In Click to Subscribe, the debut novel by L.M. Augustine, we meet West Ryder, a slightly dorky teenage guy who has his own popular video blog series. As a former slightly dorky teenager myself, I just loved West, and his best friend Cat.
As one of the internet’s most prestigious video bloggers, West talks about high school relationships under the name “Sam Green.” As far as he knows, no one from school, not even his best friend, Cat, has seen his videos. But the highlight of the whole thing is Harper Knight, who comments every day at exactly 2:02 in the afternoon. He doesn’t know anything about her aside from the occasional deep philosophical messaging on why pizza tastes so delicious, but as stupid as it sounds, he might be falling for her. So when they finally agree to meet in real life, West’s hope for romance seems more and more in reach. But that all changes as soon as he arrives at their meeting spot and sees Cat walking toward him, wearing the same “I <3 Sam Green” T-shirt Harper promised she’d have on.
To his alarm, West realizes he is falling in love with the best friend who has always been a sister to him.
I just loved West’s story. If I were still a kid, I totally would have been his friend. Hell, who am I kidding? A cute boy who loves ice cream and Thin Mints?? I would have flirted with him mercilessly.
“Spring is okay, although I’m mostly in it for the Girl Scout Cookies.”
One thing I really loved about West is how he expanded my vocabulary. I’m a real word nerd, so it’s always a joy to learn something new. What new word did West teach me? Muppetflailing. That’s right, yo…muppetflailing. And while I haven’t yet seen it in the Oxford Dictionary, I’m pretty sure this would be the picture next to that new entry.
I loved Cat, too. She was persistent that they would be together, even when West told her that he wanted to remain friends. She’s definitely a kickass chick who isn’t afraid to fight for what she wants.
“We can be friends for now. But West Ryder, if you think this means I won’t fight for you with every last breath I have, you’re in for a hell of a surprise.”
“But let me tell you, West, no matter what happens, no matter where you go, I will also always be in love with you. And you don’t have to love me back. Hell, you don’t need to ever talk to me again. Will I be hurt? Yes. Will I want you back? Yes. But it will all still be worth it, because you have made it worth it. Because loving you has made it worth it.”
This was a really sweet book, and is even one that I will share with my teenage daughters. I think they’ll really love it. However, that’s not to say that this book is without controversy. On the contrary, my friends. There is a definite issue in this book, one which I have brought up with L.M. Augustine, and even though I’m a fan of his, I cannot simply let this go. In order to start this discussion, we need to look at this quote:
“Rainbow sprinkles. They are what make the word go ’round. Literally.”
“I’m well aware. A world without rainbow sprinkles is a world without happiness.”
Ummm….sprinkles?? SPRINKLES?? I’m pretty sure everyone knows that they are, in fact, called JIMMIES. But despite this glaring error, I still feel that I can recommend this book to my friends. Get on it!!!
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