So Much Closer, by Susane Colasanti

Susane Colasanti has written a touching, sweet romance in So Much Closer. The main character, Brooke, tells the story and explains that she is sure that the boy she is meant to be with is Scott, a boy who goes to her school in New Jersey, but has no idea she exists.  She’s been loving him from afar for a couple of years.  When Brooke finds out Scott is moving to New York City, well, she just decides to move in with her dad, who conveniently lives in the city.  Because “The Knowing,” Brooke’s uncanny ability to know what is meant to be, has told her that Scott is the one, and Brooke will have it no other way.

The reader can see the problem with this plan from miles away.  But, that doesn’t mean it’s not an entertaining experience to read how Brooke figures it all out, and to watch her grow up during the book.  There are great supporting characters, Brooke’s new friend Sadie, and the boy she tutors, John, are wonderful characters that add a lot to the story.

If you liked Dash and Lily’s New York adventure, this book will take your right back to that setting.  The specific places are different, but you still get a slice of that New York City life.

This book is about lessons learned and getting to know oneself.  To some, parts of the book might seem preachy, but I thought the messages were well handled and appropriate for teens, especially younger teens that are new to all this relationship business.  Here are a few major messages:

You can never completely know anyone, no matter how well you think you do. (p 44)

Life is so much easier when you get along with people, when you can fit in instead of being labeled as a freak. (p111)

This journey wasn’t about being with some boy. It was about discovering who I am, realizing what I could be. (p206)

It’s unbelievable how you can affect someone else so deeply and never know it. (p215)

The book is chocked full of these gems, but they slide in and are not overpowering.

 Note:  These quotes and page numbers are from an advance reader’s copy, so may not be completely accurate.

So, recommend this book to your sweet, young teen girls who want some romance.  They’ll love the story, and they might learn a little about themselves, love, and growing up.  Maybe they’ll avoid some of those painful first relationships!

Thank you to LibraryThing and the publisher, Viking, for providing me with this copy for my honest review.

256 pages

Release Date: May 3, 2011

Rating: 3/5