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This One's For You
A gorgeous contemporary romance about two ex-best friends, Cass and Syd, on a life-altering road trip following the reunion tour of the Darlas—the band Cass’s mom was in when she died. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour, Mary H.K. Choi, and Jandy Nelson.
After their high school graduation, former best friends Cass and Syd are gearing up for their futures. Cass has planned to go to college to become an engineer, while Syd—despite the fact that her family thinks she’s messed up her whole life—has lined up a sound internship at a historic music venue.
But Cass is keeping secrets. Though his dad has forbidden it, Cass has been playing music, taking trips to San Francisco BART stations to play and make money. Somehow, it’s become a way for Cass to connect with his mother—who was also a musician—who died in a drunk driving accident on the way back from a gig when he was one.
But after Syd catches Cass playing at the BART station, and Cass finds out his mom’s old band the Darlas is going on a reunion tour, everything changes. On impulse, Cass invites Syd to the first Darlas show, and without telling anyone, they make a break for it. Turning one show into a cross-country journey, the two former friends throw away all their plans for the future and embark on a life-altering road trip following the tour, keeping it a secret from their friends and family.
Along the way, they’ll untangle the messy threads of how they became “ex”-best friends, experience the power of nature and music, and decide what they really want their lives to be. Maybe, through it all, Cass and Syd can find a way back to each other, too.
After their high school graduation, former best friends Cass and Syd are gearing up for their futures. Cass has planned to go to college to become an engineer, while Syd—despite the fact that her family thinks she’s messed up her whole life—has lined up a sound internship at a historic music venue.
But Cass is keeping secrets. Though his dad has forbidden it, Cass has been playing music, taking trips to San Francisco BART stations to play and make money. Somehow, it’s become a way for Cass to connect with his mother—who was also a musician—who died in a drunk driving accident on the way back from a gig when he was one.
But after Syd catches Cass playing at the BART station, and Cass finds out his mom’s old band the Darlas is going on a reunion tour, everything changes. On impulse, Cass invites Syd to the first Darlas show, and without telling anyone, they make a break for it. Turning one show into a cross-country journey, the two former friends throw away all their plans for the future and embark on a life-altering road trip following the tour, keeping it a secret from their friends and family.
Along the way, they’ll untangle the messy threads of how they became “ex”-best friends, experience the power of nature and music, and decide what they really want their lives to be. Maybe, through it all, Cass and Syd can find a way back to each other, too.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published February 7, 2023
9 people are currently reading
3838 people want to read
About the author
Kate Sweeney
3 books62 followersKate Sweeney was born in Athens, Georgia, and has since lived many places, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Salt Lake City. She began writing when she was sixteen. Her father–a novelist and screenwriter–had died five years prior, and in writing she found a way of bringing his voice back to her ears.
For the past ten years she has resided in the Bay Area, where she spends her time making music with her band, Magic Magic Roses, teaching literacy, and working with her husband at the family art-framing business.
For the past ten years she has resided in the Bay Area, where she spends her time making music with her band, Magic Magic Roses, teaching literacy, and working with her husband at the family art-framing business.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 26, 2023
If anything could have save this book it was the length.... I have been on record as saying that I think you need 350 pages MINIMUM to tell a good story in a contemporary setting whether it's a slice of life story or a romance and I get a lot of push back on that, particularly from the romance readers... but this was a hot mess. I'm sure that there is an author alive that could have taken some of the elements present and fashioned a story that worked better, but even then I think the results would have only been marginal.
Told in dual perspective, this is the story of two childhood friends that had a falling out in the early years of their high school experience that are now coming back together the week of their high school graduation as they embark on a whim of a roadtrip to see the band that Caspian's mother used to play in and Sydney can escape the ultimatum her parents have dropped into her lap. If that was all the book was trying to do, it might have succeeded. Instead the first twenty percent of the book is taken up with establishing Caspian getting dumped and the poor relationship that he has with father, and maybe that he'd also like to pursue something in the music industry. Meanwhile Sydney has been the family fuck up and when she's presented with either taking this internship her mother has lined up for her at the hospital where she works or move out of the house she's not entirely sure what she should do.. What happens next is said ill planned road trip that I alluded to earlier where long hidden romantic feelings are sort of explored, the reasoning for their childhood fallout has to be addressed, and the ways that both of their parents have failed them all crammed into 200 pages of navigating the various ways in which neither of them was monetarily ready for this foolish road trip all around the western United States.
It didn't help that I found some of the things happening to be a little unserious, the ways that things were transpiring to just make no logical sense, and the fact that I just could not bring myself to care about these two kids getting together. Even if I could, the reason that their friendship imploded I just couldn't see them forming anything that felt like a healthy relationship. It does help that it's YA... so even if I did believe they could get together I would also believe that five years down the road they would have still decided to call it quits.
Ultimately there was just never enough pagetime for the characters to really feel like they reached their ultimate potential and that's all because I think that there were just a few too many things going on for each of them for any of it to feel like it could satisfy the reader in the end.
Told in dual perspective, this is the story of two childhood friends that had a falling out in the early years of their high school experience that are now coming back together the week of their high school graduation as they embark on a whim of a roadtrip to see the band that Caspian's mother used to play in and Sydney can escape the ultimatum her parents have dropped into her lap. If that was all the book was trying to do, it might have succeeded. Instead the first twenty percent of the book is taken up with establishing Caspian getting dumped and the poor relationship that he has with father, and maybe that he'd also like to pursue something in the music industry. Meanwhile Sydney has been the family fuck up and when she's presented with either taking this internship her mother has lined up for her at the hospital where she works or move out of the house she's not entirely sure what she should do.. What happens next is said ill planned road trip that I alluded to earlier where long hidden romantic feelings are sort of explored, the reasoning for their childhood fallout has to be addressed, and the ways that both of their parents have failed them all crammed into 200 pages of navigating the various ways in which neither of them was monetarily ready for this foolish road trip all around the western United States.
It didn't help that I found some of the things happening to be a little unserious, the ways that things were transpiring to just make no logical sense, and the fact that I just could not bring myself to care about these two kids getting together. Even if I could, the reason that their friendship imploded I just couldn't see them forming anything that felt like a healthy relationship. It does help that it's YA... so even if I did believe they could get together I would also believe that five years down the road they would have still decided to call it quits.
Ultimately there was just never enough pagetime for the characters to really feel like they reached their ultimate potential and that's all because I think that there were just a few too many things going on for each of them for any of it to feel like it could satisfy the reader in the end.
April 12, 2023
4/5 stars, a quick read that I could really relate to
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group & Viking Books for Young Readers for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
In the past, young adult contemporary/romance has been really hit or miss for me and so it's not always something that I gravitate towards. But the synopsis of this book intrigued me, especially as it's a really unique young adult contemporary concept. Two ex-best friends Caspian and Sydney have just graduated and are gearing up to start the next phase of their lives, but they're keeping secrets from their families that they're struggling with. When Caspian finds out that his later mother's old band is getting back together for a final reunion tour, he sets off on a road trip on a whim, and Sydney decides to join him for one last run together.
The pacing felt a little off to me in this book, but it wasn't enough for me to not enjoy the story. It was a very quick read, but that doesn't mean that there was always something happening in the story, though there was at points. But there were times when days would pass with a time skip and other times when this book would cover hours, I knew it was a road trip but I wish it had been just a little more consistent. As well, the synopsis makes a few things seem a lot more intense than they actually were, such as describing the road trip as "life-changing." While it didn't feel that way for me reading it, I understand the concept of this as the characters were reconnecting and did discover some things about themselves. I just think there were some things that could have been explored a little more, but I did appreciate themes of anxiety/panic attacks and therapy, and finding your own path away from parents' expectations were discussed in this book.
Caspian and Sydney were both really interesting characters, and I especially enjoyed seeing how their dynamic had evolved from when they were children (that was sometimes touched on). It was definitely different but there was always the same undercurrent of their relationship when they were young. I think that the slow re-connection that happened with them on the road trip was done perfectly, as ex-friend relationships are tricky to navigate, especially when you're suddenly hanging out again and going on a road trip. I loved that things weren't suddenly okay again, but they were still supporting one another and had a connection of understanding. In the end, I think they were both great characters to headline this book and I overall enjoyed them both.
Overall, this was a fun and quick read that definitely makes me want to pick up more young adult contemporary soon. This would be a good young adult read for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six even though it might not go as in-depth with the music as that book does. While I wish there had been more emphasis on certain aspects of the story, it was still really enjoyable and I had a fun time reading this book. I'll definitely bee keeping my eye out for other books by this author.
[TW: death of a parent, drugs, and smoking depicted, depiction of panic attacks, global climate change anxiety, hangover, break up with a partner]
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group & Viking Books for Young Readers for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
In the past, young adult contemporary/romance has been really hit or miss for me and so it's not always something that I gravitate towards. But the synopsis of this book intrigued me, especially as it's a really unique young adult contemporary concept. Two ex-best friends Caspian and Sydney have just graduated and are gearing up to start the next phase of their lives, but they're keeping secrets from their families that they're struggling with. When Caspian finds out that his later mother's old band is getting back together for a final reunion tour, he sets off on a road trip on a whim, and Sydney decides to join him for one last run together.
The pacing felt a little off to me in this book, but it wasn't enough for me to not enjoy the story. It was a very quick read, but that doesn't mean that there was always something happening in the story, though there was at points. But there were times when days would pass with a time skip and other times when this book would cover hours, I knew it was a road trip but I wish it had been just a little more consistent. As well, the synopsis makes a few things seem a lot more intense than they actually were, such as describing the road trip as "life-changing." While it didn't feel that way for me reading it, I understand the concept of this as the characters were reconnecting and did discover some things about themselves. I just think there were some things that could have been explored a little more, but I did appreciate themes of anxiety/panic attacks and therapy, and finding your own path away from parents' expectations were discussed in this book.
Caspian and Sydney were both really interesting characters, and I especially enjoyed seeing how their dynamic had evolved from when they were children (that was sometimes touched on). It was definitely different but there was always the same undercurrent of their relationship when they were young. I think that the slow re-connection that happened with them on the road trip was done perfectly, as ex-friend relationships are tricky to navigate, especially when you're suddenly hanging out again and going on a road trip. I loved that things weren't suddenly okay again, but they were still supporting one another and had a connection of understanding. In the end, I think they were both great characters to headline this book and I overall enjoyed them both.
Overall, this was a fun and quick read that definitely makes me want to pick up more young adult contemporary soon. This would be a good young adult read for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six even though it might not go as in-depth with the music as that book does. While I wish there had been more emphasis on certain aspects of the story, it was still really enjoyable and I had a fun time reading this book. I'll definitely bee keeping my eye out for other books by this author.
[TW: death of a parent, drugs, and smoking depicted, depiction of panic attacks, global climate change anxiety, hangover, break up with a partner]
February 22, 2023
Thank you Penguin Teen for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Potential spoilers ahead, but there was a lack of plot twists so I don't really know what it would be spoiling for y'all. Proceed with caution I guess?
I originally gave this book 2.5 stars (rounded to 3), but after writing my review I realized it really wasn't worthy of that extra .5
I want to start this by saying that I really tried to enjoy this book. I stayed up until 2am on a school night to finish this, which would normally indicate a good book, right? Well in this case, not really. I don't know what compelled me to do that. I genuinely don't. It wasn't a very interesting read, and I didn't really care about the characters all that much (if an asteroid were to have taken them all out at some point during the book I would have shrugged and went on with my life).
Perhaps the best thing about this book was that it was a quick and easy read. I know that's not exactly a ringing endorsement, but it's the truth. This was probably the reason I stayed up so late to finish a book I didn't even like that much. Might as well get it over with, right?
Anyway: the review.
We had two main characters, Caspian (Cass) and Sydney (Syd). Cass was on the better side of fairly decent. In all honesty, this book would have been way better if we only had Caspian's POV and if Syd just didn't exist. Cass was a mostly likable character (except that part where he y'know, fell for Syd). He was a little stupid in the communication department, but overall not the worst character in the book. We save that title for Syd.
Authors need to stop making their female MC revolve fully around the Not Like Other Girls personality type. It's just not cool anymore (was it ever really cool?) Early on in the book Cass just drops this fun lil sentence: "...with a reverence I've only ever seen her give to dead things." WITH NO CONTEXT. Like okay, fine. Syd is Not Like Other Girls, of course she's into dead things. But we didn't know that at that point, did we? No. We don't get Syd's weird-obsession-with-dead-things speech until like halfway through the book, so we're left hanging with that weird tidbit for a good long while.
Because Syd is Not Like Other Girls, she drew a sharpie tattoo of a skull on the back of her hand at one point. Wow. How edgy. So cool. These characters were supposed to have recently graduated from high school, so like 18ish. Giving yourself sharpie tattoos stopped being cool in like third grade. Unless you're Taylor Swift, but since you're not Taylor Swift, please just stop.
Half the plot revolves around Syd and Cass being sort-of enemies. They used to be besties, and then something happened, and now they're not. And if you want more specifics on what that "something" was, believe me, so do I. And I read the book. Basically, Cass made friends that were Not Syd, and this made Syd upset and so she stopped talking to him. Or something. It was very unclear and Syd was filled with rage for literally no reason. Honestly, Cass was better off without her.
Something I found very weird was the author's way of describing someone's skin tone. Usually authors don't just tell you someone's white. They describe it in some way other than just blatantly saying it. Here's an example: "He's white and big, easily over six feet tall." Now I'm not an expert on fictional writing, but I've read a fair amount and I know there's better ways to say that. In fact, does the skin tone of characters We Don't Care About even matter? Just say the dude's tall and move on.
Compared to Syd, who was just messed up in so many ways that screamed "I need therapy but I'm too stubborn to go," Cass was fairly normal (and more on that later, being "normal" was somehow a plotline). Except that part where he said "When I was a kid I was obsessed with other people's mothers." Excuse me? Now, Cass's mother had died when he was but a wee lad, so it makes some sense that he would be curious about other people's mothers. But it did not have to be written in such a creepy way.
So back to the whole "normal" thing. A big reason why Cass and Syd drifted apart (and yes, "drifted apart" seems the most accurate description, not the huge friendship break-up Syd was making it out to be) was because Cass wanted to be "normal" and Syd was just Not Like Other Girls and was thus very not "normal." And I honestly don't blame Cass for wanting friends who were Not Syd. Girl tapes up articles about dead whales over her bed. Can you really blame Cass for wanting other friends?
Anyway, Cass and Syd randomly reconnect and go on this impulsive road trip to watch Cass's dead mother's band perform multiple times. Isn't that positively cheerful? Throughout this "roadtrip," we see several instances of Syd being a downright Bad Person and Cass just going along with it, and worse, being tricked into thinking he's the problem. Cass apologized for calling Syd out for being a bad person. You'd think maybe Syd would have thought "oh wait maybe I'M the problem." But alas, that didn't happen. In case you're in desperate need of proof that Syd treated Cass like absolute garbage, I present to you the following quotes:
"Why can't Syd ever just hear me when I try to tell her no?"
"Stop pushing me!" I yell, my hands pulling at my hair. "Just fucking stop."
Of course, that last one really hurts Syd's feelings and uh oh, it's Cass's fault because he's a Terrible Person and she's an angel. Obviously.
So looking back through my highlights, there was actually one instance where Syd apologized. But-- and yes, there's a but--Cass apologized first. And his apology is a banger. I mean, he outright tells Syd she's Not Like Other Girls: "The truth is, you aren't like anyone else." Now, this scene was just so bad. I'm sorry, but it was. I already didn't like the romance. I mean why was it even a thing? They had no real connection other than being stupidly horny teens. But back to the apology, that unfortunately for you, dear reader, I'm going to share:
This part is from Syd's POV
I just. Don't even know. Cass should NOT want Syd to "come back" to him. She's deranged and needs help. Why is she even mad at him? For having friends that are Not Her? I don't know about you guys, but that's a massive red flag to me. And for the record, what Cass said to her in New Orleans WAS NOT WRONG. He literally just called her out for being a massive dick, and that made her sad :(
So I guess all in all, it wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it was far from the best. Overall, it wasn't that interesting and the plot wasn't exciting. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention earlier that there was a whole psychic moment about Cass's mom that supposedly revealed some Big Thing but then that Big Thing was literally never addressed again and we forgot all about it. So that was fun? Anyway, happy reading, Chickens!
Potential spoilers ahead, but there was a lack of plot twists so I don't really know what it would be spoiling for y'all. Proceed with caution I guess?
I originally gave this book 2.5 stars (rounded to 3), but after writing my review I realized it really wasn't worthy of that extra .5
I want to start this by saying that I really tried to enjoy this book. I stayed up until 2am on a school night to finish this, which would normally indicate a good book, right? Well in this case, not really. I don't know what compelled me to do that. I genuinely don't. It wasn't a very interesting read, and I didn't really care about the characters all that much (if an asteroid were to have taken them all out at some point during the book I would have shrugged and went on with my life).
Perhaps the best thing about this book was that it was a quick and easy read. I know that's not exactly a ringing endorsement, but it's the truth. This was probably the reason I stayed up so late to finish a book I didn't even like that much. Might as well get it over with, right?
Anyway: the review.
We had two main characters, Caspian (Cass) and Sydney (Syd). Cass was on the better side of fairly decent. In all honesty, this book would have been way better if we only had Caspian's POV and if Syd just didn't exist. Cass was a mostly likable character (except that part where he y'know, fell for Syd). He was a little stupid in the communication department, but overall not the worst character in the book. We save that title for Syd.
Authors need to stop making their female MC revolve fully around the Not Like Other Girls personality type. It's just not cool anymore (was it ever really cool?) Early on in the book Cass just drops this fun lil sentence: "...with a reverence I've only ever seen her give to dead things." WITH NO CONTEXT. Like okay, fine. Syd is Not Like Other Girls, of course she's into dead things. But we didn't know that at that point, did we? No. We don't get Syd's weird-obsession-with-dead-things speech until like halfway through the book, so we're left hanging with that weird tidbit for a good long while.
Because Syd is Not Like Other Girls, she drew a sharpie tattoo of a skull on the back of her hand at one point. Wow. How edgy. So cool. These characters were supposed to have recently graduated from high school, so like 18ish. Giving yourself sharpie tattoos stopped being cool in like third grade. Unless you're Taylor Swift, but since you're not Taylor Swift, please just stop.
Half the plot revolves around Syd and Cass being sort-of enemies. They used to be besties, and then something happened, and now they're not. And if you want more specifics on what that "something" was, believe me, so do I. And I read the book. Basically, Cass made friends that were Not Syd, and this made Syd upset and so she stopped talking to him. Or something. It was very unclear and Syd was filled with rage for literally no reason. Honestly, Cass was better off without her.
Something I found very weird was the author's way of describing someone's skin tone. Usually authors don't just tell you someone's white. They describe it in some way other than just blatantly saying it. Here's an example: "He's white and big, easily over six feet tall." Now I'm not an expert on fictional writing, but I've read a fair amount and I know there's better ways to say that. In fact, does the skin tone of characters We Don't Care About even matter? Just say the dude's tall and move on.
Compared to Syd, who was just messed up in so many ways that screamed "I need therapy but I'm too stubborn to go," Cass was fairly normal (and more on that later, being "normal" was somehow a plotline). Except that part where he said "When I was a kid I was obsessed with other people's mothers." Excuse me? Now, Cass's mother had died when he was but a wee lad, so it makes some sense that he would be curious about other people's mothers. But it did not have to be written in such a creepy way.
So back to the whole "normal" thing. A big reason why Cass and Syd drifted apart (and yes, "drifted apart" seems the most accurate description, not the huge friendship break-up Syd was making it out to be) was because Cass wanted to be "normal" and Syd was just Not Like Other Girls and was thus very not "normal." And I honestly don't blame Cass for wanting friends who were Not Syd. Girl tapes up articles about dead whales over her bed. Can you really blame Cass for wanting other friends?
Anyway, Cass and Syd randomly reconnect and go on this impulsive road trip to watch Cass's dead mother's band perform multiple times. Isn't that positively cheerful? Throughout this "roadtrip," we see several instances of Syd being a downright Bad Person and Cass just going along with it, and worse, being tricked into thinking he's the problem. Cass apologized for calling Syd out for being a bad person. You'd think maybe Syd would have thought "oh wait maybe I'M the problem." But alas, that didn't happen. In case you're in desperate need of proof that Syd treated Cass like absolute garbage, I present to you the following quotes:
"Why can't Syd ever just hear me when I try to tell her no?"
"Stop pushing me!" I yell, my hands pulling at my hair. "Just fucking stop."
Of course, that last one really hurts Syd's feelings and uh oh, it's Cass's fault because he's a Terrible Person and she's an angel. Obviously.
So looking back through my highlights, there was actually one instance where Syd apologized. But-- and yes, there's a but--Cass apologized first. And his apology is a banger. I mean, he outright tells Syd she's Not Like Other Girls: "The truth is, you aren't like anyone else." Now, this scene was just so bad. I'm sorry, but it was. I already didn't like the romance. I mean why was it even a thing? They had no real connection other than being stupidly horny teens. But back to the apology, that unfortunately for you, dear reader, I'm going to share:
This part is from Syd's POV
Cass catches up to me and skids to a stop and we both stand under the streetlight, trying to catch our breath in the fog. I'm shaking. I turn away from him, back toward the venue, the round bulb lights that twinkle in the distance. A soft, warm, quilted jacket drops onto my shoulders.
"I'm so scared," I say. I bury [my] face in my hands. "And I'm never scared. I don't know how to do this."
"I know," he says, right behind me. "It's my fault. I am so, so sorry."
And then I start to cry again.
"You were right," he says. "I was a coward." I can feel him moving closer, his presence tall and steady at my back. "For a really long time. I thought-"
"My mom-
"My dad-
"I don't know. I was stupid and scared and I just wanted to stop feeling so much." He rests one big hand on my shoulder. "That was a mistake." He takes a deep, sad breath. "Listen. What I said to you in New Orleans was wrong. The truth is, you aren't like anyone else. But I'm so glad you're not."
"I'm sorry too," I say. "You're right, I shouldn't have pushed you so hard. That's not my job. But I still can't-" I look around, trying to find the words to say what I'm feeling. "I'm still so mad at you." I can't let this anger go; it feels like the only thing holding me to the earth.
Cass watches me carefully, like he's afraid I'll run away again.
"It's okay," he says, letting out a shaky breath. "Just please, come back to me."
I just. Don't even know. Cass should NOT want Syd to "come back" to him. She's deranged and needs help. Why is she even mad at him? For having friends that are Not Her? I don't know about you guys, but that's a massive red flag to me. And for the record, what Cass said to her in New Orleans WAS NOT WRONG. He literally just called her out for being a massive dick, and that made her sad :(
So I guess all in all, it wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it was far from the best. Overall, it wasn't that interesting and the plot wasn't exciting. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention earlier that there was a whole psychic moment about Cass's mom that supposedly revealed some Big Thing but then that Big Thing was literally never addressed again and we forgot all about it. So that was fun? Anyway, happy reading, Chickens!
February 4, 2023
thank you to penguin teen and viking books for young readers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
aw, man. i really hate to give books that deal with topics like these (grief, loss of a parent, finding your identity) low ratings because these are important stories to have. but uh... i really did not vibe with this story. so i guess, a rant incoming???
cass and syd are estranged friends who go on a roadtrip to follow cass's mother's (who passed when he was a baby) band on a reunion tour. and, the concept seems great. it really does. but these two characters do such a terrible job conversing with each other the entire story that i really didn't feel their relationship rekindle well. nor, did i really believe their platonic (and secret romantic) love for each other before they had their friendship break-up. they just. could. not. explain. their. feelings. not once. it was truly infuriating. to have three-hundred-ish pages of poor communication and then believing that they've sorted out their issues in the end. it's just far-fetched for me.
and let's not talk about how syd (very unfortunately) felt like the next door neighbor manic-pixie dream girl that we all so love (no, we don't). every time they brought up their past, it's always syd pushing cass to do some wild dare. because she's so weird and quirky and not normal! please. let's move on from that. and for that to literally be the source of how they became estranged in the first place. (with a hint of jealousy when cass had a crush on another person, what??) i don't know, maybe i am too far removed from my high school days but like, it feels so immature. but not that cass was much better. he was genuinely a hollow of a human. and i get that's the point by my gosh was it a struggle to read the same thoughts constantly.
basically, both of these teens should have been in therapy for years. and not just for brief times. and also, both of their parents need to do better. everyone in this book is terrible at listening. or talking. or both. i genuinely cannot fathom that a grown adult could not even listen to their name of deceased partner and physically shut down and walk away from a conversation 16 years later. i mean?? trust me, i understand grief is not easy. but like, i guess i see where his son gets it from. my god.
but uh, okay. i guess i have a lot of strong thoughts on this book (more than i expected) and i don't want to sit here writing my own novel all night. but tldr, this was not it for me. i really struggled to make my way through a book that had a promising concept. and that's all down to the extreme lack of communication by any of the characters in this story.
aw, man. i really hate to give books that deal with topics like these (grief, loss of a parent, finding your identity) low ratings because these are important stories to have. but uh... i really did not vibe with this story. so i guess, a rant incoming???
cass and syd are estranged friends who go on a roadtrip to follow cass's mother's (who passed when he was a baby) band on a reunion tour. and, the concept seems great. it really does. but these two characters do such a terrible job conversing with each other the entire story that i really didn't feel their relationship rekindle well. nor, did i really believe their platonic (and secret romantic) love for each other before they had their friendship break-up. they just. could. not. explain. their. feelings. not once. it was truly infuriating. to have three-hundred-ish pages of poor communication and then believing that they've sorted out their issues in the end. it's just far-fetched for me.
and let's not talk about how syd (very unfortunately) felt like the next door neighbor manic-pixie dream girl that we all so love (no, we don't). every time they brought up their past, it's always syd pushing cass to do some wild dare. because she's so weird and quirky and not normal! please. let's move on from that. and for that to literally be the source of how they became estranged in the first place. (with a hint of jealousy when cass had a crush on another person, what??) i don't know, maybe i am too far removed from my high school days but like, it feels so immature. but not that cass was much better. he was genuinely a hollow of a human. and i get that's the point by my gosh was it a struggle to read the same thoughts constantly.
basically, both of these teens should have been in therapy for years. and not just for brief times. and also, both of their parents need to do better. everyone in this book is terrible at listening. or talking. or both. i genuinely cannot fathom that a grown adult could not even listen to their name of deceased partner and physically shut down and walk away from a conversation 16 years later. i mean?? trust me, i understand grief is not easy. but like, i guess i see where his son gets it from. my god.
but uh, okay. i guess i have a lot of strong thoughts on this book (more than i expected) and i don't want to sit here writing my own novel all night. but tldr, this was not it for me. i really struggled to make my way through a book that had a promising concept. and that's all down to the extreme lack of communication by any of the characters in this story.
February 23, 2023
I felt like this was a bit short for how much the story was trying to pack like the characters may have been more impactful if it was a bit longer.
I received an ecopy of this through Netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this through Netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
January 29, 2023
read on my blog
rep: sapphic side characters, nonbinary side character
cw: grief, depression, mentions of death of a parent (mother) due to drunk driving
**I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley (thank you, Penguin Teen!). These are my honest opinions, and in no way was I compensated for this review.**
“I keep looking back at everything and feeling like I didn’t really know you at all.”
He turns and looks at me, his eyes moving across my face. “You know me better than anyone else ever has.”
The summary of This One’s For You first caught my eye. It sounded like a very heartfelt tale, and even though I’m not too into friends-to-lovers, estranged-friends-to-lovers is definitely more my speed. This One’s For You is a poignant tale of of two estranged best friends who haven’t spoken in two years and reunite for a spontaneous road trip, where they must learn to bridge the gap between them.
Cass and Sydney were once attached at the hip, but they haven’t spoken to each other in two years. Soon after their graduation, they’re both facing their futures: Cass, at college for engineering, and Syd, at a sound engineering internship. When she discovers that he’s been busking at the subway station, something starts between them again. Cass recently found out that his deceased mother’s band, the Darlas, is going on a reunion tour, and the two of them spontaneously decide to road trip and follow them.
I really enjoyed how Cass and Sydney were juxtaposed throughout the story. They simultaneously understand each other the most in each other’s lives yet are so fundamentally different. Cass is reserved and anxious to break any rules, while Syd is all about being impulsive and doing what she wants. The main reason they stopped being friends was that she felt that he abandoned her for “normal” friends while he was tired of her wanting to be the only person he could be friends with. Yet, at their core, it’s clear that both are lost and can help each other find themselves again.
Their differences are also reflected in the writing itself. This is a dual point-of-view book, and I liked how it was very easy to differentiate between the two characters’ chapters. It’s clear that their relationship has suffered from so much miscommunication, mainly because Cass is emotionally closed off while Syd is angry that he never shares as much of himself as she does herself. I do think it got a bit frustrating that they never really talk to each other for much of the book, but it did feel realistic.
I also liked Cass’s and Sydney’s individual character arcs. Cass has never really known his mother, who died when he was one due to driving while she was drunk; besides this loss at a young age, his father has also kept everything about her from him, including music and her band. Cass is unable to stay away from her guitar though, busking at the subway station as an escape. Following the Darlas on tour is partially his search for his mother and partially the beginning of letting himself pursue his own dreams.
Meanwhile, Sydney is tired of feeling out-of-place in her large family. Her parents are pushing her to accept a medical internship—without knowing that she has the sound engineering one lined up—or be kicked out of the house. She’s the one to urge Cass on this road trip, but she’s also running away from her own problems while getting to do what she loves in a more professional setting.
The members of the Darlas turn out to be something like mentors to both of them, helping them see unencumbered happiness and joy. It was great to see them be supportive of both Cass and Sydney. I thought both of their relationships with their parents was also interesting. You can obviously see the love between Cass and his father, but there’s a grief lying underneath their relationship that’s redefined them. Sydney’s relationship with her parents, I feel like, was a typical teenager attitude of “no one understands me!” but I did like her mother trying to reach out and meeting her in the middle, and vice versa, at the end of the book.
The romance was so well done. Again, Cass and Syd haven’t spoken in two years, so there’s bound to be tension between them as they set out on this journey. However, it’s clear that they had feelings for each other even while being just friends—even if they didn’t consciously know it—and being in such close proximity brings those underlying feelings rushing up again, although Sydney is still upset with Cass. I liked how they gradually gravitated toward each other, despite all the hurt between them, and how they both helped each other without even thinking about it.
Overall, This One’s For You struck me emotionally; I was almost tearing up at the end. I really liked the characters and the writing; I’ll definitely check out this author’s other works soon. If you’re a fan of Jandy Nelson or are intrigued by a road trip book between two estranged best friends, you should pick up This One’s For You!
original review:
v poignant story of two estranged best friends who haven't spoken in two years and simultaneously understand each other the most while also being so fundamentally different. I really liked the character development, and the writing really grew on me!
April 29, 2023
If you're a fan of music and bands, this book is for you! I really enjoyed the way these characters connected going to the venue, and connected. Feeling the post-concert blues is no joke. But I do love the way it ties up loose ends of friendship and family, and how sometimes you just need your best friend.
February 7, 2023
EMOTIONS.
August 12, 2024
This was a quick read but it took a while to get into. It just felt slow to me and I did not really enjoy the characters. The part I did enjoy though, was that it was dual point of view so you could know what Cass and Sydney were thinking. I couldn’t get past the main girl in this book. She was ultimately annoying and acted like she was better than others because she was “different” from them. Overall it wasn’t the worst book I have read but it definitely did not have any amazing qualities.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
February 2, 2023
“I need a sign, a promise from the universe, but I know it isn’t coming. This one is on me.”
This One’s For Me is a stunning contemporary romance about two ex-best friends, Caspian and Sydney (or Cass and Syd), discovering how to find their own happiness without falling under the weight of their parents expectations.
Usually, I’m not fully inclined to pick up a romance novel. I’m more of a fantasy and sci-fi type girl. This book caught my eye though. Two best friends who haven’t spoken in two years embark on a road trip to experience a one time life opportunity? Hand it over.
I absolutely loved the character dynamic between Syd and Cass. Syd’s carefree and impulsive attitude compared to Cass’s reserved and anxious personality allowed the banter between the two of them to be perfection.
Plus the music aspect added an extra touch to the entire plot. Music brought Syd and Cass back together. Music also connects Cass to his mom, even though his father has kept it away from him. Syd pushes Cass to pursue his dreams and goals in music.
The author did a wonderful job at explaining Caspian and Sydeny’s backstories and the explanations behind their decisions. It’s very clear their past relationship was severed through miscommunication and neglect. The author does a beautiful job of bringing the two of them back together in a way that isn’t out of the blue.
“Emmy, if this book was so good, why did you rate it three stars?”
Firstly, I couldn’t connect with the writing. While I understood the plot, I couldn’t picture the characters. I read the book, not watched the movie in my head (if you understand the feeling).
Secondly, the story was way too fast for my liking. I felt there could be many moments that were savored for more than just a few paragraphs. If you’re someone who enjoys a slow paced novel, I wouldn’t recommend this book.
Third, there were many chapters and scenes that felt chunky and skipped around too much. You’d be in one place at one point, and two pages later, would be in an entirely new town with new scenery.
In conclusion,
Things I loved:
- amazing character development
- music as a connection between characters
- character banter and romance
Things I did not like:
- plot felt slightly rough and and too fast paced at points
- couldn’t connect with the writing
3 stars ⭐️
~~~
Thank you to penguin teen and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This One’s For Me is a stunning contemporary romance about two ex-best friends, Caspian and Sydney (or Cass and Syd), discovering how to find their own happiness without falling under the weight of their parents expectations.
Usually, I’m not fully inclined to pick up a romance novel. I’m more of a fantasy and sci-fi type girl. This book caught my eye though. Two best friends who haven’t spoken in two years embark on a road trip to experience a one time life opportunity? Hand it over.
I absolutely loved the character dynamic between Syd and Cass. Syd’s carefree and impulsive attitude compared to Cass’s reserved and anxious personality allowed the banter between the two of them to be perfection.
Plus the music aspect added an extra touch to the entire plot. Music brought Syd and Cass back together. Music also connects Cass to his mom, even though his father has kept it away from him. Syd pushes Cass to pursue his dreams and goals in music.
The author did a wonderful job at explaining Caspian and Sydeny’s backstories and the explanations behind their decisions. It’s very clear their past relationship was severed through miscommunication and neglect. The author does a beautiful job of bringing the two of them back together in a way that isn’t out of the blue.
“Emmy, if this book was so good, why did you rate it three stars?”
Firstly, I couldn’t connect with the writing. While I understood the plot, I couldn’t picture the characters. I read the book, not watched the movie in my head (if you understand the feeling).
Secondly, the story was way too fast for my liking. I felt there could be many moments that were savored for more than just a few paragraphs. If you’re someone who enjoys a slow paced novel, I wouldn’t recommend this book.
Third, there were many chapters and scenes that felt chunky and skipped around too much. You’d be in one place at one point, and two pages later, would be in an entirely new town with new scenery.
In conclusion,
Things I loved:
- amazing character development
- music as a connection between characters
- character banter and romance
Things I did not like:
- plot felt slightly rough and and too fast paced at points
- couldn’t connect with the writing
3 stars ⭐️
~~~
Thank you to penguin teen and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2024
1.5 ⭐️. i dont know how to put this in words. FIRST OF ALL. THE MAIN GIRL HAS SOME SORT OF SUPERIORITY COMPLEX OR SOMETHING. SHE LITERALLY REFERS TO OTHER TEENAGERS AS “ Normals”. WHAT. DO YOU MEANNNN. JESUS CHRIST GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE. AND THE MAIN DUDE. BRO IS BLANDER AND DRYER THAN A SALTINE CRACKER THATS BEEN SITTING IN THE SUN FOR EIGHT YEARS. THEY HAD NO CHEMISTRY. THE BOOK EXPLAINED NOTHING ABOT THEIR BACKSTORY, WHY THEY FELL APART, OR BARELY EVEN WHAT THEY THOUGHT AND FELT. literally they felt so 2D and just not fully developed characters. i could not have cared ANY LESS IF THEY ACHIEVED THEIR GOAL OR NOT. AND WHAT WAS THE GOAL. IM SO DEAD HONEST. I COULDNT TELL YOU. THIS BOOK WAS SO BORING IM SORRY. ALSO MY LIBRARY MESSED UP AND PRINTED THE BOOK WRONG, SO THE LAST EIGHTH OF THE BOOK WAD ALL SCREWED UP SO NOTHING MADE SENSE. I GAVE UP EVENTUALLY, BUT THERE IS NO WAY IM NOT ADDING RHIS TO MY READING GOAL BECAUSE I TRIED SO HARD TO READ OT AND GAVE UP ON THE LAST 30 PAGES. I SHOULD HAVE DNFRD IT. okay im sorry a lot of that was kinda mean and this is absolutely no hate to the author. im sure shes a wonderful person. but i was actually so bored i literally wouldve rather done ANYTHING than read this book. i shouldve dnfed sooner, i wasted time on this book. im gonna go sleep off my anger now. thanks for coming to my ted talk i guess, i probably forgot some points, but you get the gist.
February 4, 2023
Thank you @PenguinTeen and @katesweeneywrites for this ARC!
Please note that this review is based on uncorrected text.
"Figured it's okay because the sequins are black. Wouldn't want to spread joy or anything."
Syd is truly my spirit animal. Sarcastic and fully feeling the unknowns. We get to see them both go through this journey of self discovery not alone, but together and I love that, even though they hadn't been friends for a hot minute. And I can't deny myself a good road trip book!
It truly takes you through ALL. THE. FEELS. Frustration. Pride. Sadness. Overwhelmed with emotion. And of course, Happiness. Even though it was a read filled with adventure and turns you weren't expecting, it was still a quick and easy read.
There were a few moments at the beginning where I believed that Cass' mom was somehow touring. I don't think I had fully understood that she was actually gone. I do wish we would've gotten to explore what and how fully affected both Cass and his dad were and not just seeing it in the last couple of chapters.
This book is set to release on Tuesday FEB 7 2023!
Rating: I enjoyed the adventure this one took me on!
Book goal update: 6/75
Please note that this review is based on uncorrected text.
"Figured it's okay because the sequins are black. Wouldn't want to spread joy or anything."
Syd is truly my spirit animal. Sarcastic and fully feeling the unknowns. We get to see them both go through this journey of self discovery not alone, but together and I love that, even though they hadn't been friends for a hot minute. And I can't deny myself a good road trip book!
It truly takes you through ALL. THE. FEELS. Frustration. Pride. Sadness. Overwhelmed with emotion. And of course, Happiness. Even though it was a read filled with adventure and turns you weren't expecting, it was still a quick and easy read.
There were a few moments at the beginning where I believed that Cass' mom was somehow touring. I don't think I had fully understood that she was actually gone. I do wish we would've gotten to explore what and how fully affected both Cass and his dad were and not just seeing it in the last couple of chapters.
This book is set to release on Tuesday FEB 7 2023!
Rating: I enjoyed the adventure this one took me on!
Book goal update: 6/75
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
I received an eARC copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This was quite an interesting read. I loved the road trip idea was fun and it really demonstrated how much Cas' character needed this in order to bond with his mom. I absolutely loved his mom's old bandmates, the Darlas, and I honestly wish we spent more time with them! I think this might be one of my main gripes with the novel - there was just so much we could have learned and the novel flew by really quickly and I think we could have spent a bit more time developing the characters and their side plots. I liked the banter between Cas and Syd; I think they had an interesting relationship but the arguments felt very cyclical and I just wished they spoke more about their issues earlier into the novel. This was a quick read and I think if you're looking for a fun, meaningful contemporary YA romance you will find it here.
This was quite an interesting read. I loved the road trip idea was fun and it really demonstrated how much Cas' character needed this in order to bond with his mom. I absolutely loved his mom's old bandmates, the Darlas, and I honestly wish we spent more time with them! I think this might be one of my main gripes with the novel - there was just so much we could have learned and the novel flew by really quickly and I think we could have spent a bit more time developing the characters and their side plots. I liked the banter between Cas and Syd; I think they had an interesting relationship but the arguments felt very cyclical and I just wished they spoke more about their issues earlier into the novel. This was a quick read and I think if you're looking for a fun, meaningful contemporary YA romance you will find it here.
February 16, 2023
SYNOPSIS: Cass and Syd used to be so close as kids, but now as graduating high school seniors they barely speak. Cass grew up without his mom, and finds the only way he feels connected to her and alive, is by looking up her former bandmates online, stalking them to discover a shred of who she was. As a musician himself, he hides his guitar playing from everyone, opting to sneak to the subway station to play secretly for an audience who doesn't know him or his story. Syd catches him playing one day, and he ends up confessing that his mom's band is forming a reunion tour. They spontaneously decide to road trip to visit the band, to see if Cass can find the closure he's been searching for.
REVIEW: Have you ever read a book and thought to yourself, "Wow, this would be a really great TV show or movie?"? This book was so visual and cool, I'd love to watch it play out on screen, and be able to actually hear the music of the Darla's played aloud. That being said, the story was super slow going most of the time for me, and the tension between the main characters didn't amount to much. The consequences of them following a band and ignoring their worried family members was also miniscule, I understand they were technically adults now, but the consequences and resolution were just kind of disappointing. I wished there was more drama, and climax to the story.
REVIEW: Have you ever read a book and thought to yourself, "Wow, this would be a really great TV show or movie?"? This book was so visual and cool, I'd love to watch it play out on screen, and be able to actually hear the music of the Darla's played aloud. That being said, the story was super slow going most of the time for me, and the tension between the main characters didn't amount to much. The consequences of them following a band and ignoring their worried family members was also miniscule, I understand they were technically adults now, but the consequences and resolution were just kind of disappointing. I wished there was more drama, and climax to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2023
This book wasn't something I'd typically pick up, but I'm happy I did. childhood friends Syd and Cass have grown apart and are feeling stifled by their parent's pressures about their futures so they embark on a road trip following the band who Cass's mom was in reunion tour. This book follows the effects of grief, parental pressure, and rekindling a friendship. Cass and Syd's relationship was so sweet watching them become friends again and seeing how Syd pushed Cass to get out of his comfort zone and to take risks. We all need friends like Syd
Thank you penguin teen for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are my own
Thank you penguin teen for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are my own
April 2, 2023
3.5 stars but I rounded up. I was hoping for getting fucked up the way Mary H.K. Choi would make me burn and pine for these characters. Sweeney comes close to that, but maintains some distance. Nevertheless, it is a beautifully written romance.
February 28, 2023
This was just longing and yearning. I loved it.
June 6, 2023
3.75 stars
The angst!! This book was good, but there were a couple plot points that just didn't add up, logically.
The angst!! This book was good, but there were a couple plot points that just didn't add up, logically.
November 18, 2022
Two childhood friends who have grown apart and are feeling stifled by their parent’s expectations and the changes coming with high school graduation, embark on a spontaneous road trip to follow a band on tour. Along the way they each are fighting their own battles and wondering where they got lost along the way.
Cass and Syd used to be best friends and happy to be together in their neediness. All Cass wants is to be normal and fit in and Syd wants to be free and herself. On the eve of graduation both their secrets won’t be able to stay secret for long. Syd has lined up an internship doing sound and knows that won’t live up to her parents’ expectations or change their opinion of her not having her life together. Cass has been secretly playing music at the Bart without his father’s knowledge and when he is discovered he has to decide if the risk is worth giving up his plans. When Cass sees that The Darlas-the band his mother was in at the time of her death-is doing a reunion tour, there is something that compels him to go see them. With Syd as his willing accomplice, they both escape in secret and end up following them on tour and learning more about themselves in the process.
A coming of age story which deals with loss of a parent at a young age, the need to fit in, panic attacks and more.
Cass and Syd used to be best friends and happy to be together in their neediness. All Cass wants is to be normal and fit in and Syd wants to be free and herself. On the eve of graduation both their secrets won’t be able to stay secret for long. Syd has lined up an internship doing sound and knows that won’t live up to her parents’ expectations or change their opinion of her not having her life together. Cass has been secretly playing music at the Bart without his father’s knowledge and when he is discovered he has to decide if the risk is worth giving up his plans. When Cass sees that The Darlas-the band his mother was in at the time of her death-is doing a reunion tour, there is something that compels him to go see them. With Syd as his willing accomplice, they both escape in secret and end up following them on tour and learning more about themselves in the process.
A coming of age story which deals with loss of a parent at a young age, the need to fit in, panic attacks and more.
Read
March 15, 2023dnf @ 53%
I just, I don’t know honestly this book just wasn’t for me. I tried I really did try to get into it, but I was skimming the page more than reading it. I cannot wrap my head around how to high school seniors can take a cross country trip because essentially they’re scared to confront their parents. There was anxiety representation in this book, though I don’t know if personally, my anxiety would allow me to do anything that the characters did within the first half of the book I read.
Overall, this book just wasn’t for me and I don’t think finishing it would’ve changed my perspective on at all that much however, I do think someone out there could like this book.
*Thank you NetGalley, PenguinTeen and team for an eARC in exchange, for an honest review, all opinions above are 100% my own*
I just, I don’t know honestly this book just wasn’t for me. I tried I really did try to get into it, but I was skimming the page more than reading it. I cannot wrap my head around how to high school seniors can take a cross country trip because essentially they’re scared to confront their parents. There was anxiety representation in this book, though I don’t know if personally, my anxiety would allow me to do anything that the characters did within the first half of the book I read.
Overall, this book just wasn’t for me and I don’t think finishing it would’ve changed my perspective on at all that much however, I do think someone out there could like this book.
*Thank you NetGalley, PenguinTeen and team for an eARC in exchange, for an honest review, all opinions above are 100% my own*
April 30, 2024
ended a bit neatly, but there were signs of good writing… something didn’t quite connect beyond the surface—for the most part. I agree that Sydney was not drawn very deeply. Cass was obviously the most interesting character. Did we even need Sydney’s point of view at all? Cass alone would’ve been intriguing…
I’m just not convinced these two would come back together, whether as friends or not. there needed to be a better reason/s to merge or better development along the way to convince us of why Person 1 and Person 2 are in each other’s orbits.
The superior YA book about road trips & grief is The Long Ride Home by Tawni Waters
I’m just not convinced these two would come back together, whether as friends or not. there needed to be a better reason/s to merge or better development along the way to convince us of why Person 1 and Person 2 are in each other’s orbits.
The superior YA book about road trips & grief is The Long Ride Home by Tawni Waters
February 7, 2023
If you are a sap like me, and you’re looking for a book with a bit of a good cry, this one’s for you (pun very much intended)…
This book deals with a lot of aspects of coming of age, dealing with grief, fear, and anxiety, and also those nagging worries about what the future holds and making the right choices…
We have one protagonist, Cass, who is a bit of a self proclaimed coward. He has trouble finding his voice in certain situations and the relationship he has with his father is a bit stunted due to his father’s own lack of communication.
On the other side, we have our other main character, Syd, who is just a complete wild card. She moves to the beat of her own drum and does not care if she’s perceived as strange or weird.
The two used to be best friends, sharing an entire adolescence of memories together, but as we enter the story, they are no longer talking, and have not been for years. After graduation, something changes, and they are thrown together for one more adventure. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the yearning for the friendship they once had, and the rising of the realizations of conflicts that stopped them from being friends in the first place.
Meanwhile, they are both involved in this really awesome, quite potentially healing presence of a group of people that were once so close to Cass’s late mother. This book was incredibly moving. I loved our two main characters. I loved the band members and how they treated these two teenagers. This was just such a great reading experience.
The audiobook is something I would absolutely recommend because it is narrated by two people who did such a fantastic job bringing life to these characters. The inflection, the cadence, and the absolute emotion they bring to Cass and Syd was perfect.
This book deals with a lot of aspects of coming of age, dealing with grief, fear, and anxiety, and also those nagging worries about what the future holds and making the right choices…
We have one protagonist, Cass, who is a bit of a self proclaimed coward. He has trouble finding his voice in certain situations and the relationship he has with his father is a bit stunted due to his father’s own lack of communication.
On the other side, we have our other main character, Syd, who is just a complete wild card. She moves to the beat of her own drum and does not care if she’s perceived as strange or weird.
The two used to be best friends, sharing an entire adolescence of memories together, but as we enter the story, they are no longer talking, and have not been for years. After graduation, something changes, and they are thrown together for one more adventure. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the yearning for the friendship they once had, and the rising of the realizations of conflicts that stopped them from being friends in the first place.
Meanwhile, they are both involved in this really awesome, quite potentially healing presence of a group of people that were once so close to Cass’s late mother. This book was incredibly moving. I loved our two main characters. I loved the band members and how they treated these two teenagers. This was just such a great reading experience.
The audiobook is something I would absolutely recommend because it is narrated by two people who did such a fantastic job bringing life to these characters. The inflection, the cadence, and the absolute emotion they bring to Cass and Syd was perfect.
January 20, 2024
3.5 stars
This book has a childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers pipeline, which has a lot of potential but wasn't done as well as it could've. I did like how their past was revealed as you read, but oh man was the enemies to lovers part slow going. Like it's a 260 page long book and they finally kissed on page 210. What makes it worse is that it was a situation where one simple, civil conversation would've solved all of their problems. They're both such avoidant people if they talked to people more literally none of this would've happened. I guess there'd be no book then though.
Luckily, the other main plotline of the book, where they follow around the band that Cass's mom was in, is really good. The Darlas are all really cool and the description of how the characters feel when they're listening to or playing music is very raw and detailed. The description of people is like this too. One part that I keep thinking about is where Cass is with the drummer, Charlie, and Cass notices how Charlie is always drumming or tapping or humming rhythms. He says something like 'it's good to know that someone else always has music in their head' and I really like that.
Also, after skim reading the acknowledgments at the back of the book and the little author's profile, I learned that The Darlas are heavily based (by heavily based I mean literally have some of the same songs) on the two bands that the author, Kate Sweeney, has been in. After a bit of digging I found the bands, July and Magic Magic Roses, on Spotify. They have practically no monthly listeners but they're really cool you should listen to them :)
This book has a childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers pipeline, which has a lot of potential but wasn't done as well as it could've. I did like how their past was revealed as you read, but oh man was the enemies to lovers part slow going. Like it's a 260 page long book and they finally kissed on page 210. What makes it worse is that it was a situation where one simple, civil conversation would've solved all of their problems. They're both such avoidant people if they talked to people more literally none of this would've happened. I guess there'd be no book then though.
Luckily, the other main plotline of the book, where they follow around the band that Cass's mom was in, is really good. The Darlas are all really cool and the description of how the characters feel when they're listening to or playing music is very raw and detailed. The description of people is like this too. One part that I keep thinking about is where Cass is with the drummer, Charlie, and Cass notices how Charlie is always drumming or tapping or humming rhythms. He says something like 'it's good to know that someone else always has music in their head' and I really like that.
Also, after skim reading the acknowledgments at the back of the book and the little author's profile, I learned that The Darlas are heavily based (by heavily based I mean literally have some of the same songs) on the two bands that the author, Kate Sweeney, has been in. After a bit of digging I found the bands, July and Magic Magic Roses, on Spotify. They have practically no monthly listeners but they're really cool you should listen to them :)
July 5, 2023
Sydneys mum = L to W
Caspians dad = L (I hate him)
Also. I kinda wanted a sad ending where they didn’t end up together but then a year or smth later they came back together. Idk.
But the end was acc quite cute.
And I really liked the plot.
But omg why didn’t they talk more.
But also when I was reading the povs, I realized that they see each other a lot differently to how they see themselves if that makes sense.
(If you go to the last paragraph I wrote that has a pretty good example I think🩷)
So in Sydney’s pov, I find that Cass is really frustrating and I find him quite annoying - not all the time but at points. And I see Syd as more venerable.
Whereas in Caspians pov, I can see his reasoning more and it’s not the same person as the one Sydney sees and describes to me. And he sees her as really confident and always has no filter, doesn’t think things through - again not all the time but yk - and that’s so different to how she sees herself.
I just think that’s cool. Because it really does show their different points of view.
Also the tattoo part was cute
-
(That’s a good example of what I mean if you read it that chapter. It’s in Sydney’s pov and Caspian seems more teasing - probably not the right word - confident, bold. But in the chapter before - Caspian’s pov - he is more hesitant, worried, nervous. That’s what I mean. Because you see 2 different people just based on what point of view it is coming from and that’s pretty cool I think.)
👍 2.5 - 3 I think
~ based on my emotions from start to end. ~
Caspians dad = L (I hate him)
Also. I kinda wanted a sad ending where they didn’t end up together but then a year or smth later they came back together. Idk.
But the end was acc quite cute.
And I really liked the plot.
But omg why didn’t they talk more.
But also when I was reading the povs, I realized that they see each other a lot differently to how they see themselves if that makes sense.
(If you go to the last paragraph I wrote that has a pretty good example I think🩷)
So in Sydney’s pov, I find that Cass is really frustrating and I find him quite annoying - not all the time but at points. And I see Syd as more venerable.
Whereas in Caspians pov, I can see his reasoning more and it’s not the same person as the one Sydney sees and describes to me. And he sees her as really confident and always has no filter, doesn’t think things through - again not all the time but yk - and that’s so different to how she sees herself.
I just think that’s cool. Because it really does show their different points of view.
Also the tattoo part was cute
-
(That’s a good example of what I mean if you read it that chapter. It’s in Sydney’s pov and Caspian seems more teasing - probably not the right word - confident, bold. But in the chapter before - Caspian’s pov - he is more hesitant, worried, nervous. That’s what I mean. Because you see 2 different people just based on what point of view it is coming from and that’s pretty cool I think.)
👍 2.5 - 3 I think
~ based on my emotions from start to end. ~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for providing an arc copy of this book.
This was an amazing heartfelt coming-of-age story. Right from the start, I knew I was going to fall in love with this book. I loved both of the main characters, and the journey they went on was exciting to see.
While there is a romance in the book, it definitely felt like it existed more in the background. I was totally okay with it because ignorer for the characters to come together in a healthy way, they need to go on their own journey of self-discovery. In the end, it made me like the romance more because it wasn’t rushed and, by the end, felt natural.
I love a good road trip book. There is just something about them that is comforting to me, even though road trips can be incredibly uncomfortable at times. And in books, there are one of my favorite tools for a person to find themselves.
The only real problem I had with the book was that I wanted the two main characters to talk more about their problems. They are constantly always on the cusp of sharing how they feel, and even when they get together, I feel there is a lot left unsaid.
Overall a solid coming-of-age story, with a spontaneous road trip and some great music references.
This was an amazing heartfelt coming-of-age story. Right from the start, I knew I was going to fall in love with this book. I loved both of the main characters, and the journey they went on was exciting to see.
While there is a romance in the book, it definitely felt like it existed more in the background. I was totally okay with it because ignorer for the characters to come together in a healthy way, they need to go on their own journey of self-discovery. In the end, it made me like the romance more because it wasn’t rushed and, by the end, felt natural.
I love a good road trip book. There is just something about them that is comforting to me, even though road trips can be incredibly uncomfortable at times. And in books, there are one of my favorite tools for a person to find themselves.
The only real problem I had with the book was that I wanted the two main characters to talk more about their problems. They are constantly always on the cusp of sharing how they feel, and even when they get together, I feel there is a lot left unsaid.
Overall a solid coming-of-age story, with a spontaneous road trip and some great music references.
June 28, 2023
This YA novel was a 2.5 for me. Told in alternating voices, it follows a spur-of-the-moment road trip taken by two estranged former best friends following their high school graduation. Both Cass and Syd are keeping secrets about their future plans, and even though they have barely acknowledged each other for years, they decide to follow the Darlas, Cass's mother's former band, on a reunion tour. Both teens have music in common, and for Cass, the trip offers a way to learn more about his mother, who died when he was very young. As might be expected, the two characters gain insight into the world around them, are in awe of the natural beauty around them, and mend their relationship fences. For some reason, it was hard for me to like either of these two, perhaps because of their impulsiveness and how they left their families and friends hanging while they were on their journey. Then, too, it seemed less than likely that Syd and Cass would want to spend any time together after the way their friendship ended. Finally, there weren't many surprises in the story since it was clear from the start how all of this was going to end. I'm sure this musical road trip will appeal to many teens, but it just left me feeling bored, uneasy, and frustrated at the carelessness of Syd and Cass.
June 6, 2023
This One's for You is built on teenage angst and impulsivity as ex-best friends, Syd and Cass, decide to follow Cass' late mother's band on tour with no plans, just vibes. As a coming of age story, Syd and Cass are forced to confront the past in having to face what caused the end of their friendship, and must also confront the future in having to make important life decisions as recent high school graduates. It's an emotional read that is laced with moments of both reckless abandon and sobering reality. Personally, I did not connect with the FMC or the romance, as I found Syd to be too controlling of Cass. Nevertheless, this story was written in a way that felt all too true to the feelings of being misunderstood by one's parents as an adolescent, while also highlighting the beauty and power of music.
October 2, 2023
This book was far from perfect, I hated how the chapters were mixed up making it hard to understand what I’m supposed to be reading (what I mean is chapter 25-28 I think?? We’re out in the beginning and also the end I don’t know why?) other than that I enjoyed characters and I wish we were given more information about Cas’s music and how he really wanted to play the guitar. I feel like syd was a bit over that top immature about how cas wasn’t her friend anymore but I’m glad it worked out. The story to me felt jumbled together and I wish we had more high school backstory but I understand that it was only trying to tell what happened on the road trip. I still feel like the story was good but it could have been better if everything was toned down/more organized.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2023
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book to read and review. I liked the idea of this book. The spontaneous, estranged road trip was fun and I liked that it brought Cass closure with his mom. I thought both Syd and Cass were complex and definitely both needed therapy, but at times I felt like they were stagnant rather than dynamic. Their behavior was a cycle and it didn't feel like they had monumentally developed throughout the story. It was a quick read and I loved the Darlas and the different stops along the tour were cute. I thought this was fine, but I isn't one that stands out to me.
February 6, 2023
This One’s for You by Kate Sweeney centers around two teens trying to find themselves through an unplanned cross country road trip while also trying to find their way back to each other. Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book. We get dual pov through Caspian and Sydney, both of which captured me from the very beginning. Cass feels like life is empty. Syd fills her life with bad decisions. I love them!
Some details about the story:
Childhood friends to ex-friends to reconnecting
Music is a big theme in the book
Graduating high school
Road-trip
TW:
Depression, anxiety, loss of parent, therapy
I loved this book. We get dual pov through Caspian and Sydney, both of which captured me from the very beginning. Cass feels like life is empty. Syd fills her life with bad decisions. I love them!
Some details about the story:
Childhood friends to ex-friends to reconnecting
Music is a big theme in the book
Graduating high school
Road-trip
TW:
Depression, anxiety, loss of parent, therapy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews