Book review: The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

Book Summary
It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?

Flo's Review
I loved, loved, loved Open Road Summer, and have been looking forward to jumping into another Emery Lord book since I read that one. The Start of Me and You did not disappoint! What a great story. There was so much to love about it. First, I loved the relationship Paige had with her best friends. Emery did a great job of showing us each of their personalities, as well as how the four of them fit together. It can be hard to establish such a close friendship as theirs through showing and not telling, but Emery hit the nail on the head. 

Next, Ryan Chase. He was adorable. I was so happy that he didn't end up being the obsession that was a actually a jerk. No, he was great. He did make a good friend to Paige, and he and Max were a good addition to Paige's friend group. 

The dynamic with Paige's parents was interesting. It's something that I've heard about happening, but I've never had the opportunity to experience it in any way. So it was definitely fascinating to read about it from the views of her parents and from Paige. I also loved Paige's relationship with her grandmother. The other supporting characters, like Paige's sister and Aaron's other friends, provided some good scenes and opportunities to show Paige's personal growth as well.

And finally, Max. I mean, do I really have to say anything about Max Watson?! Max. Max. Max. 😍
I have the sequel, The Map From Here To There, on deck and I cannot wait to spend Senior year with Paige and her friends.