You're The One That I Want (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
I have to say, I do love a good chick-lit. They are easy to read, usually pretty concise, and will steer clear of any complicated subject matters. After reading a selection of academic literature, I needed a break. This is where Giovanna Fletcher came in. I had heard through the grapevine that she was the next big thing with chick-lit. Many people had recommended her to me, so this along with a number of good reviews led me to this book. I was excited. I ran myself a bath, lit a few candles and poured myself a glass of wine. After a hard day of University assignments, I needed a long soak in a bubble bath with a good book. The first chapter pulled me in straight away. A scandal waiting to happen. I loved it. What was Maddy going to do? Then the book completely switched and was written from the perspective of a young boy. It was different but again, I liked it. The first meeting of these three friends, their childhood, and high school years were all leading to what was hinted at in the first chapter. Then they all went to Uni, and I can only say that the rest of the book was a massive disappointment. Maddy turned into an unlikeable character. As did Robert. I felt sorry for Ben. I wanted him to get his happy ending with the love of his life but not if it meant that he would end up with Maddy. Then, Robert did a bad thing and the story seemed to be going Ben's way. Except that it didn't. Despite declaring his love for Maddy, she went back to Robert. Yes, she now realised that she could in fact love Ben, but her actions spoke louder than words. From then on, she became a bratty teenager for the rest of the book. I was relieved when Ben met Alice. Alice I loved. Alice was extremely likeable. Alice should have been the main female character. But no! Ben got rid of her. By this point, he really started to annoy me. What in the hell did he see in Maddy? Why was he letting her ruin his chances with the lovely Alice? The end was a complete disappointment and unremarkable to say the least. Nothing happened. She got married to Robert. Brilliant. He deserved better. I actually started to like him. He did a bad thing that he made up for in a big way. He deserved so much better than a girl who wanted to have her cake and eat it too. I liked the epilogue as it was nice to see that Ben had moved on and had a family of his own. He deserved happiness after everything he had been through, but on the whole this book bored me to death. The story wasn't good, but the writing was worse. I won't go into the ridiculous amount of spelling mistakes. They speak for themselves. Proof read anyone? The writing was ok at the beginning as it was from the perspective of children. It read a bit like a diary entry of a teenager. As the story continued, I expected the writing to mature too. It didn't and it made the adult relationships seem so ridiculous and childish. There was something else too. While reading it, the general feeling was that I was reading something terrible. I can't put my finger on what it was. Something about Fletcher's writing completely alienated me and I'm still trying to figure out what it was. I just didn't enjoy it. I did however, have a serious craving for chocolate Hobnobs afterwards. Bloody Pearl! I'm sad that I didn't enjoy it. I love the Fletchers and read Giovanna's blog on a daily basis. She comes across as a lovely, smart and dignified woman. It's just a shame that this didn't resonate within the book. This is one I won't be recommending to others. After spending two days reading this book, I have to say I am impressed. Billy and me had me drawn in from the first chapter. This book was no different.Yes the book didn't really have a story line but it still had me wanting to read more. I love a good love triangle and the love between Ben and maddy really had me gripped. I did expect more to happen between them but I still loved the book regardless.
What do You think about You're The One That I Want (2014)?
It touched me. It's not a spectacular story, yet it lingers with me.
—Amelia
4.5 starsI loved this, especially the epilogue.
—chrisisoslod
