Latest Read: The Infinite Moment of Us

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The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
Publication date: Aug. 20, 2013
Publisher: Amulet Books
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Received ARC at BEA (Thanks!)

Summary: For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray’s goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now... not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn’t even know what they are? Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart’s desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie—at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be. And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie’s souls will collide. (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The Infinite Moment of Us was a difficult book for me to get through. About 50 pages in, I had huge misgivings about the writing and put it down to start another book. After finishing that, I went back to it and again, 50 pages later I was picking up something else to read. Third time's the charm though because I finally finished it. This was all very unlike me. I'm a one book at a time kind of reader and only within the past year did I decide it was okay to not finish books. But I kept giving this one a chance for a couple reasons. First, look at that cover. It's gorgeous! And two, I just really wanted to like it. First loves, summer romance, a girl with oppressive parents who mean well? It's right up my alley. But it didn't work for me for many different reasons. 

The book is about two people, Wren Gray and Charlier Parker, who have always admired the other from afar but because they ran in different circles and their mutual shyness, they never talked. But on the last day of school, a look passes between them. Then, they have another chance meeting and by the time a graduation party they're both attending comes along, they're each ready to take a chance. They talk and fall hopelessly in love (sarcasm intended).

Truth be told, I didn't like either Wren or Charlie, but especially Wren. I always try to be open-minded with characters. No one is perfect and I don't expect them to be depicted as such. So if they're a bit unlikable or they make a ton of mistakes - that's fine. I mean, that's life sometimes. But when I start a book, I expect a certain level of growth and development. What I got instead were flat, two-dimensional characters who never (IMHO!) seem to grow as individuals. Wren is whiny and selfish and often times would get angry at Charlie for either being with his family or not dropping his future plans to follow hers. Then she'd say things to him like "I'll behave! Just don't leave me!" (seriously?!) or want to have unprotected sex and I'd wish I could reach into the book to strangle her. Then Charlie has a troubled past which explains most of his behavior but I felt like his main purpose in the book was just to be in love with Wren. He didn't seem to think/feel/do much else.

There was just so much more I wanted explored. Like their families, friends, and their futures. These are two people who clearly have dreams and desires and everything else in their life was glossed over in favor a romance which lacked chemistry to me most of time. Maybe the author was just trying to focus on their summer together and the all-encompassing feelings of first love but I personally couldn't connect to their story. 

Do I recommend?: I didn't enjoy the writing, the characters, certain sub-plots that took place or the abrupt ending. BUT, I really wanted to like it and I know some people who have. This book really illustrated to me how personal reading can be because I think my own opinions and life experiences played a part in how I reacted to their story. So if you're curious, it's best to check it out for yourself (to borrow, not buy). 

Happy reading!