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Something Like Fate
- By Susane Colasanti
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Easy read about the difficulties of love and friendship.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's not much to worry about in this book. Some instances of angry shouting among teens and some mean behavoir: a gay character's locker is spray painted with the word "homo," and a girl is called a slut, for example. Mostly though, this a quick and easy read dealing with the issues that come up when two friends like the same boy. Lani is mature and thoughtful in how she handles the fact that her soul mate, Jason, is dating her best friend, Erin. Though the situations gets a bit messy, Lani, Jason, and Erin eventually work it out in a believable way. Even younger teens and tweens will relate to the characters.
What's the story?
Erin and Lani have been best friends for years, but when Lani meets Erin's new boyfriend, she can't deny that there's a connection. In fact, Lani feels that there's more than a connection. A big believer in fate, Lani thinks that Jason is her soul mate. Lani tries to distance herself from Jason, but it seems impossible. Jason feels the connection, too, and breaks up with Erin in order to date Lani. They keep their relationship a secret while Erin's away at summer camp, but when they finally reveal the truth to her, Erin isn't happy.
Is it any good?
SOMETHING LIKE FATE is a fun, light read for teens. Readers will be drawn in by the compelling premise: Lani truly believes in fate, and she can't ignore her feeling that she and Jason are meant to be together. But she feels just as strongly about her relationship with Erin, and she doesn't want to damage it.
But this is more than than a typical love triangle story. Readers will find Lani an authentic character with an honest voice. She's a mature and compassionate character, and readers will believe that she's truly tortured by the impossible choice she must make between love and friendship. The tension this creates is believable, and through the highs and extremely low lows of the situation, Lani's wisdom and maturity shine through.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about romance stories. What are some of your favorite romantic books and movies? What's so appealing about them? Do you care that you can usually predict the endings?
This book is about a love triangle -- which is a popular idea in romantic books and movies. Do you think it happens a lot in real life? How come? What would you do if you were in Lani's situation?
Erin edits and forwards a private email Lani sent to her. Is this something that you could see really happening? How can you protect yourself from having something like that happen to you? Check out Common Sense Media's Internet Safety Guide for some advice.
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AGE
amazing story :)
I loved this SO much. It really has a very positive message, and I could not put it down! I mean, there is almost no language at all. But when there is, it fits and is pretty much necessary. The story is beautiful!!
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AGE
not what i was expecting but wonderful
wonderful she has done it again i have read all of her books and I love them it was not what i expected but yet still good wait wonderful
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AGE
Great Book
I love this book! There is some language, but nothing major, and the main character Lani deals with her feelings for Jason in a mature way. The way that the book is written almost like Lani is talking directly to you, is cool. If you liked this book then check out "Waiting for you" also by susane colasanti cos it's even better than this one.
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AGE
Best Tween/Teen fiction book EVER!!!
I LOVE this book it is a romantic page turner!!!
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AGE
this can happend
this is a good book because there are alot of people who do this to their best friend and it really hurts you when they do that to you. you feel alone and that you dont have any friends. well dont worried she wasn't your friend if she didnt want it to tell you or she was hidding it from you or lying to you that mean that she wasn't your friend.. i know how it fell my best friend did the same thing but worse.. maybe they are gonna act like nothing happend and one day she calls me telling me she likes the boy i liked for 5 year.... and she was dating him but it hurt me more because everybody knew but me??...we dont talk anymore... but i know one day she is gonna come running to me and asking me for help!! :(..... guys its better lose a friend by telling her the true than a lie... belive me - Nahirsha Portes....
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| Author: | Susane Colasanti |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Viking |
| Publication date: | May 4, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 288 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 17 |
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