The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Publisher: Knoph Books for Young Readers (May 10th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 208 pages
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
High school junior Nick Brandt is intent on getting a girlfriend, and Eden Reiss is the one that he wants. He has exactly four semesters to get the girl, but when the phone rings on an otherwise ordinary Tuesday night, life for Nick and his parents will never be the same. What had been a seemingly idyllic home life has become something else entirely. But with this shake-up comes a newfound confidence for Nick; he's become a bolder version of himself, no longer afraid to question his parents, and no longer afraid to talk to Eden.Alyssa B. Sheinmel has written a powerfully gripping story about family secrets, falling in love, and finding luck in unexpected--and sometimes unwelcome—circumstances.
Review: This was my first time reading a book by Alyssa B. Sheinmel and it did not disappoint! I rarely get the chance to read a book from a boys point of view. This one pulled that off beautifully! It's from the point-of-view of Nick, a 16-year-old boy who seems to have a typical high school life. He has a best friend, a crush, and a loving family.
Nick slowly pursues Eden (the crush) and it's adorable to watch their relationship progress. They had that nice, romantic connection that helps the reader really get to know each character. I honestly loved Eden. She was a strong young girl, with a sweet personality and a fierce love for Nick. She honestly cared about him deeply and their relationship was more than puppy love.
Nick was a great character. Alyssa did a great job getting into the mind of a teenage boy. Nick was frustrating at times because he seemed to displace his anger, which is something most guys do. His anger stemmed from a secret he discovered his father was keeping. It wasn't something horrific, but it threw Nick's world upside down. Everything he thought he knew about his parents was then questioned.
I have to mention another character I absolutely loved, Stevie. Stevie is the best friend of Nick and he was perfect! Not perfect as in nothing was wrong with him, but he was the picture perfect representation of a great best friend. He was funny, interesting, caring, and a great addition to this story. He was able to give Nick some insight when he was unable to see past his anger.
This story was wonderful and although I felt the ending left some things hanging, it was a very well-rounded book. It really opened up the life of Nick and allowed us to see how one moment can change every other aspect of a life. The Lucky Kind is full of intense emotion, teenage drama, and a level of love from friends and family rarely seen in young adult novels.
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