About The Book
Abby gives herself one month to do ten things, ranging from face a fear (#3) to learn a stranger’s story (#5) to fall in love (#8). She knows that if she can complete the list, she’ll become the kind of artist she’s always dreamed of being. But as the deadline approaches, Abby realizes that getting through the list isn’t as straightforward as it seems . . . and that maybe—just maybe—she can’t change her art if she isn’t first willing to change herself.

My Rating

The plot of this book reminded me of ‘The Lucky List’ by Rachael Lippincott, but in actuality, the books aren’t that similar at all. The book follows Abby, who desperately want to get into an art show put on by the gallery where she works. But in order to participate in the show, her artwork must stand out. So, she decides to makes a summer bucket list of sorts, in hopes that she will discover a new side of herself. A side that might make her a better artist.

Abby was a solid lead character, but there was nothing too special about her. The artist trait was good, but she was too critical of her work. I didn’t feel like she had a lot of confidence in herself. Also, I found the fact that Abby being told her art had no heart was harsh. In my opinion, art is subjective. However, it was nice that the comment just made Abby want to work harder on her art, instead of giving up.

Abby’s family life was very interesting, because her mother dealt with a mental illness that isn’t showcased much in books or shows. Yes, her mom had anxiety, but due to her anxiety, she had essentially become an agoraphobic. Someone close to me suffers from agoraphobia, so I know first hand how hard it can be. Furthermore, I loved Abby’s relationship with her grandfather. They had a lot of witty banter. They were very sarcastic with each other, and that added a comedic element to the book.

“Nobody else’s opinion about you is going to matter to you until yours does.”

There is a friends to lovers romance plot, that I thought was done very well. I’m not usually a friends to lovers fan, but Kasie West is a master at creating great teen romance stories. In the book, Abby was truly open with Cooper about her feelings for him, which isn’t usually the case in YA books. Most of the time the person is secretly yearning for their crush.

I liked how the story touched on fact that it’s scary to go from being friends, to more. Cooper was scared to go there with Abby, because he’d didn’t want their friendship to change, which is understandable. I must admit, I did find Abby and Cooper a little too obsessed with each other. At times, there friendship was a bit too much for me. Abby was always wondering if Cooper was jealous, or if he was dating someone. And, Cooper was annoyed at Abby for making new friends and hanging out with people without him. TheIR friendship could have been toned down, in some regards. 

On a more lighthearted note, there is this great moment where Abby mentioned that a dress with pockets is the best. I completely agree with this statement, and I’m sure that most dress wearing girls, and guys, will back me up on that fact.

Overall, the story was cute and predictable. Most Kasie West books are easy reads with predictable plots, which is what I love about them. They are great comfort reads, and perfect for helping me get out of a reading slump.

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Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny