As
I'm writing this review, Crazy, Stupid,
Love. is playing in the background. It
is now officially V-Day. Ryan Gosling
and Emma Stone are doing that amazing "It's like you're Photoshopped"
scene. And I'm feeling the love you
guys, so here's a book sure to bring the swoon :-).
This Is What Happy Looks Like
by Jennifer E. Smith is a sweet, romantic contemporary YA, featuring a hook I
just fell in love with.
From
the jacket summary: Graham Larkin and
Ellie O'Neill meet--albeit virtually--when Graham accidentally sends Ellie an
e-mail about his pet pig, Wilbur. The
two seventeen-year-olds strike up an e-mail relationship, even though they
don't even know each other's first name.
Sigh…Smith
had me at hello lol. That bit about the
pet pig made me smile. Usually, I stay
away from books where e-mails are involved.
Don't know why. To me,
online communication always seems so impersonal. I'm a big Jane Austen fan, so I'm also a big
fan of the handwritten letter. I like
books I can hold (though ebooks are growing on me). Anyway, the point is I kind of doubted this
relationship.
But
I was wrong--and so, SO happy about it!
Ellie
and Graham's e-mails were absolutely my favorite part of the book. They were used in such an amazing way. Through their exchanges, they get to know
each other--and we get to know them.
Beyond the surface details (names, hair color, eye color
etc.), they discover each other, what really makes the other tick.
I
thought this sent a beautiful message.
Truth: While writing, I have a hard time physically describing my characters, figuring
out what they look like. But I know who they
are.
I know what they like best, what makes them cry, their sense of humor,
who they'll fall in love with and why.
In my head, I guess those are what make up the character, not their
looks.
So
I loved how Ellie and Graham's relationship started. I also really liked the fact that this errant
e-mail could begin such a sweet romance.
Great way to integrate today's technology, and like I said, Smith
brought the swoon.
I
am now a believer in the power of e-mail LOL.
Graham
was a true romantic, a 17-year-old movie star who falls for a girl he's never
met. I liked him immediately. Ellie was an endearing character. I loved how she was just "normal,"
as much as any of us are normal. She was
a well-rounded character with likes and dislikes, dreams and fears. Both of them were good people you just wanted
to see get together.
And
Smith makes that happen in this beautiful, sweet way <3. Would've liked a more concrete ending, but no
other complaints. I'm seriously not all
that big into Valentine's. But I think the world could use a little more happy. A perfect read for Valentine's Day!
Happy
reading,
Ninja
Girl
