I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review – Thanks to them and West 44 Books for sending me a copy!
Title: And We Call It Love
Author: Amanda Vink
Genre: Teen & Y/A, Poetry
Publisher: West 44 Books
Publication Date: 1rst June 2019
Plot Overview:
Clare and Zari are best friends. They write music together, go everywhere together, and they know everything about the other. At least they did before Zari started dating Dion. The more Zari falls for Dion, the less she has time for anything else.
At first, Clare chalks it up to a new and exciting relationship, and she tries to be happy for her friend despite her loneliness. When Zari starts to show up to school with half-hidden bruises, Clare knows there’s something darker about this relationship that has to be stopped
My Thoughts:
I don’t think I’ve ever read a story which is written in a poetic form, so this was something which drew me to this book initially, as I quite like poetry. Unfortunately for me, in a story, this wasn’t something I particularly enjoyed. I think I’m going to stick to prose narratives from now on!
While the book explores some issues like family, importance of female friendship as well as abuse, it felt a tad simplistic to me. I feel like even though this is marked as a Teen or Y/A novel, it’s quite simple in tone and I feel like younger teens would enjoy this more as opposed to a more mature audience.
I feel like everything was resolved so fast and there wasn’t really any development of character or plot. Perhaps due to the nature of the form? I’m not sure but I wasn’t really impressed.
The only positive of this book is the focus on friendship, and specifically that of female friendship. This is the only part of the book I felt was well done and I semi- enjoyed, as I’m always looking for books which represent this theme as it’s something important in my own life.
Overall, while the premise and form sounded promising, And We Call It Love isn’t a book I’ll be returning to, hence the 2 star rating. I genuinely appreciate the message of the book though as it will definitely raise further awareness of abusive relationships and the importance of seeking help. I’m sure there are people who will enjoy this book more than me, especially if you want to try something new and if you enjoy poetry.
★★ – 2 Star Rating
Until next time,
Rumaanah x
Rums the Reader 
Thanks for this honest review!
I love an honest review. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it, but the overall message does sound interesting!
It definitely has a good message but the delivery just fell flat for me unfortunately! Thanks for commenting x
I feel like poetic books can be really hit and miss- sometimes beautiful, sometimes clunky… interesting idea and great review!
I totally agree, it’s either a love or hate it kind of situation but it’s worth a shot (:
I love poetry but not to sure if I would enjoy it in story form. I have decided to pick back up my reading as I HAVE BEEN slacking these last few months. I think I might buy a book full of poetry instead.
Jenna
Xox
I would definitely recommend a poetry collection instead of this. Hope you find a collection you really love! x
It’s a very honest review. I don’t know if I would read a fiction written in poetry. The message is also a very hard topic, so hard to write about i guess
Thanks for commenting! I agree, I think it was a combination of the form and the difficult message which just doesn’t mix well x
Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy this one! The poetry narrative would 100% put me off, I’m not a huge fan of poetry anyway so this sounds a little but like my worst nightmare haha!
I know what you mean – I decided to experiment but this style definitely isn’t for me! Going to stick to good old prose from now on haha x
I’ve never read a fictional book told in a poetic way! I didn’t know these kind of books existed. It’s a shame the book didn’t really reach your expectations. Thanks for sharing this review!
It’s such a cool and unique idea, would still recommend, perhaps it’s something you’d enjoy! Thanks for commenting! x
I appreciate an honest review, especially when it’s from a free copy! Thanks for the heads up x
Love the sincerity. I too have been asked to review, it’ll be a good one… But, dread that a book may come to me that I don’t like 😬
It’s always hard writing a negative review but I think honesty is key and people will always appreciate that more! Thanks for commenting xx
I don’t read much poetry either, and this does sound like difficult subject matter to cover well in YA and particularly in an experimental form. Thanks for the review, though! It’s great to get an idea of how these things work.
All written in poetry? This sounds like an interesting but also a tad strange setup! I do appreciate an honest review though and even though you didn’t really enjoy it, it’s good that you can be impartial and constructive about it 🙂
http://www.missblogsabit.com
Oh man, relationships can ruin friendships often times because the friend ended up being forgotten about. Female friendship is important and this book seems to outline common problems people face in real life. It is a bummer that it wasn’t really your cup of tea. Thanks fors haring!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Thanks for sharing. I don’t think I would be on board with the whole poetic thing either if it’s a novel! Thanks for an honest review.
Melis // http://www.melisliving.com
It takes a while to get used to for sure! Something out of the norm for sure. Thanks for commenting and taking the time to read this post x
Oooh this sounds like a completely different kind of book, especially because it’s in a poetic form! Definitely going to check this out!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Ah it’s a shame that you weren’t the biggest fan of this book but it’s still good that you explored a slightly different type of book! xx
http://www.imjustagirl16.co.uk
That’s a shame you didn’t enjoy this as the blurb definitely tempted me in’! I’m not sure id personally like a book in poetic form, I’m not a big poem fan! Thankyou for an honest review!
PaleGirlRambling xo
http://palegirlrambling.co.uk
That’s a shame that the book wasn’t for you! The idea of the book actually sounds really good, I’m not sure I’ve actually read a book in poetic form before. Great review x
Whether or not a book exhibits proper character development is key for me, I can’t get ‘into it’ otherwise. It’s unfortunate that such a promising idea seems to have fallen short.
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca
I love reading such an honest review. It sounded like such a promising book, I love the poetic idea of it though!
Hels xx
http://www.thehelsproject.com
Thanks for the honest review. I hope your next read is better!