Adri's Thoughts: A Blind Spot for Boys by Justina Chen {FRC Book Review}

Friday, September 26, 2014

A Blind Spot for Boys by Justina Chen {FRC Book Review}

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Title : A Blind Spot for Boys

Author: Justina Chen
Publisher: Little Brown Books
Release Date: August 12, 2014

Summary from GoodReads:

Shana has always had a blind spot for boys. Can she trust the one who's right in front of her?

Sixteen-year-old Shana Wilde is officially on a Boy Moratorium. After a devastating breakup, she decides it's time to end the plague of Mr. Wrong, Wrong, and More Wrong.

Enter Quattro, the undeniably cute lacrosse player who slams into Shana one morning in Seattle. Sparks don't just fly; they ignite. And so does Shana's interest. Right as she's about to rethink her ban on boys, she receives crushing news: Her dad is going blind. Quattro is quickly forgotten, and Shana and her parents vow to make the most of the time her father has left to see. So they travel to Machu Picchu, and as they begin their trek, they run into none other than Quattro himself. But even as the trip unites them, Quattro pulls away mysteriously... Love and loss, humor and heartbreak collide in this new novel from acclaimed author Justina Chen.

Quotes:

"My favorite photographers talk about being on constant alert for that split second when the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary."

"When terrible things happen to us, it's so easy to think that our lives are nothing but rubble." "But here we are, looking at broken rocks! We're admiring these ruins like they're artwork."

"Maybe that's all we're supposed to do after we've taken a spill: brush ourselves off, get back on our feet. No fuss. No blame. Just soldier on."

My Take: I was excited to read the book when I read the summary. I really enjoyed reading it. It's the kind of book full of hope. It tells us, that even when we think we are at our lowest point in our lives, to keep on going. It also teaches us that love is the single most important thing in life, and that although we might have gotten heartbroken in the past, we should never give up on love.
In the book we meet Shana, a junior in high school, who just went through a horrible breakup, and who know vows to not get into any new relationships. After a horrible accident, Shana's family finds out that her dad is going blind. As a way to see some of the beauties in the world, Shana's family book a trip to hike in Macchu Picchu. Little does she know that the break that she is taking from boys will be challenged through this hike, when she meets a cute boy.
But this book is more than just Shana trying to get over her latest relationship. We do learn about love about family and sacrifice, and about getting up when we fall.