Roomies
The countdown to college has begun.
When Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment at the beginning of summer, she shoots off an email to coordinate the basics: TV, microwave, mini-fridge. She can't wait to escape her New Jersey beach town, and her mom, and start life over in California.
That first message comes as a surprise to Lauren in San Francisco; she had requested a single. But if Lauren's learned anything from being the oldest of six, it's that you can't always get what you want, especially when what you want is privacy.
Soon the girls are e-mailing back and forth, sharing secrets even though they've never met. With childhood friendships and family relationships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives...and each other.
With humor and heart, Sara Zarr, National Book Award finalist for Story of a Girl, and Tara Altebrando, acclaimed author of The Pursuit of Happiness, join forces for a novel about that time after high school when everything feels like it's ending just as it's beginning.
When Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment at the beginning of summer, she shoots off an email to coordinate the basics: TV, microwave, mini-fridge. She can't wait to escape her New Jersey beach town, and her mom, and start life over in California.
That first message comes as a surprise to Lauren in San Francisco; she had requested a single. But if Lauren's learned anything from being the oldest of six, it's that you can't always get what you want, especially when what you want is privacy.
Soon the girls are e-mailing back and forth, sharing secrets even though they've never met. With childhood friendships and family relationships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives...and each other.
With humor and heart, Sara Zarr, National Book Award finalist for Story of a Girl, and Tara Altebrando, acclaimed author of The Pursuit of Happiness, join forces for a novel about that time after high school when everything feels like it's ending just as it's beginning.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
See this review and more on my blog Lilybloombooks
3.5 stars
I don’t usually read chick-lit so, I had absolutely no expectations when starting Roomies. I was in need of a light and fluffy book, and with that, I was not disappointed. This book is full of good feelings. Two girls, two lives, one Summer. I love everything that this book touches on. It’s more than just two girls talking over the internet. It’s about love, friendship, family and best of all, growing up and finding yourself. It was so entertaining and fun, with some really sweet moments too.
Roomies is a dual POV story about two girls, soon to be roomies, writing to each other via email the Summer before college. We see both girls struggling with different yet similar issues. EB, or Elizabeth, leaving her only her mother to travel across the US. They aren’t really close and EB’s mother has some issues of her own. And Lauren, who has a large family and although she can’t wait to go across the Bay for some much-needed alone time, feels guilty over leaving her family behind.
Between the two, I enjoyed EB’s POV over Lauren. Honestly, I felt like she had more on her plate and more to deal with than Lauren, in turn more conflict and growth. She had already started separating from her friends, having issues with her boyfriend and then some new issues with her Mother dating married men. She was more… emotional, more real to me than Lauren. However, I was not of fan of her relationship with Mark. It had that insta-love feeling to it and their relationship escalates pretty fast. As for Lauren, I’m not saying that her situation doesn’t raise conflict, but her major issue was leaving her family. I also thought she was a snob at times and very judgemental (and EB would attest to that!). I did like her relationship with Kenyon though. They were so cute together and I found myself smiling a lot. Also, those moments with her family.
My Peeve- The ending. I did knock off a half star for that ending. I usually don’t, but that was just ridiculous. grrr
Overall- I really enjoyed Roomies! It’s a quick read, with solid writing that flows effortlessly. Fun, entertaining and fluffy that will have you smiling throughout. I recommend :)
*a copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review* THANKS!
3.5 stars
I don’t usually read chick-lit so, I had absolutely no expectations when starting Roomies. I was in need of a light and fluffy book, and with that, I was not disappointed. This book is full of good feelings. Two girls, two lives, one Summer. I love everything that this book touches on. It’s more than just two girls talking over the internet. It’s about love, friendship, family and best of all, growing up and finding yourself. It was so entertaining and fun, with some really sweet moments too.
Roomies is a dual POV story about two girls, soon to be roomies, writing to each other via email the Summer before college. We see both girls struggling with different yet similar issues. EB, or Elizabeth, leaving her only her mother to travel across the US. They aren’t really close and EB’s mother has some issues of her own. And Lauren, who has a large family and although she can’t wait to go across the Bay for some much-needed alone time, feels guilty over leaving her family behind.
Between the two, I enjoyed EB’s POV over Lauren. Honestly, I felt like she had more on her plate and more to deal with than Lauren, in turn more conflict and growth. She had already started separating from her friends, having issues with her boyfriend and then some new issues with her Mother dating married men. She was more… emotional, more real to me than Lauren. However, I was not of fan of her relationship with Mark. It had that insta-love feeling to it and their relationship escalates pretty fast. As for Lauren, I’m not saying that her situation doesn’t raise conflict, but her major issue was leaving her family. I also thought she was a snob at times and very judgemental (and EB would attest to that!). I did like her relationship with Kenyon though. They were so cute together and I found myself smiling a lot. Also, those moments with her family.
My Peeve- The ending. I did knock off a half star for that ending. I usually don’t, but that was just ridiculous. grrr
Overall- I really enjoyed Roomies! It’s a quick read, with solid writing that flows effortlessly. Fun, entertaining and fluffy that will have you smiling throughout. I recommend :)
*a copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review* THANKS!
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.