by Krystal Sutherland
Date Published: September 5, 2017; G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
From Goodreads:
Ever since Esther Solar’s grandfather met Death, her entire family has been doomed to suffer one great fear in their lifetime—a fear that will eventually lead each and every one of them to their graves. Take Esther’s father, for instance: He’s an agoraphobe who hasn’t left the basement in six years. Then there’s her twin brother, Eugene, whose fear of the dark goes far beyond the things that go bump in the night. And her mother, Rosemary, is absolutely terrified of bad luck.
As for Esther, she’s managed to escape the curse…so far. She doesn’t yet have a great fear because she avoids pretty much everything. Elevators, small spaces, crowds—anything that might trigger a phobia is off-limits and is meticulously recorded in her semi-definitive list of worst nightmares.
Esther thinks she has it all figured out, until she’s reunited with an old elementary school classmate—and first crush—Jonah Smallwood. The encounter leaves her stranded at a bus stop and swindled out of her phone, all her cash, a Fruit Roll-Up she’d been saving, and her list—not to mention her dignity. But the theft is also the beginning of an unexpected friendship between the two, one that sends the pair on a journey of self-discovery as they try to break the curse that’s consumed Esther’s family. Together they face their greatest fears, one debilitating phobia at a time, only to discover the one fear they hadn’t counted on: love.
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
"Everything you want is on the other side of fear."
I did not know this is going to be one of the best books I’ve read in 2017 when I started reading it. And now I cannot wait to get my hands on a finished copy so I can read it again.
A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares is a unique take on addiction, and mental health illness. I don’t think I’ve ever come across anything that comes close to how amazing this is. It was pure brilliance from start to finish. The author accomplished to write a book about serious and sensitive issues without making the book feel too dark and heavy. It was filled with humor and romance without lessening the impact of the message it wanted to get across.
I absolutely loved everything in this book! I love the idea of the list- how Esther tempted Death one fear at a time. It honestly made me want to conquer my own fears. I felt inspired and I wanted to try and be as brave as Esther too. I loved Esther’s grandfather, Reginald. I think he’s my second favourite character. (Jonah being the first.) And I don’t know if this is weird but I even liked Death. His character was written in a way that is both mysterious and compelling. But the definite highlight to me was the portrayal of Esther and Eugene’s relationship. They had such a strong bond that reminded me a lot of Khya and Yorri (Island of Exiles by Erica Cameron). I love how they got each other’s backs like only siblings can.
A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares was also a rollercoaster ride of emotions. One minute I’m laughing at how hilarious Esther is, the next minute I’m swooning over Jonah for how sweet, kind, gentle, and considerate he is and then I’d suddenly find myself crying and my heart breaking for Esther and her family. I constantly found myself wanting to hug the Solars and just keep them safe. You know that protective feeling you get when someone you love and care about is hurt and you’re willing to do anything to help them? That’s how I feel about the Solars. I don’t know about you but I have never felt this strongly over a fictional family before.
This book had me in such a tight grip I found it hard to stop reading. (Not that I’d want to.) I lost eight hours of sleep and I don’t regret a thing.
Seriously. Read this.
Oh and btw. Don’t let the first chapter deter you from reading this book. It was kind of off-putting (at least to me) but trust me it gets so much better from there.
I received an e-arc from Edelweiss+ to read and review.
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