By Your Side
Publication
Date: January 31, 2017
Paperback, 346 pages, HarperTeen
Genres:
YA, Contemporary
When Autumn Collins finds herself
accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think
things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is
locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s
trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in
juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the
ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it
is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left
her in the library and comes to rescue her.
Only he doesn’t come. No one does.
Instead it becomes clear that
Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off
vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants
nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he
and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other,
Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for
each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love
interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?
My Review
Kasie West is the queen of fun, cliché-but-lovable
contemporaries. And By Your Side is
just another addition to her collection.
Alright, so first thing’s first: I didn’t love this one as
much as The Distance Between Us, but
it’s still a good, quick read if you’re stuck in reading slump or just want to
whip through a book pick-me-up. Autumn is a decent main character. She doesn’t
make stupid decisions, and she actually talks to her family and friends. Thank
you, Kasie, for writing stories where the protagonist isn’t just obsessed with
her love life.
As for the boy, Dax, he’s interesting. Of course, he’s the
mysterious, loner kid, so naturally he’s attractive as well. What makes this
particular bit hilarious is how his loner vibe affects Autumn when they’re
locked into the library together. I chuckled at some of their interactions.
The plot of the book is what’s going to get everyone’s
attention. Two teenagers stuck in a library? What could be more romantic and/or
adventurous?! Unfortunately, the entire book isn’t spent in the library.
Actually, only about forty percent of the storyline takes place there, which is
kind of a bummer. Once the characters leave the library, I feel like some of
their magic fizzles out. Autumn isn’t the quirky, competitive girl, and Dax isn’t
the nice, brooding boy anymore. The rest of the world gets in their way.
All in all, By Your
Side is for readers who want nothing more than to smile at two teenagers in
their sort of meet-cute moment. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to learn how
exactly you can get yourself stuck in a library for the weekend. #lifegoals
*Note: I received
a copy of this book from work. This in no way affected my opinion/review.
I have this book sitting on my shelf but I am not in a huge hurry to read it. Most reviews have been pretty lukewarm. It should be great since part of it takes place in the library!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it wasn't as good as her other contemporary. I'd read that one first or even her sci-fi duology. That one was pretty good. :)
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