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My Life as Marlee
I’m officially a sixteen-year-old insane hermit, thanks to my best friend moving away.
Until I meet Noah.
Noah is my oxygen. He’s those fleeting, deep breaths keeping my world from going black, from drowning into the darkness of my past. He’s the one who helps me find my passion for swimming again, even though it’s a direct reflection of my nightmare.
As my mom moves closer to the deep end, barely treading water, Noah’s the only thing holding me afloat. My fear is that her illness will drain her and I’ll have nowhere to go but across the country. Back to the darkness. Back to my father.
Not even Noah can extinguish my demons.
When my life gets sucked in by the riptides, I have to ask myself, is my father truly evil or just broken? Is Noah’s oxygen enough to save me as the muddy waters swallow me whole?
My name is Marlee, and this is my life.
***
My Life as Marlee is a coming-of-age tale about finding love, finding your passion, and finding the light in the darkness.
***
Warning: If heart-wrenching love, cursing, and mature situations aren't your thing, this book may not be for you. If you love moments of teenage angst and swoon-worthy romance with lots of kissing, then take a ride with this book and others in the My Life Series by Victoria Anders.
Until I meet Noah.
Noah is my oxygen. He’s those fleeting, deep breaths keeping my world from going black, from drowning into the darkness of my past. He’s the one who helps me find my passion for swimming again, even though it’s a direct reflection of my nightmare.
As my mom moves closer to the deep end, barely treading water, Noah’s the only thing holding me afloat. My fear is that her illness will drain her and I’ll have nowhere to go but across the country. Back to the darkness. Back to my father.
Not even Noah can extinguish my demons.
When my life gets sucked in by the riptides, I have to ask myself, is my father truly evil or just broken? Is Noah’s oxygen enough to save me as the muddy waters swallow me whole?
My name is Marlee, and this is my life.
***
My Life as Marlee is a coming-of-age tale about finding love, finding your passion, and finding the light in the darkness.
***
Warning: If heart-wrenching love, cursing, and mature situations aren't your thing, this book may not be for you. If you love moments of teenage angst and swoon-worthy romance with lots of kissing, then take a ride with this book and others in the My Life Series by Victoria Anders.
426 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 22, 2019
Starting the new school year without her best friend by her side is hard for Marlee. Without Ellie, she decides to avoid the party crowd (also known as the psychonauts) and make new friends.
But before Project Friendship, takes off, Marlee finds she has a new admirer of the male species.
Noah and Marlee’s relationship represents the innocence of all things first love related, but there are deeper issues of Marlee’s backstory struggling to resurface. A scar across her neck she tries to mask with chokers, a repetitive nightmare that keeps her up at night and awful panic attacks she can barely get through.
Will Noah’s love be enough to keep Marlee’s past scars at bay?
An intense love story filled with tons of drama. I loved all of the secondary characters just as much as the primary ones, and I am excited to read their stories next. I will say, the conflicts between both Aliyah and Jen could have been fleshed out a bit more to create a rocky ride. It seemed every time Noah and Marlee hit a bump in the road, the conflict was smoothed out rather quickly and the road to paradise was clear again. I guess I would have liked to see heavier storms as it’s often the case with young kids and new love.
Overall, a great read and I’m very excited to read about Marlee’s dad next!
But before Project Friendship, takes off, Marlee finds she has a new admirer of the male species.
Noah and Marlee’s relationship represents the innocence of all things first love related, but there are deeper issues of Marlee’s backstory struggling to resurface. A scar across her neck she tries to mask with chokers, a repetitive nightmare that keeps her up at night and awful panic attacks she can barely get through.
Will Noah’s love be enough to keep Marlee’s past scars at bay?
An intense love story filled with tons of drama. I loved all of the secondary characters just as much as the primary ones, and I am excited to read their stories next. I will say, the conflicts between both Aliyah and Jen could have been fleshed out a bit more to create a rocky ride. It seemed every time Noah and Marlee hit a bump in the road, the conflict was smoothed out rather quickly and the road to paradise was clear again. I guess I would have liked to see heavier storms as it’s often the case with young kids and new love.
Overall, a great read and I’m very excited to read about Marlee’s dad next!
September 11, 2019
Marlee's best friend has moved away and now she's feeling a little lost at school. Sure she has friends but they're mostly casual. Enter Noah, he definitely wants to be Marlee's friend, and more because he's had a thing for her for years. He comes with some ready-made friends that Marlee instantly bonds with. The connection with Noah is instant and deep, things would be really great if her mother weren't getting sick again. Marlee is also carrying some scars of her past and she needs to find a way to get through the pain so she can move forward, which is also easier said than done.
So Noah is pretty perfect as far as Marlee is concerned (me too if we're being honest here). He's caring, attentive, and he's not afraid to show how he's feeling. Which is good and bad for Marlee because she's scared for more. The past she has been through has made her a bit insecure, she's not entirely trusting that when someone says something, that they mean it. She has PTSD and as a fellow sufferer, she handles it very well.
My Life as Marlee has "Marlee's Life Lessons" which she writes to herself as a reminder. They are positive, encouraging, and probably something people might need to hear. I think my favorite one starts off by saying "We are who we are because of our past. Don't let it drown you in shallow waters." That couldn't be truer.
I've loved reading this series to date and am so excited that Anders has more in store for her readers as I've grown fond of Marlee and Noah and I look forward to seeing them in future books. Readers can expect characters that are multi-dimensional and completely relatable, people you can picture hanging out with. A great storyline with excellent storytelling, very well done!
So Noah is pretty perfect as far as Marlee is concerned (me too if we're being honest here). He's caring, attentive, and he's not afraid to show how he's feeling. Which is good and bad for Marlee because she's scared for more. The past she has been through has made her a bit insecure, she's not entirely trusting that when someone says something, that they mean it. She has PTSD and as a fellow sufferer, she handles it very well.
My Life as Marlee has "Marlee's Life Lessons" which she writes to herself as a reminder. They are positive, encouraging, and probably something people might need to hear. I think my favorite one starts off by saying "We are who we are because of our past. Don't let it drown you in shallow waters." That couldn't be truer.
I've loved reading this series to date and am so excited that Anders has more in store for her readers as I've grown fond of Marlee and Noah and I look forward to seeing them in future books. Readers can expect characters that are multi-dimensional and completely relatable, people you can picture hanging out with. A great storyline with excellent storytelling, very well done!
December 30, 2019
I was very worried at first that I wasn't going to understand everything because I haven't read my life as Noah, and I will say that I was okay without reading it, but i'm going to and I will hopefully make more connections to this book. At first I thought this was going to be all about struggling with a friend moving away and I thought that would be very cool to read because I haven't read anything like that before. Then I thought the main focus was going to be Marlee and Noah and their love story, then I realized that their families were playing such a huge part in the book too. It was all of the things. This book had love, friendship, and family love. I loved Marlee's life lessons, it brought something to the book that I really enjoyed.I do believe all around that this book is different than any other and should be a must read on many people's list, with the such different story lines happening. I also loved the small cameos, seeing Kelsey and Stone again made me very happy, and I am beyond excited for Ellie's and Stella's books. Also would love to see this wedding. Victoria Anders, you have done it again. Im in love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2019
This was a cute romance and i receive this book as an arc online. so this is my honest review.
Marlee is the girl on the cover and has been a very emotional person in terms of mostly crying due to her best friend ellie leaving.
As i was reading the plot i really could picture it in my mind and how the whole story was planned out. i did stop reading the book as it was a little hard int eh first half of the book. it will grab your attention as it goes by and i was completely hooked on till i had to finish it.
i sincerely die for the cutest of the couple and how Noah and Marlee were so romantic, it is very teen dream to have that type of boy. i cannot express it anymore but they are too adorable and cringy.
The author did a good job on their love story romance chemistry well at most everything about love i guess.
Towards the end of the book i enjoyed how Marlee had many different life lessons which she was given and how she act on it. The author conveys many life messages which i love if i had this in a hardcopy i will annotate the book.i adored the one about what the author said about love.
If anyone is up for a fast quick Teen romance read you should definitely pick this book up. I cannot wait for the copy to be released and re read it again.
Marlee is the girl on the cover and has been a very emotional person in terms of mostly crying due to her best friend ellie leaving.
As i was reading the plot i really could picture it in my mind and how the whole story was planned out. i did stop reading the book as it was a little hard int eh first half of the book. it will grab your attention as it goes by and i was completely hooked on till i had to finish it.
i sincerely die for the cutest of the couple and how Noah and Marlee were so romantic, it is very teen dream to have that type of boy. i cannot express it anymore but they are too adorable and cringy.
The author did a good job on their love story romance chemistry well at most everything about love i guess.
Towards the end of the book i enjoyed how Marlee had many different life lessons which she was given and how she act on it. The author conveys many life messages which i love if i had this in a hardcopy i will annotate the book.i adored the one about what the author said about love.
If anyone is up for a fast quick Teen romance read you should definitely pick this book up. I cannot wait for the copy to be released and re read it again.
September 20, 2019
A good simple story with a mix of cute romance. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review and let me tell you that I loved this story. The story starts with Marlee shedding tears because of the departure of her best friend Ellie. During this part, I was intrigued because the author threw the information just enough to pique my interest. Still my mind was not in the story somehow in the beginning. But then I kept reading and I am glad that I did because as I progressed further in the story, I was hooked completely and enjoyed it.
I completely loved the couple that is Noah and Marlee. They were so adorable together and their romance was cute. I loved the chemistry between the two. The characterisation was greatly executed.
The best part of the story for me was Marlee's life lessons. This gave the book yet another reason to be unique. The book gives so many messages and one of which is love conquers all. I think everyone should give this book a chance it deserves because it is an enjoyable one.
I completely loved the couple that is Noah and Marlee. They were so adorable together and their romance was cute. I loved the chemistry between the two. The characterisation was greatly executed.
The best part of the story for me was Marlee's life lessons. This gave the book yet another reason to be unique. The book gives so many messages and one of which is love conquers all. I think everyone should give this book a chance it deserves because it is an enjoyable one.
December 5, 2019
This book is what I call a sad good book.
First off, I absolutely love the cover and it does not give away the fact that the book is a rollercoaster.
I love the character development of Marlee. How she grew from being unsure of herself to standing up for herself is just amazing.
This book discusses themes like mental health, self confidence, self love, death, friendships and healthy relationships.
I love how Marlee's relationship with Noah proceeded. It seemed rushed at first but later in the book, I realized it was to project the intensity and absoluteness of their love and relationship.
I must also commend the author for adding Marlee's life lessons
They come in handy.
This book is amazing and I recommend it to anyone who loves to read teenage romances and young adult books with realistic themes.
Warning: This book contains lots of cute and cheesy scenes so get ready to smile a lot. Enjoy!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First off, I absolutely love the cover and it does not give away the fact that the book is a rollercoaster.
I love the character development of Marlee. How she grew from being unsure of herself to standing up for herself is just amazing.
This book discusses themes like mental health, self confidence, self love, death, friendships and healthy relationships.
I love how Marlee's relationship with Noah proceeded. It seemed rushed at first but later in the book, I realized it was to project the intensity and absoluteness of their love and relationship.
I must also commend the author for adding Marlee's life lessons
They come in handy.
This book is amazing and I recommend it to anyone who loves to read teenage romances and young adult books with realistic themes.
Warning: This book contains lots of cute and cheesy scenes so get ready to smile a lot. Enjoy!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2019
My Life as Marlee is my favorite book in this series yet! I absolutely loved finally getting to meet Marlee and her friend Ellie. Seeing Noah and Marlee fall in love and watching their relationship grow was wonderful. We get to see them navigate coming into adulthood and how to stay independent when they have such strong feelings for each other. All of Marlee's life lessons were cute to read and I loved the ending of the story. A great plot and amazing characters. I can't wait for more of Victoria Anders's writing in My Life as Harper.
August 31, 2019
I’m always so giddy when Victoria releases books from this series because I’m OBSESSED and I can’t get enough of these characters. This one had me cheesy smiling, laughing, and crying. If you love good YA romances, you have to check out this series!! Also, where can I find my own Noah?
September 9, 2019
Loved this book!!! It had so much going on. It was happy, sad and hopeful all at once!! Do yourself a favor and pick this book up!!
September 10, 2019
Victoria Anders writes in an engaging young adult voice. The chapters in this book flew by, and I would gladly add it to my classroom or library bookshelf.
May 3, 2020
Marlee’s father is struggling with psychosis or a mental disorder which caused him to kidnap Marlee. At first, Marlee’s father has been putting a lot of pressure on her when it comes to swimming, and her brother, Matty. Their dad may have been very strict with them when it comes to sport to the point that he’s forcing them to play it instead of loving the sport.
Marlee has been wearing a choker or scarf that will hide her dark past and secret as she hides the scar on her neck. She met Noah who’s nothing but a charmer and kind to her. Noah decided to offer her to tutor her in Math while she tutors him in English. They both realized they have their chemistry and they became couples. They begin to unravel the mystery of each other and somehow learn to love each other through the process.
I just don’t appreciate that ‘wedding’ seems to be the next logical step for Marlee and Noah because it isn’t. They’re just HS graduate and there’s a wedding just to end the story with HEA. Not all HEA has to end with weddings. I feel I could have loved this more if we get to see them achieving their goals in College and aspirations.
Marlee has been wearing a choker or scarf that will hide her dark past and secret as she hides the scar on her neck. She met Noah who’s nothing but a charmer and kind to her. Noah decided to offer her to tutor her in Math while she tutors him in English. They both realized they have their chemistry and they became couples. They begin to unravel the mystery of each other and somehow learn to love each other through the process.
I just don’t appreciate that ‘wedding’ seems to be the next logical step for Marlee and Noah because it isn’t. They’re just HS graduate and there’s a wedding just to end the story with HEA. Not all HEA has to end with weddings. I feel I could have loved this more if we get to see them achieving their goals in College and aspirations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2019
Truthful and Uplifting
Life can be hard, especially as a teen. Sometimes it’s the fault of others or just bum luck. This is a great book about a high schooler who endures, overcomes, and relishes her life. Humans need other humans even at 17 and this book illustrates how hard connecting with others can be. Marlee is an endearing person you’ll enjoy getting to know. I especially enjoyed how she overcame her demons with an honest attitude that is rare in many an older person. And as someone who was a mature 17 year old, I am glad the author enabled her to be more adult than young-adult at the end. It made me think of my friends who found their true love in high school and are still with them decades later.
Life can be hard, especially as a teen. Sometimes it’s the fault of others or just bum luck. This is a great book about a high schooler who endures, overcomes, and relishes her life. Humans need other humans even at 17 and this book illustrates how hard connecting with others can be. Marlee is an endearing person you’ll enjoy getting to know. I especially enjoyed how she overcame her demons with an honest attitude that is rare in many an older person. And as someone who was a mature 17 year old, I am glad the author enabled her to be more adult than young-adult at the end. It made me think of my friends who found their true love in high school and are still with them decades later.
November 1, 2019
I really loved this story. Especially since I read My life as Noah first. The interactions between Noah and Marlee are swoony. I love the teenager angst is this story. I love the few plot surprises that happened, I truly didn't see them coming, which is rare for me. I really enjoyed all the secondary characters that I'm sure will be getting their own books in the series. I loved this book and I can not wait to read more from this series and see these characters again in the other stories that are coming.
November 4, 2019
I'm in love with this book. I was excited to be able to read about the 3rd book in the My Life Series. This isn't the story of an ordinary teenager, this is a young women who has gone thru hell and comes out with own issues that will you read about for yourself. This book pulls at your heart, you laugh , cry , love, loss, and yet try to be strong for those that you care about. New friends, a new love ( you'll love reading about that one)" This is Marlee" actually has several story lines through out of it but they all fit together as you keep reading. You HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!
November 6, 2019
My Life as Marlee
An emotional journey that had me hooked from the first page. Full of love, loss, forgiveness and so much more. I thoroughly loved reading Marlee’s journey with her life how she discovers courage, strength, love and forgiveness. The story was full of so many great and valuable lessons. It was real and vulnerable. A fantastic ya contemporary romance!
An emotional journey that had me hooked from the first page. Full of love, loss, forgiveness and so much more. I thoroughly loved reading Marlee’s journey with her life how she discovers courage, strength, love and forgiveness. The story was full of so many great and valuable lessons. It was real and vulnerable. A fantastic ya contemporary romance!
October 2, 2019
This was such a cute read. I loved the way the characters interacted with each other. I laughed and cried throughout the story. I did not want the book to end.
October 9, 2019
2.5 stars. This book started off very well for me but the further I got, the more I was confused about where the author was taking the story. Then at the turn of events in the last 10% of the book, I was left completely baffled (not in a good way) at the direction the book took. I think I understand what the author was trying to do but IMO it didn't add anything to the story other than unnecessary drama. *Warning: Minor spoilers ahead*
Marlee is a typical high schooler who is trying to find her place now that her best friend has relocated and she's left to deal with the last two years of school alone. I like how she decided to remove herself from a toxic group situation, even if it meant being alone/friendless. From the start you can tell that Marlee has been through a lot and that there's some serious emotional and mental baggage in her past, but I liked how she kept trying to see the positive and the lessons life was throwing her way in each moment. Although most of it was cheesy for me now, I can imagine my younger teen self being totally onboard with all of the positive affirmation she kept on her wall. There were times when I really liked Marlee and how she was quite level-headed for a teenager, but then there were moments where she'd have these really nasty and incredibly selfish thoughts that just threw me off completely.
SPOILER: This was especially the case when Marlee got home from Thanksgiving and her mother was feeling worse than usual. She hadn't seen Noah in a few weeks, and was running towards him when her mother collapses and her first thoughts were something along the lines of: "why did she have to be so weak and collapse right now? if it weren't for her, i'd already be in Noah's arms, but instead he's going to her." I mean... Your mother has cancer dude. Are you serious rn? END SPOILER.
I'm also a little on the fence about this romance. It really comes off as insta-lovey because they become a couple 2-3 days after officially meeting. Their chemistry is pretty obvious from the start, but I also felt the 'can't-eat-can't-sleep-can't-breathe-without-you' love happened FAST. I started off really enjoying the descriptions of having a high school crush, swimming in lust and all those raging hormones of teenage-hood. It sent me laughing down memory lane remembering my own very cringeworthy, boy-crazy moments. So I can understand getting caught up in emotions and everything, but I felt this crossed over to the unhealthy kind of love where they're so codependent on each other. Maybe I'm too cynical or old (lol) but I don't believe the kind of love that Noah and Marlee had was really healthy -- especially when everything and everyone else falls to the side (like your very sick very dying mother). Marlee does face a moment where she realizes she has no idea who she is without Noah but other than trying for one activity without him, it really doesn't go anywhere and that was disappointing too.
Noah was genuinely a very good guy though a little too perfect for my tastes and as a result, got slightly boring for me. He didn't get much of a personality other than the shining, electrifying, life saving light to Marlee's dark. Which as a teen I'd be all over; not so much now. I loved most of their friends, like Stella, who at times seemed much more likable than Marlee!
The really bizzare and out of the blue ending was what really brought the rating down for me. I don't understand why it the author had to do it. I actually had to double take when I got to this part of the story because I couldn't believe that the author brought it in this direction. It was just weird and so unnecessary. There's a lot more I could get into about how the situation with her father was handled, and especially how Marlee continued to hide the truth, but I'm not gonna go there because it's just gonna end up being a rant. In the end, even though this started off well, the inside content just wasn't as appealing to me as the outside cover. The story was almost nauseatingly perfect at times--everything was so easily resolved and of course, it was predictable, which isn't always bad if the execution is good. But in this case, it just wasn't there for me.
Thanks to BookSirens and the publishers for providing me the the advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Marlee is a typical high schooler who is trying to find her place now that her best friend has relocated and she's left to deal with the last two years of school alone. I like how she decided to remove herself from a toxic group situation, even if it meant being alone/friendless. From the start you can tell that Marlee has been through a lot and that there's some serious emotional and mental baggage in her past, but I liked how she kept trying to see the positive and the lessons life was throwing her way in each moment. Although most of it was cheesy for me now, I can imagine my younger teen self being totally onboard with all of the positive affirmation she kept on her wall. There were times when I really liked Marlee and how she was quite level-headed for a teenager, but then there were moments where she'd have these really nasty and incredibly selfish thoughts that just threw me off completely.
SPOILER: This was especially the case when Marlee got home from Thanksgiving and her mother was feeling worse than usual. She hadn't seen Noah in a few weeks, and was running towards him when her mother collapses and her first thoughts were something along the lines of: "why did she have to be so weak and collapse right now? if it weren't for her, i'd already be in Noah's arms, but instead he's going to her." I mean... Your mother has cancer dude. Are you serious rn? END SPOILER.
I'm also a little on the fence about this romance. It really comes off as insta-lovey because they become a couple 2-3 days after officially meeting. Their chemistry is pretty obvious from the start, but I also felt the 'can't-eat-can't-sleep-can't-breathe-without-you' love happened FAST. I started off really enjoying the descriptions of having a high school crush, swimming in lust and all those raging hormones of teenage-hood. It sent me laughing down memory lane remembering my own very cringeworthy, boy-crazy moments. So I can understand getting caught up in emotions and everything, but I felt this crossed over to the unhealthy kind of love where they're so codependent on each other. Maybe I'm too cynical or old (lol) but I don't believe the kind of love that Noah and Marlee had was really healthy -- especially when everything and everyone else falls to the side (like your very sick very dying mother). Marlee does face a moment where she realizes she has no idea who she is without Noah but other than trying for one activity without him, it really doesn't go anywhere and that was disappointing too.
Noah was genuinely a very good guy though a little too perfect for my tastes and as a result, got slightly boring for me. He didn't get much of a personality other than the shining, electrifying, life saving light to Marlee's dark. Which as a teen I'd be all over; not so much now. I loved most of their friends, like Stella, who at times seemed much more likable than Marlee!
The really bizzare and out of the blue ending was what really brought the rating down for me. I don't understand why it the author had to do it. I actually had to double take when I got to this part of the story because I couldn't believe that the author brought it in this direction. It was just weird and so unnecessary. There's a lot more I could get into about how the situation with her father was handled, and especially how Marlee continued to hide the truth, but I'm not gonna go there because it's just gonna end up being a rant. In the end, even though this started off well, the inside content just wasn't as appealing to me as the outside cover. The story was almost nauseatingly perfect at times--everything was so easily resolved and of course, it was predictable, which isn't always bad if the execution is good. But in this case, it just wasn't there for me.
Thanks to BookSirens and the publishers for providing me the the advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
September 15, 2019
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with an ARC for my honest review. I feel like I should start this review with an apology because, yeah, this wasn't my thing.
So according the the blurb, this is "a coming-of-age tale about finding love, finding your passion, and finding the light in the darkness". We follow Marlee, a 17 year old as she builds a relationship with Noah, her perfect boyfriend, deals with her mom's cancer and past trauma from her father.
This sounds great and I thought I'd like this. However, this book did not hit the goals it tries to achieve.
One of the biggest problems of this book is the marketing and branding. The age group I would recommend for this type of book is 13-16 year olds, the age where you are still nervous about relationships and sex and lack experience. The book deals with love in a very simplistic way and would definitely calm down a tween.
However, this book claims to be ya. Young Adult books are usually more geared towards 15-20+ year olds. Heck, I was doing a John Green reading marathon during my flight and realized that I appreciate his work even more now.
As an older reader, this got on my nerves in a way that wouldn't when I was 14. I'm going to try and explain what exactly made me upset.
When reading a book for kids, we've got to ask what message are we sending. And here, the message is that sex is bad, that a good couple waits until they have sex and that parents are constantly dysfunctional.
Telling teens that they need to wait to have sex strikes me as a wrong message. I think a better one is, "everyone should have sex once they feel ready and comfortable to, with someone that they trust, and safely". If this truly happens to you when you're 16, I don't see any problem.
And here, Noah and Marlee are applauded for waiting a year. They struggle with their urges but oh, they valiantly deal because heaven forbid they have sex. And Noah occasionally leaves because, "he just can't control himself". Noah and Marlee attempt to stop two of their friends from having sex because they want them to have a good relationship. Cause obviously, if it starts with sex, it's a bad relationship and their friends can't be trusted to make choices. The parents are shocked that they're virgins cause ah, of course teens are always having wild sex.
Seriously though, this book reads like religious dogma, like the book a religious parent gives their child so they won't have sex. Even if it doesn't have the religious aspect, it sounds the same.
The parents are so problematic. From Noah's mom overdrinking to Marlee's mom not taking care of her illness to, well, the entirety of Marlee's dad, it's just messed up. It doesn't add much and reminded me of fanfiction where the main characters fix all of the adults' problems.
The characters never really feel real. Noah keeps on being perfect. Marlee's emotions bounce all over the place. I never felt any type of chemistry between them, especially due to all the insta-love.
All of this circles back to the writing which leans towards telling and not showing. Love, to me, is a lot more about knowing how someone likes to eat their pancakes than it is about showering them with fancy gifts. It's not about thinking someone is perfect, it's about accepting them when they're not because they're them. So I didn't believe their all powerful love because it was told and Marlee's narrative is weak.
I could go on but really, this book wasn't for me. I don't agree with the values and am not convinced at all by anything. Sorry.
What I'm Taking With Me
¤ It did give me comfort last night when I couldn't sleep.
¤ The dad is just so silly.
¤ Did you guys know that this ¤ is the symbol for a generic currency? I did not.
So according the the blurb, this is "a coming-of-age tale about finding love, finding your passion, and finding the light in the darkness". We follow Marlee, a 17 year old as she builds a relationship with Noah, her perfect boyfriend, deals with her mom's cancer and past trauma from her father.
This sounds great and I thought I'd like this. However, this book did not hit the goals it tries to achieve.
One of the biggest problems of this book is the marketing and branding. The age group I would recommend for this type of book is 13-16 year olds, the age where you are still nervous about relationships and sex and lack experience. The book deals with love in a very simplistic way and would definitely calm down a tween.
However, this book claims to be ya. Young Adult books are usually more geared towards 15-20+ year olds. Heck, I was doing a John Green reading marathon during my flight and realized that I appreciate his work even more now.
As an older reader, this got on my nerves in a way that wouldn't when I was 14. I'm going to try and explain what exactly made me upset.
When reading a book for kids, we've got to ask what message are we sending. And here, the message is that sex is bad, that a good couple waits until they have sex and that parents are constantly dysfunctional.
Telling teens that they need to wait to have sex strikes me as a wrong message. I think a better one is, "everyone should have sex once they feel ready and comfortable to, with someone that they trust, and safely". If this truly happens to you when you're 16, I don't see any problem.
And here, Noah and Marlee are applauded for waiting a year. They struggle with their urges but oh, they valiantly deal because heaven forbid they have sex. And Noah occasionally leaves because, "he just can't control himself". Noah and Marlee attempt to stop two of their friends from having sex because they want them to have a good relationship. Cause obviously, if it starts with sex, it's a bad relationship and their friends can't be trusted to make choices. The parents are shocked that they're virgins cause ah, of course teens are always having wild sex.
Seriously though, this book reads like religious dogma, like the book a religious parent gives their child so they won't have sex. Even if it doesn't have the religious aspect, it sounds the same.
The parents are so problematic. From Noah's mom overdrinking to Marlee's mom not taking care of her illness to, well, the entirety of Marlee's dad, it's just messed up. It doesn't add much and reminded me of fanfiction where the main characters fix all of the adults' problems.
The characters never really feel real. Noah keeps on being perfect. Marlee's emotions bounce all over the place. I never felt any type of chemistry between them, especially due to all the insta-love.
All of this circles back to the writing which leans towards telling and not showing. Love, to me, is a lot more about knowing how someone likes to eat their pancakes than it is about showering them with fancy gifts. It's not about thinking someone is perfect, it's about accepting them when they're not because they're them. So I didn't believe their all powerful love because it was told and Marlee's narrative is weak.
I could go on but really, this book wasn't for me. I don't agree with the values and am not convinced at all by anything. Sorry.
What I'm Taking With Me
¤ It did give me comfort last night when I couldn't sleep.
¤ The dad is just so silly.
¤ Did you guys know that this ¤ is the symbol for a generic currency? I did not.
November 4, 2019
After reading My Life as Noah (the second in My Life Series) and the book ending on a cliffhanger, I had to immediately come to read My Life as Marlee to finally get the conclusion and love story between Noah and Marlee.
From the minute Marlee laid eyes on Noah she instantly had a "teenage crush". But that was sophomore year, Marlee is now a junior and life is once again changing for her. Before she had her best friend by her side, but now she's moved thousands of miles away and Marlee is left to start her new school year off alone. That is until Noah finally makes his move. (In Noah's book you learn he promised himself that his senior year he was finally going to make his move on Marlee and make her his.)
But just when things are starting to get to a point that Marlee would almost say is perfect, her mother's illness returns with a vengeance, and the possibility of having to return to live with her father (which is her own version of hell) sends Marlee spiraling. Noah seems to be the anchor she needs to calm the storms that are coming, but what if things are out of their control? What is Marlee to do?
This was a really good book and it was nice to see Noah and Marlee finally come together and how even in high school how they can be faced with problems that many wouldn't believe someone so young could face. If I had any kind of complaint about this one, I wish we could've gotten to see what happened with Delilah. She came to live with Marlee but after that she just kind of disappeared and was never mentioned again not even hanging out with the "gang".
From the minute Marlee laid eyes on Noah she instantly had a "teenage crush". But that was sophomore year, Marlee is now a junior and life is once again changing for her. Before she had her best friend by her side, but now she's moved thousands of miles away and Marlee is left to start her new school year off alone. That is until Noah finally makes his move. (In Noah's book you learn he promised himself that his senior year he was finally going to make his move on Marlee and make her his.)
But just when things are starting to get to a point that Marlee would almost say is perfect, her mother's illness returns with a vengeance, and the possibility of having to return to live with her father (which is her own version of hell) sends Marlee spiraling. Noah seems to be the anchor she needs to calm the storms that are coming, but what if things are out of their control? What is Marlee to do?
This was a really good book and it was nice to see Noah and Marlee finally come together and how even in high school how they can be faced with problems that many wouldn't believe someone so young could face. If I had any kind of complaint about this one, I wish we could've gotten to see what happened with Delilah. She came to live with Marlee but after that she just kind of disappeared and was never mentioned again not even hanging out with the "gang".
September 11, 2019
**Disclaimer: I was given an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Marlee, the title character, finds herself starting junior year without her best friend who moved to Texas during the summer. Suddenly, Marlee catches the attention of alternative rock/grunge music fan Noah who she was crushing on from afar the year prior; It’s an insta-love connection.
And...at 20% I really don’t understand where the book is heading. Each chapter pretty much tells you how the next is going to end up “ohhh he’s totally going to be your boyfriend,” and then the next chapter is titled “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.”
I don’t know what else to say besides that the story is unoriginal, the characters are bland, and it’s very predictable. Eye-rolling and cringe inducing.
Marlee, the title character, finds herself starting junior year without her best friend who moved to Texas during the summer. Suddenly, Marlee catches the attention of alternative rock/grunge music fan Noah who she was crushing on from afar the year prior; It’s an insta-love connection.
And...at 20% I really don’t understand where the book is heading. Each chapter pretty much tells you how the next is going to end up “ohhh he’s totally going to be your boyfriend,” and then the next chapter is titled “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.”
I don’t know what else to say besides that the story is unoriginal, the characters are bland, and it’s very predictable. Eye-rolling and cringe inducing.
July 12, 2020
I tore through it faster than I thought I would because I couldn't put it down. Marlee is so much more of a complex character than she seemed in Noah's story, and that can go for both of them. They both had different ways of viewing the world around them which made them more relatable and lovable to me. I like how even the people in their friend group weren't just side characters, they each had their own depth and personalities which isn't something I see too often, so much love for that!
I have my own slew of mental health issues. So reading more about Marlee's dad's character and how she percieved him after her mom died made even him seem like a character I could easily get close to. I'm so so glad he got the help he needed instead of being just thrown in prison. I love how real Marlee's experiences were and how nothing was ever too fantastical or out of the ordinary. She like everyone else had their own flaws that made them unique and the fact that Marlee was able to recognize those and love herself more was amazing to see.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading her story and Noah's and I am so so so excited to read your next works! ❤
I have my own slew of mental health issues. So reading more about Marlee's dad's character and how she percieved him after her mom died made even him seem like a character I could easily get close to. I'm so so glad he got the help he needed instead of being just thrown in prison. I love how real Marlee's experiences were and how nothing was ever too fantastical or out of the ordinary. She like everyone else had their own flaws that made them unique and the fact that Marlee was able to recognize those and love herself more was amazing to see.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading her story and Noah's and I am so so so excited to read your next works! ❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2022
My Life as Marlee is a marathon sweet YA romance story about a girl who finds an epic love with a wonderful guy. As she navigates her feelings for Noah, she begins to trust him and eventually herself with sharing her painful past with him.
Throughout the story she and Noah grow closer while dealing with their growing physical attraction to one another and their mutual desire to wait just a little bit longer on those urges, his mother who seems like a jerk, her mother who's health is in decline, her younger brother that she seriously owes a lot to for keeping her mouth shut about their father for so long, and her father who has his own serious alarming issues. I also liked Marlee's relationship with her best friend, Ellie, and was glad that she was able to make new friends after Ellie moved away.
The ending was a surprise in a few ways and was very satisfying.
I agree with another reviewer that said this book would be great for fans of Jillian Dodd!
Throughout the story she and Noah grow closer while dealing with their growing physical attraction to one another and their mutual desire to wait just a little bit longer on those urges, his mother who seems like a jerk, her mother who's health is in decline, her younger brother that she seriously owes a lot to for keeping her mouth shut about their father for so long, and her father who has his own serious alarming issues. I also liked Marlee's relationship with her best friend, Ellie, and was glad that she was able to make new friends after Ellie moved away.
The ending was a surprise in a few ways and was very satisfying.
I agree with another reviewer that said this book would be great for fans of Jillian Dodd!
February 26, 2022
Fans of Jillian Dodd’s Keatyn Chronicles would like this book.
This was a good story. I really liked Marlee, Noah, her friends, and her mom. The dynamics between all of them and her life in general were believable and realistic. The ending was a surprise to me and a good one.
I do think the book was a little long and probably could’ve been worked into two books, and there were a few confusing typos at the end with Noah’s last name that threw me off. But if you like long epic love stories with happily ever afters, then this book is for you.
This was a good story. I really liked Marlee, Noah, her friends, and her mom. The dynamics between all of them and her life in general were believable and realistic. The ending was a surprise to me and a good one.
I do think the book was a little long and probably could’ve been worked into two books, and there were a few confusing typos at the end with Noah’s last name that threw me off. But if you like long epic love stories with happily ever afters, then this book is for you.
August 11, 2024
Wow wow wow!
Absolutely adored this book! After reading Noah’s adaption, reading this and seeing a different side of Noah was amazing! Their life together, and Marlee’s life also! The whole storyline was amazing and I did enjoy that the author chose to write the story line of them waiting to have sex! Definitely a 10/10 read!
Absolutely adored this book! After reading Noah’s adaption, reading this and seeing a different side of Noah was amazing! Their life together, and Marlee’s life also! The whole storyline was amazing and I did enjoy that the author chose to write the story line of them waiting to have sex! Definitely a 10/10 read!
February 5, 2020
My Life As Marlee was a quick read that built on the series. I had a hard time putting it down once I got started. All of the characters are easy to connect with and I loved seeing how they dealt with all of the trying times that come with being a teenager. This is the 3rd book I read in the series and there was a bit more suspense in this book which I felt like added to keeping me interested. I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest opinion. I will be recommending this book to my romance loving friends.
November 9, 2019
I found this story to be very well written and enjoyable. It brought back memories from my teenager days and I can honestly say I am quite happy to be past those days.
October 9, 2023
Reading this after “My Life as Noah” I fell in love with the characters and built a strong character connection between Marlee, Noah & their friends.
A beautiful story of young love, mental health issues and navigating tough times of being a teenager.
“Fate may have a plan for you, but ultimately, the plan is your own”
A beautiful story of young love, mental health issues and navigating tough times of being a teenager.
“Fate may have a plan for you, but ultimately, the plan is your own”
January 1, 2023
I'm sorry, I gave this my best shot. I really tried to get through it but I think that ended up being the problem in the end. I don't think you should have to try that hard to read something, so I ended up DNFing this at around the 40% mark. I just couldn't get into it. I didn't connect with any of the characters (aside from Stella) and I found a lot of the situations and dialogue rather bizarre. Marlee's story just wasn't for me. I think maybe this book would better suit younger YA readers.
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