Some love stories are just too logistically complicated to succeed despite how well-suited the couple may be for one another. Take the Australian duo of Amelia, 15, with fierce opinions and a maturity beyond her years, and Chris, 22, a university student with a bit of a wild side. They meet while working at the local grocery store, or “The Land of (Broken) Dreams”, and become friends. For over a year, they casually chat about books, philosophy, and their lives.  Amelia struggles to hide her increasing infatuation with Chris. At first, Chris doesn’t even think of her that way.  He’s preoccupied with his social life, school, work, and trying to get over his ex. While rather intoxicated at a party one night, they make their feelings known, but the sobering morning that follows is not the fairy tale ending that Amelia had been hoping for. The story is told from both of their perspectives, alternating every few months between Amelia’s narration and Chris’s journal entries.  The characters are immediately captivating, and the writing style is quick, charming, and intelligent.  Best for older teens.

NetGalley review    Publication date 12.11.12