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Lobsters
Sam and Hannah only have the holidays to find 'The One'. Their lobster. But instead of being epic, their summer is looking awkward. They must navigate social misunderstandings, the plotting of well-meaning friends, and their own fears of being virgins for ever to find happiness. But fate is at work to bring them together. And in the end, it all boils down to love.
307 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 950 reviews
May 24, 2016
(3.5) I enjoyed this, but it definitely wasn't what I was expecting it to be. Also it got kind of dirty at certain points and I'm not a huge fan of that kind of content. Full video review to come!
May 12, 2016
I am not sure what I just read.
The entire book was about losing your virginity. Both MCs are obsessed with it and there are various attempts and random hook ups and all of it was just odd.
I didn't care for these characters. I wanted to jump into the book and punch Stella. And maybe Hannah because she never stood up for herself.
I kept reading because there were a few humorous parts here and there and I was desperately hoping it was going to get better. I've seen so many people talking about it and saying it was amazing. I guess I'm in the minority here.
The entire book was about losing your virginity. Both MCs are obsessed with it and there are various attempts and random hook ups and all of it was just odd.
I didn't care for these characters. I wanted to jump into the book and punch Stella. And maybe Hannah because she never stood up for herself.
I kept reading because there were a few humorous parts here and there and I was desperately hoping it was going to get better. I've seen so many people talking about it and saying it was amazing. I guess I'm in the minority here.
April 21, 2016
4.5 stars So freaking funny. There's a hysterical moment in this book when the main character is described as being "paralytic with giggles" and that is exactly how I felt! I kept trying to smother my laughter so I wouldn't wake Mr.Darling.
Stuff the book includes that's great:
-- Girl friendships and how they can be both rock steady comforting and shockingly poisonous
-- Affectionate adult/teen relationships
-- School and career
-- real connections (you totally get why people dig each other) and kindness
-- And more than anything, a sexual frankness that I've never before read in a YA book. This casual matter-of-factness and open curiosity is something I'm used to in adult books by British authors like Sarra Manning or Sophie Kinsella, but I'll admit my Puritanical American / mother hen heart is surprised to see it for younger audiences. But have we been kidding ourselves or filtering too much in American YA lit? Kids do a lot of exploring and hooking up, and it's not always with the person they think is their HEA. The authors do a bang up job of walking you through both Hannah and Sam's emotions, however, so you really do see why they act/react the way they do.
The plot gets a little convoluted with all the friends' side stories and hook-ups, and there are a few too many missed opportunities / understandings between Sam and Hannah towards the end--and it takes a beat to get adjusted in the opening chapter, since you're immediately thrown into a she's-losing-her-virginity-let's-wax-her-bikini-line scenario. But I was totally riveted by the fumbly chemistry between Hannah and Sam, I appreciated the way all the characters were distinct and related to Hannah differently, and I loved the crazy great dialogue and narrative voice. Seriously--I laughed from beginning to end.
Okay, so. That was meant to be a quick 3 am reaction but this is what happens when you finish a book and can't wait to talk to people about it!
Maybe more to come, because clearly I can't shut up about how much I like this.
Finis
Stuff the book includes that's great:
-- Girl friendships and how they can be both rock steady comforting and shockingly poisonous
-- Affectionate adult/teen relationships
-- School and career
-- real connections (you totally get why people dig each other) and kindness
-- And more than anything, a sexual frankness that I've never before read in a YA book. This casual matter-of-factness and open curiosity is something I'm used to in adult books by British authors like Sarra Manning or Sophie Kinsella, but I'll admit my Puritanical American / mother hen heart is surprised to see it for younger audiences. But have we been kidding ourselves or filtering too much in American YA lit? Kids do a lot of exploring and hooking up, and it's not always with the person they think is their HEA. The authors do a bang up job of walking you through both Hannah and Sam's emotions, however, so you really do see why they act/react the way they do.
The plot gets a little convoluted with all the friends' side stories and hook-ups, and there are a few too many missed opportunities / understandings between Sam and Hannah towards the end--and it takes a beat to get adjusted in the opening chapter, since you're immediately thrown into a she's-losing-her-virginity-let's-wax-her-bikini-line scenario. But I was totally riveted by the fumbly chemistry between Hannah and Sam, I appreciated the way all the characters were distinct and related to Hannah differently, and I loved the crazy great dialogue and narrative voice. Seriously--I laughed from beginning to end.
Okay, so. That was meant to be a quick 3 am reaction but this is what happens when you finish a book and can't wait to talk to people about it!
Maybe more to come, because clearly I can't shut up about how much I like this.
Finis
June 14, 2022
This was adorable but also frustrating at points. So many missed connections and mishaps but truly kept me interested in the story along the way. Absolutely loved Sam and Hannah's connection. Nan was my absolute fave character, she wasn't the main character but you just absolutely love the bits she's in. This was a cute and VERy quick read. Absolutely loved this!
July 13, 2016
4.5 stars
video review (+some of my own awkward stories) here ->
FIRST things first, this book is not for everyone! It's the story of two English high school students who are trying to lose their virginity before they go to college. It does not shy away from anything to do with sex so do not come into this book expecting it to be tame. It isn't tame at all and I loved it. This book is full of the same cringey scenarios as shows like The Inbetweeners (watch it if you haven't!) where I was genuinely embarrassed at times for these fictional characters. It was horrible but also excellent. The two main characters, Hannah and Sam, were really likeable despite how awkward they were. I really loved them both because they felt like real people and dealt with real things.
I just think this book was really well done and entertaining. My favourite thing was that it didn't do what SO many other books do where they glamourise losing your virginity. You know what I mean? How it's all kisses and gentle caresses and no pain or awkwardness or anything like that? I'm pretty sure that does not happen to anyone and I liked that this book was real about it. The first time sex in this book was super awkward and funny and it made me like the whole story a lot more.
video review (+some of my own awkward stories) here ->
FIRST things first, this book is not for everyone! It's the story of two English high school students who are trying to lose their virginity before they go to college. It does not shy away from anything to do with sex so do not come into this book expecting it to be tame. It isn't tame at all and I loved it. This book is full of the same cringey scenarios as shows like The Inbetweeners (watch it if you haven't!) where I was genuinely embarrassed at times for these fictional characters. It was horrible but also excellent. The two main characters, Hannah and Sam, were really likeable despite how awkward they were. I really loved them both because they felt like real people and dealt with real things.
I just think this book was really well done and entertaining. My favourite thing was that it didn't do what SO many other books do where they glamourise losing your virginity. You know what I mean? How it's all kisses and gentle caresses and no pain or awkwardness or anything like that? I'm pretty sure that does not happen to anyone and I liked that this book was real about it. The first time sex in this book was super awkward and funny and it made me like the whole story a lot more.
August 22, 2021
If you loved Non Pratt's
Trouble
, I've found the next book for you! Are teenagers in UKYA more realistic because they're mostly read by readers who can often identify with the characters' Britishness? Or are they just more realistic? That's what I want to know.
Lobsters is utterly brilliant at portraying teenagers. It's incredibly honest and I read things in this novel that I've never read before, which sounds really dramatic, like something quite catastrophic happens in the story, but it really just depicts aspects of everyday teenage life that we just don't talk about much, from the embarrassing and the heart-breaking to the completely hilarious. It's one of my favourite books of the year so far.
Sam and Hannah meet in slightly embarrassing circumstances while they're in a bathroom during a house party � they both wanted to get away from all the chaos that ensues when you put a hundred teenagers together. Because when two people meet for the first time, they don't always have highly intelligent and/or meaningful conversations where they instantly fall in love, Sam and Hannah have slightly-awkward-but-still-kind-of-cute banter about hot Ribena being a thing, but this is pretty much the last time we see them together for a while because Hannah goes off to meet up with her current crush Freddie (much to Sam's disappointment), and Sam heads back to hang out with his friends who have gatecrashed the party (while Hannah is wondering who Toilet Boy is and where he come from).
Lobsters is a genuinely laugh-out-loud funny story about Sam and Hannah, two newly-turned-18-year-olds (and their group of close friends) as they try to find their way back to each other � often completely unexpectedly � while attempting to juggle the pressures of being a teenager, from peer pressure to epic misunderstandings. I adored all of the characters, even their poor decisions and lack of self-awareness. It's what being a teenager is all about, but both groups of friends get up to a lot of fun, and this is what I loved most about it. It's a fun story, with fun romance and a ton of moments that made me smile. But it won't make you want to be a teenager again! #tooawkardthanks
If you’re a fan of YA contemporary, especially UKYA, you’ll want to pick up Lobsters! It’s both hilarious and honest, and full of references to British pop culture. (I'll never not appreciated a good Harry Potter reference). I don’t often laugh out loud, but I had to try to stop myself laughing on public transport. I really want to see more from Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison, please!
I also reviewed this book over on .
Lobsters is utterly brilliant at portraying teenagers. It's incredibly honest and I read things in this novel that I've never read before, which sounds really dramatic, like something quite catastrophic happens in the story, but it really just depicts aspects of everyday teenage life that we just don't talk about much, from the embarrassing and the heart-breaking to the completely hilarious. It's one of my favourite books of the year so far.
Sam and Hannah meet in slightly embarrassing circumstances while they're in a bathroom during a house party � they both wanted to get away from all the chaos that ensues when you put a hundred teenagers together. Because when two people meet for the first time, they don't always have highly intelligent and/or meaningful conversations where they instantly fall in love, Sam and Hannah have slightly-awkward-but-still-kind-of-cute banter about hot Ribena being a thing, but this is pretty much the last time we see them together for a while because Hannah goes off to meet up with her current crush Freddie (much to Sam's disappointment), and Sam heads back to hang out with his friends who have gatecrashed the party (while Hannah is wondering who Toilet Boy is and where he come from).
Lobsters is a genuinely laugh-out-loud funny story about Sam and Hannah, two newly-turned-18-year-olds (and their group of close friends) as they try to find their way back to each other � often completely unexpectedly � while attempting to juggle the pressures of being a teenager, from peer pressure to epic misunderstandings. I adored all of the characters, even their poor decisions and lack of self-awareness. It's what being a teenager is all about, but both groups of friends get up to a lot of fun, and this is what I loved most about it. It's a fun story, with fun romance and a ton of moments that made me smile. But it won't make you want to be a teenager again! #tooawkardthanks
If you’re a fan of YA contemporary, especially UKYA, you’ll want to pick up Lobsters! It’s both hilarious and honest, and full of references to British pop culture. (I'll never not appreciated a good Harry Potter reference). I don’t often laugh out loud, but I had to try to stop myself laughing on public transport. I really want to see more from Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison, please!
I also reviewed this book over on .
April 19, 2016
I had wanted to read this because of the promised laughs, and I did get a fair number of those. British humor works better for me than American in general. The "love" story though started cute, quickly devolved into the familiar forced-obstacle-driven scenario with a bit too much horniness and angst for my taste. I wish the authors stayed away from drama and kept things light and fun all the way through. After all, the main premise of the book is very conducive to light and fun - basically it's an "American Pie" variation - horny, often drunk teens (both girls and boys) who think they must hook up with someone before they start college. Raunchy, realistic, moderately funny.
August 19, 2023
2023 Review:
I love the conversations Hannah and Sam have and I had hoped for many, many more.
This is a really cute and funny read. But I do think that I have outgrown it a bit.
3,5 stars.
•Ģ�
2016 Review:
I would definately buy this book!
You could really feel that the parts about Sam were written by a guy and the parts about Hannah by a woman. Loved the sneek peak into the boys-world and the way the girls are around each other is recognizable.
Already knew the story was gonna have an happy ending, but I did wonder WHEN. Sam and Hannah keep messing it up together.
Hannah and Sam are awesome characters. The other characters in the book fit really well in this story.
There is humor, romance and a fast paced way of writing, witty jokes and sex-humour.
I love this kind of book. Just enjoyed it a lot!
I love the conversations Hannah and Sam have and I had hoped for many, many more.
This is a really cute and funny read. But I do think that I have outgrown it a bit.
3,5 stars.
•Ģ�
2016 Review:
I would definately buy this book!
You could really feel that the parts about Sam were written by a guy and the parts about Hannah by a woman. Loved the sneek peak into the boys-world and the way the girls are around each other is recognizable.
Already knew the story was gonna have an happy ending, but I did wonder WHEN. Sam and Hannah keep messing it up together.
Hannah and Sam are awesome characters. The other characters in the book fit really well in this story.
There is humor, romance and a fast paced way of writing, witty jokes and sex-humour.
I love this kind of book. Just enjoyed it a lot!
November 5, 2015
In het begin vond ik het maar een beetje een raar boek en ik had geen idee waar het verhaal nou eigenlijk naar toe ging. Toen ik eenmaal wat verder was toen las het lekker door en was het heel erg leuk om te lezen, ook al is het een vrij voorspelbaar boek.
October 17, 2015
In het begin dacht ik dat het hier enkel over, en sorry voor mijn taal maar ik quote enkele begrippen: ontmaagding, neuken, vingeren, foef en triootjes ging maar naarmate ik me daarover heb gezet is dit best een leuk verhaal! Het zijn twee verhaallijnen die af en toe samenkomen waardoor het boek snel las (1dag!) en zoals de titel doet vermoeden is het verhaal soms zeer extreem awkward maar vooral hilarisch! Ik kwam op sommige momenten gewoon niet meer bij, die hun gesprekken alleen al! Ik ben wel blij dat ik zo geen tienerjaren heb meegemaakt, het kwam soms overdreven over en onwaarschijnlijk zoals dat hele ontmaagding gedoe. Maar dat zal van de cultuur afhangen denk ik, in vele Amerikaanse films komt dat ook voor. Ik heb ook genoten van de disney/harry potter referenties! In mijn omgeving wordt dat ook veel gedaan en dat was eens leuk om te lezen ^^. Het einde vond ik dan wat minder maar al bij al een zeer grappig verhaal en elk boek dat mij veel doet lachen verdient toch wel 4 sterren.
July 27, 2015
Lobsters is een heerlijk ongemakkelijk verhaal, een prima zomerboek! Lees hier mijn recensie:
January 11, 2016
OMG this story is so cute! I adore it!
August 18, 2019
Not what I imagened the story will be like. It was kind of those awful American pie movies but more awkward. Waste of time.
June 22, 2018
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One night at a party, Hannah and Sam meet accidentally in a bathroom. They strike up a conversation but are quickly interrupted before they even learn each others names. As time goes on, they can't stop thinking about one another but believe they will never see each other again. Until they do... repeatedly... and its more than awkward.
This was super cute and fluffy, just what I needed at the time. It was a very fast read that had me giggling at the awkward encounters these characters went through. I really loved the alternating perspective between Sam and Hannah. I loved catching a glimpse into each of their minds and how each situation was interpreted differently by each character. Hannah annoyed me at times for never standing up for herself when it came to Stella, her bitchy best friend who thought she could walk all over everyone. Sam also got on my nerves as well because he was so naive about EVERYTHING. I did really love them together once it finally happened though. I thought they were super cute and I loved their easy banter. I think a lot of the drama that they faced could have been easily avoided if they had just communicated with each other. In my opinion, they definitely felt more like 16 year olds rather than 18 like they were supposed to be. Robin was definitely my favourite character, I thought he was hilarious and every scene he was in had me laughing. I really like how honest this book was about sex and loosing your virginity. There was no romanticizing about it, it was very real and how it USUALLY happens. I also loved how the relationship between Stella and Hannah was so toxic, I think it did a great job in portraying how dangerous this type of relationship can be.
One night at a party, Hannah and Sam meet accidentally in a bathroom. They strike up a conversation but are quickly interrupted before they even learn each others names. As time goes on, they can't stop thinking about one another but believe they will never see each other again. Until they do... repeatedly... and its more than awkward.
This was super cute and fluffy, just what I needed at the time. It was a very fast read that had me giggling at the awkward encounters these characters went through. I really loved the alternating perspective between Sam and Hannah. I loved catching a glimpse into each of their minds and how each situation was interpreted differently by each character. Hannah annoyed me at times for never standing up for herself when it came to Stella, her bitchy best friend who thought she could walk all over everyone. Sam also got on my nerves as well because he was so naive about EVERYTHING. I did really love them together once it finally happened though. I thought they were super cute and I loved their easy banter. I think a lot of the drama that they faced could have been easily avoided if they had just communicated with each other. In my opinion, they definitely felt more like 16 year olds rather than 18 like they were supposed to be. Robin was definitely my favourite character, I thought he was hilarious and every scene he was in had me laughing. I really like how honest this book was about sex and loosing your virginity. There was no romanticizing about it, it was very real and how it USUALLY happens. I also loved how the relationship between Stella and Hannah was so toxic, I think it did a great job in portraying how dangerous this type of relationship can be.
July 4, 2017
5 Words: party, alcohol, drugs, attraction, sex.
After I'd heard so many awesome things about this book, I was sure that I would enjoy it.
But I didn't.
I just wasn't like this as a teen. I was a different kind of crazy, not the festival and holidays abroad type. I found it difficult to relate to the characters.
It made me realise that I'm getting pretty sick of reading about money, even if there was a token plea by Lucy that her Gran didn't have much money, yet still got her a Tiffany's necklace.
What really, really got to me was the "AAB is bad thing" thing. Sam was a failure because he only got AAB in his A Levels. He just got nearly perfect freaking grades. Cry me a freaking river.
Saying that, the narrators did a terrific job with this!
After I'd heard so many awesome things about this book, I was sure that I would enjoy it.
But I didn't.
I just wasn't like this as a teen. I was a different kind of crazy, not the festival and holidays abroad type. I found it difficult to relate to the characters.
It made me realise that I'm getting pretty sick of reading about money, even if there was a token plea by Lucy that her Gran didn't have much money, yet still got her a Tiffany's necklace.
What really, really got to me was the "AAB is bad thing" thing. Sam was a failure because he only got AAB in his A Levels. He just got nearly perfect freaking grades. Cry me a freaking river.
Saying that, the narrators did a terrific job with this!
March 18, 2015
Wow. That was one of the worst books I have ever read. Awful, horrible people doing awful, horrible things to each other. I can't believe I actually enjoyed this in the beginning. I feel disgusted.
I HATED this.
I HATED this.
June 29, 2016
Super leuk en luchtig boek voor in de zomermaanden. Heb erg genoten van de akward moments, veel gelachen maar ik vond alleen het einde tegenvallen. Dit had wel wat leuker en groter gemogen, hierdoor 4 sterren.
June 21, 2018
Just as hilarious, relevant and brutally honest as ever. I'm amazed by how convincingly Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison write as contemporary teenagers.
It's always refreshing to read UK YA and this is so accurately British. I think pretty much all teenagers will relate to the stress of UCAS applications, the stupid pressure of having to decide what career you want to pursue by the time you're sixteen, D of E and the trauma that was the trio of HPV jabs.
The presentation of losing your virginity before uni as a rite of passage was slightly ridiculous, and I have to say that I did want to slap some of the characters when they voted with their pants instead of their brains. And I don't think that comparing dancing to 'a polite epileptic fit' is something to be joked about - no matter how bad your dancing is.
The humour is timeless and I'm sure all the contemporary topics it so faithfully presents will trigger floods of sentimental memories for me when I'm older.
It's always refreshing to read UK YA and this is so accurately British. I think pretty much all teenagers will relate to the stress of UCAS applications, the stupid pressure of having to decide what career you want to pursue by the time you're sixteen, D of E and the trauma that was the trio of HPV jabs.
The presentation of losing your virginity before uni as a rite of passage was slightly ridiculous, and I have to say that I did want to slap some of the characters when they voted with their pants instead of their brains. And I don't think that comparing dancing to 'a polite epileptic fit' is something to be joked about - no matter how bad your dancing is.
The humour is timeless and I'm sure all the contemporary topics it so faithfully presents will trigger floods of sentimental memories for me when I'm older.
December 1, 2015
Ik had op het begin niet gedacht dat het zo'n leuk boek zou zijn. Maar dat was het wel.
Heb je zin in een lekker luchtig boek met niet al teveel diepgang dan is dit lieve verhaal iets voor jou!
De hoofdpersonen in het boek vond ik wat jonger overkomen dan ze daadwerkelijk waren.
Het bracht me een beetje terug naar iets van 13 jaar geleden met m'n beste vriendinnen op feestjes/ stappen / vakanties. Praten over jongens en de verliefdheid daarbij. Lang geleden hihi.
Het boek leest heerlijk weg. Heb er wel lang over gedaan omdat ik 4 boeken tegelijk las. Niet zo Handig.
Heb je zin in een lekker luchtig boek met niet al teveel diepgang dan is dit lieve verhaal iets voor jou!
De hoofdpersonen in het boek vond ik wat jonger overkomen dan ze daadwerkelijk waren.
Het bracht me een beetje terug naar iets van 13 jaar geleden met m'n beste vriendinnen op feestjes/ stappen / vakanties. Praten over jongens en de verliefdheid daarbij. Lang geleden hihi.
Het boek leest heerlijk weg. Heb er wel lang over gedaan omdat ik 4 boeken tegelijk las. Niet zo Handig.
August 31, 2016
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Hopeless romantic that I am, I'm all for love stories. In fact the more awkward, the better. Not to mention the funnier, in this case especially. I went into A Totally Awkward Love Story (also known as Lobsters in the UK) expecting a fun read, and that's exactly what I got with Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison's novel.
Although the pink, cutesy cover suggests a heartwarming "puppy love" kind of story, A Totally Awkward Love Story is a little more mature, with it being so much about losing your virginity and having sex. There's no extremely graphic content, but I wouldn't exactly recommend this to anyone below fourteen years old. About two virgins having a fateful meeting at the wetroom of a friend's party and bonding over hot grape juice, A Totally Awkward Love Story is about finding your 'lobster', that person who may or may not be The One.
"I sort of put losing my virginity on the back burner until finishing finals. Although "losing" is such a random word for it. It's not like you're going to find it under your study guide, is it?"
The book is told in dual POV for every chapter, which really works to have an equal feel for the two protagonists. Hannah and Sam are both the only inexperienced ones in each of their circle of friends, leaving them without confidence and feeling more anxious about being virgins. I think it's pretty cool that Sam is a virgin since it's rather rare to see male love interests in YA who haven't had sex yet. Moreover, both characters felt really authentic and relatable in their insecurities. While I can't say much about Hannah's character arc, I did admire the development I saw in Sam.
What stands out for me with this book is how hilarious it was. It got some loud laughs out of me, which is something I always like in a book. The authors don't hold back on the funny/awkward moments, living up to the book's title, There's just something about British humor that I adore. There's also delightful banter between friends, which speaking of, is a major aspect of the book. Although the friendships in A Totally Awkward Love Story are very far from perfect (one of them is pretty toxic), I thought they were portrayed well. Major props to the genuine characterization of teenagers who drink, party and have sex.
"In the end, losing your virginity isn't really about you. It's about everyone else. It's about telling everyone else you've done it so you can get on with doing it again. Properly this time."
In spite of all this, I'm not a huge fan of drama, which this book had a generous amount of. Also, the dirty scenes, grounded as they were, still left me uncomfortable. While I did appreciate the straightforward approach of the narrative about sex, I wanted some more focus on the anticipation of getting into (or not getting into) college. I actually really liked that the book tackles this and wish it had been more notable.
Being a teenager is never easy. Sometimes it's just awkward and it helps to read a book that reflects just this. Overall, I think A Totally Awkward Story gives a great glimpse into the love life and sex life of modern teens. Funny and genuine, this one deserve a thumbs up.
Hopeless romantic that I am, I'm all for love stories. In fact the more awkward, the better. Not to mention the funnier, in this case especially. I went into A Totally Awkward Love Story (also known as Lobsters in the UK) expecting a fun read, and that's exactly what I got with Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison's novel.
Although the pink, cutesy cover suggests a heartwarming "puppy love" kind of story, A Totally Awkward Love Story is a little more mature, with it being so much about losing your virginity and having sex. There's no extremely graphic content, but I wouldn't exactly recommend this to anyone below fourteen years old. About two virgins having a fateful meeting at the wetroom of a friend's party and bonding over hot grape juice, A Totally Awkward Love Story is about finding your 'lobster', that person who may or may not be The One.
"I sort of put losing my virginity on the back burner until finishing finals. Although "losing" is such a random word for it. It's not like you're going to find it under your study guide, is it?"
The book is told in dual POV for every chapter, which really works to have an equal feel for the two protagonists. Hannah and Sam are both the only inexperienced ones in each of their circle of friends, leaving them without confidence and feeling more anxious about being virgins. I think it's pretty cool that Sam is a virgin since it's rather rare to see male love interests in YA who haven't had sex yet. Moreover, both characters felt really authentic and relatable in their insecurities. While I can't say much about Hannah's character arc, I did admire the development I saw in Sam.
What stands out for me with this book is how hilarious it was. It got some loud laughs out of me, which is something I always like in a book. The authors don't hold back on the funny/awkward moments, living up to the book's title, There's just something about British humor that I adore. There's also delightful banter between friends, which speaking of, is a major aspect of the book. Although the friendships in A Totally Awkward Love Story are very far from perfect (one of them is pretty toxic), I thought they were portrayed well. Major props to the genuine characterization of teenagers who drink, party and have sex.
"In the end, losing your virginity isn't really about you. It's about everyone else. It's about telling everyone else you've done it so you can get on with doing it again. Properly this time."
In spite of all this, I'm not a huge fan of drama, which this book had a generous amount of. Also, the dirty scenes, grounded as they were, still left me uncomfortable. While I did appreciate the straightforward approach of the narrative about sex, I wanted some more focus on the anticipation of getting into (or not getting into) college. I actually really liked that the book tackles this and wish it had been more notable.
Being a teenager is never easy. Sometimes it's just awkward and it helps to read a book that reflects just this. Overall, I think A Totally Awkward Story gives a great glimpse into the love life and sex life of modern teens. Funny and genuine, this one deserve a thumbs up.
November 28, 2015
My daughter borrowed this for me the other day and because I have SO MANY OTHER BOOKS to read, I wasn't planning on reading this yet. Then I picked it up yesterday morning, and finished it today.
So. There you go.
Hannah and Sam go to different schools and have different friends. Yet they meet by accident in her friend's bathroom during a party. Where she was supposed to be losing her virginity to someone else. She doesn't, and the ease they felt towards each other never fades from their minds.
Now, no matter how 'fit' anyone else they meet happens to be, they just want each other. And keep meeting up. Then disaster happens. And they lose touch. Before meeting again...
This turned out to be a very funny, yet super awkward love story between two very frustrating teens who could've saved themselves a hell of a lot of trouble if they'd just been honest and said what was really on their minds.
Yet for that exact reason this raw and very honest story, of what happens when young people face the pressures of finishing school and waiting for the results that could change their lives, was perfect. Finishing high school is such a high-pressure time filled with so many mixed emotions: glad to be done, nervous about results, keen to party, and being uncertain about the future.
This book captures all of that and so much more. There was only one character I couldn't stand--Stella. The bitchy best friend who constantly, yet slyly keeps the smarter, prettier friend down. Couldn't stand her. I knew people like her in school, and I didn't like them either.
Anyway. I really enjoyed this book. Turned out to be a lot of fun! :)
So. There you go.
Hannah and Sam go to different schools and have different friends. Yet they meet by accident in her friend's bathroom during a party. Where she was supposed to be losing her virginity to someone else. She doesn't, and the ease they felt towards each other never fades from their minds.
Now, no matter how 'fit' anyone else they meet happens to be, they just want each other. And keep meeting up. Then disaster happens. And they lose touch. Before meeting again...
This turned out to be a very funny, yet super awkward love story between two very frustrating teens who could've saved themselves a hell of a lot of trouble if they'd just been honest and said what was really on their minds.
Yet for that exact reason this raw and very honest story, of what happens when young people face the pressures of finishing school and waiting for the results that could change their lives, was perfect. Finishing high school is such a high-pressure time filled with so many mixed emotions: glad to be done, nervous about results, keen to party, and being uncertain about the future.
This book captures all of that and so much more. There was only one character I couldn't stand--Stella. The bitchy best friend who constantly, yet slyly keeps the smarter, prettier friend down. Couldn't stand her. I knew people like her in school, and I didn't like them either.
Anyway. I really enjoyed this book. Turned out to be a lot of fun! :)
January 7, 2016
Dit boek werd vorig jaar gekozen als een maandboek van YA & Chicklit NL. Toen kon ik er niet aan beginnen, aangezien ik echt gefocust was op de 2015 reading challenge. Toch lonkte dit boek al tijden naar me. Met al die positieve reviews en die maffe titel, moest ik er ook maar eens aan gaan beginnen.
Lobsters volgt twee perspectieven: Hannah en Sam. Beide willen ze het liefst zo snel mogelijk de ware vinden, want ze lopen wel erg achter op hun leeftijdsgenoten. Dit gaat natuurlijk niet zonder slag of stoot en met allerlei hilarische scenes tot gevolg.
Hannah en Sam zijn beide erg leuke, vlotte personages. Ik heb een aantal keer hardop moeten lachen en ja ook ik geef toe dat ik aan het begin van dit boek dacht: WAT. Waaaaar gaat dit naar toe!
Ik wilde iedere keer zoooo graag verder lezen, al had ik eigenlijk helemaal geen tijd. Ik vind het echt een pluspunt dat dit gewoon een standalone is, dat is tegenwoordig toch nog maar een zeldzaamheid. Nu wordt het verhaal tenminste niet uitgemolken, maar volgen alle scenes lekker snel op elkaar.
Lobsters volgt twee perspectieven: Hannah en Sam. Beide willen ze het liefst zo snel mogelijk de ware vinden, want ze lopen wel erg achter op hun leeftijdsgenoten. Dit gaat natuurlijk niet zonder slag of stoot en met allerlei hilarische scenes tot gevolg.
Hannah en Sam zijn beide erg leuke, vlotte personages. Ik heb een aantal keer hardop moeten lachen en ja ook ik geef toe dat ik aan het begin van dit boek dacht: WAT. Waaaaar gaat dit naar toe!
Ik wilde iedere keer zoooo graag verder lezen, al had ik eigenlijk helemaal geen tijd. Ik vind het echt een pluspunt dat dit gewoon een standalone is, dat is tegenwoordig toch nog maar een zeldzaamheid. Nu wordt het verhaal tenminste niet uitgemolken, maar volgen alle scenes lekker snel op elkaar.
May 26, 2016
This book was so cute. It was the perfect beginning summer read, and it put me in such a blissful mood. It wasn't anything earth-shattering or heart wrenching, but it made me remember why contemporary reads are so wonderful in the summer. I think the authors' backstory also made me appreciate this book, not to mention the dual point of views were absolutely adorable. More dual point of views pleeeease!
October 29, 2015
Ik vond Lobsters echt een heel erg leuk boek. Duidelijk gericht op de lezers in hun tienerjaren, maar voor twintigers alsnog leuk om te lezen. Het boek was heel erg grappig, ik heb meerdere malen hardop gelachen.
Volledige recensie:
Volledige recensie:
August 29, 2020
TOTALLY CUTE. DEFINITELY AWKWARD
Do you ever get flashback memories of conversations you had in high school that make your cheeks flush with embarrassment? 😬 Yeah, that’s this book.
It’s literally EVERY SINGLE CRINGE WORTHY THING YOU SAID/EXPERIENCED wrapped up in a precious love story! And, honestly, to relive those moments as an “older and wiser human� was a riot! 🤣
So you have Hannah and Sam and both of them are seniors in high school, ready for university, but also ready to have a WHOLE LOT of firsts 😏 but let’s be real, the first time doing anything is, well, AWKWARD 😂
Guys, I blushed ☺️ so many times reading this. Not because of steam or shock but due to relatability. HOLY COW... I can’t tell you how many moments I was like “shittttt was I that lame too?!� 😂😂😂
For instance:
� First make out session where you feel like a legit garden snug is rolling around in your mouth
� First time trying to give a guy/girl your number but you’re a wuss so you ask ten of your friends to do it and then end up giving him/her your business card (yeah that NEVER happened to me 🙃🙃🙃)
� First time having an overnight with a love interest and you’re so freaking terrified you will fart so you look constipated the whole time
� First time buying alcohol and you are screaming “don’t be suspicious don’t be suspicious� in your head BUT ALSO OUT LOUD
Those moments and so many more are what’s in store for you in A Totally Awkward Love Story. And I was like YES OH EM GEEE THAT 🙌🏽 and I laughhhhed and laughed and laughed some more.
So overall, I label this as a good old throwback chuckle moment read. It’s enjoyable, disarmingly charming, but not revolutionary. And with that, I give it 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫!
Do you ever get flashback memories of conversations you had in high school that make your cheeks flush with embarrassment? 😬 Yeah, that’s this book.
It’s literally EVERY SINGLE CRINGE WORTHY THING YOU SAID/EXPERIENCED wrapped up in a precious love story! And, honestly, to relive those moments as an “older and wiser human� was a riot! 🤣
So you have Hannah and Sam and both of them are seniors in high school, ready for university, but also ready to have a WHOLE LOT of firsts 😏 but let’s be real, the first time doing anything is, well, AWKWARD 😂
Guys, I blushed ☺️ so many times reading this. Not because of steam or shock but due to relatability. HOLY COW... I can’t tell you how many moments I was like “shittttt was I that lame too?!� 😂😂😂
For instance:
� First make out session where you feel like a legit garden snug is rolling around in your mouth
� First time trying to give a guy/girl your number but you’re a wuss so you ask ten of your friends to do it and then end up giving him/her your business card (yeah that NEVER happened to me 🙃🙃🙃)
� First time having an overnight with a love interest and you’re so freaking terrified you will fart so you look constipated the whole time
� First time buying alcohol and you are screaming “don’t be suspicious don’t be suspicious� in your head BUT ALSO OUT LOUD
Those moments and so many more are what’s in store for you in A Totally Awkward Love Story. And I was like YES OH EM GEEE THAT 🙌🏽 and I laughhhhed and laughed and laughed some more.
So overall, I label this as a good old throwback chuckle moment read. It’s enjoyable, disarmingly charming, but not revolutionary. And with that, I give it 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫!
June 21, 2016
“Eighteen is supposed to be the age when you become an adult. When you are complete. How can anyone feel finished by now? I don't even feel started. I haven't done anything, I haven't been anywhere.�
*1.5 STARS*
This is by far one of my worst reading of 2016, and I'm kind of sad because I really was hoping that at least I would've enjoyed it.
The book in general is about a girl, Hannah, who is ready to lost her virginity, nor because her friends are telling her, but it is in fact because of that, she had three friends, Stella, Tilly and Grace. Stella is the ''bitch'' of the book, and let me tell you that I completely hated her. She was so annoying, and I think is what the authors wanted to do.
When she is getting ready to have sex with this guy, she meets Sam in a bathroom, and then BAM! they like each other.
Hannah was so inmature, she has 18 and she doesn't know anything, she lets her ''bff'' to do everything, she is the ''kind of girls'' on books who doesn't feel pretty comparing to Stella and her other friends, she doesn't have anything, but she is described as ''blonde, long hair, blue hair'', you know? Like the typical girl of a cliché book.
Stella is supposed to be her best friend, but she is always looking for attention of men, always taking everything of Hannah, and you know what she does? Nothing, she gets mad only in her head, and does NOTHING, because it's her bff and she shouldn't be saying nothing.
Like girl, you don't really need those kind of people on your life, people who always make you feel like shit, you don't need it, you don't need that negativity in your life. Cut those people out of your life, there is nothing wrong with that.
I kind of like Sam, but not that much, he was annoying too. I can't really remember him that much. He was boring and blah, he is described it as just the typical boy, but everyone says he is handsome.
The whole slut shaming on this book was the worst, you have Hannah who is almost dating Sam but Sam is later kissing another girl, and you know what Hannah and her friends do? Blame the girl who is kissing Sam, because you know? She is the ''slut'' there, not Sam, who IS ALMOST DATING Hannah, AND THEN KISSING ANOTHER GIRL!
Nope, because we as girls are raised to see each other as competitors, and we get to tell girls ''slut'', but not the guy, 'cause he didn't do anything wrong.
It's not only this, we have waay more slut shaming on this book.
And honestly, virginity is a concept that the society created to make girls feel bad about having sex. If you want to wait until marrige, that's okay, if you want to have sex before that, it's okay. At the end of the day, we can do whatever we want with our bodies. And having sex whatever you want, it's okay too. You are the one who chooses what to do.
June 14, 2016
Actual rating 3.5
***This review has also been posted on
1. It is FUCKING HILARIOUS. It's also just got a very different sense of humor found in American YA novels. The straight-forward, British humor made me LOL a lot. Also British humor in general is pretty great. Lots of LOLs to be had.
2. It is Sex-positive. It isn't just sex-positive in that it has one sex scene. This book is full of teenagers who think a LOT about sex (because TEENAGERS DO THAT) and also have sex often. The book explores teen-sexuality in a very true-to-life manner that isn't full of rainbows and roses but rather lots of awkwardness and self-doubt.
3. Awkwardness. Just based on personal experience, being a teen is pretty hard. There are so many messages teens get from media and from one another and all they do is make us very aware of ourselves and the ways in which weare different from this 'idealized' image of a teen. While the book doesn't directly address the messages, it weaves them in with the insecurities the main characters have about themselves.
4. Kids who don't always get into their top college/university. I know this seems really minor but I am so fucking tired of all the teens in YA lit who dream big and somehow always get into their top college/university. That doesn't happen that often in real life. What does happen is that you sometimes see the good in situations that aren't always that great and this book does a lot of that.
5. Teens who drink. Whaat? Teens drink? What are you going on about? Given that it's the summer after high school, let me tell you, there is a lot of drinking involved and I appreciated the realistic ways in which the authors tackled teen drinking.
This book will definitely not be for everyone because there is a lot of angst and drama, occasional toxic friendships and perhaps the kinds of situations these teens get into will make some readers uncomfortable. Hell, I was pretty uncomfortable sometimes. BUT, Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison do justice to teen experiences in the novel. Not every teenager will have had the same experiences as the main characters but I am sure everyone will be able to relate to some aspect of these teens' lives and will find something that makes them want to cheer the main characters on.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
***This review has also been posted on
Reasons you need this book
1. It is FUCKING HILARIOUS. It's also just got a very different sense of humor found in American YA novels. The straight-forward, British humor made me LOL a lot. Also British humor in general is pretty great. Lots of LOLs to be had.
2. It is Sex-positive. It isn't just sex-positive in that it has one sex scene. This book is full of teenagers who think a LOT about sex (because TEENAGERS DO THAT) and also have sex often. The book explores teen-sexuality in a very true-to-life manner that isn't full of rainbows and roses but rather lots of awkwardness and self-doubt.
3. Awkwardness. Just based on personal experience, being a teen is pretty hard. There are so many messages teens get from media and from one another and all they do is make us very aware of ourselves and the ways in which weare different from this 'idealized' image of a teen. While the book doesn't directly address the messages, it weaves them in with the insecurities the main characters have about themselves.
4. Kids who don't always get into their top college/university. I know this seems really minor but I am so fucking tired of all the teens in YA lit who dream big and somehow always get into their top college/university. That doesn't happen that often in real life. What does happen is that you sometimes see the good in situations that aren't always that great and this book does a lot of that.
5. Teens who drink. Whaat? Teens drink? What are you going on about? Given that it's the summer after high school, let me tell you, there is a lot of drinking involved and I appreciated the realistic ways in which the authors tackled teen drinking.
This book will definitely not be for everyone because there is a lot of angst and drama, occasional toxic friendships and perhaps the kinds of situations these teens get into will make some readers uncomfortable. Hell, I was pretty uncomfortable sometimes. BUT, Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison do justice to teen experiences in the novel. Not every teenager will have had the same experiences as the main characters but I am sure everyone will be able to relate to some aspect of these teens' lives and will find something that makes them want to cheer the main characters on.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 4, 2014
4.5 stars
Lobsters is a shining new gem in Contemporary UKYA. I only had to read the first chapter to know that I was going to love this book. When a book makes you genuinely laugh out loud several times during the first chapter you know you’re on to a winner! I haven’t laughed so hard over a book in a very long time.
Lobsters is told in alternating chapters between Hannah and Sam � two teens who are trying to lose their virginity, come out of their shells and find out who they are in the summer before university. Think Georgia Nicolson meets The Inbetweeners as we bounce from Hannah to Sam’s point of view as mishaps and misunderstandings lead to the couple meeting and parting throughout the summer.
Sam and Hannah have authentic teen voices and are two characters that teens will identify with as they discover that expectations don’t always meet reality when it comes to sex, friendship, first love and plans for the future. Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison ask the important questions when it comes to being a teen and aren’t afraid to give the brutally honest and often hilarious answers.
As well as Hannah and Sam there are a great cast of characters here and I loved them so much that I’d love to see them all get their own stories. Robin was a personal favourite of mine, he reminded me of Jay from The Inbetweeners in that he was completely full of it but in a strangely loveable and funny way. Although Lobsters is a cracking standalone the secondary characters are so well developed that they could definitely be the stars of their own stories.
Funny, rude and always honest Lobsters is the perfect read for fans of C.J. Skuse and Sarra Manning. It’s a firm favourite of mine for the summer and I can’t wait to see what teen dream team Lucy and Tom write next.
Lobsters is a shining new gem in Contemporary UKYA. I only had to read the first chapter to know that I was going to love this book. When a book makes you genuinely laugh out loud several times during the first chapter you know you’re on to a winner! I haven’t laughed so hard over a book in a very long time.
Lobsters is told in alternating chapters between Hannah and Sam � two teens who are trying to lose their virginity, come out of their shells and find out who they are in the summer before university. Think Georgia Nicolson meets The Inbetweeners as we bounce from Hannah to Sam’s point of view as mishaps and misunderstandings lead to the couple meeting and parting throughout the summer.
Sam and Hannah have authentic teen voices and are two characters that teens will identify with as they discover that expectations don’t always meet reality when it comes to sex, friendship, first love and plans for the future. Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison ask the important questions when it comes to being a teen and aren’t afraid to give the brutally honest and often hilarious answers.
As well as Hannah and Sam there are a great cast of characters here and I loved them so much that I’d love to see them all get their own stories. Robin was a personal favourite of mine, he reminded me of Jay from The Inbetweeners in that he was completely full of it but in a strangely loveable and funny way. Although Lobsters is a cracking standalone the secondary characters are so well developed that they could definitely be the stars of their own stories.
Funny, rude and always honest Lobsters is the perfect read for fans of C.J. Skuse and Sarra Manning. It’s a firm favourite of mine for the summer and I can’t wait to see what teen dream team Lucy and Tom write next.
June 24, 2022
THIS BOOK WAS SO AWKWARD BUT IN SUCH A GREAT WAY 🤭🤭 loved it way more than i expected to tbh.. is sara out of a reading slump?? yass!
June 9, 2014
This one is definitely going into my favourite books list!
If you haven't read this book already, you really must. It's only been released just this month and I was lucky enough to find this book when browsing in my local bookshop. The cover enticed me to pick it up and I absolutely loved this book!
It's basically about a girl, Hannah, and a boy, Sam, who are on a mission to find "The One" or their Lobster (which I learnt from Friends what that was about). They don't want to go to university virgins and set out on a mission to find their other half with a few problems thrown in the way of their quest.
Everything about this book was brilliant. First off, this was set in the UK. Oh, how I've missed books that are set in my own country! So it's refreshing to read people use slang words from where I'm from and speak like me, a lot of the situations were similar to when I was around that age too. It's annoying when I'm reading a book set in the USA and I have to google what something means. The characters also went away on holiday and I love books where they're going around to different places, maybe it's the traveller in me that wants to see various places all the time in my stories. This is why I love road trip books.
The characters are very relatable, as a female, I felt I could relate to Hannah a lot with the issues she was having, especially the problems she had with some of her friends. None of them were unrealistic and they were all flawed in their own way. Sam and the boys' side of the story was funny, it's certainly what I expect from boys their age to talk about and the issues they'd facing, seeing as their most important thing was getting laid (and sometimes his odd worry over school)
I have to mention, if you love the Harry Potter series, you'll also love the references in this book. And there's a lot! I was pleasantly surprised to see it get mentioned pretty much every few chapters and you can tell a fan wrote this story.
I can't really write much more without spoiling anything.
It had me doubling over in laughter, it's a great summer read and I highly recommend everyone give this one a go. It's quick to read, a story that kept me hooked and it's a fantastic debut novel from Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison. Everyone can relate in some way and you'll be laughing, crying and cringing along with Hannah and Sam. It's a great coming-of-age story that you can't not love. A new favourite book for me!
*
REVIEW ALSO POSTED AT
If you haven't read this book already, you really must. It's only been released just this month and I was lucky enough to find this book when browsing in my local bookshop. The cover enticed me to pick it up and I absolutely loved this book!
It's basically about a girl, Hannah, and a boy, Sam, who are on a mission to find "The One" or their Lobster (which I learnt from Friends what that was about). They don't want to go to university virgins and set out on a mission to find their other half with a few problems thrown in the way of their quest.
Everything about this book was brilliant. First off, this was set in the UK. Oh, how I've missed books that are set in my own country! So it's refreshing to read people use slang words from where I'm from and speak like me, a lot of the situations were similar to when I was around that age too. It's annoying when I'm reading a book set in the USA and I have to google what something means. The characters also went away on holiday and I love books where they're going around to different places, maybe it's the traveller in me that wants to see various places all the time in my stories. This is why I love road trip books.
The characters are very relatable, as a female, I felt I could relate to Hannah a lot with the issues she was having, especially the problems she had with some of her friends. None of them were unrealistic and they were all flawed in their own way. Sam and the boys' side of the story was funny, it's certainly what I expect from boys their age to talk about and the issues they'd facing, seeing as their most important thing was getting laid (and sometimes his odd worry over school)
I have to mention, if you love the Harry Potter series, you'll also love the references in this book. And there's a lot! I was pleasantly surprised to see it get mentioned pretty much every few chapters and you can tell a fan wrote this story.
I can't really write much more without spoiling anything.
It had me doubling over in laughter, it's a great summer read and I highly recommend everyone give this one a go. It's quick to read, a story that kept me hooked and it's a fantastic debut novel from Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison. Everyone can relate in some way and you'll be laughing, crying and cringing along with Hannah and Sam. It's a great coming-of-age story that you can't not love. A new favourite book for me!
*
REVIEW ALSO POSTED AT
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