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WORK TITLE: We Are Still Tornadoes
WORK NOTES: with Michael Kun
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE:
CITY: Arlington
STATE: VA
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
http://us.macmillan.com/author/susanmullen/ * https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6314648.Susan_Mullen
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married Kevin Mullen; children: two daughters.
EDUCATION:Graduated from Duke University and University of Virginia School of Law.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Author and lawyer.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Susan Mullen is the coauthor, with Michael Kun, of the well-regarded young-adult novel We Are Still Tornadoes. The story is composed in the form of letters exchanged between two recent high school graduates. We Are Still Tornadoes “is set in the 1980’s, perhaps to account for the exchange of letters rather than emails, phone calls, or texts by the two central protagonists,” declared a contributor to the Rhapsody in Books blog. “The correspondence is between two best friends (since early childhood): Cath … and Scott, a habitual ‘underachiever’ who stayed in their hometown.” “The correspondence,” opined a Publishers Weekly reviewer, “allows for a deep understanding of Scott and Cath’s thoughts, feelings, and ruminations.” The authors “do a fantastic job of revealing their richly developed, honest characters through their letters,” wrote Kirsten Pickel in Voice of Youth Advocates; “Cath and Scott are funny and thoughtful.” “This funny, extraordinary, and deeply moving book,” said a reviewer for Fantastic Fiction, “… captures all the beautiful confusion and emotional intensity we find … [in] adulthood… and first love.”
Critics celebrated Mullen and Kun’s debut for several reasons, including its evocation of the culture and the music of the early 1980s. “This epistolary novel,” said Booklist reviewer Erin Linsenmeyer, “is a quick, lighthearted love story with plenty of 1980s’ references to ground the story in its time.” “While not all of today’s teens will comprehend the 1980s music references,” stated Erin Holt in School Library Journal, “they will relate to the [couple’s] deep bond.” They also compliment the authors on the way in which Cath and Scott’s relationship deepens throughout the course of the novel. “I’ve seen We Are Still Tornadoes listed as a romance, but the romance happens suddenly in only the last few pages. Of course, the romance is there all along, but this is primarily a story of true friendship,” wrote a Mrs. ReaderPants website reviewer. The novel “is well-written and about as true-to-life as any YA book I’ve read. It will work best for readers who love realistic, relationship-driven stories.” “I was rooting for these two through the whole book and I can’t even think of anything I would change,” wrote a contributor to Bingeing on Books website. “It was such a great contemporary read and though it did have a few moments, most of the book was pretty light and humorous.” “What I liked the most about this book,” mused a contributor to Reading Books like a Boss website, “was just how strong Cath and Scott’s bond was. Their families both go through some difficult times in this book. All the while, Scott and Cath lean on each other, their bond and love for each other growing even stronger. Through all of this, they’re dating other people, not really even thinking about each other `like that.’” “The mostly light-hearted, humorous, and realistic novel paints genuine pictures of each character,” declared a Teenreads website reviewer. “The two authors adeptly capture the little nuances in their relationship with simple letters that show their strong bond. It was very well written, in a casual yet intriguing style.” “Though there’s tantalizing potential romance,” concluded a Kirkus Reviews contributor, “the novel is mostly a love story to best friends everywhere. Smart, charming, and delightful.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, September 15, 2016, Erin Linsenmeyer, review of We Are Still Tornadoes, p. 66.
Kirkus Reviews, August 15, 2016, review of We Are Still Tornadoes.
Publishers Weekly, September 12, 2016, review of We Are Still Tornadoes, p. 60.
School Library Journal, October, 2016, Erin Holt, review of We Are Still Tornadoes, p. 112.
Voice of Youth Advocates, December, 2016, Kirsten Pickel, review of We Are Still Tornadoes, p. 63.
ONLINE
Bingeing on Books, https://bookbinges.blogspot.com/ (November 14, 2016), review of We Are Still Tornadoes.
Fantastic Fiction, https://www.fantasticfiction.com/ (July 5, 2017), review of We Are Still Tornadoes.
Mrs. ReaderPants, http://www.readerpants.net/ (December 17, 2016), review of We Are Still Tornadoes.
Reading Books like a Boss, https://readingbookslikeaboss.com/ (November 16, 2016), review of We Are Still Tornadoes.
Rhapsody in Books Blog, https://rhapsodyinbooks.wordpress.com/ (November 4, 2016), review of We Are Still Tornadoes.
Teenreads, http://www.teenreads.com/ (November 15, 2016), review of We Are Still Tornadoes.*
We Are Still Tornadoes is Susan Mullen’s first novel and first collaboration with Michael Kun. She is a graduate of Duke University, where she studied English literature, and the University of Virginia School of Law. She practices law and lives in Northern Virginia. Sue has been married to her law school classmate Kevin Mullen for 26 years, and they have two daughters.
Kun, Michael, and Susan Mullen. We Are Still Tornadoes
Kirsten Pickel
39.5 (Dec. 2016): p63.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC
http://www.voya.com
4Q * 4P * J * S * R
Kun, Michael, and Susan Mullen. We Are Still Tornadoes. St. Martin's/Macmillan, 2016. 304p. $18.99. 978-1-250-09840-5.
It is August 1982, and Catherine has just entered her freshman year at Wake Forest University. Her best friend and next-door neighbor, Scott, has remained in their hometown of East Bloomfield, Maryland, to work at his fathers clothing store. The book is comprised entirely of Cath and Scott's letters to each other. Cath writes about her classes and dorm life while Scott keeps Cath posted on the goings-on in town and tells her about his adventures in songwriting and forming a band. As the year progresses, the letters become a sounding board; Cath explores her feelings about her parents' divorce and her father's subsequent remarriage, while Scott wonders whether he should apply to college or remain in the family business. The teens' correspondence helps them navigate this year of transition.
Kun and Mullen do a fantastic job of revealing their richly developed, honest characters through their letters; Cath and Scott are funny and thoughtful. Even the secondary characters jump off the page through Cath and Scott's descriptions. The format of the story makes it a good pick for struggling or reluctant readers, as well. The book is full of references to '80s music, as well as Scott's own lyrics. The authors have combined forces to craft a warm, authentic, and engaging read that will appeal to readers who love stories about best friends.--Kirsten Pickel.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Pickel, Kirsten. "Kun, Michael, and Susan Mullen. We Are Still Tornadoes." Voice of Youth Advocates, Dec. 2016, p. 63. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA474767942&it=r&asid=dfaa3b99f02c3b21aa523f652f266ff2. Accessed 3 June 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A474767942
We Are Still Tornadoes
Erin Linsenmeyer
113.2 (Sept. 15, 2016): p66.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
We Are Still Tornadoes. By Michael Kun and Susan Mullen. Nov. 2016.304p. St. Martin's/Griffin, $18.99 (9781250098405). Gr. 9-12.
Scott and Cath have been best friends for their entire lives, so when Cath goes to college and Scott stays home, it's only natural that they write each other letters--actual snail mail, since it's 1982, after all. Through their letters, Scott and Cath share everything from Cath's father's affair, Scott struggling with staying at home while his friends have moved on, Cath's roommate drama, and Scott's new band. Through it all, they may discover that what they've always looked for is right in front of them. This epistolary novel is a quick, lighthearted love story with plenty of 1980s' references to ground the story in its time. Scott and Cath have distinct voices, perhaps aided by the dual authorship, and although the end result will be telegraphed from the beginning, their relationship develops over time and isn't without its struggles. Readers aching for a combination of the '80s and a romance like Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park (2013) will be stoked to find this wicked, gnarly, and totally righteous novel.--Erin Linsenmeyer
YA RECOMMENDATIONS
* Young adult recommendations for adult, audio, and reference titles reviewed in this issue have been contributed by the Booklist staff and by reviewers John Charles, Muhammed Hassanali, Erin Downey Howerton, Kristine Huntley, Jesse Karp, Lucy Lockley, Colleen Mondor, Mary Ellen Quinn, and Hazel Rochman.
* Adult titles recommended for teens are marked with the following symbols: YA, for books of general YA interest; YA/C, for books with particular curriculum value; YA/S, for books that will appeal most to teens with a special interest in a specific subject; and YA/M, for books best suited to mature teens.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Linsenmeyer, Erin. "We Are Still Tornadoes." Booklist, 15 Sept. 2016, p. 66. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA464980995&it=r&asid=403b3474e6e1553f203afcc22bcc11ff. Accessed 3 June 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A464980995
We Are Still Tornadoes
263.37 (Sept. 12, 2016): p60.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
We Are Still Tornadoes
Michael Kun and Susan Mullen. St. Martin's Griffin, $18.99 (304p) ISBN 978-1-250-09840-5
Scott and Cath, best friends since the age of five, are now separated by hundreds of miles while she is off at college in North Carolina and he remains in Maryland, working at his father's clothing shop. The next year in their friendship, 1982 to 1983, unfolds as a series of letters. Playful banter, private jokes, dark family secrets, and major life changes are all explored in the intimate exchanges, with stationery headers subtly denoting shifts in location and circumstance. The effect is a bit like snooping through someone else's mail as adult author Kun (Everybody Says Hello) and newcomer Mullen craft separate and authentic voices for their protagonists. There are a few hiccups when the format becomes an illogical plot device, as when it's used to deliver news of a sudden death, despite the availability of telephones. But more often than not the correspondence allows for a deep understanding of Scott and Cath's thoughts, feelings, and ruminations on the events changing their lives. Ages 12--up. Agent: Steven Axelrod, Axelrod Agency. (Nov.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"We Are Still Tornadoes." Publishers Weekly, 12 Sept. 2016, p. 60+. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA464046340&it=r&asid=9c7a7009611ca87bffa8d12865280b80. Accessed 3 June 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A464046340
Kun, Michael & Susan Mullen. We Are Still Tornadoes
Erin Holt
62.10 (Oct. 2016): p112.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
KUN, Michael & Susan Mullen. We Are Still Tornadoes. 304p. ebook available. St. Martin's Griffin. Nov. 2016. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250098405.
Gr 10 Up--Scott and Cath have been friends since they were children, having grown up across the street from each other. When Cath goes to college and Scott stays home to work at his dad's clothing store, they start writing letters. This novel is set in the 1980s, before the time of texting, FaceTime, and email. During their first year apart, the former neighbors help each other through family crisis, crazy roommates, a budding music career, and more. They quickly realize that de spite life's twists and turns, they always have each other. Told via correspondence, this is a funny, warm, and realistic picture of a friendship that remains strong even with distance. The authors' collaboration is seamless, with the characters adding humor to this timely story that delicately examines the emotional turmoil of long-distance friendship. Hysterically funny, Scott, with his overuse of quotation marks and misspellings, in contrast to a more levelheaded Cath, will have readers laughing throughout. While not all of today's teens will comprehend the 1980s music references, they will relate to the deep bond that the two teens share. VERDICT Perfect for the most reluctant of readers, especially young people contemplating life after high school. A must-purchase for public library collections.--Erin Holt, Williamson County Public Library, Franklin, TN
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Holt, Erin. "Kun, Michael & Susan Mullen. We Are Still Tornadoes." School Library Journal, Oct. 2016, p. 112. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA466166966&it=r&asid=ed65c2f13b7ea5922f673b2cb8520c2f. Accessed 3 June 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A466166966
We Are Still Tornadoes
by Michael Kun and Susan Mullen
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WE ARE STILL TORNADOES by Michael Kun and Susan Mullen, is a heartfelt, humorous young adult novel about long-lasting friendships and the unforgettable journey into adulthood. Best friends Scott and Cath go their different ways after graduating from high school --- Scott pursues his musical dreams, while Cath enrolls at Wake Forest University. During the months sat apart, Scott and Cath send letters about their breakups, music, family drama and the constant pressure to figure out their futures. Set in the 1980’s, the two best friends turn to each other with each hardship and adventure.
I really enjoyed this book and its creativity. Each letter is as engaging and compelling as the last. The story of their lives back in the 80’s definitely captivated me --- It showcases the lifestyle of a time before smart phones, text messages, and advanced technology, a major aspect throughout the book. The book did a fantastic job of placing the reader in both the unique perspectives of Scott and Cath with the back and forth letters.
"The book did a fantastic job of placing the reader in both the unique perspectives of Scott and Cath with the back and forth letters."
There is a lifelike quality of friendship between the two, and readers can definitely relate to the ups and downs of their lives. The mostly light-hearted, humorous, and realistic novel paints genuine pictures of each character. The two authors adeptly capture the little nuances in their relationship with simple letters that show their strong bond. It was very well written, in a casual yet intriguing style.
WE ARE STILL TORNADOES was a quick read, for I could not put it down once I began. Over the span of one year, Scott and Cath grow and mature with each letter sent and each bump in the road. The authors shape this journey into one of steadfast loyalty, friendship and always having someone to lean on. Along with science fiction and fantasy, I am also a huge fan of books portraying special relationships, so this novel drew me in with its likeable characters and their different lives. The letter format was very interesting to read as well.
The only thing I disliked was that the ending of the novel was cut off a bit short. I would have liked to see their relationship develop a little bit further and have it extended to come to a more satisfying finish. However, don’t let this discourage you from reading the book. WE ARE STILL TORNADOES was an amazing book and I recommend it for anybody looking for a quick yet entertaining read.
Reviewed by Jeremy H., Teen Board Member on November 15, 2016
Review of “We Are Still Tornadoes” by Michael Kun & Susan Mullen
Posted on 11/04/2016 by rhapsodyinbooks
This epistolary novel is set in the 1980’s, perhaps to account for the exchange of letters rather than emails, phone calls, or texts by the two central protagonists. The correspondence is between two best friends (since early childhood): Cath, who is beginning her freshman year at Wake Forest University, and Scott, a habitual “underachiever” who stayed in their hometown and is working in his father’s clothing store.
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What makes the book even more interesting is the fact that the two authors, a male and a female, each took the part of one of the protagonists, and wrote the book in a way analogous to the book’s format. As Susan Mullen reports in an interview:
“Primarily, we wrote it by swapping letters. We talked at the outset about the framework of the book and the characters, how it would take place over the course of one school year when Cath was a freshman in college and Scott was at home working in his dad’s clothing store. We had some key events that we wanted to hit, and a general idea of how the book would end – which we eventually scrapped – and then we just started writing.”
(They used emails however!)
The story is cute, if predictable. Cath and Scott have always dated other people, but it is each other to whom they repeatedly turn. Eventually they figure it out what this means.
Discussion: I liked the idea of the book, but I had a couple of quibbles with the story. One is that I didn’t feel the chemistry between Scott and Cath. Scott seems way less mature, and his intelligence comes through inconsistently. This is odd because when you read interviews between the two authors, there is a huge amount of chemistry, and they seem very well matched. I got the impression that Kun wasn’t clear at first on who he wanted Scott to be, although later in the book, the character evened out more.
Second, I thought the references to the 80’s were a bit ham-handed. There were a number of sentences in their correspondence like these:
“Oh, speaking of music, have you heard the new album by Prince? It’s called 1999. I’ve never heard anything like it.”
“Speaking of Dorothy, she came home from Thanksgiving with a copy of the new Michael Jackson album. It’s called Thriller, and it’s amazing with a capital A.”
“..we went to see this band that she told me about called R.E.M.”
On a positive note, I enjoyed the repeated riffs on and puns about the “We Will Always Be Tornadoes” graduation speech by their high school class president. I also liked the clever way that the letters “filled in” what happened when the two protagonists met up in person or talked on the phone. And finally, I loved finding actual interactions on the web between the authors about the book; the interviews were way more entertaining than the book itself!
Rating: 3.5/5
Published by St. Martin’s Griffin, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press, a division of Macmillan, 2016
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Review: We Are Still Tornadoes (Kun, Mullen)
I didn't really like this one until I finished it. It's a slice of life story, so there isn't really a central conflict; rather, there are many conflicts, both large and small, that reflect real life and growing up. It's cute, but there's not much action.
AUTHOR: Michael Kun, Susan Mullen
SERIES: none
PUBLISHER: St.Martins Griffin
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2016
ISBN: 9781250098405
PAGES: 304
SOURCE: NetGalley
GENRE: contemporary fiction, realistic fiction
SETTING: 1982-1983, Maryland and North Carolina
GIVE IT TO: upper-MS, HS
SUMMARY: Set over one year from 1982-1983 and told entirely in letters between life-long besties Scott Agee and Cath Osteen. Cath has just started college at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, and Scott has stayed in their Maryland hometown to work in his father's clothing store.
WHAT I LIKED: So many 1980s pop-culture references! I was only seven years old in 1982 and well-sheltered from pop culture since we didn't have a TV and my parents listened to talk radio and 1960s country music. Some of the music references were lost on me, as they will be on most of the target audience of this book. You do not need to know the references to understand the story, but it's cool when you do know them!
Scott and Cath are both likeable, real characters. Their letters feel real, as does their friendship. And it is a friendship, without romance or even a hint of romance until right at the very end.
It's relatively clean. Yep, a book featuring college-age students who take school seriously but still have fun. There are a few references to drinking at parties and some profanity, but overall, it's pretty clean considering some of the other New Adult titles I've read. Scott and Cath are normal college kids dealing with normal problems. They have nice, loving families that deal with realistic problems.
Every time I see a class in the library, I start with my "Mrs. Collazo is currently reading..." feature. I give a short summary of the book and talk about how it's going and whether or not I'm enjoying it. When I booktalked this book last week, I really enjoyed explaining that back in 1982, we didn't have email or texting or FaceBook to keep up with friends when they moved away. Maintaining long-distance relationships was much more difficult in 1982 than it is in 2016. I live in China now, but through FaceBook, I know what's going on with my family and friends in the USA. I see photos of my nieces and nephews instantly, and I can send messages and comments instantly as well. We also have live chats and Skype, and I don't miss my family the same way I would have if it were still 1982. Letter-writing is a lost art that many of today's youth haven't experienced. That's not the worst thing in the world--I would not trade today's communication tools for snail-mail letters--but I do think it's a little sad anyway.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It's a little boring. This is a slice-of-life story told entirely through mailed letters. It's not meant to be action-packed, and it does have plenty of "nothing really happening today." I love how the book feels so real, but at the same time, some days are just as boring as they are in real life.
I mentioned above how I liked the letter format as a throwback to a lost art. But I also disliked the letters because all the events that occurred had already happened by the time the letters were written. I just felt less connected to the story's events. There's really not a lot of page-turning suspense here.
I do think many students (Realists, Romantics) will love this story for the same things I didn't love. I am an Escapist, and as an Escapist, I love action. I love a story so suspenseful that I am biting my stubby nails in anticipation. I love being so sucked into the story that no one can get my attention. This isn't that story, but it's well-written in its simplicity and realism. It's a great choice for Realists and Romantics.
I've seen We Are Still Tornadoes listed as a romance, but the romance happens suddenly in only the last few pages. Of course, the romance is there all along, but this is primarily a story of true friendship.
THEMES: friendship, growing up, family, grief
THE BOTTOM LINE: We Are Still Tornadoes is well-written and about as true-to-life as any YA book I've read. It will work best for readers who love realistic, relationship-driven stories. Readers who love action and suspense may be disappointed.
STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: On order. I do have readers who will love it.
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 4/5
Creativity: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Engrossing: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Appeal to teens: 4/5
Appropriate length to tell the story: 5/5
CONTENT:
Language: medium; there's not a lot of profanity, but the F-word does come up a few times
Sexuality: mild; a few references to "making out" and past kisses
Violence: none
Drugs/Alcohol: mild; references to drinking at college parties; no drugs or smoking mentioned at all
READALIKES:
WE ARE STILL TORNADOES
by Michael Kun & Susan Mullen
An exchange of letters (hey, it’s 1982!) between two longtime best friends strengthens their relationship.
Scott’s first letter to Cath thanks her for “four years of English homework” and wishes her well in college. His next letter contains both spelling mistakes and hilariously misused quotation marks. But in spite of deliberately downplaying his decision to underachieve, skip college, and work at the family business, both Scott’s voice and Cath’s reminder that he’s “way smarter” than most people at her college set the stage for his potential regret. And working at his dad’s clothing store does set up situations in which customers’ behaviors do make Scott feel socially diminished and frustrated. But the job also expands his relationship with his father, which Scott appreciates during reflective moments. Meanwhile, Cath finds college enlightening, though her roommate and navigating the college dating scene present challenges. Her parents’ divorce and the impending birth of her half sister further strain her academic focus. Through it all Scott and Cath’s letters perfectly capture the richness of their relationship—from silly inside jokes to heartfelt support during crisis moments and even occasionally very real frustration with the other’s decisions. Their unflinchingly honest voices as they navigate the transition to adulthood create the book’s emotional resonance. Racial identity never figures in the correspondence.
Though there’s tantalizing potential romance, the novel is mostly a love story to best friends everywhere. Smart, charming, and delightful. (Historical fiction. 13 & up)
Pub Date: Nov. 1st, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-250-09840-5
Page count: 304pp
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Review Posted Online: Aug. 2nd, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15th, 2016
It's the summer of 1982, and for Scott and Cath, everything is about to change.
Growing up across the street from each other, Scott and Cath have been best friends for most of their lives. Now they've graduated high school, and Cath is off to college while Scott stays at home trying to get his band off the ground. Neither of them realized that their first year after high school would be so hard.
Fortunately, Scott and Cath still have each other, and it's through their letters that they survive heartache, annoying roommates, family dramas, and the pressure of figuring out what to do with the rest of their lives. And through it all, they realize that the only person they've ever wanted to turn to is each other. But does that mean they should think about being more than friends? One thing is clear, Change is an inescapable part of growing up, and we share unbreakable bonds with the friends who help us navigate it.
This funny, extraordinary, and deeply moving book - set to an awesome '80s soundtrack - captures all the beautiful confusion and emotional intensity we find on the verge of adulthood...and first love.
We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun and Susan Mullen is not to be missed!
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Monday, November 14, 2016
REVIEW: We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Growing up across the street from each other, Scott and Cath have been best friends their entire lives. Cath would help Scott with his English homework, he would make her mix tapes (it's the 80's after all), and any fight they had would be forgotten over TV and cookies. But now they've graduated high school and Cath is off to college while Scott is at home pursuing his musical dreams. During their first year apart, Scott and Cath's letters help them understand heartache, annoying roommates, family drama and the pressure to figure out what to do with the rest of their lives. And through it all, they realize that the only person they want to turn to is each other. But does that mean they should be more than friends? The only thing that's clear is that change is an inescapable part of growing up. And the friends who help us navigate it share an unshakable bond.
What a great book!! This was another surprise for me. I don't know if it's because I've been in a reading slump or what, but I have had extremely low expectations for almost every ARC I pick up. But this one was so awesome. I love the letter format, first of all. Cath and Scott have been friends throughout their entire lives and I could feel how much they cared about each other. Letters can be a tricky thing. If they aren't done right, they can prevent you from connecting with the characters. That was not the case with this one. One of the best things about this book was the way each POV was so different and unique. The letters span the length of a year, the year after they graduate high school. Cath is a freshman in college and Scott is working at his dad's clothing store. There were so many issues in this book, like homesickness and divorce and just trying to figure out your life after high school. We can all relate to that, right? I loved their humor and banter and even when they fought, there was just so much respect there. This book also takes place in the 80's and there are a crazy amount of awesome musical references. I was rooting for these two through the whole book and I can't even think of anything I would change. It was such a great contemporary read and though it did have a few moments, most of the book was pretty light and humorous.
Buy/Borrow/Skip: Buy this one.
Posted by Cynthia at 8:00 AM Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest
Nov 16 2016
Book Review – We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun and Susan MullenWe Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun, Susan Mullen
Published by St. Martin's Griffin
Publication date: November 1, 2016
Genres: Coming of Age, Romance, Young Adult
304 pages
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Growing up across the street from each other, Scott and Cath have been best friends their entire lives. Cath would help Scott with his English homework, he would make her mix tapes (it's the 80's after all), and any fight they had would be forgotten over TV and cookies. But now they've graduated high school and Cath is off to college while Scott is at home pursuing his musical dreams.
During their first year apart, Scott and Cath's letters help them understand heartache, annoying roommates, family drama and the pressure to figure out what to do with the rest of their lives. And through it all, they realize that the only person they want to turn to is each other. But does that mean they should be more than friends? The only thing that's clear is that change is an inescapable part of growing up. And the friends who help us navigate it share an unshakable bond.
This funny yet deeply moving book--set to an awesome 80's soundtrack--captures all the beautiful confusion and emotional intensity we find on the verge of adulthood...and first love.
AMAZON USAMAZON UKAMAZON CAiBOOKSGET THE AUDIOBOOKGOODREADS
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WE ARE STILL TORNADOES is a coming-of-age young adult novel that centers around two best friends, Cath and Scott. What Michael Kun and Susan Mullen did wonderfully was capturing the beauty of friendship and the importance of having that special someone to lean on when life gets tough. But I had a tough time with the writing style.
If you’re wanting a touch of nostalgia with your young adult, then you may want to pick up this book. Set in the 1980’s, Cath and Scott’s story in Tornadoes is delivered to the reader through letters they write back and forth to each other, with the characters often sprinkling in 80’s pop culture references and music.
Cath moves away to go to college at Wake Forest, while Scott stays home to help his dad run the family clothing store and start a band. They grew up across the street from each other, dated other people, and yet never dated each other. Their inside jokes, familiarity and complete comfort with each other was charming and will endear you to them almost immediately.
What I liked the most about this book was just how strong Cath and Scott’s bond was. Their families both go through some difficult times in this book. All the while, Scott and Cath lean on each other, their bond and love for each other growing even stronger. Through all of this, they’re dating other people, not really even thinking about each other “like that.” I liked that their romance wasn’t the focus of the story.
The epistolary style was more of a distraction rather than a good literary device here. The letters the characters shared back and forth, perhaps, allowed them to be more honest with each other, since they often had difficult conversations. For the sake of the reader, many of the letters had to relay information and events that the reader didn’t have privy to. This seemed really awkward to me, which made the letters (and therefore the story) seem clunky and unnatural. Much of that material, while necessary to the reader, wasn’t very necessary to the characters since they knew what happened.
As far as the plot, the ending felt really rushed. The predictability of it all wasn’t really an issue for me but rather how suddenly everything was wrapped up. I had a hard time reconciling the choices of some of the characters given their personalities.
* I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion.
We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun and Susan Mullen