Review: Sweet Thing by Renee Carlino

Sweet Thing

Author: Renee Carlino

Publication Date: April 14, 2013

Mia Kelly is a twenty-five-year-old walking Gap ad who thinks she has life figured out when her father’s sudden death uproots her from slow-paced Ann Arbor to New York City’s bustling East Village. There she discovers her father’s spirit for life and the legacy he left behind with the help of an old café, a few eccentric friends, and one charming musician.

Will Ryan is good-looking, poetic, spontaneous, and on the brink of fame when he meets Mia, his new landlord, muse, and personal heartbreaker. 

A story of self-discovery and friendship, Sweet Thing shines light on the power of loving and letting go.

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Let me start off by saying that I was definitely drawn to this book by the cover. I mean my 3 favorite things are lattes, books and music so I was immediately intrigued. After reading the synopsis, I knew I needed to read this book and I wasn't disappointed.

I loved this book while sometimes getting seriously frustrated by this book. It was one of those where I really got into the book and my emotions were on high alert. I found myself screaming at the characters when I was frustrated with them or cringing when I knew something that I wasn't going to like was going to happen but I wouldn't be able to stop it.

What did I love most about this book? Um, Will Ryan. Oh Will, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. I wish Will Ryan was a real man and not a fictional character. Even though this book was written from the perspective of Mia, Will was the character of the book for me. He was a sexy musician with this full of life attitude. He was sweet and charming and he loved everyone. He wasn't looking for fame and fortune, he just truly loved music and wanted to write and play his music his way. He brought out the best sides of Mia and helped her discover her true passion for music. Mia put him through a lot of crap but he was there for her through her roughest times.

I really wanted to hate Mia;there were even times through out the book when I did. However, when I really thought about her at the end, I realized that Mia was possibly the most realistic female character in a book I have read in a while. She made a lot of mistakes with Will and I wanted to hate her for that but as someone who was 25 not too long ago, I know what it is like to say things you don't mean and unintentionally hurt the ones you love. I know what it is like to make mistakes while trying to figure out who you are and who you want to be. So really, I can't hate Mia because she was just experiencing life and like all of us, making mistakes along the way. The important thing is that she learned from her mistakes and she grew into a better person because of them. She was confused about who she wanted to be and what she wanted in life.

Unlike Will, who was so sure of everything, Mia was struggling to figure it all out. She was so sure that she had figured out exactly what she wanted and then she met Will and started running her dad's cafe. Suddenly, she didn't know what she wanted and that confused her so she desperately tried to hold onto the image of what she thought her life should be. When she finally let go of her delusions, she was able to truly discover herself and her passion and she made all the right choices in the end. I also really liked Jenny and Martha and I loved that they didn't baby Mia, but told her like it was. Jenny didn't let Mia get away with her crap and she supported her as a friend by calling her out when it was necessary. Mia needed to learn her lessons and they all told her that straight up. She became a stronger and better person because of their tough love and she recognized that.

I was really pleased with the writing and the plot of in this book. The plot was developed really well and there was a perfect amount of depth to the story and the characters. It really pulled on my emotions. There were times when I was frustrated, angry, sad and really happy. I felt like an emotional mess by the end but I was very satisfied with the conclusion.  The prologue and epilogue was very unique and done in a way that I personally have never seen before. This was one of the best debut novels that I have read in a while and I will definitely be watching for more from Renee Carlino.

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Favorite Quote:

"You are your mother and your father. You are your experiences and your fears and the love you let yourself feel. You are your degree and your talent and your passion. You are your pain, your joy, and your fantasies. You are me and Sheil and Jenny and Will and every person that touches your soul... but most of all you are you, whoever you dream that to be." ~Martha (Sweet Thing by Renee Carlino)

IPOD Picks:

"All We Are" by One Republic

"Never Say Never" by The Fray

"Count on Me" by Matt Kearney

"I Won't" by Colbie Collait

Sources

Synopsis: Goodreads

Cover Photo: Goodreads