Ciao - A Review

Title: Ciao
Author: Bethany Lopez
Source: Author Review Request

Goodreads Summary:

Melissa has had a fantastic summer hanging out with her friends and making new ones. Life as she knows it will change when they all come together to begin their sophomore year at Dearborn High. Connections will be made and friendships will be tested. Will Melissa’s family and friends be able to help her through the challenges she will face in the upcoming months?

My thoughts:

The Stories About Melissa is a three book series so far, and each book has revealed to the readers a slice of teen life that is purely accurate.  Is Melissa perfect? No, but she is perfectly a teenager, with all the mistakes and angst and drama that goes along with that age.  

In this book, Melissa gets caught in her own love life dilema.  Remember those days? The days of does he like me, doesn't he, nervous to talk to them, butterflies in your stomach, excitement about going out with someone you have had a a crush on - remember all that? At the beginning of the summer, she has the chance to go out with either Jimmy or Brian.  She doesn't want to screw her friendship with Jimmy up though, so she doesn't make a decision.  But when her new friend Cassie tells Melissa that she, Cassie, likes Jimmy, Melissa realizes that perhaps she did like Jimmy.  However, she doesn't say anything and acts happy for her friends, even though she is a little upset. Melissa also starts dating Brian.

However, this book is more than just who is dating who and who is wearing what; Melissa and her gang suffer a terrible loss, and they handle this loss with maturity and compassion.  And yes, confusion and sadness.  It adds a certain depth to the story, and cements Melissa's place in the heart's of readers.  

I think that this book is written with bravery and unique insight and  into the minds of teenagers.  I think that today's young adults can relate to the issues and feelings in this novel, and maybe even learn a thing or two.   



The giveaway for this book is still going on!! Please enter for your chance to win a copy of Ciao by Bethany Lopez!