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Sometimes It Happens
Cheating has consequences in this sparkly and humorous romance from the author of Two-Way Street and One Night That Changes Everything .
Hannah’s about to start her senior year, and she’s never been so scared. That’s because she’s going to have to
ÌýÌýÌýÌý 1. the guy who dumped her on the last day of junior year.
ÌýÌýÌýÌý 2. the guy she’s totally fallen for.
ÌýÌýÌýÌý 3. Noah’s girlfriend...and Hannah’s best friend.
ÌýÌýÌýÌý As Hannah tries to figure out how she got herself into this colossal mess, one thing becomes crystal there’s absolutely no way she’s going to make it through this day in one piece.
Hannah’s about to start her senior year, and she’s never been so scared. That’s because she’s going to have to
ÌýÌýÌýÌý 1. the guy who dumped her on the last day of junior year.
ÌýÌýÌýÌý 2. the guy she’s totally fallen for.
ÌýÌýÌýÌý 3. Noah’s girlfriend...and Hannah’s best friend.
ÌýÌýÌýÌý As Hannah tries to figure out how she got herself into this colossal mess, one thing becomes crystal there’s absolutely no way she’s going to make it through this day in one piece.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 12, 2011
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13.3k people want to read
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July 13, 2011
Hannah spends the first few days of her summer vacation before her senior year crying her eyes out and eating ice cream after she catches her boyfriend, Sebastian, making out with some girl at a party. Not exactly an auspicious start to a summer. What makes it worse is that Hannah's best friend, Ava, is totally ditching her this summer to become a camp counselor in Maine. Hannah, in an effort just to get her ass out of bed, gets a job in a diner along with Ava's boyfriend, Noah, and a hypochondriac redhead named...(crap, I forgot her name)....Lacey? The job at the diner is exactly what Hannah needs to get out of her funk, but things become tricky again when Hannah starts to develop feelings for Ava's boyfriend, which become more and more substantial as the summer goes on. Opening up on the dramatic first day of senior year, the truth about what exactly happened over the summer is revealed, changing the friendships and relationships of the characters forever (or at least a teenage version of forever).
Okay, I forced myself to write that painful, badly-written summary because I didn't want this review to be entirely consisted of ranting. I need at least one semi-pleasant paragraph so I don't seem like a raging bitch.
So now that that's over...... I FUCKING HATED THIS BOOK.
Sorry, I cuss when annoyed.
I have decided Barnholdt is not my cup of tea. This is the second book I read of hers, and both of them have received one star and a punch in the face. Maybe, one day, I shall read one her books again, if her main characters ever grow a brain and if the writing ever evolves from 'LIKE TOTALLY OHMIGOD'.
This book has 34 updates from me. 34 times when I absolutely could not take it anymore and had to publicly announce the stupidity of this book or else my brain would explode. I wish 34 was just the number of times I was annoyed with this book. That number is more like 1, 150, but I could not drag the book on any longer.
Hannah is an idiot. A self-absorbed, worthless idiot with no common sense and no interests beyond Starbucks and her love life. I swear, this girl was depressed about one guy or another for literally 90% of the novel. I have no patience for worthless teenage girls. I am a teenage girl, and I encounter idiots every day. But my god, this book makes it seem like being an idiot is a happy normal thing to do. Sure, everyone is gonna have some drama or another, but it is not the basis for their existence. Hannah was a boring, stupid character. I can't believe some of the things she said. It was like HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO FUNCTION, YOU DUMB TROLL. My god, get a LIFE, girl.
And honestly, she deserved every bit of what was coming to her. Her sleeping with her best friend's boyfriend (the goodreads summary says it was just a "passionate kiss" but it lies) was a long time coming. She could feel herself developing feelings for him and she purposely sought him out. For all the hell her ex-boyfriend put her through, you would think she would have better sense than that. It's not like she didn't know it was wrong, her endless fretting made it clear she knew it was wrong, but she let herself do it anyway. It's kind of like my banana complex. That probably sounds really dirty, but let me explain. *clears throat* I run into bananas. In MarioKart. I can't help myself, I drive right frickin into them. It's not like I don't see them, it's not like I don't want to win (several broken Game Cube controllers over the years can attest to how badly I want to win). But I run into them anyway. One time my brother asked me why I do it, and I didn't even have a response. The reason is probably very profound, or its something as stupid as thinking its fun when my car spins in circles.
So yeah, the whole situation between Hannah and Ava and Noah is kind of like that. But I hate that fucking saying "sometimes it happens". How horribly cliched and pussy-footed is that? "Oops, sometimes my best friend's boyfriend's penis just ends up in my vagina. It just happens.' BULLSHIT. SOMETIMES MY FOOT JUST HAPPENS TO GO UP YOUR ASS. At least, Hannah or Noah never tries to justify their actions, but they still piss me off. I felt like it all was handled in a light sort of inconsequential way. Yes, there was a scream-out in the hall and a fight in the diner, but those didn't seem like long-lasting consequences. There should have been more emotional turmoil than just Hannah moping endlessly. I don't want to get preachy about high school romance and infidelity either, so I'll end it here. But cheating still sucks, no matter how old you are or how serious the relationship is.
I just felt that everything about this book was poor quality. The writing felt like it came from the brain of an illiterate 14-year-old with no real problems except if she'll be home in time to watch Jersey Shore. The characters were either tremendously flat or tremendously annoying or both. The plot was predictable and pretty eventless.
And to top it all off, the main character thought Sting was Bono. WHAT. THE. HELL.
I think I'm done with this book now, guys. I'm just done with it.
Okay, I forced myself to write that painful, badly-written summary because I didn't want this review to be entirely consisted of ranting. I need at least one semi-pleasant paragraph so I don't seem like a raging bitch.
So now that that's over...... I FUCKING HATED THIS BOOK.
Sorry, I cuss when annoyed.
I have decided Barnholdt is not my cup of tea. This is the second book I read of hers, and both of them have received one star and a punch in the face. Maybe, one day, I shall read one her books again, if her main characters ever grow a brain and if the writing ever evolves from 'LIKE TOTALLY OHMIGOD'.
This book has 34 updates from me. 34 times when I absolutely could not take it anymore and had to publicly announce the stupidity of this book or else my brain would explode. I wish 34 was just the number of times I was annoyed with this book. That number is more like 1, 150, but I could not drag the book on any longer.
Hannah is an idiot. A self-absorbed, worthless idiot with no common sense and no interests beyond Starbucks and her love life. I swear, this girl was depressed about one guy or another for literally 90% of the novel. I have no patience for worthless teenage girls. I am a teenage girl, and I encounter idiots every day. But my god, this book makes it seem like being an idiot is a happy normal thing to do. Sure, everyone is gonna have some drama or another, but it is not the basis for their existence. Hannah was a boring, stupid character. I can't believe some of the things she said. It was like HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO FUNCTION, YOU DUMB TROLL. My god, get a LIFE, girl.
And honestly, she deserved every bit of what was coming to her. Her sleeping with her best friend's boyfriend (the goodreads summary says it was just a "passionate kiss" but it lies) was a long time coming. She could feel herself developing feelings for him and she purposely sought him out. For all the hell her ex-boyfriend put her through, you would think she would have better sense than that. It's not like she didn't know it was wrong, her endless fretting made it clear she knew it was wrong, but she let herself do it anyway. It's kind of like my banana complex. That probably sounds really dirty, but let me explain. *clears throat* I run into bananas. In MarioKart. I can't help myself, I drive right frickin into them. It's not like I don't see them, it's not like I don't want to win (several broken Game Cube controllers over the years can attest to how badly I want to win). But I run into them anyway. One time my brother asked me why I do it, and I didn't even have a response. The reason is probably very profound, or its something as stupid as thinking its fun when my car spins in circles.
So yeah, the whole situation between Hannah and Ava and Noah is kind of like that. But I hate that fucking saying "sometimes it happens". How horribly cliched and pussy-footed is that? "Oops, sometimes my best friend's boyfriend's penis just ends up in my vagina. It just happens.' BULLSHIT. SOMETIMES MY FOOT JUST HAPPENS TO GO UP YOUR ASS. At least, Hannah or Noah never tries to justify their actions, but they still piss me off. I felt like it all was handled in a light sort of inconsequential way. Yes, there was a scream-out in the hall and a fight in the diner, but those didn't seem like long-lasting consequences. There should have been more emotional turmoil than just Hannah moping endlessly. I don't want to get preachy about high school romance and infidelity either, so I'll end it here. But cheating still sucks, no matter how old you are or how serious the relationship is.
I just felt that everything about this book was poor quality. The writing felt like it came from the brain of an illiterate 14-year-old with no real problems except if she'll be home in time to watch Jersey Shore. The characters were either tremendously flat or tremendously annoying or both. The plot was predictable and pretty eventless.
And to top it all off, the main character thought Sting was Bono. WHAT. THE. HELL.
I think I'm done with this book now, guys. I'm just done with it.
June 15, 2011
2.5 stars Um...I'm not really sure why I read this book! But I think I was in the mood for some light relief after all the post-apocalyptic novels I've been plowing through lately. Sometimes you just need a little mindless filler while you're between stories about girls with supernatural powers and stories about flesh-eating zombies.
There are a lot of reasons why I shouldn't have liked Sometimes It Happens. I hate books (or anything, really) that involve infidelity. I'm not a big realistic YA fiction person. I'm not usually interested in books that are solely about high school boy-girl drama. I think the title is...pedestrian. But much to my surprise, I actually found this book to be pretty entertaining.
Hannah's best friend Ava has gone away for the summer, leaving her depressed and mopey since her ex-boyfriend cheated on her. Ava's assigned her boyfriend Noah to cheer up Hannah. The two of them start hanging out, they bond over french fries and Sting, one thing leads to another, and...sometimes stuff happens. (I still can't say that without wincing.)
It's not the most riveting of plots, but somehow the author makes the story very readable. The narrative flips back and forth between the first day of senior year and the events of the summer, so there's some OMG WHY IS SHE ACTING SO WEIRD? type suspense as you follow along. The author does a good job of gradually developing the relationship between Hannah and Noah from friendship into something a little more, and there were some good reasons provided as to why there is a certain discord between both Ava and Noah and Ava and Hannah. What I particularly appreciated, however, is that both Hannah and Noah own up to their mistakes and don't make any excuses for them. I like that the author had them take responsibility for their actions even while you get an understanding of how this kind of thing can take place.
This is a quick, entertaining read if you're in the mood for some light YA. It's not a particularly complex or memorable book, though, since it gets a little bogged down by a subplot with a coworker and Hannah herself spends so much of her time crying, first over her ex and then over Noah. Also, the relationship is cute enough but it's not all that outstanding, either. While I understand that the author may not have wanted to go into tasteless Oh this is so wrong but it feels so right type territory with the make-out scenes, it does feel like a little bit of a cheat that Noah's kissing scenes with Ava are way more appealing than his kissing scenes with Hannah.
This is my first time reading this author and I liked her voice enough, however, to give another one a shot sometime. 2.5 stars for keeping my interest and getting me through to the end of the book! Now back to regularly scheduled programming.
This review also appears in . An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
There are a lot of reasons why I shouldn't have liked Sometimes It Happens. I hate books (or anything, really) that involve infidelity. I'm not a big realistic YA fiction person. I'm not usually interested in books that are solely about high school boy-girl drama. I think the title is...pedestrian. But much to my surprise, I actually found this book to be pretty entertaining.
Hannah's best friend Ava has gone away for the summer, leaving her depressed and mopey since her ex-boyfriend cheated on her. Ava's assigned her boyfriend Noah to cheer up Hannah. The two of them start hanging out, they bond over french fries and Sting, one thing leads to another, and...sometimes stuff happens. (I still can't say that without wincing.)
It's not the most riveting of plots, but somehow the author makes the story very readable. The narrative flips back and forth between the first day of senior year and the events of the summer, so there's some OMG WHY IS SHE ACTING SO WEIRD? type suspense as you follow along. The author does a good job of gradually developing the relationship between Hannah and Noah from friendship into something a little more, and there were some good reasons provided as to why there is a certain discord between both Ava and Noah and Ava and Hannah. What I particularly appreciated, however, is that both Hannah and Noah own up to their mistakes and don't make any excuses for them. I like that the author had them take responsibility for their actions even while you get an understanding of how this kind of thing can take place.
This is a quick, entertaining read if you're in the mood for some light YA. It's not a particularly complex or memorable book, though, since it gets a little bogged down by a subplot with a coworker and Hannah herself spends so much of her time crying, first over her ex and then over Noah. Also, the relationship is cute enough but it's not all that outstanding, either. While I understand that the author may not have wanted to go into tasteless Oh this is so wrong but it feels so right type territory with the make-out scenes, it does feel like a little bit of a cheat that Noah's kissing scenes with Ava are way more appealing than his kissing scenes with Hannah.
This is my first time reading this author and I liked her voice enough, however, to give another one a shot sometime. 2.5 stars for keeping my interest and getting me through to the end of the book! Now back to regularly scheduled programming.
This review also appears in . An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
December 29, 2014
“Sometimes people do things that are complicated. For complicated reasons.
----------------------------
I have to agree with the title.
Sometimes things just happen without us knowing how or why.
Sometimes it just happens.
Like when it rains.
You have no way of telling when it will fall (unless you work with the agency who predicts the weather).
Anyway, enough of my blabbing. :p
Sometimes it happens starts with Hannah starting her senior year with a secret.
Something happened that summer when her best friend Ava was in Maine.
Before the Summer break, Hannah saw her boyfriend Sebastian kissing another girl.
Devastated she was expecting her best friend Ava to be there for her all through out that summer but Ava broke the news that she will be going to Maine for the summer.
Totally not the summer Hannah was expecting.
No best friend + No boyfriend = pigging out and sulking at home and crying.
But summer started to change as she started hanging out with Lacey and Ava’s boyfriend Noah.
Something happened that summer.
She felt it was wrong but right at the same time.
Now classes have started and she needs to face the consequences of what happened that summer.
She had to decide whether to keep it forever or come clean and tell her best friend what happened.
Before Ava finds out from someone else and possibly end of their friendship.
Firstly, I love the cover!
I am totally crazy over the girl in the cover.
I am not a lesbian but I thought she was really cute! :)
Pretty covers are plus points for me.
For me this book was pretty predictable and simple.
It wasn’t something you’d be totally hooked.
The plot was simple and a little boring although I loved how the author wrote the story.
How?
It was told in alternating timelines.
You’d get a glimpse of what was happening in the present and what happened during that summer.
That was good.
I thought it really suited the book to be written that way,
My main problem was Hannah.
She was a weak character with no distinct personality.
She stalks her ex-boyfriend in facebook! (seriously?)
She literally ate her way to get over her heartache. (so not good!)
She was also dependent on her best friend Ava.
She lacked self-confidence.
She does make me laugh sometimes but still not my most favorite character.
Noah however was a different story.
Noooaaahh! :) I lloooovvvveee you! :D
*kiss*
*smooch*
*smothering hug*
I loved Noah.
I mean cheating on your girlfriend is definitely a no no for me but there was something about Noah.
I don’t know what it is with me and guys named Noah. :p
(I also love Noah from Mara Dyer.)
For the other characters, they were pretty believable.
I hated Ava for being too bossy.
I love/hated Lacey because she was friendly and all but boy was she a stalker. Hahaha.
Then there’s Hannah’s a**hole ex-bf, Sebastian. I think you already got an idea of how I think about him. :)
All in all I still enjoyed the book but not enough for me to give it a 4.
It’s not a book I would recommend for those who wants to read books that would make you giddy all over because it didn’t really do that to me.
It was just okay.
I will still be reading the other books of Ms. Barnholdt because I loved how she writes just not really crazy other the story itself.
I give this book 3.5 stars!
----------------------------
I have to agree with the title.
Sometimes things just happen without us knowing how or why.
Sometimes it just happens.
Like when it rains.
You have no way of telling when it will fall (unless you work with the agency who predicts the weather).
Anyway, enough of my blabbing. :p
Sometimes it happens starts with Hannah starting her senior year with a secret.
Something happened that summer when her best friend Ava was in Maine.
Before the Summer break, Hannah saw her boyfriend Sebastian kissing another girl.
Devastated she was expecting her best friend Ava to be there for her all through out that summer but Ava broke the news that she will be going to Maine for the summer.
Totally not the summer Hannah was expecting.
No best friend + No boyfriend = pigging out and sulking at home and crying.
But summer started to change as she started hanging out with Lacey and Ava’s boyfriend Noah.
Something happened that summer.
She felt it was wrong but right at the same time.
Now classes have started and she needs to face the consequences of what happened that summer.
She had to decide whether to keep it forever or come clean and tell her best friend what happened.
Before Ava finds out from someone else and possibly end of their friendship.
Firstly, I love the cover!
I am totally crazy over the girl in the cover.
I am not a lesbian but I thought she was really cute! :)
Pretty covers are plus points for me.
For me this book was pretty predictable and simple.
It wasn’t something you’d be totally hooked.
The plot was simple and a little boring although I loved how the author wrote the story.
How?
It was told in alternating timelines.
You’d get a glimpse of what was happening in the present and what happened during that summer.
That was good.
I thought it really suited the book to be written that way,
My main problem was Hannah.
She was a weak character with no distinct personality.
She stalks her ex-boyfriend in facebook! (seriously?)
She literally ate her way to get over her heartache. (so not good!)
She was also dependent on her best friend Ava.
She lacked self-confidence.
She does make me laugh sometimes but still not my most favorite character.
Noah however was a different story.
Noooaaahh! :) I lloooovvvveee you! :D
*kiss*
*smooch*
*smothering hug*
I loved Noah.
I mean cheating on your girlfriend is definitely a no no for me but there was something about Noah.
I don’t know what it is with me and guys named Noah. :p
(I also love Noah from Mara Dyer.)
For the other characters, they were pretty believable.
I hated Ava for being too bossy.
I love/hated Lacey because she was friendly and all but boy was she a stalker. Hahaha.
Then there’s Hannah’s a**hole ex-bf, Sebastian. I think you already got an idea of how I think about him. :)
All in all I still enjoyed the book but not enough for me to give it a 4.
It’s not a book I would recommend for those who wants to read books that would make you giddy all over because it didn’t really do that to me.
It was just okay.
I will still be reading the other books of Ms. Barnholdt because I loved how she writes just not really crazy other the story itself.
I give this book 3.5 stars!
October 3, 2011
Sometimes it happens is about... Hannah, a girl whose best friend is going away for the summer and is leaving her alone. [image error]
Her best friend, Ava, decides someone needs to check up on her, so she sends her boyfriend. Hannah and Noah (the boyfriend) are friends at first and then something more. I’m not really spoiling anything because we learn all this in the first couple of pages.
Weird right? I think not! The author writes the book in a way so that the book is being told in the past and the present. The past (during summer), the present (the first day back at school). The book starts at the present and alternates throughout the book, so it’s like your getting two story’s but your not. I don’t know if I liked the way the book was set out, but I guess it worked, because the plot was pretty predictable, this way you can tell the story and keep the reader hooked because they want to know why and how it happened, not what happened in the end.
Overall... the book is a fun read, can’t say it’s as good as all of her other reads, but it’s okay. I enjoyed it, and if you like any of Lauren Barnholdt’s other books, you will probably enjoy this.
Her best friend, Ava, decides someone needs to check up on her, so she sends her boyfriend. Hannah and Noah (the boyfriend) are friends at first and then something more. I’m not really spoiling anything because we learn all this in the first couple of pages.
Weird right? I think not! The author writes the book in a way so that the book is being told in the past and the present. The past (during summer), the present (the first day back at school). The book starts at the present and alternates throughout the book, so it’s like your getting two story’s but your not. I don’t know if I liked the way the book was set out, but I guess it worked, because the plot was pretty predictable, this way you can tell the story and keep the reader hooked because they want to know why and how it happened, not what happened in the end.
Overall... the book is a fun read, can’t say it’s as good as all of her other reads, but it’s okay. I enjoyed it, and if you like any of Lauren Barnholdt’s other books, you will probably enjoy this.
June 16, 2011
first thought upon finishing: wow. i mean, really, wow. the book wasn't that bad, but that ending? nfenx9ndfhjdxfbdn.
now, here's a bit of a more coherent review:
the plot of the book sounded interesting to me. i'm kind of into the concept of cheating, if you must know. I AM NOT SAYING I LIKE PEOPLE WHO CHEAT. i am saying i sometimes find the motives behind why they do it interesting. 'interested' does not mean 'approve', okay?
the author decided to tell this book by alternating the chapters between past and present. so we kind of already know what all the backstory is building up to, which in itself is sort of predictable. (more on that later.) but it was interesting, still, and i liked the love interest. i'm not sure why BOTH parallels were told in present tense, though. it'd make more sense if we had one present, and one past, since that's how things were happening. but you know, whatever, i'll overlook that. and i did. i got to the end of this book, and then...yeah, the ending. blahhhh. serious blah, yo. i'm sitting here a little stunned and quite pissed-off. it's just that annoying to me, when endings are more or less cop-outs. also, a major scene, the whole cause for the drama in the present tense happenings? WE NEVER EVEN GET TO READ IT IN DETAIL. *shakes fist*
now, on the predictability. basically, in my opinion, if you have a Clueless Protagonist, you can tell a lot of what's going to happen in the book.
How to tell you shall be dealing with a Clueless Protagonist: She (or he, though I’ve never come across a he in these situations) will form a theory and go on and on and on about it and explore all different possibilities to a scenario until you might want to bash your skull in. And a great way to tell that what’s going to happen? The exact opposite of what they’re internally rambling about.
I don’t even want to sound snarky but I can’t help it! I read All-American Girl by Meg Cabot some time ago, which also suffers from The Clueless Protagonist Syndrome, and it made me want to bang my head against a wall. More so since I’d already read the sequel, the genius that I am, and knew everything that would happen. But even so, all that internal monologuing! Which is not even a word! But you get my point.
Endless internal monologuing aside, there’s also excessive use of words like ‘ohmigod� peppered throughout the aforementioned internal monologues. Like ‘ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod, what now?!�. So the thing is, I really don’t like that word. It’s just so clichéd-girl-esque. I mean, say it with me: Ohmigod! It does sound annoying, right? And every time the word appeared (which, I assure you, was often), I couldn’t help but groan. Also, Hannah had an addiction to the word ‘like�. Which, like, isn’t even that big of a deal, because let’s face it, we all use it, like, pretty often. But not, like, in every other friggin� sentence! Ohmigod, it’s like, SO ANNOYING GAHHHH SOMEONE KILL MEEEE.
I was already in a pretty bad mood while reading the book, so all these silly lil� teenage-y thought processes and slang, they really did just get to me.
do i recommend it? no, i probably couldn't and that's why i won't be posting this random/jumbled-up review on my blog.
now, here's a bit of a more coherent review:
the plot of the book sounded interesting to me. i'm kind of into the concept of cheating, if you must know. I AM NOT SAYING I LIKE PEOPLE WHO CHEAT. i am saying i sometimes find the motives behind why they do it interesting. 'interested' does not mean 'approve', okay?
the author decided to tell this book by alternating the chapters between past and present. so we kind of already know what all the backstory is building up to, which in itself is sort of predictable. (more on that later.) but it was interesting, still, and i liked the love interest. i'm not sure why BOTH parallels were told in present tense, though. it'd make more sense if we had one present, and one past, since that's how things were happening. but you know, whatever, i'll overlook that. and i did. i got to the end of this book, and then...yeah, the ending. blahhhh. serious blah, yo. i'm sitting here a little stunned and quite pissed-off. it's just that annoying to me, when endings are more or less cop-outs. also, a major scene, the whole cause for the drama in the present tense happenings? WE NEVER EVEN GET TO READ IT IN DETAIL. *shakes fist*
now, on the predictability. basically, in my opinion, if you have a Clueless Protagonist, you can tell a lot of what's going to happen in the book.
How to tell you shall be dealing with a Clueless Protagonist: She (or he, though I’ve never come across a he in these situations) will form a theory and go on and on and on about it and explore all different possibilities to a scenario until you might want to bash your skull in. And a great way to tell that what’s going to happen? The exact opposite of what they’re internally rambling about.
I don’t even want to sound snarky but I can’t help it! I read All-American Girl by Meg Cabot some time ago, which also suffers from The Clueless Protagonist Syndrome, and it made me want to bang my head against a wall. More so since I’d already read the sequel, the genius that I am, and knew everything that would happen. But even so, all that internal monologuing! Which is not even a word! But you get my point.
Endless internal monologuing aside, there’s also excessive use of words like ‘ohmigod� peppered throughout the aforementioned internal monologues. Like ‘ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod, what now?!�. So the thing is, I really don’t like that word. It’s just so clichéd-girl-esque. I mean, say it with me: Ohmigod! It does sound annoying, right? And every time the word appeared (which, I assure you, was often), I couldn’t help but groan. Also, Hannah had an addiction to the word ‘like�. Which, like, isn’t even that big of a deal, because let’s face it, we all use it, like, pretty often. But not, like, in every other friggin� sentence! Ohmigod, it’s like, SO ANNOYING GAHHHH SOMEONE KILL MEEEE.
I was already in a pretty bad mood while reading the book, so all these silly lil� teenage-y thought processes and slang, they really did just get to me.
do i recommend it? no, i probably couldn't and that's why i won't be posting this random/jumbled-up review on my blog.
June 8, 2011
Sometimes It Happens is a fun entertaining story about the complications of friendships and relationships and even though this story is mainly about cheating, and I wouldn't normally find that subject amusing, but Barnholdt has a way with writing in-depth characters with remarkable wit. I hated Ava, I thought she was controlling, manipulative and self-absorbed so maybe it was easier to not care about her feelings in the end. Hannah and Noah has some fun and easy going chemistry and they both made me smile. Lacey was a riot and I liked what she brought into the storyline. Sure, this book had it's flaws, but it was still fun and it reminded me of Barnholdt's , not plot-wise mind you, but the way I felt after reading it. Content, happy and satisfied.
Overall, a great book! Barnholdt still holds a place on my shelf:)
(Arc provided by S&S Galleygrab)
Overall, a great book! Barnholdt still holds a place on my shelf:)
(Arc provided by S&S Galleygrab)
November 20, 2019
Lo que estaba pensando al leer este libro
November 25, 2014
Fun fact:
I know I have no right to take this personally, but I never really got over the Brad Pitt/ Jen Anniston breakup. I’ve HATED Angelina Jolie since then. #TeamAnniston!
***
The one day you don’t have any make-up on (because you woke up late � stupid SNOOZE button) you bump into your crush, and/or your worst enemy.
That “blind date� your friends set you up with? Total disaster.
You wake up with a volcano-like zit on your face the first day of school.
Your dog misses the potty pad.
You read a shitty book.
Sometimes it happens.
And it sucks.
But it’s okay.
No real harm done.
Mostly.
On the other hand:
Falling in “love� with your best friend’s boyfriend?
Having consensual sex with your best friend’s boyfriend?
No.
That shit doesn’t just happen.
You make it happen.
But then you’d better be prepared to live with the consequences.
Because, the whole: “it just happened� excuse won’t work in the real world.
The whole story was just stuuuuupid. Hannah was a pushover; she had no direction in life; she listened to crap music; her BF whom she couldn’t even hold hands with in public (because he was a jerk, obv), cheated on her; she, in turn, betrayed her “bossy� and “lying� BFF by falling in love/sleeping with her BFF’s boyfriend.
Um. Okay. Congratulations?
What the hell was the point of this book, anyway?
This book was written for cheaters so that they’d possibly feel better about themselves. I think. Who knows? I don’t get it. It sure as hell wasn’t written for people who were cheated on. Or, for other people who don’t cheat, don’t get cheated on, and don’t betray best-friends, because if it was? EPIC FAIL.
The story was told from Hannah’s POV, and she had to justify her betrayal, so Ava was portrayed as a lying, inconsiderate, snobby bitch. Oh, and Ava and Noah (her dickwad boyfriend) were “already having problems� before Hannah slept with him. BUT SO WHAT?
If Ava was such a bitch, then why was Hannah her friend? Why the hell did Hannah keep mentioning that Ava was her “best friend� and that she “looked up to Ava� for advice, etc. Why’d Hannah depend on her so much? Ava left Hannah for the summer to go to camp � right after Hannah got cheated on by her stupid BF. If that really bothered Hannah so much, she should’ve talked to Ava about it, instead of acting like a passive-aggressive pushover bitch, and then later sleeping with Ava’s boyfriend behind her back! Hannah was a total psycho.
None of the characters stood out to me; they were all bland caricatures with no real personality. Even if I had to look at this book objectively, I would still say that it was stupid; there was no point to the story � except that “shit happens� and sometimes you can’t “control� what happens? I mean, even the title is so passive. As if one has no control over their choices or something. And everyone else, including the cheater/backstabber should just accept what happened. WTF? Well, I do not, cannot, and will not accept it.
I just don’t buy it. Everyone has a choice. It wasn’t like Hannah was raped or forced to have sex with her best-friend’s boyfriend. She chose to take that step. She chose to spend time with him, confide in him, invite him over for slushies and snacks, work at the diner with him, and go to shows, hospitals, and mini-road trips with him. She chose to read over his screenplay, and obsess over him, etc. She should have kept her distance IF she truly respected herself, and Ava.
I mean, she just got cheated on and now she becomes the cheater? That kind of just makes it seem like getting cheated on is no big deal. Maybe it wasn’t a big deal to her, since she did the same thing. Either way, it’s total bullshit.
Everyone has a choice. If we didn’t have the ability to make decisions and reason, what distinguishes us humans from animals?
This really sucks, because I really did enjoy Barnholdt’s writing style.
***
The one day you don’t have any make-up on (because you woke up late � stupid SNOOZE button) you bump into your crush, and/or your worst enemy.
That “blind date� your friends set you up with? Total disaster.
You wake up with a volcano-like zit on your face the first day of school.
Your dog misses the potty pad.
You read a shitty book.
Sometimes it happens.
And it sucks.
But it’s okay.
No real harm done.
Mostly.
On the other hand:
Falling in “love� with your best friend’s boyfriend?
Having consensual sex with your best friend’s boyfriend?
No.
That shit doesn’t just happen.
You make it happen.
But then you’d better be prepared to live with the consequences.
Because, the whole: “it just happened� excuse won’t work in the real world.
The whole story was just stuuuuupid. Hannah was a pushover; she had no direction in life; she listened to crap music; her BF whom she couldn’t even hold hands with in public (because he was a jerk, obv), cheated on her; she, in turn, betrayed her “bossy� and “lying� BFF by falling in love/sleeping with her BFF’s boyfriend.
Um. Okay. Congratulations?
What the hell was the point of this book, anyway?
This book was written for cheaters so that they’d possibly feel better about themselves. I think. Who knows? I don’t get it. It sure as hell wasn’t written for people who were cheated on. Or, for other people who don’t cheat, don’t get cheated on, and don’t betray best-friends, because if it was? EPIC FAIL.
The story was told from Hannah’s POV, and she had to justify her betrayal, so Ava was portrayed as a lying, inconsiderate, snobby bitch. Oh, and Ava and Noah (her dickwad boyfriend) were “already having problems� before Hannah slept with him. BUT SO WHAT?
If Ava was such a bitch, then why was Hannah her friend? Why the hell did Hannah keep mentioning that Ava was her “best friend� and that she “looked up to Ava� for advice, etc. Why’d Hannah depend on her so much? Ava left Hannah for the summer to go to camp � right after Hannah got cheated on by her stupid BF. If that really bothered Hannah so much, she should’ve talked to Ava about it, instead of acting like a passive-aggressive pushover bitch, and then later sleeping with Ava’s boyfriend behind her back! Hannah was a total psycho.
None of the characters stood out to me; they were all bland caricatures with no real personality. Even if I had to look at this book objectively, I would still say that it was stupid; there was no point to the story � except that “shit happens� and sometimes you can’t “control� what happens? I mean, even the title is so passive. As if one has no control over their choices or something. And everyone else, including the cheater/backstabber should just accept what happened. WTF? Well, I do not, cannot, and will not accept it.
I just don’t buy it. Everyone has a choice. It wasn’t like Hannah was raped or forced to have sex with her best-friend’s boyfriend. She chose to take that step. She chose to spend time with him, confide in him, invite him over for slushies and snacks, work at the diner with him, and go to shows, hospitals, and mini-road trips with him. She chose to read over his screenplay, and obsess over him, etc. She should have kept her distance IF she truly respected herself, and Ava.
I mean, she just got cheated on and now she becomes the cheater? That kind of just makes it seem like getting cheated on is no big deal. Maybe it wasn’t a big deal to her, since she did the same thing. Either way, it’s total bullshit.
Everyone has a choice. If we didn’t have the ability to make decisions and reason, what distinguishes us humans from animals?
This really sucks, because I really did enjoy Barnholdt’s writing style.
March 12, 2018
I had been waiting to read this book for almost a year! Waiting for the release day, so when I got the ARC I was screaming with happiness!! (Thanks Heather!)
It did not disappoint. I LOVED it. The theme is girl falls in love with best friend’s boyfriend. I’ve read books with this topic before but I had not enjoyed none as much as this one. I love the relationship, how they manage the drama, that it’s fast-paced and the fact that not just the girl is responsible, it’s a 50-50 thing.
So when Noah and Hannah start falling for each other, even though Noah is the boyfriend of Ava � Hanna’s best friend � things just happen. First Ava and Noah’s relationship is heading for downfall and when Hanna is in most need of a friend Ava is not there for her, but only Noah; one thing leads to the other and you just can’t blame them, because, well, sometimes it happens.
Fun, beautiful, with great characters � I loved being inside Hannah’s head � and a keeper. Sometimes it Happens is the perfect summer read. No wonder I love Lauren Barnholdt.
July 12, 2011
This is the first book that I have read by Lauren Barnholdt. I really enjoyed it. I am not sure if it was a short read, or if I just could not stop reading to get to the end? But, I finished it in one evening.
Hannah, the main character, is my favorite. She is hilarious!! I love some of the things that go on in her head. They seriously make you laugh out loud! Throughout the book, I was really rooting for her to come out on top! My least favorite would have to be Ava, Hannah’s BFF. There is just something about her that I do not trust. She is very bossy and basically tells Hannah what to do.
Noah & Sebastian�..Sebastian is definitely a player, but Noah…�.**AAAHHHHH*** he is so sweet, nice, smart and handsome.
Although, I enjoyed this book, it was a little predictable. I kind of figured out what would happen before it did. I am happy with the way the book ended, but not how it ended. If that makes any sense? I was happy with the way the story went, but it seemed like it just abruptly ended. I wanted to see how everything worked out. So many more questions were in my mind that I did not have answers to. I would recommend this book to someone whom wanted a quick read!
After reading, I am still quite interested in other titles by this author, I will have to get my hands on some soon!
Hannah, the main character, is my favorite. She is hilarious!! I love some of the things that go on in her head. They seriously make you laugh out loud! Throughout the book, I was really rooting for her to come out on top! My least favorite would have to be Ava, Hannah’s BFF. There is just something about her that I do not trust. She is very bossy and basically tells Hannah what to do.
Noah & Sebastian�..Sebastian is definitely a player, but Noah…�.**AAAHHHHH*** he is so sweet, nice, smart and handsome.
Although, I enjoyed this book, it was a little predictable. I kind of figured out what would happen before it did. I am happy with the way the book ended, but not how it ended. If that makes any sense? I was happy with the way the story went, but it seemed like it just abruptly ended. I wanted to see how everything worked out. So many more questions were in my mind that I did not have answers to. I would recommend this book to someone whom wanted a quick read!
After reading, I am still quite interested in other titles by this author, I will have to get my hands on some soon!
February 25, 2011
Holy moly, I really didn't think I'd love this book as much as I did! Don't get me wrong, I knew I'd like it, but wow. I literally inhaled this book.
Sometimes It Happens has everything I love about contemporary ya. There's romances, backstabbing, cheating boyfriends and soooo much chemistry! I really, really enjoyed how the chapters alternate from the first day of Hannah's senior year, to the beginning of the summer, back to the first day, and so on till the day before their senior year. With the way each chapter ends, it'll have you reading and reading till the very end. Really, it's that addicting!
And Noah. Oh, sweet Noah, how I adored you! He's not only a great friend, but a great boyfriend. I felt bad for Ava, I couldn't help, but cheer for Hannah and Noah. They were just so darn cute together! While I don't condone cheating (Heaven forbid!), I must say, sometimes it does happen.
I've already preordered my copy of Sometimes It Happens, and I recommend you do the same. Lauren Barnholdt is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. If you're a fan of Simone Elkeles or Jennifer Echols, I recommend this book.
Sometimes It Happens has everything I love about contemporary ya. There's romances, backstabbing, cheating boyfriends and soooo much chemistry! I really, really enjoyed how the chapters alternate from the first day of Hannah's senior year, to the beginning of the summer, back to the first day, and so on till the day before their senior year. With the way each chapter ends, it'll have you reading and reading till the very end. Really, it's that addicting!
And Noah. Oh, sweet Noah, how I adored you! He's not only a great friend, but a great boyfriend. I felt bad for Ava, I couldn't help, but cheer for Hannah and Noah. They were just so darn cute together! While I don't condone cheating (Heaven forbid!), I must say, sometimes it does happen.
I've already preordered my copy of Sometimes It Happens, and I recommend you do the same. Lauren Barnholdt is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. If you're a fan of Simone Elkeles or Jennifer Echols, I recommend this book.
July 20, 2011
So good! Alllllmmmost as good as TWO-WAY STREET. :)
October 7, 2011
I hated this book. I'm just going to get that out there, I hated everything about this book. And here, in a probably incoherent rant, I am going to give you eight reasons why not to read this book.
1. The main character, Hannah, is a stupid, passive cookie cutter person who has a tendency to say "like" every other word. She's ridiculously self absorbed and I spent the whole novel wanting to shake her. She's underdeveloped, as well. (She has no interests or aspirations of her own. Her family doesn't make many appearances. She listens to crap music, etc.) Just very, very unlikeable.
2. The other characters are equally obnoxious. The best friend, Ava, is just as self-centered, she always has something bitchy to say, she lies quite a bit to protect her fragile ego. She's like that one gossipy girl in high school that everyone hates.
3. I'm willing to bet the author designed Ava (see #2) for the reader to hate her, therby justifying Hannah's actions.
4. It's boring. It drags, and drags. Hannah's summer is composed of Starbucks, working at a diner, and so many people's problems. (Hannah and her ex, Lacey and her ex, Ava and her ex, Ava and Noah, Hannah and the girl her ex cheated with, Lacey and her best friend...) It drags on and on, so much drama. But it's all so trivial and not at all appealing.
5. There really is nothing that works up to Hannah getting together with Noah (Eva's boyfriend.) Hannah keeps using "it was building all summer" as an excuse, but it wasn't. For the most part, Hannah and Noah just act like close friends throughout the novel, with the occasional "he touched my hand and I felt sparks" type sentence sprinkled in to remind us that this is supposed to have some romance.
6. And with all of that anti-climatic filler stuff going on, I was hoping to at least get a good finale. Right off the bat we were told that Noah and Hannah slept together, and I'm not gonna lie, I was waiting a whole 239 pages to get to a sex scene. THERE WASN'T ONE. There wasn't anything, really. They kissed, the chapter ended. Booo.
7. With the confrontational bit, Hannah gets yelled at by a couple people over the course of a day. Exciting, no? And these are the only real consequences coming out of that night. By the end of the book, she ends up with Noah, and both her friends all but forgive her. This all takes up, what, 10 pages? BORING.
8. Can we just address the whole theme of the book? Because there are so many excuses made for Hannah's indiscretion. Strangers tell her it's no big deal that she stole her best friend's boyfriend, because "sometimes it happens." Um, no. What kind of logic is that? It's just mind boggling. At least it's far from realistic. You know, I'm still unsure what Noah even liked about Hannah in the first place.
So, in summary - save yourself two hours and SKIP THIS BOOK.
1. The main character, Hannah, is a stupid, passive cookie cutter person who has a tendency to say "like" every other word. She's ridiculously self absorbed and I spent the whole novel wanting to shake her. She's underdeveloped, as well. (She has no interests or aspirations of her own. Her family doesn't make many appearances. She listens to crap music, etc.) Just very, very unlikeable.
2. The other characters are equally obnoxious. The best friend, Ava, is just as self-centered, she always has something bitchy to say, she lies quite a bit to protect her fragile ego. She's like that one gossipy girl in high school that everyone hates.
3. I'm willing to bet the author designed Ava (see #2) for the reader to hate her, therby justifying Hannah's actions.
4. It's boring. It drags, and drags. Hannah's summer is composed of Starbucks, working at a diner, and so many people's problems. (Hannah and her ex, Lacey and her ex, Ava and her ex, Ava and Noah, Hannah and the girl her ex cheated with, Lacey and her best friend...) It drags on and on, so much drama. But it's all so trivial and not at all appealing.
5. There really is nothing that works up to Hannah getting together with Noah (Eva's boyfriend.) Hannah keeps using "it was building all summer" as an excuse, but it wasn't. For the most part, Hannah and Noah just act like close friends throughout the novel, with the occasional "he touched my hand and I felt sparks" type sentence sprinkled in to remind us that this is supposed to have some romance.
6. And with all of that anti-climatic filler stuff going on, I was hoping to at least get a good finale. Right off the bat we were told that Noah and Hannah slept together, and I'm not gonna lie, I was waiting a whole 239 pages to get to a sex scene. THERE WASN'T ONE. There wasn't anything, really. They kissed, the chapter ended. Booo.
7. With the confrontational bit, Hannah gets yelled at by a couple people over the course of a day. Exciting, no? And these are the only real consequences coming out of that night. By the end of the book, she ends up with Noah, and both her friends all but forgive her. This all takes up, what, 10 pages? BORING.
8. Can we just address the whole theme of the book? Because there are so many excuses made for Hannah's indiscretion. Strangers tell her it's no big deal that she stole her best friend's boyfriend, because "sometimes it happens." Um, no. What kind of logic is that? It's just mind boggling. At least it's far from realistic. You know, I'm still unsure what Noah even liked about Hannah in the first place.
So, in summary - save yourself two hours and SKIP THIS BOOK.
May 26, 2011
*Contains some spoilers!*
Sometimes it happens is the story of Hannah who after having a surprisingly eventful summer is dreading going back to school as she doesn’t want to bump into three people in particular. First there’s her best friend Ava; whilst Ava was away at summer camp in Maine, Hannah slept with Ava’s boyfriend Noah. Then there’s Hannah’s ex boyfriend Sebastian who broke her heart when she caught him making out with another girl, but he still keeps randomly turning up wanting to talk to her and then there’s Noah; Hannah and Noah got really close over the summer, so close in fact that Hannah may have ended up falling for him. But now everyone’s back at school after the summer break and Hannah doesn’t really know how Noah feels, and now that Ava’s back who knows what will happen? Should she tell Ava the truth?
I absolutely loved this premise, I recently read a similar sort of book where a friend is cheating with her best friend’s boyfriend and I found myself rooting for the couple that were cheating. Thats exactly how I felt about Noah and Hannah. The chemistry between them was so beautiful, I loved it how they slowly got to know each other a bit more, exploring each other’s musical tastes and sharing secrets. Basically Noah and Hannah were perfect for each other.
Where do I start with Ava? I didn’t really like her that much in the beginning and I didn’t really sorry for her either when she found out the truth. This may have been because she was always trying to convince Hannah that whatever she suggested to do was right and I found her continual snarky comments really irritating. In contrast I adored Lacey, she had a lot of anxiety issues and so got easily stressed out over minor things like a pimple, her reactions were extremely funny and this is what made her such an entertaining character. Also despite not knowing Hannah, she was there for her when she needed someone.
Lauren Barnholdt’s writing was extremely gripping, I found myself hooked from the first page. I also liked it how she alternated each chapter between time; with one chapter being told from the present day and the next chapter remembering the summer. As each chapter had a sort of mini-cliff-hanger at the end I found myself constantly wanting to skip a chapter so that I could follow the story from that one particular time-frame.
Overall Sometimes it happens was a funny engrossing read which I thoroughly enjoyed. As this was my first book by Lauren Barnholdt, it makes me want to read more of her books straight away!
Sometimes it happens is the story of Hannah who after having a surprisingly eventful summer is dreading going back to school as she doesn’t want to bump into three people in particular. First there’s her best friend Ava; whilst Ava was away at summer camp in Maine, Hannah slept with Ava’s boyfriend Noah. Then there’s Hannah’s ex boyfriend Sebastian who broke her heart when she caught him making out with another girl, but he still keeps randomly turning up wanting to talk to her and then there’s Noah; Hannah and Noah got really close over the summer, so close in fact that Hannah may have ended up falling for him. But now everyone’s back at school after the summer break and Hannah doesn’t really know how Noah feels, and now that Ava’s back who knows what will happen? Should she tell Ava the truth?
I absolutely loved this premise, I recently read a similar sort of book where a friend is cheating with her best friend’s boyfriend and I found myself rooting for the couple that were cheating. Thats exactly how I felt about Noah and Hannah. The chemistry between them was so beautiful, I loved it how they slowly got to know each other a bit more, exploring each other’s musical tastes and sharing secrets. Basically Noah and Hannah were perfect for each other.
Where do I start with Ava? I didn’t really like her that much in the beginning and I didn’t really sorry for her either when she found out the truth. This may have been because she was always trying to convince Hannah that whatever she suggested to do was right and I found her continual snarky comments really irritating. In contrast I adored Lacey, she had a lot of anxiety issues and so got easily stressed out over minor things like a pimple, her reactions were extremely funny and this is what made her such an entertaining character. Also despite not knowing Hannah, she was there for her when she needed someone.
Lauren Barnholdt’s writing was extremely gripping, I found myself hooked from the first page. I also liked it how she alternated each chapter between time; with one chapter being told from the present day and the next chapter remembering the summer. As each chapter had a sort of mini-cliff-hanger at the end I found myself constantly wanting to skip a chapter so that I could follow the story from that one particular time-frame.
Overall Sometimes it happens was a funny engrossing read which I thoroughly enjoyed. As this was my first book by Lauren Barnholdt, it makes me want to read more of her books straight away!
December 16, 2017
Man war dieses Buch furchtbar. Ich weiß nicht, warum ich den Klappentext nicht vorher gelesen habe..
Dieses Buch bekommt 2 Sterne, weil es von innen wirklich süß gestaltet ist und weil ich Lacey wirklich sehr gerne mochte. Aber der Rest.. Lasst uns einfach nicht über den Rest sprechen..
Dieses Buch bekommt 2 Sterne, weil es von innen wirklich süß gestaltet ist und weil ich Lacey wirklich sehr gerne mochte. Aber der Rest.. Lasst uns einfach nicht über den Rest sprechen..
June 4, 2011
Unfortunatly, I didn't like Sometimes It Happens.
One of the reasons why Sometimes It Happens didn't work so well for me, was a lack of realism. It felt like the author was simply avoiding writing about anything complicated, so the main character was not allowed to deviate from the standard formula of a straight, only-child female main character with practically non-existent parents who is clearly liked by the forbidden sensitive/ musical/ writer guy, and has no dreams or aspirations of her own, besides getting over her ex / getting the new guy. Bland, stereotypical characters fill the cast; Hannah is as self-absorbed as it is possible to be without having an actual sense of self, and having read the book, I still honestly couldn't say whether she had any dislikes, likes or hobbies, besides Starbucks and boys. I remain entirely mystified as to why she liked Ava in the first place, and Noah wasn't interesting enough to become attractive; again, not a great deal of personality. These characters didn't feel real, and that made the book very difficult to read for me; I couldn't feel any empathy, or sympathy or anything at all for these cardboard characters. But that's entirely my opinion, and I think I could have got past that. However, in the book, there is a hypochondriac called Lacey, whose illness is treated so superficially that I was close to being offended. Including a token mental health problem just for the sake of it? Really didn't impress me much.
Another reason Sometimes It Happens wasn't my cup of tea, was the language used.The overuse of italics and parenthesis as well as the words "totally", "sooo" "actually", "like" and "uh" endlessly repeated really did start to annoy. Perhaps it's a cultural difference, and I know that, being British, I'm not the target audience, and some of the little differences between an English high school and an American one started to grate as well; for example, Hannah skips about five of her classes. On the first day. Can you really do that in America? Because in my old high school, you'd have been hauled into somebody's office by then. Plus, there would be no alcoves to have clandestine meetings in, and it would be incredibly unlikely to meet the one person you where trying to avoid whilst lessons where going on, near one such alcove. Yes, these are minor things, and possibly entirely due to the aforementioned living on this side of the Atlantic. But it's these details that make books feel real, and genuine, and they're never more important than in a romance, where the reader expects to be seduced by the possibility that this might happen, especially when the characters aren't feeling too believable either.
The plot, I don't have a problem with. I'm not going to get preachy about the morals of it; that doesn't bother me. I'm not pretending that I need a YA romance novel that's monogamous. However, personally, I felt that the flicking between the first day of summer, and the first day of senior year didn't work. It removed all of the tension and suspense that could have been redeeming feature of the book; instead, I was told what was going to happen. And then it did.
Overall, this was clearly not my book. That doesn't mean it couldn't be yours, and by all means, don't let me put you off. But if you're a YA author reading this, I'm trying to make an important point about readers of YA literature, that young does not equal stupid. Love your characters; challenge stereotypes.
One of the reasons why Sometimes It Happens didn't work so well for me, was a lack of realism. It felt like the author was simply avoiding writing about anything complicated, so the main character was not allowed to deviate from the standard formula of a straight, only-child female main character with practically non-existent parents who is clearly liked by the forbidden sensitive/ musical/ writer guy, and has no dreams or aspirations of her own, besides getting over her ex / getting the new guy. Bland, stereotypical characters fill the cast; Hannah is as self-absorbed as it is possible to be without having an actual sense of self, and having read the book, I still honestly couldn't say whether she had any dislikes, likes or hobbies, besides Starbucks and boys. I remain entirely mystified as to why she liked Ava in the first place, and Noah wasn't interesting enough to become attractive; again, not a great deal of personality. These characters didn't feel real, and that made the book very difficult to read for me; I couldn't feel any empathy, or sympathy or anything at all for these cardboard characters. But that's entirely my opinion, and I think I could have got past that. However, in the book, there is a hypochondriac called Lacey, whose illness is treated so superficially that I was close to being offended. Including a token mental health problem just for the sake of it? Really didn't impress me much.
Another reason Sometimes It Happens wasn't my cup of tea, was the language used.The overuse of italics and parenthesis as well as the words "totally", "sooo" "actually", "like" and "uh" endlessly repeated really did start to annoy. Perhaps it's a cultural difference, and I know that, being British, I'm not the target audience, and some of the little differences between an English high school and an American one started to grate as well; for example, Hannah skips about five of her classes. On the first day. Can you really do that in America? Because in my old high school, you'd have been hauled into somebody's office by then. Plus, there would be no alcoves to have clandestine meetings in, and it would be incredibly unlikely to meet the one person you where trying to avoid whilst lessons where going on, near one such alcove. Yes, these are minor things, and possibly entirely due to the aforementioned living on this side of the Atlantic. But it's these details that make books feel real, and genuine, and they're never more important than in a romance, where the reader expects to be seduced by the possibility that this might happen, especially when the characters aren't feeling too believable either.
The plot, I don't have a problem with. I'm not going to get preachy about the morals of it; that doesn't bother me. I'm not pretending that I need a YA romance novel that's monogamous. However, personally, I felt that the flicking between the first day of summer, and the first day of senior year didn't work. It removed all of the tension and suspense that could have been redeeming feature of the book; instead, I was told what was going to happen. And then it did.
Overall, this was clearly not my book. That doesn't mean it couldn't be yours, and by all means, don't let me put you off. But if you're a YA author reading this, I'm trying to make an important point about readers of YA literature, that young does not equal stupid. Love your characters; challenge stereotypes.
March 26, 2015
It was just okay, I thought the idea was interesting but when I started reading it I didn't really how the author dealt with the whole cheating thing. Look at the title, it's like "sometimes it happens... *shrug* oops!" but no...cheating isn't just something that "happens". It takes two people who are willing to throw away relationships/friendships and trust because they are horny enough. Yep, I said it! There is emotional cheating but when you have physical cheating it just because people can't say no and don't think about the consequences, like breaking your best friends heart. I don't care if Ava and Noah had problems, you still don't cheat! Obviously Ava was upset and I hated how at the end everything got all sunny and rosy for Hannah even though she is kind of a slut*. Like how Lacey suddenly forgave her best friend who cheated and how Ava didn't really seem that mad in the end. God I would be furious! You know what they say..."once a cheater, always a cheater". To me, if I knew Hannah, if she was my friend I would never trust her again. That is just a really low thing to do. Especially since it was her first time! (Which the author didn't even talk about!)
And no, sorry Ava, you think you love him but you don't. Even you said you can't find your great epic love when you are seventeen and you know what? You're right! You can't*. There is the small, small minority who end up marrying their high school sweethearts but I'd say half of the time they get divorced and/or probably regret it. I think back to who I was when I was seventeen and I have changed SO MUCH. I am a completely different person (in a good way), I have a degree, responsibilities etc. People who get married before they've even moved out their parents house scare me. It was your naivety and glorification that brought you there and you should probably find something else better to do with your time!
*am I bitter? Nawwww
And no, sorry Ava, you think you love him but you don't. Even you said you can't find your great epic love when you are seventeen and you know what? You're right! You can't*. There is the small, small minority who end up marrying their high school sweethearts but I'd say half of the time they get divorced and/or probably regret it. I think back to who I was when I was seventeen and I have changed SO MUCH. I am a completely different person (in a good way), I have a degree, responsibilities etc. People who get married before they've even moved out their parents house scare me. It was your naivety and glorification that brought you there and you should probably find something else better to do with your time!
*am I bitter? Nawwww
August 24, 2015
Sometimes it happens that your bff steals your boyfriend and its ok because you're the bitchy character who everyone hates...sometimes you're the everything but girl and still scum-bag boyfriends will cheat on you with someone who does it better.....goodnight this was almost worse than high school.
You know that saying while the cats away the mouse will play? Well, well, well I think we have some very naughty mice in this book. First off cheating on your girlfriend with her best friend is about the lowest thing you can do if you're a guy and sleeping with your best friends boyfriend is probably about the dumbest thing you can do if you're a girl. But those rules dont apply to these characters, because hey sometimes things just happen.
I find it kind of sad that most of these YA books, feature a girl who's entire life is wrapped around some guy, most likely some guy she won't date long term or marry. Hannah had nothing going for her outside of sex, outside of being the everything but girl. WOW, what a trend setter, a girl who will engage in "everything but" but still calls herself a virgin. It was her senior year and not once did she reflect on school, her future, her family, even herself....just guys, guy drama, guy hotness and telling the reader what she was doing sexually.
I can't say this wasn't an entertaining read waiting to see who would smack who and Barnholdt certainly knows how to write overboard teen drama, but I was disappointed that Hannah came off as a shallow dish-rag. Oh well, hopefully somewhere in her after the book future she will go to college, clear up dem crabs and have a happy ever after.
You know that saying while the cats away the mouse will play? Well, well, well I think we have some very naughty mice in this book. First off cheating on your girlfriend with her best friend is about the lowest thing you can do if you're a guy and sleeping with your best friends boyfriend is probably about the dumbest thing you can do if you're a girl. But those rules dont apply to these characters, because hey sometimes things just happen.
I find it kind of sad that most of these YA books, feature a girl who's entire life is wrapped around some guy, most likely some guy she won't date long term or marry. Hannah had nothing going for her outside of sex, outside of being the everything but girl. WOW, what a trend setter, a girl who will engage in "everything but" but still calls herself a virgin. It was her senior year and not once did she reflect on school, her future, her family, even herself....just guys, guy drama, guy hotness and telling the reader what she was doing sexually.
I can't say this wasn't an entertaining read waiting to see who would smack who and Barnholdt certainly knows how to write overboard teen drama, but I was disappointed that Hannah came off as a shallow dish-rag. Oh well, hopefully somewhere in her after the book future she will go to college, clear up dem crabs and have a happy ever after.
March 8, 2018
I have recently started to read the book Sometimes It Happens. I found myself being pulled into the book and being intrigued from the first couple of pages. I believe the author, Lauren Barnholdt, does a great job of catching the reader’s attention by her way of writing. The book is involved more in the teenage atmosphere. I think it’s hard to fulfill a teenager’s behavior and thoughts, but she manages to really put herself in the shoes of a teen. I think that makes this book such a success. Something intriguing was the way the book is formatted. It starts in the present but as events occur that connect with things in the past, she moves to the past. I recommend this book to romance and contemporary book lovers. It does contain some mature language, so it would be best to read from ages 14 and up.
The main the character, Hannah, is about to start her senior year and she’s terrified. That’s because she’ll have to face the things she’s been dreading the whole summer. Hannah is now stuck trying to figure things out but will her heart make it through in one piece?
The main the character, Hannah, is about to start her senior year and she’s terrified. That’s because she’ll have to face the things she’s been dreading the whole summer. Hannah is now stuck trying to figure things out but will her heart make it through in one piece?
July 13, 2011
Posted on:
Sometimes It Happens is a fun, enjoyable and quick read that any girl is sure to love. I didn’t realise how quickly I flew through this book until I finished it. Honestly, it was a matter of hours.
The story follows Hannah; a high school student who is catches her boy friend making out with another girl at a party on the last day of school. It’s safe to say, their relationship ends. While spending the start of her summer mopping around after her ex, Noah helps her get a job working at a local diner. Fast becoming friend, Hannah and Noah end up spending more time together, listening to music, going to concerts and finally, Noah soon becomes Hannah’s shoulder to cry on. When Hannah realises she’s starting to fall for him, she’s knows that a problem, a big problem. Why? Because Noah is her best friend’s boyfriend. And would she betray her best friend to get the guy of her dreams?
I was surprised by how much I liked this story. I’ve read Lauren Bardholdt ‘The Witches of Santa Anna� series and was praying this wasn’t like it. Not that I didn’t enjoy her series but the books are so small and you pay a bomb for each e-book and there’s loads of them, anyway, back to the point Sometimes It Happens really surprised me. I liked the style of writing, I liked the character and I loved the whole genre plot of the story.
The story alternates from what happened over the summer between our main characters to the present day, starting back at school. As you’re going back and forth between each chapter, it’s like a mini cliff-hanger that leaves you dying to know what happens next. It’s full of suspense and I loved it. I also really enjoyed Hannah and Noah as characters. Both totally loveable. I wasn’t too keen on the best friend Ava, who I found really self-centred but I suppose everyone needs a character like her in a book.
The main reason I didn’t rate it 5 stars was because I felt the ending just kind of�.stopped. The story was nicely tied up but I felt there was room for a couple more characters on the romance. Or on Ava and Hannah’s friendship but hey, that’s just my view.
Overall, Sometimes It Happens is the ideal summer read. Fun, lovable and totally swoon worthy. Read it, enjoy it, I did!
Sometimes It Happens is a fun, enjoyable and quick read that any girl is sure to love. I didn’t realise how quickly I flew through this book until I finished it. Honestly, it was a matter of hours.
The story follows Hannah; a high school student who is catches her boy friend making out with another girl at a party on the last day of school. It’s safe to say, their relationship ends. While spending the start of her summer mopping around after her ex, Noah helps her get a job working at a local diner. Fast becoming friend, Hannah and Noah end up spending more time together, listening to music, going to concerts and finally, Noah soon becomes Hannah’s shoulder to cry on. When Hannah realises she’s starting to fall for him, she’s knows that a problem, a big problem. Why? Because Noah is her best friend’s boyfriend. And would she betray her best friend to get the guy of her dreams?
I was surprised by how much I liked this story. I’ve read Lauren Bardholdt ‘The Witches of Santa Anna� series and was praying this wasn’t like it. Not that I didn’t enjoy her series but the books are so small and you pay a bomb for each e-book and there’s loads of them, anyway, back to the point Sometimes It Happens really surprised me. I liked the style of writing, I liked the character and I loved the whole genre plot of the story.
The story alternates from what happened over the summer between our main characters to the present day, starting back at school. As you’re going back and forth between each chapter, it’s like a mini cliff-hanger that leaves you dying to know what happens next. It’s full of suspense and I loved it. I also really enjoyed Hannah and Noah as characters. Both totally loveable. I wasn’t too keen on the best friend Ava, who I found really self-centred but I suppose everyone needs a character like her in a book.
The main reason I didn’t rate it 5 stars was because I felt the ending just kind of�.stopped. The story was nicely tied up but I felt there was room for a couple more characters on the romance. Or on Ava and Hannah’s friendship but hey, that’s just my view.
Overall, Sometimes It Happens is the ideal summer read. Fun, lovable and totally swoon worthy. Read it, enjoy it, I did!
July 31, 2011
I have both POSITIVE and NEGATIVE reasons why I gave this book a 3.
POSITIVE. It sure had a new and interesting way of presenting the story: switching from the past (last day of School and Summer) and the present (first day of Senior year). I didn’t know so much could happen for the First day of school that can actually constitute half of a novel. The switching of setting wasn’t confusing hence I applaud Lauren Barnholdt for having a coherent story from beginning to end. Anyway, I also liked how the characters had their own unique characteristics and values that they treasure. I love how honest Hannah was (too honest, though) and how she tried her best to do the right thing despite contradicting her feelings and own happiness. I also love Noah, he’s such a sweet and smart person:) Ava was also a good and concerned friend, however, she has issues with sharing her mistakes and failures. I like the compatibility of Noah and Hannah. Their conversations were funny and serious, and I admit they’re more of a match than Noah and Ava.
However..
NEGATIVE. I’m not pro to the main point of the story, ‘sometimes it happens�, sometimes shit happens, you fall out of love, fall for the wrong person, etcetera etcetera. I know that, it’s not I didn’t like the story or that I can’t accept the reality that those situations happen, but, I just didn’t like that they actually had sex even if Noah and Ava are still together, because wherever you look at it, that’s cheating. Even if Noah will say ‘things may have been complicated�, but he should’ve just broken up with Ava earlier. There were a lot of point in the story where he had a chance to meet up with Ava, to break up with her. I also didn’t like the part where Noah said “epic love stories� are not possible in high school, because that is so not true. You can have any EPIC love story happen whenever- hs,college,adulthood..
In the end, I enjoyed the read, just OK with the story, but I’m thankful the ending was satisfying and they figured it all out, I mean they decided to be mature about it. It can be a lesson though- don’t spend time with your best friend’s boyfriend alone, even at work. haha. :)
POSITIVE. It sure had a new and interesting way of presenting the story: switching from the past (last day of School and Summer) and the present (first day of Senior year). I didn’t know so much could happen for the First day of school that can actually constitute half of a novel. The switching of setting wasn’t confusing hence I applaud Lauren Barnholdt for having a coherent story from beginning to end. Anyway, I also liked how the characters had their own unique characteristics and values that they treasure. I love how honest Hannah was (too honest, though) and how she tried her best to do the right thing despite contradicting her feelings and own happiness. I also love Noah, he’s such a sweet and smart person:) Ava was also a good and concerned friend, however, she has issues with sharing her mistakes and failures. I like the compatibility of Noah and Hannah. Their conversations were funny and serious, and I admit they’re more of a match than Noah and Ava.
However..
NEGATIVE. I’m not pro to the main point of the story, ‘sometimes it happens�, sometimes shit happens, you fall out of love, fall for the wrong person, etcetera etcetera. I know that, it’s not I didn’t like the story or that I can’t accept the reality that those situations happen, but, I just didn’t like that they actually had sex even if Noah and Ava are still together, because wherever you look at it, that’s cheating. Even if Noah will say ‘things may have been complicated�, but he should’ve just broken up with Ava earlier. There were a lot of point in the story where he had a chance to meet up with Ava, to break up with her. I also didn’t like the part where Noah said “epic love stories� are not possible in high school, because that is so not true. You can have any EPIC love story happen whenever- hs,college,adulthood..
In the end, I enjoyed the read, just OK with the story, but I’m thankful the ending was satisfying and they figured it all out, I mean they decided to be mature about it. It can be a lesson though- don’t spend time with your best friend’s boyfriend alone, even at work. haha. :)
April 24, 2017
This book takes place in two time frames, alternating between the summer and the first day of high school. The author uses a great method to show how each action during the summer later impacts the main character (Hannah) on the first day of school. The text itself wasn't too difficult and the plot can be confusing if you aren't sure of the time change.
I thought the plot was creative and it wasn't too predictable. Although the ending really frustrated me in this book. For me the end just didn't seem to explain enough or cover the message it wanted to get out.
The story takes place at the end of junior year where Hannah find out her boyfriend is cheating on her. She takes it upon herself to try to get over him this summer, the only problem is that her best friend Ava is away at camp, leaving Hannah to deal by herself. Hannah soon finds a summer job and makes a new friend and gets close to Ava's boyfriend, Noah. She soon finds herself liking him more than a friend and realizes that he feels the same way. Something happens over the summer between Hannah and Noah and once the school year starts up again, Hannah has to deal with Noah, her best friend and her cheating ex.
I've read one other book by this same author and this book was better by far. I found it a lot less predictable and fresh. This book clearly fits into the teen fiction genre and is very enjoyable to read. As i said before, i only disagree with the ending, as it didn't clear up all the questions I had.
I thought the plot was creative and it wasn't too predictable. Although the ending really frustrated me in this book. For me the end just didn't seem to explain enough or cover the message it wanted to get out.
The story takes place at the end of junior year where Hannah find out her boyfriend is cheating on her. She takes it upon herself to try to get over him this summer, the only problem is that her best friend Ava is away at camp, leaving Hannah to deal by herself. Hannah soon finds a summer job and makes a new friend and gets close to Ava's boyfriend, Noah. She soon finds herself liking him more than a friend and realizes that he feels the same way. Something happens over the summer between Hannah and Noah and once the school year starts up again, Hannah has to deal with Noah, her best friend and her cheating ex.
I've read one other book by this same author and this book was better by far. I found it a lot less predictable and fresh. This book clearly fits into the teen fiction genre and is very enjoyable to read. As i said before, i only disagree with the ending, as it didn't clear up all the questions I had.
November 16, 2011
“Probably a lot of people’s lives are falling apart—I mean, it is sixth period, which means people have had six whole periods plus a homeroom for lives to turn to shit.�
Lauren Barnholdt can always make me smile. Her light, blink-of-an-eye, energetic, and fun style just fits perfectly in my sarcastic, as close to mean as you can get without going over sense of humor slot in my heart. The woman just gets me! :D
Sometimes It Happens possesses all the Barnholdt magic I love—the flip-flopping time line, mountains of snacks that cause cravings galore, cute boys, quirky best friends, and drama—of course the drama!
Now…there was really no way of coming out on top on this one with me. The book is about cheating. Cheating! The subject just pisses me off and makes me sad simultaneously because the once cute, likeable characters are now just not so cute and likeable. Makes me sad. :( The relationship between Noah and Hannah, the summer fun, suspense, consequences, aches, and pains were so well paced and explained. Barnholdt even succeeded admirably in showing readers the responsibility one needs to take for their actions, but really it is still cheating. Damnit!
I will read anything Barnholdt puts out here, but this is a hard one for me to recommend.
Read at your own risk! May cause anger.
Lauren Barnholdt can always make me smile. Her light, blink-of-an-eye, energetic, and fun style just fits perfectly in my sarcastic, as close to mean as you can get without going over sense of humor slot in my heart. The woman just gets me! :D
Sometimes It Happens possesses all the Barnholdt magic I love—the flip-flopping time line, mountains of snacks that cause cravings galore, cute boys, quirky best friends, and drama—of course the drama!
Now…there was really no way of coming out on top on this one with me. The book is about cheating. Cheating! The subject just pisses me off and makes me sad simultaneously because the once cute, likeable characters are now just not so cute and likeable. Makes me sad. :( The relationship between Noah and Hannah, the summer fun, suspense, consequences, aches, and pains were so well paced and explained. Barnholdt even succeeded admirably in showing readers the responsibility one needs to take for their actions, but really it is still cheating. Damnit!
I will read anything Barnholdt puts out here, but this is a hard one for me to recommend.
Read at your own risk! May cause anger.
July 12, 2011
Talk about a stressful first day back to school as a senior - drama, drama, drama, and more drama. That pretty much sums up this book. I know we’ve all had some type of drama in high school but Hannah, the poor girl is coming unhinged by the minutes. First she gets an eye full of her boyfriend’s sleaziness, and then she has to try and deal with the fallout, plus her best friend, whom she’s been planning to spend the summer with bails on her. What is a girl to do? Fall for said best friend’s beau. Yep, you got it.
Barnholdt takes us through Hannah’s first day back at school as a senior as she waits for her day to come crashing down around her while backtracking through her last day of junior year and her summer of possibilities. I think Hannah’s growth over the summer did her some good to be quite honest. She seemed timid to me but by the end of the book, she stood up for herself and took control of her life even though she had to betray her best friend to do it. Well, it just as the book says � Sometimes It Happens.
Barnholdt takes us through Hannah’s first day back at school as a senior as she waits for her day to come crashing down around her while backtracking through her last day of junior year and her summer of possibilities. I think Hannah’s growth over the summer did her some good to be quite honest. She seemed timid to me but by the end of the book, she stood up for herself and took control of her life even though she had to betray her best friend to do it. Well, it just as the book says � Sometimes It Happens.
August 28, 2012
This book had an unusual set up. It alternated chapter to chapter from the last day of junior year to the first day of senior year. Then it flopped from summer to the first day of senior year. Back and forth. Every chapter, from summer to the first day of senior year. Sounds confusing? It was. Also, as I mentioned before in a previous review, I like surprises, and this book didn't offer any due to this unusual set up.
I don't like to give spoilers so I will say is that the characters didn't stand out in my mind as extraordinary, which is another reason why I didn't give it a higher rating.
I hate to give low ratings because I know every author works hard, but this book just didn't work for me. I'm just one of those people who can't flip between channels during commercials and I like books that have surprises and build suspense throughout.
I don't like to give spoilers so I will say is that the characters didn't stand out in my mind as extraordinary, which is another reason why I didn't give it a higher rating.
I hate to give low ratings because I know every author works hard, but this book just didn't work for me. I'm just one of those people who can't flip between channels during commercials and I like books that have surprises and build suspense throughout.
November 16, 2013
I don't normally like tales about either cheating or going back and forth in timeline.
But they both worked for me here. Maybe because the present day tale happens on 1 day and the rest is the couple of months leading up to this day.
And as for the cheating, Ava, the BFF & girlfriend isn't the nicest of people and makes the cheating a little more palatable. Also there are clear ramifications for Hannah & Noah's actions and the author makes it very clear that they messed up big time!
But they both worked for me here. Maybe because the present day tale happens on 1 day and the rest is the couple of months leading up to this day.
And as for the cheating, Ava, the BFF & girlfriend isn't the nicest of people and makes the cheating a little more palatable. Also there are clear ramifications for Hannah & Noah's actions and the author makes it very clear that they messed up big time!
September 3, 2016
3.5�
March 14, 2019
I read the book Sometimes it Happens. I have only read though half of the book but from
what I have read it is a very intriguing book to read for a girl my age. This book caught my eye
and I have just been so into it that I can't put it down! If you are into teenage drama then you
should definitely read this book. There are many characters in this book but the main character
is this girl named Hannah. Some of the other important characters are Sebastian he is Hannah's
Ex boyfriend, There is Noah this guy that Hannah likes, The last person is Ava, Hannah's best
friend and Noah's girlfriend. See what I mean for there is bound to be drama!
This book is about this girl named Hannah that is a Junior in highschool she wonderful
life, had the best boyfriend and her best friend and her boyfriend by her side but that all
changed once the end of junior year came. Hannah tries to act like what happened didn’t affect
her but it did. She has never been so scared to start school before all because of what
happened over summer break.
what I have read it is a very intriguing book to read for a girl my age. This book caught my eye
and I have just been so into it that I can't put it down! If you are into teenage drama then you
should definitely read this book. There are many characters in this book but the main character
is this girl named Hannah. Some of the other important characters are Sebastian he is Hannah's
Ex boyfriend, There is Noah this guy that Hannah likes, The last person is Ava, Hannah's best
friend and Noah's girlfriend. See what I mean for there is bound to be drama!
This book is about this girl named Hannah that is a Junior in highschool she wonderful
life, had the best boyfriend and her best friend and her boyfriend by her side but that all
changed once the end of junior year came. Hannah tries to act like what happened didn’t affect
her but it did. She has never been so scared to start school before all because of what
happened over summer break.
April 8, 2019
I can relate.
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