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Back When You Were Easier to Love
What's worse than getting dumped? Not even knowing if you've been dumped. Joy got no goodbye, and certainly no explanation when Zan-the love of her life and the only good thing about stifling, backward Haven, Utah-unceremoniously and unexpectedly left for college a year early. Joy needs closure almost as much as she needs Zan, so she heads for California, and Zan, riding shotgun beside Zan's former-best-friend Noah.
Original and insightful, quirky and crushing, Joy's story is told in surprising and artfully shifting flashbacks between her life then and now. Exquisite craft and wry, relatable humor signal the arrival of Emily Wing Smith as a breakout talent.
Original and insightful, quirky and crushing, Joy's story is told in surprising and artfully shifting flashbacks between her life then and now. Exquisite craft and wry, relatable humor signal the arrival of Emily Wing Smith as a breakout talent.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2011
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March 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this, even though I never really warmed to Joy, the main character. Part of that is how well Smith writes the characters. They feel very real and that means the teenagers are flawed and obsessive and oblivious and callous. But also kind and generous and brave and caring. I've known people just like Joy and that made it bearable to spend so much time in her obsessive, overwrought head.
And it doesn't hurt that I really liked Noah. I spent probably the first half of the book thinking Smith was taking the easy way out and making him too perfect, too nice. And he is very nice and all of that. But Smith does right by his character too as his flaws and weaknesses come out and we begin to understand him better (coincidentally, as Joy begins to understand him better).
The message (a good one, too be sure) is a little too belabored at the end, and the discomfort with Joy too pronounced, for me to rate this a full five stars. But it's a very well-written book and one I hope finds a place with YA readers.
A note about LDS: The characters in this book are explicitly LDS, but the story is not. The story is not about faith or religion or church, so the narrator doesn't take you to those places. The story is about teenagers working out romance and love and desperation and heartbreak and working out friendships while they're at it. I doubt non-LDS readers will find it hard to relate and since so little revolves around church-specific details, it doesn't take much for Smith to relate the necessary details in such a way as to ensure nobody is left out of the story. So while the characters are explicitly LDS, there's no reason the readers would need to be to enjoy this story. I don't think.
And it doesn't hurt that I really liked Noah. I spent probably the first half of the book thinking Smith was taking the easy way out and making him too perfect, too nice. And he is very nice and all of that. But Smith does right by his character too as his flaws and weaknesses come out and we begin to understand him better (coincidentally, as Joy begins to understand him better).
The message (a good one, too be sure) is a little too belabored at the end, and the discomfort with Joy too pronounced, for me to rate this a full five stars. But it's a very well-written book and one I hope finds a place with YA readers.
A note about LDS: The characters in this book are explicitly LDS, but the story is not. The story is not about faith or religion or church, so the narrator doesn't take you to those places. The story is about teenagers working out romance and love and desperation and heartbreak and working out friendships while they're at it. I doubt non-LDS readers will find it hard to relate and since so little revolves around church-specific details, it doesn't take much for Smith to relate the necessary details in such a way as to ensure nobody is left out of the story. So while the characters are explicitly LDS, there's no reason the readers would need to be to enjoy this story. I don't think.
March 2, 2017
It took me a while to warm to Joy, the main character. She was so caught up in her boyfriend, Zan, who had left and gone to college early. All of her friends were telling her to get over him, and honestly, they were right. I couldn't understand why Joy couldn't see that, and why she had to go around like the walking wounded.
And then I realized: She was wounded. She couldn't get over him. I started to realize that this is exactly how I acted and felt about things when I was a teenager. Yes, as a middle-aged mom I can say, "Oh, please! He was a jerk!" But teenage me would have thought Zan was so cool! Teenage me would have thought that Joy was feeling exactly how she should have felt!
This book is very real. The characters are true. Not just Joy, but Zan and Noah and Mattia and Gretel. They talk and feel like real teenagers.
Also, props to Emily for doing the thing. The church thing. I have often bemoaned the fact that there are very few (in fact, this is the only one I can think of) books for teens where the main character is Mormon, and that their faith is not the main plot. Sure, there are books published by Deseret Book, a church-owned publisher, chock full o'Mormons. But mainstream books? Where the characters just happen to be Mormon? Nope. Catholic, Jewish, atheist, Muslim, yes. Mormons? Nope. I really liked that. I did feel that it was a little uneven. At the beginning I actually wasn't sure Joy was, because she was new in town, and her friends explained a couple of things to her, but after about the midpoint it got clearer. Big props for that. Mormon kids need books about Mormon kids that aren't just "Should I leave the Church?" stories.
Also, props for the Barry Manilow references. Because why not?
And then I realized: She was wounded. She couldn't get over him. I started to realize that this is exactly how I acted and felt about things when I was a teenager. Yes, as a middle-aged mom I can say, "Oh, please! He was a jerk!" But teenage me would have thought Zan was so cool! Teenage me would have thought that Joy was feeling exactly how she should have felt!
This book is very real. The characters are true. Not just Joy, but Zan and Noah and Mattia and Gretel. They talk and feel like real teenagers.
Also, props to Emily for doing the thing. The church thing. I have often bemoaned the fact that there are very few (in fact, this is the only one I can think of) books for teens where the main character is Mormon, and that their faith is not the main plot. Sure, there are books published by Deseret Book, a church-owned publisher, chock full o'Mormons. But mainstream books? Where the characters just happen to be Mormon? Nope. Catholic, Jewish, atheist, Muslim, yes. Mormons? Nope. I really liked that. I did feel that it was a little uneven. At the beginning I actually wasn't sure Joy was, because she was new in town, and her friends explained a couple of things to her, but after about the midpoint it got clearer. Big props for that. Mormon kids need books about Mormon kids that aren't just "Should I leave the Church?" stories.
Also, props for the Barry Manilow references. Because why not?
February 18, 2011
Laughed so hard through the entire book. Maybe that's because Haven reminded me SO MUCH of the town I spent my senior year of high school in (Pocatello, Idaho).
March 9, 2011
When Zan leaves Joy she is left feeling deserted, abandoned, heartbroken and with one goal... to get Zan back! Joy's friends all know she is better off without Zan, but obviously this means nothing to her. Instead she plans a cross-country trip with Zan's ex-BFF, Noah, so she can find Zan and make him hers again.
At first, I had a hard time getting through the first couple of chapters in this book. For one thing, I could not relate to Joy. She was stalkerish, mean-spirited, pathetic and more than once I found her whiny. But, and thankfully, I persevered and really ended up enjoying Back When You Were Easier to Love.
Joy is a very multi-layered character - and although she does come off as everything I said above, she's also a girl who lost the boy whom she thought was her soulmate. She obviously does some growing up throughout the story although sadly not as much as I would have hoped for. But I will say that that was okay. It seemed somewhat realistic. We don't always get what we want no matter how much me whine and pine for it.
My favorite parts in the story were the road trip. I liked the friendship that she forms with Noah and how she comes to learn that there may be more to a "Soccer Lovin' Kid". One other aspect of the novel that I also found interesting - although we only just get glimpses of it - was Joy's Mormon faith.
Overall, I enjoyed Back When You Were Easier to Love. I liked Ms. Smith's writing style and, as always, love when there are lists and notes scattered throughout the book as there were here. All in all, it was cute and it was fun - although it may not be for everyone.
At first, I had a hard time getting through the first couple of chapters in this book. For one thing, I could not relate to Joy. She was stalkerish, mean-spirited, pathetic and more than once I found her whiny. But, and thankfully, I persevered and really ended up enjoying Back When You Were Easier to Love.
Joy is a very multi-layered character - and although she does come off as everything I said above, she's also a girl who lost the boy whom she thought was her soulmate. She obviously does some growing up throughout the story although sadly not as much as I would have hoped for. But I will say that that was okay. It seemed somewhat realistic. We don't always get what we want no matter how much me whine and pine for it.
My favorite parts in the story were the road trip. I liked the friendship that she forms with Noah and how she comes to learn that there may be more to a "Soccer Lovin' Kid". One other aspect of the novel that I also found interesting - although we only just get glimpses of it - was Joy's Mormon faith.
Overall, I enjoyed Back When You Were Easier to Love. I liked Ms. Smith's writing style and, as always, love when there are lists and notes scattered throughout the book as there were here. All in all, it was cute and it was fun - although it may not be for everyone.
December 7, 2011
Most of us have been there, we’ve been dumped before. Then we do this thing where we put said dumper on a pedestal and try to figure out why someone so “amazing” dumped as. But as time marches on, amazing is replaced with some other adjectives, i.e. rude, pig-headed, insensitive, etc. So, yes this book is relatable, yet it is also creepy at how obsessive one can become with wanting “closure”. In reality, for a lot of us “closure” really means “give me one more chance, look at what you are missing, we are perfect for each other”. Then we get kicked back down and for whatever reason that second rejection is like a epiphany, and we realize it’s time to move on.
Spoilers dusted ahead:
This story focuses on Joy, the dumpee and Zan, the Dumper. Only Zan doesn’t really dump Joy, he just leaves town and tells his best friend Noah to keep Joy away. Sounds like a swell fella, right?!?!?! Joy did this thing a lot of girls do, she let Zan’s Girlfriend become her identity. She based her future on him. She thought it was a deep and meaningful relationship, when all Zan wanted to do was just get away-from her and the town. So, naturally Noah and Joy dislike each other, but figure they will road-trip it out to see Zan and “get closure”. (I quoted that, because it’s exactly what I was referring to earlier) Thankfully, he is a royal a$$-hat and she begins her process of letting go.
So, I really loved Noah in this, but Joy and Zan really got on my nerves. She was obsessive to a point it was almost uncomfortable to read. I think I would have liked this monumentally more had I read this back in High School or perhaps after being dumped.
But, I really hate how it’s like everything in this book revolved around a guy. Even after Zan was out of the picture, she started in on butterflies and hand-holding with Noah. Like I said, I adore Noah, but I hate the circumstances of how he is “getting the girl”
Blah, I wanted so much more from this cute cover. It’s not a quirky as the author wants it to be.
3 stars (and I think I’m being fairly generous)
Spoilers dusted ahead:
This story focuses on Joy, the dumpee and Zan, the Dumper. Only Zan doesn’t really dump Joy, he just leaves town and tells his best friend Noah to keep Joy away. Sounds like a swell fella, right?!?!?! Joy did this thing a lot of girls do, she let Zan’s Girlfriend become her identity. She based her future on him. She thought it was a deep and meaningful relationship, when all Zan wanted to do was just get away-from her and the town. So, naturally Noah and Joy dislike each other, but figure they will road-trip it out to see Zan and “get closure”. (I quoted that, because it’s exactly what I was referring to earlier) Thankfully, he is a royal a$$-hat and she begins her process of letting go.
So, I really loved Noah in this, but Joy and Zan really got on my nerves. She was obsessive to a point it was almost uncomfortable to read. I think I would have liked this monumentally more had I read this back in High School or perhaps after being dumped.
But, I really hate how it’s like everything in this book revolved around a guy. Even after Zan was out of the picture, she started in on butterflies and hand-holding with Noah. Like I said, I adore Noah, but I hate the circumstances of how he is “getting the girl”
Blah, I wanted so much more from this cute cover. It’s not a quirky as the author wants it to be.
3 stars (and I think I’m being fairly generous)
April 15, 2011
Joy needed some hobbies. I think there were a lot of issues at play here, and none of them were as developed as I would have liked them to be. I get she needs to latch on to someone when she's in a new place but to this point of obsession? I don't think so. I don't believe that about her character for a second.
I have a lot to say about this, but with the caveat that this is a really clean, sweet read for teens who like that kind of book.
Full review here: http://stackedbooks.blogspot.com/2011...
I have a lot to say about this, but with the caveat that this is a really clean, sweet read for teens who like that kind of book.
Full review here: http://stackedbooks.blogspot.com/2011...
November 18, 2011
Originally posted here.
Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith is a fluffy light read with an interesting concept. Who doesn't like books with potentially awkward road trips in cool cars? The book certainly delivers in terms of that promise. It also delivers in terms of writing. The style works well for the plot and the imagery is very good. I think there are many teen girls out there who will be able to identify with the main character and enjoy going along for the ride. I don't necessarily think that's a good thing.
When the story began I really felt a connection to Joy. She loves reading and books. She is the new girl at her high school and I know how that feels. I also moved my junior year of high school and that is not an easy time in one's life to make such a transition. When I came across this part I thought Joy was going to be my literary BFF: "I'd purposely waited until last to unpack my books. I loved my books too much to shove on a shelf willy-nilly. Books equaled permanence." And here I thought I was the only one weird enough to think that. I also liked how Joy was questioning her world. She is a Mormon and has recently moved from a town with a small community of Mormons to Haven, Utah where that is all the community to be had. She doesn't wish to rebel against the religion she was brought up in. She just doesn't like what she sees about it in Haven: "Even now that I live in a town where it's hard to tell where belief ends and culture begins-I don't like the culture, but I do like the belief." I really liked this insight. This is something everyone should sort out no matter what belief system they are being raised with. So I was immensely disappointed as the book continued and Joy kind of pulled a Bella Swan.
From the synopsis I really thought this book was about something other than a girl who goes psycho when her boyfriend leaves her and decides to follow him in stalker fashion all the way to California. Because he is her love for all eternity and they belong together and he just needs to see her to know that. Because with him she is a better version of herself (Joy 2.0) and without him everything loses its glow and she can't breathe. Wanting closure and a defined relationship status is one thing, this is something else entirely and far more dire. Even when she sees Zan again and realizes he is the world's biggest jerk I was still concerned for Joy's stability, because not half an hour later she is actively thinking of Noah as a romantic interest. That is not an exaggeration, it happens that fast. I think the author was trying to pave the way for this switch. Anyone who reads the synopsis has to suspect that is the way it is going to go and the author does try and make it seem as though Joy has feelings for Noah all along she doesn't want to own up to. It didn't work for me though. Joy was just far too unhealthily obsessed with one boy who she defined herself by. When she lost him it seemed like she latched on to the next available boy for her to do the same thing with. We are supposed to believe that things with Noah are different because Joy has thoughts and feelings about him she never had with Zan. Then one has to question what the psycho stalker show over Zan was all about. Joy doesn't need another boyfriend, she needs to figure out who she is and what she wants. That idea isn't even flirted with though.
So in the end I was less than impressed.
Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith is a fluffy light read with an interesting concept. Who doesn't like books with potentially awkward road trips in cool cars? The book certainly delivers in terms of that promise. It also delivers in terms of writing. The style works well for the plot and the imagery is very good. I think there are many teen girls out there who will be able to identify with the main character and enjoy going along for the ride. I don't necessarily think that's a good thing.
When the story began I really felt a connection to Joy. She loves reading and books. She is the new girl at her high school and I know how that feels. I also moved my junior year of high school and that is not an easy time in one's life to make such a transition. When I came across this part I thought Joy was going to be my literary BFF: "I'd purposely waited until last to unpack my books. I loved my books too much to shove on a shelf willy-nilly. Books equaled permanence." And here I thought I was the only one weird enough to think that. I also liked how Joy was questioning her world. She is a Mormon and has recently moved from a town with a small community of Mormons to Haven, Utah where that is all the community to be had. She doesn't wish to rebel against the religion she was brought up in. She just doesn't like what she sees about it in Haven: "Even now that I live in a town where it's hard to tell where belief ends and culture begins-I don't like the culture, but I do like the belief." I really liked this insight. This is something everyone should sort out no matter what belief system they are being raised with. So I was immensely disappointed as the book continued and Joy kind of pulled a Bella Swan.
From the synopsis I really thought this book was about something other than a girl who goes psycho when her boyfriend leaves her and decides to follow him in stalker fashion all the way to California. Because he is her love for all eternity and they belong together and he just needs to see her to know that. Because with him she is a better version of herself (Joy 2.0) and without him everything loses its glow and she can't breathe. Wanting closure and a defined relationship status is one thing, this is something else entirely and far more dire. Even when she sees Zan again and realizes he is the world's biggest jerk I was still concerned for Joy's stability, because not half an hour later she is actively thinking of Noah as a romantic interest. That is not an exaggeration, it happens that fast. I think the author was trying to pave the way for this switch. Anyone who reads the synopsis has to suspect that is the way it is going to go and the author does try and make it seem as though Joy has feelings for Noah all along she doesn't want to own up to. It didn't work for me though. Joy was just far too unhealthily obsessed with one boy who she defined herself by. When she lost him it seemed like she latched on to the next available boy for her to do the same thing with. We are supposed to believe that things with Noah are different because Joy has thoughts and feelings about him she never had with Zan. Then one has to question what the psycho stalker show over Zan was all about. Joy doesn't need another boyfriend, she needs to figure out who she is and what she wants. That idea isn't even flirted with though.
So in the end I was less than impressed.
April 16, 2011
I don't like Zan. Yes, that was my first thought upon finishing Back When You Were Easier to Love. Why? Because there's the version of Zan that Joy fell in love with and then there's the real Zan--who is not a nice person. But it's the idealized Zan that Joy is in love with and when he leaves her in the dust to head to California, she can't come to terms with it. After all, he's left without saying a word to her and he's left her no way to get in contact with him. Joy is sure that if she goes to see him, things will work out and they'll still be together--which is precisely why she decides to go to California on a road trip with Zan's ex-friend Noah.
Your first love really is difficult to lose and I can see how Joy feels that she needs to see Zan again to get "closure" on their relationship. However, she seems a bit extreme to me--having envisioned their reunion and talking about Zan so often that even her friends and Noah want her stop. The thing that I least liked about Joy though, would have to be her judgmental attitude. She thinks that Noah is a stereotypical Soccer Lovin' Kid--her term for the popular kids in Haven--and up until their road trip, she pretty much refuses to get to know him regardless of his efforts to try and get to know her. To me, it came off like Joy was refusing to let Noah redeem himself--having decided that he was the embodiment of the reason why Zan left Haven in the first place. With that said, I did love Noah and as far as I'm concerned, he was the star of Back When You Were Easier to Love simply because he put up with Joy. Not only does he put up with her, but he defends her to Zan--well, saying much more than that would be giving spoilers and you know how I feel about spoilers.
The chapters are short and alternate between when Joy was with Zan and after Zan leaves Haven--which is what leads to the road trip and its various misadventures. Although I cannot claim to be in love with Back When You Were Easier to Love, I'm looking forward to seeing what Emily Wing Smith comes out with next--as I did like her writing style. Overall, if you're interested in Back When You Were Easier to Love, I'd suggest picking up a copy and forming your own opinion on it as personally, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. If I'm honest, I think it was a bit to do with the ending leaving off at the end of their road trip. I would've liked to see things continue a bit further in Haven--and if you read Back When You Were Easier to Love, you'll see what I mean.
Overall Rating: 3.5
Your first love really is difficult to lose and I can see how Joy feels that she needs to see Zan again to get "closure" on their relationship. However, she seems a bit extreme to me--having envisioned their reunion and talking about Zan so often that even her friends and Noah want her stop. The thing that I least liked about Joy though, would have to be her judgmental attitude. She thinks that Noah is a stereotypical Soccer Lovin' Kid--her term for the popular kids in Haven--and up until their road trip, she pretty much refuses to get to know him regardless of his efforts to try and get to know her. To me, it came off like Joy was refusing to let Noah redeem himself--having decided that he was the embodiment of the reason why Zan left Haven in the first place. With that said, I did love Noah and as far as I'm concerned, he was the star of Back When You Were Easier to Love simply because he put up with Joy. Not only does he put up with her, but he defends her to Zan--well, saying much more than that would be giving spoilers and you know how I feel about spoilers.
The chapters are short and alternate between when Joy was with Zan and after Zan leaves Haven--which is what leads to the road trip and its various misadventures. Although I cannot claim to be in love with Back When You Were Easier to Love, I'm looking forward to seeing what Emily Wing Smith comes out with next--as I did like her writing style. Overall, if you're interested in Back When You Were Easier to Love, I'd suggest picking up a copy and forming your own opinion on it as personally, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. If I'm honest, I think it was a bit to do with the ending leaving off at the end of their road trip. I would've liked to see things continue a bit further in Haven--and if you read Back When You Were Easier to Love, you'll see what I mean.
Overall Rating: 3.5
January 3, 2011
Back When You Were Easier to Love follows Joy's quest for closure. Her boyfriend Zan has left their small Mormon community to attend college in California. Joy places blame on the lame kids in her school because Zahn was so different. More mature, intelligent, good looking. You name it Zahn was better. Of course he’d have no choice but to leave for bigger and better things. This has her heading out on a road trip with Zahn's best friend and the hope she can find the closure she so desperately needs.
This is the story of a girl in love with a boy who might not be as perfect as she thinks. Unfortunately, main character Joy's whining and woe is me attitude took up a huge chunk of the book. While I enjoyed the premise and the look at the life of a Mormon teen, I couldn't bring myself to care about Joy or her cause. By the time Joy had started to look at life in a different light there wasn't enough book left for my opinion of her to change. Her love for Zan was borderline obsessive and caused her to treat many of her classmates like they were second rate. Sure didn’t win her any cool points with me. There were also several interesting secondary characters I didn't get to know as well as I would have liked. Joy seemed to have a great group of friends who stuck with her even when she wasn’t being such a great friend.
The book did contain solid writing and I love when a story takes readers on a road trip. I would have given it a 4 star rating if the characters had just contained more depth and developed more as the plot progressed. Even an extra 20 pages might have given Joy time to get on my good side. While I didn’t feel the love for Joy this is still a cute read with a pretty good ending.
Also wanted to note this is a pretty clean read. Some references to co-ed dorm’s and possible shenanigans resulting from the living arrangement. Also an innocent smooch or two. I’d consider this safe for even younger teens.
This is the story of a girl in love with a boy who might not be as perfect as she thinks. Unfortunately, main character Joy's whining and woe is me attitude took up a huge chunk of the book. While I enjoyed the premise and the look at the life of a Mormon teen, I couldn't bring myself to care about Joy or her cause. By the time Joy had started to look at life in a different light there wasn't enough book left for my opinion of her to change. Her love for Zan was borderline obsessive and caused her to treat many of her classmates like they were second rate. Sure didn’t win her any cool points with me. There were also several interesting secondary characters I didn't get to know as well as I would have liked. Joy seemed to have a great group of friends who stuck with her even when she wasn’t being such a great friend.
The book did contain solid writing and I love when a story takes readers on a road trip. I would have given it a 4 star rating if the characters had just contained more depth and developed more as the plot progressed. Even an extra 20 pages might have given Joy time to get on my good side. While I didn’t feel the love for Joy this is still a cute read with a pretty good ending.
Also wanted to note this is a pretty clean read. Some references to co-ed dorm’s and possible shenanigans resulting from the living arrangement. Also an innocent smooch or two. I’d consider this safe for even younger teens.
July 19, 2011
With its mouthful of a title and intensely Mormon setting, I knew that Back When You Were Easier to Love promised to be a quirky read. As soon as I opened the book, I immediately understood Joy’s desire for answers and whizzed through it. While Smith’s characters sometimes got on my nerves, Back When You Were Easier to Love is the perfect novel for anyone looking for a clean story of self-discovery and romance.
When we first meet Joy, she is obsessive about Zan and unhappy in the place where she lives. She lives in a town with a large Mormon population, and views a lot of her peers as conformists. I love reading about characters who are quick to judge and then have to reconsider their opinions, because I have been there.
Joy’s obsessions and fantasies made her incredibly relatable. My one complaint is that at times she almost seemed a lit bit too naive to be realistic. I also never really understood the appeal of either of the male characters. Zan struck me as incredibly pretentious, which isn’t a trait I admire. I found Noah a little boring, but I ultimately couldn’t help but “awww” as I turned the final pages of this book.
Even though I’ve voiced a few misgivings in this review, they’re all personal pet peeves. I may not have loved all of Smith’s characters, but found Back When You Were Easier to Love well-crafted and humorous. I think lots of young readers will adore Joy’s character and the sweet storyline in this book.
October 30, 2011
Listen to this description about the book here on Goodreads. --- Joy’s story is told in surprising and artfully shifting flashbacks between her life then and her life now. Exquisite craft and wry, relatable humor signal the arrival of Emily Wing Smith as a breakout talent.
This all sounds OK before you read the book. But after you're done with it you just want to yet at those who wrote those lines YOU LIARS! HOW DARE YOU LEAD ME ON TO THINK BACK WHEN YOU WERE EASIER TO LOVE IS ANOTHER Amy & Roger's Epic Detour???!!! Anyway...
Tash Westwick was right. Zen is gay,Joy is annoying through the whole book and Noah,well,I don't have nothing against him except the fact he is a pussy. Man up and kiss the girl. How hard can it be? And while we are at the kiss part:Where the heck was the kiss I've been waiting for? I can't believe it took me seven hours (I admit,I skimmed through some of the (more) boring parts) to finish this thing.
Overall,bad,really bad. I like the cover though. I get the feeling the book is actually good-but it isn't. God,I'm getting frustrated again.
This all sounds OK before you read the book. But after you're done with it you just want to yet at those who wrote those lines YOU LIARS! HOW DARE YOU LEAD ME ON TO THINK BACK WHEN YOU WERE EASIER TO LOVE IS ANOTHER Amy & Roger's Epic Detour???!!! Anyway...
Tash Westwick was right. Zen is gay,Joy is annoying through the whole book and Noah,well,I don't have nothing against him except the fact he is a pussy. Man up and kiss the girl. How hard can it be? And while we are at the kiss part:Where the heck was the kiss I've been waiting for? I can't believe it took me seven hours (I admit,I skimmed through some of the (more) boring parts) to finish this thing.
Overall,bad,really bad. I like the cover though. I get the feeling the book is actually good-but it isn't. God,I'm getting frustrated again.
July 8, 2011
Ack! I feel so deceived! First of all, that library scene on the cover? Like two seconds of the story is in a library. Secondly, it starts normal, but the further you get into it, the more Mormon/God/preachy it got! The 'bad' guy drank coffee and went to a college with coed dorms, GASP! There's a scene where a guy/girl has to share a hotel room, and it's like a crisis situation. Then they can't go to church the next morning because they don't have their church clothes! Okay, so I realize this is real life for some people, but then I don't get the rest of the book, it just doesn't jive. I can't believe it can be that conservative one page, but then have them sneaking off to CA after lying to their parents etc the next page. And the writing is just plain bad.
July 19, 2011
I really liked the cover but I don't think it suits the story.
The main character, A.K.A. Joy, needed closure and somehow, she got it but the reader, A.K.A. ME, didn't. Where's the damn good kiss? The holding hands were cute though, but still... I'd really like to hear Noah's confession.
The book ended in a snap.
*Oh. And I thought Zan was gay. LOL.
The main character, A.K.A. Joy, needed closure and somehow, she got it but the reader, A.K.A. ME, didn't. Where's the damn good kiss? The holding hands were cute though, but still... I'd really like to hear Noah's confession.
The book ended in a snap.
*Oh. And I thought Zan was gay. LOL.
May 19, 2011
I think I got to page 175 before I was endanger of poking a dirty fork into my eye. Do I dare say that the character Joy annoyed my more than Bella?? Thats low. I think I was seriously disappointed. This book had been hyped for me, so I decided to buy it. Bad move for a cheapo like me.
August 10, 2011
i want a Noah Talbot!♥
July 9, 2011
Review originally posted here: http://addicted2reading.wordpress.com/
Back When You Were Easier to Love is another one of my book choices for The Contemps Challenge, and I’m happy I chose it. It’s a very cute, funny novel that my girls in class will enjoy. Honestly, I’m not always too worried about whether a novel is “clean”, but this one is and it’s nice to know it will be available to my students.
This novel touches on a number of subjects including identity, faith, love and acceptance. Joy has lived most of her life in California until her parents decide to move to Utah late during high school. She and her family are Mormon and had a small group of Mormon friends in California, but now that they’re living in Utah, pretty much her entire town and school is Mormon. Joy has a difficult time distinguishing between her faith and identity as a Mormon. This subject doesn’t overwhelm the book by any means, but it plays a big part in her relationship with Zan and her figuring out who she is.
Joy meets Zan when she first moves to Haven and is attracted to him immediately. He’s not one to conform like “everyone else.” He wears his hair longer, his face scruffier, and his grandpa’s loafers. He doesn’t like the people of Haven and their boring ways. He seems himself as better than everyone there. He and Joy start a relationship, which Joy falls hard for. She’s gets to the point, especially in the present after he’s left, where she feels like he makes her a better person. She doesn’t feel good enough anymore; she’s lost herself to him. Of course, Joy doesn’t realize this. For me, as an adult, I had problems with this. I grew irritated with how much she was basically obsessing over him. I don’t know if teen girls will be as bothered by this as I am, because I know many teen girls–and adult women–who feel the same way when they’re dating someone. Thankfully, Joy has great friends, whether she realizes it or not, who try to talk some sense into her. But Joy needs “closure” so, because of a dream, she takes Noah with her on a trip to find Zan.
I adore Noah’s character. There isn’t a swooping romance because that’s not how life is for these characters. As described in the book, Mormons won’t even kiss someone unless it’s a pretty serious relationship. The characters take their faith seriously and want to do what’s right. I dated a Mormon boy in high school and can attest to this. I was completely dumbfounded as to why he wouldn’t kiss me! Finally he explained it, which made me feel a little bit better, but not really. Anyway, Noah is determined to be Joy’s friend even though Joy can’t stand to be around him and his “soccer lovin’” self. She has a set idea of who Noah is, but on their trip to California to find Zan, she learns that everything isn’t always what it seems–in more ways than one. He’s a sweet, mild-mannered, witty character that I’ll remember long after reading this book. And after reading Back When You Were Easier to Love, you’ll understand why those three adjectives describing Noah, really don’t do him justice at all :)
This is a fast-paced read, with strong main and supporting characters. I was able to get past some of my issues with Joy because they don’t stay for the whole book. A big part of this novel is Joy, and Noah too, learning who they are and accepting themselves and those around them. It really is a fun book to read and one that I highly recommend you give to a teen girl and/or put in your class and school library. In fact, my high school book club decided to read this as one of our summer reads. There’s much to be taken from this book without it being preachy or anything close to that. It made me think of E. Lockhart’s The Boyfriend List and Learning to Swim by Cheryl Klam.
Back When You Were Easier to Love is another one of my book choices for The Contemps Challenge, and I’m happy I chose it. It’s a very cute, funny novel that my girls in class will enjoy. Honestly, I’m not always too worried about whether a novel is “clean”, but this one is and it’s nice to know it will be available to my students.
This novel touches on a number of subjects including identity, faith, love and acceptance. Joy has lived most of her life in California until her parents decide to move to Utah late during high school. She and her family are Mormon and had a small group of Mormon friends in California, but now that they’re living in Utah, pretty much her entire town and school is Mormon. Joy has a difficult time distinguishing between her faith and identity as a Mormon. This subject doesn’t overwhelm the book by any means, but it plays a big part in her relationship with Zan and her figuring out who she is.
Joy meets Zan when she first moves to Haven and is attracted to him immediately. He’s not one to conform like “everyone else.” He wears his hair longer, his face scruffier, and his grandpa’s loafers. He doesn’t like the people of Haven and their boring ways. He seems himself as better than everyone there. He and Joy start a relationship, which Joy falls hard for. She’s gets to the point, especially in the present after he’s left, where she feels like he makes her a better person. She doesn’t feel good enough anymore; she’s lost herself to him. Of course, Joy doesn’t realize this. For me, as an adult, I had problems with this. I grew irritated with how much she was basically obsessing over him. I don’t know if teen girls will be as bothered by this as I am, because I know many teen girls–and adult women–who feel the same way when they’re dating someone. Thankfully, Joy has great friends, whether she realizes it or not, who try to talk some sense into her. But Joy needs “closure” so, because of a dream, she takes Noah with her on a trip to find Zan.
I adore Noah’s character. There isn’t a swooping romance because that’s not how life is for these characters. As described in the book, Mormons won’t even kiss someone unless it’s a pretty serious relationship. The characters take their faith seriously and want to do what’s right. I dated a Mormon boy in high school and can attest to this. I was completely dumbfounded as to why he wouldn’t kiss me! Finally he explained it, which made me feel a little bit better, but not really. Anyway, Noah is determined to be Joy’s friend even though Joy can’t stand to be around him and his “soccer lovin’” self. She has a set idea of who Noah is, but on their trip to California to find Zan, she learns that everything isn’t always what it seems–in more ways than one. He’s a sweet, mild-mannered, witty character that I’ll remember long after reading this book. And after reading Back When You Were Easier to Love, you’ll understand why those three adjectives describing Noah, really don’t do him justice at all :)
This is a fast-paced read, with strong main and supporting characters. I was able to get past some of my issues with Joy because they don’t stay for the whole book. A big part of this novel is Joy, and Noah too, learning who they are and accepting themselves and those around them. It really is a fun book to read and one that I highly recommend you give to a teen girl and/or put in your class and school library. In fact, my high school book club decided to read this as one of our summer reads. There’s much to be taken from this book without it being preachy or anything close to that. It made me think of E. Lockhart’s The Boyfriend List and Learning to Swim by Cheryl Klam.
March 25, 2011
I should mention if there is one thing I love first and foremost about this book it is the author. Emily Wing Smith is one of the most down to earth, kind and honest people you'll ever encounter. She has overcome some major life obstacles plus has a master's degree and two published YA novels. If you ever get the chance you'll want to meet her. When she called to ask if she could swing by my home to deliver an ARC of Back When You Were Easier to love I was both delighted and touched. How many authors do you know that find you personally as a fan and bring you their book? Really!? Emily Wing Smith simply rocks.
Joy is your typical teen who is enamored and a bit obsessed with her first love...bordering on stalker status. Having only lived in Haven, Utah for six months she is attracted to Zan's bookish nerdy allure. He knows the Dewey decimal system, can speak several funky foreign languages and wears his grandfather's loafers. The two of them decide that Haven is just too conservative and happy for their style so they set their sites on Joy's hometown colleges in Claremont, California. Things are plunking along quite nicely until Zan decides to get his GED and head to Cali without her. Leaving no number, no address and no plans for their future, Zan is gone and Joy wants closure. Here's the plan...surprise road trip back to her roots and to find Zan. The only problem is that all of Joy's friends aren't too hip on Zan or the trip and there's only one taker for the road, Zan's ex-best friend Noah.
Noah is the epitome of what Joy is trying to avoid. He's a "soccer lovin' kid" ...as nice and popular as they come. He's decided that Joy is going to be his friend whether she wants to be or not. How the two of them end up alone together in his Saab 900 heading from Utah to California she's still not quite sure. But there's plenty of Sprite and Barry Manilow tunes to keep the silence from getting too thick. Both Joy and Noah are in for the big surprise that awaits them on their UEA adventure.
Back When You Were Easier to Love explores the harsh reality of the loss of first time love, the dangers in setting up lables and the struggles of those with the desire to live outside of cultural expectations. So much of it I could relate to in my experience moving between high schools and then universities in Utah and California. Whether you are of Joy's faith as a Mormon or not there is a huge amount of culture shock involved. Emily does a wonderful job of teaching that we are all just people, not above or below each other.
This book is one that will make you stop and think. Joy learns she has lost so much of herself trying to be what Zan wants her to be. As teen I think we all made that mistake in one relationship or another. So though sad, Joy's realization of self-realizaion and the way she comes to it is realistic.
My only hesitation in content is that most of the book is told from Joy and Zan's viewpoint...looking down. In the process of the storytelling, the very stereotypes Mormons try to avoid may be reinforced in the minds of others reading about us for the first time. Emily differentiated between belief and culture beautifully in the chapter titled "This I Believe" on page 106-107. LOVE loved it.
The last 1/3 of the book is definitely my favorite. It's fun and such a hopeful way to end. A million thanks to author Emily Wing Smith for the sneak peek.
See her fab trailer just released yesterday on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CWudZ...
and stop by our site for a Vegas Baby photo print giveaway in honor of the Las Vegas chapters. http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com
Joy is your typical teen who is enamored and a bit obsessed with her first love...bordering on stalker status. Having only lived in Haven, Utah for six months she is attracted to Zan's bookish nerdy allure. He knows the Dewey decimal system, can speak several funky foreign languages and wears his grandfather's loafers. The two of them decide that Haven is just too conservative and happy for their style so they set their sites on Joy's hometown colleges in Claremont, California. Things are plunking along quite nicely until Zan decides to get his GED and head to Cali without her. Leaving no number, no address and no plans for their future, Zan is gone and Joy wants closure. Here's the plan...surprise road trip back to her roots and to find Zan. The only problem is that all of Joy's friends aren't too hip on Zan or the trip and there's only one taker for the road, Zan's ex-best friend Noah.
Noah is the epitome of what Joy is trying to avoid. He's a "soccer lovin' kid" ...as nice and popular as they come. He's decided that Joy is going to be his friend whether she wants to be or not. How the two of them end up alone together in his Saab 900 heading from Utah to California she's still not quite sure. But there's plenty of Sprite and Barry Manilow tunes to keep the silence from getting too thick. Both Joy and Noah are in for the big surprise that awaits them on their UEA adventure.
Back When You Were Easier to Love explores the harsh reality of the loss of first time love, the dangers in setting up lables and the struggles of those with the desire to live outside of cultural expectations. So much of it I could relate to in my experience moving between high schools and then universities in Utah and California. Whether you are of Joy's faith as a Mormon or not there is a huge amount of culture shock involved. Emily does a wonderful job of teaching that we are all just people, not above or below each other.
This book is one that will make you stop and think. Joy learns she has lost so much of herself trying to be what Zan wants her to be. As teen I think we all made that mistake in one relationship or another. So though sad, Joy's realization of self-realizaion and the way she comes to it is realistic.
My only hesitation in content is that most of the book is told from Joy and Zan's viewpoint...looking down. In the process of the storytelling, the very stereotypes Mormons try to avoid may be reinforced in the minds of others reading about us for the first time. Emily differentiated between belief and culture beautifully in the chapter titled "This I Believe" on page 106-107. LOVE loved it.
The last 1/3 of the book is definitely my favorite. It's fun and such a hopeful way to end. A million thanks to author Emily Wing Smith for the sneak peek.
See her fab trailer just released yesterday on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CWudZ...
and stop by our site for a Vegas Baby photo print giveaway in honor of the Las Vegas chapters. http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com
October 16, 2011
Originally reviewed on my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing.
Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith is a first for me... For the first time that I can remember, I have nothing that I wish to say about a book. Oh, there are things that I'm thinking, thoughts that I'm having, but none of them are anything I actually wish to share. I always have far more thoughts and opinions about the books I read than can possibly fit into a review. I'm pretty sure I could easily come up with two reviews worth of stuff for most books I read. With this book, it's a struggle to find enough I want to share for just the one. But, I shall try-
I'm going to start by admitting that if this was not one of books written by one of the authors who are The Contemps, I would not have been interested in reading this book. I do not read books about girls who go chasing after boys, especially after they've been dumped. I do not read books about girls who base large parts of their identity/self-worth around their boyfriend. I knew that this was that book before I picked it up. So I can't blame the book for being things I don't love. But it didn't make it easier to read about. I have never been the type to pine. It's not in my nature. I have never understood characters like Joy- people who tie their self-image, self-esteem, self-worth, self-identity, well... their self into their relationships. I don't understand people like that, and I have absolutely no patience for them either. I've known too many people IRL who do this and it always ends badly. Can't say it worked out any better for Joy.
So, already this book is a little... iffy for me because I'm rather put off by the premise. Sometimes, this works out great and I end up finding a complete gem that I would have otherwise overlooked. But this book wasn't really like that. All the things about this book that I didn't think I'd like when I read the synopsis were things that bothered me about it while reading it. This makes me sad. I wanted to like this book more than I did. But it's hard when every time Joy said or did something I thought- I would never be friends with someone like her.
This is going to be a book that some people will love. There is a lot of good to this story and it's a pretty fun read. There is also lessons to be learned here, if you choose to read for lessons. Joy needs to learn that her identity isn't dependent on her boyfriend, that our first impressions are often wrong, that being too quick to judge means you miss a lot and more. Joy learns a lot about preconceived notions.
This is a hard review for me to write, because I just don't know what to say about this book. I didn't love it. I didn't have it. I didn't really connect with it, and I doubt I will remember much about it later. But it is a book I would recommend to people, especially to those in the younger YA crowd (and/or their parents) wanting to try some more 'grown up' books, but being nervous about running into questionable content, because there isn't any. There is a sweet story in here. There really is. It's just not one that really hit home for me.
So there you have it... Apparently, my idea of having nothing to say is still significantly longer than when most people have things to say. I shouldn't be surprised at this point... Story of my life. Ashley talks... A lot.
Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith is a first for me... For the first time that I can remember, I have nothing that I wish to say about a book. Oh, there are things that I'm thinking, thoughts that I'm having, but none of them are anything I actually wish to share. I always have far more thoughts and opinions about the books I read than can possibly fit into a review. I'm pretty sure I could easily come up with two reviews worth of stuff for most books I read. With this book, it's a struggle to find enough I want to share for just the one. But, I shall try-
I'm going to start by admitting that if this was not one of books written by one of the authors who are The Contemps, I would not have been interested in reading this book. I do not read books about girls who go chasing after boys, especially after they've been dumped. I do not read books about girls who base large parts of their identity/self-worth around their boyfriend. I knew that this was that book before I picked it up. So I can't blame the book for being things I don't love. But it didn't make it easier to read about. I have never been the type to pine. It's not in my nature. I have never understood characters like Joy- people who tie their self-image, self-esteem, self-worth, self-identity, well... their self into their relationships. I don't understand people like that, and I have absolutely no patience for them either. I've known too many people IRL who do this and it always ends badly. Can't say it worked out any better for Joy.
So, already this book is a little... iffy for me because I'm rather put off by the premise. Sometimes, this works out great and I end up finding a complete gem that I would have otherwise overlooked. But this book wasn't really like that. All the things about this book that I didn't think I'd like when I read the synopsis were things that bothered me about it while reading it. This makes me sad. I wanted to like this book more than I did. But it's hard when every time Joy said or did something I thought- I would never be friends with someone like her.
This is going to be a book that some people will love. There is a lot of good to this story and it's a pretty fun read. There is also lessons to be learned here, if you choose to read for lessons. Joy needs to learn that her identity isn't dependent on her boyfriend, that our first impressions are often wrong, that being too quick to judge means you miss a lot and more. Joy learns a lot about preconceived notions.
This is a hard review for me to write, because I just don't know what to say about this book. I didn't love it. I didn't have it. I didn't really connect with it, and I doubt I will remember much about it later. But it is a book I would recommend to people, especially to those in the younger YA crowd (and/or their parents) wanting to try some more 'grown up' books, but being nervous about running into questionable content, because there isn't any. There is a sweet story in here. There really is. It's just not one that really hit home for me.
So there you have it... Apparently, my idea of having nothing to say is still significantly longer than when most people have things to say. I shouldn't be surprised at this point... Story of my life. Ashley talks... A lot.
November 28, 2011
3.5 stars. Joy is a Utah high school senior who's brokenhearted since her boyfriend, Zan, suddenly got his GED and left for college in California a year early without warning and without a word. Unable to get in touch with him and not understanding why he left, Joy decides she needs closure, which involves a road trip to the college over a long weekend with Noah, Zan's best friend who also hasn't heard from him.
The book is told both in the present and in a few flashbacks, showing why Joy is so obsessed with Zan and wanting him back in her life. The whole idea of Zan being Joy's first love and her unable to see why - and if - he broke up with her is shown beautifully. Although I never fell in love with Zan the way Joy did, I could understand why Joy felt like Zan was perfect: she needed to feel accepted at this new school, and being with him offered her everything she'd wanted. I think that was one of the best things about the author's writing, the way she brought first, innocent love to life.
All the characters are Mormon; I wasn't expecting so much religion to be mentioned in this book, but it didn't ruin anything and actually helped propel the story forward, probably because it wasn't heavy-handed or proselytizing but simply mentioned as a backdrop for the city and a cultural force in the lives of the characters. It definitely made this book different from other teen books I've read.
I felt like the story started off strongly but lost some of its charm as it went on. I liked Joy and Noah, but other characters - other than Zan, that is - didn't have a lot of distinctive personalities, perhaps because they didn't have much page time. I was curious to find out what had happened with Zan, but the more he was shown in flashbacks, the more he simply seemed like a tool. Still, it was understandable that Joy wanted closure, and I liked the fact that most of her friends thought she was being ridiculous, as that lent more reality to it all.
Where I think the book started falling apart was about halfway through, once the road trip was underway and Joy and Noah had arrived at the college campus, looking for Zan. From there on, the book just showed the fallout from that visit, and although I liked the conclusions that Joy came to, there wasn't nearly enough substance to keep the book going for so many more pages. Also, it ended without a real resolution for the growing friendship between Joy and Noah, which was in keeping with earlier revelations about Noah's social life but not so great for the reader. I'd say this was a sweet story overall with lots of great things going for it, but it wasn't nearly memorable enough to make me want to recommend it to others. I think it simply needed more to make it deeper and more thought-provoking.
The book is told both in the present and in a few flashbacks, showing why Joy is so obsessed with Zan and wanting him back in her life. The whole idea of Zan being Joy's first love and her unable to see why - and if - he broke up with her is shown beautifully. Although I never fell in love with Zan the way Joy did, I could understand why Joy felt like Zan was perfect: she needed to feel accepted at this new school, and being with him offered her everything she'd wanted. I think that was one of the best things about the author's writing, the way she brought first, innocent love to life.
All the characters are Mormon; I wasn't expecting so much religion to be mentioned in this book, but it didn't ruin anything and actually helped propel the story forward, probably because it wasn't heavy-handed or proselytizing but simply mentioned as a backdrop for the city and a cultural force in the lives of the characters. It definitely made this book different from other teen books I've read.
I felt like the story started off strongly but lost some of its charm as it went on. I liked Joy and Noah, but other characters - other than Zan, that is - didn't have a lot of distinctive personalities, perhaps because they didn't have much page time. I was curious to find out what had happened with Zan, but the more he was shown in flashbacks, the more he simply seemed like a tool. Still, it was understandable that Joy wanted closure, and I liked the fact that most of her friends thought she was being ridiculous, as that lent more reality to it all.
Where I think the book started falling apart was about halfway through, once the road trip was underway and Joy and Noah had arrived at the college campus, looking for Zan. From there on, the book just showed the fallout from that visit, and although I liked the conclusions that Joy came to, there wasn't nearly enough substance to keep the book going for so many more pages. Also, it ended without a real resolution for the growing friendship between Joy and Noah, which was in keeping with earlier revelations about Noah's social life but not so great for the reader. I'd say this was a sweet story overall with lots of great things going for it, but it wasn't nearly memorable enough to make me want to recommend it to others. I think it simply needed more to make it deeper and more thought-provoking.
February 18, 2012
Reviewed at:
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...
*Summary: Zan is gone. He left with no good bye, no explanation, no anything. Joy doesn't understand why he left and she misses him. So, Joy feels like she must go find Zan and get closure.
What I Think: I think that teenage Kellee would have loved this book a lot more than I did. Most teenagers at some point fall into what they feel is the love of their life. I did. This is a story about that. And about obsession and heart break. I think many, many teenage girls will connect with this book.
But there are some things about it that will limit the connections and some things about it that I didn't like. The what I don't like gives away the ending, so I, unfortunately, can't rant and rave about it, but I can explain the other thing.
Joy is Mormon. And I truly believe there needs to be a variety of protagonists and a variety of religions represented in literature (specifically YA), but as someone who doesn't know much about being Mormon, I felt disconnected from the characters because I didn't feel like it was explained very well. You were thrown into this town where everything is different than every where else and with a protagonist that doesn't like it, but I just never got it. I never got why Zan would want to leave. I never got why Joy didn't feel connected. I never got why she thought Noah was a bad guy. I just never got it. I wanted to and I kept reading hoping that I would, but the connection for me was just not there.
What I did LOVE about this book was the way it was set up. It was set up as a mix of narration, flashbacks, lists, poetry and vignettes. The vignettes were my favorite! So beautifully written. This format is what made the book a 3 star-er for me instead of a 2.
Lastly, I did like that Joy was a book lover and a good girl. I like that her love is clean and this book is available. She IS really quite different than any other girl protagonist, but this story shows that no matter how different you are, girls still can fall head over heels in love with the wrong guy.
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...
*Summary: Zan is gone. He left with no good bye, no explanation, no anything. Joy doesn't understand why he left and she misses him. So, Joy feels like she must go find Zan and get closure.
What I Think: I think that teenage Kellee would have loved this book a lot more than I did. Most teenagers at some point fall into what they feel is the love of their life. I did. This is a story about that. And about obsession and heart break. I think many, many teenage girls will connect with this book.
But there are some things about it that will limit the connections and some things about it that I didn't like. The what I don't like gives away the ending, so I, unfortunately, can't rant and rave about it, but I can explain the other thing.
Joy is Mormon. And I truly believe there needs to be a variety of protagonists and a variety of religions represented in literature (specifically YA), but as someone who doesn't know much about being Mormon, I felt disconnected from the characters because I didn't feel like it was explained very well. You were thrown into this town where everything is different than every where else and with a protagonist that doesn't like it, but I just never got it. I never got why Zan would want to leave. I never got why Joy didn't feel connected. I never got why she thought Noah was a bad guy. I just never got it. I wanted to and I kept reading hoping that I would, but the connection for me was just not there.
What I did LOVE about this book was the way it was set up. It was set up as a mix of narration, flashbacks, lists, poetry and vignettes. The vignettes were my favorite! So beautifully written. This format is what made the book a 3 star-er for me instead of a 2.
Lastly, I did like that Joy was a book lover and a good girl. I like that her love is clean and this book is available. She IS really quite different than any other girl protagonist, but this story shows that no matter how different you are, girls still can fall head over heels in love with the wrong guy.
August 10, 2011
I’m on the fence about this read, hence my delay in reviewing, well, that and I have become very lazy in my reviewing of books as of late. But I digress.
This read was not at all what I was expecting. The religious undertone often drowned out the otherwise universal story. I consider this fact a detriment, thus my three star rating. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book overall.
Joy is consumed by her relationship with Zan; it is how she defines herself. When Zan leaves without warning, or a goodbye, Joy is convinced his departure was due to the stifling nature of their Mormon community. It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with her, or his lack of faith in their beliefs. He just needed to fill his life with people as equally evolved as her, right? Lost in denial, Joy accuses everyone aside from Zan himself, for his leaving. Her thoughts are filled with past moments shared and questions that will remain unanswered unless she finds and confronts him. After months of angst, Joy finally embarks on a road trip to find Zan and gain the understanding she so desperately needs.
The truth is I think we have all been Joy at one point or another. Hasn’t everyone had at least one relationship in their lives that consumed them? Where the defining of yourself begins and ends with that other person regardless of how good or bad the relationship may actually be? If so, you’ll commiserate with Joy, if not, take notes, Joy will provide you with plenty of mistakes to avoid.
All in all, the book has a great message, but I could have done without the preaching.
This read was not at all what I was expecting. The religious undertone often drowned out the otherwise universal story. I consider this fact a detriment, thus my three star rating. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book overall.
Joy is consumed by her relationship with Zan; it is how she defines herself. When Zan leaves without warning, or a goodbye, Joy is convinced his departure was due to the stifling nature of their Mormon community. It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with her, or his lack of faith in their beliefs. He just needed to fill his life with people as equally evolved as her, right? Lost in denial, Joy accuses everyone aside from Zan himself, for his leaving. Her thoughts are filled with past moments shared and questions that will remain unanswered unless she finds and confronts him. After months of angst, Joy finally embarks on a road trip to find Zan and gain the understanding she so desperately needs.
The truth is I think we have all been Joy at one point or another. Hasn’t everyone had at least one relationship in their lives that consumed them? Where the defining of yourself begins and ends with that other person regardless of how good or bad the relationship may actually be? If so, you’ll commiserate with Joy, if not, take notes, Joy will provide you with plenty of mistakes to avoid.
All in all, the book has a great message, but I could have done without the preaching.
May 1, 2011
The cover:
These kinds of kissing covers where the actual kissing is hidden are driving me crazy -- they're so unsubtle I want to punch a hole through them. The drawn, cartoony-cute feel is also at complete odds with the story's moody and meditative atmosphere. This cover gets a honking F.
The book:
While the reader is prepared for flashbacks from the back blurb, the number of them accompanied by the shortness of the chapters is simply migraine-inducing. Fortunately, we move out of flashback territory by the second half. By then, Joy herself has somewhat cleaned up her act as well; in the beginning, she's a moping, whining girl who misses her boyfriend beyond believable sanity. When she makes her decision to road-trip down to California and attempt to find Zan, the clingy stalker-ish characteristics remain, but at least her actions become assertive.
The religion aspect to the small town life is what really bring Haven into focus. However, being in Joy's head, our vision of the town is skewed (everything is attached to some kind of Zan-memory), which is appropriate for a grieving girl. It's not exactly appropriate for 100 pages, though. The eventual blossoming between Joy and Noah seems obvious from the get-go -- the blurb says "...charming...irritating", which simply means once Joy gets to know how great Noah is, she's going to fall.
Oh, and Zan is mean. Plain mean. Too bad Joy can't even tell.
These kinds of kissing covers where the actual kissing is hidden are driving me crazy -- they're so unsubtle I want to punch a hole through them. The drawn, cartoony-cute feel is also at complete odds with the story's moody and meditative atmosphere. This cover gets a honking F.
The book:
While the reader is prepared for flashbacks from the back blurb, the number of them accompanied by the shortness of the chapters is simply migraine-inducing. Fortunately, we move out of flashback territory by the second half. By then, Joy herself has somewhat cleaned up her act as well; in the beginning, she's a moping, whining girl who misses her boyfriend beyond believable sanity. When she makes her decision to road-trip down to California and attempt to find Zan, the clingy stalker-ish characteristics remain, but at least her actions become assertive.
The religion aspect to the small town life is what really bring Haven into focus. However, being in Joy's head, our vision of the town is skewed (everything is attached to some kind of Zan-memory), which is appropriate for a grieving girl. It's not exactly appropriate for 100 pages, though. The eventual blossoming between Joy and Noah seems obvious from the get-go -- the blurb says "...charming...irritating", which simply means once Joy gets to know how great Noah is, she's going to fall.
Oh, and Zan is mean. Plain mean. Too bad Joy can't even tell.
Read
January 26, 2014I know there is a little something off between a book and myself when I have to reread the first 20 pages because I can't figure out what's going on - especially with a contemporary novel. This was the case for Back When You Were Easier to Love, and even after rereading I didn't totally get it.
Joy is devastated because her boyfriend Zan is gone. He left for college early, but they never really discussed it so she isn't sure what's going on.
Meh to that, but regardless.
There are flashbacks throughout, and it isn't always clear that it's a flashback. It's not an alternating chapter kind of book, so when you do happen across a flashback chapter it gets a little unclear and breaks your stride.
The second half of the book was better than the first half, when Noah and Joy take a trip to see Zan. It's a road trip (though not nearly as epic as Amy & Roger's Epic Detour), and by then I still don't care much for Joy - she's too obsessive and oblivious to what's going on. I did quite like Noah, though.
If this book were not a part of The Contemps challenge, I would have given up in the beginning when I couldn't understand flashbacks vs current vs Zan here vs Zan gone etc - but I pushed through because I have committed to reading all of The Contemps books. It was unlikely that I would love all of the Contemps on the list, and this is a good example of that :)
Joy is devastated because her boyfriend Zan is gone. He left for college early, but they never really discussed it so she isn't sure what's going on.
Meh to that, but regardless.
There are flashbacks throughout, and it isn't always clear that it's a flashback. It's not an alternating chapter kind of book, so when you do happen across a flashback chapter it gets a little unclear and breaks your stride.
The second half of the book was better than the first half, when Noah and Joy take a trip to see Zan. It's a road trip (though not nearly as epic as Amy & Roger's Epic Detour), and by then I still don't care much for Joy - she's too obsessive and oblivious to what's going on. I did quite like Noah, though.
If this book were not a part of The Contemps challenge, I would have given up in the beginning when I couldn't understand flashbacks vs current vs Zan here vs Zan gone etc - but I pushed through because I have committed to reading all of The Contemps books. It was unlikely that I would love all of the Contemps on the list, and this is a good example of that :)
May 21, 2016
Maybe this book is just a little too young for me or maybe it's just really terrible writing. One, unless you're LDS a lot of what she talks about won't make sense and the book just had a constant undertone of self righteousness. Two, as someone who is LDS and from Utah, this book portrays us so poorly it's embarrassing. Although I do know people who think like this woman obviously does it is so narrow minded and ignorant it very unfairly misrepresents the lds faith. Two, she has created a character so one dimensional and tedious to read it makes me cringe at every other paragraph. This girl literally has no original or interesting thoughts of her own and just lives strictly by her small minded culture and unhealthy obsession for a dude who does not care about here at all. She thinks if she just casually adds that this girl likes books that that fact alone gives her charter depth (spoiler, it doesn't). And if I have to read the phrase "soccer lovin kids" one more time I will have to burn all books and soccer balls alike. Moral of the story, read anything else but this. So so bad.
August 18, 2014
Mi primer pensamiento sobre Joy fue ¿Por qué es tan estúpida?
Digo, a todo el mundo le caía mal Zan, y solo ella pensaba que era la cosa más perfecta con vida, era muy difícil abrir un poco los ojos? Pero después me dio pena, porque ella estaba enamorada y ciega, y suele pasar que uno quiere tanto a una persona que simplemente los defectos desaparecen, aunque en realidad no. Noah me encantó aunque me pareció que faltaba más de él que lo que hubo, porque Joy vio a Zan así de horrible y de repente pensaba en Noah como alguien que le quitaba el aliento, y lo que faltó fue que a mí también me lo quitara. Pero no pasó, y él libro terminó muy rápido, me hubiera gustado leer un poco más sobre Joy y Noah, tal vez mientras volvían. Pero en fin, se lee rápido y restando algunas cosas que me molestaron bastante, es una buena historia.
Digo, a todo el mundo le caía mal Zan, y solo ella pensaba que era la cosa más perfecta con vida, era muy difícil abrir un poco los ojos? Pero después me dio pena, porque ella estaba enamorada y ciega, y suele pasar que uno quiere tanto a una persona que simplemente los defectos desaparecen, aunque en realidad no. Noah me encantó aunque me pareció que faltaba más de él que lo que hubo, porque Joy vio a Zan así de horrible y de repente pensaba en Noah como alguien que le quitaba el aliento, y lo que faltó fue que a mí también me lo quitara. Pero no pasó, y él libro terminó muy rápido, me hubiera gustado leer un poco más sobre Joy y Noah, tal vez mientras volvían. Pero en fin, se lee rápido y restando algunas cosas que me molestaron bastante, es una buena historia.
December 18, 2011
This book was fine, and definitely a quick read. I learned from reading this that Mormons don't drink caffeine, which I had never heard before. I did appreciate that even though all of the characters were Mormon, that it didn't dwell on that, and was mostly a pretty universal story of a girl having trouble getting over a first love and moving on with her life. The structure of the book was odd, in that it moved back and forth in time at the beginning, and then it all started to go forward at some point. I guess this kind of mirrored the way things went for the main character, but it mostly just confused me at the beginning.
August 3, 2011
When your boyfriend, the young man you can picture yourself marrying (after college) and loving for the rest of forever ('cos you're both Mormon) leaves for college a year early and doesn't say good-bye, you know you should take it as a kiss-off. But sometimes, love gets in the way of what you know you should do. Such is the case with Joy. This book has everything I never knew I wanted in a book: Beverage Night, Soccer Lovin' boys, a Vegas Buffet and Barry Manilow. It's not a widely known book. Yet.
September 16, 2011
I am not sure why I read this book. I am not sure why I requested it form another library to be sent to me. All I know is that I really needed to read something so I read this. Two of my favorite authors had glowing things to say. I must have read a good review somewhere but can't find it know.
Not a bad book, just not a good book. Very predictable and slow moving. Could have been a 20 short story.
Why did I read it? I wanted to read and it was there. I kept reading because I thought it would get better.
Not a bad book, just not a good book. Very predictable and slow moving. Could have been a 20 short story.
Why did I read it? I wanted to read and it was there. I kept reading because I thought it would get better.
May 4, 2011
I adored this. I felt like every sentence was perfection. This is a coming of age story that shares a lesson of life that I learned the hard way, and I really related to it. I even was on board with Joy's obsession with one day seeing Barry Manilow in concert in Las Vegas. (Maybe one day...:) )
I've met Emily a couple of times, and I am excited that when I see her again I can genuinely tell her I loved her book.
I've met Emily a couple of times, and I am excited that when I see her again I can genuinely tell her I loved her book.
November 23, 2011
This is a very wholesome romance. Frankly, not a lot happens in this book, but I think it would be more than perfect for anyone looking for a "clean read."
Bonus points for having religion be a part of the story, but not the crux of the story, especially with it being Mormonism, a very misunderstood religion.
Bonus points for having religion be a part of the story, but not the crux of the story, especially with it being Mormonism, a very misunderstood religion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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