The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl

2.5 stars

This was... fine. Not bad or anything, but nothing really to recommend it either.

I received a copy of this book through Net Galley.

“It's way too much pressure, choosing someone, having someone else's life and whatnot mashed in with yours, when you don't even know what you're doing with your own stuff.”

I started out think this book was charming and fairly enjoyable but nothing really special. No, it's not all that original in the overall plot, but it has so much character and heart that I couldn't help but love it. Solid 4.5 stars here, for me.

The characters are distinctive and just plain fun to be around, there's a kindness and warmth to these characters and their relationships that I really appreciated. Alba, Grady, and most of the supporting cast (though especially Alba) feel real, and they're so easily likable that you're along for the ride from the first chapter. This is a very light read, but it has some surprising emotional heft at times, due in large part to the authenticity of the characters and their world. Plus, it has a nicely-realized theme of uncertainty about the future that is MUCH more relatable than, “so many boys are in love with me and also I'm the chosen one.” I really liked this one!