Scan barcode
phidelia's reviews
446 reviews
Addicted to You by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
And Lo, dear Lo. A portrait of selfless egoism, if there ever was one.
His existence revolved around alcohol and Lily, a poignant reality laid bare. But then something shifts. A glimmer of hope, a dash of strength emerges. In the final chapters something sudden spurred him to battle his demons, advocating for himself and for Lily —it was heartbreakingly beautiful yet SUDDEN. No longer dwelling on familial discord or paternal toxicity, he emerged from the ashes of his past and finally, decided to fight for once.
The relationship between Lo and Lily epitomized toxicity, exemplified when Lo granted Lily permission to stray, cognizant of her struggles. Despite its dysfunction, their bond tugged at heartstrings, a blend of beauty and sacrifice.
A few quotes:
"He kisses my forehead before I can form thoughts, and when he pulls away, his lips brush my ear. “I’m here for you. Always "
"“Lo?” I whisper.
“Yeah?”
“Please…don’t move, okay? »
“I won't”. He wraps his arms around me, keeping me warm on the cold tile."
“Part of me will always believe that we’re past change. Maybe we’ve already accepted that this is how we’ll live and this is how we’ll come to die.”
“We fight one minute and then try to make up the next. It’s why we’ve lasted so long. And I suppose, the fear of losing each other is always stronger than the pain we cause.”
"We may not be good for each other, but sometimes I feel like he’s the only guy who could ever love me."
"I’ve never pretended, Lil. We’ve been together, even if you thought it was some fucking lie."
"We’re terrible at so many things—remembering important dates, college, making friends—but the one thing we’ve always been halfway decent at is being together. We owe it to ourselves to try."
“Wait for me.” The words come out choked and pained. “I need you to wait for me.”
While this story may captivate with its raw portrayal of flawed characters and tumultuous relationships, it is not without its shortcomings.
1. Glorification of Toxicity: The narrative inadvertently romanticizes toxic behaviours and relationships, potentially sending the wrong message to impressionable readers about what constitutes a healthy partnership. Update: It kinda redeems itself towards the end.
2. Lack of Depth in Supporting Characters: While Lo and Lily are intricately portrayed, the supporting characters like Connor and Ryke come off as one-dimensional at times, lacking the same depth and development.
3. Questionable Moral Compass: The characters' actions and choices may push ethical boundaries, making it challenging for some readers to empathize with or root for their redemption arcs.
4. Pacing Issues: The pacing of the story may be a tad bit erratic, with moments of intense drama followed by lulls in the narrative flow, disrupting the overall reading experience. (Atleast for me)
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
2.0
⭐⭐
I'm currently in a weird reading slump, and, I'm totally not sure with this choice of mine.
***
Having already rejected this book purely on reading the blurb, plus, due to my eyes bugging out on seeing the cover, I excused myself out of all those extremely valid reasons and thought- why not?
I thought I'll give it a try only because of a duet I'd read of the same authors'. Poor me. I didn't know what this beheld.
***
Delving into this narrative requires a nuanced understanding—it's no ordinary contemporary romance. The protagonist's flaws and struggles with addiction weren't mere embellishments; they form the core of the characters, steering the plot away from conventional resolutions. What drew me to this book was the upfront knowledge of its complexities, but, the thing which made me lower the rating, was being frustrated yet feeling like I understood the characters' often vexing actions.
TL;DR This was: Toxic. Unbelievable. No-Brainer....uncomfortable
***
The lives of Lo and Lily, while harshly described as debauched and depraved, were grounded in a raw honesty. Childhood friends, their intertwined destinies took a dark turn post-high school, concealing their addictions from their affluent families and masquerading in a faux relationship. Lo battled alcoholism from a tender age, while Lily grappled with a sex addiction since adolescence. After years of deceit, they pondered a genuine relationship, a daring move indeed.
Lily, a paradoxical yet endearing figure, juxtaposed a timid demeanor with an unabashed passion for intimacy.
Lily, oh Lily. A walking contradiction wrapped in allure. Shy and reserved on the outside, a wild storm of desire on the inside. Morally upright? Nah. Her attitude was good towards her loved ones and Lo? Nope, not really. But, really...can you blame her when her every move screams ‘help me’? She's a tangled mess of a person, a soul adrift, a product of a messed-up upbringing that valued facades over feelings. The same could be said for Lo.
I'm currently in a weird reading slump, and, I'm totally not sure with this choice of mine.
***
Having already rejected this book purely on reading the blurb, plus, due to my eyes bugging out on seeing the cover, I excused myself out of all those extremely valid reasons and thought- why not?
I thought I'll give it a try only because of a duet I'd read of the same authors'. Poor me. I didn't know what this beheld.
***
Delving into this narrative requires a nuanced understanding—it's no ordinary contemporary romance. The protagonist's flaws and struggles with addiction weren't mere embellishments; they form the core of the characters, steering the plot away from conventional resolutions. What drew me to this book was the upfront knowledge of its complexities, but, the thing which made me lower the rating, was being frustrated yet feeling like I understood the characters' often vexing actions.
TL;DR This was: Toxic. Unbelievable. No-Brainer....uncomfortable
***
The lives of Lo and Lily, while harshly described as debauched and depraved, were grounded in a raw honesty. Childhood friends, their intertwined destinies took a dark turn post-high school, concealing their addictions from their affluent families and masquerading in a faux relationship. Lo battled alcoholism from a tender age, while Lily grappled with a sex addiction since adolescence. After years of deceit, they pondered a genuine relationship, a daring move indeed.
Lily, a paradoxical yet endearing figure, juxtaposed a timid demeanor with an unabashed passion for intimacy.
Lily, oh Lily. A walking contradiction wrapped in allure. Shy and reserved on the outside, a wild storm of desire on the inside. Morally upright? Nah. Her attitude was good towards her loved ones and Lo? Nope, not really. But, really...can you blame her when her every move screams ‘help me’? She's a tangled mess of a person, a soul adrift, a product of a messed-up upbringing that valued facades over feelings. The same could be said for Lo.
“I liked the high, the rush, and how it seemed to fill an emptiness that kept growing inside of me.”
“Life would make more sense if I happened to be a prodigy in science, art or music. I’d have a direction, a purpose. Then maybe my future wouldn’t look so blank.”
And Lo, dear Lo. A portrait of selfless egoism, if there ever was one.
His existence revolved around alcohol and Lily, a poignant reality laid bare. But then something shifts. A glimmer of hope, a dash of strength emerges. In the final chapters something sudden spurred him to battle his demons, advocating for himself and for Lily —it was heartbreakingly beautiful yet SUDDEN. No longer dwelling on familial discord or paternal toxicity, he emerged from the ashes of his past and finally, decided to fight for once.
The relationship between Lo and Lily epitomized toxicity, exemplified when Lo granted Lily permission to stray, cognizant of her struggles. Despite its dysfunction, their bond tugged at heartstrings, a blend of beauty and sacrifice.
A few quotes:
"He kisses my forehead before I can form thoughts, and when he pulls away, his lips brush my ear. “I’m here for you. Always "
"“Lo?” I whisper.
“Yeah?”
“Please…don’t move, okay? »
“I won't”. He wraps his arms around me, keeping me warm on the cold tile."
“Part of me will always believe that we’re past change. Maybe we’ve already accepted that this is how we’ll live and this is how we’ll come to die.”
“We fight one minute and then try to make up the next. It’s why we’ve lasted so long. And I suppose, the fear of losing each other is always stronger than the pain we cause.”
"We may not be good for each other, but sometimes I feel like he’s the only guy who could ever love me."
"I’ve never pretended, Lil. We’ve been together, even if you thought it was some fucking lie."
"We’re terrible at so many things—remembering important dates, college, making friends—but the one thing we’ve always been halfway decent at is being together. We owe it to ourselves to try."
“Wait for me.” The words come out choked and pained. “I need you to wait for me.”
While this story may captivate with its raw portrayal of flawed characters and tumultuous relationships, it is not without its shortcomings.
1. Glorification of Toxicity: The narrative inadvertently romanticizes toxic behaviours and relationships, potentially sending the wrong message to impressionable readers about what constitutes a healthy partnership. Update: It kinda redeems itself towards the end.
2. Lack of Depth in Supporting Characters: While Lo and Lily are intricately portrayed, the supporting characters like Connor and Ryke come off as one-dimensional at times, lacking the same depth and development.
3. Questionable Moral Compass: The characters' actions and choices may push ethical boundaries, making it challenging for some readers to empathize with or root for their redemption arcs.
4. Pacing Issues: The pacing of the story may be a tad bit erratic, with moments of intense drama followed by lulls in the narrative flow, disrupting the overall reading experience. (Atleast for me)
Wherever You Are by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
I’ve merged Whatever It Takes and Wherever You Are into one review because it’s a duet and there really isn’t a dramatic cliff-hanger at the end of the first book as a lot of people seem to say. The second book is merely a seamless continuation of the story.
⭐ Garrison and Willow finally get their own book after being side characters in the Addicted series. I think you can definitely read this duet without having read the series because I have, and I did not dislike it. These two misfits, Garrison Abbey (a coder/video gamer) and Willow Hale (comic book geek), couldn't be more different, yet somehow they click together like puzzle pieces in a way that's just plain beautiful.
Garrison, the rich juvenile delinquent-slash-troublemaker with a troubled past, and Willow, the shy and socially awkward sister of Loren Hale, come together in a story that's both heart-warming and gut-wrenching. The depths of Garrison's turmoil and the delicate nuances of Willow's reclusive nature paint a canvas of emotions that resonate with authenticity and sincerity. Their connection is so honest and pure, free from all the usual drama you'd expect in a romance novel—no misunderstandings, no lack of communication, no trust issues. It might be a tad-bit unrealistic, but it's just two souls finding each other in the chaos of life.
💫 Now, some folks might gripe about the back-and-forth timeline in the story, but I gotta say, I think it's a cool supplement. Instead of making things confusing, it actually amps up the romance, giving their story a bit of extra depth.
💫 Sure, there's a touch of cliché in there, like in many romance tales, but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't dull the shine of this heartfelt journey.
⭐One star ✯ completely goes for this: Marvel >>> DC
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
“I’m just a girl from Maine who wants a friend from Philadelphia. You’re my friend. I chose you as much as you chose me.” I put my glasses back on to see how reddened his eyes have become. “You’re the second friend I’ve ever had in my whole life, and I’m picky about my friendships. But I chose you.”
⭐ Garrison and Willow finally get their own book after being side characters in the Addicted series. I think you can definitely read this duet without having read the series because I have, and I did not dislike it. These two misfits, Garrison Abbey (a coder/video gamer) and Willow Hale (comic book geek), couldn't be more different, yet somehow they click together like puzzle pieces in a way that's just plain beautiful.
Garrison, the rich juvenile delinquent-slash-troublemaker with a troubled past, and Willow, the shy and socially awkward sister of Loren Hale, come together in a story that's both heart-warming and gut-wrenching. The depths of Garrison's turmoil and the delicate nuances of Willow's reclusive nature paint a canvas of emotions that resonate with authenticity and sincerity. Their connection is so honest and pure, free from all the usual drama you'd expect in a romance novel—no misunderstandings, no lack of communication, no trust issues. It might be a tad-bit unrealistic, but it's just two souls finding each other in the chaos of life.
“Lo says deeply, “One day at a time. Can you do that with me?”
My throat swells. Lights in the kitchen are harsh on my sensitive, swollen eyes. One day at time. I’d reject that fantasy under different stipulations. I’m not made to be by myself. Not wired that way.
And that’s okay, I think.
Because he’s not just saying one day at a time. It’s one day at a time with him.
With someone.
Not alone.
Okay.
Okay.”
💫 Now, some folks might gripe about the back-and-forth timeline in the story, but I gotta say, I think it's a cool supplement. Instead of making things confusing, it actually amps up the romance, giving their story a bit of extra depth.
💫 Sure, there's a touch of cliché in there, like in many romance tales, but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't dull the shine of this heartfelt journey.
⭐One star ✯ completely goes for this: Marvel >>> DC
Whatever It Takes by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
It’s not every day you meet someone that understands the things you love, but somehow I’ve crossed paths with someone who really does.
RTC after complete duet
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
I can't believe I read a book with such a cover...
It’s the oldest story in the world. One day you’re 17 and planning for someday. And then, quietly, and without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life.
It’s the oldest story in the world. One day you’re 17 and planning for someday. And then, quietly, and without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life.
"You’re not dead yet, you know that, right?”
"Do I?"
How many skeletons will I tattoo on my body before I agree with her? Don’t know.
I hold my wrist out to her, palm up. We’ve done this enough that she gets it. She places two fingers to my pulse.
Our eyes don’t break. “Garrison Abbey, you are definitely alive.”
Only around you.
It’s not every day you meet someone that understands the things you love, but somehow I’ve crossed paths with someone who really does.
RTC after complete duet
9 from the Nine Worlds by Rick Riordan
5.0
Really interesting to see all characters perspectives here, plus, who could forget their sarcasm, humor and then how they are perfect as a team. Awesome!
My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga
This book had so, so much potential, on its grounds of relatable characters (Aysel, in particular).
Very personal thoughts:[, and her thoughts were literally almost like mine (eg: physics + depression). I completely understood where she was coming from. I didn't feel very sad, per se, but I definitely did feel like I could relate. Though, don't worry I haven't lost anyone. Maybe I did? Let's forget about me! (hide spoiler)].
Aysel's inner thoughts felt very true to her situation and worked well with a topic as heavy as this.
However, I DID NOT LIKE THE ENDING AT ALL. NOPE. THIS IS WHAT I HATE IN THESE KIND OF BOOKS. I hate the romanticizing of the situation. I hate that "love cures it all." I hate it. I hate it. I freaking hate it. That is not real life. I hate it.
Here, in this book, particularly, the romanticizing didn't work out (sometimes it does, although, but NOT HERE), and I was hoping for more...depth, IDK? (like how she overcame it and actually found some thing worth living for not dying for. That's a huge difference. Trust me, I know.); and, redemption?
And, I get it- seeking for connection is something a lot of people hope for, but nope, not this way.
So, a 2.5 ⭐.
~Non Plus Ultra.~
3.0
This book exactly depicts how it feels to have depression (atleast how it felt like for me JK, I never had depression. No, I had..not. Let's not talk about it-)
Depression is like a heaviness that you can't ever escape. It crushes down on you, making even the smallest things like tying your shoes or chewing on toast seem like a twenty-mile hike uphill. Depression is a part of you; it's in your bones and your blood. If I know anything about it, this is what I know: It's impossible to escape.
What people never understand is that depression isn't about the outside; it's about the inside. Something inside me is wrong. Sure, there are things in my life that make me feel alone, but nothing makes me feel more isolated and terrified than my own voice in my head.
This book had so, so much potential, on its grounds of relatable characters (Aysel, in particular).
Very personal thoughts:[, and her thoughts were literally almost like mine (eg: physics + depression). I completely understood where she was coming from. I didn't feel very sad, per se, but I definitely did feel like I could relate. Though, don't worry I haven't lost anyone. Maybe I did? Let's forget about me! (hide spoiler)].
Aysel's inner thoughts felt very true to her situation and worked well with a topic as heavy as this.
However, I DID NOT LIKE THE ENDING AT ALL. NOPE. THIS IS WHAT I HATE IN THESE KIND OF BOOKS. I hate the romanticizing of the situation. I hate that "love cures it all." I hate it. I hate it. I freaking hate it. That is not real life. I hate it.
Here, in this book, particularly, the romanticizing didn't work out (sometimes it does, although, but NOT HERE), and I was hoping for more...depth, IDK? (like how she overcame it and actually found some thing worth living for not dying for. That's a huge difference. Trust me, I know.); and, redemption?
And, I get it- seeking for connection is something a lot of people hope for, but nope, not this way.
So, a 2.5 ⭐.
~Non Plus Ultra.~
The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
⭐️⭐️💫
There was much less calculus than I hoped for.
RTC
There was much less calculus than I hoped for.
RTC
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
4.0
Post-read:
This has very practical advice, and it makes making and breaking habits look extremely doable. Though I took an incredibly long time to finish this, I think it's totally worth the hype.
Just after...
My brother bought it for a friend, but it came in the "buy one get two" offer, which we didn't notice...oops (considering it came for a lesser price than the previous seller.)
And, so, I ended up reading it, considering everything is in shambles right now - basically, I'm unable to pick any other book.
This has very practical advice, and it makes making and breaking habits look extremely doable. Though I took an incredibly long time to finish this, I think it's totally worth the hype.
Just after...
My brother bought it for a friend, but it came in the "buy one get two" offer, which we didn't notice...oops (considering it came for a lesser price than the previous seller.)
And, so, I ended up reading it, considering everything is in shambles right now - basically, I'm unable to pick any other book.
Heartstopper: Volume 1-4 by Alice Oseman
3.5
I felt like reading it- since I was in reading slump...A friend recommended it to me. Thank you!
It was really sweet, comforting, almost genuine and entertaining. I don't usually read comics or anything which has visual artwork, but this one was really, really cool. I did like how the author touches upon the various issues and it was...uplifting, in a lot of ways.
Often, a lot of novels I've heard of and read-especially, contemporary young adult fiction tends to revolve around the plot being quite centred around just fun romance (a lot of them with repetitive plots and quite shallow except a very handful of them - from the ones I've read), or the flip side-trauma and all that "darkness" that drowns teenagers these days, or the middle- maybe a bit of an entertaining plot - but excessive amounts of swearing, all things not-quite-exactly teenager stuff (but I'm sure all of that does occur to some extent in schools around the world). Instead of relying on all that or just cheap plot twists, this is a simple, heart-warming story with life in it.
It has this optimistic and such a hopeful tone, and the fact that characters can bear burdens and not break under them - fills me with this zeal and enthusiasm for just living and hands the power to change your fate by your own hand. It instils faith that there's always a way and also, coming to terms with self-acceptance as well. It explores real, dark issues - not only the theme of coming out - but a whole lot of other ones - I mean, a huge amount of them - like bullying, self-hate, body image issues, and the general teenager angst ( the other lot-which I kind of suffer(ed) from too ).
But, it was definitely really nice, and maybe a bit unrealistic and just exploration on the top-but maybe that's all is needed sometimes for a spark of change and igniting hope in people.
This novel was liberating, and makes me feel like I can breathe again.
[Personally, I don't usually explore much on the topic on hand (more like I escape from the topic like it's a plague and...some of the issues- are relatable-I don't really tell anyone - like, literally, anyone), and I kind of relate to some issues faced by some characters- in some ways -Okay, I think I should stop. I feel like a lot of us are Charlies in some ways - and we all need a person like Nick either as a friend or as a partner in our lives, or there's a way - let's create an imaginary Nick in our heads 😶🌫️, jk! ]
It was really sweet, comforting, almost genuine and entertaining. I don't usually read comics or anything which has visual artwork, but this one was really, really cool. I did like how the author touches upon the various issues and it was...uplifting, in a lot of ways.
Often, a lot of novels I've heard of and read-especially, contemporary young adult fiction tends to revolve around the plot being quite centred around just fun romance (a lot of them with repetitive plots and quite shallow except a very handful of them - from the ones I've read), or the flip side-trauma and all that "darkness" that drowns teenagers these days, or the middle- maybe a bit of an entertaining plot - but excessive amounts of swearing, all things not-quite-exactly teenager stuff (but I'm sure all of that does occur to some extent in schools around the world). Instead of relying on all that or just cheap plot twists, this is a simple, heart-warming story with life in it.
It has this optimistic and such a hopeful tone, and the fact that characters can bear burdens and not break under them - fills me with this zeal and enthusiasm for just living and hands the power to change your fate by your own hand. It instils faith that there's always a way and also, coming to terms with self-acceptance as well. It explores real, dark issues - not only the theme of coming out - but a whole lot of other ones - I mean, a huge amount of them - like bullying, self-hate, body image issues, and the general teenager angst ( the other lot-which I kind of suffer(ed) from too ).
But, it was definitely really nice, and maybe a bit unrealistic and just exploration on the top-but maybe that's all is needed sometimes for a spark of change and igniting hope in people.
This novel was liberating, and makes me feel like I can breathe again.
[
More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Pre-read :
I'm not sure if I should read this after Letters to the Lost although?
Post-read :
This was great with the character development (Rev's & Emma's), its writing style and the depth in thought with its topics as well. And, I appreciate: all the issues & caution that must be taken with online games or online, in general -are really well-portrayed and handled fine.
But, in my opinion, this second book did not treat its serious subject matter with adequate respect as the first one. Perhaps, if the author had just dialed it back, I would have been more convinced. But the longer the story went on, the more far-fetched it seemed, and then the ending completely ended it all randomly. Many of the plot points in the last section seemed nonsensical to me as well.
There's just too much of pity, grief or sorrow here-like, almost every character must have a tragic past or something.* And, I find too many similarities between Emma & Juliet- both being dislikeable characters (and Dec & Rev)- it's not wrong - I like that these type of characters are represented. (I'm like that myself.) However, why so much emphasis on it!?
I wish the book could've focussed more on Cait as well- and their relationship with their parents, friendships, relationship between Emma & Rev (I'd prefer them as friends tbh- & I would love to see it developed, instead of just instant romance) and stuff like that, instead of hosting a pity party throughout.
It was- (please don't hate me for this)- honestly-tiring, repetitive and so predictable. (Or maybe it's just me?) However, somethings were very emotionally relatable despite all this.
I also wish the mystery aspect of this novel was more developed and given more emphasis. (On Nightmare...)
I also wish the author could've tied up some loose ends (like what happened between Emma & her father?)
I also wish I hadn't wasted my sleep on this. Or time.
*sigh* I wish too much....
*This is a trope (it IS a trope) I've observed in a lot of YA books- the grief, sorrow, pity, cynical, tortured, abused- (I'm glad they are represented sometimes well but sometimes not so much) OR just a fluffy romance with personal problems given a huge, skewed emphasis. I feel like there should be a lot more focus on the plot. And, my problem with first-person perspective in YA fiction arises from this.
I'm not sure if I should read this after Letters to the Lost although?
Post-read :
This was great with the character development (Rev's & Emma's), its writing style and the depth in thought with its topics as well. And, I appreciate: all the issues & caution that must be taken with online games or online, in general -are really well-portrayed and handled fine.
But, in my opinion, this second book did not treat its serious subject matter with adequate respect as the first one. Perhaps, if the author had just dialed it back, I would have been more convinced. But the longer the story went on, the more far-fetched it seemed, and then the ending completely ended it all randomly. Many of the plot points in the last section seemed nonsensical to me as well.
There's just too much of pity, grief or sorrow here-like, almost every character must have a tragic past or something.* And, I find too many similarities between Emma & Juliet- both being dislikeable characters (and Dec & Rev)- it's not wrong - I like that these type of characters are represented. (I'm like that myself.) However, why so much emphasis on it!?
I wish the book could've focussed more on Cait as well- and their relationship with their parents, friendships, relationship between Emma & Rev (I'd prefer them as friends tbh- & I would love to see it developed, instead of just instant romance) and stuff like that, instead of hosting a pity party throughout.
It was- (please don't hate me for this)- honestly-tiring, repetitive and so predictable. (Or maybe it's just me?) However, somethings were very emotionally relatable despite all this.
I also wish the mystery aspect of this novel was more developed and given more emphasis. (On Nightmare...)
I also wish the author could've tied up some loose ends (like what happened between Emma & her father?)
I also wish I hadn't wasted my sleep on this. Or time.
*sigh* I wish too much....
*This is a trope (it IS a trope) I've observed in a lot of YA books- the grief, sorrow, pity, cynical, tortured, abused- (I'm glad they are represented sometimes well but sometimes not so much) OR just a fluffy romance with personal problems given a huge, skewed emphasis. I feel like there should be a lot more focus on the plot. And, my problem with first-person perspective in YA fiction arises from this.