You Say It First

so-so

1st, the romance was lovely. The characters & their home lives were poignantly drawn. This was one of those books that is mostly for/about white folks, but given the premise & themes, I can understand why. That‘s not to say marginalized folk don‘t exist, but they‘re never in focus. There were some cringe-y moments that get addressed, & a few that don‘t, but in the end I get what the author was trying to do here, & I can respect that. ★★★☆☆.

8 likes

Sharanya

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

#currentlyreading | I‘m pretty wary when it comes to political romances so...we‘ll see. 🤨

11 likes1 stack add

BookishGirl06

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

pick

Finished this last night and I really liked it. Had a few moments where I could tell what was coming but it still was enjoyable despite that

72 likes3 stack adds

BookishGirl06

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

What I‘ve recently started reading

70 likes7 stack adds

bookandbedandtea

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

pick

Meg & Colby are both dealing w a lot when random chance introduces them & they quickly become each other's safe place & sounding board. They still keep some things back but they can depend on each other in ways they can't w anyone else. But both have trust issues & authenticity issues & they might be just too different to make it work.
No award winner but cute. And it includes teenage characters who are passionate about voting & democracy!
🇺🇸

28 likes

monalyisha

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

pick

I find all of Katie Cotugno‘s YA books compulsively readable. Her characters are complex & flawed — in ways that feel honest & real.

This one‘s got a romance at its center, like they all do. And I‘m not complaining! 💕 But the overall tone & message isn‘t about swoon-y love; it‘s about the importance of open discourse — both in politics & relationships. And about change & HOPE (in all of its political & personal glory). Remember hope?

monalyisha I‘m realizing that the Litsy description is lacking a summary. Here‘s the one from Amazon: “An addictive, irresistible YA novel about two teens from different worlds who fall for each other after a voter registration call turns into a long-distance romance.” I will say that calling it “addictive” feels weird, given that alcoholism plays a part in one of the main character‘s backstories (as well as mental illness, depression, & suicide). (edited) 4y

monalyisha Also, don‘t get annoyed with the MC‘s privilege — or, do! But realize that it‘s created consciously (& while not explored DEEPLY, it‘s definitely acknowledged upfront & is a part of the narrative). 4y

75 likes4 stack adds2 comments

monalyisha

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

“What the hell was he thinking to begin with, texting this girl a picture of the fucking sunset like he thought he was some kind of twenty-first century Walt Whitman?”

Pictured: A sunset my husband texted me (when his band was touring in Austria). 😉

VeganCleopatra We need more texts of sunsets (or just mountains or nature)! Don't doubt yourself random character from this book. 😆 Love the photo btw. What band is your husband in? 4y

monalyisha @VeganCleopatra Right? Hot tip: we love that shit. 💖😅😍 He plays bass in Math the Band. Here‘s one of their newest: https://maththeband.bandcamp.com/track/duel-of-the-deer 4y

VeganCleopatra We do! Thanks for the link, I'll check it out later. Do you get to travel with him ever? Austria sounds lovely. 4y

See All 6 Comments

monalyisha @VeganCleopatra I don't. It's a real bummer. They've only gone to Europe once (while he's been with them) but not only did I not have vacation time when they went...but it was also just a bunch of smelly dudes in a cramped van keeping insane hours. Haha. Still, they went to Germany, and Prague, and slept in a puppet museum! So many cool things. I was beyond jealous. 4y

Suet624 😍😍😍 4y

VeganCleopatra A bunch of smelly dudes in a van. 😆 I've always wanted to go Prague...so beautiful! And a puppet museum! How strange and interesting. Reminds me of Daughter of Smoke and Bone...the whole puppet and Prague combo. 4y

82 likes6 comments

Marla

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

pick

I enjoyed this as an audiobook. Cute story

38 likes2 stack adds

IheartYA

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

so-so

I was very excited to read this but it did not meet my expectations. The synopsis sounded really cute but it didn't fit the feel of the book at all. The writing and plot were bland. It seemed like nothing happened, it dragged on without climax or closure. The MC got on my nerves. 2.5 stars but rounding down to 2 because the books I've rated 3 recently were better than this one.

jennr Your pictures are so cute 😍 4y

IheartYA @jennr why, thank you! 4y

29 likes2 comments

CaitlinSiem

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

pick

I like that we see two different ways teens grow up (suburban and small Midwest town). Also, the situations were relatable and easy to empathize with.

I saw myself in both MCs from when I was a teen and as an adult (shout out to Home Depot, Colby lol). So that certainly helped me enjoy these characters. I was invested in their stories.

I enjoyed both MCs‘ voices here and that they were separate and distinct from each other.

Great teen read.

18 likes

Nitpickyabouttrains

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

pick

A ya about two teens from very different background with very different expectations of their lives. They start to talk and have feelings.

15 likes

kimmypete1

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

#nope

Sorry, unknown numbers do not get answered by this girl.

While the phone call set up is a bit of a stretch in this day and age I‘m really enjoying this so far.

7 likes

kimmypete1

You Say It First | Katie Cotugno

Stuffed myself full, now it‘s time to relax with a book while I get ready for dessert.

6 likes

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