Review Detail

It's always fun to find a book where a character not only likes French but LOVES it too. THE DISTANCE FROM A TO Z is one of those books that grabs your attention on the first page and doesn't let you go. Abby's passion for French leads her to a summer camp which she hopes will later help her get into a Parisian school. She wants to distance herself from anything that has to do with baseball. Then she runs into Zeke and everything turns upside down.

What worked: I totally loved this contemporary love story with it's mix of French, bantering, secrets, and half-truths. There is much more than romance going on. Abby's borderline obsession with French is her way of distancing herself from hurt that has happened to her in the past. She doesn't want anything to do with baseball. Period. I liked her and could relate with her over the top behavior that is like a wall she puts up to protect herself.

Zeke is cute but mysterious. I had my doubts about his true purpose at the beginning and kind of figured out what he might be hiding. Still, I bought the romance that started off as indifferent( Abby hates his baseball T-shirts to the point of making a bargain with him). The scene at the Chutes and Lattes place is so teasing, it's hurtful. The tension between these two is strong. Loved the chemistry!

There's also her room mate Alice that has panic attacks. I felt these were shown in a very realistic light. I also have to deal with them and know how debilitating they can be. There are scenes where Abby and Zeke help her especially with an open poetry reading. The only thing is I would have loved to have read one of her poems though I know this isn't really her story.

Loved the banter between her and her baseball obsessed brothers! And that ring tone on her cell! Too hilarious!

Sweet tale filled with engaging characters that whisks readers off to a romance where opposites do in fact attract. A charming debut.