Hands down, one of the best YA books I’ve read in a long time! This story completely blew me anyway. I’ve never read anything like it! I have to say, I adore contemporary YA but it’s so hard for me to find a story of this genre that really sucks me in. I did not have that problem at all with this book. I actually found myself not being able to put it down!

You won’t forget characters like India, Finn, and Eloise. I felt so much for each of them. Their problems felt to realistic and I loved the friendship they formed with one another.

I’m a romance whore but this is way more than a romance, however, the romance that it did have? Gahh, swoon!!!Finn and India really brought on all the feels. #FinndiaForever!
Finn was so brooding at first that you just can’t help but want to get to know him. I fell so hard for him!

Samantha Young is a fantastic writer and even better storyteller. I was so caught up in this story that I never wanted it to end. The Impossible Vastness of Us is a truly unique, unforgettable, emotional read. This is definitely a book that will stick with me for a long time.

Young is one of my favorite authors and I would not be mad if she continued to write any more contemporary young adult. *hint hint*

A great coming of age story about acceptance, survival, trust and love.

The main characters of this book were India, Eloise and Finn. Each with their own secrets they learn to depend on each other to cope with them.

Every character was complex, down to the parents and their friends in school. I was drawn to all of them. Even though this is considered an YA book I didn’t get that vibe. The story could have been told as a NA book and it would have just been as good.

Please don’t go into this thinking that just because it is a YA book that it won’t be as good as all of Samantha’s more contemporary books, you would be wrong. There are no over the top sex scenes or better no sex scenes at all, but this story really didn’t need them. You still feel the intensity of certain scenes.

The only negative thing I would have to say about this book is that there is no epilogue. I wanted to see what became of these characters after school finished. Maybe Samantha will get to write for these characters again as grownups.

I’m NOT a big reader of Young Adult Romance...it might have something to do with the fact that I teach high school and see the angsty drama firsthand, but I tend to read more NA or contemporary adult romances. But when one of my favorite authors writes a Mature YA, I HAVE TO read it, and I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of The Impossible Vastness of Us by Samantha Young, and even though my heart broke for the trials and pain these young characters had to endure and the loneliness they felt due to the secrets that they chose to keep, my heart is also full because by the time I was done reading India’s story, I felt like all of the main characters’ sacrifices allowed them to truly understand what’s important in life, solidifying the bond they share and also proving that they’re not as different as they once thought. 

Young’s story tackles a wide range of teen issues, illustrating  India, Finn, and Eloise’s transition to adulthood and providing insight into the different ways teens handle life-changing moments that build them up as well as make them feel inferior to those around them. The old adage that "You can't understand someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes" is aptly illustrated on a grand scale, but it's not done in a cliched or overdramatic way. The main as well as supporting characters are amazingly complex… they’re scarred but also hopeful...lost but also seeking to be found…afraid but also determined to live life on their terms.

India, Finn, and Eloise, despite their differences, are all trapped and powerless to society’s dictates; the social hierarchy maintained at Tobias Rochester High School as well as throughout the Boston elite neighborhood that they live are the judge and jury of all who reside there, and because of that, most teens as well as adults wear masks, refusing to allow anyone to truly see behind their presented facades. So as much as their privileged lifestyle allows them to be financially secure, keeping up appearances and climbing the social ladder demand that secrets remain hidden…that anything that makes them different stay unexposed because if that information is unveiled, everything that these teens have worked for can crumble, ostracizing them and shaming them because of who they truly are. 

The secrets that the characters endure as well as work to hide can cost them so much more than their place at the top of their school's popularity ladder, and even though the story is told solely from India’s point of view, the development of the other characters provide dense insight into what’s at stake for them as well, and while relying on oneself is extremely important finding those individuals who accept everyone for who they are is worth the risk of being misjudged or even treated differently because if people can’t be themselves, who exactly can they be and still not feel like simply a carbon copy of everyone else?

I encourage all lovers of romance, even those who might not read much YA, to one-click The Impossible Vastness of Us because even though Young uses teenagers to demonstrate key lessons about life and developing oneself, all readers have felt what these characters feel and perhaps have even gone through the trials and tribulations that are explored throughout the story, which makes it applicable to a wide audience, not just young adults.

5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

You see that cover, you read that blurb, and you think: love triangle! At least that’s what I thought, and luckily I could not be more wrong. India, Finn, and Eloise’s situation is *dramatic pause* complicated.

Without giving anything away I can say that the story, and mostly the secrets will captivate you. Three young teenagers who are all hiding something. Though secrets do have the tendency to reveal themselves, and it’s so much fun trying to figure out what they are.

Lifestyle of the rich isn’t nearly as glamorous as you might think, and growing up in that environment can be quite toxic. Enter India, a girl from the other side of the track, and things are definitely becoming a lot more interesting.

Mostly I loved the friendship between the characters. The depth and intricacy of the story, and characters was wonderfully written. Strong teenagers, trying to find their place in the world, brilliantly written, and captivating from beginning to end. The Impossible Vastness Of Us is a young adult novel recommended for young and old(er).

*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I was completely addicted to this story. The characters, the writing, the twists. They all come together perfectly for a completely intriguing YA novel.

I love YA. It's definitely a guilty pleasure if mine and this is going at the top of my list as one of my favorites.

Nothing is as it seems in this story. There are so many secrets and depths to this story to uncover, you will never be able to guess them all. That is what kept me on the edge of my seat dying for more.

I am so beyond in love with this story and with Samantha Young's writing. I can't wait to see what she will write next.

4.5 Stars

I keep asking myself why I don’t read more YA books. I loved this one and the characters. This is so different from anything Samantha Young has ever written and I loved it.

India and her mom don’t have the best relationship. Her father abandoned her and she hasn’t gotten other that. She has built up walls to protect herself and became popular at school to keep others from learning about her past. So when Hayley says she’s moving them to Boston so can get married India is not exited.

It’s hard to say a lot about this book without giving anything away. This is a story you don’t want to miss. I loved the characters and can’t stop thinking about them. This is a story about young love and the struggles we go through in life.

Sometimes you read a story that you KNOW from the start will stay with you forever. A story that just sticks. A story that swiftly works its way into your heart. A story that means the world while becoming your world. Entrancing and emotionally-charged, The Impossible Vastness of Us is an inspirational story of young love that imprints on the heart and soul.



I delved into rare territory, a young adult romance, and oh was The Impossible Vastness of Us an incredibly MOVING and MESMERIZING journey. The fierce and fiery angst of this teen romance made my pulse pound and my heart beat out of my chest. The characters are full of fire with a story so heady, harrowing, and heartfelt.

India is the youngest and strongest heroine I've encountered in a long time. A warrior, India is young but has already lived a life of hell. This beautiful girl bravely hides a shattered soul. I admired India a lot!!!

I was probably insane to even think about him — this beautiful, rich boy — but he was getting to me. Nobody got to me.


Finn is gorgeous, tall, athletic, and insanely rich. He, like India, is broken but wields a sword of bravery in spades. I LOVED this hero so much!!!

Broken sees broken, and Finn and India are two shattered souls trying to be whole.

I saw him. I think he was the first person I'd ever truly seen and I couldn't help it — I wanted him to see me, too.


Passion penetrated me, these words so poignant. I cried so many tears of sadness and sweetness. I felt each word slice through me, my emotions enveloping me where I was ALL IN this story.

"Most of the time I feel like I can't breathe inside my own life. Like I'm just existing. Not with you, though. I feel like I'm breathing fresh, clean air whenever I'm with you. I feel alive."


Finn and India's connection is MAGICAL!!! I loved this heart-wrenching and heartwarming romance that made ME FEEL ALIVE!!!

"Freedom is bigger than us."


The Impossible Vastness of Us by Samantha Young was not what I expected; it was a million times MORE!!! The Impossible Vastness of Us is an EPIC young love story and beyond!!! This book is strength in spades. This book is healing after heartbreak. This book is accepting and embracing differences and diversity. This book is hard-fought freedom. This book is selfless love. This book is EVERYTHING, and I NEED more of Eloise, Finn, and India, as I feel their story has only begun.

Heart-pounding, butterfly-fluttering, soul-shattering, feels flowed through me fast and furiously as The Impossible Vastness of Us touched me every part of me. Like a gaping wound, this story cut me open as it bled angst, exposing every emotion. All of the words made me FEEL ALL OF THE THINGS!!!

The Impossible Vastness of Us is an emotional explosion that BLEW ME AWAY from beginning to end. I was OBSESSED with and OWNED by this romance. Samantha Young brilliantly brings characters to life that captivate through a journey of heartbreak and healing. You NEED to get touched by this UNIQUE and UNPUTDOWNABLE ROMANCE. HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL and UTTERLY BRILLIANT, The Impossible Vastness of Us is an unforgettable coming of age love story you'll feel forever.

"If something bad happens to you, it's up to you how you let it change you — you either become more compassionate or you let it make you bitter."

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 heartbreakingly beautiful stars

4.5 Stars

This was my first book by Ms. Young and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! This story has so many ups and downs and with the phenomenal story development and character details I really could feel all the internal struggle of India. This is a young woman that goes from being the most popular girl on the West Coast to being the new girl with a new sister and her hot boyfriend on the East Coast.

Adding to the turmoil of picking up and moving in her junior year of high school, we find out that there’s a façade that India portrays versus what her real inner feelings are and I’m not going to lie, my heart hurt for her.

You see there’s secrets that everyone is hiding and when they’re revealed people’s lives will change. Eloise and Finn, India’s new sister and her boyfriend have their share of secrets and just when you think things are going to smooth out…not so much!

This book is a beautifully written story of teen angst and I was immediately drawn into the story thanks to Ms. Young’s story telling ability. This will definitely not be my last Samantha Young book!

Samantha Young is a fairly new-to-me author. I met her in Hart’s Boardwalk last year and she has captivated me with her well-written stories and stunning and complex characters. The Impossible Vastness of Us is no exception. She has written such lovable and relatable characters yet again. This has been a common theme I’ve found as her characters are up there as some of my favorite ever.


“Life is what you make it, no matter where you come from.”


The Impossible Vastness of Us opens with a damaged mother-daughter relationship between India and Hayley. When Hayley moves her daughter across the country to acquire a new step-father and step-sister, India is less than thrilled.

But as the story builds, India slowly befriends her soon-to-be stepsister, Eloise, and her boyfriend, Finn. India, Eloise, and Finn all have secrets they are hiding and as truths are revealed, relationships are tested and ultimately true identities are revealed. Samantha writes a beautiful story of three teenagers just trying to get by, trust themselves, and each other. This story is very modern and has just the right amount of twists in the plot line.


“Most of the time I feel like I can’t breathe inside my own life. Like I’m just existing. Not with you though. I feel like I’m breathing fresh, clean air whenever I’m with you. I feel alive.”


India is a character anyone would hope their daughter would be like. She stands up for herself and for others. She is smart, determined and incredibly loyal. She is an excellent role model, the perfect heroine for a YA read.


It’s a true YA as each of them have obstacles to overcome and each character becomes stronger as a person as a result. I love YA because there’s always a lesson to be learned and they are often very relatable. As a reader of YA, I have found it can be difficult to succeed it. I’ve read amazing YA, and I’ve read YA that makes me question the genre. I can only hope that Samantha Young continues to contribute to the genre because in The Impossible Vastness of Us, she wrote one of the best. This is one of my top reads of 2017.

Samantha Young just added a step to what amazing YA books must be like. It got me submerged in the story until the end. It’s a great story about how to find yourself, forgiveness, friendship and love. The self-discovery process is an eye opener not for only teens but adults as well. The plot line is flawless. India Maxwell character is deep and very interesting. She builds walls as a single mom having bad relationships, until she meets the man of her dreams.

Teen storylines aren’t really my favorite but I’m finding that lately, I’m hitting the jackpot with them!

India Maxwell and Eloise Fairweather are thrown together by their parents and are soon to be step-sisters. Each girl has a preconceived notion about the other and is somewhat determined not to like each other. The girls soon realize they have more in common than they could ever have imagined.

India doesn’t have the best relationship with her mother. At a young age she and her father were abandoned by her mother. Never getting over being abandoned India’s father took out his frustrations and hurt on her and it wasn’t until he almost kills her that India’s mom, Hayley, comes back into her life. So when Hayley announces that she’s moving them to Boston to marry her very wealthy fiancé India less than thrilled. She’s never met this man and she’s spent a lot of time and energy being as popular as she can because being at the top of the food chain gives her the security she needs to feel safe. Safe that no one will ever learn about her horrible past.

Eloise is at the top of the food chain in her rich and exclusive high school and her boyfriend being from one of the most prominent families in Boston only helps her stay there. But not only does Eloise have secrets but so does her boyfriend Finn and with India’s arrival in her life, for the first time she’s worried that her secrets may come to life.

I tried to think of a few “teen” movies or TV shows that could be some comparisons to this book but the only thing I could come up with was “Gossip Girl” possibly “Heathers” but even these two don’t do this book justice. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this book. I loved the storyline but I was very afraid that it was going to be written with a bunch of cattiness. Don’t get me wrong, there was cattiness but it was beautifully woven into the story. Every character in this book was complex but not in an overwhelming way. The three main characters; India, Eloise, and Finn all have secrets. At one point you might thing a whole love triangle is going to happen but it never does, at least not in the traditional way.

I think what I like most about this book was how once the secrets of these three are revealed the way they rally together to protect each other. I don’t want to say too much because it would be way too easy to give you a bunch of spoilers and I’d like for you to experience your own “ah-ha” or “WTF” moments. But what I will say is the storyline, the characters, the plot twists are all very good and this was very beautifully written. I love a book when you get glimpse of all of the characters. Even Eloise’s friends were very well placed and described in this book as well as Hayley and Theo (Eloise’s dad). I could see this turning into a series for a few of the other characters but it would work without a series as well because there were no pressing unanswered questions about anyone else. Maybe a little curiosity but nothing that left me feeling “incomplete” at the end. This wasn’t a long read at all and definitely one to add to your summer beach reading list!

Ever since I read On Dublin Street, Samantha Young has been one of my favorite authors. When I saw that she was writing a YA novel, I was definitely intrigued and couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

India Maxwell loves her place in high school as a popular girl with a solid group of close friends. But when her mom tells her she's met someone and moves them across the country from California to Boston, India is devastated. Starting from the bottom, India finds it hard to find her place at the prestigious high school so different from her old one. Having a soon-to-be stepsister, Eloise, who wants nothing to do with her doesn't help either, especially since Eloise's friends are none to welcoming either. Especially Finn, Eloise's boyfriend. But the more time India spends showing these people that she's not perfect or trying to be something she's not, the more India sees that Eloise and Finn may be just as broken as she is.

Starting out, I really enjoyed India's character and how she was determined to make a good life for herself at her new school, even though she was seen as far below those she was going to school with. I loved how she joined the school paper and threw herself into her extracurriculars. What I also loved, though, was how India was realistically affected by being an outcast. India didn't just brush it off and keep her head held high; India felt broken and beaten down when she was having a hard time making friends and connecting with Eloise's friends, especially Finn. I enjoyed the progression of India's relationship with both Eloise and Finn, and how things got better the more they communicated with one another.

I must say, based on the synopsis, I definitely guessed what was going on with Eloise and Finn's relationship. Aside from that, though, I was surprised by how emotional this book was, specifically with how Finn and India could connect over their pasts. The romance was very sweet, but I did feel like it was a little too much to fast and all of the sudden the word love was being thrown around. The timeline felt a little rushed at times, but I did enjoy these characters and all of the secrets they were all hiding. All of the characters were relatable and I enjoyed how they were all flawed in their own ways.

Overall, I enjoyed Samantha Young's dip into YA. I mostly enjoyed the characters and how broken and flawed they were. I think the romance was a little too much at times, but I enjoyed how hard it was for the romance to occur and how it was created around similar pasts and secrets these characters were trying so hard to find. If you want an emotional, realistic YA that is definitely more mature and relatable than a lot of YAs out there, you should definitely pick up this book.

I don't typically read a ton of YA because often times it's too young for my taste. But I completely loved The Impossible Vastness of Us—finding it hard to put down for even one second when life (aka kids) were demanding my attention.
The Impossible Vastness of Us is the story of India Maxwell. India has had a rough life to date only to be made worse when her mother decides to get remarried and move them across the country to Boston. In Boston, India is thrust into a high society life—something that is so completely opposite of how she was raised. In her new school, she must start again making friends and attempting to rise to the top of popularity though finding it hard with her very popular and unfriend sister-to-be Eloise and her seemingly snobby friends.
Without giving anything away because this book was so completely well done and so captivating that you need to read it on your own, The Impossible Vastness of Us touches upon several relevant issues in life today. Most importantly this is India's journey—a journey in learning who she is, finding trust again in others, opening herself up to allow people in and of course opening her heart up to love.
And while I was completely enthralled by this journey, I wanted more when it came to the ending. But I guess that's the case with every good book that a reader is always left wanting more.
This was a completely different book than I have ever read from this author before and I loved it. Most especially the characters who I want to know more about... And while I know that this is a standalone, I hope that Young will continue on this YA path as the young love romance, the storyline, the writing, the characters made for such a beautifully epic book.
The Impossible Vastness of Us is one of the few YA books that I have read and loved over the years and it is something that I will never forget <3

**4.5 Stars**

The Impossible Vastness of Us is a wide-reaching, hard-hitting Young Adult novel that bravely takes on varying painful topics. It’s moving and powerful and simply told. One that hurts to experience, but the kind that mends your soul in a very romantic, but tough-love kind of way. That feeling will continue to resonate long after the book has closed.

From self-esteem issues to the intricacies of status and the teenage ego, this novel traverses much without feeling overwhelming or shallow on the issues at hand. I’ve yet to read a YA novel like this with such closely-knitted female characters fighting the odds against them in becoming more than what is expected of them as ‘rivals’ or non-equals. Young easily crafted an entire cast of characters who all played their parts perfectly. I usually love novels for their love stories, but I have to say that while I loved the love story here, I fell harder for the bond of family, blood or not, that radiated from this story. Each character brought such depth and vividness to this story, a kind of 3-D nature to it, that it was a joy to experience every aspect of it.

It’s easy to connect with a character like India, even if your experiences were nothing like hers. Young made her tough, but likable, a hardass, but a joyful smartass. She wasn’t a typical YA heroine; her compassion and inherent need for justice never wavered, instead consistently proving her selflessness and rationality even in moments where it benefited her in the least. There’s something powerfully magnetic about that, something we can admire. What made her an outsider radiated strength instead of weakness, and those like Finn and Eloise were drawn to that.

I originally fell for Young with her earlier YA series and have been hoping she’d venture back to the genre one day; I can tell you it came with the perfect story. A beautiful cover that matches the story within, one overflowing with the beauty of love, family, and, most of all, friendship, The Impossible Vastness of Us was a poignantly moving and compassionate tale of acceptance, hope, and self-love. Love comes in many forms as does what one can take away from this novel. I could’ve kept going and I do hope there comes a day when we meet these characters again.

4.5 STARS

India is a California high school student, completely uprooted from life as she knows it, when her flighty mother drops the bombshell that she's fallen in love with a successful businessman from Boston and they'll be relocating immediately. India finds herself thrust into an opulent home, a new private school, and into a tenuous relationship with her soon-to-be step sister and an upper crust circle of friends India doesn't quite click with... especially her step sisters boyfriend. The Impossible Vastness of Us is India's story of finding hope, finding peace, finding friends, and finding love while struggling to maintain the walls she's built around herself.

This story is a complete 180 from anything Samantha Young has written before... and I absolutely loved it. I loved her fresh storytelling and polished writing in this book. I loved the feelings she evoked, the kind of emotion so exclusive to YA. This storyline was remarkably heavy yet still sweet and hopeful all at once. I'd like to say I was consumed from beginning to end, but that doesn't accurately explain my reading experience. I was pulled in at the very start, absolutely. But as I read, as India's story came to light, as this difficult, heart wrenching dynamic between her and Finn evolved, I grew more and more riveted with each turn of the page.

Rife with impossibility, heavy subject matter, and sweet teen romance, The Impossible Vastness of Us is a beautiful story of hope and intense emotions that I thoroughly enjoyed. There were moments that I felt were a bit disjointed toward the end, and of course, I was left wanting more... always more. But this story is right... so, so right in all the ways. These characters are young, their stories are difficult, and Samantha Young has crafted an intricate course of events that never felt sugar coated or forced for the sake of a cliche happy ending. Instead, this story left me feeling hopeful, satisfied that even when things don't feel ok in the moment, where there is love and family and friendship, everything WILL be okay eventually. What a wonderful surprise this book was. What a completely unforgettable story this truly is. It's unlike anything I've read before and I hope Samantha Young has more YA in store for us, maybe even more from this unforgettable ensemble of characters, because I adored every single page.

When a book's blurb warns you it'll "break your heart–and make it whole again", it's not exaggerating. I have to admit that reading said warning in the blurb of The Impossible Vastness of Us by Samantha Young made me a bit wary because I don't do well with angst. At all. I'm a wuss. I freely admit it. Turns out, I was right to be wary because this book obliterated my emotions in a way no other books has before. There were a few times while reading that I clung to the latter half of that warning as my angst-fearing heart crumbled into teeny tiny pieces and those tell-tale tears fell from my eyes. The Impossible Vastness of Us is a heartbreakingly beautiful coming-of-age story, more intense, more poignant, and with more depth than many books with characters twice the age of its protagonist.

After having her life uprooted with a cross-country move, India Maxwell has to start over at a new high school, getting thrust into the shark-infested waters of Boston’s upper crust. Standing by with a life jacket and an affected air of indifference is Eloise, India's stepsister to be, whose clique of popular, overprivileged friends (which includes Eloise’s brooding and mysterious boyfriend, Finn) holds the key to either her success or failure. India’s situation is bleak, but, as we discover, she is no stranger to strife. As she’s proven many times before, Samantha Young has an incredible ability to create engaging characters – characters whose lives are so complex and intriguing that you can't help but be invested in their stories and want to learn more about them. This is exactly what she accomplishes with not just India, but each and every character in the story, who are all equally vital to the narrative.

The Impossible Vastness of Us is many things. It's romantic but it's not just a romance. It's a story about friendship but it's so much more profound than that. It’s messy and complicated but also hopeful. It covers a number of hard-hitting issues that'll make you think and make you feel. Most of all, it'll leave a lasting impression and, as promised, it’ll break your heart and make it whole again.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review

This book was addicting! The characters were amazing, the story flow was seamless, the story line was beyond phenomenal. I loved that it delved into so many sensitive subject matters with ease and precision. It is definitely an eye-opener of what teenagers go through today.

The Impossible Vastness of Us is not only just a beautiful story about finding one's self, it was also about opening your heart for forgiveness, for new friendships and even love. For me, this is my favorite book by Samantha Young book to date.

When I first read the synopsis of The Impossible Vastness of Us I was really intrigued. I thought the premise sounded interesting, so I thought I’d give it a go! Overall I thought it was enjoyable. There are some heavier topics discussed once we learn more about India’s background, as well as Finn’s; and it’s pretty heartbreaking at times. India has a shaky relationship with her mother, Hayley, and you do eventually learn why that is. It helps the reader understand why India is so cold and aloof towards Hayley.

A few things fell flat for me though. The flow of the book was difficult to follow. There would be time jumps, but no indication that this was happening – no page break, nor line. Usually there would be a new chapter, or at least an extra paragraph space between time jumps. So that took some getting used to and at times it was confusing.

The ending was also pretty anticlimactic. The epilogue is only two pages (if that) long, and it wasn’t an epilogue at all, in my opinion. Epilogues are supposed to give the reader a glimpse of the characters’ lives further on down the line, and help wrap up the storyline. This epilogue just felt like another chapter, and I have to admit I was disappointed.

I did really like how India, Eloise, and Finn form a unique friendship and bond. They each had certain beliefs or opinions about the other when they first met; but as they got to know each other that friendship grew. It makes the reader remember that they shouldn’t judge those they don’t know; and that you can’t always trust your first impression of a person.

This story is full of twists; some you may see coming, but others I think will be a surprise.

The Impossible Vastness Of Us is an angst filled young adult read about finding yourself, dealing with your past, trust, family, friends and forgiveness. It's a page turner that you definitely don't want to miss out on!

To say I was addicted to this book is an understatement. I was obsessed. I dreamt about India, Finn, and Eloise even Gabe, Charlotte, and Bryce. I was hooked by the first sentence and didn't put it down until the last word.

If you take away the money then you have a book any normal teenager can relate to. The situations are real. The characters feel real and to me that makes for a really great book. I was shocked by some of the revelations in the book as I did not see them coming.

There were so many emotions that it would take me all day to list them but imagine everything you can feel then this book makes you go through all those. Love, sadness, joy, grief just to name a few.

Samantha Young tackles sensitive topics head on and makes the reader understand what that character is going through. It may not be pretty at the time but she opens your eyes up to what others go through everyday. That alone shows that Ms. Young is a force to be reckoned with.

The Impossible Vastness of Us will stay with me for awhile and in all honesty has shown me what it means when you have to hide the truth about yourself to others.

I LOVED IT!!

THE IMPOSSIBLE VASTNESS OF US is about the the secrets we keep to protect ourselves. It's about the secrets we keep to protect the ones we love.

Friends have recommended several books by Samantha Young to me, but this is the first that I picked up. The fact that it is her young adult debut may have had something to do with that. I didn't even finish the entire synopsis before I decided this is a book I wanted to read. I thought the cover was cute - my eyes were drawn to the three people under the umbrella, but it was the title that really piqued my curiosity. What was the Impossible Vastness? This is what I needed to know.

What I liked:

*The portrayal of combining the families from different backgrounds - and the relationship between India and Eloise as they learn how to become stepsisters
*The many moments of honest vulnerability - these feelings was captured perfectly
*The massive amount of compassion and forgiveness and the willingness to understand motives and acceptance of the ones we love
*Eloise!! Finn!! India!! - these characters grabbed a hold of my heart

With the many characters and their secrets, there was a lot going on, but it never felt like it was too much or that the story was overworked. We have many experiences simultaneously which we deal with, so why wouldn't that be the same for the characters. It just served as a reminder that being a teenager can be hard.

Favorite Quotes:


"A boy like that needs someone to shake him up a little. You’re so good at shaking people up.” - There's just something about India that makes others take notice.


"Not only had I moved across the country, I’d moved into a freaking Jane Austen novel." - This made me laugh out loud. India is so out of her element, in a world of money, formality, and etiquette and obligation that almost seems of a different time.

"Life is what you make it, no matter where you come from.” - This rings for true for many of the characters. They just need to realize they can make their own destiny.

"He gave me the things that would last long after everything else faded to an end." - 💗💗💗

What surprised me the most:
This story made me cry. A tender, but significant moment snuck up on me and the next thing I knew I was crying.

Oh how I LOVED this book. (I'm afraid this review didn't do it justice.) India and Finn and Eloise prove that we are capable of more than we ever imagined - love, understanding, forgiveness, compassion. It's in all of us. THE IMPOSSIBLE VASTNESS OF US is by far one of my favorite young adult contemporary reads of this year!