How to Ruin My Teenage Life (How to Ruin, #2) by Simone Elkeles

How to Ruin My Teenage Life (How to Ruin, #2) Reviews

• 
  Nancy

  Seventeen year old Amy thinks everyone’s out to ruin her life. There’s her mother, who’d just gotten married, and is now pregnant. Her newly-acknowledged Jewish father, who’s really up for the task of grounding her and threatening to take away her cell phone privileges. Her neighbor, the mysterious Nathan who dresses like a geek and calls her Barbie because she’s “plastic” like the doll. Her best friend Jessica, who’s turning into a psychotic stalker because of her boyfriend. And finally, there’s her non-boyfriend, Avi, who’s supposed to be in military training, but a surprise has him standing in Amy’s front door. Complications.
  
  The most irritating thing would have to be Amy’s age. For a seventeen year old, she’s incredibly stupid—not IQ wise, but which is determined by her actions. She does things that are better suited for something that can be accomplished by a fourteen/fifteen year old. You’d think a girl like her, one who’s off to college in about a year, would have better sense than to steal her father’s credit card and sign him up for speed dating, or talk like she’s a wannabe, or constantly complain about her chest size. And I mean constantly. I know age doesn’t discriminate when it comes to self-esteem, but you’d think seventeen years old would have matured a little bit and gone beyond the saggy boobs dramatics. How I see it: by the time you’re sixteen, you’re better off not wasting your breath complaining about height and measurements because it’s all old news. And I hate when old news gets repeated so many times for emphasis that it is certainly unnecessary, as we all have gotten the point how immature Amy is. Not to mention, again, how a girl like her could be so stupid.
  
  But the stupidest thing about the character? That would be what Avi says about Amy wanting her life to be perfect. For a girl that claims to want perfection, her actions seem to contradict that very point. The Perfect Girl would not attempt to do anything without having thought loud and clear what the consequences could be. But Amy doesn’t—she just thinks of a plan and goes with it. Everyone knows that with or without a plan, there are setbacks. A girl aiming for everything to end up happily ever after will, most realistically, THINK of what could happen if things don't go smoothly as assumed. I just don’t think that’s the best way to describe Amy. She’s too meddlesome, obnoxious, and immature for me to like her. It doesn’t help that she doesn’t sound like a smart girl on paper either (both IQ and actions wise, now). Kidnapping her boyfriend by using plastic handcuffs? Very funny and original, but a little too over-the-top to fit Amy's pre-adulthood.
  
  The entertaining bit would have to be the humor. Even though the author does a nonconsistent description of her characters, I like her humor and portrayal of Avi. But I’m afraid that’s about the best positive comment I can maintain, because everything else isn’t very good. Take Nathan, for instance. When the enigma of him is solved, I can’t help but be disappointed. Foster kid? Aunt/uncle and parents rivalry? Oh, so soap opera-ish. (And what about his aunt’s feelings? She's never mentioned again after that one encounter.) The author has played Nathan’s mysteriousness for so long throughout the book that I was waiting for something juicy to happen and all I got out of it was a lame excuse about him being a former baddie that has now transformed into a depressed/screwed up kid that admits how “I guess I’m still f*cked up” (Elkeles 198). It’s a very random throw-in of the f-curse, since he says it only once, and it’s so unlike Nathan’s attitude that I’m sure the author’s just trying too hard to get readers to connect teenagers who say the f-word. He says he’s screwed up, but I really don’t see it. He’s more of the angry type in the beginner, the exception to all stereotypes, but he somehow turns into a softie who gets teary and sisterly with Amy. Wrong, wrong path for Nathan. I mean, at least SHOW me how it happened.
• 
  Maia

  Not sure why. But I keep coming back to this series every few years. I was a teenager when I first read this. Now I'm an adult. My opinions have changed. Maybe if I read this for the first time now I wouldn't like it as much as I did then. But it's like reading the Twilight or Harry Potter series as a teen & then as an adult & seeing the difference. You know there are issues. But it's also fond memories that keeps the series in your favorites.
  
  Also because Avi will always remain one of my all time favorite book boyfriends. If I could snag a man like that in real life, would so in the blink of an eye. Also cause they're a cute couple. As an adult, I can list out the issues with the female protagonist but because I read her pov as a teen for the first time I'm letting it go.
  The couple on the cover played a huge part in me liking the series as well. They're the infamous couple on the covers of the LUX series & so many popular books. That dude is H-O-T.
  
  So I won't change the rating my teenage self gave this series.
• 
  ijul (yuliyono)

  3,5 star, actually...
  
  Masih tetap romantis dan relijius
  
  Summary:
  Aku, Amy Nelson-Barak, hanyalah seorang remaja yang belum lama ini merayakan my sweet seventeen. Dan meskipun baru saja mengalami musim panas yang tak akan terlupakan sepanjang masa, aku tetap dipusingkan dengan status hubunganku dengan Avi yang nggak jelas, pindah tinggal seapartemen dengan ayah biologis yang selama ini tidak kuacuhkan, ibu yang baru menikah dengan lelaki yang tak kusukai dan sudah akan memberiku adik, serta dilema cowok apartemen sebelah yang rasanya telah membenciku sejak kali pertama kami bertemu. Nah, apakah masih ada masalah yang perlu ditambahkan ke daftarku agar kehidupan remajaku menjadi lebih kacau lagi? Oh, tentu saja ada. Bagaimana kalau kenyataan bahwa Avi, cowok super HOTku itu datang ke Amerika tanpa memberi kabar terlebih dahulu dan memergokiku berciuman dengan cowok apartemen sebelah yang membenciku? Aku percaya, kau tak akan percaya, tapi itu benar-benar mengacaukan hidupku.
  
  Meneruskan sensasi menyenangkan dari membaca seri ini, buku kedua dari serial How to Ruin karya Simone Elkeles masih saja membuatku excited ketika membacanya. Oke, memang tidak sekocak episode pertama ketika Amy harus kelimpungan terjebak di negeri orang, namun Amy masih juga seimpulsif ketika ia mati gaya ketika menginjak bangkai ular di Israel. Ketidakjelasan status hubungan jarak jauhnya dengan Avi harus melampaui banyak sekali ujian ketika secara tak terduga cowok yang sedang menjalani wajib militer bagi negaranya itu nongol di pintu gedung apartemen tempat Amy dan ayahnya tinggal. Yang pasti, Amy tak suka kejutan. Dan, kejutan awal itu nyatanya memang membawa bencana mahadahsyat yang mengacaukan kehidupannya.
  
  Secara umum, lagi-lagi harus aku akui buku pertamanya masih memberikanku lebih banyak kesempatan untuk tertawa geli mengikuti tingkah polah Amy. Di buku keduanya ini, yang bersetting di Chicago, cerita lebih bernuansa cerita cinta remaja biasa sehingga tak banyak hal atau peristiwa unik yang menggelitik. Namun demikian, eksplorasi sisi relijius Amy, di mana ia kini benar-benar ingin mendalami dan memeluk Yahudi secara penuh tetap menghadirkan sesuatu yang berbeda.
  
  Soal karakterisasi para tokohnya, Simone tidak kehilangan gayanya. Aku masih sangat terkesan dengan sifat clumsy-nya Amy, gentle-nya Avi, overprotective-nya Ron, atau loyal-but-annoying-nya Jessica. Bahkan, beberapa karakter baru atau karakter minor dari buku pertama yang mendapatkan porsi lebih mampu melengkapi alur cerita. Jelas, nggak ada masalah dengan karakter, plot, maupun konflik-konfliknya. Hanya saja, menjadi biasa karena setting Chicago menghadirkan stereotipe permasalahan remaja kota besar seperti yang sudah dibahas di kebanyakan novel remaja. But, overall, aku mah tetap oye sama novel ini. tetap membuatku penasaran untuk segera membaca buku ketiganya.
  
  Oke, selamat membaca, kawan!
  
• 
  Vivian

  This book really reminded me of the Twilight's Saga, New moon, because in both of the second books of the series the guy leaves. I thought this book was going to be horrible because I hated it when that happened in new moon (it was actually the worst book of the series in my opinion). But nope, it wasn't that bad, yea there was another guy involved, but he really was no competition for Avi. Ok they kissed, if my guy kissed another girl I would be mad too. The main character, Amy on the other hand is a whole lot to deal with. I mean she does things from the good of her heart but she's selfish for only thinking about how she wants everything to be. I'm surprised Avi still stays with her but it's a book and they are fictional so why not.
  I'm also really looking forward to the next book, how to ruin your boyfriend's reputation. The title is already screaming "AMY!". I wonder what she's going to do now. As much as I hate how she ruins everything, I love it too. I find it exciting, and it keeps the story entertaining. Poor avi all the things he's going to have to go through now.
• 
  Miakoda

  Favor' Quote...
  
  "You know what your problem is?" I ask him.
  
  "Yes. I have a daughter who insists she knows everything."
  
  "That's not your problem, Aba. That's your blessing."
  
  Review:
  
  This is the second book to the ruin series by Simone Elkeles. Now, I'm gonna be honest, this book was a little frustrating in the beginning...
  
  Come on, Avi was no where in sight! Can ya blame me? Anyway, towards the middle and especially the end of the book, it got really hot. However, prior to Avi's return, I got a lot of laughs and fists in the air so surely, it was worth it from beginning to end.
  
  Amy, who's back home in Chicago, is feeling more strained than ever. As if Avi's non presence until the summer isn't enough, her friends...
  
  For the full review, you can head over to:
  
  http://midnightfume.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-ruin-my-teenage-life-by-simone.html
  
• 
  Tracy

  Another 3.5'er. Avi and Amy are so cute together. Not perfect and sappy. Nope. They are real. (In the fiction sense . . . I know they are characters.) I liked that Avi got to see Amy on her turf. And I liked how theAnd I liked that we get to see her dad be an overprotective dad. Yay, dad. And Nathan. Ha! That kid is some piece of work. I like how Amy has the egocentric adolescent personality, but also has the caring, big heart that adolescents have. Adult sometimes miss it because teens are so often fighting through their insecurities and doubts, so we adults just see the fighting. We fail to see what they are fighting for or about. I just love how Ekeles nails that balance in all of her books. I am ready for the next one. Oh, look at that, it is already in my purse. I suppose another review will pop up on here in a day or two. Happy reading.
• 
  Trisha

  very few things as frustrating as typing up a whole review and then Goodreads deciding to lose it.
  
  So, this one was cute. Not as interesting as the first one when Amy went to Israel to meet and get to know her Father and her family there. And met Avi.
  
  This one Amy is back in the States and living with her Father and not her mom anymore. But she's still a hot mess. She jeopardizes her friendship with Jessica, her relationship with Avi and even her relationship with her Father with her decisions, actions and missteps. This one was almost painful to read at times but it was endearing that Amy was at least sorry about her mistakes and learned from them.
  
  It was still a fun read even if I didn't love it as much as the first book. I still definitely plan to read book 3 and finish out the series
• 
  Jessica

  Meh. This one was definitely the weakest of the three. The beginning was very slow and this time around I found myself being annoyed by Amy more often than not. The second half of the book was ok, though.
• 
  Vicki

  It's been awhile since I read book 1 in this series, so I'd forgotten a lot about it. But I was fairly caught up with what had gone on in book 1 after reading some of this book.
  
  Amy is 17 and the premise of this book/her belief, is that everyone is out to ruin her teenage life. I guess many, or most, teenagers might think that since their parents will ground them, discipline them, give them rules etc. out of love. Then there's those parents who get a divorce, remarry and have children with their new spouse, as Amy's mother did. Her stepfather took on that disciplinary role, which in my opinion is a huge mistake in real life. And there are others with whom she has a relationship that feels are trying to ruin her life for various reasons.
  
  I still find Amy annoying, whiny, and a constant complainer which I cannot stand in real life! It's tiring listening to a broken record all the time, and it was tiring reading a broken record too. I mean, a few times, okay, but with every other breath? uh-uh!
  
  There was definitely humor in this book, which I'm sure that teens who read this book might love and enjoy reading. I found many funny words/actions, such as when Amy not only kidnapped her own boyfriend but using plastic handcuffs on him. lol Okay, maybe all in fun but a bit ridiculously absurd so I did find it funny for that reason only.
  
  Recommendations: I'd say give it a shot!
• 
  Charlie-Dee

  So I said it my March TBR that I wanted to read How to Ruin my Boyfriend's Reputation and it was only when I was about 20 pages into it that I realised that the books on my shelf were mixed up and I was reading the third in the series rather the second. So I decided to pick this one up and read it before starting on the other again. I really enjoyed the first in the series as it reminded me of a real summer time read which is always brilliant in my opinion because even on the coldest day it transports me to a nice warm Mediterranean night's spending it sitting on a balcony with the sea breeze keeping me cool from the sun burn that I acquired during the day. Yes, I spend multiple holidays shivering from Sun stroke! So I wanted to read the next in the series soon and get me away from these winter blues that I'm having in dreary England at the moment.
  
  Pros
  I liked the relationship between Amy and her dad because even though they had not always got on or spent anytime together, they were both trying to make it work for them.
  
  I liked the fact that it was in Amy's hometown so it showed her side more that her completely different view in the first book where everything was new and out of the ordinary for her. It showed more development on her part and also showed her relationships with those she around her well because she was in her comfort zone.
  
  Cons
  I didn't think it was as good as the first book, it became predictable at times and I'm not a fan of love triangles usually so that was always going to be an issue for me and I will admit if I hadn't already owned the next one and started on it I don't think I would have rushed out to buy it like I did when I finished the first one and went and ordered the next two. I think I like the sound of the next book more so I'm looking forward to seeing if it's like the first or the second one.
  
  I would recommend this to anyone that has read the first book, and although it wasn't my cup of tea due to certain themes, I know a lot of other people will like this theme and enjoy the story because of it.
• 
  Yin Chien

  How to Ruin My Teenage Life is the second book about Amy Nelson-Barak, who comes back to America after the summer vacation ends. Amy misses her Israeli non-boyfriend, Avi Gefen, but she seldom gets to call him on the phone and writes him letters, much less meet him in person.
  
  Her new neighbour, Nathan turns up, miraculously, to be the new transfer student in her school. Too bad they don't get along with each other too well. Meanwhile, Amy's mother is officially married to her stepdad, Marc with a 'c', and is now expecting a new baby.
  
  I don't deny that sometimes Amy acts like a snob, but she's actually a nice person inside. She really cares about her best friend Jessica, and tries her best to help Jessica when she's down and blue. The new boy, Nathan, looks like a geek with his outdated outfit and also his slippery nerd-like glasses. Although he seems uncaring, he actually has a big secret which he never tells anyone.
  
  In How to Ruin My Teenage Life, Amy Nelson-Barak learns the real value of friendship - how friends should help and support each other through hard times. She also strengthens her love relationship with her non-boyfriend Avi Gefen, the hot Israeli hunk who is now her official boyfriend. Though not as amazing as the first book, it's still a likeable novel with its themes of family, love and friendship. And as always, Simone Elkeles humours me with her clever words.
• 
  Ari

  when I found out that the 2nd book was about them again, I just couldn’t stop myself reading more. It’s addictive.. the story I mean. So I kept reading.
  What I liked?
  Well, the last 50 pages or so when we get this Avi-Amy moments (finaly), and after a while we are enjoying a funny “commando-operation” with heart-melting results. I won’t spoil it for you but if you like romantic and funny moments, well this is the one for you (so much fun, and Avi is such a romantic guy.. you definitely must love him).
  What I didn’t like?
  Oh, the rest of it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice and all but I really never cared about Amy’s dog-problems, and friend-problems and her dad gets so annoying from here on, and the dating-service is just there to fill in the blanks, and the religion stuff it’s just not my thing (and I know it must be important for some, but not for me).. I was bored by all that.
  I just kept reading hoping to find something about the two of them together, and only for that part it was worth all the while.
  Now I got really curious about the 3rd book
• 
  Denisa C

  Amy is growing on me by the books. I was a little bit unsure with all the triangle and the Avi not there part, but I got over it and enjoyed Amy. I wished I could see inside Avi's head, but there's no double point of view.
  I see so much of myself in Amy is not even funny anymore. The way she wants everyone to have their happy ending and wants her life to be perfect, she is so flawed but has so many qualities, that just as Avi said makes her unique.
  The romance is not central and it didn't intrigued me as much as it did in the first, but I like Avi and I know I will see more of him in the next book.
  Also this book is so funny, I was laughing and reading.
  I do recommened this contemporary series, is funny and very realistic.
• 
  Jennifer

  I don't know why I read this book. Maybe I thought Amy would have grown up some and stopped being such a spoiled little brat, but boy was I wrong. Now she is just messing with everyone's lives and cannot leave well enough alone. I mean serious spending $60/month for a dating website for her dad? Really? You don't think that is a bit much? And the whole thing with Nathan - we fight all the time, but I fought with Avi at first so maybe I like him? I will just kiss him cause I love Avi so much I don't care. Horrible. I don't know why Avi is with her! He is too good for her.
• 
  OceMei Belikova♥

  This is the second book of How To Ruin series. Amy has returned to her homeland Chicago and Avi is currently joining the army and training to be a commando for three years. Their relationship is still complicated and Amy can only call him as her non-boyfriend. Reading Amy's POV is very entertaining because she is the real picture of a teenager. Amy is the typical of girl who do/say things now and regret it later. She is so spontaneous in everything but so loyal to her best friend Jess.
  
  Nobody's life is perfect. Not yours, not mine, and certainly not Amy's. She's sixteen turns to seventeen, and she's about to have a sister. Avi is a million miles away from her, her father Ron is very protective when it comes to boys, and there's a new neighbor named Nathan who called Amy 'Barbie'.
  
  I always love the conversation between Amy and her father. It's very intriguing to see how Ron tries to deal with her teenager daughter. He is very protective and caring to Amy which sometimes will make Amy rolled her eyes. Seeing how her mother has married with another man, Amy wants her father to find his love partner as well. So Amy secretly signed his father on online dates which gets her into big trouble.
  
  "You know what your problem is?
  "Yes, I have a daughter who insists she knows everything."
  "That's not your problem, Aba. That's your blessing."
  
  Before Amy went to Israel, she hates her father, but now she is so thankful that she's been there and met all of his father's family and Avi, his non-boyfriend.
  
  "I love you, Amy Nelson-Barak. From the moment I laid eyes on you I couldn't stop looking at you. From the moment we talked I couldn't stop arguing with you. From the moment we kissed I couldn't stop kissing you. And from the moment we shared our hopes, fears and insecurities I couldn't stop loving you."
  
  I was a bit frustrated at first when I thought Amy will forget about Avi and fall in love with another guy, but I guess this is part of her being a teenager, to find her true identity, what she wants to be, who she wants to be with, etc. Amy isn't the one who misses Avi, I also miss that guy. And I appreciate that there's no SBM yet until now.
  
  "You don't need handcuffs to bind me to you. I'm yours without them."
  
  "You're the only girl I know who expect life to be perfect and get pissed off when it's not. You're the girl who's not only beautiful and has a kick-ass body, but you're funny when you don't mean to be and would rather eat dirt than back down from a fight."
• 
  Arlene

  Simone Elkeles sure knows how to keep her readers entertained with hysterically amusing characters that you just can't help falling for.
  
  I read the How to Ruin series out of order, but no worries, they stand beautifully on their own. I was so excited when my library got this book in that I jumped right into it, and finished the story within a couple of hours. These books are at the top of my favorites list... by far! No surprise that Amy Nelson Barak is my all time favorite female fictional character. She is just hands down hilarious! I love her flawed thinking and innocent attempts at just trying to live a normal teenage life. Her dialog kept me laughing out loud and just shaking my head in chagrin for her. She's a fictional gem. LOL
  
  In this book, Amy returns to her native Chicago after spending a summer in Israel falling in love with the fabulous Avi and forging a beautiful relationship with her estranged father. It was awesome to read about Amy and her father's interactions. He's the perfect example of a great dad... protective, caring, loving, and... well just down right clueless when it comes to raising a teenage daughter. They have some endearing moments that made my eyes misty. Amy's friends are a riot, and I loved to see how loyal they were to one another, especially when they needed support, advice and partners in crime. Now Avi, well he's just awesome, awesome, awesome. Even though he didn't make his appearance until mid-way through the book, it was well worth the wait. All of the characters in this book blend great together and the events, as narrated by Amy, kept me so engaged, I was turning the final pages too soon in my opinion.
  
  Great book that will have you laughing out loud and cringing with chagrin at the same time. Definitely a series I feel comfortable recommending to my fellow avid readers. I loved these books!
• 
  Noella

  It's been about 6 months since Amy returned to Chicago from her trip to Israel and said goodbye to her extended family and her non-boyfriend Avi. Amy is living with her dad and gets into all sorts of mischief, trying to set him up with dates. There's so much drama in her life, what with her mother and stepfather expecting, her mutt causing trouble (not to mention Amy having to pick up after his droppings) and a frustrating new guy Nathan who has moved in next door.
  
  In How to Ruin My Teenage Life, Amy is back to playing mind games, which annoyed me quite a lot. A new guy is in the picture who Amy can't take her mind off of. They start off in a similar fashion to how Avi's and Amy's did; despising each other, and then become friendly (the lip lock kind). Avi makes a surprise appearance in town and Amy becomes confused and decides to play mind games with him too. It was really weird how all of a sudden Amy realised who she was actually in love with: Avi. Conveniently, Nathan seemed to agree they have a sisterly brotherly relationship and they declare each other good friends. Amy then trying to win back Avi with Nathan playing a helping role was then even weirder.
  
  To the things I liked about the book: I liked how Amy refers to events that happened in the first book and I understood the jokes and the stories behind certain references. Mutt provided a lot of laughter in this installment being so hyperactive and getting in all sorts of trouble. Amy attends youth group and learns more about Judaism and it was interesting how she related religion to aspects of her life at the beginning of each chapter.
  Overall, How to Ruin My Teenage Life was a fun continuation of Amy's story. I can only hope she tones down her silly mind games in the next book.
• 
  Bianca Rowena

  This was a great book for contemporary Young Adult. I'm not used to reading from the perspective of the popular girl, but I liked Amy. She was real and had an interesting personality. I liked her inner dialogue too and the unique backstory of her being half Jewish and currently taking conversion classes to learn more about her faith. It brings a dynamic angle to the secondary plot lines.
  
  I think I was hoping more would happen with Nathan, especially when he was dressed as a rock star near the end :P But I didn't read book one yet (and I imagine I would've had a stronger attachment to Avi had I read the first book), I picked this one up as an impulse buy and I'm glad I did because now I want to read the first book. I'm so curious about the details of Amy and Avi's relationship which started the previous summer (in book one)! And then I will definitely read book three after (completely out of order, I know) and I'll be crossing my fingers for Nathan to come back as a romantic interest :P
  
  For anyone looking for contemporary Young Adult, Simone Elkeles does a great job with this genre. This particular book was enjoyable to read and entertaining, not too serious but not too light either. Just the right amount of drama to keep you interested and reading, and wanting more :)
• 
  Christina

  How to Ruin My Teenage Life was sababa! I really enjoyed this instalment of the How to Ruin trilogy. Following the first book Amy is back in Chicago, away from Avi who is now serving his military duty for 3 years in Israel. Other than the fact that she's wondering how the non-boyfriend thing will work, her life is far from perfect, with her mother dropping a major bombshell, her attempts at matchmaking her father backfiring, her new geeky neighbour calling her Barbie (fake and a snob), her mutt wrecking havoc at the dog park, and her 'boobage' beginning to sag. As Amy sees it, her teenage life is ruined. The result is a lot of laughs. Amy's life was very entertaining. The quotes inserted before each chapter along with Amy's take on them were informative and added a nice touch as we follow Amy's conversion to Judaism. Overall, a wonderful sequel.
• 
  Just - The romance reader

  For some reason I skipped the first book in the How to Ruin series and went right to this one so I missed out on some previous events that were referenced. However, that didn't affect the story, I did not feel like I was clueless. In other words, the author did a great job with not making you feel left out if you didn't read the first one.
  
  I really enjoyed the book. The plot was entertaining and as a young woman I can look back on my teen years and relate to much of what Amy feels and goes through, even if my story was far different from hers. Amy is a very amusing character. She's funny, confident, fearless, and at the same time, insecure and still very much unsure who she is in the world.
• 
  Anii Jimenez

  En este libro Amy sigue narrando su vida de adolescente pero en Chicago.
  No diré que ame el libro aunque si estuve muy cercana hacerlo. Amy sigue siendo esa chica Drama Queen, con una gran imaginación hacerca de las cosas que la rodean, ella es el tipo de chica que hace una tormenta en un vaso de agua.
  Aunque con el primer libro de Simone, me parecía Amy tan superficial, con este libro su actitud cambió, ahora esta en la conversión para volverse judía y demás cuestiones.
  A veces me daba risa darme de cuenta que yo algunas veces actúo como Amy en ciertas situaciones y yo quedaba como DAMN.
  Con respecto a Avi ¡Ah, es tan sin palabras! La actitud de él me encanta y la relación que tiene con Amy, me encanta.
• 
  Caitlin Wyatt

  I love Simone, these books are so well written. The characters are so quirky and real. I love how original they are too. Plus the father daughter relationship just gets better. I really love to watch the relationships grow between Amy and her father, her friends, Avi, and even her dog. Chicago felt like a character rather than a setting too. I love Amy I can relate to her struggles, and she is so hilarious. She makes mistakes, and is so full of life. These books are just good heartwarming coming of age books.. Thanks again for making me read them Melody!
• 
  Rea K

  🤔 I really wonder what my teenage self was thinking when rating books, because looking back, I remember disliking the character and I still rated it high. A thing I have taken the moment to remedy.
• 
  Joana B.

  2.5 stars
• 
  Marcia

  Der erste Satz
  Ich bin Amy Nelson-Barak.
  
  Meine Meinung
  Ihr wisst doch sicher inzwischen, dass ich wirklich ein großer Fan der Bücher von Simone Elkeles bin und ihr habt vielleicht ja sogar mitbekommen, dass ich "Nur ein kleiner Sommerflirt" von ihr auch genial fand. Deswegen habe ich mich wirklich total auf dieses Buch gefreut, denn dies ist der zweite Teil zu "Nur ein kleiner Sommerflirt". Ich war einfach total neugierig wie es mit Amy und Avi weitergeht und hatte echt das Gefühl, dass ich es nicht ertragen kann noch "so lange" auf das Erscheinen dieses Buches zu warten. Irgendwann bin ich dann aber wegen des ganzen Schulstresses vollkommen darüber hinweg gekommen, dass das Buch ja bald erscheint und darum war ich umso überraschter, als der Postbote mir ein Paket vom cbt Verlag in die Hand gedrückt hat. Ich habe mich echt einen Keks gefreut als ich das Päckchen geöffnet habe und ich das Buch in der Hand hatte, denn ich hatte ja echt nicht damit gerechnet. Außerdem ist mir dann aufgefallen, dass es offiziell noch gar nicht erschienen ist und deswegen habe ich mich natürlich umso mehr gefreut. Natürlich stand dann für mich auch sofort fest welches Buch ich als nächstes lesen werde. Also habe ich gleich mit lesen begonnen...
  
  Die Geschichte hat mich schon nach der ersten Seite total gefangen genommen und sie wollte mich tatsächlich gar nicht mehr loslassen. Ich war einfach so von der Geschichte gefesselt, dass ich wirklich so ziemlich alles hinten angestellt habe. Sogar das Schlafen und das ist echt ungewöhnlich für mich ist (denn ich brauch sonst immer meine 8-10 Stunden Schönheitsschlaf (der mich aber irgendwie nicht schöner macht)). Ich wollte das Buch einfach nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, weil mich die Geschichte mit ihrem Charme einfach eingefangen hat und mich partout bis zum Ende des Buches auch nicht mehr gehen lassen wollte. Ihr fragt euch jetzt aber sicher (wenn nicht ist auch nicht schlimm :D) welche Geschichte mich so fesseln konnte, also genauer worum es denn exakt in dem Buch geht. Die Geschichte handelt von der 17 jährigen Amy, die wir ja auch schon aus Band 1 als Protagonistin kennen. Ihre Beziehung zu ihrem Vater hat sich seit dem Urlaub in Israel im letzten Sommer, grundlegend verändert und zwar zum Positiven, denn jetzt von Amy sogar bei ihrem Vater, den sie früher sogar nur als ihren Erzeuger bezeichnet hat und mit dem sie so wenig wie möglich zu tun haben wollte. Ihr Leben könnte echt super toll sein, aber ihr fehlt ein ganz bestimmter Mensch in ihrem Leben und zwar Avi, denn Avi ist ihr heißer Sommerflirt aus dem letzten Israel Urlaub. Amy vermisst Avi wirklich ganz schrecklich und wünscht ihn sich oft, dass er bei ihr wär, aber das geht nicht, weil er in der israelischen Armee ist bzw. noch in der Ausbildung ist. Deswegen konzentriert sich Amy lieber auf das Liebesleben der anderen Menschen in ihrem Leben und nicht auf ihr eigenes nicht wirklich vorhandenes Liebesleben. Und dann zieht auch noch Nathan bei ihr gegenüber ein. Er ist echt der totale Streber und bringt Amy wirklich regelmäßig auf die Palme, aber trotzdem möchte sie warum auch immer, dass er sie mag. Die beiden kommen sich immer näher und dann steht auf einmal Avi vor ihrer Tür, um ihr einen Überraschungsbesuch abzustatten. Amy ist total verwirrt und weiß gar nicht mehr was los ist, denn eigentlich sollte sie doch vor Freude Luftsprünge machen, dass Avi extra zu ihr gereist ist oder nicht ? Da gibt es nur ein Problem und zwar, dass ihre Gedanken immer wieder zu Nathan abschweifen. Liegt es vielleicht daran, dass zwischen Avi und ihr bald wieder die halbe Welt liegen wird und sie dann wieder alleine ist ? Ihr merkt schon, dass die Geschichte dieses Mal wirklich ein bisschen komplizierter ist, denn auf einmal gibt es nicht mehr nur Avi in Amys Leben sondern auch Nathan, den sie irgendwann gar nicht mehr so schrecklich findet. Ich wurde wirklich von dieser Geschichte gefangen genommen, denn sie ist wirklich romantisch (was man natürlich bei einem Buch der Autorin erwartet), total lustig, aber auch an einigen Stellen sehr berührend und verworren. Vor allem gefällt mir aber sehr gut, dass die Wendungen, die die Geschichte angenommen hat, definitiv nicht von mir erwartet wurden, so dass ich wirklich an keiner Stelle in irgendeiner Weise gelangweilt war. Im Gegenteil, die Geschichte hat mich beim Lesen die ganze Zeit auf Trab gehalten, weil ich wirklich auf fast jeder Seite lachen musste oder mir auch mal ein Tränchen verdrücken musste. Ich bin ja wirklich sehr gute und vor allem romantische Geschichten von der Autorin gewohnt, aber irgendwie hat mich dieses Mal die Geschichte sogar noch mehr mitgerissen als sonst. Die Autorin hat es wirklich drauf ihren Geschichten so viel Gefühl zu verleihen, dass man als Leser dahinschmilzt, aber auch wieder so wenig, dass man die Gefühle für übertrieben oder gar kitschig hält. Sie findet in jedem Teil ihrer Geschichten immer genau das richtige Maß. Ich kann euch wirklich nur sagen, dass mich diese Geschichte von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite vollkommen überzeugt hat und ich euch hier mit offiziell auch die Geschichte des zweiten Bandes der Trilogie ans Herz legen kann. Vielleicht hat sie mich sogar noch ein bisschen mehr überzeugt als die im ersten Band, aber auch nur vielleicht :D Wenn ihr romantische Teenreads mögt, die aber gleichzeitig berührend und vollkommen humorvoll sind, kann ich euch nur diese Geschichte empfehlen und natürlich auch alle anderen Bücher der Autorin. Ach ich gebe jetzt einfach offen zu, dass ich in diese Geschichte verliebt bin.
  
  Die Charaktere sind eigentlich fast die gleichen geblieben, außer, dass natürlich einige Charaktere aus Israel fehlen, aber das finde ich gar nicht schlimm, denn dafür ist ja auch ein "Neuankömmling" dazu gekommen. Ich kann echt nur sagen, dass ich die Charaktere alle liebe, weil sie so verschieden, aber trotzdem alle auf ihre eigene Weise liebenswert und irgendwie total sympathisch sind. Ich mag sie wirklich alle, weil sie wirklich alle ihren eigenen Kopf haben und gerade das sie so realistisch und authentisch macht. Ich kann mir für diese Bücher einfach keine besseren Charaktere vorstellen und könnte jetzt echt die ganze Zeit über alle schwärmen, aber jetzt möchte ich euch erst mal alle Charaktere einzeln "vorstellen". Amy ist die Protagonistin. Sie ist 17 Jahre alt und wohnt seit kurzer Zeit bei ihrem Vater, mit dem sie eigentlich fast ihr ganzes Leben gar nichts so wirklich zu tun hatte, aber das hat sich von einen Tag auf den anderen geändert, als er Amy letzten Sommer nach Israel "verschleppt" hat wo sie ihre Familie und ihre Wurzeln kennen lernen sollte. Seit diesem Urlaub verstehen sich die beiden richtig gut und man merkt richtig, dass Amy ihren Vater liebt und zwar mit all seinen Eigenschaften und Eigenheiten. Genau in diesem Urlaub hat sie Avi kennen gelernt, in den sie sich dann auch verliebt hat. Es gibt da nur ein Problem, denn Avi lebt in Israel und leistet dort sogar seinen Wehrdienst ab. Deswegen kann Amy ihn nicht sehen und das frisst sie innerlich auf, weil sie ihn so sehr vermisst. Amy ist sehr direkt in dem was sie sagt. Sie spricht eben einfach aus was sie denkt. Und das finde ich wirklich sehr bewundernswert an ihr, da sie immer ihre Meinung sagt, auch wenn sie weiß, dass sie das höchstwahrscheinlich in Schwierigkeiten bringen wird. Ich mag Amys "harte" Art wirklich gerne, weil sie sich meistens überhaupt nicht darum schert was andere Menschen von ihr denken und ihr Ding macht. Aber manchmal hat sie wirklich Momente in denen ich ihr erst mal eine geklatscht hätte, weil sie so oberflächlich war. Manchmal habe ich auch echt das Gefühl, dass es ihr gar nicht unbedingt schaden würde, wenn sie mal den Mund halten würde. Denn sie verbockt sich manchmal ganz schön selbst das Leben durch ihre ständige Laberei... Trotzdem muss man sie einfach mögen und mit ihr lachen (manchmal auch über sie). Gut gefällt mir vor allem, dass sie zum Judentum konventiert und auch richtig stolz darauf ist und es nicht zulässt, dass sich andere über ihre Religion lustig machen. Man muss Amy einfach mit all ihren Eigenschaften und auch Eigenheiten mögen. Sie ist einfach die perfekte Protagonistin. Avi ist Amys Sommerflirt, aber man hat immer das Gefühl, dass auch er mehr für sie empfindet, denn sonst würde er ja nicht für sie von Israel nach Chicago reisen. Er ist 18 Jahre alt und ist seit dem letzten Sommer in der israelischen Armee. Avi tut sich sehr schwer damit seine Gefühle laut auszusprechen, weil er Angst hat, dass den Menschen, die ihr liebt verletzt werden oder wie sein Bruder sterben. Er gibt immer vor total der harte Kerl zu sein, aber innerlich ist er wirklich sehr sensibel. Ich mochte ihn aber ehrlich gesagt im ersten Band irgendwie ein bisschen lieber, aber woran das genau liegt, kann ich euch auch nicht so genau sagen... Na ja vielleicht an einem anderen "Kerl", den ich wirklich total gerne mag. Aber Avi ist trotzdem richtig toll und man schließt auch ihn sofort ins Herz. Nathan ist der neue Nachbar von Amy und geht auch auf ihre Schule. Er ist kleidet sich wie ein richtiger Streber und benimmt sich meistens auch wie einer. Außerdem zieht er Amy fast die ganze Zeit damit auf, dass sie eine Barbie sei und die Menschen nur nach dem Äußeren betrachten (was manchmal ja sogar stimmt). Trotzdem wusste ich sofort, dass er eigentlich total nett ist und Amy wirklich gerne mag. Vielleicht hat er sie auch gerade deswegen aufgezogen, damit sie mal merkt, dass sie sich manchmal echt ein bisschen doof verhält. Ich mag Nathan auf jeden Fall super gerne und möchte ihn als Charakter wirklich nicht mehr missen. Ach er ist einfach der süßeste Streber ♥ Ihn habe ich so mit am meisten in mein Herz geschlossen :)
  
  Der Schreibstil hat mir mal wieder sehr gut gefallen, denn das Buch ist aus der personalen Sicht von Amy geschrieben, so dass man alles genau miterlebt und alles aus ihren Augen sieht. Ich bin von dem Schreibstil der Autorin echt immer wieder aufs Neue begeistert, denn sie kann zum einen total witzig schreiben, so dass man wirklich laut loslachen muss und zum anderen kann sie aber auch so gefühlvoll und romantisch schreiben, dass man sich echt ein paar Tränchen verdrücken muss. Der Schreibstil passt einfach super zu Amy und zu der Geschichte. Außerdem ist er echt super gut zu lesen. Ich habe mit dem Lesen begonnen und schwupps war ich auch schon wieder durch und das wär definitiv nicht so gewesen wenn der Schreibstil schlecht bzw. schlechter gewesen wär. Besonders schön finde ich die Idee, dass über den Kapiteln immer ein Ausschnitt aus der Thora abgedruckt ist, zu dem sich Amy Gedanken macht. Das passt sehr gut zu ihrem Glauben, an den sie wirklich festhält.
  
  Der Titel gefällt mir wirklich super gut, da zwischen Amy und Avi wirklich die halbe Welt liegt und das auch die größte Hürde ihrer "Beziehung" ist. Ich finde, dass der Titel einfach super zu der Geschichte und auch zu den Charakteren passt und auch irgendwie zu dem Titel des ersten Bandes passt. Einfach ein perfekt gewählter Titel, der neugierig auf das Buch macht, aber nicht zu viel verrät.
  
  Das Cover finde ich auch einfach nur genial. Es ist im Stil der anderen Bücher, der Autorin gehalten und passt einfach super gut. Ich finde einfach, dass die Charaktere auf dem Cover perfekt gewählt sind und ich mir Amy und Avi wirklich so vorgestellt habe. Ich freunde mich langsam echt mit Covern an wo man auch die Gesichter der Protagonisten sieht. Ich finde das Cover einfach aber wunderschön.
  
  Mein Fazit
  "Zwischen uns die halbe Welt" von Simone Elkeles hat mich von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite gefesselt und in seinen Bann gezogen. Ich liebe die Geschichte von Amy und die Beziehungen zwischen den Charakteren. Ich liebe den witzigen, aber romantischen und gefühlsbetonten Schreibstil der Autorin und den Titel, und das Cover. Ach ich liebe einfach alles an diesem Buch und kann inzwischen wirklich guten Gewissens behaupten, dass ich diesen Band noch besser als Band 1 der Trilogie finde. Ich kann es echt kaum erwarten, dass August auf meinem Kalender steht und der 3. und letzte Band erscheint.