Favorite Friday (#63): Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a monthly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where we spotlight some of our Favorite Reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on the linky or leave us a comment!

This week pick is: Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor.

(Source)

Zoe and her best friend, Olivia, have always had big plans for the future, none of which included Olivia getting sick. Still, Zoe is determined to put on a brave face and be positive for her friend.

Even when she isn't sure what to say.

Even when Olivia misses months of school.

Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin, Olivia's crush.

The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing that Olivia will beat this, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for her to even imagine.

In this incandescent page-turner, which follows in the tradition of The Fault in Our Stars, Melissa Kantor artfully explores the idea that the worst thing to happen to you might not be something that is actually happening to you. Raw, irreverent, and honest, Zoe's unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

I LOVED this book and the friendship shown in this book made me cry like a baby because it's just SO. GOOD. I need more people talking about this book.

About the author:

I'm a YA writer who believes in happy endings. The kind you find in books.

Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

I hope you can join us in sharing and talking about some of your favorite reads. Book talk always makes us happy. 

What is one of your favorite reads?

Mini Review: Better than Perfect by Melissa Kantor

Better than Perfect
Author: Melissa Kantor
Release Date: February 17, 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Edelweiss
Review by: Jenn

Juliet Newman has it all. A picture-perfect family; a handsome, loving boyfriend; and a foolproof life plan: ace her SATs, get accepted into Harvard early decision, and live happily ever after.

But when her dad moves out and her mom loses it, Juliet begins questioning the rules she’s always lived by. And to make everything even more complicated there’s Declan, the gorgeous boy who makes her feel alive and spontaneous—and who’s totally off-limits. Torn between the life she always thought she wanted and one she never knew was possible, Juliet begins to wonder: What if perfect isn't all it’s cracked up to be?

Melissa Kantor once again delivers a tale that is equal parts surprising, humorous, heartbreaking, and romantic. Powerful and honest, Juliet’s story brilliantly portrays the highs and lows of life in high school and will resonate with any reader who has experienced either.

3 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher but it does not influence this review in any way.*

Having read Melissa's previous title, Maybe One Day, I was extremely excited about getting my hands on this book. To be honest, I was expecting to have my heart ripped out and have a good cry. That was not the case, however. I did still enjoy the story and it left me thinking about it for the days after I finished it.

I enjoyed seeing Juliet's growth. I'm proud of her for sticking up for what she really wanted instead of going along with something that would make her unhappy. I like how Melissa Kantor writes about teens and the angst of family, friends, and expectations.  She does such a wonderful job of making her books so realistic and relatable. Because of this, I look forward to reading more from her work.

Review: Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

Maybe One Day 
Author: Melissa Kantor
Release Date: February 18, 2014
Publisher: Harper Teen
Source: Edelweiss & physical ARC borrowed from Leydy from UOaT
Review by: Jenn
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / IndieBound

 My rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Zoe and her best friend, Olivia, have always had big plans for the future, none of which included Olivia getting sick. Still, Zoe is determined to put on a brave face and be positive for her friend.
Even when she isn't sure what to say.
Even when Olivia misses months of school.
Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin, Olivia's crush.
The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing Olivia will beat this, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for her to even imagine.

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

I loved this book. It was sad and funny and lovely and everything I was looking for in a story about friendship. I think the last book that I read that dealt like this kind of friendship was The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Right from the synopsis we know it going to be a heart fail story. I became so immersed in the story line that I just flew through this book. I love everything about it: the friendships, the characters, and the plot.

Zoe and Olivia's friendship is something that I always enjoy reading about. I feel like so many YA books focus more on the romantic aspects and, while I enjoy that as well, the story about a girl and her best friend is really important as well. Zoe and Olivia share the kind of friendship that I've always been envious of, by how well they know each other and their dreams. How they want the other person there with them whenever something life-altering is happening.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried so hard while reading this book, that my eyes were puffy the next day. I had a feeling I knew how it was going to end but I still hoped for a different ending. And while certain things happened at a rapid pace or that just wasn't realistic, I can appreciate it for how well done the book ended up being.

I completely loved this book and I'm so happy that I read it. I wish there were more like it, that would explore the bonds of friendship like Zoe's and Olivia's. Melissa Kantor made me a fan of hers with this title and I can't wait to read more of her books.