I liked this book a lot, at the very start. June seemed very relatable, as a young woman who loved literature, yet was unable to pursue her dream as a career because of her family's expectations. June seemed like someone I'd want to be friends with—especially because of the way she took care of her books. Like the way she aided to her wounded paperback warrior.
And, I must say, I do love Joy Penny's writing style. Right off the bat she included witty dialogue that immediately drew me in. Here is one of my favorites:
-
"You're about thirty shades of red right now, June. What you're thinking is probably illegal in forty-eight states."
"If you're guessing I'm thinking about murdering you right now for trying to embarrass me, I'd have to point out that's illegal in all fifty states."
-
This is the kind of quality writing I like to see in a book.
And gosh, I loved Owen. He is everything I would want in a little brother.
I loved Sinjin too—he was the epitome of the perfect guy, whether or not he was a boyfriend or best friend.
So the book would've been a full five stars. And then Rockford and June met and sparks began to fly. The relationship moved a little too fast in my opinion; it felt as though it was the type of cliche story that could be broken down into these few steps.
1. Boy meets girl.
2. Boy and girl hate one another.
3. They talk and either one or both of them confess their tragic pasts.
4. They fall in love. Drama ensues.
5. Smooch smooch, they end up together.
That's the type of plotline that was running through my head as I read A Love for the Pages. And I felt that Rockford and June just didn't know one another enough, despite the confessions Rockford made about his past.
I also felt as if there were some moments in the book that simply consisted of mindless drama, especially on June's part.
But the thing that brought the story back was June's own confession, which happened wayyyyyy back in the last few pages. Still, I am so glad it happened—this was the character development that I had anxiously been waiting for. To me, it was so important for June to understand that her life was her very own, not the parallel of the classics she loved to read.
That was the moment, I think, where June finally accepted who she really was and decided to let go. She learned the importance of being her own self—not a character from a book, not the person her parents wanted her to be—and this is what made me truly relate to this book and why I thought the story the author wove was one that needed to be told.
The way June changed her life at the end was much more than her finding love with Rockford—it was the way she found herself, which was the most important of all.
-
"Our life, huh? I'm surprised to find that 'I could get used to that' isn't even the first line that pops into my head. Because I already am.
-
This is so, so beautiful. Thank you, Joy Penny, for sharing it with me.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
From the Publisher
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
A must-read for every girl that already dreamed with her own Mr. Darcy, Rochester or Heathcliff <3
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! I knew it would be a blast, but it was way better than I anticipated! I’m not a great fan of first person narrated books or contemporary romances, but this book touched me. It was too close to home, in a good way. I’ve never lived any kind of romance, but I could relate and understand June. Also, I liked her and the rest is history lol If I met a guy like Everett, I’d run like crazy too. And that’s the catch of this book: is mister perfect really perfect? I had such deep reflections upon this story that I often stopped reading and stared to my bedroom’s wall in pure epiphany, haha! I couldn’t give it any less than 5 stars <3
Top reviews from other countries
Sam M
A Love for the Pages was a touch out of my ...
Reviewed in Canada on July 13, 2014