Book Review: Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald

Getting Over Garrett Delaney

By Abby McDonald 

Release Date: January 24, 2012

Summary: Can a twelve-step program help Sadie kick her unrequited crush for good? Abby McDonald serves up 
her trademark wit and wisdom in a hilarious new novel.

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly onesided. The object of her obsession - ahem, affection - is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie's
feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett's constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock
- all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder - until he calls to say he's fallen in love. With some other girl! A
heartbroken Sadie realizes that she's finally had enough. It's time for total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized selfhelp
guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

Review: Hmmmm where to start? This book was so much fun! I'm a sucker for any YA contemporary books and Abby McDonald created such a lovable story full of fun characters and a storyline anyone can relate to. 

Sadie has been in love with Garret ever since he walked into a coffee shop two years ago and became her best friend. Since then, they've bonded over literature, philosophy, and poetry while Garrett dates every single girl in school. Well, except for Sadie. I think every girl can relate to Sadie's situation and it's impossible not to feel for her when she has to fulfill her BFF duties for the love of her life. 

Sadie is such an awesome person; she's funny, sarcastic, and just your average teenage girl. I loved her from the first page and was rooting for her 12 step "Get Over Garrett" plan all the way. When Garrett leaves for his literary camp, leaving Sadie all alone during the summer, Sadie really finds who she is as a person. She no longer has Garrett to obsess over or impress and she can finally decide what SHE wants for a change. And her coworkers are so awesome! Everyone at the coffee shop are so unique yet they all fit together like some sort of family. Despite just meeting Sadie, they're her support system in finally getting over Garret. 

This is definitely not the most insightful book you'll ever read, but for true YA contemporary fans, Getting Over Garrett Delaney is freaking awesome. The story is fun, the characters are lovable, and the message is so relatable. Though this was a quick read, I just couldn't put it down until it was finished. I love how this isn't another perfect romance book where the characters instantly fall in love with one another. It's a book about rejection, moving on, and focusing on yourself rather than that certain someone you keep on wishing will fall in love with you. I would definitely recommend this for YA fans and anyone who has had to mend a broken heart.