That Thing Formerly Known As My Life by Sally Johnson {Review}

That Thing Formerly Known As My Life
by Sally Johnson

Paperback, 211 pages

Published July 1st 2016

 

 

A cross-country move wasn’t exactly what McKinley had in mind for her senior trip, but leave it to her parents to up and move to Rhode Island. Her senior year was supposed to be awesome, but when she ticks off popular cheerleader Taylor, it goes from bad to worse.

The only good thing about moving is the mysterious, Camaro-driving, all-around-likeable Nick Phelan. But that mysterious thing that makes him so likeable is also making McKinley suspicious.

Nick hides secrets. McKinley harbors doubts. Taylor bares her teeth. But dealing with moving and Taylor is nothing compared to the biggest secret of all.

 

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

A move across the country leaves McKinley struggling during her senior year of high school. The queen bee of the school, Taylor, has it out for McKinley, which makes things worse. There's nothing worse than bullies at school and somehow, Taylor always gets away with it. The only thing that makes it all bearable is her new PE partner and friend--Nick. Although she hates PE, he's a saving grace and takes their friendship outside of the track. The mystery and secrets surrounding Nick are what takes this book to a slightly different level from the ordinary coming-of-age novel.   

 

McKinley is a pretty typical and likable girl. She has her insecurities and strengths, which makes her each to understand and relate to. I love watching her eventually figure herself out and handle the blows that come her way. I love the friendships she develops, although few, and the way she starts looking outward. Nick is pretty dreamy. The mystery surrounding him is very attractive and he has a very mature personality with a lot of words-of-wisdom to offer.

 

This story is frustratingly romantic. When it's obvious that two people like each other, but there's an invisible roadblock, it's a little aggravating. That element really propels the story--it sure kept me reading! I couldn't wait to find out what exactly was going on. Both the romance and mystery are subtle enough to complement each other as the plot unfolds into a very charming tale.

 

Content: mild romance; talk of drug and alcohol use (parties). Clean!

 

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

 

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About the Author:

  

I grew up in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I went to college at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I suffered a bad case of culture shock that first year. But I survived and went on to earn my Bachelor's Degree in English. While at college, I met and married my husband, Steve, and then we relocated to Las Vegas. I have lived in Las Vegas ever since and love it! Except for the hot summers, so I'm really thankful for AC. We have added four children and a dog to our family.

I have wanted to write books since I was twelve years old. It's a good way to put my over-active imagination to use. Now that it's *ahem* many years later, my dream has come true and I am a published author. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.