When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

Summary:

Reminiscent of the movie Say Anything, a debut novel for all those searching for The One!

Sara and Tobey couldn't be more different. She is focused on getting into her first-choice college; he wants to win Battle of the Bands. Sara's other goal is to find true love, so when Dave, a popular jock, asks her out, she's thrilled. But then there's Tobey. His amazing blue eyes and quirky wit always creep into her thoughts. It just so happens that one of Tobey's goals is also to make Sara fall in love with him. Told in alternating points of view, Sara and Tobey's real connection will have everyone rooting for them from the minute they meet! (from Goodreads)

Review:

You know, this book wasn't half bad. I've never read anything by Susane Colasanti before this, and she did a pretty good job capturing the sweet romance and teenage perspective on life. It took me a little time to actually get into When It Happens; the first 30 pages weren't that great and I kind of wanted to stop reading. But then I decided to give the book a chance and started liking it much better as I kept reading.

In the beginning, Sara starts dating Dave, who seems perfect: popular, cute, on the football team. But in reality he's kind of a jerk and is an extremely shallow character. And while Sara is trying to figure out what to do with Dave, she starts talking to Tobey, the quiet musician who's a bit of slacker (which is opposite of Sara's valedictorian-esque mania for getting good grades. Just joking, that's how I was (and still am)). I liked that Tobey takes matters into his own hands and starts popping up whereever Sara is. For example, he asks to switch partners in music class so he can be partners with Sara - I thought it was kind of cute, even though it does sound a little creepy.

What I liked about Tobey was that he changes his slacker ways and starts focusing on his schoolwork and future a little more. It was nice seeing good changes occuring due to a girlfriend's influence. Too many books have a girl ruining her life because she's dating some guy who tells her what to do all the time. This book showed the positive things that can happen when you let good people into your life.

One thing I didn't like was that when the book changed points-of view between Tobey and Sara sometimes we got the same scene from each other's perspective. Sometimes that was nice, but at times it was a little repetitive.

There isn't much more to say on When It Happens. It was a fairly good read - not my favorite book ever, but I would recommend to someone wanting a sweet romance. It definitely fits the bill.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

FTC: borrowed from library.

2006/ Viking Juvenile/320 pages.