By Dana Schwartz
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Unfortunately, Nora's mother, Alice, is less than thrilled about the trip. She worries about what the future holds for her young, idealistic daughter and her opinions haven't gone unnoticed. Nora couldn't feel more unsupported by her mother, and in the weeks leading up to the trip, the women are as disconnected as they've ever been. But seconds after saying goodbye to Alice at the airport terminal, Nora hears a voice call out: "Wait! Stop! I'm coming with you!"
Seriously, who doesn't love a book about traveling to Europe? I was so excited to pick up this book, especially since our main character is an artist and has to complete certain projects for her Grandfather during her trip. I couldn't wait to see what she created and what she discovered on her trip!
With a strained relationship at home with her mom and her father getting remarried, Nora Holmes can't wait to take off across the world and immerse herself in an art experience she'll never forget. Nora has dreamed of going to art school and being an artist like her grandfather, but her mother has never taken her art seriously. As Nora is walking got her gate to take off on her grand adventure, she hears someone calling her name. Her mother has decided to join her. How is Nora supposed to be independent with her mom behind her at every step?
When I picked up this book, I was so excited that we actually had some parents in a YA novel. Normally, parents are MIA and the main characters are allowed to run around and do whatever they want. I don't know what kind of childhood you guys had, but my parents were definitely around and definitely had some rules. While mine never followed me on a trip last minute, I definitely connected with Nora in the sense that her mom was around and was trying to be a part of her life. While Nora did act a little immature at times, it's because she was. When you're annoyed with your parents, you may start to get a little whiney and short with them, which makes you seem mean and immature. It's just how that relationship works, especially when you're a teen with an already strained relationship with your mother like Nora was. I thought her mom was a little excessively not understanding (especially with the mean things she said about her art), but I guess that was necessary for the plot line the author was going for.
Aside from the main relationship, I really loved Nora's trip and how her grandfather gave her certain assignments. I wanted to hop on a plane myself and visit all of the gorgeous (and not so gorgeous) places that Nora visited. This was definitely a quick read and gave you a realistic look at a mother/daughter relationship while throwing in some art and travel.
With a strained relationship at home with her mom and her father getting remarried, Nora Holmes can't wait to take off across the world and immerse herself in an art experience she'll never forget. Nora has dreamed of going to art school and being an artist like her grandfather, but her mother has never taken her art seriously. As Nora is walking got her gate to take off on her grand adventure, she hears someone calling her name. Her mother has decided to join her. How is Nora supposed to be independent with her mom behind her at every step?
When I picked up this book, I was so excited that we actually had some parents in a YA novel. Normally, parents are MIA and the main characters are allowed to run around and do whatever they want. I don't know what kind of childhood you guys had, but my parents were definitely around and definitely had some rules. While mine never followed me on a trip last minute, I definitely connected with Nora in the sense that her mom was around and was trying to be a part of her life. While Nora did act a little immature at times, it's because she was. When you're annoyed with your parents, you may start to get a little whiney and short with them, which makes you seem mean and immature. It's just how that relationship works, especially when you're a teen with an already strained relationship with your mother like Nora was. I thought her mom was a little excessively not understanding (especially with the mean things she said about her art), but I guess that was necessary for the plot line the author was going for.
Aside from the main relationship, I really loved Nora's trip and how her grandfather gave her certain assignments. I wanted to hop on a plane myself and visit all of the gorgeous (and not so gorgeous) places that Nora visited. This was definitely a quick read and gave you a realistic look at a mother/daughter relationship while throwing in some art and travel.
Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) copies of And We’re Off by Dana Schwartz (ARV: $17.99 each).
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on May 1, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 15, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about May 24, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
About the Author
Dana Schwartz is a writer whose work has appeared in the New Yorker, Mental Floss, the Guardian, the New York Observer, MTV News, and VICE. When she's not on Twitter as one of her parody accounts (@GuyInYourMFA and @DystopianYA), she's on Twitter as herself (@DanaSchwartzzz), sharing far too much personal information to ever pull off the Thomas-Pynchon-reclusive-author thing. She currently lives in New York City.
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Great review! You really understand teens. I also enjoy active adults/parents in YA because these relationships are important for teens to read about too.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! And I've never really thought about the parents in YA usually being MIA in books but now that I think about it they are the majority of the time!
ReplyDelete