Status Updates From Always Upbeat/All That

So far I finished the girls side of the book and it’s really good. It was extremely predictable but it was also relatable in some ways.

Ugh. As much as it pains me to admit defeat, I think I'm going to have to DNF this book. We'll see how I feel in the morning.

What.

I'm finished. Verdict on "All That" - it was also okay, and managed to showcase Blake's story on its own, but I couldn't help but feel there were a few developmental holes considering the two stories. There were other issues that I think weren't tied as well as they could've been, but all things considered, I liked the stories told and the overall stylistic. I'll have my full review up on Wednesday of this week.

And there's the big twist from the last story (Charli's perspective). Certainly not an easy revelation to come by. Oddly, though, I feel like the delivery of it here feels less intimate/more at arms length than it could've been.

Ah, five minutes late and Blake's getting an earful from his father. I do like hearing Blake's thoughts on the situation. It shows he's rational, but at the same time gives reason for him being angry/upset at the situation.

I'm hoping to finish this out tonight. I'm starting to realize why Blake hates his cousin Brenton, and resents his father. I think the story's launching a bit more smoothly than Charli's. I wonder what my impression of the events would've been if I'd read Blake's story first, then Charli's? Hmm, interesting note to ponder. In any case, reading onward.

I'm liking Blake's character voice so far. Not easy to have a father who has such high expectations of you and also carrying part of the team responsibility. But I think I'll stop here for now and pick back up tomorrow.

Done with "Always Upbeat". Mixed sentiments, tbh. I didn't see that 180 twist in the very last few pages of the story coming. There were also some sweet moments and lessons learned here. But I think a little more character fleshing out and less telling, more showing probably could've made this even more meaningful for me. I'm not giving it a rating yet, not until I hear Blake's side of the story.

I was actually enjoying parts of this story (even with the too neatly tied final chapter) until Charli started saying all of those things to Jackie. I mean, I get why she's hurt, don't blame her really, but to make comments on the way the other girl dresses and shame her for that? How about no? :(

D'aww. Yep, Brenton's got my vote after a comment like that. Go for him, Charli.

Is it a bad thing if I'm silently shipping Charli/Brenton? Brenton seems like he has his head on his shoulders and cooler, though I don't know that much about him. (Though honestly, I don't know what's going on with Blake that's making him avoid Charli, so it might be a little unfair.)

"But girls don't want nice guys. They want the popular, crazy dudes." Oh Brenton, your comment could describe many a common YA troupe. @_@

Uh oh. Yeah, I had suspicions that was the case, but still...poor Charli. That really sucks.