Latest Read: Slammed

Here are the basics ...
Book: Slammed (#1)
Author: Colleen Hoover
Site: http://colleenhoover.com/
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary

Summary: Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope. Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, they form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope. Not long after their first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt.  (Adapted goodreads.com) 

[Note: ARC c/o Simon & Schuster via NetGalley. Thank you!]

My thoughts…

The good: When you read a book like Slammed, it's so tempting to write a review poetry style. (Un)fortunately for you, I'm not that talented but I do want to try something different today. So I'm going to list everything I liked and just make it look like a poem from the book.

a strong, likable protagonist
who isn't afraid to go for what she wants.
a wonderful family and a mom that gives great advice 
(that I want to remember for me).
friends that can be counted on.
emphasis on the power of words,
through music or poetry.
some really moving poems by
characters in the book.
(the lake! schooled! pink balloon!)
a mature guy who tries to do the right thing.
watching a relationship build over time.
finding the strength to deal with loss
and denial and fear and love.

(Some) issues: Ok, back to my regularly formatted review! Truthfully, I didn't connect with the story as much as I wanted to. The relationship between Lake and Will starts intensely within the first few pages of the book. It was insta-love without actually using the word love. And I felt a little forced into rooting for this couple before I even got a chance to know or understand the protagonist.  But once they started to spend some more time together, then I felt connected to them later in the book and genuinely wanted them to find a way to work things out. I prefer relationships that build over time, even if they are attracted to each other immediately.

Do I recommend?: If you're a fan of poetry (or even a little bit interested in what slam poetry is), I think this is a good look into that. I thought I would skim over the poems but I found myself really enjoying a bunch of them.  All the characters are likable and it's a quick, easy read so if the synopsis appeals to you, I think it's worth checking out.

Happy reading!