Originally posted here

Reading this book was like eating a bag of sweets, I just could not put it down. At first I wasn't sure if this book was for me as I find many YA contemporaries hit or miss, BUT I was pleasantly surprised.

The contrast between online and offline lives has always really fascinated me so of course I was instantly interested in Hannah's road trip to surprise her online best friend of four years, Nick. I wanted to know if he was who he said he was and the setting of Las Vegas was just perfect. I don't want to give too much away but of course not all is what it seems...

I really liked Hannah as a character because she is the stereotypical 'good girl' who listens to her parents, is really uptight and somewhat of a control freak so it was interesting to see Vegas get under her skin. I like how the book doesn't shy away from issues like underage drinking and gambling which gave a layer of realism to the story. Having been in Hannah's situation a couple of times in my life, I completely sympathised with her and I think anyone who has had a similar experience would also relate.

Hannah's crazy weekend meeting Nick was just so entertaining, I would recommend In Real Life to readers who love the TV show Catfish but it's not anywhere near as dark. It's more like Catfish light. Personally I would have liked a little more edge to the story but I enjoyed it all the same. I really feel like there needs to be more books focusing on online relationships/friendships as it's such an interesting dynamic and all too common nowadays. There was a few clichés but I think they were done well and the story was compelling enough to keep me turning pages.

A fun page turner, I would highly recommend. ( )

In Real Life is the new young adult novel from Jessica Love.

Hannah is the quintessential 'good girl' - good grades, listening to her parents and never breaking the rules. Her biggest vice is talking online to her friend Nick. Nick from Las Vegas that she's never met in four years. Nick that really knows her and gets her. Nick that maybe she maybe likes as more than a friend......

"My best friend and I have never met. We talk every day on the phone or online, and he knows more about me than anyone."

So when Spring Break rolls around Hannah decides it's finally time to break some rules. Hannah, her friend Grace and her older sister decide to head to Vegas....to meet Nick.

Love has come up with a great premise - someone's online presence can be completely different from 'real life.' (and have you watched Catfishing?!) I was completely taken with Hannah. I loved her voice and her thoughts and found myself casting back to those uncertain teenage years. And Nick reminded me of someone from those teen years as well - kind, quiet and a keeper. The supporting cast is somewhat cliched, but serve as perfect foils for the main plot.

Love captures the yes...no...maybe so dynamic perfectly. Missed cues, missed opportunities and missteps populate the pages of In Real Life. Is In Real Life based in reality? Parts of it yes and parts of it no - some of the Vegas behaviour was a bit over the top risky. But putting that aside, it was a fun, cute, escapist piece of light contemporary teen romance that I quite enjoyed. With a few little nuggets of wisdom thrown in that anyone can appreciate...

"You don't have to choose Hannah. It's not success or fun. It's not life or love. You don't have to just pick one door to walk through." ( )