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I Now Pronounce You Someone Else
Here Comes the Bride If She Can Pass Chemistry.
Eighteen-year-old Bronwen Oliver has a secret: She's really Phoebe, the lost daughter of the loving Lilywhite family. That's the only way to explain her image-obsessed mother; a kind but distant stepfather; and a brother with a small personality complex. Bronwen knows she must have been switched at birth, and she can't wait to get away from her "family" for good.
Then she meets Jared Sondervan. He's sweet, funny, everything she wants and he has the family Bronwen has always wanted too. She falls head over heels in love, and when he proposes marriage, she joyfully accepts. But is Jared truly what she needs? And if he's not, she has to ask: What would Phoebe Lilywhite do?
258 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2010
14 people are currently reading
3580 people want to read
About the author
Erin McCahan
4 books269 followersPraise for THE LAKE EFFECT:
-“Observant, sarcastic, compelling, and very funny . . . this thoroughly enjoyable read is a seductive invitation to relax and let life happen.” —Kirkus Reviews (STARRED review)
"[An] inviting, thoughtful novel." —The Chicago Tribune
"A dazzlingly hilarious trifecta of awkward growing pains, social gaffes, and the romance that will warm your heart forever . . . Erin McCahan is the reigning queen of summer YA reads." —PopSugar
Erin lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband of over 18 years, Tim, and their two cats, Simon and Josie.
When she is not writing or taking walks with her husband, she can be found in any number of local coffee shops having chai and long conversations with friends.
-“Observant, sarcastic, compelling, and very funny . . . this thoroughly enjoyable read is a seductive invitation to relax and let life happen.” —Kirkus Reviews (STARRED review)
"[An] inviting, thoughtful novel." —The Chicago Tribune
"A dazzlingly hilarious trifecta of awkward growing pains, social gaffes, and the romance that will warm your heart forever . . . Erin McCahan is the reigning queen of summer YA reads." —PopSugar
Erin lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband of over 18 years, Tim, and their two cats, Simon and Josie.
When she is not writing or taking walks with her husband, she can be found in any number of local coffee shops having chai and long conversations with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
January 5, 2011
Favourite Quote: "And just the way he smiled - the kind of smile that exists only for you and anticipates the next good thing coming for you, or that whatever comes from you next is bound to be good - made my heart beat a little faster. Made my breath come a little quicker."
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else surprised me in a good way. I was just expecting a sweet love story, and that is amazing part of it, but it was also witty, funny and smart coming of age story.
Erin McCahan writing is fun and simple but at the same time has depth. I think it is because Bronwen has a strong and geniune narrative. It is easy to connect with her as a character and understand and feel what she is going through. Bronwen is dealing with the pressures of first love, family, school, getting into college, friendships and trying to make it all work together.
Jared, what a sweetheart. He is kind of the perfect boyfriend. Their romance develops so slowly at first. McCahan had me on the edge of my seat waiting for it to happen. And when it finally did it was one of the most beautiful first kisses I have ever read. I had to read re-read it a few times (well, I am a romantic sap!).
Bronwen also has a quite a few family issues to deal with. Like a mother she never seems to please, a wonderful stepdad who she thinks doesn't want her as a daughter and a brother who is 'Jesus'. McCahan deals with these issues in a believeable way. She doesn't iron out the details so everything end perfectly but rather makes something the family has to work at.
Overall, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is an impressive novel that shouldn't be missed.
~Runs and tackles Tina in a hug~ Thanks for convincing me to read this. This book just made me smile.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else surprised me in a good way. I was just expecting a sweet love story, and that is amazing part of it, but it was also witty, funny and smart coming of age story.
Erin McCahan writing is fun and simple but at the same time has depth. I think it is because Bronwen has a strong and geniune narrative. It is easy to connect with her as a character and understand and feel what she is going through. Bronwen is dealing with the pressures of first love, family, school, getting into college, friendships and trying to make it all work together.
Jared, what a sweetheart. He is kind of the perfect boyfriend. Their romance develops so slowly at first. McCahan had me on the edge of my seat waiting for it to happen. And when it finally did it was one of the most beautiful first kisses I have ever read. I had to read re-read it a few times (well, I am a romantic sap!).
Bronwen also has a quite a few family issues to deal with. Like a mother she never seems to please, a wonderful stepdad who she thinks doesn't want her as a daughter and a brother who is 'Jesus'. McCahan deals with these issues in a believeable way. She doesn't iron out the details so everything end perfectly but rather makes something the family has to work at.
Overall, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is an impressive novel that shouldn't be missed.
~Runs and tackles Tina in a hug~ Thanks for convincing me to read this. This book just made me smile.
February 16, 2011
What a perfect book to read around Valentine’s Day. I loved I Now Pronounce You Someone Else, but anyone who knows my reading style and what makes me squee, knows I’m a sap for this kind of stuff. I find it pretty, lovely and overall just beauteous!
The characters were great in this story. Bronwen really resonated with me. She’s sharp, funny, slightly broken and full of hopes and dreams. I respected her morals and how she stood by what she believed in. Grant it, it’s a bit unrealistic in today’s day and age, but heck, she’d standing by her beliefs, so good for her. I don’t even know where to start with Jared. GUSH!!SQUEE!!AWW!!TEAR!!SIGH!! I lurved everything about him, and he’s my perfect fictional character. His way with words and his sincerity had me sighing and smiling like a goof every time he opened his mouth! Gah! Oh and that first kiss. Holy smokes! What a kiss! Repeat! Repeat! That was one of the best written moments in the love department.
Another character I really came to care for was Bronwen’s stepfather Whitt. What a sweetheart!! I lurved him to pieces in a paternal sort of way, and that moment when Bronwen and Whitt discovered the truth about the “papers” had me on the verge of tears. Again, another perfectly written moment. I didn’t like Bronwen’s mom at all, but I’m pretty sure she was written that way. I never came to care for Peter and I wondered why he kept himself at a distance, some additional insight on that character would have been nice, but definitely not a deal breaker.
The storyline was original and well presented as Bronwen struggles to discover who she really is after the death of her father. She calls herself Pheobe Lillywhite (Gawd! I loved that name, as it reminds me of someone dear to me… ahem…ahem… Hannah *wink*) and waits for the day her real family will come to pick her up as she’s convinced she was switched at birth. Along comes Jared and a whirlwind romance ensues with all the perfect moments of first love. However, they are at different points in their life and after a commitment that had me fall off my chair, Bronwen soon realizes she needs to find herself before she becomes someone else’s.
Here is one book I would have loved to read an epilogue for. I can pretty much imagine my own ending, but putting it to paper makes it more real. Overall, what a fun, light romance in the YA genre that really hit home in so many ways! Perfectly done. Loved it!!
Favorite Quote
”I never promise what I can’t keep. So good night Bronwen. Sleep well... Dream of me.” Jared said.
Song Choice - Jared to Bronwen: Calling You – Blue October
The characters were great in this story. Bronwen really resonated with me. She’s sharp, funny, slightly broken and full of hopes and dreams. I respected her morals and how she stood by what she believed in. Grant it, it’s a bit unrealistic in today’s day and age, but heck, she’d standing by her beliefs, so good for her. I don’t even know where to start with Jared. GUSH!!SQUEE!!AWW!!TEAR!!SIGH!! I lurved everything about him, and he’s my perfect fictional character. His way with words and his sincerity had me sighing and smiling like a goof every time he opened his mouth! Gah! Oh and that first kiss. Holy smokes! What a kiss! Repeat! Repeat! That was one of the best written moments in the love department.
Another character I really came to care for was Bronwen’s stepfather Whitt. What a sweetheart!! I lurved him to pieces in a paternal sort of way, and that moment when Bronwen and Whitt discovered the truth about the “papers” had me on the verge of tears. Again, another perfectly written moment. I didn’t like Bronwen’s mom at all, but I’m pretty sure she was written that way. I never came to care for Peter and I wondered why he kept himself at a distance, some additional insight on that character would have been nice, but definitely not a deal breaker.
The storyline was original and well presented as Bronwen struggles to discover who she really is after the death of her father. She calls herself Pheobe Lillywhite (Gawd! I loved that name, as it reminds me of someone dear to me… ahem…ahem… Hannah *wink*) and waits for the day her real family will come to pick her up as she’s convinced she was switched at birth. Along comes Jared and a whirlwind romance ensues with all the perfect moments of first love. However, they are at different points in their life and after a commitment that had me fall off my chair, Bronwen soon realizes she needs to find herself before she becomes someone else’s.
Here is one book I would have loved to read an epilogue for. I can pretty much imagine my own ending, but putting it to paper makes it more real. Overall, what a fun, light romance in the YA genre that really hit home in so many ways! Perfectly done. Loved it!!
Favorite Quote
”I never promise what I can’t keep. So good night Bronwen. Sleep well... Dream of me.” Jared said.
Song Choice - Jared to Bronwen: Calling You – Blue October
September 18, 2010
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is the story about Bronwen Oliver who has never felt that she fit in with her family.
Switched at birth. That must be it. These are not my people.
This is a story about being lost within yourself, found by the one that loves you, only to be lost in that love and then finally, finally finding that perfect moment where you know you truly belong...
I absolutely adored this book! Erin McCahan, pens a wonderful story written with so much passion and compassion, combining the pressures of love with trying to belong to your own life at the same time, making this love story not only honest and heartfelt but genuine and realistic.
Did not think I would love this story as much as I did, but there wasn't a moment I didn't enjoy.
Bronwen and Jared have the kind of relationship that makes people what to swoon, melt, smile and basically gush. Some might find it lame. Others cheesy. Me? I'm a sap and found it absolutely perfect.
Bronwen was a great character. I was very proud of her morals, she knows what she wants and doesn't want in a few aspects of her life. Loved her humor, she's sweet and kind and very very lost. I understood and sympathized with her through out the entire story and found myself nodding in agreement with her every decision.
Jared is just amazing, and at first I thought that maybe he was a little to sweet, too good, and maybe even a little to perfect, but some where between Dream of me and the Here-no jokes, I really fell fast in love with his character and the way he loves.
And I gottta say that this book contains the most perfect first kiss I have ever read!!!
I also thought that Whitt was an outstanding character, some of those scenes really pulled me in, it was so precious.
There was a lot fun and funny moments I liked about this book, the family arguing at Thanksgiving and banter for one, the embarrassments for another and most of all I love that it never felt fake, not even once, and when I closed the book I let out a content sigh.
Witty, Warm and Wonderful, this is a fantastic debut and I'm definitely going to be looking for McCahan's books in the future.
Anyone looking for a great love story mixed with family comforts will love this.
I had a great time, it's a quick and light and made me feel like a totally cheese-ball after reading it, but hey, there it is;)
Switched at birth. That must be it. These are not my people.
This is a story about being lost within yourself, found by the one that loves you, only to be lost in that love and then finally, finally finding that perfect moment where you know you truly belong...
I absolutely adored this book! Erin McCahan, pens a wonderful story written with so much passion and compassion, combining the pressures of love with trying to belong to your own life at the same time, making this love story not only honest and heartfelt but genuine and realistic.
Did not think I would love this story as much as I did, but there wasn't a moment I didn't enjoy.
Bronwen and Jared have the kind of relationship that makes people what to swoon, melt, smile and basically gush. Some might find it lame. Others cheesy. Me? I'm a sap and found it absolutely perfect.
Bronwen was a great character. I was very proud of her morals, she knows what she wants and doesn't want in a few aspects of her life. Loved her humor, she's sweet and kind and very very lost. I understood and sympathized with her through out the entire story and found myself nodding in agreement with her every decision.
Jared is just amazing, and at first I thought that maybe he was a little to sweet, too good, and maybe even a little to perfect, but some where between Dream of me and the Here-no jokes, I really fell fast in love with his character and the way he loves.
And I gottta say that this book contains the most perfect first kiss I have ever read!!!
I also thought that Whitt was an outstanding character, some of those scenes really pulled me in, it was so precious.
There was a lot fun and funny moments I liked about this book, the family arguing at Thanksgiving and banter for one, the embarrassments for another and most of all I love that it never felt fake, not even once, and when I closed the book I let out a content sigh.
Witty, Warm and Wonderful, this is a fantastic debut and I'm definitely going to be looking for McCahan's books in the future.
Anyone looking for a great love story mixed with family comforts will love this.
I had a great time, it's a quick and light and made me feel like a totally cheese-ball after reading it, but hey, there it is;)
February 16, 2011
This is one of those books that I can really gush over for forever. It was sweet and endearing and just plain sweet. The story is about Bronwen and her life after her father past way some time ago. Her mom is pretty much nonexsistent. She only wants Bronwen to be polite and respectful of others no matter the cost to Bronwen. Whitt, Bronwen's stepdad, is there for as much as he can be even though she is holding onto a very big grudge. While dealing with her life she bumps into Jared, a friend of her brothers from school and they hit it off from the start. Jared is so sweet and what we get to see is what happens when two people meet and fall in love at the wrong time. I found their situation very realistic and I can totally see why McCahan chose to put her characters through so much. I loved the way it ended! My only complaint is that I would have liked to learn more about Peter, Bronwens brother, and what makes him the golden son. He seemed absent enough that he could have been left out all together imo. Other than that I loved this book and I will definitely keep track of this author!
February 12, 2011
Street Corner TBR Challenge #2 per Tina.
Ok, So I'm really glad you picked this Tina. This is one of those I might not have ever read. I tend to shy away from the "Chick lit"/Romantical fluff section but, I really, really enjoyed this one.
I must be turning into a sap! I had to wipe my eyes a couple of times while reading this.... bittersweet.
The Quick: (spoilers)
Bronwen meets Jared, they fall in love. He is practically perfect, she thinks. She is a senior in high school and he is graduating college. They get engaged. She is determined to go to college at Hope. He wants to start his life with her. It all comes twisting apart when Jared is offered a job out of state.... I am so shocked that he would actually have asked her to move with him. If you were truely in love and wanting to your relationship to work, he should have just turned the job down and tried to find something closer by. I know that seems sort of selfish for Browen to expect that, but that had been their plan all along. I like how they are crossing paths in the end, but I really wanted a happily-ever-after in this book.
But, all in all I am glad it wasn't as "fluffy" as I had imagined it was going to be. There were moments that were extremely deep and meaningful. I would love to read more by the same author, she writes very easy to read. Super quick/cute. I'd recommend to you if you are a fan of romance novels.
3.5 stars
Light-weight, breezy, fun, moving little book.
Sidenote: Big props to the author for making out herione be a platform for waiting for marraige to have sex. There needs to be more books advocating that lifesytle instead of glamourizing slutty behavior!
Ok, So I'm really glad you picked this Tina. This is one of those I might not have ever read. I tend to shy away from the "Chick lit"/Romantical fluff section but, I really, really enjoyed this one.
I must be turning into a sap! I had to wipe my eyes a couple of times while reading this.... bittersweet.
The Quick: (spoilers)
Bronwen meets Jared, they fall in love. He is practically perfect, she thinks. She is a senior in high school and he is graduating college. They get engaged. She is determined to go to college at Hope. He wants to start his life with her. It all comes twisting apart when Jared is offered a job out of state.... I am so shocked that he would actually have asked her to move with him. If you were truely in love and wanting to your relationship to work, he should have just turned the job down and tried to find something closer by. I know that seems sort of selfish for Browen to expect that, but that had been their plan all along. I like how they are crossing paths in the end, but I really wanted a happily-ever-after in this book.
But, all in all I am glad it wasn't as "fluffy" as I had imagined it was going to be. There were moments that were extremely deep and meaningful. I would love to read more by the same author, she writes very easy to read. Super quick/cute. I'd recommend to you if you are a fan of romance novels.
3.5 stars
Light-weight, breezy, fun, moving little book.
Sidenote: Big props to the author for making out herione be a platform for waiting for marraige to have sex. There needs to be more books advocating that lifesytle instead of glamourizing slutty behavior!
October 26, 2011
When I started, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. The blurb intrigued me and sounded like something right up my alley. And after reading it, I’m glad to say I enjoyed it. If your looking for a coming of age story – which I found to be different from others I’ve read – why not give this a go!
I found I connected with Bronwen some, but not a heap. I think it would be impossible not to have some connection, just because of the story and everything that’s going on. Moving on, let’s get to Jared...what do I think about him? Definite swoon material! :)
Throughout the whole book, the story kept me interested. I didn’t want to put it down and wanted to power through to the end, to find out what was going to happen.
The author’s writng was good; not GREAT!, but not bad. It was simple, clean and easy to read.
I read a few reviews before deciding to pick this book up and read in one of my friends reviews(who calls herself a romantic sap) and I quote “one of the most beautiful first kisses I have ever read”. I didn’t really think anything of it, until I came upon it... and I absolutely agree with her! Trust me it was worth the wait! After reading the kiss scene, I had to put the book down, but when I reopened it I couldn’t help but revisit it again. ;)
The ending was perfect, I can’t emphasise that enough! Don’t get me wrong, it was sad – even brought tears to my eyes – but in the end it worked out! I liked that the author summed the story up, tied all the loose ends and didn’t leave the reader in the lurch, waiting for a ‘never gonna happen sequel’.
I found I connected with Bronwen some, but not a heap. I think it would be impossible not to have some connection, just because of the story and everything that’s going on. Moving on, let’s get to Jared...what do I think about him? Definite swoon material! :)
Throughout the whole book, the story kept me interested. I didn’t want to put it down and wanted to power through to the end, to find out what was going to happen.
The author’s writng was good; not GREAT!, but not bad. It was simple, clean and easy to read.
I read a few reviews before deciding to pick this book up and read in one of my friends reviews(who calls herself a romantic sap) and I quote “one of the most beautiful first kisses I have ever read”. I didn’t really think anything of it, until I came upon it... and I absolutely agree with her! Trust me it was worth the wait! After reading the kiss scene, I had to put the book down, but when I reopened it I couldn’t help but revisit it again. ;)
The ending was perfect, I can’t emphasise that enough! Don’t get me wrong, it was sad – even brought tears to my eyes – but in the end it worked out! I liked that the author summed the story up, tied all the loose ends and didn’t leave the reader in the lurch, waiting for a ‘never gonna happen sequel’.
May 14, 2013
So at first I had no idea what I was going to think of this book. But things ran into high gear after the first chapter and did not let up until the end! I think the book's description is really the best one I can give:
I was really shocked at how much I loved this book. It is not just a romance like the description might suggest on the surface of things. Bronwen has REALLY deep-seated family issues and feels shut out emotionally and disconnected from her brother and her mother. She was really close to her Stepdad for the first five years after he married her mother and actually thought of him as her father. But due to miscommunications and heavy silences that relationship has broken down a lot as well. Bronwen really is in love with Jared, but because of the way her family life is, she goes rushing headlong into the relationship and losing herself inside of it. I won't give away the ending, suffice it to say that things do magically get 'all better' and end with a neatly tied up happily ever after. But they do end in a way that is true to real life and this scarily believable story. I am now in love with this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a swoony romance, major family drama and an awesome heroine. My dream cast for this one would have to be:
Aimee Teegarden as 'Bronwen Oliver' (aka Phoebe Lilywhite)-blonde hair
[image error]
Aimee Teegarden as 'Bronwen Oliver VanHorn' - brown hair
William Moseley as 'Jared Sondervan'
Naomi Watts as 'Jacquelyn VanHorn' (Mother)
Ralph Fiennes as 'Whitt VanHorn' (Dad)
Chris O'Donnell as 'Percival Oliver' (Bronwen's Real Father)
Emily Browning as 'Kirsten Vaase'
Dianna Agron as 'Caitlyn Pryce'
Anna Paquin as 'Lauren Sondervan'
Zac Efron as 'Chad Dykstra'
Michael Douglas as 'Grandpa Onderdonk'
Holland Taylor as 'Grandma Onderdonk'
Liam Hemsworth as 'Paul Oliver'
There it is folks, so if you have any comments please relay them below and very happy reading to you all! :)
Eighteen-year-old Bronwen Oliver has a secret: She's really Phoebe, the lost daughter of the loving Lilywhite family. That's the only way to explain her image-obsessed mother; a kind but distant stepfather; and a brother with a small personality complex. Bronwen knows she must have been switched at birth, and she can't wait to get away from her "family" for good.
Then she meets Jared Sondervan. He's sweet, funny, everything she wants — and he has the family Bronwen has always wanted too. She falls head over heels in love, and when he proposes marriage, she joyfully accepts. But is Jared truly what she needs? And if he's not, she has to ask: What would Phoebe Lilywhite do?
I was really shocked at how much I loved this book. It is not just a romance like the description might suggest on the surface of things. Bronwen has REALLY deep-seated family issues and feels shut out emotionally and disconnected from her brother and her mother. She was really close to her Stepdad for the first five years after he married her mother and actually thought of him as her father. But due to miscommunications and heavy silences that relationship has broken down a lot as well. Bronwen really is in love with Jared, but because of the way her family life is, she goes rushing headlong into the relationship and losing herself inside of it. I won't give away the ending, suffice it to say that things do magically get 'all better' and end with a neatly tied up happily ever after. But they do end in a way that is true to real life and this scarily believable story. I am now in love with this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a swoony romance, major family drama and an awesome heroine. My dream cast for this one would have to be:
Aimee Teegarden as 'Bronwen Oliver' (aka Phoebe Lilywhite)-blonde hair
[image error]
Aimee Teegarden as 'Bronwen Oliver VanHorn' - brown hair
William Moseley as 'Jared Sondervan'
Naomi Watts as 'Jacquelyn VanHorn' (Mother)
Ralph Fiennes as 'Whitt VanHorn' (Dad)
Chris O'Donnell as 'Percival Oliver' (Bronwen's Real Father)
Emily Browning as 'Kirsten Vaase'
Dianna Agron as 'Caitlyn Pryce'
Anna Paquin as 'Lauren Sondervan'
Zac Efron as 'Chad Dykstra'
Michael Douglas as 'Grandpa Onderdonk'
Holland Taylor as 'Grandma Onderdonk'
Liam Hemsworth as 'Paul Oliver'
There it is folks, so if you have any comments please relay them below and very happy reading to you all! :)
July 13, 2010
I like this book. I will admit it wasn't exactly what I expected but I still like it. It was an enjoyable break from the catty, sex-crazed teen novels, or the teen vampire novels, or the dark, depressing, anguish-filled teen abuse novels that are in abundance. It isn't that these other books don't have a place but I frequently crave a book about a normal girl, with normal friends who isn't sleeping around, drinking, swearing, dressing like a vamp (or eating like one), and has normal dreams and aspirations. And although I would say our heroine Bronwen fits these criteria, she is also not normal. After all, who is?
Bronwen is a high school senior, loving her boyfriend and eager to marry him. After all, he's perfect, they're perfect together. She's not crazy about her family, loves his. Marriage right after high school will solve all her problems or will it? Although I'll admit that Bronwen loves Jared and they're love is more than just lust or a moment, some of Bronwen's desires to belong to a family that appreciates her and loves her unconditionally drive her to Jared and his offer of marriage. It's something that I've seen a number of times in my own friends lives - a hope and desire that they will be better and have better lives by marrying someone. And while I think this can be true (my husband has helped me to be a much better person than I would be on my own - it can't be denied), still to put all your hopes for something better into someone else can only end in disappointment.
Bronwen's struggles to understand who she is and what she wants out of life are well-written and understandable and I think the book could help any teenager to realize that young marriage isn't categorically wrong but who you are in high school, college, as a teen, in your twenties changes rapidly so that often who you were one year and the things you wanted are much different later.
The themes of acceptance and unconditional love run throughout this book and I found Bronwen's relationship to her stepfather and even her mother to be profound and heartbreaking. In this seemingly light YA novel, so much more was at play, without being heavy or depressing. I ended the book with the urge to hold my husband and thank him for who he was, who we were when we were married, and for how far we've come along. I Now Pronounce You Someone Else was a lovely read, enjoyable and thought-provoking. I can only hope that teens who read it will find solace and enjoyment in reading a book about a girl who can have a high moral ground without being a loser, can make mistakes but find reparations, and knows how to find herself and the things she wants without losing sight of her dreams and hopes.
Bronwen is a high school senior, loving her boyfriend and eager to marry him. After all, he's perfect, they're perfect together. She's not crazy about her family, loves his. Marriage right after high school will solve all her problems or will it? Although I'll admit that Bronwen loves Jared and they're love is more than just lust or a moment, some of Bronwen's desires to belong to a family that appreciates her and loves her unconditionally drive her to Jared and his offer of marriage. It's something that I've seen a number of times in my own friends lives - a hope and desire that they will be better and have better lives by marrying someone. And while I think this can be true (my husband has helped me to be a much better person than I would be on my own - it can't be denied), still to put all your hopes for something better into someone else can only end in disappointment.
Bronwen's struggles to understand who she is and what she wants out of life are well-written and understandable and I think the book could help any teenager to realize that young marriage isn't categorically wrong but who you are in high school, college, as a teen, in your twenties changes rapidly so that often who you were one year and the things you wanted are much different later.
The themes of acceptance and unconditional love run throughout this book and I found Bronwen's relationship to her stepfather and even her mother to be profound and heartbreaking. In this seemingly light YA novel, so much more was at play, without being heavy or depressing. I ended the book with the urge to hold my husband and thank him for who he was, who we were when we were married, and for how far we've come along. I Now Pronounce You Someone Else was a lovely read, enjoyable and thought-provoking. I can only hope that teens who read it will find solace and enjoyment in reading a book about a girl who can have a high moral ground without being a loser, can make mistakes but find reparations, and knows how to find herself and the things she wants without losing sight of her dreams and hopes.
February 15, 2011
I confess, I was initially a wee bit disturbed by the concept of I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan. The book, after all, is about a girl who gets engaged while she’s still a senior in high school. And this was not a post-graduation, “I’ll marry you if you turn me into a vampire” type of engagement. (Which I can forgive, since I’m a sucker for those vampires. Pun intended.) Just humans. Just getting engaged.
But the way McCahan has written it, the premise totally and completely works. It’s not creepy or weird — and the awkwardness of planning a wedding while getting homework done and submitting college applications is actually part of the story. Any reservations you may have about the concept are all addressed within the context of the story.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is a character study, more than anything else. We follow 18-year-old Bronwen Oliver as she struggles with a nasty break-up, falling in love with an older guy, and trying to fit in with her mother, step-father and “Jesus-like” older brother (all of whom she swears she’s not actually related to). Bronwen isn’t facing any extraordinary hardship at this moment in her life (despite the past heartache of her father’s death.) But it’s her normalcy that makes her so relatable. We’ve all been in her shoes at some point in our lives: struggling to figure out who we are, where we fit in the world, and what it is we really want out of life.
As an older reader, it was frustrating at parts to watch Bronwen making the wrong decisions … but it was equally refreshing to see her learn from those mistakes and grow from them. There were parts when things finally started to make sense for Bronwen, when I wanted to stand up and cheer and yell, “Go, girl!” And I say this having made some pretty big mistakes in my own life — and having grown up enough that I can reflect on those mistakes and see how much they helped shape me into the person I am today.
The way McCahan writes I Now Pronounce You Someone Else, we get to see Bronwen discover the same thing — her mistakes and how they helped shape her into a stronger person.
And while there is much that goes wrong in Bronwen’s life, McCahan still manages to wrap things up with a happy — yet plausible — ending. Which left me a happy camper. Er, a happy “reader,” that is.
But the way McCahan has written it, the premise totally and completely works. It’s not creepy or weird — and the awkwardness of planning a wedding while getting homework done and submitting college applications is actually part of the story. Any reservations you may have about the concept are all addressed within the context of the story.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is a character study, more than anything else. We follow 18-year-old Bronwen Oliver as she struggles with a nasty break-up, falling in love with an older guy, and trying to fit in with her mother, step-father and “Jesus-like” older brother (all of whom she swears she’s not actually related to). Bronwen isn’t facing any extraordinary hardship at this moment in her life (despite the past heartache of her father’s death.) But it’s her normalcy that makes her so relatable. We’ve all been in her shoes at some point in our lives: struggling to figure out who we are, where we fit in the world, and what it is we really want out of life.
As an older reader, it was frustrating at parts to watch Bronwen making the wrong decisions … but it was equally refreshing to see her learn from those mistakes and grow from them. There were parts when things finally started to make sense for Bronwen, when I wanted to stand up and cheer and yell, “Go, girl!” And I say this having made some pretty big mistakes in my own life — and having grown up enough that I can reflect on those mistakes and see how much they helped shape me into the person I am today.
The way McCahan writes I Now Pronounce You Someone Else, we get to see Bronwen discover the same thing — her mistakes and how they helped shape her into a stronger person.
And while there is much that goes wrong in Bronwen’s life, McCahan still manages to wrap things up with a happy — yet plausible — ending. Which left me a happy camper. Er, a happy “reader,” that is.
March 3, 2024
Bronwen Oliver is a 17-year old girl with an identity crisis. She lives with her mother, step-father and sometimes her college aged brother in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her problem is that she doesn't feel that she fits in or belongs to anyone. Why had her beloved father died at such a young age? Why couldn't her mother accept her for who she was? What happened to the plan her step-father had to adopt her? All of these questions lead her to conclude that she must have been switched at birth.
A resolution to this quandry just might be found in Jared Sondervan. Bronwen bumps into the good-looking, college guy during the summer before his senior year of college. Their attraction is immediate and it is soon apparent that Jared is the perfect boyfriend. It doesn't hurt that he also comes from a perfect family. In fact, just the kind of family that Bronwen had always dreamed of. So, when Jared proposed on Bronwen's 18th birthday, she knew that all her dreams were coming true. The only problem is that the closer her wedding day gets, the less sure Bronwen becomes. Is she really ready for marriage or is she simply trading one identity crisis for another?
I really liked this book. Bronwen, at 17, is a young woman who is a contrast in her own life. On one hand she is very confident of the kind of girl she wants to be and things she wants to do. She is willing to stand up for what she believes in regardless of who she has to stand up to. On the other hand, she is very insecure in her identity within herself and her family. These are things that I think every girl goes through. I appreciated the fact that this isn't just a teen romance. While there is a lot of teen romance within the story, the main theme is that it is important to find out who you are as a person and be happy with that. Bronwen learns that a guy, no matter how perfect he and his family are, isn't necessarily the answer to a happy life. I also like that the story doesn't end with a happy-ever-after wrapped up in a big bow ending. Bronwen's life is still a work in progress but she is happy with the choices she has made. And really, isn't that what we're all hoping for?
-Janeth
A resolution to this quandry just might be found in Jared Sondervan. Bronwen bumps into the good-looking, college guy during the summer before his senior year of college. Their attraction is immediate and it is soon apparent that Jared is the perfect boyfriend. It doesn't hurt that he also comes from a perfect family. In fact, just the kind of family that Bronwen had always dreamed of. So, when Jared proposed on Bronwen's 18th birthday, she knew that all her dreams were coming true. The only problem is that the closer her wedding day gets, the less sure Bronwen becomes. Is she really ready for marriage or is she simply trading one identity crisis for another?
I really liked this book. Bronwen, at 17, is a young woman who is a contrast in her own life. On one hand she is very confident of the kind of girl she wants to be and things she wants to do. She is willing to stand up for what she believes in regardless of who she has to stand up to. On the other hand, she is very insecure in her identity within herself and her family. These are things that I think every girl goes through. I appreciated the fact that this isn't just a teen romance. While there is a lot of teen romance within the story, the main theme is that it is important to find out who you are as a person and be happy with that. Bronwen learns that a guy, no matter how perfect he and his family are, isn't necessarily the answer to a happy life. I also like that the story doesn't end with a happy-ever-after wrapped up in a big bow ending. Bronwen's life is still a work in progress but she is happy with the choices she has made. And really, isn't that what we're all hoping for?
-Janeth
October 23, 2010
Rating 4.5 of 5 Stars
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else wow i loved this book, so fun and witty. Bronwen is a fantastic character, she know what she wants in life, which makes her so confident & fun. She has hidden depths that you don't discover until later on in the story.
Despite the fluffy exterior of this novel, Erin tackles some serious issues and she does it tactfully and full of grace. If you can make it past Bronwen's tell of being switched a birth... (which I found to be personally hilarious) you are in for a witty read!
I loved Bronwen's best friend Kirsten.I love seeing strong positive friendships in young adult literature. And Bronwen's relationship with her parents was something that I'm glad Erin touched on as well. I know as a teen I always assumed my parents just didn't get it. Bronwen's mother never really grieved for her last husbands(Bronwen's Father) death, i think B really needed some closure with her mother to know that's its alright and everything is going to be fine. Her mother kind of created this picture perfect scene and B's brother was like "Jesus" to them(which I thought was pretty funny)..."he did this, he does that" the guy is a golden child.
Bronwen's relationship with Jared was so sweet and adorable. First off, Jared had me at HEllO lol. I love how their relationship developed it wasn't like lust at first sight, it took time the way that most romantic relationships happen in the real world. Jared is definitely the perfect boyfriend and totally swoon worthy!
Overall, this book is so good. It's a story about discovery, about how our decisions effect everyone around us and the power of love.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else wow i loved this book, so fun and witty. Bronwen is a fantastic character, she know what she wants in life, which makes her so confident & fun. She has hidden depths that you don't discover until later on in the story.
Despite the fluffy exterior of this novel, Erin tackles some serious issues and she does it tactfully and full of grace. If you can make it past Bronwen's tell of being switched a birth... (which I found to be personally hilarious) you are in for a witty read!
I loved Bronwen's best friend Kirsten.I love seeing strong positive friendships in young adult literature. And Bronwen's relationship with her parents was something that I'm glad Erin touched on as well. I know as a teen I always assumed my parents just didn't get it. Bronwen's mother never really grieved for her last husbands(Bronwen's Father) death, i think B really needed some closure with her mother to know that's its alright and everything is going to be fine. Her mother kind of created this picture perfect scene and B's brother was like "Jesus" to them(which I thought was pretty funny)..."he did this, he does that" the guy is a golden child.
Bronwen's relationship with Jared was so sweet and adorable. First off, Jared had me at HEllO lol. I love how their relationship developed it wasn't like lust at first sight, it took time the way that most romantic relationships happen in the real world. Jared is definitely the perfect boyfriend and totally swoon worthy!
Overall, this book is so good. It's a story about discovery, about how our decisions effect everyone around us and the power of love.
July 9, 2010
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE is the perfectly light yet fulfilling read for the reader who’s in between the teenage and adult years. It is endearingly thoughtful, with memorable characters and a modern humorous sensibility.
Erin McCahan’s writing is bright and witty, reminiscent of a more succinct version of Meg Cabot’s. Bronwen wastes no words with her narration, instead providing us just enough to get the picture, get her tone, and focus more on the story and characters. Bronwen's intelligence, irreverence, and simultaneous disenchantment and idealism about family and love made her a unique YA character that I didn't want to look away from.
The strength of I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE lies in its characters. Debut author Erin McCahan uses the simplest of dialogue to create differentiated and well-rounded characters without the dose of melodrama that YA contemporary fiction sometimes has. This means that, no matter how far-fetched the plot might get (Bronwen IS muleheadedly determined that she is not related to her family, after all), we are still charmed and want more of Bronwen, Jared, Jared's family, Bronwen's family, and all others.
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE is a delightful contemporary read with a surprisingly strong amount of depth and feeling to it. I know for sure that this is one book I'll be returning to when I'm in the mood for a not-so-ordinary tale of romance and growing up!
Erin McCahan’s writing is bright and witty, reminiscent of a more succinct version of Meg Cabot’s. Bronwen wastes no words with her narration, instead providing us just enough to get the picture, get her tone, and focus more on the story and characters. Bronwen's intelligence, irreverence, and simultaneous disenchantment and idealism about family and love made her a unique YA character that I didn't want to look away from.
The strength of I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE lies in its characters. Debut author Erin McCahan uses the simplest of dialogue to create differentiated and well-rounded characters without the dose of melodrama that YA contemporary fiction sometimes has. This means that, no matter how far-fetched the plot might get (Bronwen IS muleheadedly determined that she is not related to her family, after all), we are still charmed and want more of Bronwen, Jared, Jared's family, Bronwen's family, and all others.
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE is a delightful contemporary read with a surprisingly strong amount of depth and feeling to it. I know for sure that this is one book I'll be returning to when I'm in the mood for a not-so-ordinary tale of romance and growing up!
March 23, 2010
I love this book madly because it's both a good, hot, crunchy romance, with really strong characters on both sides and a believable pace to its events; and more than a romance -- more than just another book for teen girls with a cute guy and a pretty pink (blue) cover. It's about the joy, pain and importance of figuring out who you truly are, how the people around you support that, and what you need for yourself, especially in relation to them. It's also funny as hell, thanks to the Bronwen's family and her own sharp voice. Finally, I'll add that the climax is quasi-revolutionary for YA fiction in the way it flies in the eye of the established rules of the genre -- and yet it's JUST RIGHT. Terrifically satisfying.
December 10, 2010
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan tells the story of Bronwen Oliver, a high school senior who just doesn’t fit into her own family. In fact, she’s convinced that she is really Phoebe Lilywhite, because her family just doesn’t understand her.
Bronwen’s dad died when she was young and her mom and brother were never the same after. Her mom re-married and although Bronwen likes her stepfather, it isn’t the same as having a real father.
During the beginning of her senior year, Bronwen meets Jared Sondervan, a college senior. She quickly falls head over heels and the best part is? He is completely in love with her too. Jared has the family that Bronwen has always yearned for. When Jared proposes to her, she gleefully accepts. In a flurry of wedding planning, college applications and graduating high school, Bronwen forgets to slow down to think about the choices she is making. When it all finally hits her, she wonders if she is making the biggest mistake of her life.
I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read this one, especially since I’ve had it for a few weeks now!
First off, let’s take a look at the cover. I’m a sucker for a good cover, and this one is awesome. I love that the cover really gives you the gist of what the story is actually about; a girl who is in high school and is juggling all of her classes, but is also getting married and trying to plan a wedding.
Bronwen is definitely a likable character. While I couldn’t personally relate to her, I wanted to be her friend. I wanted to hear her story and lend a sympathetic ear. I wanted to laugh and jump for joy with her and I wanted to hug her and cry with her. Bronwen goes through a gammut of emotions throughout the book and each emotion is so real and your heart wrenches with her and for her.
The story itself starts off a little slow. You learn from reading the summary of the story that Jared is going to propose to Bronwen so my only frustration was with that it took more than 70 pages into the book to finally see Jared propose. Once the story picks up though, it keeps going and going and you won’t want to put the book down until you’re finished.
I found myself falling in love with Jared right there along with Bronwen. Do guys as amazing as him truly exist? I don’t know, but if you do know, point me to where I can sign up for one. Jared is the guy that every girl wishes and dreams for. He is handsome, caring and kind. He wants to know every single little thing about Bronwen; the funny, the silly, the sad, the serious. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as Bronwen eventually opened herself up to him and let him completely in.
The minor characters truly make this book. Bronwen’s relationship with her mother is strained, but I loved watching her interact with her stepfather Whit. I also enjoyed the interaction between Bronwen and Jared’s family. Author Erin McCahan does a wonderful job developing relationships with several minor characters, all the while keeping the story focused in on Bronwen and her central relationship with Jared.
My most favorite aspect of this book was the way it made me feel. Just as Bronwen went through a range of emotions, so did I. I felt my heart break and then I felt it slowly being mended back together again. That’s how you know good writing; when the author truly makes you feel as if you are a part of the story, not merely an observer.
Bronwen’s dad died when she was young and her mom and brother were never the same after. Her mom re-married and although Bronwen likes her stepfather, it isn’t the same as having a real father.
During the beginning of her senior year, Bronwen meets Jared Sondervan, a college senior. She quickly falls head over heels and the best part is? He is completely in love with her too. Jared has the family that Bronwen has always yearned for. When Jared proposes to her, she gleefully accepts. In a flurry of wedding planning, college applications and graduating high school, Bronwen forgets to slow down to think about the choices she is making. When it all finally hits her, she wonders if she is making the biggest mistake of her life.
I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read this one, especially since I’ve had it for a few weeks now!
First off, let’s take a look at the cover. I’m a sucker for a good cover, and this one is awesome. I love that the cover really gives you the gist of what the story is actually about; a girl who is in high school and is juggling all of her classes, but is also getting married and trying to plan a wedding.
Bronwen is definitely a likable character. While I couldn’t personally relate to her, I wanted to be her friend. I wanted to hear her story and lend a sympathetic ear. I wanted to laugh and jump for joy with her and I wanted to hug her and cry with her. Bronwen goes through a gammut of emotions throughout the book and each emotion is so real and your heart wrenches with her and for her.
The story itself starts off a little slow. You learn from reading the summary of the story that Jared is going to propose to Bronwen so my only frustration was with that it took more than 70 pages into the book to finally see Jared propose. Once the story picks up though, it keeps going and going and you won’t want to put the book down until you’re finished.
I found myself falling in love with Jared right there along with Bronwen. Do guys as amazing as him truly exist? I don’t know, but if you do know, point me to where I can sign up for one. Jared is the guy that every girl wishes and dreams for. He is handsome, caring and kind. He wants to know every single little thing about Bronwen; the funny, the silly, the sad, the serious. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as Bronwen eventually opened herself up to him and let him completely in.
The minor characters truly make this book. Bronwen’s relationship with her mother is strained, but I loved watching her interact with her stepfather Whit. I also enjoyed the interaction between Bronwen and Jared’s family. Author Erin McCahan does a wonderful job developing relationships with several minor characters, all the while keeping the story focused in on Bronwen and her central relationship with Jared.
My most favorite aspect of this book was the way it made me feel. Just as Bronwen went through a range of emotions, so did I. I felt my heart break and then I felt it slowly being mended back together again. That’s how you know good writing; when the author truly makes you feel as if you are a part of the story, not merely an observer.
September 12, 2010
*4.5*
In my eyes, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is the breakout hit of 2010. Because not only does it contain relatable, messed up, and funny main characters, it's witty, real, and contains writing similar to Dessen or Colasnati- a high regarded coming from me.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else tells the tale of Bronwen Oliver, a girl who has never exactly been happy with the family she was given. This is where Phoebe Lilywhite comes in. Phoebe is who she truly is, in her opinion, the girl who she was supposed to be, but thanks to the hospital were she was born got stuck in the Oliver family, one that contains ketchup loving, emotional distant odd balls. Though, by the age of seventeen, she's given up on the hope that the Lilywhites will come and save her… that is until Jared Sondervan and his family comes into the picture. Jared is amazing and sweet and his family is even better, truly the people she was meant to be with, and before she knows it she's engaged to Jared and soon to be an official Sondervan. Because that's what she wants, right? Soon Bronwen learns that there's more than just a ring and a change of last names in becoming who she wants and needs to be, as well as one of the hardest decisions she will ever make looming in the near future.
Browen is a character I absolutely loved, because not only is she one of the most real protagonists I've read about in YA, but she makes mistakes and has fears and wants similar to me and probably most teen girls. And mentioning that, it's easy to relate to her wanting of a "new" and more "perfect" family, because who hasn't ever thought to themselves at least once, "How did I end up in THIS family, and not (enter blanks) family?" Further more, I adored the fact that Browen and Jared's relationship was one that didn't happen in just an "instant", instead it took plenty of time and getting to know-yous to develop, the way that most romantic relationships occur in the real world. And talking about Jared, I loved him too, and while he was nearly perfect and swoon-worthy, in my opinion, McCahan also gave him reasonable down-falls to his character, which was something I liked seeing amongst all the other "perfect" YA boyfriends in books.
The plot of this was also nearly perfect and when adding in the characters and McCahan's writing, it made it even more so! I especially enjoyed the fact that even thought some parts of this book were predictable to the max, other portions made you hesitant to make a final decision on what would occur, because the ending of the situation on hand was just that ambiguous.
Though, there was a downfall to this book and that was the ending. It was just too rushed and didn't truly give you closure on several aspects of the plot. Though, it defiantly wasn't one of the biggest problems a book has ever had.
In all, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is one of those books that I highly, highly suggest you pick up as soon as humanly possible, because it's one of the best coming-of-age stories of the year. Lastly, McCahan is an author I'm truly looking forward to reading more by in the future.
Grade: A-
In my eyes, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is the breakout hit of 2010. Because not only does it contain relatable, messed up, and funny main characters, it's witty, real, and contains writing similar to Dessen or Colasnati- a high regarded coming from me.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else tells the tale of Bronwen Oliver, a girl who has never exactly been happy with the family she was given. This is where Phoebe Lilywhite comes in. Phoebe is who she truly is, in her opinion, the girl who she was supposed to be, but thanks to the hospital were she was born got stuck in the Oliver family, one that contains ketchup loving, emotional distant odd balls. Though, by the age of seventeen, she's given up on the hope that the Lilywhites will come and save her… that is until Jared Sondervan and his family comes into the picture. Jared is amazing and sweet and his family is even better, truly the people she was meant to be with, and before she knows it she's engaged to Jared and soon to be an official Sondervan. Because that's what she wants, right? Soon Bronwen learns that there's more than just a ring and a change of last names in becoming who she wants and needs to be, as well as one of the hardest decisions she will ever make looming in the near future.
Browen is a character I absolutely loved, because not only is she one of the most real protagonists I've read about in YA, but she makes mistakes and has fears and wants similar to me and probably most teen girls. And mentioning that, it's easy to relate to her wanting of a "new" and more "perfect" family, because who hasn't ever thought to themselves at least once, "How did I end up in THIS family, and not (enter blanks) family?" Further more, I adored the fact that Browen and Jared's relationship was one that didn't happen in just an "instant", instead it took plenty of time and getting to know-yous to develop, the way that most romantic relationships occur in the real world. And talking about Jared, I loved him too, and while he was nearly perfect and swoon-worthy, in my opinion, McCahan also gave him reasonable down-falls to his character, which was something I liked seeing amongst all the other "perfect" YA boyfriends in books.
The plot of this was also nearly perfect and when adding in the characters and McCahan's writing, it made it even more so! I especially enjoyed the fact that even thought some parts of this book were predictable to the max, other portions made you hesitant to make a final decision on what would occur, because the ending of the situation on hand was just that ambiguous.
Though, there was a downfall to this book and that was the ending. It was just too rushed and didn't truly give you closure on several aspects of the plot. Though, it defiantly wasn't one of the biggest problems a book has ever had.
In all, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is one of those books that I highly, highly suggest you pick up as soon as humanly possible, because it's one of the best coming-of-age stories of the year. Lastly, McCahan is an author I'm truly looking forward to reading more by in the future.
Grade: A-
January 24, 2016
FREAKING YES. FREAKING YES. HOW DOES ERIN DO IT? THAT WAS A BEAUTIFUL BOOK.
ERIN MCCAHAN, PEOPLE! ERIN MCCAHAN. She can write about anything, anything! A wedding in YA? Nope… *sees author is Erin McCahan* I MEAN YES! Because she’s that good. SHE’S THAT GOOD. She did this so well and I broke down, humans, just broke down.
It’s just a freaking beautiful story. It’s beautiful.
If you recall, my first review as a reviewer here was Love and Other Foreign Words, Erin’s second novel that I wholeheartedly loved, so I needed to read her first novel. I have to admit that I’ve been putting this book off because A) a wedding? in YA? and B) once I read it, I’d have no new Erin McCahan books (for hopefully only a year). I finally decided that it was time to start it and I remembered all the elements that I loved about Erin’s writing. In my LaOFW review, I mentioned that she redefines the contemporary young adult genre and she did it again; she takes what is normal and makes it uniquely beautiful.
This story is about Bronwen, a girl who is convinced that she was switched at birth because there is just no way that she actually belongs in her family; she is brunette (though she dyes it blonde), she hates ketchup (and is repeatedly offered ketchup), and she isn’t perfect (unlike her brother who she refers to as Jesus). She wants a Real Family but she hasn’t had that since her father died and the family cracked. Erin puts a new spin on the storyline that we’ve grown accustomed to (MC doesn’t belong) and it is done wonderfully.
This book is about Bronwen finding where she belongs and IT IS STINKING BEAUTIFUL, PEOPLE! She has always wanted to be a part of something and after meeting Jared, she found a place and a family to belong in. It’s amazing and sweet but you know what they say, you can’t love someone else until you first love yourself. In this case, she couldn’t fully join Jared’s life until she figured out her own world first.
Tears. Oh boy, there were tears. I, at one point, was as sad as I was (and am every year when I rewatch it) when Pacey and Joey break up (my OTP to top all OTPs forever and ever amen) which is a big deal. A BIG DEAL.
It’s short (like 250 pages) but everything flowed and made perfect sense, it never felt cramped or rushed. Honestly, it couldn’t have been done any better.
I know that lots of people run from weddings in YA (and I would urge you not to, it’s worth it) but somehow it all worked, it all made sense. I understood every decision that Bronwen made and I never thought that she was crazy or stupid; her character was developed in a way that that was possible.
To sum up my boldedness and capitalizations, just read it. It’ll be worth it.
ERIN MCCAHAN, PEOPLE! ERIN MCCAHAN. She can write about anything, anything! A wedding in YA? Nope… *sees author is Erin McCahan* I MEAN YES! Because she’s that good. SHE’S THAT GOOD. She did this so well and I broke down, humans, just broke down.
It’s just a freaking beautiful story. It’s beautiful.
If you recall, my first review as a reviewer here was Love and Other Foreign Words, Erin’s second novel that I wholeheartedly loved, so I needed to read her first novel. I have to admit that I’ve been putting this book off because A) a wedding? in YA? and B) once I read it, I’d have no new Erin McCahan books (for hopefully only a year). I finally decided that it was time to start it and I remembered all the elements that I loved about Erin’s writing. In my LaOFW review, I mentioned that she redefines the contemporary young adult genre and she did it again; she takes what is normal and makes it uniquely beautiful.
This story is about Bronwen, a girl who is convinced that she was switched at birth because there is just no way that she actually belongs in her family; she is brunette (though she dyes it blonde), she hates ketchup (and is repeatedly offered ketchup), and she isn’t perfect (unlike her brother who she refers to as Jesus). She wants a Real Family but she hasn’t had that since her father died and the family cracked. Erin puts a new spin on the storyline that we’ve grown accustomed to (MC doesn’t belong) and it is done wonderfully.
This book is about Bronwen finding where she belongs and IT IS STINKING BEAUTIFUL, PEOPLE! She has always wanted to be a part of something and after meeting Jared, she found a place and a family to belong in. It’s amazing and sweet but you know what they say, you can’t love someone else until you first love yourself. In this case, she couldn’t fully join Jared’s life until she figured out her own world first.
Tears. Oh boy, there were tears. I, at one point, was as sad as I was (and am every year when I rewatch it) when Pacey and Joey break up (my OTP to top all OTPs forever and ever amen) which is a big deal. A BIG DEAL.
It’s short (like 250 pages) but everything flowed and made perfect sense, it never felt cramped or rushed. Honestly, it couldn’t have been done any better.
I know that lots of people run from weddings in YA (and I would urge you not to, it’s worth it) but somehow it all worked, it all made sense. I understood every decision that Bronwen made and I never thought that she was crazy or stupid; her character was developed in a way that that was possible.
To sum up my boldedness and capitalizations, just read it. It’ll be worth it.
February 7, 2011
McCahan is fabulous at writing characters. Fabulous. So whether or not you understand their point of view, you want to read about them. They pretty much leap off the page.
Bronwen's family is hilarious and heartbreaking. I can totally understand why Bronwen wants to become Someone Else, why she fantasized about being Phoebe Lilywhite. What I love about McCahan's portrayal of the Olivers is how NOT awful they are. They're flawed but aren't demonized, and though they're quirky, it never becomes caricature-ish or outrageous. Depth and humor are woven in their interactions very naturally.
I read the book crossing my fingers that the romance between Jared and Bronwen didn't make me cringe with overwhelming "OMG I'd die if we weren't together forever"-ness. McCahan didn't lean that way at all. It was sweet and genuine and true to their ages and experience levels. And though I'd never have considered getting married at 18, I understood why Bronwen would. (Jared's so swoon-worthy!)
And because I talk about sex in YA whenever possible, I can't NOT mention that Bronwen has chosen to wait until marriage, for super-practical, non-religious reasons. It's a refreshing POV in YA, and I think that even readers who disagree with Bronwen's logic would find it a valid, reasonable, non-preachy choice for her character. Yayyyy diversity!
Bronwen herself is a great MC. I loved getting inside her head, and her voice was totally clear. Plus, the character development made complete sense and felt natural within the plot. I'm SO Team Bronwen.
But the characters wouldn't be so awesome without the witty, entertaining humor that McCahan has infused in the dialogue and scenes. I frequently read it with a smile on my face -- looking like a complete idiot, of course.
Overall, I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU is a feel-good contemporary YA with depth. It's solidly written and super enjoyable, a great deviation from your traditional YA novel. (It reminds me of a lighter version of Twenty Boy Summer, another fabulous contemporary novel.)
My only complaint? Though the title's cute, it's SO FREAKIN' LONG to say or type!
Seriously. That's the only thing I can complain about.
Go read this book!
For more reviews & other fun book blogging (including thoughts on writing, author interviews and giveaways!), check out http://www.FirstNovelsClub.com
Bronwen's family is hilarious and heartbreaking. I can totally understand why Bronwen wants to become Someone Else, why she fantasized about being Phoebe Lilywhite. What I love about McCahan's portrayal of the Olivers is how NOT awful they are. They're flawed but aren't demonized, and though they're quirky, it never becomes caricature-ish or outrageous. Depth and humor are woven in their interactions very naturally.
I read the book crossing my fingers that the romance between Jared and Bronwen didn't make me cringe with overwhelming "OMG I'd die if we weren't together forever"-ness. McCahan didn't lean that way at all. It was sweet and genuine and true to their ages and experience levels. And though I'd never have considered getting married at 18, I understood why Bronwen would. (Jared's so swoon-worthy!)
And because I talk about sex in YA whenever possible, I can't NOT mention that Bronwen has chosen to wait until marriage, for super-practical, non-religious reasons. It's a refreshing POV in YA, and I think that even readers who disagree with Bronwen's logic would find it a valid, reasonable, non-preachy choice for her character. Yayyyy diversity!
Bronwen herself is a great MC. I loved getting inside her head, and her voice was totally clear. Plus, the character development made complete sense and felt natural within the plot. I'm SO Team Bronwen.
But the characters wouldn't be so awesome without the witty, entertaining humor that McCahan has infused in the dialogue and scenes. I frequently read it with a smile on my face -- looking like a complete idiot, of course.
Overall, I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU is a feel-good contemporary YA with depth. It's solidly written and super enjoyable, a great deviation from your traditional YA novel. (It reminds me of a lighter version of Twenty Boy Summer, another fabulous contemporary novel.)
My only complaint? Though the title's cute, it's SO FREAKIN' LONG to say or type!
Seriously. That's the only thing I can complain about.
Go read this book!
For more reviews & other fun book blogging (including thoughts on writing, author interviews and giveaways!), check out http://www.FirstNovelsClub.com
September 26, 2010
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is one of the best YA chick-lit books that I have ever read. I absolutely adored everything about it and I can't stop thinking about it. It wasn't just your typical chick-lit story and I truly enjoyed that.
Bronwen Oliver is sure that she was switched at birth. Her family cannot possibly be related to her. She is way too normal for them. Her mother only cares about her image and Bronwen's image, her stepfather has no real connection to her, and her brother is never there. When her dad was alive things were great. Since then, not so much. Bronwen can't wait for the day when her real parents, the Lilywhites, finally come to claim her. At least, not until she reconnects with and starts dating Jared Sondervan. He's perfect and what's even better is that his family is too. When he proposes of course she says yes. She will finally have the family she has always wanted. But how can she become someone else when she doesn't even really know who she is now?
I didn't think I would like Bronwen at first because she truly did nothing but complain about her family. Then I got a better look at her family and I sympathized with her. They were not your typical family and Bronwen didn't feel like she fit in with them. When she started dating Jared she kind of put that behind her and focused on them. I liked that about her. And I loved Jared. He was a realistic guy and he was so sweet. He is the guy that teen girls should be dreaming about, not a vampire. =]
For a chick-lit book, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else was surprisingly fast-paced. I never once got bored with the story and I actually read straight through the book. I didn't want to stop reading it and I didn't until I finally got to the end. It was just so adorable and seemed perfect to me in every way. I loved it!
Overall, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is a fantastic debut that I know teen girls everywhere will love. And you don't have to be a teenager to love this one. I think it will appeal to everyone. This is one that I definitely recommend reading as soon as you can get your hands on a copy!
Bronwen Oliver is sure that she was switched at birth. Her family cannot possibly be related to her. She is way too normal for them. Her mother only cares about her image and Bronwen's image, her stepfather has no real connection to her, and her brother is never there. When her dad was alive things were great. Since then, not so much. Bronwen can't wait for the day when her real parents, the Lilywhites, finally come to claim her. At least, not until she reconnects with and starts dating Jared Sondervan. He's perfect and what's even better is that his family is too. When he proposes of course she says yes. She will finally have the family she has always wanted. But how can she become someone else when she doesn't even really know who she is now?
I didn't think I would like Bronwen at first because she truly did nothing but complain about her family. Then I got a better look at her family and I sympathized with her. They were not your typical family and Bronwen didn't feel like she fit in with them. When she started dating Jared she kind of put that behind her and focused on them. I liked that about her. And I loved Jared. He was a realistic guy and he was so sweet. He is the guy that teen girls should be dreaming about, not a vampire. =]
For a chick-lit book, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else was surprisingly fast-paced. I never once got bored with the story and I actually read straight through the book. I didn't want to stop reading it and I didn't until I finally got to the end. It was just so adorable and seemed perfect to me in every way. I loved it!
Overall, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is a fantastic debut that I know teen girls everywhere will love. And you don't have to be a teenager to love this one. I think it will appeal to everyone. This is one that I definitely recommend reading as soon as you can get your hands on a copy!
May 17, 2011
4.5 stars. This was such a sweet read and much more thoughtful than its fluffy cover would suggest (although definitely as fun and girly as the cover suggests). Bronwen is a high school senior who's always felt like she doesn't belong but can't figure out where she should be. When she reconnects with Jared, her older brother's friend who's at college nearby, the two of them fall in love and she feels like she's finally figured out where her life should be; after he proposes, she quickly says yes, thinking that Jared and his family are exactly what she needs to complete the life she's always wanted. However, as Bronwen soon discovers, there are problems with being engaged so young and she has to decide whether what she wants with Jared is compatible with other things she wants in life.
The romance in this book is really sweet, and the relationship between Bronwen is both believable and realistic - even the proposal doesn't feel rushed, which is definitely a compliment on the author's ability to write a teen relationship that doesn't feel forced while still moving toward marriage faster than most (if not all) high school relationships. I loved the way their relationship between them developed. Bronwen's internal struggle between doing what she thinks is normal for someone her age (ie, going on to live in the dorms at the college of her dreams) and doing what her heart wants (ie, marrying the guy she's in love with) was interesting and heartfelt. I empathized with her situation and, like Bronwen herself, didn't see a way in which she could actually have it all.
There were some small subplots in the book dealing with Bronwen's family life that were entertaining and tied in nicely to the main plot, but it was the main dilemma that really held my interest. The author did an excellent job of drawing me into her problems and writing action that unfolded in a believable way. I wasn't let down throughout the novel and would definitely recommend this to others. I think teen girls in particular would love a book like this - the plot isn't particularly loud, but it's different enough from other books out there and really refreshing to read.
The romance in this book is really sweet, and the relationship between Bronwen is both believable and realistic - even the proposal doesn't feel rushed, which is definitely a compliment on the author's ability to write a teen relationship that doesn't feel forced while still moving toward marriage faster than most (if not all) high school relationships. I loved the way their relationship between them developed. Bronwen's internal struggle between doing what she thinks is normal for someone her age (ie, going on to live in the dorms at the college of her dreams) and doing what her heart wants (ie, marrying the guy she's in love with) was interesting and heartfelt. I empathized with her situation and, like Bronwen herself, didn't see a way in which she could actually have it all.
There were some small subplots in the book dealing with Bronwen's family life that were entertaining and tied in nicely to the main plot, but it was the main dilemma that really held my interest. The author did an excellent job of drawing me into her problems and writing action that unfolded in a believable way. I wasn't let down throughout the novel and would definitely recommend this to others. I think teen girls in particular would love a book like this - the plot isn't particularly loud, but it's different enough from other books out there and really refreshing to read.
October 18, 2010
Why I read this: When I read the description for the book, I thought it sounded like a fun contemporary YA that I would enjoy.
Plot: True to the tone of a great contemporary novel, this was another book that tugged at my heart and while reading it, I really felt that I was the main character. I was just so involved in what she was thinking, going through and all of the fantastic emotions streaming through the novel. I cried when she cried, my heart skipped a beat when hers did and I just couldn't put this book down when I was reading it. It's about a 17 year old girl who falls in love, almost gets married before even going to school and decides that yes, she does love her fiance, but is she ready to give up her whole future wants just to be with him? I think it was a great novel about love and being brave enough to see past falling in love with love and make real life choices.
Characters: I loved Bronwen's character. I think every little girl at one points wants to be Someone Else - maybe not a real someone else, but at least a rich princess or a heroine. I was really drawn to Bronwen in this book and I loved her point of view and the way that she had her faults and weaknesses as well as her strengths. Nothing was completely easy for her as hard decisions often are not.
As for Jared, I was little worried he'd turn out to be like the first boyfriend, but he really surprised me and turned into a guy that I think any girl would love to marry.
Relatability: As someone who actually got married last year, I can very much relate to what Bronwen was going through when she fell in love. I think finding the one person who is right for you is probably the most beautiful thing on earth and I loved how that was broached in this book.
Cover Commentary: I love it. Definitely captures the feeling of the book.
Plot: True to the tone of a great contemporary novel, this was another book that tugged at my heart and while reading it, I really felt that I was the main character. I was just so involved in what she was thinking, going through and all of the fantastic emotions streaming through the novel. I cried when she cried, my heart skipped a beat when hers did and I just couldn't put this book down when I was reading it. It's about a 17 year old girl who falls in love, almost gets married before even going to school and decides that yes, she does love her fiance, but is she ready to give up her whole future wants just to be with him? I think it was a great novel about love and being brave enough to see past falling in love with love and make real life choices.
Characters: I loved Bronwen's character. I think every little girl at one points wants to be Someone Else - maybe not a real someone else, but at least a rich princess or a heroine. I was really drawn to Bronwen in this book and I loved her point of view and the way that she had her faults and weaknesses as well as her strengths. Nothing was completely easy for her as hard decisions often are not.
As for Jared, I was little worried he'd turn out to be like the first boyfriend, but he really surprised me and turned into a guy that I think any girl would love to marry.
Relatability: As someone who actually got married last year, I can very much relate to what Bronwen was going through when she fell in love. I think finding the one person who is right for you is probably the most beautiful thing on earth and I loved how that was broached in this book.
Cover Commentary: I love it. Definitely captures the feeling of the book.
May 19, 2011
i picked this up when i realized it takes place in two locations i have called home: east grand rapids & holland, michigan. it's always fun to read about familiar streets, restaurants, and beaches.
unfortunately this book is not great. bronwen finds herself engaged at the tender age of 18 years and 5 minutes. but does she really want to go through college a married girl, or is she just hoping to join a new family? the problem is that her family wasn't that bad. sure, her mom was kind of weird and a bad listener, and there was a misunderstanding that happened when she was 13 which didn't even make logical sense, but from the reviews i was expecting a situation that called for foster care. plus, i felt like jared was really creepy for proposing to her when she was only 5 minutes legal. yeah, they were in love, blah blah. still gross. and yes, i know that people get married young in west michigan. still gross.
the writing was really juvenile and sloppy, and not in a "getting into the head of the character" way. more a "i'm going to include lots of unnecessary details and dates and strange family characters that are supposed to be funny but are just annoying" way. there's also the inconsistent way mccahan handles spirituality. bronwen mentions church briefly in the beginning of the story, and tells jared that she is waiting for marriage to have sex, but doesn't explain why except that it's important to her. but later, when bronwen visits hope college, she has discussions about god and faith with the girls in the dorm. it just seems like mccahan could have made that a constant throughout the book, or else left it out.
overall verdict: weird little mess, but the setting was fun.
unfortunately this book is not great. bronwen finds herself engaged at the tender age of 18 years and 5 minutes. but does she really want to go through college a married girl, or is she just hoping to join a new family? the problem is that her family wasn't that bad. sure, her mom was kind of weird and a bad listener, and there was a misunderstanding that happened when she was 13 which didn't even make logical sense, but from the reviews i was expecting a situation that called for foster care. plus, i felt like jared was really creepy for proposing to her when she was only 5 minutes legal. yeah, they were in love, blah blah. still gross. and yes, i know that people get married young in west michigan. still gross.
the writing was really juvenile and sloppy, and not in a "getting into the head of the character" way. more a "i'm going to include lots of unnecessary details and dates and strange family characters that are supposed to be funny but are just annoying" way. there's also the inconsistent way mccahan handles spirituality. bronwen mentions church briefly in the beginning of the story, and tells jared that she is waiting for marriage to have sex, but doesn't explain why except that it's important to her. but later, when bronwen visits hope college, she has discussions about god and faith with the girls in the dorm. it just seems like mccahan could have made that a constant throughout the book, or else left it out.
overall verdict: weird little mess, but the setting was fun.
September 15, 2010
This was such a wonderful, refreshing read. Bronwen is a teenage girl struggling to find her voice while dealing with the pressures of a committed relationship and her family. Every teenage girl wonders who she "really is." McCahan delves into this confusing time in every young woman's life and brings to life a heartwarming tale of first love and self-discovery.
McCahan's characters have so much personality. I couldn't help but laugh and cry along with them. Jared (a.k.a. Bronwen's fiancée) is amazing. He's sweet, sensitive, devoted, everything I look for in a guy. I'll admit it, I squealed like the teenage girl that I am when he proposed to Brownen.
Still, I thought Brownen was too young to get married. I was glad that she had some doubts and didn't just throw herself into the wedding without considering the consequences. Brownen's thoughts were in sync with mine, most of the time.
I loved the ending. Absolutely loved it. It had such a hopeful tone. After I finished the novel, I was staring out of my window and thinking about the future. There was no definite happy ending, which actually fit the story. The story left me dreaming about the possibilities.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling in my heart and a smile on my face. McCahan writes of morals and challenges that we all face, and she took me on an emotional roller coaster that I won't soon forget. I'll definitely be looking into any other works that this impressive debut author might release.
*I received this novel from Scholastic Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
McCahan's characters have so much personality. I couldn't help but laugh and cry along with them. Jared (a.k.a. Bronwen's fiancée) is amazing. He's sweet, sensitive, devoted, everything I look for in a guy. I'll admit it, I squealed like the teenage girl that I am when he proposed to Brownen.
Still, I thought Brownen was too young to get married. I was glad that she had some doubts and didn't just throw herself into the wedding without considering the consequences. Brownen's thoughts were in sync with mine, most of the time.
I loved the ending. Absolutely loved it. It had such a hopeful tone. After I finished the novel, I was staring out of my window and thinking about the future. There was no definite happy ending, which actually fit the story. The story left me dreaming about the possibilities.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling in my heart and a smile on my face. McCahan writes of morals and challenges that we all face, and she took me on an emotional roller coaster that I won't soon forget. I'll definitely be looking into any other works that this impressive debut author might release.
*I received this novel from Scholastic Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2011
This is the chick littiest YA book I’ve read. The cover and title are not tongue in cheek, this really is a YA story about marriage.
Bronwen lays out her switched at birth theory up front. She lists many glaring differences between her and the rest of her family. Her dad died when she was six and with him went her Real Mother and her Real Brother. She’s left with a perfect appearances mother, an absentee brother, and a stepfather who she keeps at arm’s length. When she starts dating Jared, she falls in love with him *and* his family. They quickly come to know Bronwen better than her other family. And, yes, Bronwen and Jared get engaged.
Bronwen was a little distant because her life is so different from anything I’m used to, but I liked her voice and her smart and quick witted conversation. The book started great but started to slow down real quick and it lagged. I can understand that we needed to take Bronwen and Jared’s relationship seriously (also, good thing we spent time with his equally so too-good-to-be-true they must be genuine family because I got suspicious of him right quick), but I was a little bored. And a little uncomfortable—watching a high school senior plan her perfect and imminent wedding [note: wedding, not marriage] gave me an oogy feeling. The ending is satisfying, though. Bronwen began her story recalling the day she (re)met Jared four years earlier and the book rushes to catch up to the present. Too bad, because that was the best part.
It ended well, but was iffy for a little too long in the middle.
Bronwen lays out her switched at birth theory up front. She lists many glaring differences between her and the rest of her family. Her dad died when she was six and with him went her Real Mother and her Real Brother. She’s left with a perfect appearances mother, an absentee brother, and a stepfather who she keeps at arm’s length. When she starts dating Jared, she falls in love with him *and* his family. They quickly come to know Bronwen better than her other family. And, yes, Bronwen and Jared get engaged.
Bronwen was a little distant because her life is so different from anything I’m used to, but I liked her voice and her smart and quick witted conversation. The book started great but started to slow down real quick and it lagged. I can understand that we needed to take Bronwen and Jared’s relationship seriously (also, good thing we spent time with his equally so too-good-to-be-true they must be genuine family because I got suspicious of him right quick), but I was a little bored. And a little uncomfortable—watching a high school senior plan her perfect and imminent wedding [note: wedding, not marriage] gave me an oogy feeling. The ending is satisfying, though. Bronwen began her story recalling the day she (re)met Jared four years earlier and the book rushes to catch up to the present. Too bad, because that was the best part.
It ended well, but was iffy for a little too long in the middle.
December 1, 2011
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else tells the tale of Bronwen Oliver, a 17 year old girl who has nothing in common with her family. Ever since her father passed away, she has come to realize she is no longer close with anyone, especially not her brother, Peter, whom she refers to as 'Jesus'. And certainly not her mother, who is big on manners and applauds Bronwen when she tries to be polite by eating meat even though she is a vegetarian.
The story really picks up when Bronwen reunites with Jesus's old friend, Jared Sondervan. Jared is home from college for the summer, and he and Bronwen spend tons of time together. So much time in fact that he tells her he loves her and proposes. And she accepts. Mainly because she has not felt part of a family in a long time, and partly because she loves Jared also.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is a funny book. I kinda started it at 11:00 p.m. one night, so I was tired, and I was reading it in this short, quick obnoxious voice. Kinda like how Jesse Eisenberg talked when he played Mark Zuckerberg. So some parts I bursted out laughing. Bronwen is one of my favorite fast-talking, sassy characters. She has a comeback always availible on her lips, and isn't afraid to give a sarcastic comment. I liked her dry comments at the end of each section, and her routine with her family. I loved that she was editor of her school newspaper, and that she wanted to pursue a career in journalism.
Read the full review over at Books from a Shelf
The story really picks up when Bronwen reunites with Jesus's old friend, Jared Sondervan. Jared is home from college for the summer, and he and Bronwen spend tons of time together. So much time in fact that he tells her he loves her and proposes. And she accepts. Mainly because she has not felt part of a family in a long time, and partly because she loves Jared also.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is a funny book. I kinda started it at 11:00 p.m. one night, so I was tired, and I was reading it in this short, quick obnoxious voice. Kinda like how Jesse Eisenberg talked when he played Mark Zuckerberg. So some parts I bursted out laughing. Bronwen is one of my favorite fast-talking, sassy characters. She has a comeback always availible on her lips, and isn't afraid to give a sarcastic comment. I liked her dry comments at the end of each section, and her routine with her family. I loved that she was editor of her school newspaper, and that she wanted to pursue a career in journalism.
Read the full review over at Books from a Shelf
March 12, 2015
This has been on my to-read list for a while. It always sounded interesting, but I never got around to it.
There were some things about this book that I thought were surprisingly spot-on and unique. I mean, just the fact that it involves a real world couple planning on getting married before the girl has graduated high school is kind of unique itself. But the whole tone of the story felt different from a lot of books, even though it deals with the usual themes of being yourself, family, acceptance, and following your heart.
What I thought was spot-on was the representation of a first love and all the potholes along that road. It had the perfection, the happy feelings, the slowly nagging doubts, the second guesses. I don't think many stories do that in quite the same way. I admired it for that.
But I didn't necessarily like Bronwen. As a character, she was fine for the story. Her personality offset others perfectly. But her constant attitude and refusal to talk about anything meaningful started to grate on me.
I did like all of the quirks in Bronwen's family. Oh my gosh. Seriously, there were times I felt like this whole story was just my life with certain details changed to retain anonymity. Her family is nuts...but I like that. :)
It was an interesting story, especially for a debut. It might not have been flawless, but it was cute and hit on some harder, less talked-about subjects.
There were some things about this book that I thought were surprisingly spot-on and unique. I mean, just the fact that it involves a real world couple planning on getting married before the girl has graduated high school is kind of unique itself. But the whole tone of the story felt different from a lot of books, even though it deals with the usual themes of being yourself, family, acceptance, and following your heart.
What I thought was spot-on was the representation of a first love and all the potholes along that road. It had the perfection, the happy feelings, the slowly nagging doubts, the second guesses. I don't think many stories do that in quite the same way. I admired it for that.
But I didn't necessarily like Bronwen. As a character, she was fine for the story. Her personality offset others perfectly. But her constant attitude and refusal to talk about anything meaningful started to grate on me.
I did like all of the quirks in Bronwen's family. Oh my gosh. Seriously, there were times I felt like this whole story was just my life with certain details changed to retain anonymity. Her family is nuts...but I like that. :)
It was an interesting story, especially for a debut. It might not have been flawless, but it was cute and hit on some harder, less talked-about subjects.
September 11, 2010
I was tickled to death to discover this book is set in and around my hometown (Holland). It's been years since I've considered Holland home (four years of college in Ypsilanti, and then for the past two years I've been in New York City), but it was so fun to re-visit the area through Bronwen's eyes.
In many ways, this book is the antidote to many of the unrealistic romances that have been flooding the YA market over the last few years. Bronwen is absolutely head over heels in love with Jared, who is a genuinely nice guy who respects Bronwen's boundaries and seems truly interested in her likes, dislikes and dreams. Over the course of their relationship, Bronwen is forced to confront just how many changes marriage, or even a long term committed relationship, forces on a person. As a relative newlywed myself, I can confirm that you have to start thinking in terms of Us, which can be intimidating for everyone, but I imagine would be especially intimidating if you've just graduated high school and your fiance is a new college grad. (Though speaking of weddings, can I just argue with Bronwen's position that every girl has a dream wedding, no matter what else she says? I can promise you this is in fact not the case, as I had to start from scratch when I started planning mine).
Bronwen's home life is painful to read about (bad mother alert!), but it never goes into cartoony villain territory, and provides the impetus for Bronwen to want to marry so young.
In many ways, this book is the antidote to many of the unrealistic romances that have been flooding the YA market over the last few years. Bronwen is absolutely head over heels in love with Jared, who is a genuinely nice guy who respects Bronwen's boundaries and seems truly interested in her likes, dislikes and dreams. Over the course of their relationship, Bronwen is forced to confront just how many changes marriage, or even a long term committed relationship, forces on a person. As a relative newlywed myself, I can confirm that you have to start thinking in terms of Us, which can be intimidating for everyone, but I imagine would be especially intimidating if you've just graduated high school and your fiance is a new college grad. (Though speaking of weddings, can I just argue with Bronwen's position that every girl has a dream wedding, no matter what else she says? I can promise you this is in fact not the case, as I had to start from scratch when I started planning mine).
Bronwen's home life is painful to read about (bad mother alert!), but it never goes into cartoony villain territory, and provides the impetus for Bronwen to want to marry so young.
July 28, 2016
This book in some ways felt more eerily real than other YA books I've read. The issues and struggles felt like something the author actually experienced. It's good but for a while also kind of heart wrenching to read about two sweet kids who really do love each other dash down a path that you know neither is ready for. Usually in books there is a "good" guy and "bad" guy but no one really fits that as everyone is just a little bit messy.
I appreciated that the author gave us a MC who wanted to wait till marriage for sex. It's not that I think authors should only write these kinds of characters for a moral message. Rather, I sometimes feel left behind with all the MC's who are sexually adventurous or are looking to cast off their virginity as something to be shed or embarrassed by. As a teen I would have related better to this MC so I'm glad for diversity's sake that the author made her how she did. She also did it in a way that didn't feel preachy or looking down on girls who choose other paths.
Some of the issues the couple faces I could see because of their age and stage differences. I also say inside the main character to see her desperate search for a family and place to fit into. All were done well without totally villainizing anyone. Even the mother who we as readers are going to have troubles with, at the end she does commit to family therapy.
I'm glad that the book ended on a happy note. It made me feel good and left a smile on my face.
I appreciated that the author gave us a MC who wanted to wait till marriage for sex. It's not that I think authors should only write these kinds of characters for a moral message. Rather, I sometimes feel left behind with all the MC's who are sexually adventurous or are looking to cast off their virginity as something to be shed or embarrassed by. As a teen I would have related better to this MC so I'm glad for diversity's sake that the author made her how she did. She also did it in a way that didn't feel preachy or looking down on girls who choose other paths.
Some of the issues the couple faces I could see because of their age and stage differences. I also say inside the main character to see her desperate search for a family and place to fit into. All were done well without totally villainizing anyone. Even the mother who we as readers are going to have troubles with, at the end she does commit to family therapy.
I'm glad that the book ended on a happy note. It made me feel good and left a smile on my face.
December 8, 2015
halfway through, I was always anticipating what possible conflicts might happen.. i mean the series of events were too good to be true! and Jared was too perfect of a guy.. it's already a given that books should have challenges to overcome so as i was reading it, even if I was dreading it, I always had that gut feeling that this wouldn't go the way they've planned.. and I was right!!! and I totally understood why the author had to go that route. i mean it's much more realistic. marrying at 18 is too early for me though it happens. Having read this, I realized how much I missed reading books that are just light with no life-threatening issues, no burdens of being proclaimed a hero. Reading it felt like watching a romcom movie right after watching a series of action films..
now, let me share my favorite convo in this book...
“You’re like no one I’ve ever met, Bronwen,” he said. “I’m falling in love with you, you know.”
“I know,” I said.
“Should I?”
“Should you?”
“Fall completely?” he asked.
“I have,” I whispered.
“Have you?” he asked.
And I thought a moment, really considered it, looking at him, his eyes—those beautiful eyes gently searching mine. It hadn’t been three months, but this time, I knew—this was different.
“Yes,” I said. “I love you.”
And a smile, his smile just for me, slowly spread across his lips.
“I love you, Bronwen.”
now, let me share my favorite convo in this book...
“You’re like no one I’ve ever met, Bronwen,” he said. “I’m falling in love with you, you know.”
“I know,” I said.
“Should I?”
“Should you?”
“Fall completely?” he asked.
“I have,” I whispered.
“Have you?” he asked.
And I thought a moment, really considered it, looking at him, his eyes—those beautiful eyes gently searching mine. It hadn’t been three months, but this time, I knew—this was different.
“Yes,” I said. “I love you.”
And a smile, his smile just for me, slowly spread across his lips.
“I love you, Bronwen.”
October 19, 2011
I was very skeptical with this book during the first chapter because it was kind of confusing but when I got to Chapter 2 I was like "oh, gotcha".
Bronwen is a character that knows what she wants and is not wishy washy like some girls in YA novels. I think a lot of girls can relate to her situations in the book with her stepdad to her whirl win relationship with Jared. I notice at school that a lot of girls have rings that look like engagement ring. I think some relationships are meant to be and after reading this book, some girls might make the decision that is better for her and not for "us".
The only thing about this book that was totally weird is that EVERYONE in this book had a weird last name or ones that were not common. Where did the author come up with them???
Personally I teared up a little at the end of the book. It kind of reminds me of a breakup that I just recently went through. Even though we were never engaged (talked about it), it's hard on you when you really want it to work. Best quote in the book "how do you get over loving someone when it really is love?"
This book would be a good book to read if girls liked the romance of Nicholas Sparks book with a hint of humor (like in "Lonely Hearts Club" by Elizabeth Eulberg).
Bronwen is a character that knows what she wants and is not wishy washy like some girls in YA novels. I think a lot of girls can relate to her situations in the book with her stepdad to her whirl win relationship with Jared. I notice at school that a lot of girls have rings that look like engagement ring. I think some relationships are meant to be and after reading this book, some girls might make the decision that is better for her and not for "us".
The only thing about this book that was totally weird is that EVERYONE in this book had a weird last name or ones that were not common. Where did the author come up with them???
Personally I teared up a little at the end of the book. It kind of reminds me of a breakup that I just recently went through. Even though we were never engaged (talked about it), it's hard on you when you really want it to work. Best quote in the book "how do you get over loving someone when it really is love?"
This book would be a good book to read if girls liked the romance of Nicholas Sparks book with a hint of humor (like in "Lonely Hearts Club" by Elizabeth Eulberg).
June 18, 2010
My Review:
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is one of those ultimate Find Yourself novels, and I loved seeing Bronwen do that. Unlike a lot of novels where the main character is trying to find her way, Bronwen has a strength that is nothing short of admirable. She's funny, sarcastic, and definitely has a mind of her own. This makes her one of my favorite characters I've read in a long time.
Her relationship with Jared is beautifully realistic. Sure, they have their cute moments, but you're able to see faults in them individually, as well as them as a couple. One of those major faults being that Bronwen is able to take one of the biggest of jumps (saying 'I love you'), but not open up about the smaller things (telling him she's a vegetarian). Just reading their interactions was fantastic.
There were a few subplots in the novel, One of which that deals with the death of Bronwen's father. While it happened a few years ago, Bronwen and her family are still learning how to deal. McCahan did a beautiful job of tying this in with what's happening with Bronwen now, years later. This, for me, really helped make the book what it is.
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is one of those ultimate Find Yourself novels, and I loved seeing Bronwen do that. Unlike a lot of novels where the main character is trying to find her way, Bronwen has a strength that is nothing short of admirable. She's funny, sarcastic, and definitely has a mind of her own. This makes her one of my favorite characters I've read in a long time.
Her relationship with Jared is beautifully realistic. Sure, they have their cute moments, but you're able to see faults in them individually, as well as them as a couple. One of those major faults being that Bronwen is able to take one of the biggest of jumps (saying 'I love you'), but not open up about the smaller things (telling him she's a vegetarian). Just reading their interactions was fantastic.
There were a few subplots in the novel, One of which that deals with the death of Bronwen's father. While it happened a few years ago, Bronwen and her family are still learning how to deal. McCahan did a beautiful job of tying this in with what's happening with Bronwen now, years later. This, for me, really helped make the book what it is.
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