Queen B’s Decree: Hooo boy. Where do I start? I didn’t think I would make it out of this one with my emotions intact. Meet our main characters: Beth, whose parents have gone beyond the pale on helicopter parenting since her sister died three years ago. And Chase, the boy who was driving the car that killed Beth’s sister.
That’s some baggage, yo.
Beth and Chase meet up at a party one night, and not knowing who the other is, spend a memorable night together. If they were any other people, we’d have a boring story about a couple of teens dating during their senior year. Instead we get a story of forgiveness and acceptance.
My feelings regarding OST are very conflicted. On the one hand, I want to believe that love can conquer all. On the other hand, can something as massive as Chase’s actions that night ever be truly forgiven and forgotten? I don’t have answers, but it is worth some philosophizing over.
Regarding the character development, Beth and Chase both were well fleshed out and showed incredible growth. Beth’s relationship with her parents felt over the top, but I’m not seventeen anymore, so I have to remind myself that I would have acted the same back then.
The ending of the book threw me a bit. It felt rushed and unnatural. To be fair, I’m an epilogue-lover so I would have killed for a longer chapter to get their post-ending.
Overall, it was the type of Erin Watt story that sucks me in and keeps my attention. Can’t wait for the next!
Book: One Small Thing by Erin Watt
Series: standalone
Genre: Young Adult
Hotness: mild salsa
Plot Devices: secrets
Favorite Quote:
“What else do you want me to say? No, I’m not? We both know I’m stubborn as fuck.”