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When It Happens
At the start of her senior year in high school, Sara wants two things: to get into a top college and to find true love. Tobey also wants two things for his senior year: to win Battle of the Bands and to make Sara fall in love with him. However, a popular jock named Dave moves in on Sara first. But Tobey's quirky wit and big blue eyes are hard for Sara to ignore. Plus, he gets the little things that matter to her. Can a slacker rock-star wannabe win the heart of a pretty class brain like Sara?
Hilariously and movingly told through Tobey and Sara's authentic voices, Susane Colasanti's debut novel sizzles in its portrayal of two young people searching for The One.
Hilariously and movingly told through Tobey and Sara's authentic voices, Susane Colasanti's debut novel sizzles in its portrayal of two young people searching for The One.
287 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2006
About the author
Susane Colasanti
20 books4,015 followersSusane Colasanti is the bestselling author of When It Happens, Take Me There, Waiting for You, Something Like Fate, So Much Closer, Keep Holding On, All I Need, Now and Forever, and the City Love trilogy. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from New York University. Before becoming a full-time author in 2007, Susane was a high school science teacher for ten years. She lives in New York City.
You can connect with Susane on her Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
You can connect with Susane on her Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,323 reviews
May 14, 2012
Adorable isn't a word I use often to describe books. In Majaland, the word is not even a compliment in that context– it’s almost insulting, really, like calling a guy cute. But there have been a few exceptions along the way, and When It Happens happens to be one of them. It’s just… adorable.
Told from alternating POVs, this is a story about Sara and Tobey’s senior year in high school. They both start the year single, but Sara has a small crush on Dave, the new boy, and Tobey has a huge crush on Sara. The thing is, while Dave has both the looks and the popularity, Tobey spends his time playing chess with his best friend Matt and chokes up every time Sara comes near him. He gets very nervous when she’s watching and often does the craziest, most embarrassing things, like falling UP stairs and dropping all his books at her feet.
Our poor Tobey doesn’t have it easy. Getting a girl to notice him while she’s busy dating the blond-and-popular – especially a girl who’s been shy and withdrawn all her life, but seems to be enjoying being at the center of attention now – is no easy task, that’s for sure. But all those ours of playing chess and strategizing are finally paying off – Tobey is very good at planning ahead and rearranging players in a way that will checkmate the other king.
When It Happens is everything contemporary YA should be. It’s very realistic and it has a set of extremely well-developed characters, the language is straightforward, easy to digest, and used in a way that contributes to characterization. It is Susane Colasanti’s debut novel, first published in 2006, but I never would have guessed that based on the narrative alone. It radiates experience, maturity, but most of all, understanding. She’s not one of those authors who set out to write a young adult novel without any kind of insight into the mind of teens.
Out of the two, Tobey was my favorite. I suppose I have a soft spot for boys who know exactly what they want and how to get it, but are as far from arrogant as they can possibly be. As for Sara, although she made some stupid choices, her behavior was something I’d expect from a shy and withdrawn person who suddenly finds herself in the spotlight. In other words, her actions didn’t strike me as something Colasanti did just to further complicate the plot, but rather as something that came from genuine understanding of both teens and shy people in general.
Alternating POV narration is always a bit risky, in my opinion. It can be very hard to separate voices of two characters with similar backgrounds, but that wasn’t a problem here. This is another point where Colasanti used language to her advantage: she made Sara sound like a girl and Tobey like a boy, and she made it very easy to tell their voices apart.
Truth be told, contemporary YA is never my first choice. Or my second, or my third. But if I do decide to read it, this is exactly the kind of book I want. I recommend it to all my Vanilla Queens.
A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher, Scholastic UK, for review purposes.
Also posted at The Nocturnal Library
Told from alternating POVs, this is a story about Sara and Tobey’s senior year in high school. They both start the year single, but Sara has a small crush on Dave, the new boy, and Tobey has a huge crush on Sara. The thing is, while Dave has both the looks and the popularity, Tobey spends his time playing chess with his best friend Matt and chokes up every time Sara comes near him. He gets very nervous when she’s watching and often does the craziest, most embarrassing things, like falling UP stairs and dropping all his books at her feet.
Our poor Tobey doesn’t have it easy. Getting a girl to notice him while she’s busy dating the blond-and-popular – especially a girl who’s been shy and withdrawn all her life, but seems to be enjoying being at the center of attention now – is no easy task, that’s for sure. But all those ours of playing chess and strategizing are finally paying off – Tobey is very good at planning ahead and rearranging players in a way that will checkmate the other king.
When It Happens is everything contemporary YA should be. It’s very realistic and it has a set of extremely well-developed characters, the language is straightforward, easy to digest, and used in a way that contributes to characterization. It is Susane Colasanti’s debut novel, first published in 2006, but I never would have guessed that based on the narrative alone. It radiates experience, maturity, but most of all, understanding. She’s not one of those authors who set out to write a young adult novel without any kind of insight into the mind of teens.
Out of the two, Tobey was my favorite. I suppose I have a soft spot for boys who know exactly what they want and how to get it, but are as far from arrogant as they can possibly be. As for Sara, although she made some stupid choices, her behavior was something I’d expect from a shy and withdrawn person who suddenly finds herself in the spotlight. In other words, her actions didn’t strike me as something Colasanti did just to further complicate the plot, but rather as something that came from genuine understanding of both teens and shy people in general.
Alternating POV narration is always a bit risky, in my opinion. It can be very hard to separate voices of two characters with similar backgrounds, but that wasn’t a problem here. This is another point where Colasanti used language to her advantage: she made Sara sound like a girl and Tobey like a boy, and she made it very easy to tell their voices apart.
Truth be told, contemporary YA is never my first choice. Or my second, or my third. But if I do decide to read it, this is exactly the kind of book I want. I recommend it to all my Vanilla Queens.
A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher, Scholastic UK, for review purposes.
Also posted at The Nocturnal Library
October 20, 2008
Warning: It took about 30-50 pages for me to get sucked into the narrative. So if you don't feel the effect super quickly, at least give it those initial 50 pages. The book's a quick read anyhow :)
God, I needed this. (A girl has much to grain from a pinch of romance amidst the midterm hustle.) I have no idea what worked here to make this novel as, I don’t know, endearing? Whatever it was, kudos to Ms Colasanti—a mi me gusta.
Okay, so the theme of this novel is already stamped on the title—what happens when it happens. “It” being “something real”. (I’m gonna do an adjunct summary to the one above because I’m having fun describing this story. Bear with me.) Voila:
See, the (very likeable) heroine, Sara, gets caught up in this relationship with one of those projected Everything Boys—popular, good-looking, charismatic, *barfs out every Gary Stu quality under the sun* (etc.). She’s thrilled—wouldn’t you be? Except that Dave (that’s the Ken doll) doesn’t make her feel very special; in fact, he’s only in it to, you know, “get down tonight” and she’s just not ready for that. Being with him is labor in and of itself cos the dude is, when you get down to it, a son of a bitch.
Meanwhile, over in Reality, there’s Tobey, a seemingly confident (not so much on the inside, as seen through his first person narration) musician who wants to be with Sara. While she’s undergoing her will-she-or-won’t-she in regards to breaking up with Ken Doll, Tobey keeps devising ways to get her to get it over with already because he thinks she’s his “something real” and vice versa. (! Too cute.)
This isn’t really a spoiler because any half-wit can probably happens: They get together. (!! Too cute.) And unlike with Dave, Sara feels this incredible connection to Tobey. He does too, with her. It’s instant—it’s a click—it’s love.
It is TOO CUTE. Just thinking about them as a couple makes me squeal, so I know other romance lovers out there (especially those who like for the girl to go for the dark-haired, brooding, creative type) will devour this one. It’s not only for the fluff-munchers either—there’s a certain aspect of their relationship (this is a spoiler I won't share) that inspires some tension between the two. (Tension = sweet torment for us readers. :D) So all is not perfect in paradise, making the realist within me very happy.
SQUEAL.
Make no mistake however, this isn’t perfection epitomized. (Can perfection be epitomized?) While I loved the focus on Sara and Tobey’s squeal-ness, Sara’s best friend and even Sara herself had some tough home situations which were only dealt with in peripheral. If these element had to be in the story, I think they deserved to become more prominent (and, conversely, to be given a more complete resolution). Also, there were a couple of characters, like Cynthia and the art teacher, who felt more like props than real people and were only utilized when jealousy needed to be stirred or there was something to be figured out. In that sense, this novel came short.
ETA: Oh and I meant to add in here somewhere that sometimes I got sick of Tobey objectifying Sara (many a sexual scenario ongoing in his imagination). I mean, I know you’ve got the hots for her, but it got to the saturation level. Andandand, I sometimes found his narrative cheesy. Because this = two first person accounts, Sara and Tobey’s. Most of the dual narrative novels I’ve read encounter this problem when the author tackles the opposite sex, so it’s not exclusive to this book. Or maybe guys really are like they’re portrayed and I just have issues when it comes to figuring that out.
Howeverrrrrrrrr, I (perhaps highly) recommend this one. It goes by very quickly and, to me at least, it was of the very feel-good variety.
That said, I still disliked the second Colasanti book, Take Me There. Hard to believe it followed When It Happens, but there you have it.
God, I needed this. (A girl has much to grain from a pinch of romance amidst the midterm hustle.) I have no idea what worked here to make this novel as, I don’t know, endearing? Whatever it was, kudos to Ms Colasanti—a mi me gusta.
Okay, so the theme of this novel is already stamped on the title—what happens when it happens. “It” being “something real”. (I’m gonna do an adjunct summary to the one above because I’m having fun describing this story. Bear with me.) Voila:
See, the (very likeable) heroine, Sara, gets caught up in this relationship with one of those projected Everything Boys—popular, good-looking, charismatic, *barfs out every Gary Stu quality under the sun* (etc.). She’s thrilled—wouldn’t you be? Except that Dave (that’s the Ken doll) doesn’t make her feel very special; in fact, he’s only in it to, you know, “get down tonight” and she’s just not ready for that. Being with him is labor in and of itself cos the dude is, when you get down to it, a son of a bitch.
Meanwhile, over in Reality, there’s Tobey, a seemingly confident (not so much on the inside, as seen through his first person narration) musician who wants to be with Sara. While she’s undergoing her will-she-or-won’t-she in regards to breaking up with Ken Doll, Tobey keeps devising ways to get her to get it over with already because he thinks she’s his “something real” and vice versa. (! Too cute.)
This isn’t really a spoiler because any half-wit can probably happens: They get together. (!! Too cute.) And unlike with Dave, Sara feels this incredible connection to Tobey. He does too, with her. It’s instant—it’s a click—it’s love.
It is TOO CUTE. Just thinking about them as a couple makes me squeal, so I know other romance lovers out there (especially those who like for the girl to go for the dark-haired, brooding, creative type) will devour this one. It’s not only for the fluff-munchers either—there’s a certain aspect of their relationship (this is a spoiler I won't share) that inspires some tension between the two. (Tension = sweet torment for us readers. :D) So all is not perfect in paradise, making the realist within me very happy.
SQUEAL.
Make no mistake however, this isn’t perfection epitomized. (Can perfection be epitomized?) While I loved the focus on Sara and Tobey’s squeal-ness, Sara’s best friend and even Sara herself had some tough home situations which were only dealt with in peripheral. If these element had to be in the story, I think they deserved to become more prominent (and, conversely, to be given a more complete resolution). Also, there were a couple of characters, like Cynthia and the art teacher, who felt more like props than real people and were only utilized when jealousy needed to be stirred or there was something to be figured out. In that sense, this novel came short.
ETA: Oh and I meant to add in here somewhere that sometimes I got sick of Tobey objectifying Sara (many a sexual scenario ongoing in his imagination). I mean, I know you’ve got the hots for her, but it got to the saturation level. Andandand, I sometimes found his narrative cheesy. Because this = two first person accounts, Sara and Tobey’s. Most of the dual narrative novels I’ve read encounter this problem when the author tackles the opposite sex, so it’s not exclusive to this book. Or maybe guys really are like they’re portrayed and I just have issues when it comes to figuring that out.
Howeverrrrrrrrr, I (perhaps highly) recommend this one. It goes by very quickly and, to me at least, it was of the very feel-good variety.
That said, I still disliked the second Colasanti book, Take Me There. Hard to believe it followed When It Happens, but there you have it.
October 30, 2019
So where do I begin? This is hard because I’ve had an okay-meh-hate relationship with the book. The plot is kind of cliché-ish. Pretty, smart, shy Sara wishes to find a perfect boyfriend when the popular Dave finally asks her out because of course he’s only after her for her “goods.” On the periphery, an equally interesting and possibly the right guy in the person of Toby waits in semi-patience. But even though the plot is familiar, the events and the dialogue seem authentic like the author did overtime researching on teen speak. On the one hand, because of the author’s attempt to be genuine, sometimes it comes off shallow and a bit overdone. Lines like:
“So those lyrics were about her? She’s such a slut.”
For a supposedly super smart girl, Sara can be very dense a lot of times. She gets mad that Tobey slept with another girl before her. She’s often jealous and insecure and I really disliked her constant ill-natured slut-shaming while the guys including Tobey himself always objectifying the girls is really irritating. Also, many of the events don’t seem plausible like discussing with a teacher your detailed list of love problems and him listening intently and really giving sage advice? Well…
I could keep on with my rant but I just don’t have that much time and energy so I’ll end here. Anyway, this is Ms. Cosalanti’s debut novel so she definitely had plenty of room for improvement since its release. I did like her other book, Keep Holding On, better. And generally minus all its flaws (hehe), this was still an okay and easy read, entertaining enough I guess since I managed to finish it. ^^
“So those lyrics were about her? She’s such a slut.”
For a supposedly super smart girl, Sara can be very dense a lot of times. She gets mad that Tobey slept with another girl before her. She’s often jealous and insecure and I really disliked her constant ill-natured slut-shaming while the guys including Tobey himself always objectifying the girls is really irritating. Also, many of the events don’t seem plausible like discussing with a teacher your detailed list of love problems and him listening intently and really giving sage advice? Well…
I could keep on with my rant but I just don’t have that much time and energy so I’ll end here. Anyway, this is Ms. Cosalanti’s debut novel so she definitely had plenty of room for improvement since its release. I did like her other book, Keep Holding On, better. And generally minus all its flaws (hehe), this was still an okay and easy read, entertaining enough I guess since I managed to finish it. ^^
December 26, 2014
This book lost me on several fronts. First of all, I was hard-pressed to understand how the sex-obsessed liar Tobey was any better than the equally sex-obsessed, but virginal, bully Dave. Second of all, the pacing issues in this book (e.g., Sara finding out that Tobey and Cynthia used to have casual sex) meant a frequent glossing over of major developments. On one page, Sarah has just found out about the relationship and is angry as hell at Tobey. The next page, the beginning of a new chapter, picks up some time later, and they have already mended fences. Where is the relationship-building in this? How can we forgive Tobey his omission of truth if he atones for it off the page? How can we understand how this relationship can last if conflict resolution is skipped in favor of shallow banter (which, in most cases, does little to advance the plot) between friends? There are other instances when scenes gain momentum and then drop off suddenly. This made the narrative feel choppy.
Moreover, there simply wasn't a strong enough connection between Tobey and Sara to warrant the "soulmate" label. We're told that they're "something real," but the book does little to show us why this is true. The two have hardly ever interacted when he takes it upon himself to scheme for her affections. There is little direct communication--instead, just a sad series of manipulations and contrivances to get her attention, rather than just talking to her as actual "soulmates" would. Though, to their credit, Sara and Tobey do play Dots in class sometimes. (This is another YA romance with the class partner setup--though, in this case, the setup is orchestrated by Tobey himself). When they finally do talk on the phone, a conversation that propels Sara to break up with Dave, they say nothing of actual substance to one another. The conversation is awkward. At one point, it actually devolves into a string of "yeahs." There is nothing to indicate what it is that makes them right for one another.
Also, is it at all believable that a girl born in the late '80s would never have heard of R.E.M.? It pains me to concede this point, but I can at least understand her never hearing of Jane's Addiction (ow, that hurt). But R.E.M.? They're kind of hard to miss. Kind of iconic. In general, the music used in this story felt out-of-tune with the narrative, as if the author just found random places to insert her own favorites. There are mentions of The Cure, Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel, Coldplay, and Eminem. Dave Matthews Band pops up gratuitously in several places, and Tobey makes the strange choice of using "Say Goodbye" to prove his love to Sara before sleeping with her for the first time. Nice try, Tobey, except "Say Goodbye" is a song about being "lovers for a night" and going "back to being friends" the next day. Hardly the lyrical gesture necessary to prove to this girl that you want her for more than just sex.
It doesn't help that, in the formative stages of their relationship, Tobey is constantly thinking about "doing it" with her and going so far as to feign interest in what she is saying--something he admits to doing--to up his chances of scoring. Rarely do we get any introspection from him about his actual feelings for her, or anything at all to indicate that there is anything beyond sexual attraction.
Also, the non-relationship between Sara and her mother needed way more development. We are supposed to forgive Sara for breaking the code and ditching her friends for Dave and the popular crowd because she feels unwanted at home (her mother, who had her as a teen, is hyperbolically cold and blames Sara often for ruining her life). But there's no exploration of this beyond a few paragraphs of information-dumping exposition. Then, the book abandons this key issue until the end, when Sara's mom hugs her awkwardly at graduation before returning to her regularly scheduled ambivalence. Simply put, I needed more showing and less telling--on multiple fronts, not just this one.
Finally, the Yale diss at the end of the book didn't improve my mood. My husband is a researcher at Yale, thank you very much!
This book is not without potential. I think it just fell into several traps along the way that plague a lot of YA narratives right now. Love triangles will never, ever stop making for a compelling read. However, they require deep dialogue and even deeper character exploration to be convincing. I think that's where this book fell short.
Moreover, there simply wasn't a strong enough connection between Tobey and Sara to warrant the "soulmate" label. We're told that they're "something real," but the book does little to show us why this is true. The two have hardly ever interacted when he takes it upon himself to scheme for her affections. There is little direct communication--instead, just a sad series of manipulations and contrivances to get her attention, rather than just talking to her as actual "soulmates" would. Though, to their credit, Sara and Tobey do play Dots in class sometimes. (This is another YA romance with the class partner setup--though, in this case, the setup is orchestrated by Tobey himself). When they finally do talk on the phone, a conversation that propels Sara to break up with Dave, they say nothing of actual substance to one another. The conversation is awkward. At one point, it actually devolves into a string of "yeahs." There is nothing to indicate what it is that makes them right for one another.
Also, is it at all believable that a girl born in the late '80s would never have heard of R.E.M.? It pains me to concede this point, but I can at least understand her never hearing of Jane's Addiction (ow, that hurt). But R.E.M.? They're kind of hard to miss. Kind of iconic. In general, the music used in this story felt out-of-tune with the narrative, as if the author just found random places to insert her own favorites. There are mentions of The Cure, Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel, Coldplay, and Eminem. Dave Matthews Band pops up gratuitously in several places, and Tobey makes the strange choice of using "Say Goodbye" to prove his love to Sara before sleeping with her for the first time. Nice try, Tobey, except "Say Goodbye" is a song about being "lovers for a night" and going "back to being friends" the next day. Hardly the lyrical gesture necessary to prove to this girl that you want her for more than just sex.
It doesn't help that, in the formative stages of their relationship, Tobey is constantly thinking about "doing it" with her and going so far as to feign interest in what she is saying--something he admits to doing--to up his chances of scoring. Rarely do we get any introspection from him about his actual feelings for her, or anything at all to indicate that there is anything beyond sexual attraction.
Also, the non-relationship between Sara and her mother needed way more development. We are supposed to forgive Sara for breaking the code and ditching her friends for Dave and the popular crowd because she feels unwanted at home (her mother, who had her as a teen, is hyperbolically cold and blames Sara often for ruining her life). But there's no exploration of this beyond a few paragraphs of information-dumping exposition. Then, the book abandons this key issue until the end, when Sara's mom hugs her awkwardly at graduation before returning to her regularly scheduled ambivalence. Simply put, I needed more showing and less telling--on multiple fronts, not just this one.
Finally, the Yale diss at the end of the book didn't improve my mood. My husband is a researcher at Yale, thank you very much!
This book is not without potential. I think it just fell into several traps along the way that plague a lot of YA narratives right now. Love triangles will never, ever stop making for a compelling read. However, they require deep dialogue and even deeper character exploration to be convincing. I think that's where this book fell short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2011
I was born too late! I wish I were more conscious/aware the decade when The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire and Pretty in Pink were cool and hip. Then my inexplicable crushes on Andrew McCarthy *sa-woon* and John Cusack *sa-wooning some more*, wouldn’t be so… well, inexplicable. But thanks to weekend reruns on ABC5, I have watched them over and over and over again (much to my brother’s confusion.) Why am I so into those movies anyway?
I am very fond of those movies for the same reason I am very much into WHEN IT HAPPENS. Those movies, this book are just simple and sweet stories with a dash of teen angst, a little late teen rebellion and a lot of falling in luv. Who didn’t love the emo girl coming out of her shell with the princess make over that she got? Or who didn’t love the idea of rebel boy getting little Ms. Perfect? Or who didn't swoon a little with over Lloyd's boom box serenade?
And then there’s my personal favorite, Andrew McCarthy (in anything!)
So, yeah, *grumbles* I feel very cheated having been born too late.
Where does the book come in? Well, WHEN IT HAPPENS is a throw back to all those movies. In it, Mr. Slacker (that’s Tobey) decides to better his ways to get Ms. Smarty pants (that’s Sara.) All so they could have their something real. I loved how they would tell the same story with slight differences. Where one thought something was cute, the other thought it lame… and the rare instances where one thought something lame with the other concurring!
I also loved their friends! What marvelous bonuses! Sara, Maggie and Laila probably crack me up because they remind me so much of me and my own friends. I love how they laughed at themselves but were there for each other. I loved how they weren’t peas in a pod / clones of each other, but had personalities of their own. And Mike and Josh? Oh my gosh, they would have been what the guys on Entourage were in high school if the guys in Entourage were slightly dorky-er and musically inclined!
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
4.5
I am very fond of those movies for the same reason I am very much into WHEN IT HAPPENS. Those movies, this book are just simple and sweet stories with a dash of teen angst, a little late teen rebellion and a lot of falling in luv. Who didn’t love the emo girl coming out of her shell with the princess make over that she got? Or who didn’t love the idea of rebel boy getting little Ms. Perfect? Or who didn't swoon a little with over Lloyd's boom box serenade?
And then there’s my personal favorite, Andrew McCarthy (in anything!)
So, yeah, *grumbles* I feel very cheated having been born too late.
Where does the book come in? Well, WHEN IT HAPPENS is a throw back to all those movies. In it, Mr. Slacker (that’s Tobey) decides to better his ways to get Ms. Smarty pants (that’s Sara.) All so they could have their something real. I loved how they would tell the same story with slight differences. Where one thought something was cute, the other thought it lame… and the rare instances where one thought something lame with the other concurring!
I also loved their friends! What marvelous bonuses! Sara, Maggie and Laila probably crack me up because they remind me so much of me and my own friends. I love how they laughed at themselves but were there for each other. I loved how they weren’t peas in a pod / clones of each other, but had personalities of their own. And Mike and Josh? Oh my gosh, they would have been what the guys on Entourage were in high school if the guys in Entourage were slightly dorky-er and musically inclined!
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
4.5
March 1, 2013
THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS:
Literally one of the most awful books I have ever read, and this is coming from a girl who has read a lot of books, and always finds something to like about them no matter what.
Unless you’re thirteen or have a thirteen-year-old’s ideology of love, I suggest you skip over this one.
Sara wants Dave the hot guy and Dave wants to have sex with Sara, the hot/smart girl. Tobey likes Sara for who she is (and also wants to bang her) and Sara feels something “real” for Tobey, even though she’s dating Dave. It’s not complicated or convoluted at all. And yet, it somehow became this stupid complicated mess.
I can name a million things I disliked about this abhorrent novel, but I’ll start with the thing that insulted me personally: it took me over a week to finish this quick, 600-page read. I can scan through a book this size in a few hours flat, but this novel was so boring, so mind numbingly ridiculous, I could barely get through ten pages without having to take a break from it.
The only reason I even read it until the end was because I had seen so many people say it gets better halfway through, and although that IS true, I still wish I hadn’t wasted my time on it, because this book’s “better” was still pretty awful.
Some of the things that peeved me off most:
-Sara and her constant self-reminders of how smart she is
-How clichéd and stupid the “popular” kids were
-Sara’s annoying friends and their annoying problems and their ridiculously easy process of getting over said problems (seriously one of the girl’s dad’s decides to move out, Sara has nothing comforting or helpful to say to her friend (in fact, as her friend is crying and splashing her face with cold water, Sara experiences this unwanted moment of jealousy because if SHE ever did that her makeup would run) and by the end of the day, her friend seems to be over this horrible thing that’s happening in her family.)
-Complete lack of descriptions—I mean I barley know what anyone looks like, it just never went into very much detail at all
-These people do not have senior-mentality, they have middle school mentality, or freshman mentality at best.
The only plus side, I suppose, was Tobey, because he was sort of cute and I liked his friends better than Sara’s, but not by much.
There was also this big dramatic scene when Sara is still with Dave and Tobey drives her home. She gets out of his car and goes to the driver’s side and they press their hands theatrically against the window and it’s ridiculous the way they’re acting as if there’s some unstoppable, cosmic force keeping them from being together, instead of just a sleazy boyfriend.
Also, Sara makes a point over and over to emphasis just how smart she is, and how she needs someone just as smart in her life. And yet, she can’t find it in herself to end it with a guy pressuring her into having sex (Dave). As tacky as I think it is to comment on your own level of intelligence, I will say I was one of those people in a lot of advanced classes and my friends were similar, and next to NONE of us had this problem. The types of girls who have problems like the Sara/Dave situation are literally girls who a) can’t think for themselves and b) don’t make smart choices, and Sara is supposedly neither.
I’d also like to point out the number of things Sara and Tobey have in common (i.e.: EVERYTHING) is just one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen. Just because they have a billion things in common, they’re all of a sudden soul mates. At one point one of Sara’s friends says that you’ll never find a guy with every quality you like, which is true and realistic, and although Sara agrees out loud, in her head she still believes in the guy who can have everything in common with her and be the exact person she wants him to be.
I wish you could see how hard I’m rolling my eyes.
In the end, I guess this novel could be considered cute if you can ignore how utterly silly it all is, and also if you’re maybe a little younger. I think this was written for a younger audience, just because of the easy 1 + 1 = 2 ways the characters had of fixing problems. But since it was targeted to a younger audience, I can’t understand the need for there to be so many references to sex.
Although I will say that may have been one of the most realistic things about it, boys at that age WOULD have that at the forefront of their minds, and girls would too for that matter.
Would not recommend to ANYONE.
Literally one of the most awful books I have ever read, and this is coming from a girl who has read a lot of books, and always finds something to like about them no matter what.
Unless you’re thirteen or have a thirteen-year-old’s ideology of love, I suggest you skip over this one.
Sara wants Dave the hot guy and Dave wants to have sex with Sara, the hot/smart girl. Tobey likes Sara for who she is (and also wants to bang her) and Sara feels something “real” for Tobey, even though she’s dating Dave. It’s not complicated or convoluted at all. And yet, it somehow became this stupid complicated mess.
I can name a million things I disliked about this abhorrent novel, but I’ll start with the thing that insulted me personally: it took me over a week to finish this quick, 600-page read. I can scan through a book this size in a few hours flat, but this novel was so boring, so mind numbingly ridiculous, I could barely get through ten pages without having to take a break from it.
The only reason I even read it until the end was because I had seen so many people say it gets better halfway through, and although that IS true, I still wish I hadn’t wasted my time on it, because this book’s “better” was still pretty awful.
Some of the things that peeved me off most:
-Sara and her constant self-reminders of how smart she is
-How clichéd and stupid the “popular” kids were
-Sara’s annoying friends and their annoying problems and their ridiculously easy process of getting over said problems (seriously one of the girl’s dad’s decides to move out, Sara has nothing comforting or helpful to say to her friend (in fact, as her friend is crying and splashing her face with cold water, Sara experiences this unwanted moment of jealousy because if SHE ever did that her makeup would run) and by the end of the day, her friend seems to be over this horrible thing that’s happening in her family.)
-Complete lack of descriptions—I mean I barley know what anyone looks like, it just never went into very much detail at all
-These people do not have senior-mentality, they have middle school mentality, or freshman mentality at best.
The only plus side, I suppose, was Tobey, because he was sort of cute and I liked his friends better than Sara’s, but not by much.
There was also this big dramatic scene when Sara is still with Dave and Tobey drives her home. She gets out of his car and goes to the driver’s side and they press their hands theatrically against the window and it’s ridiculous the way they’re acting as if there’s some unstoppable, cosmic force keeping them from being together, instead of just a sleazy boyfriend.
Also, Sara makes a point over and over to emphasis just how smart she is, and how she needs someone just as smart in her life. And yet, she can’t find it in herself to end it with a guy pressuring her into having sex (Dave). As tacky as I think it is to comment on your own level of intelligence, I will say I was one of those people in a lot of advanced classes and my friends were similar, and next to NONE of us had this problem. The types of girls who have problems like the Sara/Dave situation are literally girls who a) can’t think for themselves and b) don’t make smart choices, and Sara is supposedly neither.
I’d also like to point out the number of things Sara and Tobey have in common (i.e.: EVERYTHING) is just one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen. Just because they have a billion things in common, they’re all of a sudden soul mates. At one point one of Sara’s friends says that you’ll never find a guy with every quality you like, which is true and realistic, and although Sara agrees out loud, in her head she still believes in the guy who can have everything in common with her and be the exact person she wants him to be.
I wish you could see how hard I’m rolling my eyes.
In the end, I guess this novel could be considered cute if you can ignore how utterly silly it all is, and also if you’re maybe a little younger. I think this was written for a younger audience, just because of the easy 1 + 1 = 2 ways the characters had of fixing problems. But since it was targeted to a younger audience, I can’t understand the need for there to be so many references to sex.
Although I will say that may have been one of the most realistic things about it, boys at that age WOULD have that at the forefront of their minds, and girls would too for that matter.
Would not recommend to ANYONE.
December 22, 2008
When It Happens begins on an awkward note. The author's use of "so I go" and "then she was like" instead of the tried and true "he said", "she said" was more distracting than anything else. It jolted the reader out of the narrative long enough for them to think, "Wow, the author's trying too hard," before sinking back in to the story.
With little things like that, it took awhile for it to really feel that Colasanti got into the groove of the story. Things started to sink into place between pages 30-50, and the real plot began to emerge. Once you hit that place in the book, When It Happens turns into a sweet story of a guy who wants to get the girl.
While the novel wasn't perfect by any means, the story was cute, the characters all likeable and the end satisfying. If chick lit is what you want, chick lit is what you've got.
With little things like that, it took awhile for it to really feel that Colasanti got into the groove of the story. Things started to sink into place between pages 30-50, and the real plot began to emerge. Once you hit that place in the book, When It Happens turns into a sweet story of a guy who wants to get the girl.
While the novel wasn't perfect by any means, the story was cute, the characters all likeable and the end satisfying. If chick lit is what you want, chick lit is what you've got.
December 4, 2013
The synopsis of When It Happens was interesting; unfortunately, that's not what I cay say about the book. It falls short and by a large margin as well. I was really psyched to read Susane Colasanti after Something Like Fate. Thus, I decided to read this out the three options I had: Waiting For You and Take Me There.
My feelings about the book could be summed up by a repetitive dialog in the book, “You"re so much more than you"re letting yourself be." That's what I felt like saying to the author, as the seemingly interesting storyline got more and more frivolous.
I know that Dave thought of girls in terms of sex but so did Tobey; his thoughts weren't just as pronounced and as forceful. Plus, the whole slacker thing with Tobey didn't work out well enough, either. Moreover, the whole Battle of the Bands aspect also lagged behind in the development area.
The character of Sara got immature with all the self-indulgence about being in the popular world and then studying like a maniac. On the one hand, she's proud to be a nerd and on the other, she can't resist the high life? What high life, the popping pills in try rooms one?
In all, I had high expectations for this book. But Maggie turned out to be not what I thought and the book's target audience is probably 11 to 15. Granted, it did make me laugh with at the corny jokes but, after a while, the story got way too messed up that I just rushed through it.
My feelings about the book could be summed up by a repetitive dialog in the book, “You"re so much more than you"re letting yourself be." That's what I felt like saying to the author, as the seemingly interesting storyline got more and more frivolous.
I know that Dave thought of girls in terms of sex but so did Tobey; his thoughts weren't just as pronounced and as forceful. Plus, the whole slacker thing with Tobey didn't work out well enough, either. Moreover, the whole Battle of the Bands aspect also lagged behind in the development area.
The character of Sara got immature with all the self-indulgence about being in the popular world and then studying like a maniac. On the one hand, she's proud to be a nerd and on the other, she can't resist the high life? What high life, the popping pills in try rooms one?
In all, I had high expectations for this book. But Maggie turned out to be not what I thought and the book's target audience is probably 11 to 15. Granted, it did make me laugh with at the corny jokes but, after a while, the story got way too messed up that I just rushed through it.
July 9, 2020
This was a cute story. I've had this book sitting on my shelf for years but after reading an emotionally heavy book, I needed something that was a little fluffy. Contemporary YA romance tends to hit the spot.
Told in dual POV's, When It Happens follows both Sara and Tobey as they navigate senior year and new relationships. Sara is now dating the popular Dave and she's loving all the attention that comes with it. But she's also quickly learning that what she built up in her head may not be what she's getting. Meanwhile, Tobey is realizing just how much he likes Sara but he's possibly missed his chance now that she's with Dave.
Sara took a little warming up too. But weirdly, I can understand where she was coming from. She had best friends and she loved them, but she always wondered what it would be like to be a part of the popular crowd. In high school, status is everything. I was not one of the cool kids, and I was happy with my situation, but I do remember thinking what it would be like to be that cool. So even though I was frustrated with Sara for her choices, I understood why she was making them.
But what I really liked about this book was the friendships. It showed positive friendships with both Sara and Tobey. Both of them had a small group of friends that were genuine and supportive. And that was really nice to see in a high school setting.
Overall, this was a fun read. Predictable but still entertaining.
Told in dual POV's, When It Happens follows both Sara and Tobey as they navigate senior year and new relationships. Sara is now dating the popular Dave and she's loving all the attention that comes with it. But she's also quickly learning that what she built up in her head may not be what she's getting. Meanwhile, Tobey is realizing just how much he likes Sara but he's possibly missed his chance now that she's with Dave.
Sara took a little warming up too. But weirdly, I can understand where she was coming from. She had best friends and she loved them, but she always wondered what it would be like to be a part of the popular crowd. In high school, status is everything. I was not one of the cool kids, and I was happy with my situation, but I do remember thinking what it would be like to be that cool. So even though I was frustrated with Sara for her choices, I understood why she was making them.
But what I really liked about this book was the friendships. It showed positive friendships with both Sara and Tobey. Both of them had a small group of friends that were genuine and supportive. And that was really nice to see in a high school setting.
Overall, this was a fun read. Predictable but still entertaining.
Read
July 23, 2008It's one of the best YA novels out there, and definitely the best love story, on par with that of Ron/Hermione, or Lily/James. It's one of those epic ones that you don't logically think exist, and yet, can't help but hope...
Tobey's the guy every girl is looking for. He's sincere and honest and sweet and just a thoroughly lovely open person. He and Sara make an unbeatable pair.
While Sara and Tobey are the main focus, the other plotlines (Maggie's parents, college hunting, etc) all work effectively together. It gives the book more dimension and realism.
Colasanti is a master of characterization. She manages to get into the boy's brain and perfectly capture it. Her alternation of POVs is also great, with not too many but not too few characters telling the story. One would think this would be repetitive, but I LOVED seeing the very different ways Sara and Tobey thought about the same events. Hilariousness ensues.
Why is this better than other books in the romantic YA fiction genre? Because it has serious depth many of those lack. Because we get geeky characters that are really really relatable. Because it's realistic and really can happen. Because it tells a good story, but has a great moral too: Identify your dreams and then do whatever it humanly takes to make them a reality. It's not only an adorable lasting love story, but it's got much depth and other things that provide deep reflection.
Why? Because this is perfection in a book.
Tobey's the guy every girl is looking for. He's sincere and honest and sweet and just a thoroughly lovely open person. He and Sara make an unbeatable pair.
While Sara and Tobey are the main focus, the other plotlines (Maggie's parents, college hunting, etc) all work effectively together. It gives the book more dimension and realism.
Colasanti is a master of characterization. She manages to get into the boy's brain and perfectly capture it. Her alternation of POVs is also great, with not too many but not too few characters telling the story. One would think this would be repetitive, but I LOVED seeing the very different ways Sara and Tobey thought about the same events. Hilariousness ensues.
Why is this better than other books in the romantic YA fiction genre? Because it has serious depth many of those lack. Because we get geeky characters that are really really relatable. Because it's realistic and really can happen. Because it tells a good story, but has a great moral too: Identify your dreams and then do whatever it humanly takes to make them a reality. It's not only an adorable lasting love story, but it's got much depth and other things that provide deep reflection.
Why? Because this is perfection in a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2009
"Maggie's like, 'Did he call'" Already, by this line in the second paragraph I was frustrated and disappointed by "When it Happens." The author is a high school teacher; she should have been able to write realistic compelling dialogue. However, her writing seemed to fall between corny and contrived. The alternating first person narratives between the two protagonists does not present a cohesive story but rather a battle of the sexes and comes no where near the writing of "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist." The plotline, all though certainly not an original one, could have worked had Colasanti not confined her characters to stereotypes of "jock" "geek" and "slacker." The emotions of the characters are blunt and one dimensional. Unless you like to go through a book and make your own edits, I do not recommend this read. However, I hope that if encouraged to experiment and with a little writing help, Colasanti could come out with a strong second novel.
January 29, 2009
I cannot, in good faith, recommend this. It is a totally vapid novel about a high school romance that is told from two alternating perspectives -- Sara (Ms. Smarty Pants) and Tobey (Mr. Indie Guitar Player/Slacker Guy). I really can't overemphasize how totally shallow the book and its characters are. All of Sara's thoughts and conversations seem to be about what she is going to wear on her dates and Tobey is "all about his music" and trying to get Sara to fall for him. It's just really one-dimensional and the characters are flat.
I read on the back flap that the author is a teacher at a public high school in NYC. I wish she had written a novel in that setting. I think it would have made for something much more interesting than this suburban high school stereotype that so many YA novels seem to focus on over and over again.
I read on the back flap that the author is a teacher at a public high school in NYC. I wish she had written a novel in that setting. I think it would have made for something much more interesting than this suburban high school stereotype that so many YA novels seem to focus on over and over again.
February 4, 2010
When is Happens by Susane Colansanti was a great read. I truly enjoyed it! I couldn't put it down, so I finished it rather quickly. I liked the alternating POVs between Sara and Tobey. However, I found myself looking forward to reading about Tobey. He was such a great addition to this book.
About the story: Tobey's fallen head over heals for Sara. She's smart, focused, pretty, but unfortunately unavailable. After waiting for her dream guy to call her all summer, Dave finally asked her out when school resumes, so Tobey is out of luck. However, he knows the truth behind Dave's intentions and believes he's a better match for Sara, so he formulates a plan to get the girl.
It's a fun journey of self discovery and friendship. By the end of the novel, I was eager to find out if Tobey and Sara truly were soul mates and where their future would take them.
Reading Challenge - Propose an alternate ending
Despite the fact that I liked how the story progressed and wrapped up, there was an opportunity to take a different approach at the end that I felt would be more fulfilling.
It bothered me that the conflict of the novel revolved around Tobey being forced to share with Sara something about his past that I felt was private to him and his right to keep secret. Sara had no right to ask him about his past and expect an answer from him, which would only set her up for disappointment. I really feel Tobey didn't deserve that, so I wish the tables were turned on a less likeable character… Dave.
Throughout the novel, we see how Sara is portrayed as the perfect character and Tobey is the slacker with poor judgment who is being punished for something he did before he fell for Sara. I would have liked to see the conflict of the novel revolve more around Dave and Sara. Possibly Dave's real intentions coming to light and calling him out for who he really was, but Dave just fell by the way-side, and Tobey was made to look like the bad guy for something he did before Sara ever came into the picture.
That didn't sit well with me. Also, it bothered me that nothing came of Dave sabotaging Tobey's performance at the Battle of the Bands. WT??? He just got away with it and Tobey was left to believe his band didn't do well. Boo to that! Tobey deserved much better, but I guess I'm being biased because I truly liked his character.
But overall, I'm glad it all worked out and it was nice to see Tobey's plans, both academic and romantic, come to fruition. Great ending!
About the story: Tobey's fallen head over heals for Sara. She's smart, focused, pretty, but unfortunately unavailable. After waiting for her dream guy to call her all summer, Dave finally asked her out when school resumes, so Tobey is out of luck. However, he knows the truth behind Dave's intentions and believes he's a better match for Sara, so he formulates a plan to get the girl.
It's a fun journey of self discovery and friendship. By the end of the novel, I was eager to find out if Tobey and Sara truly were soul mates and where their future would take them.
Reading Challenge - Propose an alternate ending
Despite the fact that I liked how the story progressed and wrapped up, there was an opportunity to take a different approach at the end that I felt would be more fulfilling.
It bothered me that the conflict of the novel revolved around Tobey being forced to share with Sara something about his past that I felt was private to him and his right to keep secret. Sara had no right to ask him about his past and expect an answer from him, which would only set her up for disappointment. I really feel Tobey didn't deserve that, so I wish the tables were turned on a less likeable character… Dave.
Throughout the novel, we see how Sara is portrayed as the perfect character and Tobey is the slacker with poor judgment who is being punished for something he did before he fell for Sara. I would have liked to see the conflict of the novel revolve more around Dave and Sara. Possibly Dave's real intentions coming to light and calling him out for who he really was, but Dave just fell by the way-side, and Tobey was made to look like the bad guy for something he did before Sara ever came into the picture.
That didn't sit well with me. Also, it bothered me that nothing came of Dave sabotaging Tobey's performance at the Battle of the Bands. WT??? He just got away with it and Tobey was left to believe his band didn't do well. Boo to that! Tobey deserved much better, but I guess I'm being biased because I truly liked his character.
But overall, I'm glad it all worked out and it was nice to see Tobey's plans, both academic and romantic, come to fruition. Great ending!
August 6, 2010
This was a really cute story about the inner workings of the dramatic teenagers mind.
The crushes, the swoons, the plans and plotting of it all brings back fond(and not so fond) memories of what it was like to be a teenager searching for "something real", and then realizing that it's even better then you realized it would be once you found it.
This is very dialog driven, and at first I had a hard time connecting with the characters but after a bit I found each of there voices and what I thought was a story that was maybe a little to young for me, turned out to be interesting in a very realistic way.
I liked all the characters but I really enjoyed Tobey's POV more then anything, he's a very compelling character that I found refreshing somehow plus, he made me smile.
All in all, I really enjoyed When it Happens more then I thought I would so that surprised me. It was sweet, funny, honest and completely real.
This was my first Susane Colasanti book, but I'll be sure to check out more of her books in the future.
Great Read!
The crushes, the swoons, the plans and plotting of it all brings back fond(and not so fond) memories of what it was like to be a teenager searching for "something real", and then realizing that it's even better then you realized it would be once you found it.
This is very dialog driven, and at first I had a hard time connecting with the characters but after a bit I found each of there voices and what I thought was a story that was maybe a little to young for me, turned out to be interesting in a very realistic way.
I liked all the characters but I really enjoyed Tobey's POV more then anything, he's a very compelling character that I found refreshing somehow plus, he made me smile.
All in all, I really enjoyed When it Happens more then I thought I would so that surprised me. It was sweet, funny, honest and completely real.
This was my first Susane Colasanti book, but I'll be sure to check out more of her books in the future.
Great Read!
February 15, 2015
This was so...immature. Let me extrapolate:
1. Tobey's EXTREME wooing tendencies.
2. SARA.
3. SARA.
4. SARA.
You see where I'm going?
October 16, 2014
"There's just... this intensity... something real."
This book is a love story. An insta-love story. And if you don't already know this... I am not a fan of insta-love.
"I peer into my dresser drawer at my ancient underwear. If I were seeing my underwear for the first time, what would I think? It all looks kind of damaged. Do I need to get new underwear? I hate having to ask my mom to buy it for me. Everyone wears underwear, but it's humiliating to admit this fact to your mother. Even if she does do laundry. Suddenly I have a profound idea. I can buy my own underwear!"
Meet Tobey. He is a slacker. He is a good-for-nothing musician rocker dude. He clearly doesn't give a shit about high school or college. All he cares about is his music,his band,and Sara. Oh, and don't forget... he is a guy.
I had to remind myself of this fact over and over because his POV sounds like a girl through and through. I think the author's idea of making him a "realistic boy" was sprinkling in the f-word and thoughts of sex. But that didn't convince me. He simply sounded like a girl who liked to swear and who thought about sex. Which is not at all unusual.
"Here's the thing: I want to reinvent myself this year. I've been a nerd since forever. My life for the past three years has been the same tired routine. Same honors classes with the same set of ten kids, same endless piles of homework, same waking up the next day to do it all over again. I'm tired of waiting for my life to begin. Something has to happen. Like an amazing boy. I know he's out there. I just have to find him.
Meet the girl Tobey is in love with: Sara. Sara is a super-smart, genius girl. She is a senior in high school,(like Tobey) but to be honest, Sara sounds like a giggly, naive 13 year old girl. And man, there were so many things that I did not like about her.
She's controlling, un-supportive, and a total dream-killer:
Sara:"Why are you slacking again?"
Tobey:"I'm not!"
Sara:"I know about the English paper."
Tobey:"We had extra practice this week."
Sara:"You're forgetting about your priorities."
Tobey: "But the band's taking off again..."
Sara:"Everybody's in a band! Don't you get it?...Sorry to be the one to tell you, but there aren't many job opportunities for starving artists. Unless you like being a waiter."
Tobey:"Don't you think I'm good?"
Sara:"You know I do. But it doesn't matter what I think."
Tobey:"I have dreams,too, Sara. Just because they're not the same as yours doesn't make them less important."
Sara:"I'm not saying they are. But college needs to be your priority."
She is the queen of slut-shaming:
"Did he used to go out with her? She's such a skanky ho-bag!"
She is the queen of jealousy:
"I've been trying to be okay with the fact that there was another girl in Tobey's bed before me. And I've been trying to be okay with the fact that Tobey's first time wasn't with me. But I'm not okay with the fact that he won't tell me who she was. Or anything about her."
Don't even get me started on how she called her own boyfriend a "man-whore" because he casually slept with one girl before her.
She makes no sense to me. At one part she tells Tobey to give her space and not to bother her, but then gets pissed off that he never calls her. Basically, she's pissed at him for respecting her own wishes. I'm glad she is looking for a guy who has no respect for her wishes. *Round of Applause*
And despite the issues I had with characters and the story, I also did not like the writing. I didn't think there was much to it. It was simplistic and lack-luster, which isn't always a bad thing, but in this case it was. At times, I even found it painful to read.
February 8, 2021
Sep. 2011.
i wish there was a rating for 'hated it' because that's exactly how i felt towards this miserable excuse of a book after i read it.
ive thought about writing a review and it was soo bad that i couldn't even do it.but now i'm going to.i feel like i need to warn people.
i think i read a review for this saying that we would be rooting for the characters. well let me just tell you that i most certainly did not 'root for the characters'.i didn't even care what happened to those crappy characters.
&i read some peoples reviews on this and they were all positive and i mistakenly believed that because everyone liked it i would too.well i learned my lesson.
first of all, the main character was frankly weird, what with the "i put it n a pink bubble and sent it out into the universe" nonsense.ive never had a thought like that in my life. and you just know that for the author to write about something like that,it pretty much means she's weird too.
i would have better thoughts toward this book if the guy in here hadn't had sex with this girl even though he claimed to love the main character.
this is something i will never understand in books.ive came across stuff like this countless times and i get so mad and frustrated.how can you even have sex with someone you don't like? &how can you have sex with someone when you claim to really like/love someone else.
bottom line-you can't.
i had no good feelings for the characters.i couldn't have cared less whether they got together or perished in some accident.&yeah-it was THAT bad.
this sold me off of susane colasanti.i will NEVER read another of her books.ever.again.
i knew i was going to get rid of this way before i even got to the final page.
i was going to just give it away,but i have to sell this thing because i need compensation for a book so crappy.i think of this thing and literally cringe.it was,in one word-terrible.
i wish there was a rating for 'hated it' because that's exactly how i felt towards this miserable excuse of a book after i read it.
ive thought about writing a review and it was soo bad that i couldn't even do it.but now i'm going to.i feel like i need to warn people.
i think i read a review for this saying that we would be rooting for the characters. well let me just tell you that i most certainly did not 'root for the characters'.i didn't even care what happened to those crappy characters.
&i read some peoples reviews on this and they were all positive and i mistakenly believed that because everyone liked it i would too.well i learned my lesson.
first of all, the main character was frankly weird, what with the "i put it n a pink bubble and sent it out into the universe" nonsense.ive never had a thought like that in my life. and you just know that for the author to write about something like that,it pretty much means she's weird too.
i would have better thoughts toward this book if the guy in here hadn't had sex with this girl even though he claimed to love the main character.
this is something i will never understand in books.ive came across stuff like this countless times and i get so mad and frustrated.how can you even have sex with someone you don't like? &how can you have sex with someone when you claim to really like/love someone else.
bottom line-you can't.
i had no good feelings for the characters.i couldn't have cared less whether they got together or perished in some accident.&yeah-it was THAT bad.
this sold me off of susane colasanti.i will NEVER read another of her books.ever.again.
i knew i was going to get rid of this way before i even got to the final page.
i was going to just give it away,but i have to sell this thing because i need compensation for a book so crappy.i think of this thing and literally cringe.it was,in one word-terrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2016
This book was really good! I read it in two days which is very fast for me. It was such a cute book.
April 8, 2018
I did not really care for this book...too much inappropriate content
March 16, 2022
An affectionate 2 stars.
This book is so aggressively early 2000’s that it’s almost painful. This book isn’t actually that good, there’s a lot of tropes that are reflective of the 2000’s that I’m glad stayed there. But, this was an easy book to read and I did enjoy laughing at how ridiculous these teens were.
The writing was also aggressively average? There was nothing special or truly deep about any of the characters or the style of writing. If you want complexity in ya contemporaries from the early 2000’s and onwards, read a Deb Caletti or a Sarah Dessen. Please.
Now off to get rid of this book because I don’t really think I need this on my shelf 😅
This book is so aggressively early 2000’s that it’s almost painful. This book isn’t actually that good, there’s a lot of tropes that are reflective of the 2000’s that I’m glad stayed there. But, this was an easy book to read and I did enjoy laughing at how ridiculous these teens were.
The writing was also aggressively average? There was nothing special or truly deep about any of the characters or the style of writing. If you want complexity in ya contemporaries from the early 2000’s and onwards, read a Deb Caletti or a Sarah Dessen. Please.
Now off to get rid of this book because I don’t really think I need this on my shelf 😅
January 15, 2021
I'm not completely sure how I feel about this book. There were some parts that I really liked and some parts that made me laugh out loud, but then there were also some parts that annoyed me. Mostly Sara's way of thinking is what annoyed me. I'm glad she came to her senses about what really mattered and what didn't. Maybe I just felt too old while reading this, maybe it was just a love/hate thing while reading.
October 20, 2019
When I started this book I really did not like it but the longer I read the more hooked I became. I wasn’t a fan of the POV switching between characters. It was helpful in understanding each persons emotions and actions but could become confusing. Even though it’s centered around teenage/ high school years I think any girl can read it and be taken back the that first love/ discovering love phase everyone has had.
The part that really hit home was when Sara figures out all men are the same(more so that no one is perfect no matter how much you love them). I feel like every girl goes through that period (I’m sure men do too) when they realize the person they are dating is not a perfect person. It’s an awful feeling but one I’m sure many people experience. I’m so happy that the author included the fight between Tobey and Sara because no relationship is perfect but also because it gives girls who read this book something to connect to. They can know that they aren’t odd or the first to experience lying or being uncomfortable with sex. And that it is possible to work through issues.
The part that really hit home was when Sara figures out all men are the same(more so that no one is perfect no matter how much you love them). I feel like every girl goes through that period (I’m sure men do too) when they realize the person they are dating is not a perfect person. It’s an awful feeling but one I’m sure many people experience. I’m so happy that the author included the fight between Tobey and Sara because no relationship is perfect but also because it gives girls who read this book something to connect to. They can know that they aren’t odd or the first to experience lying or being uncomfortable with sex. And that it is possible to work through issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2010
My exact thoughts were 'Is there actually a guy out there like Tobey?'
I always have gotten used to the idea of guys being un-romantic and incapable of well, passion that every time when I read a book about a guy professing his undying love to his 'soul mate', I'm taken aback. In my mind, guys are so insensitive, and that had me wondering if the fictional characters in the book is actually a rare image of reality-living-guys. So, back to the book, does a guy like Tobey really do exist? It's a wide world....
Tobey sort of reminds me of Edward Cullen, him being so in love with Sara and all, I mean, he's not like other made-up guys I've read before in books! (Apart from Edward Cullen, but he's a vampire so....) He is so emotionally involved with Sara that hearing the word I Love You made me widened my eyes. At first, the way Tobey is so obsessed with Sara sort of warms me yet creeped me out a little, but it's so predictable and cliche that Tobey and Sara would end up together-in a good way, or else I wouldn't even pick them up, I hate bad endings. So here's 10 things I love about this book.
1. Awesome story plot, yes it's sort of typical but at the same time you would find something uncliche in it, which makes you have an emotional outburst.
2. It makes me believe that there is a soul mate out there for me (cheesy?) and there is someone like Tobey. I know we are supposed to be able to differentiate between reality and fantasy, after all books are a form of entertainment, but hey, it offers hope too, haha.
3. I laughed at Tobey and Mike's friendship, how he is his dating guru, they shared a unique and funny bond, so I finally know what guys talk about, ha!
4. Is it possible to not fall head over heels with the relationship Tobey and Sara shared?
5. I'm totally engrossed in the story.
6. It's so predictable yet so unpredictable at the same time! When Tobey told Sara about he's 'temporal' infatuation towards Cynthia for the use of her....'body', the cliche thing she would do is freak out, which she did. And for even more cliche-ness, she would say stuff like 'I don't want to be with you.' 'You're not who I thought you were' 'We have nothing in common.' BS but instead she took the uncliche route, oh boy did she got mad, but then Tobey didn't have to come begging for her, she accepted so cooly, which surprises me. And how Tobey knows her so well, it's the sweetest thing in the world when you know someone knows you more than you know yourself.
7. The little things are the most important and significant piece of the bigger picture. I learned that from the book.
8. The writing, the way the story is narrated in both boy and girl's POV (Tobey and Sara), it's like reading both sides of the story at the same time, to know what the characters are thinking and analysing, that was intriguing.
9. Overall of this book made me realize the importance of friendship.
10. It got me screaming, dancing around, hyperventilating, pumping on my bed, hugging my cowie (My stufedf animal! Girls like stuffed animals okay.) and talking to myself, acting like a total maniac, and that is how I judge a good book. Two things, if it managed to make me go 'unresponsive-1 star' 'falling asleep-2 stars' 'acting unusually-3 stars', 'nuts-4stars' 'haywire-5stars' I'll rate it according to those, and it must be meaningful, deep I supposed but not necessarily extremely deep. Just not that kind of 'I'm a nerd then I turned into Miss Popular then all the guys notices me and that's my senior year story' stuff though, at ;east have some moral values in it, haha.
Since I had done the above actions, which proved that my brain nerves are severely impaired-nearing the about to fuse stage, I guess I'll go and rate this five stars huh?
I always have gotten used to the idea of guys being un-romantic and incapable of well, passion that every time when I read a book about a guy professing his undying love to his 'soul mate', I'm taken aback. In my mind, guys are so insensitive, and that had me wondering if the fictional characters in the book is actually a rare image of reality-living-guys. So, back to the book, does a guy like Tobey really do exist? It's a wide world....
Tobey sort of reminds me of Edward Cullen, him being so in love with Sara and all, I mean, he's not like other made-up guys I've read before in books! (Apart from Edward Cullen, but he's a vampire so....) He is so emotionally involved with Sara that hearing the word I Love You made me widened my eyes. At first, the way Tobey is so obsessed with Sara sort of warms me yet creeped me out a little, but it's so predictable and cliche that Tobey and Sara would end up together-in a good way, or else I wouldn't even pick them up, I hate bad endings. So here's 10 things I love about this book.
1. Awesome story plot, yes it's sort of typical but at the same time you would find something uncliche in it, which makes you have an emotional outburst.
2. It makes me believe that there is a soul mate out there for me (cheesy?) and there is someone like Tobey. I know we are supposed to be able to differentiate between reality and fantasy, after all books are a form of entertainment, but hey, it offers hope too, haha.
3. I laughed at Tobey and Mike's friendship, how he is his dating guru, they shared a unique and funny bond, so I finally know what guys talk about, ha!
4. Is it possible to not fall head over heels with the relationship Tobey and Sara shared?
5. I'm totally engrossed in the story.
6. It's so predictable yet so unpredictable at the same time! When Tobey told Sara about he's 'temporal' infatuation towards Cynthia for the use of her....'body', the cliche thing she would do is freak out, which she did. And for even more cliche-ness, she would say stuff like 'I don't want to be with you.' 'You're not who I thought you were' 'We have nothing in common.' BS but instead she took the uncliche route, oh boy did she got mad, but then Tobey didn't have to come begging for her, she accepted so cooly, which surprises me. And how Tobey knows her so well, it's the sweetest thing in the world when you know someone knows you more than you know yourself.
7. The little things are the most important and significant piece of the bigger picture. I learned that from the book.
8. The writing, the way the story is narrated in both boy and girl's POV (Tobey and Sara), it's like reading both sides of the story at the same time, to know what the characters are thinking and analysing, that was intriguing.
9. Overall of this book made me realize the importance of friendship.
10. It got me screaming, dancing around, hyperventilating, pumping on my bed, hugging my cowie (My stufedf animal! Girls like stuffed animals okay.) and talking to myself, acting like a total maniac, and that is how I judge a good book. Two things, if it managed to make me go 'unresponsive-1 star' 'falling asleep-2 stars' 'acting unusually-3 stars', 'nuts-4stars' 'haywire-5stars' I'll rate it according to those, and it must be meaningful, deep I supposed but not necessarily extremely deep. Just not that kind of 'I'm a nerd then I turned into Miss Popular then all the guys notices me and that's my senior year story' stuff though, at ;east have some moral values in it, haha.
Since I had done the above actions, which proved that my brain nerves are severely impaired-nearing the about to fuse stage, I guess I'll go and rate this five stars huh?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2013
When I finished, I sat on my bed and just thought. There were so many 5 star ratings and people gushing about how good it was, did I somehow miss it?
I'm not understanding what people are finding so "undeniably cute" about this book. I can honestly say, this was one of the worst books I have ever read.
It's not hard to please me. Give me a relatable main character who I will like and a good main guy, and I'm all into the story.
*SPOILER ALERT*
My problems began with Sara and her friends. Supposedly they are all best friends, but I only saw the friendship revolving around Sara. They would only talk about Sara's relationship, Sara's problems, Sara's crush. Um one girl's parents got divorced and Sara wanted to talk about losing her virginity.
My problems don't end there with her. She is constantly reminding herself that she is smart. Now I consider myself a fairly smart person but you don't hear me telling people that all the freaking time. I swear, she chants it to herself. She even mentions in the beginning that one of her friends isn't as smart as her. I'm over here like, damn bitch! What's your problem?
Even though she's smart, she still can't break up with a guy she knows things aren't working out. Tobey practically forces her!
Which brings me to my second problem, a stereotypical slacker. He is emotional, smart but won't admit it, in a band, has a totally don't care vibe and he's sensitive. Swoon!
No.
Tobey annoyed the hell out of me. I was hoping him and Cynthia would hook up and then everyone would shut up and die. Tobey would not stop obsessing over having sex with Sara!
This is the part that makes me really mad: Even though Dave is using so he can lose his virginity to her so everything won't be a lie, we are supposed to hate him for that while cheer Tobey on after he makes disgusting comments. Tobey throws out all his fantasies of sleeping with Sara and it honestly made me sick to watch Sara think he was 'the one'.
I'm not saying guys don't think about that, but Tobey was painted as this really sensitive guy. He mentions that and so does Sara. So when he talks that way, I get....confused(?). At least he shut up after they slept together.
And all their fights were problems with, guess who? Sara! Then Tobey had to do damage control. Just one I'd like to see a fight like this:
Sara: I'm like, so smart!
Tobey: Could you stop saying that? It makes me feel bad about myself sometimes.
Sara: Then get smarter like me!
Tobey: ....
My last problem is the structure of this story. Sara sometimes tells her point of view as a story. That's fine, but sometimes she switches randomly to the present. Or the fact that she says 'like' all the time. I'm like, she's like, they're like, whatever.
Oh wait, the best part is the simple sentences.
For example:
They laugh. I laugh. Everyone laughs.
How did this get published?! I'm sorry for making this so long, but I'm shocked people like this book. To be honest, I'm tossing this book in the trash. Not worth the dollar I paid at a bookstore.
I'm not understanding what people are finding so "undeniably cute" about this book. I can honestly say, this was one of the worst books I have ever read.
It's not hard to please me. Give me a relatable main character who I will like and a good main guy, and I'm all into the story.
*SPOILER ALERT*
My problems began with Sara and her friends. Supposedly they are all best friends, but I only saw the friendship revolving around Sara. They would only talk about Sara's relationship, Sara's problems, Sara's crush. Um one girl's parents got divorced and Sara wanted to talk about losing her virginity.
My problems don't end there with her. She is constantly reminding herself that she is smart. Now I consider myself a fairly smart person but you don't hear me telling people that all the freaking time. I swear, she chants it to herself. She even mentions in the beginning that one of her friends isn't as smart as her. I'm over here like, damn bitch! What's your problem?
Even though she's smart, she still can't break up with a guy she knows things aren't working out. Tobey practically forces her!
Which brings me to my second problem, a stereotypical slacker. He is emotional, smart but won't admit it, in a band, has a totally don't care vibe and he's sensitive. Swoon!
No.
Tobey annoyed the hell out of me. I was hoping him and Cynthia would hook up and then everyone would shut up and die. Tobey would not stop obsessing over having sex with Sara!
This is the part that makes me really mad: Even though Dave is using so he can lose his virginity to her so everything won't be a lie, we are supposed to hate him for that while cheer Tobey on after he makes disgusting comments. Tobey throws out all his fantasies of sleeping with Sara and it honestly made me sick to watch Sara think he was 'the one'.
I'm not saying guys don't think about that, but Tobey was painted as this really sensitive guy. He mentions that and so does Sara. So when he talks that way, I get....confused(?). At least he shut up after they slept together.
And all their fights were problems with, guess who? Sara! Then Tobey had to do damage control. Just one I'd like to see a fight like this:
Sara: I'm like, so smart!
Tobey: Could you stop saying that? It makes me feel bad about myself sometimes.
Sara: Then get smarter like me!
Tobey: ....
My last problem is the structure of this story. Sara sometimes tells her point of view as a story. That's fine, but sometimes she switches randomly to the present. Or the fact that she says 'like' all the time. I'm like, she's like, they're like, whatever.
Oh wait, the best part is the simple sentences.
For example:
They laugh. I laugh. Everyone laughs.
How did this get published?! I'm sorry for making this so long, but I'm shocked people like this book. To be honest, I'm tossing this book in the trash. Not worth the dollar I paid at a bookstore.
August 22, 2011
First of all, i gave this a 1 star at first...but then I changed it because I finished the book. I am very confident that if a book was a 1 star book I would not have finished it HOWEVER this is the only book that I can remember reading and thinking the whole time "...only ____ more pages until this thing is finally over". this is the only young adult book that I have read and thought, man, maybe i', too old for these books. I am well aware that these books are intended for YOUNG adults but genernally they are somewhat relatable regardless of age, especially in my case where I am only 23, however, I thought this book was very immature and the writing, to me, was awful.
I will first start off by saying what in the world was Susane Colasanti thinking when she decided to use phrases such as "and I was like..." "and so I go...". Now I understand that when you are having a coversation you may use sayings as such but seriously when reading phrases like "he said..." "she said..." work perfectly fine. I found that the choices of phrases really were distracting in this book.
The second issue that I had with this book was the alternating POV's. I LOVE when authors give the opportunity to see different POV's, however, only if it is done correctly (i.e Perfect Chemistry Series by Simone Elkeles **must read!**). In this book we had to re-live EVERY scene twice. There was no realy change in the POV's it was literally reading the same thing just changing characters. Everytime I read a chapter that I was not a fan of (basically every other one) I was dreading the next because I knew that I was going to have to re-read it all over again.
The third issue is Tobey. I did not find him "swoon-wothy" like others. I guess I must have missed that. I got so annoyed with all his thoughts going back to sex. I mean seriously, romance is a big part of most books but this one just got annoying.
I will first start off by saying what in the world was Susane Colasanti thinking when she decided to use phrases such as "and I was like..." "and so I go...". Now I understand that when you are having a coversation you may use sayings as such but seriously when reading phrases like "he said..." "she said..." work perfectly fine. I found that the choices of phrases really were distracting in this book.
The second issue that I had with this book was the alternating POV's. I LOVE when authors give the opportunity to see different POV's, however, only if it is done correctly (i.e Perfect Chemistry Series by Simone Elkeles **must read!**). In this book we had to re-live EVERY scene twice. There was no realy change in the POV's it was literally reading the same thing just changing characters. Everytime I read a chapter that I was not a fan of (basically every other one) I was dreading the next because I knew that I was going to have to re-read it all over again.
The third issue is Tobey. I did not find him "swoon-wothy" like others. I guess I must have missed that. I got so annoyed with all his thoughts going back to sex. I mean seriously, romance is a big part of most books but this one just got annoying.
January 28, 2021
Tobey wants Sara, but popular jock Dave asks her out first, but Sara starts to realize she actually likes Tobey and doesn't actually want popularity.
It's not that I expected this not to be a cliche teen romance, especially since it's told in alternating perspectives between Sara and Tobey, and has nothing to do with Dave. But even when I used to read chick-lit romance stuff as a kid, there was always at least a little bit of conflict.
When It Happens just totally lacks that. Every time there's a moment that might build up to even a little conflict, it just sort of happens. Will Dave try to force Sara to have sex? No, he'll just not really do anything. Will Dave do anything to try to keep Sara? No, he'll just walk away. Will Tobey and Sara get in a very minimal fight and make up with almost no tension? Of course they will. Will there be minimal conflict that never gets addressed again? All the time!
Also, while Tobey's perspective made him seem okay, Sara was an indecisive, flighty, whiny high school girl. I saw myself in her at some parts, but not my high school self, more my preteen and pre middle school self. Honestly, this was a middle grade book written for a YA audience. I was not impressed.
It's not that I expected this not to be a cliche teen romance, especially since it's told in alternating perspectives between Sara and Tobey, and has nothing to do with Dave. But even when I used to read chick-lit romance stuff as a kid, there was always at least a little bit of conflict.
When It Happens just totally lacks that. Every time there's a moment that might build up to even a little conflict, it just sort of happens. Will Dave try to force Sara to have sex? No, he'll just not really do anything. Will Dave do anything to try to keep Sara? No, he'll just walk away. Will Tobey and Sara get in a very minimal fight and make up with almost no tension? Of course they will. Will there be minimal conflict that never gets addressed again? All the time!
Also, while Tobey's perspective made him seem okay, Sara was an indecisive, flighty, whiny high school girl. I saw myself in her at some parts, but not my high school self, more my preteen and pre middle school self. Honestly, this was a middle grade book written for a YA audience. I was not impressed.
December 29, 2011
Like other books, i wanted to read this just for its pretty cover very likely of me. haha
Basically, this one is a very fun, fresh and witty read. Since i'm a big sucker for happy endings I love love stories like this. What i trully like about this one is how it is told in both the perspectives of the main characters Sara & Tobey regarding the same situations. The scenes between these two are so sweet, romantic and well-written. I especially like the remake of the scene from Say Anything , wherein Tobey stands in front of Sara's window holding a boombox above his head! kilig.haha.k. The dialogues are fun and very easy-going, typical for high-school couples.
This book is not all about happiness and love throughout. There are parts where it wasn’t all lovey-dovey and serious matters were faced. Although it is very predictable and you can tell how the story would go, it is still fun to see that some of your predictions might be wrong.
After reading it, i find myself thinking Sara & Tobey was really meant to be, and before i drown to the unconsciousness state of sleeping the last thing on my mind was "I wish I have that something real too."
Basically, this one is a very fun, fresh and witty read. Since i'm a big sucker for happy endings I love love stories like this. What i trully like about this one is how it is told in both the perspectives of the main characters Sara & Tobey regarding the same situations. The scenes between these two are so sweet, romantic and well-written. I especially like the remake of the scene from Say Anything , wherein Tobey stands in front of Sara's window holding a boombox above his head!
This book is not all about happiness and love throughout. There are parts where it wasn’t all lovey-dovey and serious matters were faced. Although it is very predictable and you can tell how the story would go, it is still fun to see that some of your predictions might be wrong.
After reading it, i find myself thinking Sara & Tobey was really meant to be, and before i drown to the unconsciousness state of sleeping the last thing on my mind was "I wish I have that something real too."
August 1, 2013
Sara is on a quest her senior year; to find something real and to get into NYU. She is a self-described nerd and proud of it, yet secretly longs for popularity and acceptance.
Tobey comes across as a lazy, but musically talented guy. I sort of picture him as a skater boy. He is majory crushing on Sara and even with his gorgeous eyes, he just can't figure out how to get her to notice him. There is the whole problem of Dave, seriously his nickname sould be D-Bag Dave.
Sara, for whatever reason thinks Dave is it. She pines for him over summer and when he finally asks her out, she thinks he is amazing. But, after that newlywed phase wears off, she realizes he is not all that great of a guy. But, there just happens to be one right in front of her in music class.
3 stars.
Very cute, coming of age story. Sweet little romance. Definitely for the older, young adult reader as there is a lot of sexual references and moments going on. Don't get me wrong, it's really mild, but I wouldn't feel comfortable if my say, 13 year old daughter was reading this one.
If you're into chik-lit, this is probably for you :)
P.S. I love the notes the girls would pass back and forth with famous couples names, i.e. pokey and gumby; wallace and grommit, etc.
Tobey comes across as a lazy, but musically talented guy. I sort of picture him as a skater boy. He is majory crushing on Sara and even with his gorgeous eyes, he just can't figure out how to get her to notice him. There is the whole problem of Dave, seriously his nickname sould be D-Bag Dave.
Sara, for whatever reason thinks Dave is it. She pines for him over summer and when he finally asks her out, she thinks he is amazing. But, after that newlywed phase wears off, she realizes he is not all that great of a guy. But, there just happens to be one right in front of her in music class.
3 stars.
Very cute, coming of age story. Sweet little romance. Definitely for the older, young adult reader as there is a lot of sexual references and moments going on. Don't get me wrong, it's really mild, but I wouldn't feel comfortable if my say, 13 year old daughter was reading this one.
If you're into chik-lit, this is probably for you :)
P.S. I love the notes the girls would pass back and forth with famous couples names, i.e. pokey and gumby; wallace and grommit, etc.
October 8, 2010
Hmm, can’t say that I’m very fond of this one. I thought the whole plot was really lame. No twists and turns, no dramatic events or anything like that. While reading I kept thinking “this can’t be it, something must happen soon” and I was always waiting for the big climax. I was still waiting for it on the last page….
What I found extremely annoying was the style of writing. All this “and then I was like and then she goes” wasn’t my thing at all. What’s wrong with good old “I said and she replied”? Whenever I read these kind of books (High School love stories) I keep comparing them to my favorite book in this category: Perfect Chemistry. So far, I haven’t found a book that came even remotely close to PC. When It Happens didn’t accomplish this task either.
What I found extremely annoying was the style of writing. All this “and then I was like and then she goes” wasn’t my thing at all. What’s wrong with good old “I said and she replied”? Whenever I read these kind of books (High School love stories) I keep comparing them to my favorite book in this category: Perfect Chemistry. So far, I haven’t found a book that came even remotely close to PC. When It Happens didn’t accomplish this task either.
March 8, 2022
The book was ok, I wish we got to know what happened to Robert
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