When It Happens

Overall, I thought this was a pretty good book. I am reading right now for a banned book project and I like it. Sometimes the story seems unrealistic, but other that that it was a good read. If you love romance, then read this book.

I chose this book because half of it was from a boy's POV and it's always hard to find boy-oriented YA. Anyway, I was not disappointed. Plot not terribly heavy, but really liked the alternating POVS, especially those chapters where the same incidents would be re-told by Sara and Tobey. Great to get into separate minds of both protagonists. Easy to cheer for Tobey and liked how Sara gravitates toward the "cool" kids. Fun to read.

Reader reviewed by Amanda

Now this is the kind of book that can bring you out of any bad mood and make you believe in love. Just like in a real relationship problems arise, such as past girlfriends and the issue of sex. When It happens felt so real. Like I was reading about two of my closest friends. Colasanti weaves a fragile love story that faces many obstacles. The language used was so teen-agey. I really didn't want to believe that this is how we talk...but it's true. I was able to identify with every relationship in the story. Everyone has gone through at least one of these relationships. I could feel every emotion felt by Tobey and Sara. In the beginning Sara was confused about what she wanted like just about every teenage girl. I have nothing to complain about except the lack of originality. The story was great but not at all new. When It Happens was a spirit raising read that made me feel butterflies.

Reader reviewed by Lianne

Sarah and Tobey are both seniors in high school. They have something else in common to, they both want to find something real. Sarah thinks that after Dave (the cute jock) asks her out she found her soul mate.Unfortunately, Dave turns out to be a arrogant jerk. Sarah then begins to notice Tobey who ends up to be her something real

I really enjoyed this book. One thing that I love about Susane Colasanti's writing is that she writes with at least two different narrators, I think that it helps people understand the story better because readers get to see different prospectives. I also loved how Sara was a strong character who, had enough guts to break up with the Dave and follow her heart instead, of doing what's popular. This book is the perfect high school romance and I highly recommend it!
"Reprinted here with author's permission"

Reader reviewed by Vanessa

Summary: Seniors Tobey and Sara have different goals. Tobey, a known slacker, wants to become famous for his music with his band. Sara, smart and pretty, wants to get into her first-choice college: NYU. Tobey and Sara both have great friends: Mike and Josh, and Laila and Maggie, respectively. But thats definitely not all they have in common. They are both looking for something real in the love department. Sara wants Dave, whom she has been waiting to call her all summer. Dave, popular and gorgeous, seems very interested in her. Tobey, on the other hand, has had his eyes on Sara for a while and will do anything to make her understand they are meant to be. Over time, everything falls into place for Tobey and Sara. And its definitely something real.



My Review (spoiler-free): Ah, this is such an outstanding book. I love love stories like this. This is a real love story (not like Twilight, in my opinion&). I love how its told in alternating points of view (Sara and Tobeys). Susane Colasanti writes very well, I totally could connect with the characterss problems and insecurities. Its like shes one of us. Its amazing. I do have some tiny complaints (I did not rate it five stars as you can see): sometimes I got lost while there was dialogue between Mike, Josh, and Tobey or Maggie, Laila, and Sara. Its like I didnt know who was saying what. Also, Maggie and Laila were hard to differentiate (even though it should have been easy) because they talk alike. I love Tobey for Sara. Hes cute, witty, musical, and laid-back. Sara is very much like me and I liked her as a character. I laughed a lot of times while reading. This book is not all happy-feeling. There are parts where it wasnt all lovey-dovey and serious matters were faced. I hardly read books where the characters are 18-ish. I definitely want to read more. When I finished, I wanted more. In the end, I loved loved loved this book. You should most definitely pick this one up; I promise it wont disappoint.



My Thoughts (read this if youve read the book, it contains spoilers): Yay, spoilers! I thought Dave was such a bleep. He was trying to sleep with Sara& it was so annoying! And hes a virgin; it was hilarious. What he did while Tobey was playing Battle of the Bands was irritating as well. Hes just mad Sara left him for a better guy like Tobey. I feel bad for Sara and her relationship with her mom. I also feel bad about Maggie and what happened with her parents. I understand why Sara got mad about Cynthia being Tobeys first time and it was so adorable how he got her back by doing the boom box scene! It was so wow how they had literally everything in common. They were so meant to be. I wonder what happens to them after the book, when they go to college. I want to read Susane Colasantis other book,Take Me There.

Reposted from whatvanessareads.wordpress.com

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

At the start of senior year of high school, brainy Sara wants to find the perfect boy. She believes Dave, the new jock in town, is the embodiment of perfection, and has the potential to be her dream guy. Meanwhile, slacker rocker Tobey cannot stop thinking about Sara. He's been sought after by plenty of girls, but his feelings for Sara are radically different. There's just something about her that makes him unable to look away or think of anything else.

To everyone's surprise, Dave asks Sara out, and the two of them are soon together. However, Tobey is determined to get to know Sara. From minimal contact, the two find themselves inexplicably attracted to each other. It's the little things that matter to Sara, and Tobeys got it in spades: they share similar interests, quirks, and preferences. However, he is a huge slacker; he doesn't even want to go to college!

Perhaps love can change these star-crossed lovers for the better by the end of the year.

WHEN IT HAPPENS is a cute love story about high school students. Colasanti's dialogue is witty and fast-paced, almost guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. That being said, Sara and Tobey's relationship is not, unfortunately, really something to shout about. At first Tobey's sentiments are sweet, but then they turn cliche. And the whole brainy-girl-lusts-after-jock is overplayed and not at all interesting anymore. Colasanti's attempt to create unique and likable characters is not, in the end, successful.

Reader reviewed by Tallie

This story is told in alternating chapters beteen Tobey and Sara.
In the first chapter, readers find out that Sara is entering her senior year hoping that she'll find true love. Dave, the most popular guy in school asks her out and thinks he might be the one. She later on finds out that they have nothing in common and is disapointed.
We then meet Tobey who is in love with music adn is in a band. He has true feelings for Sara and his mission, besides winning battle of the bands, is to talk to Sara and prove to her that he is the one for her, not Dave.
From then on, the story deals with how Tobey makes Sara realize that they are meant for each other and fall in love. But as college fastly approaching, straight A student Sara hopes to go to NYU whereas slacker Tobey does not know if he will even pass high school let alone what college he will go. Will they each go their own ways or find a way to stay together? Read it, you will like the ending.