I received this ARC from Publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aguirre Published by Macmillan on April 7th, 2015
Pages: 336
Source: ARC from Publisher
Amazon-Indiebound
Goodreads
Sage Czinski is trying really hard to be perfect. If she manages it, people won’t peer beyond the surface, or ask hard questions about her past. She’s learned to substitute causes for relationships, and it’s working just fine… until Shane Cavendish strolls into her math class. He’s a little antisocial, a lot beautiful, and everything she never knew she always wanted.
Shane Cavendish just wants to be left alone to play guitar and work on his music. He’s got heartbreak and loneliness in his rearview mirror, and this new school represents his last chance. He doesn’t expect to be happy; he only wants to graduate and move on. He never counted on a girl like Sage.
But love doesn’t mend all broken things, and sometimes life has to fall apart before it can be put back together again…
My Thoughts:
I first learned about this book at a Fierce Reads tour event back in September. When I heard Ann talk about it I knew I needed it in my life. I was so right! The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things is a new favorite!
I can’t get over how absorbed I was in this story. Sage and Shane grabbed my attention and quickly took up residence in my heart. Ann Aguirre did an amazing job of making these characters seem so real. I felt like I really got to know and care about them. Like, the teacher in me wants to check in with them and make sure they’re doing alright!
And the story! I devoured it in one sitting. Both Sage and Shane have things in their pasts they’d rather not think about. The reader learns about these things as the characters get to know each other (and themselves!) better. One of my favorite aspects was that this doesn’t just apply to the romantic relationships. The other characters in Sage and Shane’s lives have a lot of influence on them. That shows in everything they go through. I loved how the “big” and “little” moments worked together to create a beautifully nuanced story.
I’m getting all wistful just thinking about The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things. It made my laugh and cry and I just cannot say enough good things about it. I love it so. Highly recommended.
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
Awww, I’m so glad that you loved this. I ordered a copy and it should be here on Thursday. I’m totally excited to read this one!
Heidi
Can’t wait to hear what you think. I simply adored it!