What Happens Now by Jennifer Castle

What Happens Now by Jennifer Castle

Release Date: June 7, 2016

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 384

Age Group: Young Adult

Summary:  "I know what it is to want something so badly, you feel like your cells aren’t properly bonded together without it.

I also know what it’s like to get that something.

And honestly, I’m still not sure which is worse..."

Ari Logan is battling to win her war against depression and the dark night she hurt herself on purpose. It’s not easy: her best friend is drifting away, her mom’s emotionally checked out, and she spends her days playing caregiver to her handful of a half-sister, Danielle. But it’s summer, and anything is possible...

That’s when Camden Armstrong steps onto the beach of Ari’s local swimming lake.

At first, Ari quietly longs for Camden from afar, seeing in him everything she wants to be. When the two discover a true connection the following summer, Ari lets herself fall not just for the quirky and self-assured Camden but also his friends, tumbling into their world of independence, adventure, and shared sci-fi fandom. As Ari’s romantic dreams come true, she must unlock the mysteries of the very real and troubled boy behind her infatuation, while also struggling with her own demons, obligations, and loyalties.

From the award-winning author of "The Beginning of After" and "You Look Different in Real Life," "What Happens Now" is a touching, insightful novel about learning to heal, learning to love, and what happens when fantasy becomes reality.

My Thoughts: I’ve read another one of Castle’s books and enjoyed it! So I was really excited to go into What Happens Now.

We are introduced to Ari whose had a crush on a boy named Camden. She hasn’t really said much to him but has admired him from afar. Well, one summer after Ari has went through a lot of her own troubles, she ends up bumping into Camden in an unexpected way and is thrown right into his life! They end up meeting in such a weiiird way! But, I loved it.

Ari falls in love with Camden and his friends. His friends each were so unique and cool. They had their issues but they were all really neat.

Ari is also dealing with a lot of inner demons. She has overcome a lot but it still gnaws away at her. I really liked her personality. I liked seeing things from her perspective. And oh sweet Camden. He wasn’t perfect either but I really did enjoy him too.

Overall:  I liked this one quite a bit but had trouble with it. But of course there were some parts that I did just want to get through. And others I wanted to last forever. I’d say this is a 3.5 cupcake rating, more than just a three.

Cover: Love it! Love seeing them at the beach, getting ready to dive!

What I’d Give It: