Okay, so I posted my “Books Read in May” list, and I left one off. On purpose. Because it needs its own post.
The List, by Melanie Jacobson. This is a perfect ice-cream sundae sort of a book, and I love it. I read it during Melanie’s edits, and I loved it then. I was absolutely no help to her at all, because I was pretty much just, “Oh, hey – this is adorable. I laughed out loud here. Your characters are excellent.” Which, although nice to hear, is not much in the way of useful. (*Side note: I am getting much better at the beta-reader/editing suggestions business. FYI*)
But this past week I was able to read The List again, in all its printed glory, with its perfect and adorable cover, which screams “Gidget” to me (*happy sigh*). When the book came out, many friends asked Melanie if this book wasn’t just really all about her. Which it IS NOT. Melanie Jacobson is not Ashley Barrett. (Melanie is a few years older than Ashley.) And also, Melanie has no desire to skydive. Ever. But the wit? The charm? The fashion sense? The good hair? The banter? The sass? The willingness to try online dating? Oh, yeah. You can be forgiven for mistaking the two.
See, the story goes like this: Ashley Barrett has a few things she wants to accomplish before succumbing to a Mormon Girl’s Matrimonial Fate. And she intends to get them all done. Hence the list – and the adorablilty that ensues when surfer-hottie Matt Gibson stands with one foot on either side of the line – helping her cross off several items, or derailing her altogether from her plans.
It’s fun. It’s funny. The dialog is snappy, real, and hilarious. The characters are those people you wanted to be in college and beyond — or those you wanted to date, or, here and there, those you wanted to slap. The List makes me want to buy shoes, and walk on the pier, and eat steak, and hold hands on the beach. All at the same time.
If you don’t already visit Mel’s blog on a regular basis, hey — do yourself a favor and stop by. I’ll make it easy for you. CLICK THIS LINK.
Yea, Melanie. Once again, you’ve brought me a big smile and hours of happy. Thanks. XO
(12) Comments for this blog
What the what? Hahahahaha! I had no idea you were doing this but I LOVE it. I thought when you didn’t say much after looking at it that it meant you were like, “It’s fine.” Which is totally okay with me. But I was delighted by your comment on my blog the other day and I’m beyond thrilled to see this today. SO FUN!
What the what? Hahahahaha! I had no idea you were doing this but I LOVE it. I thought when you didn’t say much after looking at it that it meant you were like, “It’s fine.” Which is totally okay with me. But I was delighted by your comment on my blog the other day and I’m beyond thrilled to see this today. SO FUN!
I just bought this and can’t wait to read it!
I just bought this and can’t wait to read it!
Can I get Belle’s take on this one? I find her voice to be similar to my own. Perhaps we share a maturity level.
Can I get Belle’s take on this one? I find her voice to be similar to my own. Perhaps we share a maturity level.
Great review, Becca. I would like to read it!
Great review, Becca. I would like to read it!
THE LIST should be on everyone’s list. The dialogue slays me and I reluctantly admit to some tears at the end. But I could see some of Melanie’s sass and wit in Ashley for sure. =D
THE LIST should be on everyone’s list. The dialogue slays me and I reluctantly admit to some tears at the end. But I could see some of Melanie’s sass and wit in Ashley for sure. =D
Love The List. Love this review. Makes me want to read it again right now.
Love The List. Love this review. Makes me want to read it again right now.