If We Kiss

If We Kiss
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Age Range
12+
Release Date
May 10, 2005
ISBN
0060569166
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2 reviews
From Missy's Reads & Reviews
Overall rating
 
4.3
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When I first started reading If We Kiss, I was a little caught off guard by the tone from the main character. She seemed a little... immature. Needless to say, the first couple of chapters were a little rough to get through. Then, miraculously, it's told in the story that Charlie is just fourteen years old - and I had a very big Aha! moment. Suddenly, the voice made a whole lot of sense. Then, I felt bad.. and had to go and start all over. I'm telling this so people can go in with the knowledge that yes, the tone is a little on the young and immature side - but, that's because she is young and immature. And I am not saying she is immature in a negative way - just immature in a way that goes away with age and life experience.

Now, with that out of the way...

Despite her age and the things mentioned above, I really warmed up to Charlie through the story. She's a spunky character with a lot of humor and wit. She also had a lot of conflicting feelings and moments of doubt, all things that come with being a teenage girl. She was a genuine character that was easy to read and empathize with. Her best friend, Tess, was a solid character as well.. and reminded me so much of some of my female friends in school that fell in love with every guy that they kissed, it was a bit nostalgic. Reading now, of course it made me want to roll my eyes about a thousand times.. but, that is definitely a very real portrayal of how insanely intense your feelings are for everyone when you're a teen. I have to admit that I had a big problem with Kevin. I mean, his portrayal through the eyes of Charlie and Tess was that he was a nice character - oh, and a bit of a kissing slut. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I didn't see this "nice" character that they both fell for. He was really playing both girls, which is a big turn-off in my eyes. I did like how he called Charlie Chuck. It was cute. And I wish, wish, wish that George would have had a bigger role because he seemed like a decent character.. but I can't say for sure with the little time I got to read about him. Maybe next book?

There was an equal amount of drama and humor in this book that worked well for the story. Once I was over my little hiccup in the beginning, I really enjoyed If We Kiss. I was actually surprised at how fast of a read it was, but it made it no less enjoyable. The story flowed smoothly and keeps you turning page after page until the end. If you enjoy sweet little romances, I definitely think you'll enjoy this book.

My copy also had fun extras in the back that included an interview with author Rachel Vail, a kissing quiz and, my favorite, a sneak peek at the sequel, Kiss Me Again - a book that I WILL be nabbing as soon as it's available!
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4 reviews
Overall rating
 
4.3
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Remember Having a Crush?
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3.0
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3.0
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Reader reviewed by Minerva V.

When We Kiss is definatley an entertaining read by Rachel Vail that follows the story of Charlie's crush and first kiss with ladies' man (or boy).  Kevin is the boy all girl swoons over, but who has a reputation for making out with any available girl, and Kevin also happens to be her best friend's boyfriend.  Wow--the complication of 9th grade love!  And of course, there is George of the best friend, next door neighbor status.  Kissing George, according to Charlie, would be like kissing a cousin.  Oh, but kissing Kevin is a growing thing--even Charlie can't believe she likes doing something so disgusting and something that could ruin her friendship with Tess, not to mention something that could end up totally weird since Kevin's dad and Charlie's mother are dating.  Overall, a fun book and a true to life voice.  I remember having some the same feelings and probably saying a lot of the same things as Charlie.  But, Charlie's voice is too much like someone from middle school and the book is probably a favorite more among the 12 and 13 year olds.  It is possible, though, that Rachel Vail's narrative reads as a younger level because Charlie has never been kissed.  In that sense, Charlie is more innocent and naive than the average high school freshman.
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I could not put it down! Seriously!
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5.0
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5.0
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Reader reviewed by Tamanna

I was hooked on this book from the VERY beginning. It was about a girl who was in love with her best friend's bf, or was it crush? Anyway, the reason was because he kissed her out of the blue a long time ago, and she still cannot forget about it. Other than that, her mom is dating that boy's father! What will happen? Read and find out!
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Another Great Rachel Vail Book
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5.0
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5.0
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Reader reviewed by KL

I'm not sure if I'm the only one, but I think Rachel Vail deserves to be mentioned up there with YA writers like Judy Blume. I think she's got that special sensitivity that's needed to write good YA fiction. I've enjoyed all her books, and this one is no different. The only thing that I questioned is the "almost" brother-sister like pairing. I won't say anymore so I don't ruin the plot, but that was a bit sticky. I think she handled it as well as any author could, but still...an odd issue.

I like the mother-daughter relationship in this story. It felt very realistic and I especially liked the way the writing made the setting come alive. I could actually picture the leaves turning in the fall.

If you like Judy Blume, then I think you should give Rachel Vail a try.
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Not so romantic, but still cute and funny
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4.0
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Reader reviewed by Grace

Charlie (real name Charlotte) is taken by surprise when Kevin Lazarus suddenly kisses her. She becomes obsessed with him, even after she sees him kissing her best friend, Tess, at her party. Things become even more complicated when Tess says she likes Kevin and they become a couple, and when Charlie finds out her mom is dating Kevin's dad. Especially when Charlie likes Kevin too and doesn't want to tell Tess.

This book was funny, but depressing because I don't understand why Charlie still liked Kevin after he "cheated" on her, in a way. But I loved Charlie's quirky and funny personality.
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