The Bridge from Me to You--Lisa Schroeder

Title: The Bridge from Me to You
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Publisher: Scholastic, 2014
Pages: 336 p.
Source: VOYA & Publisher sent a copy separately
Compensation: none

I received a copy of this book to review for VOYA and then a few days later I got another copy randomly mailed to me from Scholastic. I guess the universe really wanted me to read this book.

Lauren is the new girl in a small town that revolves around its high school football team. It’s unclear at first why her mother has abandoned her, forcing her to live with her uncle and his family, and whether or not she deserves it. She has found a loving family with them but she is afraid it will not last and that nothing will work out for her. Colby is the high school football star being recruited by top ivy league schools who secretly wants to stop playing football and study bridges. To stop playing football would disappoint his father, so he keeps his wishes hidden and tries to do right by everybody else. When Lauren and Colby meet they both sense a kindred spirit and a chance at happiness.

The Bridge From Me to You is classified as a romance book but it is so much more. Lauren and Colby’s romance is sweet and slow, but it takes a backseat to larger themes of family and strength and finding one’s self. Lauren must deal with her issues with her mother before she can truly commit to a relationship with Colby, likewise Colby has to face his father. The author lets them work out these issues and develop a friendship instead of jumping into insta-love. The novel is written in alternating chapters of poetry (Lauren) and prose (Colby) that serve the story well. It is a very quick engrossing read that Sarah Dessen fans will appreciate.

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Let's Get Lost--Aldi Alsaid

Title: Let's Get Lost
Author: Aldi Alsaid
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 2014
Pages: 352 p.
Source: VOYA
Compensation: None

Let’s Get Lost is a road trip book with a twist. Leila is traveling from Louisiana to Alaska to see the Northern Lights. Along the way, her trip is delayed by four people who need her help and Leila’s story is told through their eyes. Leila meets mechanic Hudson for a simple tune-up, but soon it’s clear that there are sparks between Hudson and Leila and they set out for a night of epic fun and adventure—on the eve of Hudson’s medical school interview. Hundreds of miles later Leila picks up hitchhiker and sometime shoplifter Bree and learns that seizing the day can be fun but also come with serious consequences. Elliot wants his life to be like a romantic comedy when he confesses his love for his childhood friend, but winds up with a drama instead. Leila helps him pick up the pieces and find the confidence to try again. On the border with Canada, Leila stumbles on guilt-ridden Sonia who is afraid to stop grieving for her deceased boyfriend and move on with a new love. Once Leila reaches the Northern Lights she takes over her own story in the final section.

Leila’s journey is emotional and exciting. Alsaid’s different narrating style invites the reader to join in the ride. Saving Leila’s voice for last lets us get to know her like her traveling companions do. Let’s Get Lost is a touching debut novel and worthy of addition to YA collections.

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I'm an Amazon Associate now. If you click on the Amazon links and buy anything I might make a tiny bit of money.