Tuesday 19 August 2014

Review: Zac & Mia by A. J. Betts



Title: Zac & Mia
Author: A. J. Betts
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Rating: 5/5 Stars



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The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this tough and tender young adult novel that's a lot about love (and a little about cancer).

Winner of the 2012 Australian Text Prize

"When I was little I believed in Jesus and Santa, spontaneous combustion, and the Loch Ness monster. Now I believe in science, statistics, and antibiotics." So says seventeen-year-old Zac Meier during a long, grueling leukemia treatment in Perth, Australia. A loud blast of Lady Gaga alerts him to the presence of Mia, the angry, not-at-all-stoic cancer patient in the room next door. Once released, the two near-strangers can't forget each other, even as they desperately try to resume normal lives. The story of their mysterious connection drives this unflinchingly tough, tender novel told in two voices.


(From Goodreads)

Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book whatsoever; it's my true opinion only.  

I received an e-book of this from HMH Books for Young Readers via Edelweiss. Thank you to the publisher for giving me a chance to read and review this.

The synopsis is definitely right. It certainly has a feel for John Green and The Fault in Our Stars. However, it is not a copy. There are definitely some differences, and you do get that when reading the book.

I completely adore contemporaries, and this book just didn't let me down at all. 
I was obsessed and forever wanted to know more and what was going to happen next.

This was a story about friendship, families, romance and dealing with the consequences of cancer.

The story is told from alternate perspectives from both the main characters, however Mia doesn't "talk" until part two.
The chapters also have a decent length, and the book is separated into parts.

Zac is an amusing character. He is witty and never complains.
Mia comes across as vain at first, but with Zac's help and friendship, she becomes a better person, and even is a good friend to Zac in return.
Their bond is definitely a special one.

The writing is very fantastic. If you are a fan of John Green, then you will fall in love with this writing style. Betts has an amazing way to grab onto you and play with your feelings, as well as keep you addicted to the story. 

I really enjoyed the general storyline. It's very heart-warming and emotional. A definite tear-jerker.

At the beginning of the story, I found myself to be very intrigued. I was introduced to Zac's life and what he had to deal with, and he made it all sound so funny.
The ending was just so cute and perfect, and ended in the best way possible. 

Overall Zac & Mia is a perfect story that I reckon will definitely go far. 
In the end I loved it so much that I gave it five out of five stars. 
Get your tissue box ready!

I hope you have enjoyed this review.

 


Happy reading =)

 


~Katie~

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