Member Reviews

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith is a sweet, heartfelt romance that spans miles. After a chance meeting during a citywide blackout, Lucy and Owen form a unique connection, even as life pulls them in different directions. It’s a beautifully written story about love, distance, and finding your way back. Perfect for fans of long-distance love stories and thoughtful, character-driven YA romance!

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I'm not much of a YA reader and honestly I'm not sure why I picked this one up on NetGalley years ago. However, I really enjoyed this story of two very different teenagers each with a very different journey. Both are nice kids who are doing their best in situations beyond their control. The characters felt authentic but weren't overly angsty which is why I think this one worked for me. If you're looking for a light YA read with likable characters and a nice story this is a good choice.

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This was a cute book. I did enjoy it quite a bit, even though it was a little cheesey at times. I would definitely read more books by this author.

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While the premise was intriguing, the execution fell flat for me. I wasn't convinced that Lucy and Owen, coming from such different backgrounds, were able to generate such a lasting connection over time and distance. The one night they spent together exploring the city and on the building's rooftop felt tired rather than magical, not really adding to the already-full oeuvre of the "YA characters exploring NYC" genre. I read up to the rooftop night and then stopped reading because I wasn't invested enough to continue.

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NetGalley gave me this years ago to read and I read it when I received the ARC and gave it 3 stars on Goodreads. Just getting around to using my NetGalley account more so I’m reviewing my past ARCs.

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I've been such a huge fan of Jennifer E. Smith's books, and The Geography of You and Me was no different! I loved the meet cute between Lucy and Owen, and how the story takes place across the world and through writing. This is such a fun, swoonworthy read that I wholeheartedly recommend!

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I think I started reading this back when I first requested it and just couldn’t get into it. Picking it up again years later, I was unfortunately reminded why. I did end up reading the entire thing this time around, and it was fine, but I think it is my least favorite of Jennifer E. Smith’s books.

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The hopeless romantic me says “ I really , really love this book! “

Short .adorable and quick read , perfect for you craving for romance pick.

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A great YA romance novel that had me guessing to the end. Owen and Lucy are wonderful characters that you will fall in love with and care for deeply. Highly recommended.

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One summer night in New York City, Lucy and Owen are trapped in an elevator in their building when the lights go out. They spend the evening together and look forward to a growing relationship, but both suddenly move away from the city. They send postcards and then emails, but it's tough and things don't quite work each time. But there is something between them and they both struggle to remain in contact. Charming and very readable!

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Really sorry but I couldn't get into this book and decided to abandon it. A shame as I have really enjoyed a previous book of Jennifer's but this just wasn't a book for me.

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I did start reading it before. I got to around 20% and set it down. I’m not even sure why, although I think I know, which I’ll get into a minute. I was surprised just how easy the book was to read and I enjoyed the plot, mostly.

What I did not like. Actually, what I completely hate, is the NO PARENT Trope. Ugh. How does a teenager, even a 17 year old, have no parents around? If their parents are dead, I get it. That sounds extremely harsh, but it’s the truth. Parents should be in the picture somewhere.

In this book, they are in the picture, but they are in Europe. Which is exactly why during a Blackout in New York, she was alone. It does set up the premise for her to meet Owen, but seriously? Couldn’t they have long work hours instead? Funnily, it didn’t start bothering me until she got into why they weren’t there. Apparently they went on vacations quite a bit throughout their children’s lives. It does work up to a portion of the plot where they go to Europe, but it was still very weird. I just had to go with it, or I would find myself in the same situation of not finishing the book, super early.

Once I got over the hatred of the trope, I was able to enjoy the relationship as they went back and forth. As the book’s title hints at and the synopsis explains, the entire story is about navigating the long distance relationship. This portion I loved. In the beginning of the story not only does the reader not know much about the characters, but the characters do not know much about each other. It takes the entirety of the book for them to get to know each other. Many ups and downs, and the pressures of not living close.

I cannot say anything more about the plot because anything I say is going to give everything away. But, I will say that I enjoyed the writing enough that I want to look up the author. It was a fun read. I just had to get over my issues.

The ride is worth it even if no parents is a trope you do not enjoy reading about. They are around a little less than half way in!

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Unfortunately, this one just wasn't a good fit for me. I love the premise, but I didn't click with the story, so I won't be reviewing it.

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*I never got around to reading and reviewing this book. I may do so in the future*

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