Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park Review

4.5 out of 5 stars

This book was suggested to me, and I’m so glad I read it. It was so different than anything I’ve ever read before.

After college freshman Julie Seagle’s housing arrangements fall through, her only option is to stay in Boston with her mom’s old friend, Erin Watkins, and her family. The Watkins are eccentric, to say the least. First there’s Matt, who is nerdy and painfully socially awkward, but he’s nothing compared to 13 year old Celeste, who refuses to go anywhere without a cardboard cutout of her oldest brother, Finn. And then there is Finn himself: mysterious, attractive, strangely absent, and possibly someone Julie is falling for. As Julie becomes closer and closer with this dysfunctional family, she begins to unravel a mystery that may just tear the Watkins apart.

Wow. To say that this book is emotional is an understatement. That includes the full spectrum of laughter and anger and tears.

Julie is witty, sarcastic, and slightly vulnerably, making her instantly likeably and easy to relate to. She herself has some demons that threaten to swallow her. I guess that is one of the main things that made this book so amazing; the characterization was absolutely wonderful. Each member of the Watkins family was fleshed out and chalk full of strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies that made them distinct and full of voice and life. The romance between Finn and Julie, which mainly takes the form of Facebook messages, is funny and sweet.

Another aspect of this book that was so interesting was the psychology of it. That sounds strange, but that’s the only way I can think to put it. There are some heavy psychological issues in this story, whether from the Watkins or Julie herself, which pull you deeper into the plot. And the ending. Well, all I’ll say is that it was heartbreaking and beautiful all rolled into one.

Though I loved this book, I can only recommend it to more mature readers, maybe 15 or 16 and up. It discusses some heavy themes, and I don’t think anyone too young would be ready for it. Not that it would be inappropriate exactly, but it just isn’t a book for younger readers.

Anyway, if you’re looking for an amazing book that has the capacity to make you laugh and cry, check it out.

Thanks!

Liv