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Thursday, March 06, 2014

Review- The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine

Goodreads Summary:

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how. 

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.


REVIEW:

I never do this. I always make sure I write my review well within twelve or a maximum of twenty four hours after having finished reading a book. And honestly, this might be the first time I'm finally getting to write a review after nearly two to three days after reading the book. Not because it has been difficult to incorporate a review in my schedule but because I don't really know what I feel about author Robin Constantine's The Promise of Amazing. When I don't know what to say in reviews, I tend to blabber as can be seen and will be seen further- be warned. But really, I'm blank. 

Because Janhvi and I buddy read The Promise of Amazing, I instantly and obviously got another perspective on it. While we did differ on some points, we agreed on most of it, like we always do. I could have easily just rated the book three stars because I did kind of, sort of, like it and skipped the review but something tells me that I need to at least try to gather my thoughts, however absurd and vague that gathering may be. 
The Promise of Amazing is not as amazing a read as it promises to be. I love the book cover so much. It's cute. It's so damn cute. I totally judged the book by it's cover and even though the story was cute, it was, at the same time, pretty dumb and slightly nonsensical. I haven't got the point of it yet. 

It's one thing when you like the main guy in a book and love the company of the side kick but it's another thing altogether when you don't really like the main guy and end up liking the side guy who's a bad guy. That's what happened with me. I didn't like Grayson, who seemed very confused and irritable to me. I mean, if you're bad, just be bad. There's nothing wrong in being bad. But there definitely is something wrong in trying to be something you're not, you can't be and you don't wish to be. That is the reason why I liked Gray's friend, Luke, who was simply cool and himself. 

The female protagonist, Wren, was just as silly. I could relate to her quiet and shy nature. I have had all my teachers tell me I'm a quiet girl. But really, who runs back to and kisses a guy when you see him make out- albeit just a bit- with another girl? I liked Wren's brother who was right when he said quiet people have secrets and her sister who seemed like a nice person. But Wren and Gray? No, just no. Together, the two of them make for a good couple since they're both dumb. 

While 
The Promise of Amazing wasn't amazing at all and didn't live up to my expectations, it was still a cute read about finding yourself in times of confusion and coming of age when everything seems to be falling apart. I wish I had got the point of it and understood it better, but I didn't. And at this point, I'm not even interested. Still, like I said, it was cute and for a one time read, it was just likable enough and very thought consuming and inducing, which, for me, is good. 

RATING:



6 comments:

  1. I think you did a great job of describing this book Sarika! I don't think I would enjoy this story. I don't like nonsensical, and it sounds like both main characters were very frustrating! I can't believe Wren would make out with Gray right after she caught him making out with someone else! The fact that you didn't really understand this story, and aren't interested, tells me this is one I'd rather skip. Great review Sarika! You gave me a great idea of what to expect from this story. I appreciate your honest, and thorough review!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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  2. I'm struggling with the same thing at the moment - I need to write a review for Death Sworn and I still haven't decided what I really thought of it. Not amazing either though, unfortunately. I was so in love with this cover when I saw it because it is so cute so I'm disappointed that the story didn't live up to how much love I have for the cover.

    "Together, the two of them make for a good couple since they're both dumb." Ha! Fair enough :) I guess I will be skipping this one because I am no fan of stupid characters - I really appreciate this helpful review, Sarika!

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    1. Hahaha! Thank you, Aylee. I'm glad you get my point.

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  3. Bummer! I have expected to much from this one. It sounded like a great story and the one that will make my heart skip the beat and my toes curl. It is not possible with characters like these. I'm glad you enjoyed it overall but I'm skipping it. Great review, Sarika :)

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    1. Give it a try, you might like it. Thank you, Tanja!

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