If We Kiss

Reader reviewed by Minerva V.

When We Kiss is definatley an entertaining read by Rachel Vail that follows the story of Charlie's crush and first kiss with ladies' man (or boy).  Kevin is the boy all girl swoons over, but who has a reputation for making out with any available girl, and Kevin also happens to be her best friend's boyfriend.  Wow--the complication of 9th grade love!  And of course, there is George of the best friend, next door neighbor status.  Kissing George, according to Charlie, would be like kissing a cousin.  Oh, but kissing Kevin is a growing thing--even Charlie can't believe she likes doing something so disgusting and something that could ruin her friendship with Tess, not to mention something that could end up totally weird since Kevin's dad and Charlie's mother are dating.  Overall, a fun book and a true to life voice.  I remember having some the same feelings and probably saying a lot of the same things as Charlie.  But, Charlie's voice is too much like someone from middle school and the book is probably a favorite more among the 12 and 13 year olds.  It is possible, though, that Rachel Vail's narrative reads as a younger level because Charlie has never been kissed.  In that sense, Charlie is more innocent and naive than the average high school freshman.

Reader reviewed by Tamanna

I was hooked on this book from the VERY beginning. It was about a girl who was in love with her best friend's bf, or was it crush? Anyway, the reason was because he kissed her out of the blue a long time ago, and she still cannot forget about it. Other than that, her mom is dating that boy's father! What will happen? Read and find out!

Reader reviewed by KL

I'm not sure if I'm the only one, but I think Rachel Vail deserves to be mentioned up there with YA writers like Judy Blume. I think she's got that special sensitivity that's needed to write good YA fiction. I've enjoyed all her books, and this one is no different. The only thing that I questioned is the "almost" brother-sister like pairing. I won't say anymore so I don't ruin the plot, but that was a bit sticky. I think she handled it as well as any author could, but still...an odd issue.

I like the mother-daughter relationship in this story. It felt very realistic and I especially liked the way the writing made the setting come alive. I could actually picture the leaves turning in the fall.

If you like Judy Blume, then I think you should give Rachel Vail a try.

Reader reviewed by Grace

Charlie (real name Charlotte) is taken by surprise when Kevin Lazarus suddenly kisses her. She becomes obsessed with him, even after she sees him kissing her best friend, Tess, at her party. Things become even more complicated when Tess says she likes Kevin and they become a couple, and when Charlie finds out her mom is dating Kevin's dad. Especially when Charlie likes Kevin too and doesn't want to tell Tess.

This book was funny, but depressing because I don't understand why Charlie still liked Kevin after he "cheated" on her, in a way. But I loved Charlie's quirky and funny personality.