“That newspaper was my first glimpse of the outside world, and I wanted to see more of it.”

FORMAT READ: eBook (Adobe Digital Editions)
READ IF: looking for a light and feel good, classic, YA Contemporary
SIMILAR VIBES: All the Bright Places, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, John Green-ish

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*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless states otherwise*

OVERALL: 3.5
This is a book to read when you want a light and “classic YA contemporary”. I enjoyed the writing style for the majority of the book and there wasn’t anything that I particularly disliked.

I thought that the characters were very relatable and I found the whole vibe of the book has a bit of an adventurous feel. The narration and writing style very easy to get into with fun character relationships. The writing style also reminded me of PJO (Percy Jackson) because of the chapter titles and overall writing feel… which was really cool.. and cute and sweet
The plot was centered around a lot of highschool-y subjects and I just don’t think that was what I expected from this book nor was I in the mood for it. It was a tad bit cliche even though it was hilariously enjoyable. The added touch of World War II gave the book its own personality and made it more original.

PLOT: ★★★☆☆
WRITING STYLE: ★★★★★
CHARACTERS: ★★★★☆
THEMES: ★★☆☆☆
PACING: ★★★★☆
PAGE TURNER: ★★★☆☆

Thanks to Chad Alan Gibbs and Borne Back Books for sending me an ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

Be warned: I'm going to gush here. This is one of the funniest books I've read in a while. It's also a tender sweet story. If you like YA, you need to read this book now!
Edwin Green is a high school junior and a bit of a nerd. He's been in a funk since his girlfriend dumped him a year ago on Black Saturday because she suddenly became famous. When he's paired up with new girl Parker Haddaway for a history assignment, he has no idea what he in for. As Edwin says about himself:
"I was a cautious teenager. And caution, if it is a virtue, is not one often associated with teenage boys. On the whole, we make rash decisions without giving much thought to the consequences, either intended or unintended."
Anyway, Edwin and Parker end up taking Garland Lenox, a ninety-year-old WWII veteran, out of his nursing home and taking him to France to find his lost love. Garland is a character; he tells Edwin stories about his past life - he says he was some sort of secret agent - that are frankly unbelievable - maybe.
One of the themes of this story is the 'virtue' of fame in today's world. Edwin thinks he might win his ex-girlfriend back if he also becomes famous, and this trip to France might just do that. Parker is somewhat mysterious with a complicated backstory, but she and Garland are good friends. She's very kind-hearted really though also extremely funny. She's been through a lot and is older than her years. Parker -
“The world is a stage, Edwin Green, but the play is badly cast.”
Garland is the glue of the book. He's gruff with a heart of gold. He's also having the time of his life running around France with the two teenagers, causing mayhem and international incidents. Whether or not they find Madeleine, Garland takes advantage of this adventure for a last hurrah.
The author is a good writer. The pacing of the story is excellent, and I especially like the little chapter headings that foreshadow what's coming next. He does a great job in describing Normandy; the scene of Edwin and Parker in the canola field is perfect, and he adds in other little historical touches that make it clear he knows the area well.
It's a fabulous book and one that will stick with you for a while. I look forward to more from this author. ( )

This story took about 60-65 pages to get into, but then it really picked up speed.
In love all of the main characters, Garland, Parker and Edwin. Man, you can't help but root for them all along the way. The laws they break, comically, can't be helped. The experiences they have, all come around in the end for a much bigger picture.
It was pretty brilliant when I closed the last page.
And God, how I wanted more.
I need to know if Parker and Edwin turn out like Garland and Madeleine, or do they make it in the end....
*breathe*
I have to highlight Chapter 37. I hate dog-earring a page, but had to for this one. This whole chapter was the highlight of the book for me. I laughed so hard out loud that I literally ended up reading aloud the chapter to my hubby. He then laughed as hard as I did. It was epic!
You all reading this review must read this book. It's one of the best debuts I have ever have the delight of reading myself. I definitely recommend it! ( )

Edwin Green wants to win back his newly famous girlfriend and is on the hunt to find his own YouTube-inspired fame. When he's paired with the mysterious Parker Haddaway for a history project, he just might do that. The objective: take WWII vet Garland Lennox to France to find his long-lost love.

What follows is part heist, part coming-of-age, part love story that is chock full of heart and wit. I don't know that many high schoolers would get the dated references Parker, Edwin, and Garland throw out, but I loved them, especially Garland's reference to ABBA's "Fernando." Many parts were laugh out loud funny; conversely, the Normandy scene reduced me to tears.

I really liked this one and rooted for Garland every step of the way. But I did wish Parker would just stop calling Edwin by his full name. Every single time she spoke to him.

Thank you to Goodreads and the author for this free copy. ( )