Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman

(This book was sent to me by Raincoast Publishing)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Publishing Company: Swoon Reads

Publication Date: June 20, 2017

Genre: YA Contemporary

…you make me feel okay, even when it mostly sucks — you always have.

I do not particularly like contemporary storylines due to their predictability and cheesiness. I was surprised when I was blown away with Katy Upperman’s Kissing Max Holden.

There are no better words to say: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. I already want to go home (I’m sitting at Starbucks writing this) and go read it again. There was not a single thing I did not like about it. Upperman keeps the reader entertained the entire time with her witty and colourful writing.

Max and Jill were childhood friends, the ones who live across the street from each other.

But that is all they have ever been…friends.

See why I was weary about reading this book?

Until senior year in high school, when even their parents knew it was just a matter of time before the inevitable hit.

From page one the reader delves into Max and Jill’s transition from friendship to relationship and rides their rollercoaster of ups and downs leading to the last page.

Of the two, my favourite character is Max.

In the beginning of the book he is not in a good position in his life. He is drinking too much, partying too much and his grades are not the greatest.

Why?

Because he is with the wrong girl.

It takes longer than I would like, but he eventually notices she is wrong for him and begins to clean up his act.

I admire his humility, that he was able to see his wrong decisions and attempt to fix the outcome nonetheless.

I recommend this book for anyone over the age of 14, especially if you aged 14  love young adult contemporary novels.

This one may become one of your favourites.