What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Published by Dial Books on April 15, 2014 Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 416
Source: Was sent book for review by Penguin
Gwen Castle's Biggest
Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her
Nantucket-esque island this summer. He's a rich kid from across the
bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and
housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a
life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks
like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her
some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen
spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she
thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and
even herself—with what really is.
I don't usually type out a review when I filmed a review video of but since I love Huntley Fitzpatrick, I must. I will say I was a HUGE FAN of her first book, My Life Next door so I could not wait for this book to come out! I was expecting big things for this book since I enjoyed the author's first one and I am happy to say it did not let me down!
Now I am a big fan of contemporary books, I can read them very quickly. I read this book in two days, which is no surprise there.
Huntley Fitzpatrick has a way with making me fall in love with each and every character she writes. I loved Gwen from the get go. She is a good girl who has a checkered past when it comes to boys.
It's refreshing to see this in a YA book for me. I feel like we either have the really good girl who meets the really good/bad guy or the bad girl who learns she is a good girl after all.
Gwen worries she will be stuck on the island that she lives on for forever. That she destined for a life of making the island's summer people happy. Enter Cass- Gwen's biggest mistake ever. We learn in the novel what went down between them and to be honest I was a little down with the situation and how they both handled it at the time. I mean it's called 'talking it out' people but then I realize that they are teenagers. We all make mistakes, when we are teenagers it just seems every mistake has been amplified.
I loved the supporting characters in this book too. From Gwen's family, her adorable brother and hardworking mom to her awesome grandpa with her very determined cousin, Nic. Gwen's cousin Nic and her best friend Vee have been an item since forever. I loved the twist ending with that.
Gwen & Cass had amazing chemistry and I loved Cass. He was a rich, preppy kid that has multiple layers under him. I loved watching their relationship progress.
This book is perfect for the spring/ summer months. It makes you want to lounge out by the beach and feel the salty air. I'd say this is a definite read if you are a fan of contemporary.
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