Now and Forever

February 24, 2014
Colasanti (All I Need) returns with a superficial romance narrated by high school senior Sterling, who is head over heels for her musician boyfriend of one month: “Ethan Cross is the most gorgeous boy I’ve ever seen,” she explains. “And he picked me.” Sterling knows Ethan is a talented songwriter and performer, but she isn’t prepared for the changes in both their lives after Ethan’s band’s first single becomes a hit. Suddenly, Sterling is a celebrity girlfriend, wearing designer clothes, attending gala events, and staying at glam hotels. Soon, the downside of being on the edge of the limelight overshadows the fun and excitement: Sterling is plagued by false rumors and criticism from jealous fans, and Ethan becomes obsessed with gaining even more fame. Beyond the predictability of the plot, these teens’ romance feels like a nonstarter even before stardom becomes an issue. Naïve and judgmental, Sterling isn’t the sort of character who generates much goodwill (and self-involved Ethan isn’t any better). Both, unfortunately, come across more as the idea of lovestruck teenagers than actual people. Ages 12–up.

April 1, 2014

Gr 7-10-When Sterling's boyfriend Ethan makes it big with the release of his first album, he becomes an overnight teen heartthrob with a viral online presence. Sterling, too, is pulled into the whirlwind as she follows him on tour and is featured in top celebrity magazines. She is even gifted with designer swag to dress the part. While the limelight is initially appealing, the teen eventually realizes the cost of living off her boyfriend's fame and in his shadow-she is ignoring her own interests and aspirations. Although the writing is not overly sophisticated or original (Ethan is regularly described as "hot" and the protagonist's reaction to him as "melting"), new romance readers will find a safe initiation here. There is a subtle mention of a shared bed, but even the kisses quietly fade to black. For fans of the author, Elizabeth Eulberg, and Sarah Dessen.-Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2014
Grades 8-11 When Ethan Cross bursts into the big-time music world, nothing in his and Sterling's lives can stay the same. This is Sterling's storyhow does she go from ordinary high-schooler to girlfriend of a rock star? Thrilled for Ethan and excited to accompany him for some tours and concerts, she also walks a fine line between giddiness and self-doubt that she is attractive and confident enough to be Ethan's girl. Chapter openers help reflect the growing tension, each showing progressively higher numbers of Ethan's online followers, up to 22 million. The media and obsessed fangirls stalk the couple, and at one point Ethan is surrounded by ten trembling girls who look like they're about to faint, throw up, or burst out crying. Can true love survive? Veteran readers will predict Sterling's awakening of her own goals and identity, but Colasanti paces that realization skillfully. Amid the name-dropping of fashion brands and the totally- and awesome-speckled dialogue, the strong characters, as well as thoughtful insights on relationships, come together.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2014
Sterling's boyfriend Ethan is rapidly becoming a rock star. As he racks up online followers (the numbers are given at the beginning of each chapter), their ostensibly perfect relationship starts to suffer. It may be hard for some to sympathize with their too-rich-and-famous plight, but readers who do will appreciate the glitzy scenarios and Sterling's believable voice.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)