Noel Branham

I am not sure how to describe this type of book. This is a feel good story. It is a young girl in her last year of high school. She has had to grow up fast. She is shy around most people her age except her best friend from next door. Calder is Susan’s best friend most of her life. There are many ups and downs during this last year of high school and first year of college age. I enjoyed the story of Susan and her life. This made me happy in parts and very sad in other parts. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.… (más)

I have discovered a new author to me and this story is written with such deep emotions I couldn't put it down. There is something about Susan that draws you in to her character and goes deep into your soul. I loved how independent she is and how dedicated she is to caring for her invalid dad. She hasn't had an easy life, but she never complains. Some kids at school make fun of her and I could relate to her immediately. When I was growing up, I was bullied in junior high and high school. I had very few friends just like Susan. I cried when I read how mean the girls were to her and wanted to tell them to stop it. Susan is really just a shy girl who lacks self confidence but she has so much to offer with her compassion and love.

Calder and Susan are next door neighbors and naturally have a deep bond for each other. I liked Calder at times an other times I thought that he should have taken up for Susan more. It surprised me when he belittled her in front of his friends. The book really does a excellent job of talking about friendship and how easily someone can betray you. It shows how jealousy can hurt someone and words can cut to the core. I loved that the book wasn't a feel good everything is great book. What it is though, is a real look at what teenagers go through and the decisions they make .

When Susan finds out something Calder did that affects her dad, will she be able to forgive him? It is an emotional book that shares the ups and downs of a teenager but goes deeper with real life issues. I wonder how many teenagers are taking care of their parents right now? We don't really know how someone home life unless we get involved in their lives and show them that people care. It made me think of how much I wish I had someone to go to when I was growing up. I loved the reference to Austin and how people are perceived to look different there. The truth is they feel comfortable being themselves like each of us should feel. I liked how the author expresses that very idea of being yourself throughout the book. The ending is wonderful and full of surprises. This is one book I found to be very honest, emotional and shares how the choices you make, determine your destiny. Forgiveness is not easy, but when you make the choice to forgive, you are set free.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)

I love it when a book surprises me, and The Simple Soul of Susan did just that. I went in expecting another run-of-the-mill YA read. Yes, there are the mean girls, the subtle gossip the popular kids spread about those lowest on the high school food chain. And yes, this is a romance but there is so much more to it.

Susan Combs and Calder Hurtz have lived next door to each other their whole lives. They are friends but it seems now that they are in their final year of high school, their friendship is at the mercy of when Calder feels it’s convenient. There were times I didn’t like Calder very much but then he’d do something kind like standing up for Susan when she needs someone in her corner.

I caught onto what the betrayal mentioned in the book synopsis was pretty quick but it took Susan a while to discover it.

Susan and Calder’s journey is not all butterflies and flowers. No, there are disagreements, distrust, questions about Calder’s character, jealousy, and more. But the destination is worth all of the bumps and wrong turns on the journey.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (más)