| Title | : | What to Say Next |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0553535684 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780553535686 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 320 |
| Publication | : | First published July 11, 2017 |
| Awards | : | Hea Noorteraamat (2019) |
KIT: I don’t know why I decide not to sit with Annie and Violet at lunch. It feels like no one here gets what I’m going through. How could they? I don’t even understand.
DAVID: In the 622 days I’ve attended Mapleview High, Kit Lowell is the first person to sit at my lunch table. I mean, I’ve never once sat with someone until now. “So your dad is dead,” I say to Kit, because this is a fact I’ve recently learned about her.
When an unlikely friendship is sparked between relatively popular Kit Lowell and socially isolated David Drucker, everyone is surprised, most of all Kit and David. Kit appreciates David’s blunt honesty—in fact, she finds it bizarrely refreshing. David welcomes Kit’s attention and her inquisitive nature. When she asks for his help figuring out the how and why of her dad’s tragic car accident, David is all in. But neither of them can predict what they’ll find. Can their friendship survive the truth?
What to Say Next Reviews
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I am FURIOUS - DOYOUHEARMEFURIOUS - at how good this book could have been. I am shaking mad. This could have been a five star read. This could have been an all-time-favorite contemporary. It was THISFREAKINGCLOSE. But noooo. It just had to go and ruin itself.
https://emmareadstoomuch.wordpress.co...
Let me back up. (Picture me sighing for, like, four consecutive minutes or something really ridiculously and worryingly long like that.)
In this book, we follow Kit, a really popular girl whose dad died and then that made her, like, super deep, and David, who is amazing. David has high functioning autism (which a lot of people know as Asperger’s), or borderline has it. He’s extraordinarily smart and sweet and an almost-perfect character who gets dumped in the sh*ttiest possible narrative for himself.
He gets - picture me sighing for even longer this time, or perhaps screaming - She’s All That-ed.
When I say She’s All That-ed, I am referencing the 1999 romantic comedy starring Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook giving a truly pivotal performance. It’s an American classic. A must-watch. In fact you should probably just go watch it instead of reading this review.
But I’ll explain, for those of you who have no care for the incredible genre that is pre-21st century teen flicks.
In She’s All That, we follow Freddie Prinze, Jr. (read: Kit) a hot popular guy who needs a prom date for some reason I can’t recall. Rachael Leigh Cook (read: David) is an extraordinarily pretty art nerd, but nooooo oneeeee knows she’s a total hottie because she wears glasses and weird clothes and probably has paint smeared on her face or something.
Whatever. It’s dumb.
Anyway, Rachael Leigh Cook undergoes a makeover in order to become a suitable sex object for Freddie Prinze, Jr., she’s a total babe, it’s happily ever after. There’s a storyline about a bet involved; it’s all fun.
Here is the Thing about this exact thing being acted out in book form here: it is not only boring and #oldnews, but David has, as I have mentioned, high-functioning autism.
David, previous to being made over, wore outfits that made him feel comfortable because he is very susceptible to the feeling of fabric. Post-makeover, he wears “““cool””” clothes. He gets a socially acceptable haircut.
PREVIOUS TO MAKEOVER, David is bullied horrifyingly! His head was held underwater in a toilet that had sh*t in it! People ignore him or mock him or are offended by his very presence!
POST MAKEOVER EVERYONE WANTS TO F*CK HIM. INCLUDING KIT.
The only reason that David is a valid character in this book (and a valid sex object forFreddie Prinze, Jr.Kit) is because he becomes conventionally attractive. Which would be shallow and horrible in any book, but is especially poignant considering DAVID IS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM.
Do you see what I mean about this book’s dashed potential.
There are other things about this book that make me want to smash my head against a wall. Although I kind of feel like that one would have been enough to warrant head-smashing anyway. But whatever, we’ll never know, there are more.
(And to clarify, I have not yet done any purposeful damage to my cranium.)
One thing is another GREAT thing that turns out Bad. Kit is, on the surface, a cool and important character to have in YA, because she is half Indian (ethnic diversity!) and curvy (body diversity!). These are things we don’t get that often.
HOWEVER, you may have forgotten that nothing is ever allowed to be good, and this will of course be ruined. The body diversity is kind of ruined, because Kit’s mom body-shames her all the time and even though Kit and her mom have drama and then make up and everything is hugs and kisses, this is never resolved. BUT WORSE, Kit’s grandparents (who are Indian) are described as being “racist.”
Against white people.
That’s not a thing.
That should be all I have to say about that. (Even though I will probably receive some sort of message or comment on this point. And I do not discourage that, honestly. If you are interested in receiving a polite explanation of why it is not possible to be racist against white people, my inbox is open.)
(Note: I will no longer be responding to comments on this review "asking" for me to explain the former point. I said clearly that my inbox is open if you want to have this discussion. I've answered the same question multiple times in the comments. If you actually want to have a thoughtful conversation about this topic, I would love that. Message me. But I'm extremely sick of the cruel-toned comments I've been receiving over and over on this.)
That’s Book-Ruiner Number Two.
Number Three is the return of a fan favorite. (“Fan favorite” is a phrase that here means “fan least favorite.”) It’s girl hate, baby!
Do you want examples? Because of course I brought examples. Far be it from me to make accusations without backing it up man!!!
One, “My tone reminds me of the kind of girl I’ve never been: needling, faux, cutesy, hyperflirty.” This is a particularly sh*tty example of the always sh*tty phrase “kind of girl.” I do not know why young adult authors have such a hard time grasping the idea that Girls Do Not Come In Kinds. And this is also such a damaging stereotype and I hate it.
Two, “I imagine [...] I am the kind of girl who can rock a bikini and sunglasses and whose entire existence can be described by the word frolic.” This is just straight up no one. If there is a girl - scratch that, person (because if this bullsh*t writing tactic wasn’t sexist the phrase would be “kind of person”) - whose existence can be described by the world “frolic,” then she must be half horse. And living in a meadow. Alone. In a place untouched by humanity, or twenty-four hour news, or watermelon-flavored Oreos, or any other type of evil. And also I would like to become her.
This one kind of melds into Reason This Book Is An Injustice Against David Number Three.
Which is that, besides David, the entirety of this book has been DONE. It is all trope. It offers nothing new. It is, in other words, an unoriginal snoozefest.
Examples: Popular-girl-associating-with-nerd, nerd-becoming-popular, nerd-realizing-he-doesn’t-need-popularity-he-just-needs-HER. (Gasp. Revolutionary. Shocking. Profound. Not at all the plotline of the 1980s chick flick Can’t Buy Me Love starring a young and sexy Patrick Dempsey.) Successful fringe character goes to college, and, gasp, DOESN’T find effortless popularity. Bullies, bullies taking a notebook from a nerd. “Popular bitches” (that’s the actual phrase used in this book) who are incapable of understanding anything more profound than specifically prom. Mean jocks. Feeling superior to your friends. (Have I mentioned how cool Kit is?) (That was sarcasm. She sucks.) (Her friends are cooler than her and better characters and they deserve a better third in their trio.) (I volunteer as tribute.) Yet another instance of the truly revolutionary and tear-inducing concept of Cliques Being Bad.
I actually fell asleep while typing that paragraph. I sleep-sassed. I just woke up.
But the overlap in the Venn diagram of “girl hate in this book” and “this book is so bananas unoriginal” has a name: “the popular bitches.” The complete nonsensical-ness of their treatment can be summed up in one awkwardly excerpted and fairly long quote, inspired by one of these girls having the balls to pout, “though she doesn’t actually look upset. More like she’s posing for a selfie.” (Pause so I can comment on how boring and stupid and mean and offensive and DONE it is to mock teenage girls for selfie-related reasons. Unpause. Sorry.) “Do any of them have real human emotions? Why do I suddenly feel like I’m surrounded by actors cast as teenagers? Like I’m the only one with a real and messy life. I realize that can’t be true. I’ve heard that Abby goes to an outpatient eating-disorder clinic, and that Jessica has experimented with cutting, which suggests that despite their shiny exteriors, they’re also fighting their own demons. Willow, I’m not so sure. It’s entirely possible that she truly believes she’s starring in her own reality show.”
Um.
I don’t even know where to start on how messed up that quote is.
So I’m not going to.
Bottom line: David, David, David. Maybe you should kinda-sorta read this book just for him. BUT DON’T SAY I DIDN’T WARN YOU ABOUT THE OTHER STUFF. -
still such a very special book.
if you want to experience just how comforting human connection can be, if you want to understand what it feels like to be seen, if you want appreciate how much friendship can enhance life, then you need to pick up this book.
______________________
very, very special. this is the first book i have read where a main character is on the spectrum and i believe the story is that much better because of it. i really hope more visibility and representation for autism makes its way into the YA genre. because it really added something lovely to the interactions between kit and david and i enjoyed seeing the progression of their friendship. a truly heartwarming read.
↠ 5 stars -
Full Review Posted:
This review is more than a week late, oopsies
Julie Buxbaum has earned a title in my book for ‘auto-buy authors’ bc damn hER BOOKS ARE SO CUTE !!! i feel like im getting diabetes everytime I read them
Not to be sentimental or anything, but Tell Me Three Things went down in my ‘all-time-fav-contemporaries’ bc THAT’S HOW GOOD IT WAS
Her stories aren’t the cheesy cute that makes you want to regurgitate your lunch either (thank goodness for small mercies) but those really poignant, charming, sweet, heartfelt little cutenesses that make you feel ~*emotions*~ (who allowed that to happen??)
Pros
- David
- David Drucker
- David Drucker talking about quantum mechanics
- David Drucker and his relationship with his big sister
- as a big sister I can confirm that we need more little brothers asking their big sisters for advice RATHER than treating us like little sisters
- **im looking v pointedly at someone right now**
- David being a little cutie and writing down social cues and idioms and trying to understand what ‘friendzoned’ means
- What a cutIE gahhhhhhhhhh
- My heart is melting awwwwwwww
- How David doesn’t realize how bluntly hilarious he is
- There was not so much romance as there was friendship building with a little dash of romance
- So that was pretty chill
- Also it’s a v good summer read when you find your skin melting
- V refreshing
Cons
- Kit’s kinda annoying not gonna lie
- She needs to just rethink a few things in her life – mainly her entire being
- But besides that she’s alright
- she’s going through some ish – character development and all – so I can try to sympathize
- that’s about all the cons
- oh the ending was left quite vague
- which is alright for a contemporary but it was left REALLY vague
- so
It’s nice to sit with someone and not have to think about what to say next.
4 stars!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buddy read with my
weather forecaster -
4 stars!!
When I picked this book up, I didn’t read the blurb. I only saw the cover, knew I had enjoyed the authors past works, and gave it a go. I have to say, the cover doesn’t really match the story. I went in thinking this would be a fun, lighthearted, YA read. Though there were some lighthearted scenes, this definitely wasn’t a ‘light’ book.
“The thing is, sometimes people grow from breaking.”
David and Kit are two characters that forge an unlikely friendship. David is autistic. He’s highly intelligent and fantastic in most every way, but he’s socially awkward to say the least. Kit doesn’t have a social problem, but when she suffers the loss of her father dying, she decides to sit with David at lunch. To get some quiet. I loved David. I thought he was a fantastic character. I loved his family, too. Kit’s story was different than David’s, but they both were able to connect in a way David had never connected with anyone before.
Even though this book wasn’t exactly what I expected, I did enjoy it. The audio book/narration was great and the story was emotional and engaging! -
Told from PoVs of David and Kit, What to Say Next, is a story of two teenagers who belong to different social circles. If David was the guy with almost no friends, Kit was a pretty girl who was quite popular in her school. After her father’s death, to stay away from the chatter of the school she found herself sharing lunch table with David. He provided her what she needed most at that time, the silence and no conversation about her dad’s death. Soon they became friends and they both realize that they were different from what they had thought them to be.
This book also represents the different family paradigms of David and Kit. David’s relationship with his parents was envious worthy, his devotion to his sister was inspiring, and they all understand his behaviour and supported him in overcoming his social phobia. On the other hand, Kit was going through a tough time after her father’s dad. It didn’t help that she discovered some secrets about her mother during this time that also strained their relationship more. She and her mother were coping with the death in their own way but this pushed them away from each other instead of bringing them together in this tough time.
There was a time when David’s personal diary was made public and what he wrote in there was presented in a way that almost destroyed David. But bullying didn’t stop there he also suffered the consequences of saving Kit from the fellow students. These two events made the book a much darker experience for me. I thought this was going to be a lighter read but this proved me wrong.
What I didn’t like about this book was Kit. She was annoying at times and near the end when everything was revealed, I didn’t like she used David. Even if she was going through a tough time instead of talking she threw this at David like a puzzle which he couldn’t help solving.
Other than that twist in the end, this was a cute read. -
3.01/5 stars
"They seem to understand that the world is a big, diverse place, and that different is not the same thing as scary. It’s amazing to me how many people mistake the two."
*whispers* I don’t really remember how to write reviews, as I am so out of practice, so I apologize in advance for its suckiness.
So you may or may not know, I am currently in the Great Slump of 2k17™aka the Worst Slump to Ever Exist Everand reading hasn't really been a priority in my life right now, as much as I wish it would be. But I can see the finish line of this slump in my peripheral vision and I figured that last boost I need to cross it is to stop watching reruns of Teen Mom 2 and type up some half-assed review and hope for the best. So here we are. I miss writing reviews very much. I miss everyone who would read my reviews and lie to me telling me they are okay.Also, if any of you are caught up on Teen Mom 2, hmu and let's discuss everything
Now, my friend
Scrill has somehow stuck with me through thisslumppit hole and still talks to me on a somewhat daily basisI know, she's insaneand told me about this book.She also bribed me with a reread ofSo I drugged the Slump during one of those rare moments when it wasn't tormenting me and actually sat down to read for once. And I finished it! Me! I finished a book!
Six of Crows and a map of the Grishaverse that still hasn't made it's way to me...
Me @ my slump:
But enough about me. I know none of you are even here for that. Let's talk about What to Say Next shall we?
The Part Where I Finally Talk About the BookAlso the part of the review where I have writer's block. How does one write about a book? I don't remember.
Have any of you ever read a high school contemporary before? Anyone? I mean, if you are on this website, I doubt it. Nobody here reads. Well, with high school contemporaries, there always see to be a nice recipe authors use to churn them out:
• 2 cups of attractive 17-year olds.
• A dash of parent death
• A teaspoon of "Are we friends? Are we more?"
• 3/4th tablespoon of antagonistic popular teenagers
• A pinch of social outcast
There are other ingredients too, but those are some of the prominent ones found inside of this book. Now, if you are to one day cook up your very own high school contemporary, you don't want to follow the recipe too closely. Experimentation and creativity can help create something truly unique and well written. And, while this book did follow that recipe, it also strayed from the norm and create something quite beautiful. I did have my problems with it, as I do most bookexcept SoC, hence the three stars, in the end, I truly did enjoy What to Say Next.
Now, if I didn't have any self-control, I would probably end the review here. Like look! I have something written! Isn't that enough after four months? But I won't do that to you. And also, I have gifs that I have been sitting on for months and I wanna find a way to sneak them into this review.
So I guess we can talk about the plot? If you haven't read this book, the plot might be useful to you I guess.
The Plot.
What to Say Next is about Kit and David, two teens that are on opposite sides of the social/popularity scale. Kit is the pretty girl with the supportive group of friends and an overachiever attitude. David, on the other hand, is on the Autism spectrum—he has what used to be known as Asperger's—and is very content being by himself. Things change after Kit's father dies in a car accident. Kit, in her grief, struggles to be near her friends and decides to sit at David's table during lunch. From this, a friendship forms.
Wow. That summary. I know. I know. Give me a break, I'm a little rusty.
This book was more than the friendship though. It was a book about grief and accepting differences. I was concerned going into it that there wouldn't be that much that would happen thoughout it, but I was quickly proven wrong. There were way to many scenes that had me like:
Which I quite like in books. I want all the #ohShit moments that I can get.
Is that enough summary? I hope so. Let's move on.
Characters.
Kit. I liked Kit. I really did. Except, I'm sitting here, trying to remember everything about her and I'm struggling. But that isn't a bad thing. The purpose of her character wasn't for us, the readers, to know everything about her, but instead to see how she navigates life after the death of her father. Her actions are more prominent to me then her personality. Like any reader, I've read many books where MC's parent died unexpectedly, but it's been awhile since I've read a book where I felt like the MC's emotional state was accurate. If my father was to die, I think I'd be acting the exact same way that Kit did in the beginning of the book. I liked that. It made this book feel real.
David. #ProtectDavidDrucker. Now, I don't know a lot about autism. I have cousins who have high functioning autism similar to David's, but they live out of state and I don't know them well enough to even say I have experience with autism. So while it is a big part of David's character, I don't feel comfortable enough to state how accurate his representation was. Besides, it wasn't the only part of his character. He was sweet, funny, and passionate. He was a great friend and a great person. And all the shit he had to go through wasn't deserved at all. David is one of the best characters I've read in awhile. Hands down.
So, Emi, If You Liked This Book So Much, Why Three Stars?
Well, person, like I said earlier. I had my problems with the book.
I think my major problem was the romance. It was in here, because it is a YA contemporary novel and that's what some people seem to want, but I don't think it was necessary. To be honest, I wish it wasn't even a factor in this book. I haven't been in a relationship, obviously, but I assume that they take a lot of time and patience and focus. Neither Kit nor David were at a place in their life where I felt like they were emotionally stable enough to be together. Made in a different book. But I just wanted them, mainly Kit but David too, to put themselves first and focus on healing themselves.
Also, a more annoying problem, was the constant talk of being attractive. Sometime in this book, David got one of those *magical* makeovers that happen in a lot of books where everyone is suddenly like, "Woah, he was a good looking person all along!" and that really grinded my gears. I know many people probably interpreted this a different way, but I felt like this suggested that somehow people that society views as "unattractive" are lesser than those that they view as "attractive" and this isn't the case. At all. No human being is lesser than another. David is great no matter if he has a haircut or not. This book could have definitely done without this element.
I'm also one of those people who knows that she should't compare books to one another, but still does it anyways. Especially when the books are by the same author. And I absolutely love
Julie Buxbaum's other book, which I usually refer to as the YA Waffle Book, but is actually called
Tell Me Three Things and, to me, this book wasn't as good and that affectedeffected?the rating. I know it shouldn't. But it did. #SorryNotSorry.
To Conclude...
Hey look! I actually finished this review! I'm so proud of myself. Don't expect another review anytime soon. In fact, I'll see you in four months for my next review.
Anyhow, this book is a great, easy read. You should pick it up if you haven't. Or not. You do you. -
3.5 stars. I don't have a ton to say about this one, tbh. I liked the writing and the characters a lot, and appreciated that it featured both a biracial main character (she is half Indian, half white) and a main character that is on the autism spectrum, but nothing about the plot as a whole really stuck out to me. This was fine, but not a new favorite. However I will say that based on her writing, I will definitely be reading more from Julie Buxbaum in the future because I think that something she writes with a plot that interests me a little more could have the potential of being 5 star worthy for me. I will be crossing my fingers for the future!
TW: death of a parent, bullying, use of the R word in relation to a character on the autism spectrum -
Julie Buxbaum was added to my favorite authors list after reading Tell Me Three Things last year and she solidified her spot on my auto-buy list with What To Say Next.
I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I could not put this book down. I started and completed it on a trip earlier this year simply because I was so invested in these characters and their stories! I found myself in that awkward spot where you want to hug and guide and protect a literary character and I’m not even sorry about it.
David is on the spectrum… and he has a hard time determining who means well and who doesn’t when interacting with others. His older sister watched out for him quite a bit, and helped him create his notebook of facts that he can rely on to help keep things straight, but he still finds himself in predicaments that are so frustrating to see. But he’s so incredibly smart and amazing and I just absolutely love him.
Kit has always been part of the popular crowd, but with the death of her father, she finds that no one can understand what she’s dealing with. Everyone is telling her that it’s time for her to move on but she just can’t. She can’t figure out what is supposed to be next for her.
When Kit decides to sit with David at lunch one day, everything changes. She asks for his help to figure out what really happened with the car accident her father was in, and he can’t resist the lure of the puzzle… no matter what the story might tell once he figures it all out.
I can’t even explain to you guys in words how I felt about David while reading this book. Like I mentioned above, I wanted to protect him from the inevitable bullying that occurs when you’re different… but it was wonderful to see that he had people who were there for him. His relationship with his sister Lauren, was pretty amazing.
This has some heartbreak for sure and the ending will hit you so unexpectedly, but it is such an amazingly told story filled with beautiful, complicated characters that are so raw and real.
Thank you for sharing this story and these characters Julie… I can’t wait to revisit them again soon!
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. -
Find all of my reviews at:
http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
“You’re saying that on Friday night I have an equal chance of getting vomited on as I do of getting kissed?”
“Welcome to high school.”
So this morning I proposed to Julie Buxbaum via Instagram . . . .
I haven’t heard back, but it’s probably just because we’re in different timezones. I mean, she’s definitely not getting a restraining order, right?
It was my friend
AJ’s Review that put What To Say Next on my radar - nearly a year after its publication date. Who knows when (or if) I would have ever heard of it otherwise. Sad thing too, because I had read Buxbaum’s earlier book
Tell Me Three Things and had a fine time, but alas I have zero ability to remember an author’s name, so I remained oblivious.
On the surface, this could easily be dismissed as one of these stories . . . .
(But, you know, the opposite. Sorry, I don't have a lot of free time to gif hunt at the moment or the ability to words well so just go get this book already.)
To be fair, it is that. It’s the story of David who tells you right on page one that . . . .
“In the 622 days I’ve attended this high school, not a single person has ever sat beside me at lunch.”
A synopsis would be honest in telling you this is what happened to David when Kit decided to sit at his table instead of with her friends one day. But really it’s about . . . .
“What if we took the time to get to know some of the other kids in the other cliques, like the artsy types or the theater dorks? What if we all jumped out of our boxes and chewed up our stupid labels? Who would we discover?”
And it does it in such a realistic high schooly, non-preachy type of way. Not to mention it presents a non-white main character as well as a main character on the autism spectrum along with some depression and a handful of other real-life issues in such a matter-of-fact kind of manner without a bunch of hoopla. Because guess what? Non-white kids and kids who are a little different socially and genius kids and average kids and quirky kids and bully kids are alllllllll the types of kids that you might meet in school so why shouldn’t books include every kind of kid????
If you fell in love with Charlie in Perks and just loooooooove to read about young love, What To Say Next might be the perfect book for you. It made me feel like Kristen Bell when she got to meet a sloth for the first time. You know what I’m talking about???? Her happiness looked a little terrifying just like mine . . . .
Every star. -
It’s nice to sit with someone and not have to think about what to say next.
I'm so surprised by how much I loved this book. And that is one of the best feelings in the world, not knowing how much you will love something until it knocks you off your feet. That's what this book did to me.
This is a story about David and Kit. David has High Functioning Autism. He knows he is different and all he wants to do is blend in and survive high school unscathed. Kit's father recently died, and she finds that her friends don't understand what she's going through. Nobody understands. And then she meets David and these two misunderstood, lonely people become friends.
I realize we all walk around pretending we have some control over our fate, because to recognize the truth—that no matter what we do, the bottom will fall out when we least expect it—is just too unbearable to live with.
David is adorable and made me feel all gooey inside. He so desperately wants Kit to like him and he had me aww-ing so many times. My heart ached for this boy who is so lonely and who people shunned just because he's different.
[...] different is not the same thing as scary. It’s amazing to me how many people mistake the two.
David's relationship with his sister, Lauren, was heartwarming. It's always nice to read about sibling bonds. She helps him translate the world and she would do anything for him.
At first Kit sits with David to get away from everything. But then she starts to see how amazing he is, and appreciates his brutal honesty while everyone else tiptoes around her.
He opens her eyes and for once she notices how being different or ‘weird’ isn't bad.
This was an effortless read. David is one of the most beautiful characters I've read about. -
4.5 stars
Some of the most important people who become part of our lives we find during our darkest, saddest hour. It could be a sad thought but I kind of find it really beautiful it makes me want to cry. It’s like what David puts it, the butterfly effect. A single ripple or moment brings us to a certain point in our lives, become part of another person’s life. In this case, a single misstep on the brake led to the accident that took away the life of Kit’s dad leaving her grieving and wanting to be alone and eventually bringing her to David’s table at the school’s cafeteria.
Dramatics aside,
What to Say Next is an endearing read that tackles grief, loneliness and even mental health both specifically and generally in an adorable, extremely funny and very relatable manner that I honestly enjoyed every single bit of the story. Just a peek at David’s charming mind.
“I realize this is what people call small talk. I also realize that world would be a better place without it.”
“Her elbows are twenty centimeters from mine. Our knees are even closer. Better measured in millimeters. I wish I could take out my tape measure…”
“She motions to the pianist, who is bald and bearded which I’ve always found to be a bizarre combination. You would think you would want cranial and mandibular hair consistency.”
Honestly, all my stars go to David. The portrayal of David’s mental health is positively enlightening while Kit’s coping with grief was depicted very realistically. I was just a bit dismayed at her unfair reaction toward David’s response after he figured out the whole truth of the accident. I’m not Kit’s biggest fan but I couldn’t fully blame her because of what she’s going through.
One of the major points of this story, I believe, is the reality and seriousness of mental illness. Their complex, scientific and specific names and levels are sometimes only labels, some sort of identifiers but however people might want to call it, the truth is I believe everyone has a mental health issue. We just happen to differ in the manner we cope.
Some people attempt to cover it up by hurting themselves, some by hurting others. Others pretend they’re superior while others get extremely insecure. Some find comfort in accuracy and facts while others rely on the unknown. It’s really time people recognize this as part of humanity and be okay with it. There’s no point whispering about a secret everybody knows. It’s high time we talk about it loud and clear and the author did exactly that.
Ms.
Julie Buxbaum is one contemporary author to watch out for. I knew I had good reason to trust her after reading her debut novel
Tell me Three Things which I thoroughly enjoyed.
What to Say Next is even better. I can’t wait for the next book she releases. -
I would give this 10 stars if I could. I adore everything Julie Buxbaum writes, but especially this tale of what happens when an autistic boy falls in love with a popular teenage girl whose father has just been killed in a car crash. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
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Loved this book! Loved how it focused on an autistic main character as well!
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I'm not sure why I put this one off for so long because it was amazing.
I love love loved Kit and David. They're both going through so much {her dad's death, his autism} and it was easy to settle in and root for them. It was refreshing to have their voices and inner monologues sound so distinguishable. I wanted to jump in and smoosh them both.
Plot wise it's hopeful and funny and heartbreaking and mean. I actually cheered out loud at one scene and read way too much into some things and didn't even see others. The last few chapters almost broke my heart, but by the end, I was put back together.
Ideally, I would have loved an epilogue or something set in the future, but that's just me being greedy. I wasn't quite ready to be finished with these two, so I'm sure I'll be visiting this story again.
**Huge thanks to Delcorte Press for providing the arc free of charge** -
4.5 stars.
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Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: July 11, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Sometimes a new perspective is all that is needed to make sense of the world.
KIT: I don’t know why I decide not to sit with Annie and Violet at lunch. It feels like no one here gets what I’m going through. How could they? I don’t even understand.
DAVID: In the 622 days I’ve attended Mapleview High, Kit Lowell is the first person to sit at my lunch table. I mean, I’ve never once sat with someone until now. “So your dad is dead,” I say to Kit, because this is a fact I’ve recently learned about her.
When an unlikely friendship is sparked between relatively popular Kit Lowell and socially isolated David Drucker, everyone is surprised, most of all Kit and David. Kit appreciates David’s blunt honesty—in fact, she finds it bizarrely refreshing. David welcomes Kit’s attention and her inquisitive nature. When she asks for his help figuring out the how and why of her dad’s tragic car accident, David is all in. But neither of them can predict what they’ll find. Can their friendship survive the truth?
What I Liked:
My sincerest apologies to the publisher, who sent a review copy to me, probably with expectations of me reviewing this book about a month before publication. It is April 18th and I hate to review a book almost three months in advance, but I had been dying to read this book for so long and I've had it for months and I couldn't wait any longer! I had fairly high expectations for this standalone, after the perfection that was Tell Me Three Things, and I was not disappointed.
David can best be described as a loner in high school - he is always by himself, in his own world, with his headphones and his notebook and his incredible IQ. David is on the autism spectrum, with high-functioning autism, possibly Asperger's. No one outside of his family and his guitar tutor really talks to him. Until one day, when Kit Lowell sits at his table at lunch. Kit's father died a month ago, and she is grieving in her own way. She pulls away from her friends and wants peace and quiet - which is why she chooses to sit with David, on the day one month after her father died. David is incredibly honest and he doesn't quite have social skills like everyone else. But Kit likes this about him, and realizes that she enjoys his company. And David - David realizes that he enjoys talking to Kit. He has always liked her, but talking to someone like they do is new for him. This unlikely friendship blossoms, but it's not without its problems. But both Kit and David will learn things that they were not expecting, when it comes to Kit's father's death, and they may not be prepared to deal with what comes next.
I think I loved pretty much everything about this book. David, Kit, David and Kit, friendships, family, the "story" (that's a vague term) - everything about this book clicked for me. I don't usually like tough-issue YA contemporary novels, but I really enjoyed this book. Though the book should have carried a dark, depressing tone, it didn't, and I think this definitely boosted my enjoyment. This is a light book (though not fluffy), but it also addressed the deeper issues with a more serious tone. I also loved that it was written in alternating POVs (David and Kit's first-person POVs).
I'm going to start with David. Ahhh, David! I adored David. You can tell right from the start that he is different. He is incredibly intelligent, and extremely literal, and his social skills and mannerisms are very different compared to many of the other high school students. David has high functioning autism, but you might never know. Unfortunately, the kids at school have always known, and in middle school, many boys were really cruel to him. But David has really grown since then, and he is doing much better in terms of discerning "good" people from "bad" (in terms of their intentions toward him). David is a sweetheart! He is also kind of a superhero - he practices karate and krav maga (though why he learns/practices is heartbreaking).
Also, I think Buxbaum really captured the struggles of being autistic (David) and having an autistic child (David's parents). So much prejudice and judgment rolled off everyone around David, which infuriated me - but it happens in real life all the time, which is a big part of why it made me mad. The author included so many obvious and subtle reminders of the way society treats those who are intellectually different or "weird".
On the other hand, we have Kit Lowell. Her father died a month ago in a car accident, and Kit has not been handling his death well (that sounds insensitive, I'm sorry!). Kit shuts out everyone, including her best friends and her mother. Talking to David helps Kit, and his friendship matters a lot to her. Kit is such a strong and tough girl, and my heart hurt for her over and over. But I also loved how kind and "normal" she was with David (i.e. she didn't really treat him any differently compared to anyone else). Kit is a good person as well.
And what's neat is that Kit is half-Indian! Her dad is (was) white, and her mom is Indian (as in India). I'm Indian and I always get tickled pink when I stumble upon an Indian main character. You wouldn't be able to tell (sorry to stereotype, but "Katherine Lowell" doesn't scream Indian girl), and she's half-Indian (as opposed to "full" Indian), but I love how important her's mother culture is to Kit. Well, the food definitely is. But there are lots of sprinkles of Indian culture and Sikh religion throughout the story, which were subtle and much appreciated. Kit's identity isn't really part of the story (meaning, she isn't struggling with her mixed ethnicity), but I like that it comes up every now and then.
Also, it's cool that the author did her research in terms of Indian culture, to really nail down Kit's mom. Kit herself isn't as "Indian" as her mom, but the author still made a point to make Kit's mother's culture and past a part of the story. I think the author did just fine with that.
I loved seeing David and Kit's friendship develop! At first it's tentative and awkward, with the two of them trying to navigate each other's worlds. But they fit well together, and they understand each other. I've not read too many books with a protagonist with autism (of any part of the spectrum), so it was very interesting for me to read from David's POV. I loved seeing Kit through his eyes, as odd as his mind is. The progression of their relationship is sweet, from friendship to something more.
The romance was swoony in a subtle way. There isn't a ton of kissing in this book, but it's a swoony book nonetheless. David is such a sweetheart. Kit is great, but guys, DAVID.
Did I mention that David is seriously good-looking and tall and super muscly from all of that karate and krav maga? Yeah. Intelligent, sweet, tall, muscular? He's my type, I can tell.
Another thing worth pointing out is Kit's relationship with her (existing) friends. She pushes them away, and you would have thought that they would turn into mean girls and ignore her and whatnot. And they did for a second, but I love that they were patiently waiting for her to come back to them (so to speak), and they stuck with her. And they eventually accepted David, which was nice (although took them long enough). I hate Kit's male friends - they are walking cliches of high school douchebags that I hated (sorry not sorry). Buxbaum captured those guys pretty well.
The climax comes up pretty quickly, and it involves something about Kit's father's death. Buxbaum put the together such that Kit's father's death was slowly unveiled to readers, and you knew a big thing was going to be revealed at the end. It seemed periphery compared to all of the changes happening to and between Kit and David, so the big thing took me by surprise. It was heartbreaking, but it made sense. The ending in general is bittersweet, but also hopeful. It made me smile. It's the type of ending that is incredibly realistic, but also very satisfying. I loved it - and the book!
What I Did Not Like:
More kissing! This book is fairly short (though incredibly dense), and what better to plump it up than with kissing scenes? (This is most definitely an Alyssa complaint, don't mine me!)
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this book, YA contemporary fan or not. Guys, I'm not a YA contemporary fan. I haven't read anything by Sophie Kinsella or Jennifer Niven, or any of those other powerhouse "tough-issue" YA contemporary authors. I haven't read anything by Jennifer E. Smith or Sarah Dessen or John Green or Morgan Matson. YA contemporary is not my thing. But Julie Buxbaum's YA books are so wonderful and so touching. Her books explore so many issues (grief, friendships, family relationships, romantic relationships), and are always very engrossing. This book is different compared to other YA contemporary novels, and not just because of its autistic lead.
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. I'm a picky rater. I can't wait to read more from Buxbaum! She is wonderful and so are her books. I think I may try her adult books, though I am on cloud nine with her YA books and might stay content with just these. Heart eyes for days! -
This was a short and sweet romance between Kit and David. Similarly to Julie Buxbaum's "Tell Me Three Things," Kit is dealing with the recent loss of a parent, and how that is affecting her changed perspective on life. I enjoyed Kit's character, but particularly David's, who deals with being neuroatypical by keeping a journal of "rules" of how to survive high school and notes on his classmates--who can be trusted and who can't, when a comment should be interpreted as safe and when it's someone trying to mock him and he should steer clear. It's so poignant in the way Buxbaum illustrates the difficulty he has navigating those social rules of human interaction that come easily to everyone else, at least on some level, and that was really the strongest point in the book.
And of course, their romance was just adorable. The soft insecurities. The genuine connection. I also loved the way the book examined familial and friend relationships, and how those are affected by tragedy, and also how people can change and become better versions of themselves. Just a good message overall. 4.5/5 stars.
Please excuse typos. Entered on screen reader. -
“What are we going to do with you?” she asks, and my stomach clenches. Freshman year, when I would find myself in trouble at school on a biweekly basis, Principal Hoch would pose this question, which is both idiomatic and rhetorical. What are we going to do with you? Like I was a group project.
Just once I’d like the answer to be: nothing.
Just once I’d like the answer to be: You are just fine as is.
Just once I’d like the question not to be asked in the first place.
Not so long ago I read and fell in love with an amazing book by this very author. It had a secretive, fun romance that stole my heart. It was laced with family drama and new relationships. It was brimming with the realities of what happens when you move to another state and start making new friends…all while your best friend is way back where, making new friends, as well. In short: It was a story that touched on many different levels with me and I devoured it within days (again, this is great for me lately lol).
It doesn’t matter whether you call me an Aspie or a weirdo or even a moron. The fact remains that I very much wish I were more like everyone else.
So, naturally, I saw this book and knew I just HAD to read it as soon as possible-but I didn’t. I saved it, waiting for that perfect moment when I could finally pick up a book by a new promising author I loved, thinking that, of course, this book would bring forth the same amount of emotion from me as her first novel did. And, for many, it accomplished that feat. As for me? I was left wondering how this could possibly be the same author.
Your outsides match your insides better now, Kit said earlier, but she was wrong. No, now my real insides are all on the outside for everyone to pick apart and laugh at. I’m like roadkill. I’ll be looked at, examined, but I won’t even be eaten. I’m not worth that much.
Sure, it was cute enough. It was interesting. It was sweet…and it even had some of the same quirkiness that her first book did. But, that’s just it-I’m reaching here, trying to grasp onto things that don’t really exist. Yes, it had its moments where I’d gear up and think, well here we goooo!, almost immediately finding that it was going in a direction I couldn’t stand behind.
Here’s the thing about making a friend that I didn’t understand before I started talking to Kit: They grow your world. Allow for previously inconceivable possibilities.
I suppose, in part, this is my fault. I had extremely high expectations and wanted another win. I wanted to fall in love as hard as I had previously, wanted my expectations exceeded. Instead they fell flat.
Miney does that sometimes, though she accompanies it with the words Can I get a woot woot? I never oblige. I have no idea what a woot woot is.
I didn’t much care for the characters. I think this is the base of my emotions. The main girl is fine, and I think she really did like David (I loved David, naturally), but it made me more mad than happy most of the time. I almost felt like it wasn’t authentic, that she was judging him the whole time. And this is a big contradiction for me-Don’t we all judge those who are we dating? I mean, yeah, of course! But….but. Seeing as he is, well, I can’t say, I just, my feelings were hurt for him on more than one occasion. And yes, that's the way its meant to be taken-buuuuut not always. The type of sadness I felt sometimes was off, like I was sad for the wrong reasons. Anyway, back to my point- He can’t help the way he is, and I don’t know. I hurt. I hurt a lot while reading this…and I don’t quite think this is what the author had intended.
I stop listening. No, this isn’t fixable. I see that now. Reading my notebook is like opening up my brain and exposing to the uncaring world all the parts that don’t make sense. The parts that make me a freak or a moron or a loser or whatever words people like to throw at me.
The parts to them that make me other.
The parts to me that make me me.
Don’t get me wrong, I signed up for this and normally I devour these stories. This just didn’t work for me. I didn’t like the school and how they only were nice to David once he changed his look, and I don’t believe those are the reactions he’d get for what happens half way through, and, honestly, I just didn’t believe any of it-and I’m not one that is bad at suspending disbelief, so you know its off.
Catty mean girls, bully jocks, and a girl who is going through a sad time but inspires our main man…for me, there just wasn’t enough story or enough something to keep me interested. More issues than likes, I have to sadly say this book didn’t work for me. It made me, more than anything, depressed. And I wanted so badly to love this story-the guy was just so sweet. But, as they say, a spade is a spade….I just didn’t enjoy anything much about this book. Hopefully her next will be better for moi.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
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DNF @ 60% because i couldnt bear it anymore! i absolutely love this particular troupe and was so excited to read this but I felt soo disconnected from the characters...i couldnt feel their pain or anything! Everyone except the H annoyed me. Lets not even go to the h 😒😒😒. Nah jst nah. Found it super hard to even root for the h. The story to me is jst all over the place. I knw i am part of the minority with this one but i jst couldnt get into the story
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Don't let the bright and simple cover art on this book fool you.
What to Say Next will make you feel. I was caught off guard by how heavy this story was: Death, grief, bullying, peer and family drama...but also humor and treading in the territory of first love (or at least first kiss). Sigh.
I laughed and I cried. The audiobook narration of the female lead character: Kit was phenomenal, especially during her instances of emotional stress. Personally, I don't enjoy reading about bullying in my leisure time, the same way I never can watch movies about boxing or martial arts competitions. Even though the underdog might come out on top, I can't just sit there and voluntarily watch them get pummeled (there's no physical pummeling of this story's characters FYI). For this reason, I had enough cringes to knock off a star based on my personal enjoyment, but the fact that
Julie Buxbaum's storytelling impacted me so is a testament to her talent. Everything in this book was palpable, even the ugly parts.
Whether you're a fan of YA or feel like you've outgrown it, I think
What to Say Next will likely be a safe and enjoyable read for most.
What to Say Next was my first
Julie Buxbaum novel and I look forward to checking out her other titles.
My favorite quote:
"One of the few perks of the shit so monumentally hitting the fan is you discover who your real tribe is. It’s the only way through. So make sure you find yours..." -
Mini review:
DNF
I have read the authors other book Tell me Three Things. I didn't enjoy that book. But once I heard that one of the main characters was on the spectrum I decided to read it. Unfortunately it didn't work for me.
I liked reading about David. He was sweet and well written. It was Kit that I had the problem with. Something about the way she thought was rude and immature. Kit constantly mentions that it surprises her that David doesn't make an effort to 'act normal'. Not everybody cares about fitting in and meeting society's standards of 'normal'. I certainly didn't care.
I found that the authors writing style with Kit isn't that different from her other book. High school is really exaggerated in this book. There's a lot of girl hate. And Kit's character is written similarly to her other female character.
I honestly think I am done with this author. Her books just don't work for me. I do not recommend. There are better contemporary novels. -
I read the first chapter and I couldn’t believe this is the same author who wrote
Tell Me Three Things - the book that wasn’t interesting enough for me to finish. How could she get better in such a short time as this? And in leaps and bounds too because I couldn’t tear myself away from this book! Or more precisely - from David. What an adorable sweetheart and so earnest too. -
Goodreads giveaway win! Thank you Goodreads!
An inspirational story about Kit’s friendship with David, a high school peer with Aspergers, born out of tragedy. I felt the author captured David and Kit so well. She wrote from their two perspectives so you have a deeper feel for the story. It was uncomfortable to read at times with deep themes but worth the read. Cute, romantic, and sad story I recommend if you like this genre. -
"I realize we all walk around pretending we have some control over our fate, because to recognize the truth – that no matter what we do, the bottom will fall out when we least expect it - is just too unbearable to live with."
My first thought after reading What to Say Next was this:
Kasie West, move over. I think West has dominated as my favorite author for YA contemporary (partly because she pumps out books so quickly) However, Buxbaum is fast on her way to being my new favorite.
Tell Me Three Things was already on my favorites this, and not this one gets to join its ranks. I will read anything by her now. If you are a fan of YA contemporaries, don't wait too long to read this. It is sooooo goooood. Heartwarming and devastating at the same time.
WTSN is about Kit whose dad just died in a car accident, and in an attempt to avoid the pressure of acting normal again sits with the guy, David, who always sits alone. Expecting to be able to sit without expectations and without talking, Kit finds an unexpected friendship with David. David finds his world expanding exponentially as he comes to befriend Kit.
The Story-Guys this book was both heartwarming and devastating at the same time. At first, I thought this might fall into the ugly duckling trope… you know the one where one character helps the shy character break their mold, be popular, or just live up to all their hidden potential. Now while Kit eventually did break David out of his shell, she didn’t expect him to or want him to change. It was the experience of befriending Kit that helped David change. The change wasn’t to make more friends or be popular; it was to embrace himself as he was.
"Usually they end with me promising to try harder, though I never really know what I’m promising to try harder to do.
Be normal I think.
Be like the neurotypical, which is another way of saying “everyone else.”
Be less like me.
I no longer want to be less like me."
Truly, the peculiar friendship that they build is what drives this story; the awkwardness and coping with the heavy matters as well as what can be the most trivial things to the “normal” kids.
What’s also great about this book as a YA contemporary about a boy and girl is that it is not largely driven by romance or hatred. Their friendship was brought to them by the death of Kit’s dad and a huge part of the book is how being friends with David acts that helps Kit get not necessarily over it, but through it, along with the other issues she has going on. It’s David’s awkward directness that helps her feel like she doesn’t have to pretend she’s okay.
The Characters- I love David Drucker. Of all the boys in any YA contemporary book, I think he is my favorite. It isn’t because he’s good looking, smart, or just generally a sweet guy (in his own way). It was his inner monologues. David takes everything literally.
Also, the way David approaches his problems are so logical, even though sometimes his logic isn’t how we understand it. It’s the moments when he doesn’t understand why things are happening the way they are that pushes him overboard, and that is probably the most devastating part because it’s in those moments when you realize the only person who can really help him is himself pushing outside of his normal understanding.
"…let her no shit pass without comment, even though she knows it’s an expression I do not like. It makes me think of constipation, which makes me think about grunting, my least favorite noise, after squawking and chewing. I also have a list of favorite noises. It has one item on it: Kit’s laugh."
Kit’s a bit in over her head emotionally, and I feel sorry for her situation. What I loved about Kit was that she didn’t have any ulterior motives or negative feelings towards David to start. She is aware of how he has been treated in the past or how he’s reacted in stressful situations, never made it her mission to be any sort of bully towards him. With that being said, she still fell into the category of kids that ignore him, until that is he changes her view. In her way she helps David experience teenage life like he’s never had the opportunity to and he broadens her narrow way of looking at life.
The Connection-I feel like this book takes on the bullying aspect without it being the sole focus. It’s more of the reaction from David that we experience. In this situation it is a much highly irregular situation as it wasn’t just because he was poor, ugly, or just unpopular. It truly was his personality that triggers the way people treated him…not that it’s any excuse. The sad part is everyone knows that this kind of treatment happens and it’s incredibly heart breaking. It’s heart breaking for both people like David, for the kids that just don’t know any better, and for the kids who pretend it isn’t happening. I think that’s where the book really hits home, because let’s be real, its actually small amount of people who are the true bully, it’s the rest of us that stand by that make the vast majority and why people can relate to Kit, even if the rest of her circumstances aren’t the same.
Check out more of my reviews on my blog,
Vicariously Voraciously -
If you enjoyed "Beach Read" by Emily Henry you will probably enjoy this book
This deals with similar topics grief, forgiveness and coming to terms with the truth and getting your life together
This book follows Katie who lost her father to a car accident
She is trying to deal with his loss while trying to maintain her relationship with her mother
After her father's death, they are drifting apart and we get to see how Katie's relation with her mother develops
She meets David" the lone boy" of the school
And after spending some time with him we see them forming an unlikely friendship🥰👫
And thus starts Katie's path to healing the scar caused by her father's death
Just want to start with a trigger warning:
This book has cheating( not between MC )
I think this should not be a spoiler
Personally, cheating is triggering for me
While going into this book l had no idea this dealt with cheating
Which left me uncomfortable😣
Usually, l have to be in the right mindset to read about cheating
So after reading this book l was moping around my house
Which in turn left my parents concerned because I was quiet
And they know that if l am silent something is wrong
Now how do I explain to them that cheating in "books" makes me uneasy?!!🤦🏽♀️
Cause even l realised just last year that the reason why some books made me anxious was they dealt with cheating
And the reason why this triggering started was YA books
Yes....the love triangles usually have emotional or sometimes physical cheating
When I read it a few years ago I knew what the characters were doing was wrong
But l just couldn't point out why
Until l asked my parents and they pinpointed the real reason why that was immoral
Because no matter how young or old you are....cheating is bad
Ummm... Ok enough with me and my problems with YA love triangles
The reason why that long explanation is that this author NEVER romanticized cheating
Nor did she made it feel that cheating is just a " mistake " or " human nature"
There were no excuses given....only explanation
And the MC did not forgive or forget everything just because of a heart to heart talk
Now I cannot personally say if the way the MC dealt with the infidelity was realistic or not
Since I never went through what Katie suffered...l have no right to criticize or judge her coping mechanisms
That being said sometimes I felt that she was being too selfish
She had a fight with her mother and she said some words which probably no mother should ever hear from her daughter
I know she was hurting but at times she just felt hypocritical
The reason why I enjoyed it the most was the love interest " David"
He was so pure and innocent 🥰
And if I am being honest deserved better than the MC * huffs *
He was an amazing character
I would suggest that you give this book a try just for him -
I can not stop gushing over this hell of a book!
The story includes everything a contemporary novel should which is why I loved it and I just adored David's character so freaking much!! <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3 (this was me trying to say how much I loved David's character)
Also if you liked All The Bright Places you'll love this one though the story line is obviously a bit different. -
RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI:
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Alcune delle persone più importanti che diventano parte della nostra vita sono quelle che troviamo nei momenti più bui e tristi, quelle che ci confortano e che diventano la spalla su cui piangere. Kit e David sono due adolescenti che si trovano su due poli opposti della scala di popolarità. Kit è una bellissima ragazza popolare con una grande cerchia di amici e un'attitudine esagerata. David, dall'altra parte, è affetto dalla sindrome di Asperger, ma rivela essere molto intelligente, più brillante di tutti i suoi coetanei. David non ha amici, ma è contento di essere solo, si aggira per i corridoi della scuola con le cuffie nelle orecchie e si isola dal mondo intero. L'autrice ci fa entrare nel mondo di David, ci fa vedere con i suoi occhi tutte le sue difficoltà nel relazionarsi con i suoi coetanei, le spiegazioni che lui vuole dare ad ogni comportamento e che a noi può sembrare così semplice. Ci spingiamo sempre più nella sua mente, leggiamo tutti i suoi pensieri, scopriamo con i suoi occhi la crudeltà e i pregiudizi dei suoi compagni che non fanno altro che deriderlo. Le cose però cambiano quando la popolare Kit perde il padre in un fatale incidente d'auto. Il padre per lei è stato il suo pilastro e non avendo più il suo sostegno sente la terra crollare sotto i suoi piedi, si sente soffocare e non potrà più pronunciare la parola "papà" senza sentire la nostalgia e il dolore nel petto. Nessuno più correrà a salvarla dalla furia dal mondo e a proteggerla con quelle mani grandi. Sente di aver perso il suo orientamento da quando suo padre non c'è più e che con la sua morte il padre si è portato un pezzo del suo cuore.
Non ha più voglia di ridere e scherzare, ha solo voglia di isolarsi dal mondo, di sperimentare la tranquillità e la pace nell'anima. Le rimangono solo i ricordi e spesso si chiede di non aver fatto il possibile per evitare quel maledetto incidente che se l'è portato via. Kit, nel suo dolore, si allontana dalla sua cerchia di amici, dai loro problemi banali, che non possono di certo essere paragonati alla morte, per trovare un po' di tranquillità e decide così di sedersi con David all'ora di pranzo. David e Kit instaurano una profonda amicizia, con il passare dei giorni cominciano a conoscersi e a scoprire sempre qualcosa di più dell'altro. David è l'unica persona che riesce a capirla, è l'unico che dice sempre ciò che pensa senza tenere a freno la lingua o senza paura di ferirla. Condividono i pensieri, parlano, si confidano e così si sentono sempre più uniti. Entrambi lottano con i loro problemi e all'interno di essi vedono molto più del goffo "strano" ragazzo e della ragazza che ha perso il padre. Ho adorato David in tutti i suoi pregi e difetti, è un personaggio fantastico che ti fa stringere il cuore. Ho amato la sua famiglia, il loro legame e il loro volersi costantemente bene. "Diverso" non è sinonimo di "impressionante", non significa tenersi lontani da una persona che non si conosce neppure. Essere diverso ha dei pregi, tutti siamo diversi e tutti siamo speciali in modo diverso. La diversità è ricchezza, ci permette di essere esattamente ciò che vogliamo essere e fare quello che vogliamo fare. Anche Kit mi è piaciuta, la sua storia è diversa da quella di David, ma entrambi sono in grado di connettersi in un modo in cui David non si è mai concesso con nessuno prima. Una bellissima amicizia che nasce lentamente, cresce e diventa qualcosa di più. David nel suo pov è molto onesto, dice sempre ciò che pensa e credo che i suoi capitoli siano molto realistici. E' dolce, divertente e appassionato. E' un grande amico e una grande persona. Kit è in lutto e ha difficoltà a venire a patti con tutti i pezzi della sua vita e come questi sono cambiati improvvisamente. Entrambi hanno bisogno di un amico, di una spalla su cui appoggiarsi, di un'àncora di salvezza a cui aggrapparsi per non affondare e combattere contro i pregiudizi che cercano di allontanarli. Mi è piaciuta come l'amicizia è al centro dell'attenzione, come essa sbocca in romanticismo, a volte. Julie Buxbaum affronta con toni delicati e leggeri una storia sulla sofferenza e sull'accettazione delle differenze. E' la storia straziante e commovente, un equilibrio tra due opposti…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/ -
Y'all. I just realised something and this is highly personal and emotional to me.
2017 is looking like such a good year for releases in terms of diversity (and everything sounds so interesting lol)
Anyway, I always feel horrible because I as an Indian, am never in YA books. Really, I read for enjoyment and all, but I always feel sad that I cannot connect with a character on that much of a personal level since they don't know the issues which I am facing.
When Dimple Met Rishi is one of my top anticipated reads this year since the two main characters are Indian-American and there is a brown!! girl!! on the cover. My heart weeps in joy.
I recently came to know about this book, and I read
Alyssa's review in which she said that the main character is half-Indian and there is Sikh religion in the story.
Now folks. My religion is Sikhism. (google it if you don't know about it lol)
TO have a half-Indian MC as well as my religion in a story is all I could ever want from a YA book and I am SO SO GRATEFUL AND HAPPY RN.
eeeeep!!! I AM SO EXCITED THAT I WILL FINALLY BE ABLE TO RELATE TO SOME STUFF ON THE BASIS OF RELIGION AHHHHHH YESS BLESS THE YA GODS AND JULIE BUXBAUM. -
3.5 stars
I feel like this cover easily fooled 99% of the readers and made them think this is a fluffy summer read. Nope, not even close.
The dialogue was really funny and interesting, I loved reading the conversations between David and Kit and the way their relationship develops throughout the book. I even liked the supporting characters, especially Kit's friends and David's sister. The storyline was really interesting and I loved reading from both David's and Kat's point of view. What kind of downgraded the story for me was the ending honestly. Everything seemed overly dramatic and I just think that a lot of things could've been avoided but were added solely for the dramatic purposes. I've realized over the last year that the "we know from the beginning that there is some huge secret out there" trope is not really my thing, so it's also understandable why I didn't like it when it appeared in this book as well. But overall, What To Say Next was a really great read for me and a great YA book I would recommend to my friends. -
Re-reading a book and not loving as much as the first time is just brutal. The first time I read it, I loved it. I considered it my favorite contemporary of all time. But now that I am revisiting it almost 2 years later, it's flaws are much more overt. I still did really enjoy this though, that I will not deny.
re-read (12/10/21)- 4 stars
original read (2/3/20)- 5 stars
