6 Times We almost Kissed (And One Time We Did)

YA romance 

     Have you ever compared your impression of a novel with the inside cover blurb and wonder, did we read the same book?  Actually I experience that frequently.  I certainly did with Tess Sharpe's 6 Times We almost Kissed (And One Time We Did).  It isn't inaccurate.  The narrative, told in a present day setting punctuated by flashbacks, fits neatly into the unlikely romance genre.  It's just alarmingly decontextualized, stripped of the emotional depth of much of the story.

     Tate's mom's need for a liver transplant is only the latest of health issues.  Before the illness that was in the process of shuttering her liver down Anna had a battle against cancer.  So Tate, whose father had skipped out, has spent much of her life not knowing if she'd lose her one and only parent.

     Penny's mother, while physically present, is in many ways lost to her.  Lottie's husband died unexpectedly in a tragic rafting accident.  Penny, who was injured in the accident, was shunted to her grandmother's house after getting out of the hospital while Lottie moved in with the Anna and Tate.  Penny wonders if Lottie considers her responsible for her father's death, maybe even wishes she was the one who died.

     And the responsibilities the girls must take on go far beyond those listed in the blurb.  Medical (anti rejection drugs) and medical adjacent (housing near the hospital for weeks after the operation) expenses are sky high.  Neither single parent will be able to work for a long time.  Even with Tate and Anna moving in with Penny and Lottie (in itself a challenge) the girls have no idea how they'll cover even the most basic household expenses.

     6 Times We almost Kissed (And One Time We Did) is a wonderful narrative for teen (and adult) readers who want rich and complex plots and fabulous but flawed characters.

On a purrrsonal note, Thursday was an awesome day.  I saw my best friend, Lisa, for the first time she got back from a well deserved vacation.  I went to an opening reception for an art exhibition at the Orono Public Library community room.  I went to a pot luck supper at Wilson Center where I had my best meal 😋 of the week.  I'm super looking forward to next week's supper.  I get to provide the programming.  I have something really good planned for the crew.  (Jules)

It isn't as hot and muggy this week.  This is Maine being the way life should be.  (Tobago)

A great big shout out goes out to the Wilson Center attendees.  And, of course, Lisa.

Tobago and Jules Hathaway 

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