- ISBN-13: 9780670012251
- Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
- Publication date: May 2012
- Format: Hardcover, 224 pgs
- Source: Personal Library
Wow, I couldn't believe that it has been two months since I had last posted my last review. Two months! I sure miss writing here and sharing my thoughts with you on the books I read. I have to confess I rarely have the time to read during the past two months due to some work issues (probably another post?) but I'm glad to say that my reading pattern would now change as I have more free time to read since I'm not working, at least for the moment.
Anyways, back to the review. Let me say I just loved this book! After reading Susane Colasanti's previous novel, Waiting for You, I have fallen in love with her writing style and on top of that, she totally captures the teenage voice and I felt I was living as a teen once again reading her books.
Keep Holding On is not your typical YA romance. Sure, it has a romance theme but this story is actually about sixteen-year-old Noelle's transformation from being a victim to school bullies to a victor who encourages fellow students not to allow haters/bullies to stop them from moving forward and then of course, never to give up of their life and dreams. Noelle's transformation is not easy as for starters, she is raised by a single parent (her mom) who is selfish and always blame Noelle for the life they live in, thinking that if she didn't have Noelle right after high school, she could have gone to college and had a real career instead of making minimum wage at a job she can't stand.
Noelle also has to endure the teasing by her fellow classmates due to her poor lunches and the way she dressed. And worst of all, she thinks she has found a boyfriend who could see the real her but in actual fact, he is merely two-timing her and refuses to let anyone knew of their relationship. However, Noelle's life is not all that bad and unfortunate as she has a best friend and a guy named Julian who really care about her. It is up to Noelle to make the first step to stand up for herself and to keep holding on anything that would make her happy, including accepting Julian into her life, whom she once thinks she is not good enough for him.
Keep Holding On is a great inspiring read and would motivate any teenagers (especially teenagers who think they could not fit in would be able to relate to this story) after reading Noelle's journey. Another thing I liked about this story is Julian; he simply melts my heart and that is all I have to say about him.
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This is one that I want to read myself. I like this author and she really seems to go over very well with the YA girls!
Good to see you Melody!!! I am not a HUGE reader of YA but I enjoy it once in awhile when I find something that makes me feel like a teenager again, which is a testament to the writing. So many YA books just make me roll my eyes! Haha.
This sounds sweet. I enjoy YA from time to time.
Glad to see you blogging again Mel!