Adventures in Polishland

Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain in Macaroon Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx Find

Posted on August 26, 2016August 17, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I recently went to my local T.J. Maxx store to pick up a bottle of dry shampoo, and decided to browse through the beauty section to see if there were any other goodies worth purchasing. I did grab some cleansing wipes from the brand Avalon Organics to try, but on the way to the checkout I spotted some Milani products! I’ve never tried the Milani Power Lip line before, and the shade Macaroon looked really pretty. It was just $1.99, so I decided to buy it as well. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you, as well as some swatches.

Milani Power Lip is a really unique lip product that is part gloss and part stain. It is designed to have a non-drying formula that is also long-lasting. I was drawn in by the gorgeous color on the packaging, and thought it would be a nice shade to wear during the day.

Probably the most interesting aspect of this product is the applicator. This is a twist-up product with a brush at the end. I wasn’t really thrilled with this applicator at first, but I must admit the brush is really soft and the application is surprisingly user friendly. My tip in using this applicator is not cranking out too much product at once. Less is more with Power Lip!

Milani really nailed the description of gloss stain with this product! The Power Lip almost feels like a liquid lipstick, because it has an opaque yet super glossy appearance. While I did notice that the Power Lip sticks to any dry patches on the lips, the formula otherwise feels quite creamy and hydrating. If you do have dry lips, simply use a lip scrub before application.

The shade Macaroon is a true pink color. It is a bit brighter than I normally wear, and I was hoping for more of a peachy-nude undertone. However, I think the shade does look quite nice on me, and I hope to step outside my comfort zone and wear this often. I definitely appreciate how comfortable the product is during wear, and how the staining properties of the formula leave a nice tint to the lips as the actual gloss wears off throughout the day.

All in all, I’m really glad I found this Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain at T.J. Maxx! I think this is a fabulous and affordable lip product, and I am excited to wear it more. Unfortunately, the Power Lip appears to be discontinued since it is no longer listed on Milani’s website. Make sure to check out your local T.J. Maxx to see if you can score any at a discounted price! Please let me know in the comments if you’ve found anything exciting at your local T.J. Maxx or discount store!

Go Veggie Cheese Alternatives Pepper Jack Singles Review

Posted on August 25, 2016August 22, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I’m reviewing a food product here at Adventures in Polishland. I am a member of the website BzzAgent, and sometimes receive free products to try. Imagine my surprise when I got the opportunity to test out cheese alternatives from the brand Go Veggie just as I began eating a vegan diet! I got two coupons for a free product, and went grocery shopping right away. Go Veggie offers lactose free, soy free, and vegan cheese in a variety of styles and flavors. I could only find one vegan option at my local grocery store, the Pepper Jack Singles, and got those to try. Let me share my experience eating this cheese alternative with you!

I found Go Veggie in the produce section of my local grocery store. Unfortunately for me, the Pepper Jack Singles was the only vegan option available. I’m not a big fan of Pepper Jack cheese, so I knew I wouldn’t love the flavor of this cheese. However, I still wanted to give it a try to see what the texture was like, and get a good idea of what the Go Veggie Cheese Alternatives are like. What I love about Go Veggie products is that they are non-GMO and plant-based. Plus, the Pepper Jack Singles contain more calcium and less fat than traditional cheese. One slice is only 35 calories, but 20% of your daily calcium!

The Pepper Jack Singles are packaged just like regular cheese singles, and look like Pepper Jack, too. I tried the cheese on its own, on homemade pizza, and in sandwiches. Unfortunately, I did not care for this cheese very much. The flavor itself tastes just like Pepper Jack, which I appreciate but don’t enjoy too much because of the spicy kick. My biggest issue, however, is with the texture. It’s difficult to describe what Go Veggie feels like, but it is not like traditional cheese at all. It felt a bit grainy and stiff, and not gooey or creamy. It also didn’t melt very well. Part of the problem I had with the taste is because I was overanalyzing the cheese on all my food – I knew I was using a cheese alternative and not the “real thing,” so with each bite I had the mindset of: “Does this taste like cheese?!” If I wasn’t concentrating so hard on tasting the vegan cheese, I might have enjoyed it a bit more.

While I’m not the biggest fan of Go Veggie’s Pepper Jack Singles, I still want to try the other available vegan options if I can find them. Not only are there three other flavors of cheese singles, but there are shreds and dips as well. If you are looking for a cheese alternative, whether you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or soy free, I do recommend trying out Go Veggie to see how you like it. Pepper Jack wasn’t the best cheese for me to try, but I went for it because that’s all I had available. You can visit the Go Veggie website HERE to learn more about the available products!

Have you tried vegan cheese? Share your favorite brand or flavor in the comments!

The product in this post was purchased using a coupon for a free product. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Zoya Nail Polish Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016 | Metallic Holos

Posted on August 24, 2016August 22, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share with you the six metallic holographic polishes in Zoya Nail Polish’s new Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016. You can see my full review of the cream shades HERE, which I posted earlier this week. Now it’s all about the super trendy and unique polishes that make up the rest of this line. If you are looking for some edgier polishes to wear, the metallic holos are for you! Let me share my thoughts on these six shades!

First up is Alicia, a silver linear holographic polish. Alicia has an excellent formula, but it is a bit sheer, so I applied three coats to achieve opacity. I am beyond impressed with how stunning the holographic effect is on this polish. If you are a fan of holo nail polish, Alicia is a must for your collection.

Next up is Finley, a deep purple polish with a scattered holo. Finley has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I am really loving this polish! It reminds me of Aurora from Zoya’s Ornate Collection (see review HERE), but in a purple color instead of pink. Finley also has a lot of dimension because of the scattered holo effect.

The other scattered holo in this collection is Merida, a deep green shade. Merida also has an awesome formula that is opaque in two coats. I am ready to wear this polish through to the holiday season! Merida is the perfect transitional shade from fall to winter.

Next up is Britta, a berry red metallic polish with red and fuchsia shimmer. Britta has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I do find metallic polishes a bit messier to work with, but I’m happy that there are no brush strokes visible with this one. Britta is a really unique nail polish, and one I’m sure I don’t own anything else like in my collection!

Ash is the other metallic shimmer in the collection, and is a cherry red shade with red and gold shimmer. If you are looking for a brighter version of Britta, this polish is for you! Ash has the same great formula that is opaque in two coats, and is super sparkly. I don’t wear a lot of metallic polishes, but Ash will certainly come into play during my holiday manicures!

Last but not least is Troy, a pewter shade with a foil finish and touch of black and gold shimmer. Troy has a good formula but I did find it to be a bit messy, so be prepared for a bit of clean up around the cuticles. I love this shade of polish for fall, as it pairs nicely with dark clothing and the soft texture of sweaters. It does remind me of last year’s polish called Tris (seen HERE), but contains that gold sparkle that makes it different.

All in all, the Zoya Urban Grunge Collection contains a nice selection of holo, shimmer, and metallic polishes. While I don’t wear these formulas often myself, I do highly recommend these based on the great quality. My favorites are definitely Alicia and Finley, so those are my top picks. You can shop the Urban Grunge polishes on Zoya’s website HERE. Each polish retails for $10, but keep your eye out for deals and coupons! Let me know in the comments what your top picks of the Urban Grunge collection are!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

My Top 5 Book Buzzwords

Posted on August 23, 2016August 13, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my top five book buzzwords. These are the words or phrases that, when used to describe a book, prompt me to pick it up as soon as possible. The cool thing about buzzwords is that they can fit into multiple genres. For example, you can find some of my buzzwords in fantasy, contemporary, science fiction, mystery, and more! This blog post will list my top buzzwords and provide a bit of an explanation as to why I get so excited to read books that fit into these categories. I will also share some books I recommend for each buzzword, so you can read them if you have not already.

5. Heart-wrenching Books

I love books that are extremely emotional, but it’s not enough for a book to just make me cry. If a book can provide me with well-developed characters who find themselves in really difficult situations, then I get sucked in easily.

4. Competition Stories

I will admit I’m a very competitive person, and I love to read about characters who are also battling against one another. The competition can be the central plot of the book, or one scene in a longer novel, but if there is any sort of competitive aspect advertised about a book, you bet I will give it a read.

3. Secret Societies

I am so intrigued with the idea of secret societies, whether they exist in a world like our own, or in a fantasy world. There is just something so interesting about this concept to me. Perhaps it’s the idea that they are hiding in plain sight and have so much power over mainstream society without anyone knowing it.

2. Cults / Fundamentalist Religions

Similar to secret societies are books about cults or fundamentalist religions. I haven’t read too many books in this category yet, but I love television shows and movies about this topic. I think it is fascinating to learn about people who grow up in fundamentalist religions, but I also like to learn about those who get sucked into a cult later in life. I have a lot of books on my to read list that fit this category!

1. Unreliable Narrators

Finally, my most-loved book buzzword is an unreliable narrator. I love when books are written in the first-person, and you don’t know whether you can trust the character and anything he may tell you. Sometimes it is apparent from the start that a narrator may be lying to you, but it’s even better when a plot twist comes in to show the narrator’s deceitfulness to you as a reader.

That wraps up my top five book buzzwords! I hope you enjoyed learning more about my reading habits, while at the same time getting some book recommendations from me. I would love to know in the comments if you have any book buzzwords. You can also let me know if you have any book recommendations that fit my categories of choice. I’m always excited to learn more about the books you all love!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Zoya Nail Polish Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016 | Creams

Posted on August 22, 2016August 19, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am beyond excited to bring you a review of the new Zoya Nail Polish collection for this fall. Grunge is super trendy this year, and Zoya made sure to put a modern spin on this old school style with the Urban Grunge nail polish line. The full collection contains six cream formulas and six metallic holographic formulas. I will be sharing swatches of the creams with you in this post, and make sure to stay tuned for the holographic polishes on Wednesday.

Zoya describes the Urban Grunge creams as one coat polishes. I agree that these polishes are highly pigmented, but I applied two coats of polish in all of the swatches seen here. If you use a thicker coat of polish, you will definitely be able to get away with one coat. However, I prefer to use two thin coats of polish to ensure a manicure that dries evenly. Either technique works, so choose what is better for you!

First up is Mallory, a bright blue polish that is definitely my favorite of the bunch. Mallory has an excellent formula that applies smoothly, but this richly pigmented polish will stain your nails, so make sure you wear a healthy layer of base coat. Mallory looks much lighter on Zoya’s website than it does in person, so keep that in mind. I used natural sunlight when photographing these swatches to ensure I got true-to-life pictures for all of you.

Next up is August, a grey polish with blue undertones. August also has a great formula, and I think this grey shade will work well with many skin tones. Sometimes grey can be difficult to wear, but the blue undertones bring August to life. I can also see this paired with a glitter polish to dress it up a bit!

Another one of my favorites is Wyatt, a Hunter green shade. Wyatt has an amazing formula that is super smooth and shiny without a top coat needed. I absolutely love this polish color for the fall and winter months. It goes with all of the earthy clothing I’ll be wearing very soon!

Next up is Courtney, a deep burgundy polish. Country’s formula is a bit different from the rest of the Urban Grunge creams, and is more of a “crelly” (cream and jelly) formula. This shade is perfect for fall, and will work for nearly every situation. Courtney is great if you want a twist on the traditional red manicure.

Tara is up next, and this is a deep purple shade. If you are looking for a richly pigmented plum, you should definitely check out Tara. The formula is excellent, and it looks beyond gorgeous on the nails. I think Tara will look stunning on everyone, and I can’t wait to wear this one again.

Last but not least is Noah, a warm taupe polish. Noah has a good formula, but I did find it to be a bit tacky. I recommend thin coats with this polish so you can achieve an even finish. If you work in a professional environment, or simply love neutral polishes, Noah is a great option for you.

All in all, I am really loving the cream polishes in Zoya’s Urban Grunge collection. You all know I am a huge fan of cream formulas, and Zoya has done it again with this line. I know I will be wearing Mallory and Wyatt quite often, plus I need more Tara in my life! Honestly, I recommend all of these shades, and am loving the rich pigmentation. You can purchase the Urban Grunge collection on Zoya’s website HERE. Each polish retails for $10, but keep an eye out for sales and coupons! Let me know your favorite polish in the Urban Grunge Collection in the comments!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

$300 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Posted on August 19, 2016August 19, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I am so excited to announce my participation in an amazing collaborative giveaway with fellow bloggers! This time it is for another $300 Amazon Gift Card, and I couldn’t be more excited for you to enter. Whether you’re buying textbooks for school, food for your pantry, or a treat for yourself, this gift card will give one of you a nice shopping spree. Please remember to read through the rules below, and best of luck!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $300 Amazon Gift Card

Co-hosts: Jenns Blah Blah Blog // Coupons and Freebies Mom // Pretty Thrifty // A Better Me // The Mommyhood Mentor® // Taffeta & Tulips // Top Free Mmorpg 2017 // SWEETHAUTE // Surviving Mommy // Lauryncakes // A Wandering Vine // Novelstyle // A Labour of Life // It’s Naptime Somewhere // Bill Hiatt’s Author Website // It Girl Accessories // Heartfully Heather // Misadventures with Andi // Purple Patch DIY // The Sophisticated Life // Fashion Fairy Dust

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 9/16 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MAKE Beauty Product Reviews | Face Primer + Molten Shadow in Bronze

Posted on August 19, 2016August 24, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to review for you two products from the brand MAKE Beauty. I’ve tried a few products from MAKE in the past, and have really enjoyed them. I find that the beauty products offered are quite unique, but I also enjoy the company’s mission. MAKE is created in New York City, and donates 10% of sales to the We See Beauty Foundation, an organization supporting women-led and worker-owned cooperative businesses in the Americas. MAKE is also a cruelty free brand that offers a selection of vegan options. It’s always great to find a company that creates quality products, but is also focused on doing good in the world! Without further ado, let me share my thoughts on the Face Primer and the Molten Shadow in Bronze.

Face Primer

First up is the Face Primer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30. This primer is formulated to correct your skin’s imperfections while protecting against the sun. It can be worn alone, or used as a base before applying foundation, and dries to a velvet finish. I really like this primer for its sunscreen benefits. I noticed that the product does have a slight sunscreen scent, but it’s not too strong and I can’t smell it once I’ve completed my makeup. My skin does appear more even after applying the primer, but I do wish it smoothed out my skin a bit more. I have large pores, and typically use a pore-filling primer to smooth out the skin. With the MAKE Face Primer, my pores are still quite visible under my foundation. Thus, while I love using this product as an everyday face sunscreen, I do wish it aided with smoothing out my imperfections a bit more. I recommend this for those of you who are looking more for an SPF than a perfecting primer.

Molten Shadow in Bronze

Next up I have the Molten Shadow in the shade Bronze. This eyeshadow is really unique, because it is a cream gel formula that can be worn in a variety of ways. The Molten Shadow can be worn in a very defined manner, or it can be blended out for a more subtle look. The trick is in choosing the right tool. I find that when I use my finger I get a defined and pigmented application, but an eyeshadow brush helps to smooth out harsh lines and disperse the product a bit more. My biggest tip with the Molten Shadow is to use the tiniest bit, as this eyeshadow really packs a punch! Plus, Bronze is a stunning metallic shade with green, gold, and bronze shimmer. Whether you’re creating a look for day or night, you can make this eyeshadow work for any occasion!

All in all, I am really enjoying these products from MAKE Beauty. MAKE is a boutique brand, so the prices are a bit higher than I typically spend, but I love to support small businesses in the United States whenever I can. You can shop MAKE on the brand’s website HERE. Definitely let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any products from MAKE, or if you plan on doing so in the future.

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Book Review | If I Stay (If I Stay #1) by Gayle Forman

Posted on August 18, 2016August 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

If I Stay (If I Stay #1) by Gayle Forman

Published by Speak on April 2, 2009

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 261

Source: Purchased

Goodreads: ★★★★ 1/2

The critically acclaimed, bestselling novel from Gayle Forman, author of Where She Went, Just One Day, and Just One Year.
Soon to be a major motion picture, starring Chloe Moretz!

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family. Now a major motion picture starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Mia’s story will stay with you for a long, long time.

REVIEW

I was hesitant to pick up If I Stay by Gayle Forman for a very long time after hearing such mixed reviews about this young adult novel. I finally got to it during this year’s Booktube-a-thon, and I am so glad I did. If I Stay follows teenager Mia when she and her family are in a devastating car crash. Her parents die in the crash, and her younger brother is critically injured. Mia is in a coma, but is having an out-of-body experience where she can see everything that is going on in the hospital, but cannot communicate with the friends and family members who come to visit her. Mia must decide whether she should stay and continue living without her parents, or whether she should let go and die. Readers follow Mia as she reflects on this decision, and shares moments of her life from the past to help make her choice.

When I first began the book, I was a little underwhelmed. I liked the characters and the story, but the writing seemed a bit simplistic. However, as I continued reading, I quickly became emotionally attached to the characters in the novel. Forman is an incredible storyteller. She has the ability to put so much feeling into the book without needing flowery writing. I teared up several times throughout If I Stay because of how well written the book is.

Similarly, I think the back-and-forth in time format works really well for this novel. It helped put me inside Mia’s headspace more, as I could understand her feelings by going into the past and reliving her memories. For example, I especially loved Mia’s grandfather, whom she calls Gramps. He is a quiet and gentle man, but one who plays a huge role in Mia’s life. I really connected with his character, and because we got to see him interact with Mia in her memories, what he does in the present is even more meaningful. Mia has a very special relationship with all of the people in her life, and it was really interesting to see these connections through her memories.

Moreover, I liked the way music plays a role in this novel. Mia is a classical cellist, and is very passionate about the music she plays. Her parents loved punk music, and her boyfriend plays in a punk band. Not only does music help the characters strengthen their relationships, but it also helps to build emotion in the reader. I think Forman used this element well in the book, because music is something many of us can connect with on a personal level, no matter what type of music we enjoy.

As for the ending of If I Stay, I did really enjoy it, but it also stops quite abruptly. I would have really liked just a bit more, perhaps in the form of an epilogue. There is a second book called Where She Went, and I will be reading that very soon to see if I get any answers.

Overall, I am surprised by how much I loved reading If I Stay. It is a short book, but it packs an emotional punch. I did watch the movie adaptation on Amazon Prime shortly after reading the book, and I liked that a lot, too. I highly recommend picking up the book first, though, as you get to know the characters a lot more. If you liked The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Album, I think you’ll enjoy this book as well. It created the same feeling within me as a reader, and gave me an inspirational and hopeful message on life. I will definitely be reading more books from Gayle Forman in the future!

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When you buy a book through the Amazon or Book Depository links above, I earn a small commission through each website’s affiliate program. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum Review

Posted on August 17, 2016August 12, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I want to share my review of the Intensive Skin Repair Serum from the brand Yes to Blueberries. I’ve tried a handful of products from the Yes to brand in the past, and I’ve always really loved the results. After testing some of the new Yes to Coconut products earlier this year (see that blog post HERE), I decided to purchase some other skincare products I needed during a sale event at Target. I’ve now used the Intensive Skin Repair Serum for a couple months, and thought I would share my interesting experience with you.

The Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum is formulated to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The serum includes 99% natural ingredients, such as organic cotton thistle, blueberries, and black current, to nourish and soften the skin. While I am in my mid-twenties, I purchased this serum because my skin can be quite dull and I do get fine lines due to dryness in certain ares of my combination skin. I also really like that I found an anti-aging product that doesn’t contain a lot of harsh chemicals.

While the Intensive Repair Serum can be used both day and night, I typically use it in the mornings only. I love that there is a pump top on this product, and I find that I only need about half a pump to get enough product to cover my entire face and neck area. The first thing I noticed about the serum is that it is a bit on the thick side. Less is definitely more with this serum, and I recommend giving it a few minutes to dry on your face before applying a moisturizer.

The first time I used this serum I ended up having a bad reaction. My skin broke out, and was extremely oily. I decided to discontinue use, and waited until my skin cleared up before testing it out again. I’m not sure what went wrong, but the next time I introduced the product into my skincare routine I didn’t have any issues whatsoever. I now use this serum about 3-4 days per week, and I love how hydrating it feels. I often don’t apply a moisturizer after this serum because my skin feels so smooth with just this product. I can’t say that any wrinkles or fine lines have been reduced by this product, but I can tell that my skin is glowing more and feels plumper. Thus, if you have dry or dull skin I think this is a good serum for you.

All in all, I am enjoying the Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum. It is not the best serum I’ve ever used, but it a nice option from the drugstore. The full size 1oz bottle retails for just $13.59 at Target HERE, but keep an eye out for extra discounts via the Cartwheel app. I notice that Yes to shows up on Cartwheel quite frequently! I really like that Yes to provides not only affordable skincare, but skincare that is more natural as well. I know I will continue to try out more Yes to products in the future, so please share your favorites from this brand with me in the comments!

This post contains an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Book Review | The First Time She Drowned by Kerry Kletter

Posted on August 16, 2016August 16, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

The First Time She Drowned by Kerry Kletter

Published by Philomel Books on March 15, 2016

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 352

Source: Library

Goodreads: ★★★★★

Cassie O’Malley has been trying to keep her head above water—literally and metaphorically—since birth. It’s been two and a half years since Cassie’s mother dumped her in a mental institution against her will, and now, at eighteen, Cassie is finally able to reclaim her life and enter the world on her own terms.

But freedom is a poor match against a lifetime of psychological damage. As Cassie plumbs the depths of her new surroundings, the startling truths she uncovers about her own family narrative make it impossible to cut the tethers of a tumultuous past. And when the unhealthy mother-daughter relationship that defined Cassie’s childhood and adolescence threatens to pull her under once again, Cassie must decide: whose version of history is real? And more important, whose life must she save?

A bold, literary story about the fragile complexities of mothers and daughters and learning to love oneself, The First Time She Drowned reminds us that we must dive deep into our pasts if we are ever to move forward.

REVIEW

The First Time She Drowned by Kerry Kletter is one of those rare books that I think everyone should read. It follows eighteen-year-old Cassie as she checks herself out of the mental hospital where she’s lived for the past two-and-a-half years, and embarks on what she hopes will be a normal college life. Not only was I extremely intrigued with this premise, but I was immediately sucked in upon discovering that Cassie claims she doesn’t belong in the hospital. Instead, Cassie says, her mother put her there against her will for no reason.

I was absolutely sucked into this book from page one because of this gripping story. Part of me thought Cassie was hiding something, for what kind of parent puts her child in a mental hospital if there is nothing wrong? The other part, however, wondered if Cassie’s mother was truly the one with mental health issues. I flew through this book trying to piece together the truth.

In addition to the story, I fell in love with Kletter’s writing style. The First Time She Drowned is carefully crafted, and written both in the present and in flashbacks. The author paid very close attention to the role of water in this novel. Many of the metaphors have to do with water, and I am amazed with how well she used this tool to her advantage. The writing is quite lyrical, and at times very haunting. It created the perfect atmosphere for the story.

Moreover, The First Time She Drowned is a true family tragedy. Readers get to know Cassie and both her immediate and extended family as the story evolves. While there are many characters that I didn’t like, I empathized with them. I won’t go into detail about the family history, as I think it is better discovered through reading the book, but what I will say is that every character is suffering in his own way. My heart broke not only for Cassie, but for her mother as well.

Finally, the ending of the book took a different turn than I was expecting. However, that is not a bad thing. While The First Time She Drowned isn’t wrapped up in a pretty bow at the end, it left me hanging in a way that made me think. This is a very rereadable book, as the next time I pick it up I will have an entirely different mindset from the start. I truly appreciate how The First Time She Drowned discusses mental health in a raw way, and demonstrates how important it is to care for those around you while also taking care of yourself.

As you may be able to guess, I highly recommend picking up The First Time She Drowned. It is one of the best young adult contemporary novels I’ve read this year, and one of my few five-star ratings. If you love emotional books with unreliable narrators, then you will absolutely love this book. I know I will be reading whatever Kletter writes in the future.

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