Review: The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

High school junior Nick Brandt is intent on getting a girlfriend, and Eden Reiss is the one that he wants. He has exactly four semesters to get the girl, but when the phone rings on an otherwise ordinary Tuesday night, life for Nick and his parents will never be the same. What had been a seemingly idyllic home life has become something else entirely. But with this shake-up comes a newfound confidence for Nick; he's become a bolder version of himself, no longer afraid to question his parents, and no longer afraid to talk to Eden.

Alyssa B. Sheinmel has written a powerfully gripping story about family secrets, falling in love, and finding luck in unexpected--and sometimes unwelcome—circumstances.

Review:

After reading Alyssa's unique and beautifully written debut last year, I've been eager to find out more about her upcoming projects. I was beyond excited when a copy of her sophomore novel, The Lucky Kind, landed on my doorstep. It was just as intriguing and original as her debut and I definitely recommend it.

The Lucky Kind tells the story of sixteen year old Nick, an ordinary high school guy navigating life the best he can. Nick is in love with the beautiful and elusive Eden Reiss and I liked being able to watch their relationship develop and turn into something more. Nick has always been happy and has a good relationship with his parents, and he's even happier when he and Eden start dating. He also has his best friend Stevie and is doing well in school. But then his life is turned upside down when he learns his father had a son with his girlfriend 29 years ago that they put up for adoption and this almost thirty year old man is now contacting Nick's (and his real) father. Nick starts to wonder if his father really is the kind and honest guy he always knew and trusted and their relationship changes drastically in just a day. Suddenly Nick is a new person.

The concept of The Lucky Kind was one I've never encountered before and I felt for Nick when he learned his father had been keeping something so serious from him. The fact that Nick was indeed not his father's first born son. Alyssa B. Sheinmel made sure Nick's parents had a key role in the story and his relationship with them was a key part of the novel. Nick's character is very complex and he goes through a lot over the course of a few months and changes quite a bit.

Eden and Stevie are also very developed secondary characters and have a large role in the book. One of my favorite aspects of the book was reading about Nick's relationship with not only his parents but Stevie and Eden. He learned a lot about himself from those two even though they had their ups and downs.

The plot is well executed and Alyssa manages to capture all the turmoil and emotion brought forth by a family secret perfectly.

While some may think the ending was a bit abrupt I think it was the best way to end the story. Readers can make their own guesses as to what happens next. Overall, The Lucky Kind was an original and well written second novel and I finished it very quickly. Alyssa B. Sheinmel created a great character in Nick and I think many teenagers will feel for and relate to him. I'm sure Alyssa's third book will introduce a new, rarely touched topic that will intrigue readers as well!

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

May 10, 2011/Knopf BFYR/208 Pages/Young Adult

Source: Publisher (ARC)

Other books by this author: The Beautiful Between

Blog Tour: Character Interview with Eden from The Lucky Kind (and GIVEAWAY!)

Stopping by today is Eden, one of the main characters in The Lucky Kind! I loved this book and can't wait to post my review on Sunday!

1. What was your initial reaction to Nick the first time you met him?

Well, I’ve known Nick since we were in grade school. So to be honest, I’m pretty sure that the first time I met him, he and Stevie were taking turns tasting paste. (Although they might have been doing that last week, too.)

2. Do you know if your parents ever considered naming you something else? And if you could change your name to anything else what would you choose?

I don’t know if my parents ever thought of another name for me. I know it was my mother who decided to name me Eden; she liked that she had come up with an unusual way to give me a biblical name. I can’t imagine having a different name; I’m used to being Eden.

3. Most teenagers would hate to have to wear a school uniform. Do you like it or wish you could just wear your tank top and jeans?

I don’t mind the uniform. I think of it as a fashion challenge: how can I make this outfit my own while still staying within the parameters of the school dress code? It’s tough – they even have rules about what shoes we can wear. We’re not allowed to wear shoes without backs, because years ago a girl wearing clogs fell down the school stairs. It makes me put a lot more thought into my accessories.

4. I understand you like to read non-fiction books. What has been the most interesting fact or piece of information you've come across in your reading?

My favorite thing about non-fiction is learning the stories behind the ones that we learn at school. I usually end up sympathizing with the women who have traditionally been painted as the “bad” guys. Anne Boleyn and Marie Antoinette are my favorites, and they’re endlessly interesting if you ask me.

5. Do you wish you had a sibling? Or do you like being an only child?

I don’t mind being an only child; though come to think of it, it might be nice to have someone else around who knows just how crazy my parents are. But on the other hand, I wouldn’t wish their parenting style on anyone else!

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Thanks so much Eden and Alyssa! The book officially releases on May 10th, so be sure to pick up a copy then!

I am also hosting a giveaway for two copies of The Lucky KInd! US Only. Ends May 15.

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