Book Review: We are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

Summary:

Nell worships her older sister, Layla. They're one unit, intertwined: Nellayla. As Nell and her best friend, Felix, start their freshman year in high school, on Layla's turf, there's so much Nell looks forward to: Joining Layla on the varsity soccer team. Parties. Boys. Adventures.
   But the year takes a very different turn.
   Layla is changing, withdrawing. She's hiding something, and when Nell discovers what it is, and the consequences it might have, she struggles. She wants to support Layla, to be her confidante, to be the good sister she's always been. But with so much at stake, what secrets should she keep? What lies should she tell?
   Award-winning young adult author Dana Reinhardt explores questions of loyalty, love, and betrayal in this provocative and intimate novel.

Release Date: May 27, 2014

Age Group: YA
Source: review copy from publisher
Reviewed by: Madi B

Review:

I really loved this book. Its whole writing style was beautiful and lyrical and a little dark. It was like I was reading art. I really liked the characters---well, most of them---and the book was balanced. I really liked how this book was serious but still funny. I busted out laughing multiple times. (Yeah...slightly embarrassing).

There’s this big secret in the book that I figured out before the main character did. (It wasn’t that hard!) It was frustrating because Nell would be all “I wonder what’s going on” and I would be sitting there like “IT’S RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!” Not so fun.

I really loved all the love stories in this book. (Oh yeah. PLURAL) The whole plot was well thought out and not too rushed but not too slow either. I really liked how the whole book is basically a really long letter to her sister. It was different and cool: two thumbs up to Reinhardt for this aspect of the story.

I loved the ending. Like super loved it. I really really want to talk about it but I don’t want to spoil anything so if you read the book email me or something.

Overall I loved this book. The writing style was artful, different, and basically awesome. I loved the characters and the plot.