The Bookanistas: The Day Before

Full disclosure...we've always been a little scared of novels in verse. When we had the opportunity to read Audition by Stasia Kehoe (which releases next month, more on this to come), we were introduced to a brand new world. And you know what? We're not afraid anymore. In fact, I couldn't wait to dig in to The Day Before for this very reason.

What the back cover has to say:

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.


Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

What Lila has to say:

Oh, the hook, you guys, the HOOK! Girl runs away from her own problems only to run into a stranger who carries an equal amount of baggage, if not more. I absolutely love the concept of two people connecting over the course of a day, not to mention broken people with secrets. So all of this works together to drive the plot--not only do you devour each page to discover what these characters are hiding, but you tear through the book to discover how their relationship is going to evolve. I mean, how romantic! Two strangers cross paths and their lives are forever changed.

But what is most incredible is how Lisa is able to tell the story using perfectly chosen words, rhythm and visual elements where the words practically dance along the page in some instances. It's incredibly creative and extremely impressive that all elements of a story come together in so few words--it's the intentional nature of each carefully selected word that is the true inspiration for a fellow writer. I really, really enjoyed the entire experience of reading this book.

So, yeah, you might call me a fan. I've read Lisa's middle grade, It's Raining Cupcakes, which I really enjoyed and can't wait to dig into the rest of her collection of stories. SOLD.

Check out what the other Bookanistas are up to this week:

Elana Johnson succumbs to The Eleventh Plague

Shannon Whitney Messenger swoons over Flyaway by Lucy Christopher – with giveaway

Scott Tracey is overwhelmed by A Vast Field of Ordinary

Jessi Kirby wonders at What Happened to Goodbye

Shana Silver is mesmerized by Possess

Corrine Jackson’s Blogiversary celebration continues with more YA Authors on Lessons Learned

Stasia Ward Kehoe ponders the issue of plot spoilers in book reviews – with giveaway

Veronica Rossi says bravo to Daughter of Smoke and Bone