About the Book: It’s been one year since it happened…
When Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in a swimming accident, she shut out almost everyone. Now Paige has decided it’s finally time to rejoin the world, and she has a plan. First on the list: go out with Ryan Chase, her longtime and newly single crush. And last on the list: swim. Terrifying, yet possible?
But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin Max moves to town and recruits Paige for the QuizBowl team (of all things!), her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Starting over isn’t easy, but Paige knows the scariest things are usually the most difficult. Can she face her fears and open herself up to life and love again?
Standalone
YA Contemporary Romance
Bloomsbury USA Childrens | March 31, 2015
Going into The Start of Me and You I expected a story that was all romance. I expected a read like The Sea of Tranquility. One that was 75% romance heavy, and 25% everything else. I’m not putting down SoT, it was good and I picked up The Start of Me and You wanting something similar. I was excited for what I thought I was getting, and I ended up getting something more!
There was a romance, and it was wonderful! I loved how healthy Max and Paige’s friendship was, which paved the way for a strong relationship. They were really sweet with each other, healthy teasing while they built up each other’s confidence. Reading both of them falling in love was was definitely one of the best parts of the story.
However, I gave The Start of Me and You 4 1/2 stars because of the amazing friendship Paige and her best friends had. Healthy female friendships don’t really have representation in Young Adult, and it’s so sad. The sportive way that Kayleigh, Tessa, Morgan and Paige protected and comforted each other was really beautiful. Tessa and Paige in particular were total friendship goals.
When it all closes in, there are only two kinds of people: best friends and everyone else.
In fact, all of the different connections in The Start of Me and You were strong and healthy. Paige’s parental relationships were just as well written and well developed as the friendships. Her life wasn’t perfect, but the problems weren’t contrived and ridiculous. For instance, I thought it was a wonderful writing choice to have Paige’s parents already divorced, rather than a story of parents who are going to get divorced. It gave the story a unique and different spin. I also thought it was a nice change that Paige’s crush Ryan was as handsome, funny and kind as she thought he was. It’s easy to write off a relationship by making the guy, or girl, a jerk. In The Start of Me and You Ryan and Paige were two good people who didn’t have much chemistry. They were truly just friends. Yay for all the healthy friendships!
I search for books like this. I covet books that don’t glorify bad relationships. The Start of Me and You was all of that AND romantic! I loved it!
Birdie Bookworm 
I have been seeing this book around lately. I plan on reading it in the new year. Hopefully I like it. Great Review.
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Thanks! It was so good. I was seeing it everywhere too, and I kept telling myself I should try it. It was definitely worth it in the end. 🙂
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I’m so glad to see you enjoyed this one, Wendy. I hope I enjoy it as much when I get a chance to read it. Great review. 🙂
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Thanks! I think you’ll like it.
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Definitely yay for healthy friendships 😀 This sounds lovely- great review!
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Thanks! It really was a great read for teens.
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You’re welcome! Great 🙂
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Ooooh, I’ve been eyeing this book for a while now after I read The Names They Gave Us by her, and after reading your review, I’m super excited for it now. 😀 This sounds great, and I can’t wait to try it especially since you said the connections were good and romantic. Wonderful review! ❤
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They really were, but I especially loved the female friendships. They were really strong. I haven’t read The Names They Gave Us, so I’ll have to check that out!
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[…] This is a more recent read, but it’s definitely worthy of this list. Maybe I only gave it four stars, but the girl friendship in The Start of Me and You makes this story one of the best of the best. Paige, Morgan, Tessa and Kayleigh have a friendship that teenagers should strive to find. It was all about supporting each other, and having each others back. (My Review) […]
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