by Kasie West
Date Published: December 26, 2017; HarperTeen
From Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Abby Turner’s summer isn’t going the way she’d planned. She has a not-so-secret but definitely unrequited crush on her best friend, Cooper. She hasn’t been able to manage her mother’s growing issues with anxiety. And now she’s been rejected from an art show because her work “has no heart.” So when she gets another opportunity to show her paintings Abby isn’t going to take any chances.
Which is where the list comes in.
Abby gives herself one month to do ten things, ranging from face a fear (#3) to learn a stranger’s story (#5) to fall in love (#8). She knows that if she can complete the list she’ll become the kind of artist she’s always dreamed of being. But as the deadline approaches, Abby realizes that getting through the list isn’t as straightforward as it seems… and that maybe—just maybe—she can’t change her art if she isn’t first willing to change herself.
This is the first in a set of three standalone books with crossover characters.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don't know where to start. I do know that Love, Life and the List had me feeling sad, wistful and hopeful. And just like with all of Kasie West's books this had an amazing family dynamic. The bond and easy back-and-forth between Abby and her Grandpa was one of the things that I absolutely loved about this! The emails between Abby and her dad? The. Best. I was a bit disappointed we didn't meet Abby's dad in person though.
Another one of the many things I loved about this book? Abby. She was an amazing heroine! I love her sass, her honesty and her drive and passion for art. She's one of those characters I would love to meet in person and befriend. Her growth was also such a delight to witness. Honestly I could have gone without the romance. Just seeing Abby grow into her amazing self was enough for me to love this book. Not that Cooper was a terrible love interest. I actually love his and Abby's banter. As far as bestfriends go, they were perfect. I just felt like punching Cooper in the face a couple of times but yes he was charming and kind and I can see why Abby would fall for him. Honestly though, I expected the romance to play out a bit differently so I was feeling a bit meh with what actually happened. And I don't know about you but I think Lacey deserves a medal for being one of the best-est new friend ever! She was a very interesting and fun character. Not to mention super supportive and sympathetic. And Elliot? Elliot almost broke my heart. (I'll just be here imagining he's living the happily-ever-after he deserves.)
I received an e-arc via Edelweiss+ to read and review.
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