Fade to Us by Julia Day is a good fit for readers who enjoy stories about building connections, understanding and supporting others, and finding one's place, all set in the world of theater and self-discovery.

The beginning of the book had a good start, but towards the middle I had a hard time continuing to read it. The main character Brooke has a good relationship with her step-sister Natalie, but the relationship between her and Micah really isn't that interesting because it moved too fast and did not gradually build up. In my opinion, I believe that the author portrayed Natalie's character as accurately possible by detailing how she would constantly change her mind from one second to the next. All of the characters were complex and very supportive of Natalie. However, this is a book that I don't think I would read again.

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Brooke's summer is going to be EPIC— having fun with her friends and a job that lets her buy a car. Then her new stepfather announces his daughter is moving in. Brooke has always longed for a sibling, so she’s excited about spending more time with her stepsister. But she worries, too. Natalie has Asperger’s--and Brooke's not sure how to be the big sister that Natalie needs.
After Natalie joins a musical theater program, Brooke sacrifices her job to volunteer for the backstage crew. She’s mostly there for Natalie, but Brooke soon discovers how much she enjoys being part of the show. Especially sweet is the chance to work closely with charming and fascinating Micah--the production’s stage manager. If only he wasn't Natalie's mentor...
When her summer comes to an end, will Brooke finally have the family she so desperately wants--and the love she's only dreamed about?

*2.5 stars*

This was probably a little more character-driven than I like, but for the most part this book scores an "okay" rating.

For me, the positives were few but large - and they had to do with Natalie. Firstly, we always hear talk of "diversity" when it comes to characters in novels - especially in YA fiction. Well, it isn't always about race and gender - the inclusion of a character with Asperger's is a wonderful choice and the story is so much better for it. Secondly, what I learned about Asperger's from this book has made me understand it more and (hopefully) makes me a better person for it. And who could argue with that being a positive to take from a novel?

However, the downsides were just as important:
Brooke was a bit of a confusing character for me. On one hand, she wanted so desperately to get to know more about Natalie, to be the big sister that she needs. On the other, she seems to blame Natalie for everything that is happening in her life. I wasn't too sure what I was supposed to be getting from that. Was it just an examination of the life of a teenager? I don't know - didn't get it.
The insta-romance between Brooke and Micah was a little bit contrived. I really didn't feel anything like chemistry between them. It felt like it was added as a plot point just because that is expected in this kind of book. I don't think it really belonged there.

So overall, this book rolls in at a steady 3 stars but certainly could have been a solid 4 stars...


Paul
ARH

Thoroughly enjoyed this book despite a few little mishaps specifically with Brooke’s character but I’ll touch more on that later.

I didn’t really know much about Asperger’s and after reading this book, it prompted me to do a bit more research on it so I’m glad that it allowed me to learn more. And after understanding more about this syndrome, I came to really enjoy Natalie as a character. I found her refreshing with her honesty and her straight-forwardness. I know it’s from her Asperger’s syndrome but I appreciate people like that. It ends up avoiding a lot of drama because they’re upfront and open. Unfortunately her being honest and open doesn’t mean the people around her was.

So, my biggest problem in this book was Brooke. For the most part, I liked her but there were times when I found her impulsive that ended up leading to a lot of poor results. For example, there was the whole incident with Micah. What was the purpose in the fact that they were seeing together completely away from Natalie? Brooke had some sort of excuse but it was so flimsy that everyone else around her tried to tell her otherwise. But she was stubborn and the end results proved drastic. And then on her haste to correct it, she decided to suddenly end things with Micah. Again, without consulting Natalie, which also ended up terribly awry. It was just so frustrating for me to read about Brooke making mistake after mistake where Micah and/or Natalie was concerned because for the most part, she came off as extremely mature and understanding.

I also didn’t really understand the romance between Brooke and Micah. There was definitely tension between the two and I could see the attraction but I thought it went too fast and too deep. The camp was only for a few weeks and within a week or two, Brooke was fascinated with Micah and decided to go after him. The same went for him and then bam, they were joined by the hip and willing to go all the way (in terms of feelings). They somehow skipped the awkward stage of getting to know one another and randomly decided to commit themselves. It just didn’t really seem to fit with their characters and age – they’re both 17. So it just ended up being a bit on the unrealistic side.

However, despite the two things I didn’t really like about this book, I found the overall plot to be really entertaining and I enjoyed Natalie’s character a lot. I also liked the musical theater aspect as well as the dynamic between Brooke and her mother. I actually really liked how the author didn’t go too much into detail about Brooke’s biological father and try to justify the decision that was solely Brooke’s mother’s. So overall, fabulous book and I really enjoyed myself. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy YA contemporary romances.

This was a brilliant read, I flew through it and it was a fantastic contemporary novel, I’ll definitely have to read Julia Day’s blacklist as she writes the kind of YA fiction I absolutely love.

I had no high expectations going into this book and was surprised at how much I really liked it.
I thoroughly enjoyed that this book focused so much on family and adjusting on a new situation rather than solely on romance.
I did like the characters very much and they felt really fleshed out and real. A reason why I wanted to read this book was the fact that the book includes a character who has Asperger's. I do NOT have any experience when it comes to Asperger's but according to other reviews the topic was handled very well and with a lot of sensitivity.
This book is definitely underrated and I would recommend it to everyone who wants to read a contemporary that doesn't focus solely on romance and has a few more serious topics.

Wednesday Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Fade to Us. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Brooke Byers was sure she was going to have a great summer, until her stepfather announced that his daughter would be moving in temporarily. She likes Natalie, but Brooke is worried that the fact that her stepsister has Asperger's will get in the way of a true relationship between them. The difficulties that Natalie has with socialization are tough enough with the short visits she usually makes, so how will the whole family dynamic change with the extended stay? When Natalie gets involved with a theater camp for the summer, will it have the power to change Brooke's life?

As far as Natalie goes, her character felt too much in touch with her Asperger's, especially in the ways that it made her different from others. I also thought that the parents reliability on Brooke did not seem realistic, considering how little the two girls had spent together. As Natalie was unpredictable with regards to her moods and disposition, it just did not seem likely that she would turn to Brooke so easily. The romance part of the story was surprisingly good, as it did follow a more realistic path. Fade to Us was a good book and one that YA romance and realistic fiction readers would enjoy.

Fade to Us is swoony, family base, fast read that deals with mental health and sisterhood. Brooke had her summer planned out, but when her stepsister Natalie who has Asperger, it tuners her summer upside down. For me, I enjoy this story and characters. Books that deal with theater also are a joy to me because I love the backstage stuff and drama. My favorite part of this book it the relationship between Brooke and her stepsister Natalie. I don't want to give anything away from this book, so I won't go into details. So here are a few things I wanted to say that would spoil the book so much.

-The mix of theater and baseball. (I'm not a huge baseball person but I did find it neat that balance of arty and sporty parts of the story.)
-But there is a relationship that I felt was rushed but it was still over the top adorable.
-I felt that it dealt with Asperger wells, it was forced onto the reader and wasn't overplayed.
-I like Julia writing, there's a flow to it.

I've been seeing more family in YA books and it makes me happy. And not just simple families. Complexe, mixed families with real problems, real fights, and real feeling. If you're looking for a cute but family-based story than give Fade to Us a read!

Fade to Us was a cute story. Not really a coming of age, but all of the characters did seem to gain a lot of personal growth during the summer that the book took place. There was a bit of everything that I think middle grade and young adults would enjoy, from a sweet teen romance to family drama that is done in a real way. I appreciate the depth that went into the main characters, it felt like their struggles were adequately portrayed. As someone with Asperger's, there were times that I felt exactly what Natalie was going through, but at other times, I found the way she was acting to be out of character. But I do understand that everyone on the Autism spectrum reacts differently. Overall, I felt this was a very good story.

I was given an ARC by the publishers via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Five Reasons To Read Fade To Us
Reason One:

The Family Aspect

I loved so many things when it came to this blended family. First of all, Brooke was born from a sperm donation. I have never come across a story with a main character having a birth this way. I thought it was really interesting and wish it was delved in deeper. Only because I wasn’t exactly familiar with the process. This led to Brooke’s longing for a father her entire life. I loved her relationship with her mother as the two got a long quite well.

Secondly, I liked Brooke’s relationship with her stepfather and stepsister. She’s still getting used to her stepfather when Natalie makes her way to town. I can’t imagine the adjustment she had to go through. I don’t know how I feel about her behavior towards Natalie at times. I felt it was sometimes misdirected. I imagine it can be hard to get used to someone with a mental disorder, but there were times that I thought Brooke wasn’t helping things.

Reason Two:

Autism Representation

I enjoyed the representation of Autism here, though it seems like there’s quite a few books out that focus on the main character rather than the sibling with the disorder. I don’t know how I feel about that. It seems people would rather read about someone living with someone who has a disorder than read about that person with the disorder.

Reason Three:

Plays Galore

The majority of Fade To Us takes place amongst a community play group. I love plays and musicals. I liked being able to see the behind the scenes actions and the action going on backstage. I thought it was interesting to see the pressure that Jonah felt being one of the main people in charge at only 17.

Reason Four

MC With A Pet

Okay, this is a silly reason, but Brooke has a pet. It’s a cat named Tigger. I was way too excited about this because 1. I love cats and 2. lot of main characters do not (I don’t know how) have pets. It was nice to see him even brought up and seen at times.

Reason Five:

Brooke

Brooke was not a perfect character by any means. She also did a lot of wrong things when it came to Natalie. I still loved her a lot because of these things. They made her realistic. I liked seeing how she dealt with her stepfather and how she slowly began to further their relationship. I liked how she was with her stepsister most of the time.

Fade to Us by Julia Day is adorable. I always enjoy her characters and plot. This is such a good book. I think it shows a lot of family growing and learning about yourself.

Fade to Us by Julia Day is a very interesting young adult book, that deals with family dynamics and teen romance. Brooke lives with her mom, and step-father and has her summer all planned out. She has a good job that will allow her to buy a car and have plenty of time to hang out with her friends, until things change. Natalie, Brook's step sister comes to live with them for the summer, which is an adjustment because Natalie has Asperger's. I really enjoyed this book, and it was interesting how the family members change and grow. The book also has a sweet romance. I recommend this book

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book was somewhat okay. It’s kinda actually between 2.5 and 3 stars. I loved Day’s The Possibility of Somewhere, so I wanted to read this one too. Unfortunately, it didn’t manage to meet my expectations.

Brooke had her whole summer planned out, working as much as possible so that she can finally buy her own car. But when her step-sister Natalie who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome comes to stay with them for the summer. And when Natalie ends up getting a role in a play, her plans take another route. She decides to stay with her sister in the rehearsals so that she can come to the rescue her sister whenever needs her and there she also meets Micah whom she develops feelings for.

Sooo, I didn’t know what I was going into but I’m glad I learned about Asperger’s Syndrome. I felt that this book had a lot of potentials but it fell flat for me. This book is essentially character-centric and that’s what saved it from completely drowning. One of the things that I loved this book was how caring Brooke was towards her step-sister, Natalie. Although she unintentionally hurt Brooke a number of times but I loved the fact that she was protective of her and stood up for her whenever anyone badmouthed her, even to her best friend (who was really shitty btw). But it was a little weird that she never spoke her mind even when the lines crossed.

The thing that I did not like about the book was the romance. It was out of nowhere and a little insta-e. I understand they met during the rehearsals and Brooke also started working as an assistant there but I felt there was no chemistry between her and Micah. . Not at all. It kinda felt forced. I would have loved if this book solely focused on Brooke and Natalie’s relationship and the growing bond between them. I wanted to see more of it. That simply would have been enough but oh well.

Also, I wanted to see more of their family together. It was clear that Brooke did not have the same kind of relationship with her step-father like Natalie and although it came to a conclusion, I felt it was rushed as well.

Aaaand as per following the cliched norm, Brooke makes the most foolish decision in the last part of this book before realising her mistake. Brooke felt like a mature character and this part kinda seemed out of her character because there were other ways to deal with that particular matter.

Overall, Fade to Us was an okay read. I liked the characters but this book didn’t leave much of an impression on me. I just wish a few things were executed in a different manner. Anyway, the writing was smooth and the pace was even throughout the book. I really hope I enjoy her next book!!

Recommend it?

Maybe.

Fade To Us by Julia Day is a quick contemporary young adult book that works as a nice palate cleanse between heavier reads. I thought this was an okay book. It is not one that will stick with me forever. Actually, I had to look up the names of the characters as I had read this book a few weeks ago and have already forgotten. In truth though, that is also due to read a TON of books. Sometimes they will just blur together. Anyways, Fade To Us actually is kind of a summer read just without a beach setting.

Julia Day’s Fade To Us features a main character named Brooke. Brooke is pumped for the summer. She’s going to work this awesome job at the jewelry store. She plans to sock away more money so that she can buy a car. Also, this is the summer where she’s going to spend all her time with her best friend. As it turns out, Brooke’s stepsister Natalie unexpectedly ends up spending the summer with Brooke, her mother, and her stepfather (Natalie’s father). Natalie has Asperger’s and so, Brooke wants to do her best to accommodate Natalie and make her feel comfortable.

Brooke ends up finding out about a summer drama camp for Natalie who is interested in singing and acting. Eventually, Brooke has to spend a lot of time at the camp to be there for Natalie when she is overwhelmed. Brooke ends up as an assistant to Micah who is kind of the stage director. Of course, the two end up with chemistry. However, that could present a problem, given Natalie’s claim on Micah (as a mentor).

Brooke is neurotypical and is certainly contrasted with Natalie quite often. We see Brooke’s popular best friend rejecting Natalie and saying rude things about her. Brooke counters that and distances herself from her best friend. Overall, Brooke is an okay character. She works hard and is moving toward a goal. I can’t find fault with her work ethic, that is for sure. Ultimately though, she’s kind of bland and forgettable.

Natalie and Micah add diversity to this book. Natalie has Asperger’s, as mentioned before. I have no clue how accurate or fair the representation of Natalie is as I don’t know a whole lot about the Autism Spectrum. Natalie almost comes off as being a burden at first because the family has to scramble to accommodate her and change their plans. But Brooke is up for it and she’s more than happy to make Natalie happy, if that makes sense? As for Micah, he is biracial. This isn’t like a huge part of the story, he just happens to be biracial. Again, I can’t say anything for the representation, but Micah is a pretty cool guy.

Overall, Fade To Us is a pretty okay book. Do I think you all need to rush out and read it right now because your life is about to change? No, not really. Part of what makes this book alright is that the writing is a little abrupt. There are not a lot of transitions in the writing. It just hops from scene to scene. As a reader, I don’t really care much for that. I like to be eased into where I am going. Also, the conversations between Brooke and Natalie felt stilted. I don’t know if that’s intentional, but it was a bit of a slog. Anyways, if you want a book that takes place at summer camp, with diverse characters as side characters, check out Fade To Us.

This book was so amazing and mesmerizing! I didn't want it to ever end! I'm not much into love stories but this one was so thought out I felt like! I received this free earc from netgalley for an honest review!

Fade to Us is a story about found families, the bond of sisterhood, and the agony and awe of first love.

Brooke’s summer is going to be EPIC— having fun with her friends and a job that lets her buy a car. Then her new stepfather announces his daughter is moving in. Brooke has always longed for a sibling, so she’s excited about spending more time with her stepsister. But she worries, too. Natalie has Asperger’s–and Brooke’s not sure how to be the big sister that Natalie needs.

After Natalie joins a musical theater program, Brooke sacrifices her job to volunteer for the backstage crew. She’s mostly there for Natalie, but Brooke soon discovers how much she enjoys being part of the show. Especially sweet is the chance to work closely with charming and fascinating Micah — the production’s stage manager. If only he wasn’t Natalie’s mentor…

When summer comes to an end, will Brooke finally have the family she so desperately wants–and the love she’s only dreamed about? (via Goodreads)

I received an eARC from St. Martin's Books, courtesy of Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Y'all know I'm autistic, as is my younger brother. That's our reality. I'll be real with you guys - I went into this book expecting it to be terrible. I have read so many books about kids with autistic siblings, And I have never, ever actually liked one of them. That isn't me being hyperbolic. Never has one of these books actually been enjoyable. Until today.

So much fiction about autistic people is obnoxiously ableist, and this is the first one that I've found that didn't play into most of the tropes that I'm so used to seeing. It was still a lot of autism 101, but that's okay, since a lot of what we saw as readers was through our neurotypical main character's thoughts.

I actually really liked the autism rep in Fade to Us. I loved how I got pulled into their family. That being said, I didn't love the romance. Micah was sweet and all, but I never felt any kind of romance developing throughout the book. I would have loved to see more of Micah working with the play, instead of Brooke just telling us how great he was at it.

Overall, I thought Day did a good job with pulling into the setting, and the autism rep pushed this from meh to excited for me. You can pick up a copy for yourself on Amazon or Indiebound!





Disclaimer: All links to Indiebound and Amazon are affiliate links, which means that if you buy through those links, I will make a small amount of money off of it.

Julia Day’s YA novel Fade To Us is a breath of fresh air

Fade To Us is more than a YA romance. It’s more than a book about family. It’s about self-discovery and the willingness to think beyond one’s self — to see the big picture.

Brooke is a refreshing young adult protagonist — she’s not self-absorbed, super quirky or a savant. She’s a normal teen who’s working to buy her own car. Brooke’s got good friends and she’s on good terms with her “newish” stepfather. Beyond that, Brooke isn’t put out when Natalie moves in for the summer. Instead, Brooke adjusts; working to make sure her sister feels comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.

Natalie, too, is a multifaceted character who’s much more than her Asperger’s. Her blunt, honest nature adds humor — intentional or not — throughout.

Fade To Us is a fast, engrossing read. I picked it up after slogging through a so-so fantasy, and it was such a breath of fresh air. It feels familiar because so many readers can relate on one level or another. I received a digital arc for review, but I plan on purchasing a finished copy for my home library.

Mini review:

I really enjoyed the family aspect of this book! The play was fun to read about. But what really made this book was the relationship between Brooke, Natalie and their parents. Micah was alright. His relationship with both girls was done nicely.

Really loved Natalie! Would recommend.

Fade to Us by Julia Day is a young adult novel about Brooke Byers. Her life and summer plans of trying to earn money to save up for a car are turned upside down by her step-sister Natalie coming to live with them. Natalie has Asperger's and her mother is having health issues with depression and asks Natalie's father, Brooke's step-father, Jeff to care for her over the summer. There is a lot of tension and walking on eggshells around Natalie, due to her condition, and Brooke's suggestion that Natalie do a summer camp for acting in Oklahoma! seems like a good idea at first, but because of Natalie's Asperger's a family member needs to be available to help at a moment's notice if she has an episode. When Brooke quits her summer job to volunteer at the camp, it opens up a world of theater to her and brings her into contact with Micah, the stage manager of the show and guest director's son.

The story was filled with various aspects of Brooke's life and how she handles her hopes, dreams, and complicated relationship with Natalie. I felt that the growth that the two of them had with each other, complicated by Natalie's Asperger's, was very well executed. At first things were very strained but over time real caring and love develops. Brooke's relationship with Micah adds depth and complexity and doesn't come across as a quick, summer camp, fling. I liked how difficult issues surrounding both the issues around people with Asperger's as well as how step-families grow in relationship with each other were interwoven throughout.

Overall, I very much enjoyed Fade to Us by Julia Day and the unique characters that developed and grew throughout. Brooke's relationships with Natalie, Micah and her stepfather Jeff, are each given their own importance and issues. Very well done.

(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)

I wasn't a fan. The whole book felt forced. It had no emotion. I don't believe any of the characters would do what they did.