One Night that Changes Everything

This was a very fun book. It was fast paced and really flew by. Every chapter had a time at the beginning, so you could follow along hour by hour of Eliza’s night, which made the book seem to go by even quicker. The plot was very clever – who among us has never written a secret in a book and hidden it away, afraid for anyone to find it? Often throughout the book, I thought about how mortified I would be if somebody ever found my journals and threatened to post them for the world to see. When Eliza was in a particular situation, and I thought “why is she doing that,” then I would remember how I might do anything to prevent that from happening to me. (Which kind of makes it sound like I have really juicy secrets tucked away somewhere, but I swear they wouldn’t be that interesting to anyone but me.) Anyway, any time you feel disbelief at something that is happening to Eliza, remember what you might do in the same situation and just move on.

'And then I get it. The 318s have somehow decided to make me do the things that are in my notebook. All the things I’m afraid of. The things I’ve been writing since the seventh grade. And if I don’t, they’re going to post the book on the internet, and everyone at school, no, everyone with an internet connection, will know all my secrets. For a second, it feels like my throat swallows up my heart and my breath catches in my throat. There’s only one thing left to do. I put my head in my hands and start to cry.'

The characters were great. I felt so sorry for Eliza and what she was going through. I was glad she had friends who were there for her. They followed her around all night, offering support, even before they knew what was so special about the book. She said she needed them and they were there. I was a little disappointed in one of the gals who had such low self-esteem that she lived for one particular boy to call so she could be his booty call.

I liked how snappy the dialogue was. These are real teens who are sarcastic and quick and sassy. (I like to think I was that witty as a teen, but I fear I may be looking back with rose-colored glasses.) I especially liked Eliza’s internal dialogue. It was amusing to read how she talks to herself and then how she talks to her friends.

Just a small amount of sexy hotness, mostly in the glances and unsaid things between Eliza and Cooper. There were some sweet and sensitive moments as Eliza and Cooper (and their friends) grow up and mature during their trials of the night.

I’m not too pleased with the cover. Unless I missed it, nobody had a VW bug in the book, and at no point did Eliza sit on the ground in front of a car and listen to an ipod, and certainly not while smiling. I do like the blue color and the city skyline though.

The Sum Up: A quick, fun read with heart that was enjoyable and smart.

Reader reviewed by Cass

My thoughts: 

I read this about two weeks ago, but *ahem*... One Night that Changes Everything
had a compelling and unique storyline and premise-- it was about a
notebook full of Eliza's, the main character, deepest secrets and fears,
and not all of them about her; and her ex-boyfriend and his friends
have it. What should have been a fun weekend with her two best friends
Clarice and Marissa turns into an inevitable night of blackmail,
overcoming things Eliza had once feared, fallings out, drama, and new
love...

This
novel was always moving along, and with about 12 hours (not even a
day!) for the storyline, there wasn't much time for a dull moment. It
was action-packed, in the slightest of ways, since there are no heavy
explosions or alien invasions...or vampire biting, for all you
paranormalists! 

The
relationship between Eliza and Cooper (the ex) was actually nice, and
fun to watch unfold and develop. It's really obvious what happens at the
end between them, but it was still sweet when I got to read that
moment. It wasn't overly sappy, or cheesy; though I think if it wasn't
already obvious, this book is highly girl-oriented. I'm sure that guys
CAN enjoy this one, but girls may be able to relate to some of the
events a bit more...

However,
good parts of the novel aside, I did have a few problems. When I was
reading, I found that the distinction between Clarice and Marissa,
Eliza's best friends, should have been more defined. I don't know, they
seemed very similar. While there was that whole Clarice is a
hopeless-romantic but keeps running to her "boyfriend" for hookups, or
Marissa who...well, I can't even remember now. I remember her being
described as the more... racy of the two. But really? I just wanted more
of a distinction.

All
in all, I enjoyed this one a whole lot. It was a quick read, it was
interesting, I liked what was explored-- that, ultimately, the things
that compell people to be afraid usually aren't too bad. If you're a
sucker for teen girl light, fun and slightly-dramarific stories, you'll
enjoy this one. 

This is my first novel from Lauren Barnholdt, so I can't give any comparisons between her other novels and this one.