Right from the beginning, Who I Kissed is unexpected and amazing! This book was deeply emotional and moving from just about the first page. Same is the new girl, an swimmer, and your average teen age girl struggling to fit in. Zee is the cute guy on the swim team and the guy she is crushing on. When she goes to a party, just to see Zee, she unexpectedly ends up making out with another guy, with disastrous results.

That moment sets the stage for the entire book and it was a moment that was tragically and emotionally sad. There are so many layers to this book that I have a hard time writing this review because I want to give none of it away. There is not only the struggles of being new, of being a teen girl, but the struggle within herself to cope with what has happened.

This is an amazing story of love, friendship, forgiveness, and choices. The cast of characters, from the main to the supporting, is rich and varied and endlessly fascinating. There were times that I laughed and times that I cried, but it was a beautiful story. There is so much depth, and while this could fall under the category of "contemporary romance," I listed it as "contemporary fiction" as well because there is so much more to the central plot than romance. If anything, the romantic elements just add layers to the true focus of the story... Sam's journey.

Things to love about Who I Kissed...

--Everything. I loved the characters. I loved the plot. I loved the theme. I loved the depth.

My recommendation: An absolutely moving story that needs to be read to be fully appreciated! ( )

Samantha has just started at a new school, but already Zee has caught her eye. On a whim, she goes to a party she knows he will be at, but when another girl captures his attention, Samantha finds a different boy who is willing to kiss her...but she's just eaten a peanut butter sandwich and he is allergic. In the aftermath of his death, Samantha must deal with her guilt as well as the accusations and attitudes of her peers.

Angsty and full of bad teenage choices, but I cared a lot about the characters and wanted the book to end well. It was a fast read, and definitely would be a good one to read after/with a friend or group as there is a lot of stuff to talk about. ( )

A very interesting plot, this book open up my eyes to a very new subject.

What would you do if you kissed a guy who had allergies and killed him? Oh gosh, I'd be going insane. That is some had facts to face at such a young age. And knowing that everyone blames you is even worse. The plot consist of lots of great twists and turns. I enjoyed Samantha going through the depression, the bulling, and just the overall blame she took on. The plot is filled with a lot of finding out what really happen that night of the party along with who Samantha is. She had some skeletons in her closet that she carried with her. And this incident just brought it out more.

The love interest I enjoyed because it began as a friendship. It started off as unsure and unstable, just two people beating around the bush. Samantha later learns the truth of the matter. She learns to adjust and just let things flow. She finds her feeling for the guy and finally understands. I like that it didn't take Samantha much too long or not short to learn. She took things in at her own pace, gradually bringing the reader in for a great and powerful story.

Who I Kissed is a great story that illustrates the views of allergies. Fueled by a portrayal of lust and hurt, it makes you think twice about your actions. Who I Kissed is a serious yet great story that everyone can get into. ( )

This is actually the first book I have read by Janet Gurtler. I was so curious about how the characters in this story would be able to deal with the horrible thing that happened, and I just couldn't imagine what they would come out like on the other side. I'm sure we've all done frivolous things to make the guys we like jealous, but who would ever consider that something as small as a kiss could have such high consequences. Samantha is the new girl at school, so she didn't really know that much about Alex and she certainly didn't know about his allergy. At a party, the guy she likes is kind of being a jerk and Alex is being nice to her, so she decided to show Zee that two could play at that game. What follows is, I can only imagine, one of the most traumatic experiences a teenager could go through.



Samantha gives up swimming, which she loves more than almost anything, because she doesn't feel like she should be allowed to keep swimming if Alex can't. Even though it was an accident, and she isn't being charged with anything, Samantha carries so much guilt around with her. That guilt ends up getting her into some pretty sticky situations and honestly, I had a hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for her.



I think this is a really powerful story and it puts you in the mind of a girl who isn't exactly sure how she's supposed to live her life now. I couldn't help feeling sympathetic toward Samantha, even when she was making really stupid choices, because she was just trying to keep going. I don't know that there is really any growth in Samantha, but I'm not sure that's really the point of this story. She learns to cope and to accept, which is admirable under her circumstances. She also finds people who genuinely care about her and some hope, as well. ( )

The Good Stuff

A sweet and realistic story of grief, guilt, family, relationships and forgiveness
As a mom I found it a thought provoking and challenging read at times. I won't lie I spent much of the story silently weeping. Made me think could I forgive someone who might have inadvertently killed my child. Made me think about my serious consumption of peanut butter and how I will be so much more vigilant about cleaning up, brushing my teeth and washing my hands when I consume.
Again as a Mom my heart went out to Sam and her grief and wanted to just give her a great big hug (also as a Mom it makes you think about your own child in the situation)
Relevant to the world our kids live in with cyber-bullying and drinking and relationships. Author isn't naive about how kids deal - never sugar coats anything and isn't overly preachy so kids will relate
No archetypical characters - these people will remind you of someone you know - again YA readers will relate to (And us old mom's will appreciate that the adult characters aren't evil, totally ignore their kids or stupid - very refreshing thank you)
The scenes between Sam and Alex's family just broke my heart
well written and intriguing
Enjoyed the scenes between Aunt Allie and Sam's Dad
Great for a class discussion or teen book club (Not to mention one for mom's)
nice touches of humour at the right spots
Added this to my Staff Picks at work I loved it so much

The Not So Good Stuff

Don't read in public unless you enjoy people staring at you while you sniff and wipe the tears from your eyes
Would have liked to seen some repercussions or mentions of punishment for those who were exhibiting bully behaviour online (Sorry its a mom thing)
Cover doesn't do the brilliant story justice

Favorite Quotes/Passages



"Hold out your hand," he says in a deep, rich voice that sounds like he gargles daily with sexy juice."



"Of course not," Aunt Allie says. "That would require actual human compassion."

Both of them stare off into space. "At least we don't have to worry about me being spoiled by my grandparents," I say.

Aunt Allie shakes her head and turns to me and smiles. "That we don't."

"She's working on a full house cleanse to rid us of negative energy. Dad's been holding his tongue about it, mainly because I think he appreciates the free cleaning."

"It's not fair." I whisper. "He had so much to live for."

"He was just a kid," my dad says softly. "It was a mistake. God knows we all make them."

Who Should/Shouldn't Read

Probably not for someone who only enjoys fast paced dystopian, paranormal reads (Nothing wrong with that though)
Other than that I would say this can be enjoyed by anyone of any age (probably would appeal more to girls than boys - yes I know that is sexist - but probably true)
Excellent for someone who is dealing with grief - they will relate to Sam and her friends and families honest & realistic portrayal of guilt and grief
A must have for every public and school library
FYI - parents & educators - there is a sex scene but it is tasteful, realistic and honest - please kids are going to have sex, help them make sure they are protected - don't be naive and think that they are not going to do it (sorry sometimes I go all preachy and high horsey)

5 Dewey's

I purchased this at Janet's launch at Chapters Shawnessy where I work - she was lovely and the book cookies were a nummy breakfast the next morning ( )