Review: Don’t Stop Now

July 4, 2011

Summary: On the first day of Lillian’s summer-before-college, she gets a message on her cell from her sort-of friend, Penny. Not only has Penny faked her own kidnapping, but Lil is the only one who figures it out. She knows that Penny’s home life has been rough, and that her boyfriend may be abusive. Soon, Penny’s family, the local police, and even the FBI are grilling Lil, and she decides to head out to Oregon, where Penny has mentioned an acquaintance. And who better to road-trip across the country with than Lil’s BFF, Josh. But here’s the thing: Lil loves Josh. And Josh doesn’t want to “ruin” their amazing friendship.

Josh has a car and his dad’s credit card. Lil has her cellphone and a hunch about where Penny is hiding. There’s something else she needs to find: Are she and Josh meant to be together?

My Thoughts: While this is an enjoyable read with likable characters, I did have some minor issues with this book. Unfortunately, discussing said issues could result in some spoilers. So, first I shall attempt to talk about non-spoiler things.

This book is not so much plot-driven as it is character-driven. While there is a plot, the main focus is on Lil. And on Josh. Tiny peeks at Penny, whose perspective we get in small snippets. I kinda liked that, the glimpse into her psyche. I think it was important, because otherwise she’s not a very likable character. Without those glimpses into her life, it’s easy to dismiss her as a psycho. With the tiny pieces we get, it’s clear to see that something’s wrong and she’s desperate to break free.

I thought Josh was great. Sure, he wanted to avoid responsibility, live life on his own terms, etc. But isn’t that pretty normal for 18-year-old boys? I think Lil’s expectations are a bit higher than what is reasonable. Plus, does she push him the way she does because she’s jealous of the way his father provides so much without much thought to it? Josh and Lil’s friendship is easy and fun. It was fun to read their inside jokes – many of which I, as a native Chicagoan, could completely understand.

Spoilers

Lil and Josh are cute together. Awesome friendship, and a lot of fun to read. I did get tired of her frequent pining for sex with Josh. Not Josh himself, but sex with him. Here I thought going into it that she was madly in love with him, but I think it’s more that she’s madly in lust with him. She wants sex with him, and not necessarily any more. And then once she finally gets what she wants, it’s like she’s over it. It’s almost like she’s become the “stereotypical guy” in the relationship.

Once they find Penny, I had a problem with the idea that something could happen between Lil and Ethan. I think it’s cool that she knows someone heading away to a school far from home, but I don’t like that she’s already imagining the romantic possibilities. It’s like once she finally gets what she has wanted for four years, she no longer wants it. I felt bad for Josh – and for Penny. It’s like Lil has no regards to whether Penny wants more than just friendship with Ethan, and no regards for how Josh might view his and her relationship now that they’ve slept together.

For what it’s worth, Lil does grow up. A lot, actually. She learns some things about herself, and some things about what she wants out of life. I did really like seeing that. I just wish she’d handled herself a little better.

I didn’t like that we don’t see much after Lil and Josh return. Are we to take what her parents say via the phone at face value? Are we to believe that’s what transpires once she returns? Shouldn’t there be legal repercussions? I mean, they kinda figure out that she faked it. Don’t they prosecute usually? I dunno. And what about Gavin? Please tell me she doesn’t get back together with him. She’s glimpsed life without – and hopefully she really does break free.

Source: Received through Around The World Tours for review.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Challenges: Counts for the 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge.

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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