Books from the Backlog #97

Posted January 30, 2020 by Carole in Books from the Backlog / 30 Comments

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.
If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.  

This week’s neglected book

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

Publication Date: July 11, 2017
Publisher: Delacorte Press

Two struggling teenagers find an unexpected connection just when they need it most.

Sometimes a new perspective is all that is needed to make sense of the world.

KIT: I don’t know why I decide not to sit with Annie and Violet at lunch. It feels like no one here gets what I’m going through. How could they? I don’t even understand.

DAVID: In the 622 days I’ve attended Mapleview High, Kit Lowell is the first person to sit at my lunch table. I mean, I’ve never once sat with someone until now. “So your dad is dead,” I say to Kit, because this is a fact I’ve recently learned about her.

When an unlikely friendship is sparked between relatively popular Kit Lowell and socially isolated David Drucker, everyone is surprised, most of all Kit and David. Kit appreciates David’s blunt honesty—in fact, she finds it bizarrely refreshing. David welcomes Kit’s attention and her inquisitive nature. When she asks for his help figuring out the how and why of her dad’s tragic car accident, David is all in. But neither of them can predict what they’ll find. Can their friendship survive the truth?

Why did I add What to Say Next to my bookshelf?
I have had this book on my shelf for more than 2 years.  I have no idea why I haven’t read it yet.  I don’t feel quite as bad about that though since my daughter did read it so it hasn’t been sitting untouched this whole time.  It looks like a lot of my Goodreads friends gave this book 5 stars, including my daughter and Grace from Rebel Mommy Book Blog who lost her battle with cancer last year.  I might have to read this one during this year’s #ReadforGrace event in October.

My daughter was able to meet Julie Buxbaum and Jeff Zentner at an event at her high school a couple of years ago.  She was asked to introduce them and was able to get a book signed and a had a couple of photos taken.  Unfortunately, I was at work that day (like I am every day) but I am glad that she was able to meet them.

Julie Buxbaum, my daughter, and Jeff Zentner

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it to others?

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30 responses to “Books from the Backlog #97

  1. I read this book during ReadForGrace, and I loved it. Buxbaum writes the kind of books I enjoy, adult and YA. The friendship in this book was solid. I remember wishing the romance played out a bit more, but the exploration of grief and family relationships was great.

  2. I think this sounds like a great read for the #ReadForGrace event, especially since she loved it so much. Cute cover too!

  3. LOL, yes, it got some attention and that's great. Neat that your daughter met the authors. I think that's a good plan to read it for #ReadForGrace event.

  4. It sounds like a good book. I don't generally read books with high school students but you have solid reasons to read it. Enjoy!

    Anne – Books of My Heart

    • I have spent so many years surrounded by high school kids that reading about them works well for me. My kids were spaced out so that I had a short break between one leaving high school and the next one starting.

  5. Ash

    I feel like the worst person in the world, I had no idea about Grace. I was MIA due to my own personal loss and didn't even realize. I feel terrible.

    As far as the book it sounds really good and I'm jealous your daughter got to meet Jeff Zentner he is one of my favorite authors.

    Ash @ JennReneeRead

  6. I think this one looks like a lot of fun. Love that cover too. I've heard good things about Buxbaum's books.

  7. I, too, have had this one sitting on my shelves for a while. I've loved the other two books I've read by Buxbaum so I don't know what I'm waiting for. I love your idea of reading this one for #ReadForGrace.