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The Last True Love Story
From the critically acclaimed author of "The Gospel of Winter "and the coauthor of "All American Boys "comes a cool, contemplative spin on hot summer nights and the classic teen love story as two teens embark on a cross-country journey of the heart and soul.
"The point of living is learning how to love."
That s what Gpa says. To Hendrix and Corrina, both seventeen but otherwise alike only in their loneliness, that sounds like another line from a pop song that tries to promise kids that life doesn t actually suck. Okay, so: love. Sure.
The thing about Corrina her adoptive parents are suffocating, trying to mold her into someone acceptable, predictable, like them. She s a musician, itching for any chance to escape, become the person she really wants to be. Whoever that is.
And Hendrix, he s cool. Kind of a poet. But also kind of lost. His dad is dead and his mom is married to her job. Gpa is his only real family, but he s fading fast from Alzheimer s. Looking for any way to help the man who raised him, Hendrix has made Gpa an impossible promise that he ll get him back east to the hill where he first kissed his wife, before his illness wipes away all memory of her.
One hot July night, Hendrix and Corrina decide to risk everything. They steal a car, spring Gpa from his assisted living facility, stuff Old Humper the dog into the back seat, and take off on a cross-country odyssey from LA to NY. With their parents, Gpa s doctors, and the police all hot on their heels, Hendrix and Corrina set off to discover for themselves if what Gpa says is true that the only stories that last are love stories."
"The point of living is learning how to love."
That s what Gpa says. To Hendrix and Corrina, both seventeen but otherwise alike only in their loneliness, that sounds like another line from a pop song that tries to promise kids that life doesn t actually suck. Okay, so: love. Sure.
The thing about Corrina her adoptive parents are suffocating, trying to mold her into someone acceptable, predictable, like them. She s a musician, itching for any chance to escape, become the person she really wants to be. Whoever that is.
And Hendrix, he s cool. Kind of a poet. But also kind of lost. His dad is dead and his mom is married to her job. Gpa is his only real family, but he s fading fast from Alzheimer s. Looking for any way to help the man who raised him, Hendrix has made Gpa an impossible promise that he ll get him back east to the hill where he first kissed his wife, before his illness wipes away all memory of her.
One hot July night, Hendrix and Corrina decide to risk everything. They steal a car, spring Gpa from his assisted living facility, stuff Old Humper the dog into the back seat, and take off on a cross-country odyssey from LA to NY. With their parents, Gpa s doctors, and the police all hot on their heels, Hendrix and Corrina set off to discover for themselves if what Gpa says is true that the only stories that last are love stories."
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2016
65 people are currently reading
3533 people want to read
About the author
Brendan Kiely
13 books271 followersBrendan Kiely received an MFA in creative writing from The City College of New York. His writing has appeared in Fiction, Guernica, The AWP Writer’s Chronicle, and other publications. Originally from the Boston area, he now teaches at an independent high school and lives with his wife in Greenwich Village.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
August 22, 2020
Súper aburrido.
August 6, 2016
It's Patterson's The Notebook and every YA road trip book with the heavily overdone John Green trope of crazy artistic girl that a boy pines after. Am I getting a bit bitter? Maybe.
Because I was IN LOVE with this book for the first few chapters. A boy, Teddy, and his grandfather slowly dying from Alzheimer's and his want to give him one last thing to remember because really Teddy is losing his only family. With a disconnected mother who has stuck her father in a home and leaves frequently on trips, Gpa is his only friend and confidant as well as family. This relationship is absolutely beautiful in its realism and beauty.
But then the girl with all the problems has to enter the picture. And boy does she have a lot of problems. Then she comes in and renames Teddy to Hendrix and they both decide to go on a road trip to bust Gpa out of his home and bring him cross-country to Ithaca, NY where he had his first kiss with the woman, his late wife, whom he loved and adored. The message is spot-on but I couldn't take it. I got a headache from all of my eye-rolling. I think it was over-the-top with his romance where Teddy and Corrina can begin to fall in love in the forefront of Gpa being able to say goodbye literally and figuratively. And of course, there's the sweet message that love is always in your heart and if they're there, you'll always be home.
But I just.could.not. with Corrina, which is why it fell in rating for me. And it wasn't that I disliked Corrina and that skewed it, I just want something more from a YA book now that a relationship with a significant other can make things better.
Received this book through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Because I was IN LOVE with this book for the first few chapters. A boy, Teddy, and his grandfather slowly dying from Alzheimer's and his want to give him one last thing to remember because really Teddy is losing his only family. With a disconnected mother who has stuck her father in a home and leaves frequently on trips, Gpa is his only friend and confidant as well as family. This relationship is absolutely beautiful in its realism and beauty.
But then the girl with all the problems has to enter the picture. And boy does she have a lot of problems. Then she comes in and renames Teddy to Hendrix and they both decide to go on a road trip to bust Gpa out of his home and bring him cross-country to Ithaca, NY where he had his first kiss with the woman, his late wife, whom he loved and adored. The message is spot-on but I couldn't take it. I got a headache from all of my eye-rolling. I think it was over-the-top with his romance where Teddy and Corrina can begin to fall in love in the forefront of Gpa being able to say goodbye literally and figuratively. And of course, there's the sweet message that love is always in your heart and if they're there, you'll always be home.
But I just.could.not. with Corrina, which is why it fell in rating for me. And it wasn't that I disliked Corrina and that skewed it, I just want something more from a YA book now that a relationship with a significant other can make things better.
Received this book through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2017
Reseña completa
3.5/5
La historia de amor más bonita del mundo es un libro que nos conduce a través de un viaje en coche a un sinfín de emociones y aventuras. A demostrarnos que a veces los recuerdos son más fuertes de lo que parecen y a emocionarnos con la música que encontramos dentro de sus páginas. Si estás buscando algo diferente y original, este puede ser tu libro.
3.5/5
La historia de amor más bonita del mundo es un libro que nos conduce a través de un viaje en coche a un sinfín de emociones y aventuras. A demostrarnos que a veces los recuerdos son más fuertes de lo que parecen y a emocionarnos con la música que encontramos dentro de sus páginas. Si estás buscando algo diferente y original, este puede ser tu libro.
September 8, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced readers copy from Simon and Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
It was the synopsis that made me want to read this book. The idea of a boy (Teddy/Hendrix) springing his Gpa from his assisted living facility to take him back to where he had his first kiss with the love of his life before Alzheimer's wiped his memory completely sounded so endearing. On top of that, add the possibility of a new and young budding romance and I was all in. It sounded incredible.
What I liked about this book was the relationship between Teddy and his Gpa. Teddy was very loyal and dedicated to his Grandfather. He cared deeply for him and would do anything to keep his promise to him. The value of a promise was something instilled in him from his Gpa. So when the opportunity to take him home appeared before him he jumped at the chance even knowing that it would be difficult because of his Alzheimer's. The fact that the girl he was crushing on from afar would be going with them was just icing on the cake.
Unfortunately I wasn't the biggest fan of Corrina. I didn't hate her but I found her a little blah. Yes she was a musician but I found the song and artist references in the book to be a little extreme. Instead of referencing two or three artists or songs to get a point across to the reader, the author would list six or seven. Of course I knew most of the songs and artists referenced but I'm not so sure that the audience this book is marketed towards would. All of the song and name dropping gave Corrina a little bit of a robotic feel that in turn made it hard for me to feel her. The fact that I couldn't connect with her made me less excited about any kind of possible relationship with Teddy/Hendrix.
I was really, really hoping for more of Gpa and Gma's love story than what this book delivered. I feel like I would have enjoyed the road trip much more if I knew more of the past and what Gpa was so anxious to get back to. There were tiny snippets of the past but they felt more like teasers.
This book was alright but it left me craving a little bit more than what it delivered. I think high school aged readers would be best suited for this story minus the song references. It isn't one of those books that translates to all ages very well in my opinion. I liked it but I didn't love it.
** I received an advanced readers copy from Simon and Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
It was the synopsis that made me want to read this book. The idea of a boy (Teddy/Hendrix) springing his Gpa from his assisted living facility to take him back to where he had his first kiss with the love of his life before Alzheimer's wiped his memory completely sounded so endearing. On top of that, add the possibility of a new and young budding romance and I was all in. It sounded incredible.
What I liked about this book was the relationship between Teddy and his Gpa. Teddy was very loyal and dedicated to his Grandfather. He cared deeply for him and would do anything to keep his promise to him. The value of a promise was something instilled in him from his Gpa. So when the opportunity to take him home appeared before him he jumped at the chance even knowing that it would be difficult because of his Alzheimer's. The fact that the girl he was crushing on from afar would be going with them was just icing on the cake.
Unfortunately I wasn't the biggest fan of Corrina. I didn't hate her but I found her a little blah. Yes she was a musician but I found the song and artist references in the book to be a little extreme. Instead of referencing two or three artists or songs to get a point across to the reader, the author would list six or seven. Of course I knew most of the songs and artists referenced but I'm not so sure that the audience this book is marketed towards would. All of the song and name dropping gave Corrina a little bit of a robotic feel that in turn made it hard for me to feel her. The fact that I couldn't connect with her made me less excited about any kind of possible relationship with Teddy/Hendrix.
I was really, really hoping for more of Gpa and Gma's love story than what this book delivered. I feel like I would have enjoyed the road trip much more if I knew more of the past and what Gpa was so anxious to get back to. There were tiny snippets of the past but they felt more like teasers.
This book was alright but it left me craving a little bit more than what it delivered. I think high school aged readers would be best suited for this story minus the song references. It isn't one of those books that translates to all ages very well in my opinion. I liked it but I didn't love it.
August 17, 2018
2.5 Stars
I love a good road trip book, but sadly this one just didn't wow me.
I love a good road trip book, but sadly this one just didn't wow me.
June 30, 2017
داستان عشق تدی هندریکس و پدربزرگشه. که آلزایمر گرفته و داره حافظه ش رو از دست میده. تدی تصمیم میگیره قولی که به پدربزرگش داده رو اجرایی کنه و با هم به مسافرت میرن. توی راه تدی با کورینا آشنا میشه و رابطه جالبی بینشون شکل میگیره.
داستان عاشقانه زیبایی بود که رابطه بین نوه و پدربزرگ رو به زیبایی به نثر درآورده بود. داستان فلوی مناسبی داشت. نثر داستان ساده بود و سرعت پیشروی داستان کمی آهسته بود. در نهایت کتاب زیبایی بود.
داستان عاشقانه زیبایی بود که رابطه بین نوه و پدربزرگ رو به زیبایی به نثر درآورده بود. داستان فلوی مناسبی داشت. نثر داستان ساده بود و سرعت پیشروی داستان کمی آهسته بود. در نهایت کتاب زیبایی بود.
September 27, 2020
“Porque si amas a alguien y la oyes repetir una y otra vez: <<Ésta es la persona que quiero ser>>, entonces tu obligación es echarle una mano para que llegue a donde ambiciona.”
“Tienes que ver a la persona que tienes delante y no a alguien que imaginas. Tienes que amar a la persona que tienes delante y no a alguien que imaginas.”
El título de este libro me llamó la atención desde el primer momento, sobre todo porque al poner tal título se está realizando una promesa al lector, nos dice que realmente será la historia de amor más bonita del mundo, y debo decir que no me defraudó para nada, realmente es una de las historias de amor más bonitas que he leído.
A grandes rasgos la trama puede parecer bastante simple, pues se desenvuelve en una carretera, un viaje en auto que dura todo el libro, sin embargo, el trasfondo, las conversaciones, los sentimientos y los recuerdos son lo que le dan vida a este libro. El rememorar que realiza el abuelo del personaje principal es maravilloso, entrega verdaderas lecciones de vida que vislumbran el valor que tiene el amor, pero todos los tipos de amor, no solamente el amor romántico; la lucha y la esperanza eterna de Corrina daban una belleza absoluta a la historia; y la entrega de Ted, el personaje principal, habla de la valentía, la lealtad y la gratitud que se debe perseguir a lo largo de la vida. Es simplemente una obra preciosa.
Este libro es sencillo, perfecto para días de verano en los que las noches son silenciosas y tranquilas, porque la historia te hace sentir absorto, entrega una sensación de pertenencia que es capaz de hacer sonreír a cualquiera. Realmente una historia llena de significado y ternura.
“Tienes que ver a la persona que tienes delante y no a alguien que imaginas. Tienes que amar a la persona que tienes delante y no a alguien que imaginas.”
El título de este libro me llamó la atención desde el primer momento, sobre todo porque al poner tal título se está realizando una promesa al lector, nos dice que realmente será la historia de amor más bonita del mundo, y debo decir que no me defraudó para nada, realmente es una de las historias de amor más bonitas que he leído.
A grandes rasgos la trama puede parecer bastante simple, pues se desenvuelve en una carretera, un viaje en auto que dura todo el libro, sin embargo, el trasfondo, las conversaciones, los sentimientos y los recuerdos son lo que le dan vida a este libro. El rememorar que realiza el abuelo del personaje principal es maravilloso, entrega verdaderas lecciones de vida que vislumbran el valor que tiene el amor, pero todos los tipos de amor, no solamente el amor romántico; la lucha y la esperanza eterna de Corrina daban una belleza absoluta a la historia; y la entrega de Ted, el personaje principal, habla de la valentía, la lealtad y la gratitud que se debe perseguir a lo largo de la vida. Es simplemente una obra preciosa.
Este libro es sencillo, perfecto para días de verano en los que las noches son silenciosas y tranquilas, porque la historia te hace sentir absorto, entrega una sensación de pertenencia que es capaz de hacer sonreír a cualquiera. Realmente una historia llena de significado y ternura.
November 26, 2016
All the love for this story. Beautiful. Heart-wrenching. Hopeful.
April 8, 2018
Excellent YA story and I read my signed copy from NCTE. Thanks, Brendan Kiel’s!
September 9, 2016
I think the blurb sounds amazing, doesn't it? And cover? Gorgeous.
I was totally taken by Kiely's writing style, right from the beginning. So when I started this I had huge hopes. I still think this is a good book. It's beautifully written, has a lot of insight and carries a wonderful message.
For me personally however, I found the whole Alzheimer scenes really hard to read. I think simply because it hit too close to home. I totally could identify with Teddy. In fact he is an awesome character. I adored my grandfather and kinda could see myself running off on a road trip with him. I had the most amazing time with him, when I was a child and still feel the loss of him keenly.
My grandmother had Alzheimer. So I am sadly rather well acquainted with the disease. Kiely's descriptions, Gpas fears and all of the surrounding factors were too much for me to read. It made my heart ache. Kiely did an amazing job. He got it just right. It's simply astounding.
But for me, personally it was torture to read. Sadly. Which is kinda tricky, because in the end while I think this is well written and absolutely on point, I ended up not enjoying it very much.
I would have happily rounded up to 4stars but then Corinna happened. I am not a fan of her character. Too much dramas too many issues and I felt, I would rather hear more of Gpa & Gma's story than about her mess. I also would have savored more Gpa and Teddy time.
I do like the end. I love the message and I am quite taken by Kiely's prose. This was the first novel of his I read and I am going to read more, for sure!
Thoughtful, beautiful message but some unnecessary dramas.
I was totally taken by Kiely's writing style, right from the beginning. So when I started this I had huge hopes. I still think this is a good book. It's beautifully written, has a lot of insight and carries a wonderful message.
For me personally however, I found the whole Alzheimer scenes really hard to read. I think simply because it hit too close to home. I totally could identify with Teddy. In fact he is an awesome character. I adored my grandfather and kinda could see myself running off on a road trip with him. I had the most amazing time with him, when I was a child and still feel the loss of him keenly.
My grandmother had Alzheimer. So I am sadly rather well acquainted with the disease. Kiely's descriptions, Gpas fears and all of the surrounding factors were too much for me to read. It made my heart ache. Kiely did an amazing job. He got it just right. It's simply astounding.
But for me, personally it was torture to read. Sadly. Which is kinda tricky, because in the end while I think this is well written and absolutely on point, I ended up not enjoying it very much.
I would have happily rounded up to 4stars but then Corinna happened. I am not a fan of her character. Too much dramas too many issues and I felt, I would rather hear more of Gpa & Gma's story than about her mess. I also would have savored more Gpa and Teddy time.
I do like the end. I love the message and I am quite taken by Kiely's prose. This was the first novel of his I read and I am going to read more, for sure!
Thoughtful, beautiful message but some unnecessary dramas.
November 26, 2016
Kiely's had me since his first novel. I look forward to being with him for many more.
Here he does something unique with the road trip novel--such a huge fixture of YA books--he doesn't just pay attention to the quirky pit-stops and what being in different places brings out of the different characters. He makes the history of the land sneak up on them, makes their movement across land lend itself to realizations of privilege. The privilege to traipse across this country and what that means. Whose land it actually is and was and how that lingering violence is manifested in the micro ways nowadays.
The larger focus deals profoundly with a subject we don't see enough--coping with the illness of a loved one. How do you really care for them? For not just the body's medical needs, but for the needs of the mind and soul still trying to survive while the body degrades. And what if you have to make some hard choices to feed their soul over their body?
Kiely packs in much great character interplay and thematic meditation, with his characteristically gentle humor and fun to balance the bleaker aspects. It's a really wonderful book.
Here he does something unique with the road trip novel--such a huge fixture of YA books--he doesn't just pay attention to the quirky pit-stops and what being in different places brings out of the different characters. He makes the history of the land sneak up on them, makes their movement across land lend itself to realizations of privilege. The privilege to traipse across this country and what that means. Whose land it actually is and was and how that lingering violence is manifested in the micro ways nowadays.
The larger focus deals profoundly with a subject we don't see enough--coping with the illness of a loved one. How do you really care for them? For not just the body's medical needs, but for the needs of the mind and soul still trying to survive while the body degrades. And what if you have to make some hard choices to feed their soul over their body?
Kiely packs in much great character interplay and thematic meditation, with his characteristically gentle humor and fun to balance the bleaker aspects. It's a really wonderful book.
May 30, 2017
I'm a huge fan of young adult literature. 4 out of 5 books that I read are written for younger audiences, but honestly, they're my favorite books to read, perhaps because so many of them really touch on real life issues. The Last True Love Story is a story about just that: love. But it's not the story you might expect. Yes, a young romance does blossom between Teddy (Hendrix) and Corrina. But to me, the true love story is the one that exists between Teddy and his ailing grandfather, Gpa, and Gpa and his late wife.
Anyone who has known and loved someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's knows what a devastating and cruel disease it can be. It steals everything most precious to the individual; memories, recognition, a sense of awareness. And it steals the person away from his or her loved ones. In The Last True Love Story, Teddy breaks Gpa out of his assisted living facility to embark on a cross-country road trip with Corrina in an attempt to help Gpa relive his memories of Gma one last time.
This is a moving and deeply personal book, one that fans of young adult literature and I think particularly fans of John Green, will enjoy and appreciate.
Anyone who has known and loved someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's knows what a devastating and cruel disease it can be. It steals everything most precious to the individual; memories, recognition, a sense of awareness. And it steals the person away from his or her loved ones. In The Last True Love Story, Teddy breaks Gpa out of his assisted living facility to embark on a cross-country road trip with Corrina in an attempt to help Gpa relive his memories of Gma one last time.
This is a moving and deeply personal book, one that fans of young adult literature and I think particularly fans of John Green, will enjoy and appreciate.
July 17, 2021
3.5 estrellas
Me ha parecido una novela realmente tierna, la verdad, que además me ha entretenido muchísimo y creo también que ha sabido representar muy bien la enfermedad del alzheimer.
Si te gusta la contemporánea y quieres buscar una historia adolescente un poco distinta, este es el libro indicado.
Me ha parecido una novela realmente tierna, la verdad, que además me ha entretenido muchísimo y creo también que ha sabido representar muy bien la enfermedad del alzheimer.
Si te gusta la contemporánea y quieres buscar una historia adolescente un poco distinta, este es el libro indicado.
June 30, 2017
Si buscabais un libro para el verano ya lo tenéis, no se si será de verdad la historia de amor más bonita del mundo, pero desde luego a mi me ha atrapado y hecho pasar una muy buena tarde. Me ha encantado como su autor ha sabido combinar el viaje por carretera de Hendrix con la historia de su abuelo, a la vez que iba contando cosas sobre su padre, detalles que desconocía hasta el momento.
http://perdidaenunmundodelibros.blogs...
http://perdidaenunmundodelibros.blogs...
July 5, 2017
La Historia de Amor Más Bonita del Mundo contiene una historia diferente y más especial de lo que desprende su sinopsis y me ha alegrado mucho descubrir que, lo que pensaba que sería una historia de romance adolescente más, con su particular road trip, ha resultado contener también un segundo romance marcado por los años, los recuerdos y el amor que sigue latente y presente incluso después de que la muerte los haya separado. En este caso hablo del abuelo del protagonista, cuya historia de amor con su mujer, ya fallecida, a través de los recuerdos de éste y de cómo habla de ella, reflejan una dulzura y un sentimiento que contagian.
En esta novela Terry Hendrix nos cuenta en primera persona su vida y su aventura por carretera. Su padre falleció cuando era pequeño, su madre trabaja sin parar, viajando continuamente, y su abuelo ha sido diagnosticado con alzheimer y vive en un complejo de apartamentos para personas con esa enfermedad, donde Hendrix va a visitarlo siempre que puede. La memoria de su abuelo se va apagando poco a poco y cada vez son más escasos los momentos de lucidez, así como los recuerdos con su adorada esposa y, por ello, su mayor deseo es regresar a Ithaca, su hogar, y visitar la iglesia en la que contrajeron matrimonio. Y así, Hendrix, con la ayuda de Corrina, y con la compañía de Viejo Salido, el mote del perro de Hendrix, emprenden un viaje por carretera desde Los Ángeles con el propósito de llevar a su abuelo a visitar su hogar antes de que la memoria le falle por completo. El camino no será fácil y se encontrarán con una suerte de imprevistos, pero más que un viaje físico y material, los protagonistas experimentarán un viaje emocional y espiritual, marcado por el amor, el cariño y el aprendizaje en una vida donde la mayor odisea es enamorarse y hacer que ese amor dure para siempre. [...]
Seguir leyendo en: http://eraseunlibro.blogspot.com.es/2...
En esta novela Terry Hendrix nos cuenta en primera persona su vida y su aventura por carretera. Su padre falleció cuando era pequeño, su madre trabaja sin parar, viajando continuamente, y su abuelo ha sido diagnosticado con alzheimer y vive en un complejo de apartamentos para personas con esa enfermedad, donde Hendrix va a visitarlo siempre que puede. La memoria de su abuelo se va apagando poco a poco y cada vez son más escasos los momentos de lucidez, así como los recuerdos con su adorada esposa y, por ello, su mayor deseo es regresar a Ithaca, su hogar, y visitar la iglesia en la que contrajeron matrimonio. Y así, Hendrix, con la ayuda de Corrina, y con la compañía de Viejo Salido, el mote del perro de Hendrix, emprenden un viaje por carretera desde Los Ángeles con el propósito de llevar a su abuelo a visitar su hogar antes de que la memoria le falle por completo. El camino no será fácil y se encontrarán con una suerte de imprevistos, pero más que un viaje físico y material, los protagonistas experimentarán un viaje emocional y espiritual, marcado por el amor, el cariño y el aprendizaje en una vida donde la mayor odisea es enamorarse y hacer que ese amor dure para siempre. [...]
Seguir leyendo en: http://eraseunlibro.blogspot.com.es/2...
October 17, 2017
Wow this book is good! It is about a 17 year old boy named Hendrix who breaks his grandfather, who is suffering from Alzheimer's, out of the nursing home to go on a road trip from LA to Ithaca, NY to the place where the grandfather married the love of his life. Along for the ride is snappy and troubled Corrina, who Hendrix falls in love with (duh).
The book has beautiful moments full of real emotions. Kiely doesn't write in a pandering or condescending way; instead, he captures true emotions (falling in love, hating yourself, having Alzheimer's, etc). Scattered throughout the book are countless music references that are the backbone of the road trip and the trip of self discovery for all three of the characters (exactly like a road trip playlist). There are a few moments where I wished the author would have spent more time /attention with and one or two moments where I felt he spent too much time. Although the ending was not what I expected at all and came far too soon, it was a beautiful ending.
I wish I owned a copy of the book so I could underline all of my favorite lines and moments. I would highly recommend to any big music fans (especially rock and roll) and to anyone who feels like falling in love at 17 again.
The book has beautiful moments full of real emotions. Kiely doesn't write in a pandering or condescending way; instead, he captures true emotions (falling in love, hating yourself, having Alzheimer's, etc). Scattered throughout the book are countless music references that are the backbone of the road trip and the trip of self discovery for all three of the characters (exactly like a road trip playlist). There are a few moments where I wished the author would have spent more time /attention with and one or two moments where I felt he spent too much time. Although the ending was not what I expected at all and came far too soon, it was a beautiful ending.
I wish I owned a copy of the book so I could underline all of my favorite lines and moments. I would highly recommend to any big music fans (especially rock and roll) and to anyone who feels like falling in love at 17 again.
August 20, 2017
La edición del libro es preciosa. El autor en el libro ha hecho las descripciones justas para que sientas como si tú también estuvieras haciendo el viaje junto a los personajes y esa es de las cosas que me han gustado de la historia. El final, es bonito y sencillo. No es nada sorprendente pero es el idóneo para esta historia. Aunque algunas cosas no salen como esperaban pero como dice Charlie, el abuelo de Teddy, "Ithaca está aquí. Con nosotros". Para finalizar quiero deciros que espero que le deis una oportunidad al libro ya que merece la pena leerlo, es una historia amena y sobre todo entretenida.
August 22, 2020
Una novela de amor adolescente más viaje de carretera por Estados Unidos.
Se podría resumir en esa frase tan concisa.
Si habéis leído a John Green, veréis es un poco lo mismo, y a ver, el hilo de los viajes de carretera da para mucho, pero no te dice mucho más que eso. Bueno sí, está el abuelo del protagonista, que da dureza y realidad a la historia. Pero se me queda muy corta en general, sobre todo con el desarrollo a partir de la mitad del libro.
Es una novela bonita, sí, pero que no te va a decir mucho más que eso, seguramente no quede dejándote huella como podría pasar con otras.
Se podría resumir en esa frase tan concisa.
Si habéis leído a John Green, veréis es un poco lo mismo, y a ver, el hilo de los viajes de carretera da para mucho, pero no te dice mucho más que eso. Bueno sí, está el abuelo del protagonista, que da dureza y realidad a la historia. Pero se me queda muy corta en general, sobre todo con el desarrollo a partir de la mitad del libro.
Es una novela bonita, sí, pero que no te va a decir mucho más que eso, seguramente no quede dejándote huella como podría pasar con otras.
January 18, 2018
4,5 ESTRELLAS.
Con el título pensé que sería una historia cursi adolescente pero CUANTO ME EQUIVOCABA. El narrador si que es Ted, un joven de 17 años, pero el protagonista de esta historia es su abuelo Charlie. Un veterano de guerra afectado por el Alzheimer, desesperado por no olvidar a su amada mujer. Es entonces cuando su nieto decide escribir su historia de amor para que nunca sea olvidada.
Me a gustado mucho, es un libro ligero y muy rápido de leer que toca temas actuales y muy reales. Es fácil conectar con los personajes y sentirse identificado con ellos, es una lectura muy recomendada si estáis buscando una bonita historia algo distinta.
Con el título pensé que sería una historia cursi adolescente pero CUANTO ME EQUIVOCABA. El narrador si que es Ted, un joven de 17 años, pero el protagonista de esta historia es su abuelo Charlie. Un veterano de guerra afectado por el Alzheimer, desesperado por no olvidar a su amada mujer. Es entonces cuando su nieto decide escribir su historia de amor para que nunca sea olvidada.
Me a gustado mucho, es un libro ligero y muy rápido de leer que toca temas actuales y muy reales. Es fácil conectar con los personajes y sentirse identificado con ellos, es una lectura muy recomendada si estáis buscando una bonita historia algo distinta.
January 31, 2022
Sin duda los libros saben el momento adecuado para llegar y para causarte ese palpito en el que sabes que debes leerlo.
Este es un libro precioso, en el que el autor entrelaza con facilidad varias historias mientras los protagonistas van recorriendo Estados Unidos. En este viaje ellos van descubriendo cosas de sí mismos y de sus seres queridos, cosas que permiten al lector adquirir nuevas e importantes lecciones de vida.
4,7🌟
Este es un libro precioso, en el que el autor entrelaza con facilidad varias historias mientras los protagonistas van recorriendo Estados Unidos. En este viaje ellos van descubriendo cosas de sí mismos y de sus seres queridos, cosas que permiten al lector adquirir nuevas e importantes lecciones de vida.
4,7🌟
June 13, 2017
Wow where do I even began with this book......A book about two loner young adults who want to find themselves in a world they know nothing about all the while trying to save a soul that really can't be saved. This book was full of emotions, love and true happiness. Take a moment and read this book. I hope you find the love and happiness in this book that I did.
March 28, 2017
This felt like a bad copy of John Green's style and aesthetic. I couldn't bring myself to finish it. Every time I picked it up, I had to plow through every page - painfully and slowly. Don't get me wrong, it's not exceptionally awful, but it's below average. Maybe I would've liked it two or three years ago...in any case, I don't think I'd recommend it.
July 23, 2017
Me ha encantado leerlo y conocer a un gran escritor.
Porque enamorarse es fácil,
lo importante es.mantenerlo.
Porque enamorarse es fácil,
lo importante es.mantenerlo.
January 23, 2018
It flows easily and has some good, deeper and subtle observations in the interactions of the characters that give the story credibility. It is a satisfying fictional book.
March 27, 2017
This is the book that has the lonely teen, who connects with the only family he really knows and is losing, and the "cool" complicated girl with astronomical issues. I love John Green, and he's done a phenomenal job in creating books that have these things sprinkled in them... this one just fell short. Not every author is going to do a bang up job and not every author can have the luxury of having readers without preconceived favorites.
2 stars
2 stars
June 14, 2018
My 3rd BK book. This one’s about a boy who is traveling to take his gpa across country before his Alzheimer’s wipes out the memory of his wife. Along the way he learns about his family and their relationships. Also gets a girlfriend.
If you like this, also try the Porcupine of Truth.
If you like this, also try the Porcupine of Truth.
June 28, 2016
Teddy Hendrix is a good kid, but a bit lost. He doesn't really have any true family except his paternal grandfather Gpa, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. His mother is always away for work, so Hendrix is the one who sees his Gpa losing his mind more each day. He chooses this, for he loves Gpa and the stories he tells about his grandmother. Gma was the love of his life, and one thing Hendrix does know is that he wants to write all these stories down before Gpa's mind goes and they loses them forever. One day, however, good, sweet, Hendrix does the unthinkable. He asks Corrina, the girl he has a crush on, to help him spring Gpa from the facility he's living in. Corrina, who is just looking for a reason to leave, takes him up on it. They steal his mother's car, and decide to drive across country to Ithaca, NY, where Gpa and Gma first began their love story. I made so many different connections with this book. From the grandfather with Alzheimer's to the many impressive classic rock references. In Chapter 18, when Hendrix and Corrina were "looking for a miracle" I thought I was back at a Phish or Dead show! I'll definitely be thinking about this book for a long time.
November 8, 2016
I won an ARC of this book from Goodreads. I was so excited to finally see it in the mail I began reading it right away.
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed. The story itself sounded like it could be perfect for me. But it just fell flat. The two main characters didn't feel like teenagers. They felt like two adults pretending to be teenagers. They just weren't convincing.
The character's thoughts and feelings didn't ring true either. It was like the author heard or read somewhere how teenagers in theses situations might act and just crammed his ideas in in any way possible.
Finally, the writing felt like I was watching a play in which the acting was really bad. I'm sure how to explain that. But that is how it felt.
And what was with the whole Gpa and Gma thing? Just call them Grandpa and Grandma. Why make the book more difficult to read? Just to seem unique?
I would not recommend this novel to anyone.
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed. The story itself sounded like it could be perfect for me. But it just fell flat. The two main characters didn't feel like teenagers. They felt like two adults pretending to be teenagers. They just weren't convincing.
The character's thoughts and feelings didn't ring true either. It was like the author heard or read somewhere how teenagers in theses situations might act and just crammed his ideas in in any way possible.
Finally, the writing felt like I was watching a play in which the acting was really bad. I'm sure how to explain that. But that is how it felt.
And what was with the whole Gpa and Gma thing? Just call them Grandpa and Grandma. Why make the book more difficult to read? Just to seem unique?
I would not recommend this novel to anyone.
August 10, 2016
This book had me from the very first page. I was moved by the characters and their plight. This is a story of youth and the coming awareness of the world beyond our own scope and personal concerns. It is a story of old age, and how the very things that make us who we are can disappear and we are left wondering what it will be like when our memory finally goes and there is nothing left of us. It's about what constitutes a family, and the things you will be willing to do for those you love.
I recommend this book for teenagers AND adults. It's well crafted with a great steady pace that will keep you reading long into the night.
I recommend this book for teenagers AND adults. It's well crafted with a great steady pace that will keep you reading long into the night.
July 26, 2017
This is a great YA summer read. It has all of the elements of a fun road trip book, including a budding romance, woven with more serious issues dealing with family and belonging. I really enjoyed the main character Hendrix's love for his grandfather (Gpa) and his dedication to recording all of his grandfather's stories for their family history before Gpa loses his memory permanently to Alzheimer's. An endearing novel.
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