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Amy VS Oliver
Tout les oppose : Amy est première de sa classe, Oliver a abandonné le lycée et pourtant ils ne peuvent plus se passer l’un de l’autre !
Amy est première de sa classe et doit le rester pour intégrer l’université de ses rêves. Quand son beau-père perd son travail, elle est contrainte de prendre un petit boulot chez Spirits, une boutique de disques, au risque de négliger ses études... Là-bas, Amy rencontre son opposé : Oliver, qui n’a aucune envie d’aller à la fac. Dès leur rencontre, une rivalité s’installe entre eux. Ils se lancent alors un défi par playlists interposées : à qui reviendra le plus grand génie musical ? Leur alchimie improbable les mènera-t-elle à une romance inoubliable ?
Amy est première de sa classe et doit le rester pour intégrer l’université de ses rêves. Quand son beau-père perd son travail, elle est contrainte de prendre un petit boulot chez Spirits, une boutique de disques, au risque de négliger ses études... Là-bas, Amy rencontre son opposé : Oliver, qui n’a aucune envie d’aller à la fac. Dès leur rencontre, une rivalité s’installe entre eux. Ils se lancent alors un défi par playlists interposées : à qui reviendra le plus grand génie musical ? Leur alchimie improbable les mènera-t-elle à une romance inoubliable ?
344 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2020
15 people are currently reading
3139 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Skinner
6 books95 followersVicky Skinner was born and raised in Texas, where she started writing novels about kissing cute boys when she was fifteen and eventually earned a BA in Literary Studies from The University of Texas at Dallas. She’s a full-time writer, a part-time runner, and she currently lives in Dallas with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 24, 2020
"Things change over time. The way you appreciate things changes.”
Let it be known that I am a SUCKER for books with lots of music reference. And ALL OUR WORST IDEAS just hit all the right spot. I finished reading this book in 24 hours and it really left me wanting for more. This is the first one I've read from Vicky Skinner and I can't wait to get my hands on her previous and upcoming books!
I'll put it out there already that I am not the biggest fan of the title of this book because it makes it sound like its just a cutesy enemy to lovers trope when actually, it's SO much more than that. In All Our Worst Ideas, we follow the story of two young adult that, in the beginning, are taking different paths in life. We have goody goody (her words) Amy and laidback Oliver. So its true, they are the complete opposite. And the readers will be witnessing a story about two different characters that will be connected through music and MORE. Let it also be known, The Lumineers is my FAVORITE band in the world which happens to be Amy's favorite too and I will not even deny that from the first page, I instantly knew that I will like this character. And I was not wrong. Amy is not your stereotypical over achiever and I love how this character was written. She was not being pretentious when it comes to her music taste. It was such a big deal for me because instead of being music shamed just because some of her favorite songs are not classic, Amy instead explained and highlighted why she likes the particular songs. Amy not being stereotypical also goes for Oliver. I honestly cant remember closing a book and asking myself "Where is my OWN Oliver?" Being a 24 year old Adult, I thought I was already done with that phase but Oliver really sneaks into your heart and just stays there. Don't get me wrong, these characters are flawed and can get you frustrated at times but these imperfections really just showed how incredibly well-written they are. This applies to secondary characters of this book as well. The author even inserted a heavy topic such as alcoholism and I can say that it was handled with sensitivity and in a realistic manner.
I really have nothing to say about the book plot-wise. Yes, it IS a love story but it's also not JUST a love story. Amy struggled a lot by being part of a huge mexican family and being the first family member to go to college. She had to make choices, smart ones, if she wants to make her dreams happen. Oliver also dealt with some pretty heavy issues and went through self discovery. I really have nothing but praise by how this story was weaved together. The relationships between the main characters and their parents are done in such an authentic way. And kudos to the author for also executing the journey of Amy moving on, it was real and well thought.
I will miss hanging out with Oliver and Amy at the record store and will surely be yearning for more story about this two. Overall, I really can't recommend All Our Worst Ideas enough. This dual POV book is written in a simple way but will make you smile and believe in the power of love. Everything about this book is just wonderful and pure and striking. All Our Worst Ideas is not a book to be overlooked, make a time for it!
August 12, 2020
So I may have teared up a few times while reading this, I'm not going to lie.
Amy is a senior in high school, who is working her butt off to be valedictorian. Because she has a goal, get in to Stanford on a full scholarship and do to that she needs to make val. But things don't always go as planed and she is told she needs to work to help support her family, so getting at the record store is the best thing for Amy to do, but it will take up even more of her time. Something her boyfriend doesn't seem to like. So he breaks up with her. And then is just the worst....you have to read to see, no spoilers here.
Oliver lives at home with his single mom is taking a "gap" year, or at least that is what his mother is lead to believe. He works a Spirits a record shop, where he feels the most at home and in is element, with music. His mother keeps on setting up campus tours and asking him if he has applied to schools. He doesn't know how to tell her he doesn't want to go to collage. One top of that his father is a drunk, that he has to deal with. Getting calls from bars or himself to come up pick him up. Oliver feels like he's the parent, not the other way around.
The Story is told from both Amy and Oliver point of views, each chapter a new month, the count down to the end of high school is nearing, will Amy succeed?
All Of Our Worst Ideas is a playful, heart shattering and warming story of two young people figuring out life and what they want from it. Even if the figuring out is still a process because hey let's face it you are always figuring it out even the ones that think they have it figured out. It is full of serious issues and the pressures on young people be it in school, family life or life in general and love. Sometimes it's not fairy tale sometimes your heart breaks sometimes you fly. The side cast is a playful one and I love Brooke, Spirit's manager, I'd like to see another story with her. I love LOVE the fact that this is a story full of music, I saw Parklife by Blur and I was like no one ever talks about Blur. That was the first song by them that I ever hear and it hooked me. I can't wait to listen to the list of songs in the back of the book.
I do how ever have an issue, I don't if it was over looked but I caught it. We have a scene in which Amy is said to be in a red dress, then not long later we are told it's black. Nothing major but I am reading an ARC copy there for it could have been address before printing.
But should you mark this as want to read? Yes please do. If not you'll miss a great story and who wants to miss out on a good story?
Amy is a senior in high school, who is working her butt off to be valedictorian. Because she has a goal, get in to Stanford on a full scholarship and do to that she needs to make val. But things don't always go as planed and she is told she needs to work to help support her family, so getting at the record store is the best thing for Amy to do, but it will take up even more of her time. Something her boyfriend doesn't seem to like. So he breaks up with her. And then is just the worst....you have to read to see, no spoilers here.
Oliver lives at home with his single mom is taking a "gap" year, or at least that is what his mother is lead to believe. He works a Spirits a record shop, where he feels the most at home and in is element, with music. His mother keeps on setting up campus tours and asking him if he has applied to schools. He doesn't know how to tell her he doesn't want to go to collage. One top of that his father is a drunk, that he has to deal with. Getting calls from bars or himself to come up pick him up. Oliver feels like he's the parent, not the other way around.
The Story is told from both Amy and Oliver point of views, each chapter a new month, the count down to the end of high school is nearing, will Amy succeed?
All Of Our Worst Ideas is a playful, heart shattering and warming story of two young people figuring out life and what they want from it. Even if the figuring out is still a process because hey let's face it you are always figuring it out even the ones that think they have it figured out. It is full of serious issues and the pressures on young people be it in school, family life or life in general and love. Sometimes it's not fairy tale sometimes your heart breaks sometimes you fly. The side cast is a playful one and I love Brooke, Spirit's manager, I'd like to see another story with her. I love LOVE the fact that this is a story full of music, I saw Parklife by Blur and I was like no one ever talks about Blur. That was the first song by them that I ever hear and it hooked me. I can't wait to listen to the list of songs in the back of the book.
I do how ever have an issue, I don't if it was over looked but I caught it. We have a scene in which Amy is said to be in a red dress, then not long later we are told it's black. Nothing major but I am reading an ARC copy there for it could have been address before printing.
But should you mark this as want to read? Yes please do. If not you'll miss a great story and who wants to miss out on a good story?
November 7, 2020
Loved it!
Amy (Amaria) Richardson feels like she doesn't belong anywhere. Born to a Mexican mother and "white as can be" father (her words), she feels lost in the crowd of her many half siblings. She hopes that going to Stanford and moving to California will set her on the right track to finding where "home" is for her. Being the studious girl that she is, she has no real friends, other than her former boyfriend, Jackson. However, she does all the right things that look good on a college application: runs for student council, volunteers as a tutor, etc: but still no friends.
Oliver is completely lost. He's the tall, silent, broody type: he probably inherited these traits from his alcoholic Scottish father. The only thing he knows for sure is that he does not want to go to college.
Amy and Oliver forge an endearing friendship over their shared loved of music when she gets a job at Spirits, a vinyl record store in Kansas City. Amy is having a hard time letting go of Jackson. Oliver lives in hope that Amy will see him as more than a friend. The slow build in this story was sweet and entrancing. I couldn't wait to get back to this book whenever work kept me away.
No more spoilers here. So many "awwwwww" moments. Oliver is adorable. Amy is adorable. I enjoyed spending time with these two nice but mixed up kids. This is the first Vicky Skinner book that I've read (I think?) and I will be checking out her other titles. Highly recommended if you want to escape into YA and have a nice HEA with a realistic ending.
Amy (Amaria) Richardson feels like she doesn't belong anywhere. Born to a Mexican mother and "white as can be" father (her words), she feels lost in the crowd of her many half siblings. She hopes that going to Stanford and moving to California will set her on the right track to finding where "home" is for her. Being the studious girl that she is, she has no real friends, other than her former boyfriend, Jackson. However, she does all the right things that look good on a college application: runs for student council, volunteers as a tutor, etc: but still no friends.
Oliver is completely lost. He's the tall, silent, broody type: he probably inherited these traits from his alcoholic Scottish father. The only thing he knows for sure is that he does not want to go to college.
Amy and Oliver forge an endearing friendship over their shared loved of music when she gets a job at Spirits, a vinyl record store in Kansas City. Amy is having a hard time letting go of Jackson. Oliver lives in hope that Amy will see him as more than a friend. The slow build in this story was sweet and entrancing. I couldn't wait to get back to this book whenever work kept me away.
No more spoilers here. So many "awwwwww" moments. Oliver is adorable. Amy is adorable. I enjoyed spending time with these two nice but mixed up kids. This is the first Vicky Skinner book that I've read (I think?) and I will be checking out her other titles. Highly recommended if you want to escape into YA and have a nice HEA with a realistic ending.
August 6, 2020
Amy had been on the road to Stanford for years now. She just needed to lock up the valedictorian spot and win a generous scholarship. Oliver was taking a gap year, because he didn't feel college was in his future. Though they had very different goals and were on divergent paths, they are brought together by their love of music, and may find they are actually a perfect match.
I have enjoyed Skinner's other two novels, but this one, this was my FAVORITE! It's a full-blown love story, where two people find that "someone". The person who accepts them, supports them, and offers them unconditional love. I was expecting to be swept away by the romance, but didn't expect the beauty and the depth of this union to touch my heart the way it did.
I feel like I was supposed to see this as an opposite-attracts situation, but in reality, Amy and Oli had quite a few things in common. Both came from families that were complicated though loving. They were also surrounded by people, who expected them to be something or someone they couldn't be. Their situations just reinforced how wonderful it was that they were able to find their "person", the one who welcomed them as-is. They didn't want to change them or make them into something else, they simply wanted them. It's easy to lose sight of how important that is sometimes, and I was so happy with the way Skinner explored this side of a relationship.
Obviously, I was a super fan of Amy+Oliver, but I loved many other things about this story. I am going to be upfront with you -- I was all about those Empire Records vibes. Though the record store staff in the book was much smaller, it still had that quality of family and "my people" that made me want to get a job there.
It was the combination of music, friendship, drama, and romance which endeared this book to my heart. It was being able to accompany Amy and Oliver on their personal journeys, as well as getting the opportunity to see them slowly fall in love. And as if that wasn't enough, Skinner gave me everything I needed with that ending. Thank you! Thank you, Vicky Skinner! All Our Worst Ideas filled my head with music and my heart with joy.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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I have enjoyed Skinner's other two novels, but this one, this was my FAVORITE! It's a full-blown love story, where two people find that "someone". The person who accepts them, supports them, and offers them unconditional love. I was expecting to be swept away by the romance, but didn't expect the beauty and the depth of this union to touch my heart the way it did.
I feel like I was supposed to see this as an opposite-attracts situation, but in reality, Amy and Oli had quite a few things in common. Both came from families that were complicated though loving. They were also surrounded by people, who expected them to be something or someone they couldn't be. Their situations just reinforced how wonderful it was that they were able to find their "person", the one who welcomed them as-is. They didn't want to change them or make them into something else, they simply wanted them. It's easy to lose sight of how important that is sometimes, and I was so happy with the way Skinner explored this side of a relationship.
Obviously, I was a super fan of Amy+Oliver, but I loved many other things about this story. I am going to be upfront with you -- I was all about those Empire Records vibes. Though the record store staff in the book was much smaller, it still had that quality of family and "my people" that made me want to get a job there.
It was the combination of music, friendship, drama, and romance which endeared this book to my heart. It was being able to accompany Amy and Oliver on their personal journeys, as well as getting the opportunity to see them slowly fall in love. And as if that wasn't enough, Skinner gave me everything I needed with that ending. Thank you! Thank you, Vicky Skinner! All Our Worst Ideas filled my head with music and my heart with joy.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
September 7, 2020
Amy, a smart student, whose only aim is to become valedictorian, get Keller scholarship and get in Stanford. Her life is all managed, she was on right path for her dreams, had a perfect boyfriend. But she had to find a job when her step-father lost one. What is one time in life she get a job she’ll enjoy not the one which’ll look good on her application.
Oliver works in a music store. He is taking a gap year, But what if he isn’t? What if college isn’t for him? What it his idea of life is not bound to an education degree.
After so long, I’ve read a contemporary which I really liked. Story wasn’t different from others but many elements were refreshing. It is a YA where our MCs have families and they play part in their lives, which made me so happy. It could easily be a love triangle but author didn’t let it, which made me double happy.
My most favorite thing about this book is relationship between Petra and Amy, it was such a refreshing element. I haven’t ever read any thing close to it, but I’d love to. I just love it
My second favorite thing about the story is moral, we don’t get morals in YA. Maybe it wasn’t. But I am considering it one, which was that you can’t burden other with responsibility of making you happy. You shouldn’t bind your happiness with another person. It is yours, you have to find it within you.
I’ll totally recommend it, If you are a music lover than it is a Must Read for you.
Oliver works in a music store. He is taking a gap year, But what if he isn’t? What if college isn’t for him? What it his idea of life is not bound to an education degree.
After so long, I’ve read a contemporary which I really liked. Story wasn’t different from others but many elements were refreshing. It is a YA where our MCs have families and they play part in their lives, which made me so happy. It could easily be a love triangle but author didn’t let it, which made me double happy.
My most favorite thing about this book is relationship between Petra and Amy, it was such a refreshing element. I haven’t ever read any thing close to it, but I’d love to. I just love it
My second favorite thing about the story is moral, we don’t get morals in YA. Maybe it wasn’t. But I am considering it one, which was that you can’t burden other with responsibility of making you happy. You shouldn’t bind your happiness with another person. It is yours, you have to find it within you.
I’ll totally recommend it, If you are a music lover than it is a Must Read for you.
August 11, 2020
The perfect bridge of YA and New Adult.
Amy is a senior in high school who is desperate to become valedictorian so she can get a scholarship to Stanford. But first, she has to juggle a new part-time job, first love, and getting dumped.
Oliver told his mom he’s taking a gap year before starting college, but what if he’s not? What if college isn’t for him? And should he stop rescuing his drunk dad? He meets Amy at the music store and they seem to be on the same album, except she’s still in love with her ex.
Both Amy and Oliver make realistic mistakes and big decisions as they come of age. Through their journey they learn the importance of listening to their own music and finding their own song.
Amy is a senior in high school who is desperate to become valedictorian so she can get a scholarship to Stanford. But first, she has to juggle a new part-time job, first love, and getting dumped.
Oliver told his mom he’s taking a gap year before starting college, but what if he’s not? What if college isn’t for him? And should he stop rescuing his drunk dad? He meets Amy at the music store and they seem to be on the same album, except she’s still in love with her ex.
Both Amy and Oliver make realistic mistakes and big decisions as they come of age. Through their journey they learn the importance of listening to their own music and finding their own song.
August 11, 2020
This was a really cute book. I didn’t even realize it was set in my own hometown of Kansas City. It was fun to hear about places that are real, and places I’ve been. Overall the story was really cute and I enjoyed it. The title is perfect because both Oliver and Amy made some bad decisions, but I like how they learned from them and both were able to realize at some point what they’d done and why it was wrong and then do what they could to fix it. I liked how it showed that maybe college isn’t the perfect solution for everyone, that you might be more successful or have a happier life without the debt of college by just doing something you know you enjoy and are good at. Not that I’m not a big believer in going to college. I work with students who are definitely on the path to college. But I also have worked with students in the past that either trade school or even just going into the career they want was what would be best for them.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
January 6, 2020
I loved it and wanted more!! So well written. The heartache and drama were realistic and relatable. The sarcasm and witt made me smile. The loneliness and love were each captured beautifully. Then it was all tied up in a bow and sealed with a kiss, like my heart.
June 13, 2022
Es un libro tan lindo, cute, hermoso con brillitos y arcoiris y todo eso😭✨
De verdad me gustaron mucho los protagonistas, tanto Amy como Oli, ambos son super lindos y son personajes muy únicos la verdad me parecieron muy bonitos JAHSJAHS sobretodo por la relación que llevaban que era muy AHH muy linda JAHSJA
Hubo unos puntos que si me dejaron con dudas pero de ahí amé este libro<3
PD: te amo Gene por darme ganas de leerloJAHSJAVSJS
De verdad me gustaron mucho los protagonistas, tanto Amy como Oli, ambos son super lindos y son personajes muy únicos la verdad me parecieron muy bonitos JAHSJAHS sobretodo por la relación que llevaban que era muy AHH muy linda JAHSJA
Hubo unos puntos que si me dejaron con dudas pero de ahí amé este libro<3
PD: te amo Gene por darme ganas de leerloJAHSJAVSJS
July 4, 2022
Joli coup de cœur pour ce roman ! C’est simple, c’est une romance assez classique au fond mais OMG qu’est ce que j’ai aimé ! Les personnages, les enjeux, leurs relations, les messages... j’ai tout trouvé hyper bien fait et tellement addictif ! C’est simple : j’ai dévoré le roman en une journée, incapable de m’arrêter.
May 15, 2020
Told in alternating voices, this contemporary coming of age novel navigates the landscape of first love with all its confusing and whirlwind moments coupled with the struggle of finding true independence. With relatable characters and a slick soundtrack, ALL OUR WORST IDEAS by Vicky Skinner is a swoon worthy tale readers will fall for head over heels.
October 27, 2020
This would have been a serviceable YA romance, except for the lack of attention to a legion of details. As they piled up, my annoyance increased.
A record shop in Kansas City that is open until 11 pm on weeknights and does enough business to employ three people all the way until closing? A rear ending that causes the driver to break his arm, but only does a little damage to the bumper? A character who never attended homecoming, even though she had a boyfriend during at least one homecoming? Just how big is this stockroom and why is there so much to do back there that it can fill a full shift? Someone can get a zero on a test and still make valedictorian?
Not to mention that one of the characters is a total asshat whose activities never seem to be fully reckoned with.
This was a shoddy effort that left me feeling angry.
A record shop in Kansas City that is open until 11 pm on weeknights and does enough business to employ three people all the way until closing? A rear ending that causes the driver to break his arm, but only does a little damage to the bumper? A character who never attended homecoming, even though she had a boyfriend during at least one homecoming? Just how big is this stockroom and why is there so much to do back there that it can fill a full shift? Someone can get a zero on a test and still make valedictorian?
Not to mention that one of the characters is a total asshat whose activities never seem to be fully reckoned with.
This was a shoddy effort that left me feeling angry.
May 31, 2022
⭐4.5⭐
ESTE LIBRO ES LO MÁS LINDO, BONITO, CUTE QUE HE LEÍDO EN MUCHO TIEMPO.
Bueno, me gusto que ambos protagonistas sean amantes de la música, pero no de una manera pretenciosa.
Jamás superare que su canción sea Shirtsleeves de Ed Sheeran, una canción tan pero TAN random, aaaaa, igual que Dive del Ed haya hecho su aparición en este libro.
Súper recomendado si quieren leer un buen YA Romance, rápido de leer con super lovable characters.
ESTE LIBRO ES LO MÁS LINDO, BONITO, CUTE QUE HE LEÍDO EN MUCHO TIEMPO.
Bueno, me gusto que ambos protagonistas sean amantes de la música, pero no de una manera pretenciosa.
Jamás superare que su canción sea Shirtsleeves de Ed Sheeran, una canción tan pero TAN random, aaaaa, igual que Dive del Ed haya hecho su aparición en este libro.
Súper recomendado si quieren leer un buen YA Romance, rápido de leer con super lovable characters.
May 22, 2020
Cute; not a knock out or unique story by any means but a good YA book with well built and interesting characters. I think the plot is also one that a lot of graduating teens nowadays can relate to.
July 10, 2020
If you are looking for a teenage true love story about finding the one, you’ll love All Our Worst Ideas. Touching on topics about following your dreams and dealing with family issues, All Our Worst Ideas is a sweet mature YA contemporary romance.
Amy is ready to finish her high schooling as valedictorian, get into Stanford with a full ride scholarship. Then every Friday night spent studying, every sacrifice will be worth it. Until her mother asks her to get a job while her stepdad is out of work. Until her boyfriend dumps her for not spending enough time with him. Until she starts to like hanging out with her new, if slightly grumpy co-worker. But Amy doesn’t have time for distractions and she will have to decide what is most important to her and what she is willing to risk to achieve her dreams.
Amy is your typical YA heroine who is excellent at school and spends her time studying. Oliver is a year older, finished with high school and working full time at the record store.
Amy starts the novel in a very serious, long-term relationship. Fortunately, she isn’t quick to fall out of love after her boyfriend ends their relationship nor quick to move straight onto a new relationship.
Oliver and Amy start as co-workers who are vaguely wary of each other. Amy is a bright and bubbly and Oliver is unsure who she is really about and if she is going to take her work seriously. Oliver has a harsh exterior and Amy assesses him pretty quickly as grumpy. As they work together they learn they don’t have much in common except their love of music. As they war over who has the best taste, they also find that they can talk to each other about serious things they don’t usually share with others - Oliver’s dad’s battle with alcoholism, Amy’s feelings of not being supported by her family and why she wants so badly to succeed at school. Oliver has a much different goal, he is avoiding his mother’s pushing for him to attend college and wants only to keep working in the music store. Despite him have very different goals for his future, he is supportive of Amy, as she is for him. It is this understanding and support for each other that makes their relationship work. While Amy wrestles with her feelings for her ex, Oliver is there for her and extremely sweet and protective.
All Our Worst Ideas is all about the power of love, finding the “one” and being in a supportive relationship that extends past the end of high school. Due to the age of the characters this feels a little like a crossover between YA and new adult, so will appeal to older teen readers.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Amy is ready to finish her high schooling as valedictorian, get into Stanford with a full ride scholarship. Then every Friday night spent studying, every sacrifice will be worth it. Until her mother asks her to get a job while her stepdad is out of work. Until her boyfriend dumps her for not spending enough time with him. Until she starts to like hanging out with her new, if slightly grumpy co-worker. But Amy doesn’t have time for distractions and she will have to decide what is most important to her and what she is willing to risk to achieve her dreams.
Amy is your typical YA heroine who is excellent at school and spends her time studying. Oliver is a year older, finished with high school and working full time at the record store.
Amy starts the novel in a very serious, long-term relationship. Fortunately, she isn’t quick to fall out of love after her boyfriend ends their relationship nor quick to move straight onto a new relationship.
Oliver and Amy start as co-workers who are vaguely wary of each other. Amy is a bright and bubbly and Oliver is unsure who she is really about and if she is going to take her work seriously. Oliver has a harsh exterior and Amy assesses him pretty quickly as grumpy. As they work together they learn they don’t have much in common except their love of music. As they war over who has the best taste, they also find that they can talk to each other about serious things they don’t usually share with others - Oliver’s dad’s battle with alcoholism, Amy’s feelings of not being supported by her family and why she wants so badly to succeed at school. Oliver has a much different goal, he is avoiding his mother’s pushing for him to attend college and wants only to keep working in the music store. Despite him have very different goals for his future, he is supportive of Amy, as she is for him. It is this understanding and support for each other that makes their relationship work. While Amy wrestles with her feelings for her ex, Oliver is there for her and extremely sweet and protective.
All Our Worst Ideas is all about the power of love, finding the “one” and being in a supportive relationship that extends past the end of high school. Due to the age of the characters this feels a little like a crossover between YA and new adult, so will appeal to older teen readers.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
August 13, 2023
Mmh j'hésite avec un 2,5 aussi.
J'avoue que c'est un roman que j'avais dans ma kindle que j'ai lancé au hasard puis finalement ça m'a quand même plu ! J'adore les romans dans l'univers de la musique donc celui-ci ne pouvait que me plaire. 💌
C'est une romance mignonne sans prise de tête et très rapide à lire. Oliver et Amy ce sont deux personnes totalement différentes mais qui ont l'amour de la musique en commun. J'ai beaucoup aimé leur petit concours entre eux pour savoir qui avait de meilleurs goûts musicaux. Puis leur relation est assez adorable faut ce le dire. 🤍
Si le personnage de Oliver m'a beaucoup plu, Amy j'ai eu un peu de mal. Après c'est un personnage qui sait ce qu'elle veut et se donne les moyens pour mais elle s'oublie finalement, elle oublie aussi de profiter de la vie. Donc c'est un retour mitigée pour ce personnage ! 🌷
J'ai quand même trouvé l'histoire assez enfantine comparé à d'autres YA mais ça reste un roman pour passer un bon moment ( mais attention il y a quand même quelques TW ) ✨️
bisous bisous !
J'avoue que c'est un roman que j'avais dans ma kindle que j'ai lancé au hasard puis finalement ça m'a quand même plu ! J'adore les romans dans l'univers de la musique donc celui-ci ne pouvait que me plaire. 💌
C'est une romance mignonne sans prise de tête et très rapide à lire. Oliver et Amy ce sont deux personnes totalement différentes mais qui ont l'amour de la musique en commun. J'ai beaucoup aimé leur petit concours entre eux pour savoir qui avait de meilleurs goûts musicaux. Puis leur relation est assez adorable faut ce le dire. 🤍
Si le personnage de Oliver m'a beaucoup plu, Amy j'ai eu un peu de mal. Après c'est un personnage qui sait ce qu'elle veut et se donne les moyens pour mais elle s'oublie finalement, elle oublie aussi de profiter de la vie. Donc c'est un retour mitigée pour ce personnage ! 🌷
J'ai quand même trouvé l'histoire assez enfantine comparé à d'autres YA mais ça reste un roman pour passer un bon moment ( mais attention il y a quand même quelques TW ) ✨️
bisous bisous !
September 5, 2022
3.5 🌟
C'est pas mauvais. Juste un peu niais, un peu cliché, mais ça se lit très bien !
C'est pas mauvais. Juste un peu niais, un peu cliché, mais ça se lit très bien !
September 16, 2022
C’est tout mimi comme romance. Oliver est un gros nounours et Amy m’a quelques fois énervée a toujours penser à son ex mais leur histoire est choupinette.
August 7, 2022
Quelle excellente lecture ! Au moment où j'ai décidé de lire ce livre, j'étais dans un mood Young Adult et ça m'a permis de l'apprécier d'autant plus, et j'en suis plus que ravie ! Cette histoire est un combo absolument génial entre un Friends to lovers, un contexte où la musique y a une importance particulière et des thématiques abordant l'avenir, les rêves et la peur de décevoir... Tout m'a semblé très justement traité et j'ai complètement fondu d'amour pour la romance entre Amy et Oliver ⠀
⠀
Du côté du pitch, nous suivons donc les points de vue alternés entre nos deux héros. Amy est première de sa classe et doit le rester pour intégrer l'université de ses rêves. Quand son beau-père perd son travail, elle est contrainte de prendre un petit boulot chez Spirits, une boutique de disques, au risque de négliger ses études... Là-bas, Amy rencontre son opposé : Oliver, qui n'a aucune envie d'aller à la fac. Si, dés leur rencontre, c'est plutôt électrique entre eux, les choses vont bien vite changer...⠀
⠀
Une histoire d'amitié, à l'univers si bien travaillé et une ambiance qui m'a vraiment emballée, voilà ce que Vicky Skinner nous sert dans son histoire. Amy et Oliver font leurs erreurs, se trompent mais surtout, développent des sentiments qui m'ont vraiment touché. J'aime tellement quand des personnages se trouvent par leurs failles et leurs doutes !⠀
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Vraiment, si vous aimez les Friends to lovers et le Young Adult, ne passez pas à côté de ce titre. 🥰⠀
⠀
⠀
Du côté du pitch, nous suivons donc les points de vue alternés entre nos deux héros. Amy est première de sa classe et doit le rester pour intégrer l'université de ses rêves. Quand son beau-père perd son travail, elle est contrainte de prendre un petit boulot chez Spirits, une boutique de disques, au risque de négliger ses études... Là-bas, Amy rencontre son opposé : Oliver, qui n'a aucune envie d'aller à la fac. Si, dés leur rencontre, c'est plutôt électrique entre eux, les choses vont bien vite changer...⠀
⠀
Une histoire d'amitié, à l'univers si bien travaillé et une ambiance qui m'a vraiment emballée, voilà ce que Vicky Skinner nous sert dans son histoire. Amy et Oliver font leurs erreurs, se trompent mais surtout, développent des sentiments qui m'ont vraiment touché. J'aime tellement quand des personnages se trouvent par leurs failles et leurs doutes !⠀
⠀
Vraiment, si vous aimez les Friends to lovers et le Young Adult, ne passez pas à côté de ce titre. 🥰⠀
⠀
October 4, 2020
4.5 stars
Originally posted on 10/1/2020 at For What It's Worth - https://www.fwiwreviews.net/2020/10/r...
Amy is driven to her single minded goal of becoming valedictorian of her class and winning a scholarship to her dream school, Stanford.
Unfortunately, her drive comes at a cost. Her boyfriend feels ignored and dumps her and her arch nemesis and main competition for valedictorian, Petra, is pulling ahead of her. To add to her stress, she needs to get a job because her family has hit a rough financial patch. She decides to apply to Spirits, a local record store even if it proves to be distracting to her studies.
Oliver is in charge of training Amy and is not thrilled about it. She’s uptight, smart & driven – things that Oliver can’t relate to. He’s taking a gap year while telling his mom that he’s applying to colleges but isn’t sure if that’s the right path for him.
Oliver’s mom is dead set on him going to college to avoid the fate of his alcoholic father – a man that Oliver is still taking care of and picking up after. On the flip side, Amy’s mom wants her to aim lower, thinking she might not be able to get into Stanford. This hurts Amy terribly.
Amy & Oliver’s growing friendship, the record store, the playlist (& the entire awesome crew there) were a lot of fun but that was tempered by the very real issues both had to confront.
I really loved watching them break down each others walls – Oliver is SO grumpy at first lol and Amy so hyper focused on school and winning her ex back – but more importantly, how they stand up for each other when it counts.
There are definitely mistakes and drama going on but they were both such good kids struggling to do the right thing that it didn’t bother me.
One thing that sort of set off my red flag warnings is how much Oliver relied on Amy to make his life worthwhile. That’s never healthy in a relationship but it was, thankfully, addressed.
And added points for making Petra more than Amy’s cliché nemesis!
All Our Worst Ideas was fun, yet heartfelt, with real life issues YA in the vein of You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson – another book I really loved this year.
*Arc provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Originally posted on 10/1/2020 at For What It's Worth - https://www.fwiwreviews.net/2020/10/r...
Amy is driven to her single minded goal of becoming valedictorian of her class and winning a scholarship to her dream school, Stanford.
Unfortunately, her drive comes at a cost. Her boyfriend feels ignored and dumps her and her arch nemesis and main competition for valedictorian, Petra, is pulling ahead of her. To add to her stress, she needs to get a job because her family has hit a rough financial patch. She decides to apply to Spirits, a local record store even if it proves to be distracting to her studies.
Oliver is in charge of training Amy and is not thrilled about it. She’s uptight, smart & driven – things that Oliver can’t relate to. He’s taking a gap year while telling his mom that he’s applying to colleges but isn’t sure if that’s the right path for him.
Oliver’s mom is dead set on him going to college to avoid the fate of his alcoholic father – a man that Oliver is still taking care of and picking up after. On the flip side, Amy’s mom wants her to aim lower, thinking she might not be able to get into Stanford. This hurts Amy terribly.
Amy & Oliver’s growing friendship, the record store, the playlist (& the entire awesome crew there) were a lot of fun but that was tempered by the very real issues both had to confront.
I really loved watching them break down each others walls – Oliver is SO grumpy at first lol and Amy so hyper focused on school and winning her ex back – but more importantly, how they stand up for each other when it counts.
There are definitely mistakes and drama going on but they were both such good kids struggling to do the right thing that it didn’t bother me.
One thing that sort of set off my red flag warnings is how much Oliver relied on Amy to make his life worthwhile. That’s never healthy in a relationship but it was, thankfully, addressed.
And added points for making Petra more than Amy’s cliché nemesis!
All Our Worst Ideas was fun, yet heartfelt, with real life issues YA in the vein of You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson – another book I really loved this year.
*Arc provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 22, 2021
After reading an intense Outlander novel, I wanted something lighthearted and fun, but this...wasn’t it.
I liked the idea of two very different characters working together at a record store and coming together despite their differences, but a few things didn’t work for me.
1) Amy — I did not like her at all. She was kind of a snot, especially to Petra, who she hated for no reason other than she was an academic rival. (Side note - I appreciated that Petra didn’t just become a cookie cutter Mean Girl who existed solely to feud with Amy.) Amy constantly complained about not having any friends, but she wasn’t the nicest person and it was difficult to like her. She was also very wishy-washy. One minute she’s sobbing over her ex, the next minute she’s making out with Oliver, then she’s sobbing over her ex.
2) the subject matter. Oliver’s father is an alcoholic, and so there was a lot of sadness that goes along with that. I really wanted something more lighthearted, so while I felt for Oliver and what he went through, I wanted something different.
3) the romance was a little instalove-y (at least on Oliver’s end)
That said, I liked the record store atmosphere and Brooke, who was a good friend to Oliver and Amy. I liked that Amy finally stood up to Jackson, but I wanted her to do it a lot sooner than she did. The romance was cute, and I liked that Amy realized she loved him when she could be totally herself around him without fear of judgment. I really liked that message.
I liked the idea of two very different characters working together at a record store and coming together despite their differences, but a few things didn’t work for me.
1) Amy — I did not like her at all. She was kind of a snot, especially to Petra, who she hated for no reason other than she was an academic rival. (Side note - I appreciated that Petra didn’t just become a cookie cutter Mean Girl who existed solely to feud with Amy.) Amy constantly complained about not having any friends, but she wasn’t the nicest person and it was difficult to like her. She was also very wishy-washy. One minute she’s sobbing over her ex, the next minute she’s making out with Oliver, then she’s sobbing over her ex.
2) the subject matter. Oliver’s father is an alcoholic, and so there was a lot of sadness that goes along with that. I really wanted something more lighthearted, so while I felt for Oliver and what he went through, I wanted something different.
3) the romance was a little instalove-y (at least on Oliver’s end)
That said, I liked the record store atmosphere and Brooke, who was a good friend to Oliver and Amy. I liked that Amy finally stood up to Jackson, but I wanted her to do it a lot sooner than she did. The romance was cute, and I liked that Amy realized she loved him when she could be totally herself around him without fear of judgment. I really liked that message.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2020
I honestly don't get what all the hype surrounding this book is.
It's... okay. Honestly to me All Our Worst Ideas felt like a Colleen Hoover plot with a more straight forward narration style. Two teens from different backgrounds with a mutual interest that separates them from the rest of their peers but not so much that it could separate them from potential readers with mess home and school lives that you know are going to end up together from the getgo.
It's probably one of the most average YA romances I've ever read which is fine, I'm just left confused on how much everyone else seems to have loved it.
It's... okay. Honestly to me All Our Worst Ideas felt like a Colleen Hoover plot with a more straight forward narration style. Two teens from different backgrounds with a mutual interest that separates them from the rest of their peers but not so much that it could separate them from potential readers with mess home and school lives that you know are going to end up together from the getgo.
It's probably one of the most average YA romances I've ever read which is fine, I'm just left confused on how much everyone else seems to have loved it.
August 16, 2020
(I ship Amy and Petra, sorry not sorry.)
July 21, 2022
https://my-bo0ks.over-blog.com/2022/0...
Tout commence quand Amy apprend qu'elle doit trouver un boulot pour aider ses parents. C'est au magasin de disques du coin qu'elle va postuler et commencer à jongler entre cours, révisions et boulot. Pour cette première de la classe qui planifie tout, c'est le début des complications. D'autant que son collègue, Oliver est son exact opposé et en plus de ça, il semble la détester. Mais c'est bien connu, les contraires s'attirent...
Dès le début de ma lecture, j'ai eu un bon feeling avec Amy et Olivier. Il faut dire que ces deux-là sont vraiment attachants. Amy a toujours été première de sa classe. Un statut qui ne lui facilite pas les choses au quotidien. A tel point qu'elle n'a pas d'amis et en dehors de son petit-ami (qui la quitte au début du roman) c'est une vie assez solitaire qu'elle mène. Son rêve est si proche qu'elle fait tout pour s'en donner les moyens mais va se rendre compte qu'à force de maintenir à distance les autres, ce n'est finalement pas forcément une vie si heureuse.
De son côté, Oliver a décidé de quitter le lycée et travailler au seul endroit dans lequel il se sent bien : entouré de musiques. Pourtant, sa mère s'échine à l'inscrire dans tout un tas d'universités et il se refuse à lui dire que cela ne fait pas partie de ses plans pour ne pas la décevoir. Pendant que son père, lui, enchaine les bars. Et voilà qu'Amy pousse la porte du magasin et lui tape dans l'œil.
La romance de Amy VS Oliver entre clairement dans la catégorie Slow-burn. Puisqu'au démarrage, nos deux personnages ne s'adressent la parole que pour le stricte minimum. Amy tente de tout faire pour s'acclimater à son nouveau boulot tandis qu'Oliver tente de garder ses distances avec Amy. D'abord parce qu'elle est toujours amoureuse de son ex-petit-ami, ensuite parce qu'elle est vraiment son opposé et enfin pour une raison que l'on découvrira au fil des pages. Ainsi, c'est avant tout une relation amicale qui débutera entre ces deux-là. Par le bais de la musique, chacun va se dévoiler à l'autre en lui faisant découvrir une partie de lui.
Je dois dire que j'ai été particulièrement sensible à cette romance toute mignonne et pleine de bons sentiments qui s'installe. Un peu comme si elle les prenait par surprise (enfin, surtout Amy). J'ai aussi beaucoup apprécié que ce soit Oliver qui craque totalement pour Amy en premier. C'est encore plus mignon, d'autant que lui et les relations amoureuses, ça fait deux. Les chapitres de son point de vue sont particulièrement touchants je trouve.
Amy VS Oliver, c'est aussi d'autres sujets abordés. L'alcool, la famille, les choix de vies, les secondes chances ou encore l'amitié. L'ensemble est vraiment bon, il ne tombe ni dans le dramatique, ni dans la niaiserie. On passe un excellent moment de lecture et on est dans une petite bulle le temps de quelques pages, avec eux. J'ai tourné les pages à vive allure, sans m'en rendre compte et voilà que j'arrivais à la fin de ma lecture. Autant vous dire que cela se dévore tout seul. Pour ne rien gâcher, on est également dans une bonne ambiance avec une playlist du tonnerre ! Puisque nos deux personnages se font découvrir leurs titres préférés au fil de leurs discussions (playlist qui se trouve en fin de roman). Les connaissant quasiment toutes, j'ai beaucoup apprécié cela. Au delà de ça, la musique a une part importante dans leurs vies, à l'image d'un fil conducteur et cela se ressent totalement.
En conclusion, j'ai passé un super moment de lecture avec Amy VS Oliver. C'est doux, léger, mignon et sans prise de tête. Il aborde quelques sujets importants mais reste vraiment sur une note positive et plein d'espoirs. Cela faisait un moment que je n'avais pas lu un roman de ce genre aussi addictif !
Tout commence quand Amy apprend qu'elle doit trouver un boulot pour aider ses parents. C'est au magasin de disques du coin qu'elle va postuler et commencer à jongler entre cours, révisions et boulot. Pour cette première de la classe qui planifie tout, c'est le début des complications. D'autant que son collègue, Oliver est son exact opposé et en plus de ça, il semble la détester. Mais c'est bien connu, les contraires s'attirent...
Dès le début de ma lecture, j'ai eu un bon feeling avec Amy et Olivier. Il faut dire que ces deux-là sont vraiment attachants. Amy a toujours été première de sa classe. Un statut qui ne lui facilite pas les choses au quotidien. A tel point qu'elle n'a pas d'amis et en dehors de son petit-ami (qui la quitte au début du roman) c'est une vie assez solitaire qu'elle mène. Son rêve est si proche qu'elle fait tout pour s'en donner les moyens mais va se rendre compte qu'à force de maintenir à distance les autres, ce n'est finalement pas forcément une vie si heureuse.
De son côté, Oliver a décidé de quitter le lycée et travailler au seul endroit dans lequel il se sent bien : entouré de musiques. Pourtant, sa mère s'échine à l'inscrire dans tout un tas d'universités et il se refuse à lui dire que cela ne fait pas partie de ses plans pour ne pas la décevoir. Pendant que son père, lui, enchaine les bars. Et voilà qu'Amy pousse la porte du magasin et lui tape dans l'œil.
La romance de Amy VS Oliver entre clairement dans la catégorie Slow-burn. Puisqu'au démarrage, nos deux personnages ne s'adressent la parole que pour le stricte minimum. Amy tente de tout faire pour s'acclimater à son nouveau boulot tandis qu'Oliver tente de garder ses distances avec Amy. D'abord parce qu'elle est toujours amoureuse de son ex-petit-ami, ensuite parce qu'elle est vraiment son opposé et enfin pour une raison que l'on découvrira au fil des pages. Ainsi, c'est avant tout une relation amicale qui débutera entre ces deux-là. Par le bais de la musique, chacun va se dévoiler à l'autre en lui faisant découvrir une partie de lui.
Je dois dire que j'ai été particulièrement sensible à cette romance toute mignonne et pleine de bons sentiments qui s'installe. Un peu comme si elle les prenait par surprise (enfin, surtout Amy). J'ai aussi beaucoup apprécié que ce soit Oliver qui craque totalement pour Amy en premier. C'est encore plus mignon, d'autant que lui et les relations amoureuses, ça fait deux. Les chapitres de son point de vue sont particulièrement touchants je trouve.
Amy VS Oliver, c'est aussi d'autres sujets abordés. L'alcool, la famille, les choix de vies, les secondes chances ou encore l'amitié. L'ensemble est vraiment bon, il ne tombe ni dans le dramatique, ni dans la niaiserie. On passe un excellent moment de lecture et on est dans une petite bulle le temps de quelques pages, avec eux. J'ai tourné les pages à vive allure, sans m'en rendre compte et voilà que j'arrivais à la fin de ma lecture. Autant vous dire que cela se dévore tout seul. Pour ne rien gâcher, on est également dans une bonne ambiance avec une playlist du tonnerre ! Puisque nos deux personnages se font découvrir leurs titres préférés au fil de leurs discussions (playlist qui se trouve en fin de roman). Les connaissant quasiment toutes, j'ai beaucoup apprécié cela. Au delà de ça, la musique a une part importante dans leurs vies, à l'image d'un fil conducteur et cela se ressent totalement.
En conclusion, j'ai passé un super moment de lecture avec Amy VS Oliver. C'est doux, léger, mignon et sans prise de tête. Il aborde quelques sujets importants mais reste vraiment sur une note positive et plein d'espoirs. Cela faisait un moment que je n'avais pas lu un roman de ce genre aussi addictif !
September 11, 2020
This book caught my eye because of that cover (heart eyes!). I love the bold colours and the vibe of the cover model - she looks so cool. The description hooked because the protagonists work in a music store(!!). I've said it before, my tastes in music are super basic - I listen to whatever's on the radio and some recommendations. Lately, my musical scope has been (very gradually) expanding because I'm making an effort to listen to all the songs on my Daily Mixes instead of just skipping the ones I haven't heard before (you're ruining the very point of those playlists!) and I've come across gems. Even so, I respect all music buffs (as long as you don't diss the artists I like). I listen to all my music online and it's been ages since I visited a record store, but I love the idea of it, being surrounded by music, with messages hidden in lyrics that you find only if you know how to look for them.
Coming back to the book, it's told in dual POV, and I appreciated both characters. Amaria is such a lovely name, and Amy is a great person. I liked her a little more than Oliver because she was so hardworking and focused on goals, and also because she had to deal with complex relationships, both familial and romantic. Oliver has his fair share of troubles, and I could say I relate to him more because he is somewhat undecided about his future and is not initially brave enough to confront his mother about how he doesn't want to fall in line with her plans for him. He is captivated by Amy from the very first day and worries that she will despise him for not wanting to go to college.
Amy's relationship with Jackson was really bittersweet to read about. It sucks when you have a good relationship with someone but something's missing, a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit, and it takes the right person coming along for you to realize that. That's not quite how it happens in the book, but it takes Oliver to make Amy realize that Jackson isn't the one for her; at least, not anymore. I respected Jackson for breaking up with Amy because she wasn't giving him enough of her and attention, and couldn't fault him for being unable to stay away from her anyway, but he acted like a real douche at times, leaving me with an overall ambivalent opinion of him. Petra, on the other hand, was a total rockstar. I wish I had someone who'd push me like that (apart from my mom - I love you Ma, but you tend to go overboard sometimes). I saw that the author liked someone's message which said that they shipped Amy and Petra, and I totally second that opinion. I almost thought something would happen because . She kept saying that she wanted honest competition, and it was obvious that she cared for Amy. It was really good for both of them to spend time with each other.
The parents and parent-figures in the book all had stories of their own to tell. I could understand Oliver's mother's desire that he attend college and get a good education, which would provide him with opportunities that she didn't have. What surprised me was how Amy's mother and the rest of her family by extension were so unsupportive of Amy's decision to try and secure a prestigious scholarship in order to attend Stanford. It made me very sad to think that I've taken it for granted that all parents believe in their children's capabilities; however, that's untrue. While Amy doesn't let it drag her down, it definitely bothers her a lot. Brooke was a great mentor and friend to both Amy and Oliver. She's unapologetic about who she is and owns her life and who she loves, even if it caused her parents to throw her out of their house and cut off all ties with her :-( When Amy and Oliver are going through a rough patch, she grudgingly agrees to be their middleman. She thinks up wacky ideas like Silly Hat Monday to boost sales and keep things lively in the shop. She teases Oliver about liking Amy and other stuff that he doesn't have anyone of his own age to talk about with.
Finally talking about the couple themselves, Amy and Oliver were adorable together. I was super impressed with Oliver when he made the first move - I thought he'd spend a lot more of the book pining after her one-sidedly. I didn't quite see what made them perfect for each other, but they had complementary personalities and similar interests with differing points of view which allowed them to have both meaningful as well as fun conversations. I think their friendship made a bigger impact on their lives than their romance, but I'm happy for them. I admired that Amy was sex-positive and didn't make a big deal out of things, but she was considerate of Oliver's feelings. In her panic about the scholarship, she says very hurtful things to Oliver, but she regrets it almost instantly and takes pains to show how sorry she is and didn't mean what she said.
In my opinion, compared to Radio Silence, this book dealt much better with the topic of how attending college should be a voluntary decision and not something everyone should be pushed into doing, regardless of their academic proficiency. I keep returning to how I wanted to like it but didn't, and I have to remind myself that there are different sides to every story and I'm not expected to like or even understand all of them.
The music deserves its own mention. I knew maybe one out of every five songs mentioned in the book (Saturn by Sleeping At Last, I know you and I love you), but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the story in any way. The author has generously included a list of all the songs Amy and Oliver listen to at the end of the book, and I'm thinking of creating a Spotify playlist of the same. I've done it before for The Girls of July, but I don't think I ever got around to listening to it.
Lately I keep an eye out for mentions of the author's romantic partner (if any) in the acknowledgements. It's nice to know that they're lucky enough to experience some of what they write about. I don't have any particular quote from the book I'm partial to, but the author's message to her partner has become one of my favourites:
Coming back to the book, it's told in dual POV, and I appreciated both characters. Amaria is such a lovely name, and Amy is a great person. I liked her a little more than Oliver because she was so hardworking and focused on goals, and also because she had to deal with complex relationships, both familial and romantic. Oliver has his fair share of troubles, and I could say I relate to him more because he is somewhat undecided about his future and is not initially brave enough to confront his mother about how he doesn't want to fall in line with her plans for him. He is captivated by Amy from the very first day and worries that she will despise him for not wanting to go to college.
Amy's relationship with Jackson was really bittersweet to read about. It sucks when you have a good relationship with someone but something's missing, a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit, and it takes the right person coming along for you to realize that. That's not quite how it happens in the book, but it takes Oliver to make Amy realize that Jackson isn't the one for her; at least, not anymore. I respected Jackson for breaking up with Amy because she wasn't giving him enough of her and attention, and couldn't fault him for being unable to stay away from her anyway, but he acted like a real douche at times, leaving me with an overall ambivalent opinion of him. Petra, on the other hand, was a total rockstar. I wish I had someone who'd push me like that (apart from my mom - I love you Ma, but you tend to go overboard sometimes). I saw that the author liked someone's message which said that they shipped Amy and Petra, and I totally second that opinion. I almost thought something would happen because . She kept saying that she wanted honest competition, and it was obvious that she cared for Amy. It was really good for both of them to spend time with each other.
The parents and parent-figures in the book all had stories of their own to tell. I could understand Oliver's mother's desire that he attend college and get a good education, which would provide him with opportunities that she didn't have. What surprised me was how Amy's mother and the rest of her family by extension were so unsupportive of Amy's decision to try and secure a prestigious scholarship in order to attend Stanford. It made me very sad to think that I've taken it for granted that all parents believe in their children's capabilities; however, that's untrue. While Amy doesn't let it drag her down, it definitely bothers her a lot. Brooke was a great mentor and friend to both Amy and Oliver. She's unapologetic about who she is and owns her life and who she loves, even if it caused her parents to throw her out of their house and cut off all ties with her :-( When Amy and Oliver are going through a rough patch, she grudgingly agrees to be their middleman. She thinks up wacky ideas like Silly Hat Monday to boost sales and keep things lively in the shop. She teases Oliver about liking Amy and other stuff that he doesn't have anyone of his own age to talk about with.
Finally talking about the couple themselves, Amy and Oliver were adorable together. I was super impressed with Oliver when he made the first move - I thought he'd spend a lot more of the book pining after her one-sidedly. I didn't quite see what made them perfect for each other, but they had complementary personalities and similar interests with differing points of view which allowed them to have both meaningful as well as fun conversations. I think their friendship made a bigger impact on their lives than their romance, but I'm happy for them. I admired that Amy was sex-positive and didn't make a big deal out of things, but she was considerate of Oliver's feelings. In her panic about the scholarship, she says very hurtful things to Oliver, but she regrets it almost instantly and takes pains to show how sorry she is and didn't mean what she said.
In my opinion, compared to Radio Silence, this book dealt much better with the topic of how attending college should be a voluntary decision and not something everyone should be pushed into doing, regardless of their academic proficiency. I keep returning to how I wanted to like it but didn't, and I have to remind myself that there are different sides to every story and I'm not expected to like or even understand all of them.
The music deserves its own mention. I knew maybe one out of every five songs mentioned in the book (Saturn by Sleeping At Last, I know you and I love you), but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the story in any way. The author has generously included a list of all the songs Amy and Oliver listen to at the end of the book, and I'm thinking of creating a Spotify playlist of the same. I've done it before for The Girls of July, but I don't think I ever got around to listening to it.
Lately I keep an eye out for mentions of the author's romantic partner (if any) in the acknowledgements. It's nice to know that they're lucky enough to experience some of what they write about. I don't have any particular quote from the book I'm partial to, but the author's message to her partner has become one of my favourites:
You're in every love interest I write because I wouldn't know true love if it weren't for you.
February 10, 2021
Amy Richardson is a high school senior who is desperate to earn the title of valedictorian. She's carefully planned her future, and it relies on her coming in first place in her class in order to get into Stanford and earn a scholarship, since her family certainly can't afford the tuition. When she gets a job at her favorite record store around the same time her boyfriend dumps her, she finds herself derailed. Her coworker, Oliver, is apprehensive about Amy--they're complete opposites. He's already graduated high school, but he has no idea what he wants to do with his life. The only thing he's sure of is that college isn't in his future, a decision that he has yet to tell his expective mother. As they turn from strangers into friends and confidantes, something more blooms between them.
I sat down and read this book in a single day. I was actually a little surprised, because I picked this book up on a whim. It's not like I was out here awaiting its arrival. But I found an unexpected gem, and that's the best thing--5 stars.
All Our Worst Ideas is a tale of growing up and figuring out what you want from life. On one hand we have Amy, who has a plan and is determined to achieve it, but has to learn that life can flow in unexpected directions. On the other we have Oliver, who is insecure in his uncertainty over his future... and if that's not relatable, I don't know what is.
Dual-narrated in fast-paced chapters that span nearly a year, we see both Amy and Oliver learn to grow up and accept that while they can't control everything, there are always choices for them to make. With strong and dynamic characters, we have a swoon-worthy romance that is both realistic and dreamy at the same time. And it's a love triangle that I didn't hate (!) as Oliver is immediately attracted to Amy, while Amy struggles with reconciling her feelings for Oliver and her ex.
Honestly, I can't think of a single thing for me to complain about. This is a well-written novel that teens will relate to. If you're looking for a romance with well-rounded characters, you've found it.
I sat down and read this book in a single day. I was actually a little surprised, because I picked this book up on a whim. It's not like I was out here awaiting its arrival. But I found an unexpected gem, and that's the best thing--5 stars.
All Our Worst Ideas is a tale of growing up and figuring out what you want from life. On one hand we have Amy, who has a plan and is determined to achieve it, but has to learn that life can flow in unexpected directions. On the other we have Oliver, who is insecure in his uncertainty over his future... and if that's not relatable, I don't know what is.
Dual-narrated in fast-paced chapters that span nearly a year, we see both Amy and Oliver learn to grow up and accept that while they can't control everything, there are always choices for them to make. With strong and dynamic characters, we have a swoon-worthy romance that is both realistic and dreamy at the same time. And it's a love triangle that I didn't hate (!) as Oliver is immediately attracted to Amy, while Amy struggles with reconciling her feelings for Oliver and her ex.
Honestly, I can't think of a single thing for me to complain about. This is a well-written novel that teens will relate to. If you're looking for a romance with well-rounded characters, you've found it.
May 23, 2020
Since eighth grade, Amy has had a dream of going to Stanford for college. In order to afford it, she needs to get the biggest scholarship, which is dependent on her being valedictorian. As a result, she's always busy competing with her classmate Petra for the spot, which leaves her with little time for a social life. When she is forced to get a job after her step dad loses his, Amy decides to get one at the local record store, Spirits, and for the first time, she feels like she fits in somewhere.
I liked the characters a lot, and how they interacted with one another. Despite their differences, they understood each other, and it made their connection stronger. I really liked how Vicky Skinner included both sides of the spectrum in her characters, Amy a girl who wants to be valedictorian more than anything else, and Oliver who doesn't want to go to college, despite his mom's insistence. I appreciated how real and flawed these characters were and how they both had things they struggled with in their life, but it wasn't all-encompassing, dramatic, and depressing. it was well written. I think my favorite aspect of this book was Spirits, and how so much of Amy and Oliver's friendship/relationship centered around music. One of the greatest things is when you discover someone has the same music taste in you, and considering how seriously Oliver and Amy both take music, I was surprised to find that they discussed a lot of my favorite artists.
One unfortunate thing I am realizing after reading this book is how removed I feel from high school characters. It's weird and I hate it, but maybe it's just because I'm done, so I don't care as much anymore, but I found myself feeling less connected to Amy than normal.
**i received an arc of this book from Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review**
August 13, 2020
Heartfelt and realistic, this is a tale of figuring out how to find oneself and dance to ones' own tune.
Amy knows how to be successful in school and is on her way to finish high school perfectly and slide right into college. But when the love-of-her-life boyfriend dumps her, it's more than a sour turn. Needing a distraction, she takes a part-time job at the record store. There she meets Oliver, a grumpy-ish co-worker, who is finishing off his 'break-year' before heading to college. But he's pretty sure that's not the path he wants to take. Add the problem of his alcoholic dad, and he's everything but put together like Amy. And yet, the two might just find a way toward their own form of harmony.
This is a read, which touches the heart. The decisions, disappointments and mistakes are understandable and realistic. Told from two points-of-view, the story dives deep into both Amy and Oliver. Each character gains wonderful depth, and although very different, it's easy to see life from both stand points. Teen readers will see some of themselves in these characters and easily connect with them.
Shortly after the tale starts, Amy finds herself with a broken heart thanks to the break-up with her boyfriend. It was refreshing to see that she didn't get over this relationship quickly but needed time to heal. The romance with Oliver is well-paced, allowing the friendship to form first. But here, before relationships can form, it's important to discover what each one really wants and learn to believe in themselves.
In other words, it's a lovely romance which takes on a coming-of-age twist. Not only young adult readers will enjoy this one, but older readers as well.
I received an ARC from the publisher and enjoyed accompanying these two characters during their story.
Amy knows how to be successful in school and is on her way to finish high school perfectly and slide right into college. But when the love-of-her-life boyfriend dumps her, it's more than a sour turn. Needing a distraction, she takes a part-time job at the record store. There she meets Oliver, a grumpy-ish co-worker, who is finishing off his 'break-year' before heading to college. But he's pretty sure that's not the path he wants to take. Add the problem of his alcoholic dad, and he's everything but put together like Amy. And yet, the two might just find a way toward their own form of harmony.
This is a read, which touches the heart. The decisions, disappointments and mistakes are understandable and realistic. Told from two points-of-view, the story dives deep into both Amy and Oliver. Each character gains wonderful depth, and although very different, it's easy to see life from both stand points. Teen readers will see some of themselves in these characters and easily connect with them.
Shortly after the tale starts, Amy finds herself with a broken heart thanks to the break-up with her boyfriend. It was refreshing to see that she didn't get over this relationship quickly but needed time to heal. The romance with Oliver is well-paced, allowing the friendship to form first. But here, before relationships can form, it's important to discover what each one really wants and learn to believe in themselves.
In other words, it's a lovely romance which takes on a coming-of-age twist. Not only young adult readers will enjoy this one, but older readers as well.
I received an ARC from the publisher and enjoyed accompanying these two characters during their story.
August 13, 2020
Amy, a straight A student, and Oliver, a still-try-to-figure-it-out-my-life guy, have nothing in common.
As they work late-night shifts at a record store, they become friends and then confidantes and then something more. But when Amy has a hard time letting go of what she thought was her perfect future with her ex, she risks losing the future she didn’t even know she wanted with Oliver.
Oli is such an awesome guy! This is a very sweet and fast paced story.
"This is my favorite way to take in music, new or old or something I’ve listened to so many times I know every word. Music is meant to be heard without distractions. As much as I love listening to an album while I do the laundry or while I drive through town or while I do homework, this is my ideal way of soaking in music: uninterrupted, undistracted, unblemished by reality. And I do soak it in."
"I’ve always been disappointed by the thought that, in the event of a near
death experience, my brain is supposed to supply some spiritual kind of montage of powerful life moments. I never really thought I had any of those.
Now I know, if I’m seconds from death, I’ll think of Amy and her mouth, and I’ll die happy."
As they work late-night shifts at a record store, they become friends and then confidantes and then something more. But when Amy has a hard time letting go of what she thought was her perfect future with her ex, she risks losing the future she didn’t even know she wanted with Oliver.
Oli is such an awesome guy! This is a very sweet and fast paced story.
"This is my favorite way to take in music, new or old or something I’ve listened to so many times I know every word. Music is meant to be heard without distractions. As much as I love listening to an album while I do the laundry or while I drive through town or while I do homework, this is my ideal way of soaking in music: uninterrupted, undistracted, unblemished by reality. And I do soak it in."
"I’ve always been disappointed by the thought that, in the event of a near
death experience, my brain is supposed to supply some spiritual kind of montage of powerful life moments. I never really thought I had any of those.
Now I know, if I’m seconds from death, I’ll think of Amy and her mouth, and I’ll die happy."
November 5, 2021
Hmm
This was a good story that kept me engaged, but fell out of my mind really quickly. Once I closed it, I no longer cared. Sad, but true. Still... a fun contemporary and I'm glad I gave it a go. I really loved the main characters. They were really sweet and went through way too much. It made me very grateful for the life I have.
This was a good story that kept me engaged, but fell out of my mind really quickly. Once I closed it, I no longer cared. Sad, but true. Still... a fun contemporary and I'm glad I gave it a go. I really loved the main characters. They were really sweet and went through way too much. It made me very grateful for the life I have.
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