How to Be Brave by E. Katherine Kottaras Published by St. Martin's Press on November 3rd 2015
Genres: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 288
Format: Kindle
Source: Netgalley
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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An emotional contemporary YA novel about love, loss, and having the courage to chase the life you truly want.Reeling from her mother's death, Georgia has a choice: become lost in her own pain, or enjoy life right now, while she still can. She decides to start really living for the first time and makes a list of fifteen ways to be brave - all the things she's wanted to do but never had the courage to try. As she begins doing the things she's always been afraid to do - including pursuing her secret crush, she discovers that life doesn't always go according to plan. Sometimes friendships fall apart and love breaks your heart. But once in a while, the right person shows up just when you need them most - and you learn that you're stronger and braver than you ever imagined.
In an Oyster Shell – A coming of age read that will leave you satisfied.
The Pearls – I don’t often comment much about the cover of books. This cover – however, is so poetic to the content of the book. It’s bright and colorful and artsy just like the main character. The story with the cover in itself, make a piece of art.
The main character was likable. The supporting characters really challenged her and made the story interesting. It was a strong cast of characters.
I liked the theme of this book, being brave and trying new things but sometimes those things come with consequences. The MC learns this and owns it in the end. I think this book comes with a very powerful message.
The Sand – The tone of the book fell flat for me.
3.5 Pearls!
About E. Katherine Kottaras
E. Katherine Kottaras is originally from Chicago, but now she writes and teaches in the Los Angeles area. She holds an M.A. in English from the University of California, Irvine and teaches writing and literature at Pasadena City College. She is at her happiest when she is either 1) at the playground with her husband and daughter and their wonderful community of friends, 2) breathing deeply in a full handstand, or 3) writing.
Her debut YA contemporary novel, HOW TO BE BRAVE, is forthcoming from St. Martin’s Press (November 3, 2015). Her second book is tentatively set for a 2016 release.
