Latest Read: The Reece Malcolm List

Here are the basics ...
The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding
Publication date: Feb. 5, 2013
Publisher: Entagled Teen
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Borrowed from Estelle (Thanks!)

Summary: Things I know about Reece Malcolm:
1. She graduated from New York University.
2. She lives in or near Los Angeles.
3. Since her first novel was released, she’s been on the New York Times bestseller list every week.
4. She likes strong coffee and bourbon.
5. She’s my mother.

Devan knows very little about Reece Malcolm, until the day her father dies and she’s shipped off to live in L.A. with the mother she’s never met. All she has is a list of notebook entries. Now she has a mom, a prestigious performing arts school, a new circle of friends, and a boy who opens up possibilities for her first love. But then the Reece Malcolm list gets a surprising new entry. Now that Devan is so close to having it all, can she handle the possibility of losing everything? (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

Things I Love About The Reece Malcolm List:

1. No single character is perfect. Everyone from Devan, to her mom Reece, to the guys she likes to her new friends are all flawed. They make mistakes and sometimes they do/say crappy things. But what made it so real to me was that each person had a story. They weren't being mean just because they could. The truth is, emotions like pain, jealousy and anger, can make people do crazy things they don't necessarily mean. It doesn't make it right but it's human. 

2. I love Devon!  I appreciate and respect people with passions. Whether it's books, music or theater, I love seeing people own their interests. Even if it makes you the object of a little mockery now and then. And Devon does that. I loved how she was this super talented singer who could get up on stage and wow everyone. But that confidence didn't translate to her every day self which made her both genuine and occasionally frustrating. There were times I wanted to yell at her and say, "woman use your words!" but I get how hard it can be to open up to people. She's such a realistic, likable person who was easy to connect with. Plus she loves to shop so you know she and I would totally be friends in real life. 

3. Mother-daughter relationships. I have a hard time talking to my mom about anything. So I have a soft spot for books where the daughter can hang out with their mom and talk about boys. Reece and Devan obviously don't get to that point right away. It's slow building and so heartwarming to witness. Plus Reece is pretty hilarious (but real) about giving boy advice. It was the right mix of being like a best friend but still very much a mom about it. I loved watching their relationship evolve from strangers to something more. 

4. Friends. There's an emphasis on friendship, whether it's drifting away from an old friend, making new ones or learning how to open yourself to people so they can actually call you a friend. Devon goes through this and considering she's the new girl, it felt very authentic. I liked that her friends weren't just these passing characters in the background. They're very much a part of her life.

Do I recommend?: I didn't bother with a reservations section because I have none! This book was enjoyable and had surprising depth to it. I expected a fluffy book but instead got a genuine, funny story about a girl getting to know her mom. I highly recommend!

Happy reading!