The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl

...the awareness of something slipping through my fingers that no amount of wishing can preserve. I can't help but feel like a giant piece of my heart is breaking, knowing this part of my life I've loved so much is coming to an end.

This was a sweet story of friendship, of growing up, and of figuring out who we want to be. It's about having fears and worries about the unknown future, which I think is always relatable. ++ I really adored the childhood friends-to-lovers slowburn in this.

I received a copy of this book through Net Galley.

“It's way too much pressure, choosing someone, having someone else's life and whatnot mashed in with yours, when you don't even know what you're doing with your own stuff.”

I started out think this book was charming and fairly enjoyable but nothing really special. No, it's not all that original in the overall plot, but it has so much character and heart that I couldn't help but love it. Solid 4.5 stars here, for me.

The characters are distinctive and just plain fun to be around, there's a kindness and warmth to these characters and their relationships that I really appreciated. Alba, Grady, and most of the supporting cast (though especially Alba) feel real, and they're so easily likable that you're along for the ride from the first chapter. This is a very light read, but it has some surprising emotional heft at times, due in large part to the authenticity of the characters and their world. Plus, it has a nicely-realized theme of uncertainty about the future that is MUCH more relatable than, “so many boys are in love with me and also I'm the chosen one.” I really liked this one!