Coming of Age in an Imperfect World: Not Exactly A Love Story, By Audrey Couloumbis

Not Exactly A Love Story
Author: Audrey Couloumbis
Published By: Random House
Date Published:  December 11, 2012
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 288
Recommended For: Ages 13+
Review By:  K
Rating: 3
Received Book Free For Review Thru NetGalley


Summary:
To say Vinnie is having a bad year is an understatement. His parents are divorcing, his long time crush just moved away, and he is suffering from a severe case of pustulating acne. But his luck is about to turn, his mom and new step dad are moving the family to Long Island. A late night call to the girl next door in his new town may mark the day of an upturn in his hum drum life.


K's Thoughts:
The title of this book describes it exactly- its NOT exactly a love story, but it is KINDA a love story in a way. I felt like this book captured a genuine insecurity and awkwardness that is present in the teen years. Vinnie is constantly talking about himself as if he is two separate people entirely- the suave midnight caller Vincenzo and the plain old high school kid Vinnie. At one point the two alter egos almost collide, but in the end he finds he can be the best him by just being himself. I feel like the teenage years are exactly that, trying out a different you until one sticks and you grow up a bit.

So why did I only give the book a 3? Well, I didn't love it. I didn't rush to my bedside table to grab my Kindle and keep reading, but when I was sitting down giving this book my full attention I liked it. It was different and quirky- more real then most YA coming of age tales. Should you read it? Absolutely. If only to gain a new perspective on the way a YA book can be written and to follow Vinnie in his not so perfect world- its worth the read.

Perhaps a rainy day like today (in Northern California) would be the perfect time to snuggle up with a book like this.



Parents/Content:
Language: Mild Language- 1 F word, 2 sh words, a couple mild slang words.
Adult Content: Themes of divorce and how they affect families, remarriage, cheating, and family dynamics discussed.
Violence: Teen boys fist fights, Girl bullied into dating boy- boy wont take no for an answer, rough- but nothing happens.