may have been Taylor’s intention to make him appear conflicted with his emotions (which he was)...
Read the rest at: https://paigeturnerreads.wordpress.co...
February 27, 2016
An Ordinary Me is a story of high school love between Garrison Davis and Reese Owens except it is more than that. Reese has grown up with overprotective parents but now that she is a sophomore they are loosening the reins some. Unfortunately, she has a friend that has always been able to do what she wants and now that Reese is able to do more she pushes her to do things she doesn’t want to do. The issues of peer pressure is something so many high school kids deal with and even though Reese and some of her actions pissed me off, it was very realistic.
Garrison seems like your everyday senior on the outside but inside that is so not the case. He doesn’t have a typical home life and he hides that from everyone. It is not often that we have a male lead in a book that doesn’t see himself in a good way so that was refreshing to read.
I did struggle with a good part of the book but am glad I stuck with it and that the author did include the novella at the end as that was one of my favorite parts of the book and made the entire book worth the read.
I read and reviewed for Kylie’s Fiction Addiction.
Garrison seems like your everyday senior on the outside but inside that is so not the case. He doesn’t have a typical home life and he hides that from everyone. It is not often that we have a male lead in a book that doesn’t see himself in a good way so that was refreshing to read.
I did struggle with a good part of the book but am glad I stuck with it and that the author did include the novella at the end as that was one of my favorite parts of the book and made the entire book worth the read.
I read and reviewed for Kylie’s Fiction Addiction.
April 2, 2015
As a high school English teacher, I absolutely love reading YA fiction, and I was thrilled to read and review An Ordinary Me. Garrison Davis, a teenager with a horrible home life, is resolute in making a better life for himself. Reese Owens, a young woman from a completely different lifestyle than Garrison, considers herself ordinary with no appealing qualities.
When these two characters meet, Garrison believes he cannot be the one Reese deserves. On the other hand, Reese feels she isn’t more than an average girl and definitely not who Garrison needs. The underlying theme in this book is one that all young adults can relate to—you can overcome certain obstacles in your life and rise above them. I loved how Ms. Taylor incorporates teacher companionship as well.
An Ordinary Me is a definite five-star recommendation from me by an author that I have now put on my YA TBR list. With well-developed teen characters undergoing realistic trials, this novel is a must read for all YA fans.
When these two characters meet, Garrison believes he cannot be the one Reese deserves. On the other hand, Reese feels she isn’t more than an average girl and definitely not who Garrison needs. The underlying theme in this book is one that all young adults can relate to—you can overcome certain obstacles in your life and rise above them. I loved how Ms. Taylor incorporates teacher companionship as well.
An Ordinary Me is a definite five-star recommendation from me by an author that I have now put on my YA TBR list. With well-developed teen characters undergoing realistic trials, this novel is a must read for all YA fans.
April 10, 2016
This was a shallow account of a high school romance. The delivery and plot were missing so much. It's like it was written by a kid in high school. There was little emotion that came through in the writing. The supporting characters were cliche.
While I generally liked Reese's personality, I had a hard time understanding her motivations... and more particularly, the relationship with her friend Autumn who seemed more intriguing.
The writing was stilted and needed a good editor.
Garrison has a really interesting back story and more time should have been spent on his issues than Reese's.
While I generally liked Reese's personality, I had a hard time understanding her motivations... and more particularly, the relationship with her friend Autumn who seemed more intriguing.
The writing was stilted and needed a good editor.
Garrison has a really interesting back story and more time should have been spent on his issues than Reese's.
January 5, 2016
After I read this book I realized that it wasn't something I would spend my money on again. From their very first encounter they think they are already in love. The author did a good job on giving just enough to keep you interested enough to buy the book so that you could keep reading. Although it wasn't my favorite book, it wasn't all that bad. Now that I have it I probably will read it again some time this summer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2016
Ordinarily sweet.. Not for me..
This story was sweet. And simple. Innocent and lovely. Besides having some editing and redundancy the book was not half bad. I just wish there was something more to it. It was deep I. It's own right, for the issues off addiction and esteem come to play but I still need a bit more grit
This story was sweet. And simple. Innocent and lovely. Besides having some editing and redundancy the book was not half bad. I just wish there was something more to it. It was deep I. It's own right, for the issues off addiction and esteem come to play but I still need a bit more grit
January 6, 2018
Great reading to bring warmth to a cold winter day
I had a very good time with these characters. They are well developed and the plot was good. I was a good read, quick, on a cold winter day. The 4 stars are mainly due to the typos and grammar mistakes in the novella at the end. Not that it ruins the story, but would have appreciated the care that went in the rest of the book.
I had a very good time with these characters. They are well developed and the plot was good. I was a good read, quick, on a cold winter day. The 4 stars are mainly due to the typos and grammar mistakes in the novella at the end. Not that it ruins the story, but would have appreciated the care that went in the rest of the book.
December 3, 2015
What an amazing read! Garrison is some mature beyond his years. Reese is so steadfast in her beliefs of waiting til its love. Heartwarming, touching story, with complex characters. The novella was just the icing on the cake. I will definitely read more from this author.
April 23, 2015
Off the charts amazing. I fell in love with Garrison and Reese immediately. Their love reminded me so much of my high school days that I couldn't put it down. Excellent job, Brooklyn!
March 26, 2016
It was an interesting story but it read more like a something you'd find on Wattpad then a published novel.
January 4, 2016
5 stars
Amazing book. Sent me through an emotional rollercoaster ride. I laughed, cried and then laughed some more. Great story with great characters.
Amazing book. Sent me through an emotional rollercoaster ride. I laughed, cried and then laughed some more. Great story with great characters.
August 27, 2016
Good book, loved the story and the characters. Quick read.
April 24, 2017
Wtf is up with this writing style? I swear like 10 sentences in a row started as "I have..." Maybe its just me.
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