Review:
GIRL AGAINST THE UNIVERSE is about a girl, Maguire, figuring out her life and place in the universe that has dealt her a lot of leveling blows. Seems somber and morose, but with Paula Stokes' wit and genius, Maguire becomes a sarcastic and genuine character that worked her way into my heart by the second chapter.
The relationship between Maguire and Jordy was definitely the best part for me - and not just because I am a diehard romantic. I love the way Stokes let it build and crescendo naturally. It never felt forced or fake, and when there were problems - significant problems - they didn't just smile and accept it. Multiple times they walked away and had to come back and work things out.
While, yes, there is a romance (and a great one at that) in GATU, it's more about Maguire finding herself and learning about herself; what she can change and can't change. Watching Maguire as she set goals for herself and worked through her issues always gave me a sense of hope. We all have our own universe we're trying to overcome.
Stokes is a brilliant writer who is able to seamlessly blend humor and heart to captivate her audience.
Maguire is bad luck.
No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time the rollercoaster jumped off its tracks. Or the time the house next door caught on fire. Or that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash—and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch.
It’s safest for Maguire to hide out in her room, where she can cause less damage and avoid meeting new people who she could hurt. But then she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star. Jordy is confident, talented, and lucky, and he’s convinced he can help Maguire break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for Jordy is to stay away. But it turns out staying away is harder than she thought.
From author Paula Stokes comes a funny and poignant novel about accepting the past, embracing the future, and learning to make your own luck.
No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time the rollercoaster jumped off its tracks. Or the time the house next door caught on fire. Or that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash—and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch.
It’s safest for Maguire to hide out in her room, where she can cause less damage and avoid meeting new people who she could hurt. But then she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star. Jordy is confident, talented, and lucky, and he’s convinced he can help Maguire break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for Jordy is to stay away. But it turns out staying away is harder than she thought.
From author Paula Stokes comes a funny and poignant novel about accepting the past, embracing the future, and learning to make your own luck.
LINKS:
Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
The Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/
ABOUT PAULA STOKES:
Paula Stokes writes stories about flawed characters with good hearts who sometimes make bad decisions. She’s the author of several YA novels, most recently Girl Against the Universe and Liars, Inc. Her writing has been translated into eleven foreign languages. Paula loves kayaking, hiking, reading, and seeking out new adventures in faraway lands She also loves interacting with readers. Find her online at authorpaulastokes.com or on twitter as @pstokesbooks.
LINKS:
Tour Schedule:
Week 1:
5/16: Reading Teen - Review
5/20: Fiction Fare - Review
Week 2:
5/23: Bookiemoji - Playlist
Giveaway:
1 - $25 B&N gift card, or in the event of an INT winner, choice of one book from The Book Depository or Wordery.
2 - Swag pack winners
I loved the romance but I was so happy that it was not used as a magical cure for either of their problems!
ReplyDeleteI just got this book in my uppercase box and i'm so excited to finally read it! I think the time I felt the most lucky was when I won the Kentucky Derby in 2009. :)
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really good, I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI feel really lucky having married my best friend. The best thing that has happened to me!!!
ReplyDelete"Stokes is a brilliant writer who is able to seamlessly blend humor and heart to captivate her audience." YEs, yes, yes! I love the humor <3 And the fact that there's no insta-love, but more like a "you're nice. Let's get to know each other"-kinda thing.
ReplyDeleteI like that the romance is more of a side detail, and that the story focuses on the main character's changes.
ReplyDeleteDianna