The Truth About You and Me
By: Amanda Grace
Expected Publication: September 8th 2013 by Flux
264 pages
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!)
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Goodreads description--Smart girls aren't supposed to do stupid things.Madelyn Hawkins is super smart. At sixteen, she's so gifted that she can attend college through a special program at her high school. On her first day, she meets Bennet. He's cute, funny, and kind. He understands Madelyn and what she's endured - and missed out on - in order to excel academically and please her parents. Now, for the first time in her life, she's falling in love.
There's only one problem. Bennet is Madelyn's college professor, and he thinks she's eighteen - because she hasn't told him the truth.
The story of their forbidden romance is told in letters that Madelyn writes to Bennet - both a heart-searing ode to their ill-fated love and an apology.
The Truth About You and Me sparked my radar because I love stories about couples with an age gap. My husband and I have 12 years in between us and so I guess I just really relate to these types of stories. Add to that the forbidden aspect of a teacher/student relationship and you've got yourself an equation for scandal and angst.
The Truth About You and Me is written in the style of Madelyn, our sixteen-year old MC, writing a couple of letters to Bennet, the professor. From very early on Madelyn lets us know that this story involves her relationship with Bennet being discovered, so the reader is alerted that this story may not have a happy ending. I thought that where the description says that "their forbidden romance is told through letters that Madelyn writes to Bennet," that these would be love letters passed back and forth between the two, and thus the reader experiences their relationship. While that's kind of the case, it's not actually the way the impression leads you to believe. The letters are written AFTER the relationship has been discovered, not before or during the building of the relationship.
Madelyn is very much sixteen years old. She thinks like a sixteen year old and she feels like a sixteen year old. It's almost difficult to understand how Bennet could possibly not know she was younger. Aside from that, I had a hard time understanding what Bennet saw in Madelyn. It was obvious why Madelyn was attracted to and grew to develop deeper feelings for Bennet over time, but I just never really got why Bennet was in this relationship. I guess maybe Madelyn didn't know the answer to this question herself and so the readers doesn't know either. Because Madelyn was sixteen I found it harder to connect to some of her issues and frustrations. And I think her parents would be more understanding than she gave them credit for.
More than anything, The Truth About You and Me was a coming of age story. I've only found myself using that phrase a handful of times, and each time that's because I find myself thinking "what in the world was the point of this book?" and even questioning whether I wasted my time reading it or not. So I solve that problem by saying "this is a coming of age story" because the main character learns about herself and about life despite how I felt about the way everything ended.
That last paragraph came off a little harsh I think. I did enjoy The Truth About You and Me, and I read it in almost one sitting, but less than 24 hours for sure. Fans of "coming of age" stories will enjoy this one. I'm giving The Truth About You and Me 3 Stars. Have you read The Truth About You and Me? What did you think? Let me know!
I gave this one 3 stars, too. I loved the writing, and the concept was pretty good too. Even though I was 16 when I read this (just a few months ago) I still didn't quite understand Madelyn :P I liked this one better than I thought I would, which was surprising. Great review, Sandy :)
ReplyDeleteRicha @ City of Books
I haven't read this one yet. It sounds interesting, and books-in-letters are always intriguing. :)
ReplyDeleteWell that makes me feel a little better than even a 16 year old had a hard time understanding Maddie (makes me feel not so old). Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
ReplyDeleteYes, that's what I thought too. But I think the concept is better than the execution! Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this one too! Although it wasn't my favorite, it was really good and I liked see Madelyn grown and learn from her mistakes. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review
Yeah, I think it was pretty middle of the road. Character growth is what saved this one from being a 2 Star for me! Great point! And thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot of the same about this book. I was hoping this would be a good read. It sounds fantastic but from what you all say... I won't be picking it up. I love stories like this but I have the hardest time with the younger girl. They always act their age and then your like wtf dude how are you with this child. THANKS FOR SHARING!
ReplyDeleteJesus Freak Reader</a
Thank you for the review, Sandy! Teacher-student romances tend to make me uneasy, to be honest. Even if the teacher doesn't realize the student is underage (and I'm with you there -- surely the older one would figure it out eventually?), there's still the whole issue of power and inequality... though to be fair, in real life, some people do find each other that way and go on to create a good, solid relationship. Still, given that you also have some reservations about the book's execution, I don't think I'll pick it up.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hate that it didn't turn out as good as it sounded. :( Oh well. At least you can spend your time reading better books--not that it was bad, just not the best. And thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteOh this book would definitely make you uncomfortable then. Teach was totally oblivious and the MC didn't speak up when it mattered the most. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDelete