Something Like Fate

Common Sense Media says

Easy read about the difficulties of love and friendship.

Age(i)

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Quality(i)

 
(i)
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What parents need to know

Educational value

Along the way, readers learn a little bit about astrology, palmistry, numerology, and environmental issues. They can also have fun with a number of discussions, from what role fate plays in our lives to why romantic stories are so appealing.

Positive messages

Readers will pick up on some messages about what it means to be a true friend.

Positive role models

Lani is a responsible young woman with a passion for the environment and all things related to fate and the Unknown. She strives to be a good friend while being true to herself, and she remains true even in the face of ridicule. For the most part, the other characters show the same kind of maturity and good nature. 

Violence

A gay character's father throws him out of the house because of his sexuality. The same character's locker is spray painted with the word "homo." Some instances of angry shouting among teens.

Sex

A character is referred to as a slut. Teens kiss.

Language

A couple of uses of "dumbass," "bitch," "homo," and "slut."

Consumerism
Not applicable
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Not applicable

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.

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Kids say

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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?

QUALITY
 

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.

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.

Book details

Author:Susane Colasanti
Genre:Coming of Age
Book type:Fiction
Publisher:Viking
Publication date:May 4, 2010
Number of pages:288
Publisher's recommended age(s):12 - 17

This review of Something Like Fate was written by

Abby Aldrich

About our rating system

  • ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
  • OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.

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Quality

Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning ratings

  • Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
  • Very Good: Engaging, good learning approach.
  • Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
  • Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
  • Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
  • Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

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Teen, 14 years old Written byHappyIce12 April 10, 2011
AGE
11
QUALITY
 

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!!
What other families should know
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Great role models
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Kid, 12 years old July 11, 2011
AGE
12
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the best book ever

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Teen, 14 years old Written byRosemarry Dragon November 28, 2010
AGE
9
QUALITY
 

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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Great messages
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