Review: Love or Something Like It by Laurie B. Friedman

Now that April is officially going out with hot-boy-next-door Matt, she's head over heels. She loves how he makes her feel . . . most of the time. But one minute he's sweet and attentive, and the next, it's as if he's forgotten they're together. April just wants things to be great between them, like when they started going out. Now as summer approaches, she has to decide if she'll go to camp with her best friends, Billy and Brynn, or stay home and be with Matt. April wishes she could do it all--keep up with friends, have summer adventures, please her annoying family, and save her new relationship. But with Matt's affection running so hot and cold, she has some tough decisions to make.

Hardcover, 184 pages

Expected publication: April 1st 2015 by Lerner Classroom

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!  The expected publication date is April 1st 2015.

This story is definitely geared towards the younger YA audience, I would say the junior high age group.  I am well beyond that demographic however as I was reading the story I could remember experiencing all of the same emotions that April went through.

This was all about young "love" and the emotional drama involved.  I remember liking a boy and over analyzing every conversation and non verbal queue like it was the most important thing in life just as April did.  I remember the highs and lows of crushes and utter feeling of euphoria when a boy I liked had liked me back.  I remember when life did not exist outside of catching a glance of a boy I was interested in and how it consumed all of my thoughts.  This is what the story brought back for me.

This is the fourth story in the series and although I had not read the others I could easily follow along.  I thought the story was really cute and realistic for the demographic of a thirteen/fourteen year old girl.

I feel that this story will not appeal to the older YA audience as it may be too innocent and perhaps readers may not appreciate how truly realistic this story is for the age group but younger readers should enjoy it.  For me it was fun to remember the drama of my younger years and realize how truly insignificant it was now that I am older.  I was able to read this story in record time due to its simplicity however I appreciate the fact that it took me back to my younger years.

About the Author

Laurie Friedman is the author of over 35 award-winning books for children. Laurie writes the popular Mallory McDonald chapter book series for 7-10 year olds. Published by Lerner Publishing, the series currently includes 23 titles. Laurie has a new journal format series for 10-15 year olds entitled, The Mostly Miserable Life of April Sinclair. Laurie has also written many rhyming picture books, including the Ruby Valentine series. Her newest book, Ruby Valentine and the Sweet Surprise is out this fall!

Website:  http://www.lauriebfriedman.com/

Twitter:  lauriebfriedman