Julie Ann Knudsen. In the middle of nowhere. ****

In the middle of nowhere.

Julie Ann Knudsen.

Rating: 4/5

Cover design: 5/5.

Good reads says: A TEENAGE GIRL. A BROKEN HEART. AND A BOY WHO TRIES TO MEND IT.
Butterflies. Little, fluttering butterflies. That’s what fifteen-year-old Willow Flynn feels in the pit of her stomach every time the mysterious boy is near. But Willow has other things to contend with as she deals with the tragic loss of her father, as well as her emotionally preoccupied mother, while being uprooted to a new house, a new school, a new life, far away, on an island, in the middle of nowhere.
At the beginning of the school year, the sickly, but cute Michael sends Willow the first of many cryptic notes during homeroom. He stares at Willow and gives her the creeps. Michael never returns to school after that, but Willow ends up connecting with the poetic boy on-line where they strike up an unusual friendship.
As Willow attempts to fit in and find her niche in the ever-cliquey high school world, she is further confused by Michael who strives to win her over and mend her broken heart. But will he be able to, especially when his own existence remains so uncertain

In a nut shell: Wow. You know I'm really not sure where to start. This story is about a girl named Willow who's lost pretty much everything from her dads death. Its a cute book, it's unputdownable and I found myself laughing along occasionally at the odd pun and funny turn.
I really do think this story needs more recognition.

Characters: Ok, I'll start with Willow. I noticed her carefree attitude throughout the whole of this story. I really admire that about her and her strength to continue with everything that happened to her during her young life. But I have to say this: If you don't care what people say about you: why do you pretend to be someone you're not? Giving in to peer pressure? Following the popular kid? If you're that confident, why seek acceptance in the school' "slut?"
Maybe that's me over analysing her actions, motives and all that, but I do feel that Willow has a confidence issue underlying, but that's ok, because it makes her more of a person.
Her mum however. I. Could. Kill. I hated her. So much. I think Julie did such a fantastic job at making us feel resentment with her mum and future step dad's motives and actions it was just hard to let go of that. Honestly, her mum doesn't deserve children leaving them both alone overnight to run off with her boyfriend. Grr!
Michael, well, I wasn't so sure. He was a good character a good love interest, but I didn't really feel a connection fan girl worthy. He was cool, and I loved the plot twist with his CF illness, that was a stroke of genius. Well done Knudsen. But yeah, he seemed realistic, amusing, but distant. I think I surprised how little he appeared, but giving his medical condition, I guess I'm not. I don't know, maybe I'm just behind a little.

The plot was ok. I mean, I was lost with the romance, but the troubled teen seeks acceptance within the slut and jocks (Which I don't understand because i'm English- we don't have jocks) really worked. I thought it was funny how realistic and relatable she is, and that all she really needs is a friend. Which she's having problems finding...

Notes: I received this book for a review. Stay tuned for book 2!