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As Many Nows as I Can Get
A timely, searing, and unconventional romance from an urgent new voice in young adult fiction
In one impulsive moment the summer before they leave for college, overachievers Scarlett and David plunge into an irresistible swirl of romance, particle physics, and questionable decisions. Told in non-linear, vivid first-person chapters, As Many Nows As I Can Get is the story of a grounded girl who's pulled into a lightning-strike romance with an electric-charged boy, and the enormity of the aftermath. Cerebral, accessible, bold, and unconventionally romantic, this is a powerful debut about grief, guilt, and reconciling who you think you need to be with the person you've been all along.
In one impulsive moment the summer before they leave for college, overachievers Scarlett and David plunge into an irresistible swirl of romance, particle physics, and questionable decisions. Told in non-linear, vivid first-person chapters, As Many Nows As I Can Get is the story of a grounded girl who's pulled into a lightning-strike romance with an electric-charged boy, and the enormity of the aftermath. Cerebral, accessible, bold, and unconventionally romantic, this is a powerful debut about grief, guilt, and reconciling who you think you need to be with the person you've been all along.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2019
73 people are currently reading
6666 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
November 23, 2019
I looked at this cover and was 100% sure this book was for me.
And it was.
But also, at the same time, when I looked at this cover, I thought cuteness. Romance. Road trip. Friendships. Adorable college times.
And that is so completely not what I got.
This book chewed me up and spat me out!!! Which was very rude. And at first I was not happy about it.
But then I kept reading, and I began to fall in love with the characters, even though they were flawed, because they were so real.
Instead of being mad I was tricked into reading about sad things, I began to feel the sadness alongside them.
And I really, really rooted for them. Like they were people I knew. I was so invested in this story because I needed everyone in it to turn out okay.
I would almost read a sequel to this, but I know a sequel isn’t needed. So I’ll settle for reading whatever Shana Youngdahl writes next.
Bottom line: Yes, yes, yes.
-------------------
i thought i was going to get a nice fluffy read and instead i am broken in half.
review to come in a hundred years / 4 stars
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something about this cover is telling me i'm going to LOVE this book.
(thanks to penguin random house for the copy)
And it was.
But also, at the same time, when I looked at this cover, I thought cuteness. Romance. Road trip. Friendships. Adorable college times.
And that is so completely not what I got.
This book chewed me up and spat me out!!! Which was very rude. And at first I was not happy about it.
But then I kept reading, and I began to fall in love with the characters, even though they were flawed, because they were so real.
Instead of being mad I was tricked into reading about sad things, I began to feel the sadness alongside them.
And I really, really rooted for them. Like they were people I knew. I was so invested in this story because I needed everyone in it to turn out okay.
I would almost read a sequel to this, but I know a sequel isn’t needed. So I’ll settle for reading whatever Shana Youngdahl writes next.
Bottom line: Yes, yes, yes.
-------------------
i thought i was going to get a nice fluffy read and instead i am broken in half.
review to come in a hundred years / 4 stars
-------------------
something about this cover is telling me i'm going to LOVE this book.
(thanks to penguin random house for the copy)
September 12, 2019
Might be more of a 3.5 or 3.75. This was so different from what I expected it to be based on the blurb and I think I would have liked it more if I had known more going in. The synopsis leads you to believe that this is a romance, but it is really more of a story of loss and grief and new beginnings. This was a very dark story and I honestly even cried a few times while reading it (which is not the norm for me!). Definitely tread lightly if you want to read this one.
TW: death of a loved one, recreational drug use, overdose, addiction, accidental pregnancy, discussion of abortion, adoption, car accidents, death of an animal
TW: death of a loved one, recreational drug use, overdose, addiction, accidental pregnancy, discussion of abortion, adoption, car accidents, death of an animal
Want to read
June 8, 2019this cover healed my depression
July 17, 2021
Hi, I’ll cut to the chase: this book was not what it was marketed to be. While the synopsis advertised the story as a summer romance, it was more of a story about mistakes, loss, regret, and grief. Was there romance? Sure. But was it a romance? Nah.
Here’s a list of elements I liked and ones I didn’t.
*Spoiler-ish*
Likes:
- The non-linear way in which the story was told. I’m a sucker for novels where the plot jumps between months and years. I don’t know, there’s just something about it. I like the idea of everything going on in the present making sense once the pieces from the past fall together.
- The multiple “nows” sentiment. I’ve always seen life as these single, snapshot moments we’re all going through. Almost like the panels of a comic book, but, like, for every quarter of a second. That doesn’t make sense. Anyway, I somehow understood the “nows” thing. How there are different versions of us in different places, different times, different nows at all times.
- All the space/science metaphors. I love when physics and other science stuff correlates with or describes people and behavior. Does that make sense? Like, the whole “every action has an equal and opposite reaction” thing, or people being described as supernovas and stuff. I don’t even like science. But I still think it’s really cool.
- The beginning. It started off strong. I was intrigued by the first few sections.
Dislikes (the reason this has three stars):
- How looooong it was. This was a huge factor in my star rating. A lot of the scenes were excessive, dragged out, or unnecessary. Sometimes I found myself asking what the point of a chapter or conversation was. The book was too long with not enough substance.
- The characters. I was most frustrated with Scarlett, the main character of the novel. She clearly had no sense of responsibility or honest self reflection. Even though it was addressed at the end of the novel, every time she said “this isn’t me,” or “I’m a good kid, I get good grades,” I wanted to chuck the book across the room. Like, no girl, you clearly just have some delusion about who you are. She was also just overly rude and mean to everyone most of the time. Her mom, her friends, Harold, etc. All of the other characters felt pretty flat. Like we get it, David’s an a**, Hannah loves Jesus, Mina’s...there. I wasn’t connected to a single one of them.
- The back and forth between David and Scarlett. God, I couldn’t stand this. David treated her badly, she told him he was treating her badly, they made up. Rinse and repeat. And I lost track of the times Scarlett called him an a**.
- I got bored. Like, once we found out (spoiler) that David died and Scarlett was pregnant, there wasn’t much left for the story. The rest of the novel was composed of Scarlett falling apart and making people around her upset. There wasn’t anything left to keep me in suspense.
- The number of exclamation points. This is a stupid one. I know. But one of my biggest pet peeves in the entire world is the overuse of exclamation points, in real life or novels. They’re simply not necessary ninety-nine percent of the time. I think it weakens dialogue and impact. There are rare exceptions in novels for me, and this was not one. I got so mad at one point I seriously almost started keeping count. It’s dumb. Still.
- Cringey dialogue. Self-explanatory.
- This has nothing to do with the actual story, but I hate the picture on the cover of the dusk jacket.
Was it worth it? Eh.
Here’s a list of elements I liked and ones I didn’t.
*Spoiler-ish*
Likes:
- The non-linear way in which the story was told. I’m a sucker for novels where the plot jumps between months and years. I don’t know, there’s just something about it. I like the idea of everything going on in the present making sense once the pieces from the past fall together.
- The multiple “nows” sentiment. I’ve always seen life as these single, snapshot moments we’re all going through. Almost like the panels of a comic book, but, like, for every quarter of a second. That doesn’t make sense. Anyway, I somehow understood the “nows” thing. How there are different versions of us in different places, different times, different nows at all times.
- All the space/science metaphors. I love when physics and other science stuff correlates with or describes people and behavior. Does that make sense? Like, the whole “every action has an equal and opposite reaction” thing, or people being described as supernovas and stuff. I don’t even like science. But I still think it’s really cool.
- The beginning. It started off strong. I was intrigued by the first few sections.
Dislikes (the reason this has three stars):
- How looooong it was. This was a huge factor in my star rating. A lot of the scenes were excessive, dragged out, or unnecessary. Sometimes I found myself asking what the point of a chapter or conversation was. The book was too long with not enough substance.
- The characters. I was most frustrated with Scarlett, the main character of the novel. She clearly had no sense of responsibility or honest self reflection. Even though it was addressed at the end of the novel, every time she said “this isn’t me,” or “I’m a good kid, I get good grades,” I wanted to chuck the book across the room. Like, no girl, you clearly just have some delusion about who you are. She was also just overly rude and mean to everyone most of the time. Her mom, her friends, Harold, etc. All of the other characters felt pretty flat. Like we get it, David’s an a**, Hannah loves Jesus, Mina’s...there. I wasn’t connected to a single one of them.
- The back and forth between David and Scarlett. God, I couldn’t stand this. David treated her badly, she told him he was treating her badly, they made up. Rinse and repeat. And I lost track of the times Scarlett called him an a**.
- I got bored. Like, once we found out (spoiler) that David died and Scarlett was pregnant, there wasn’t much left for the story. The rest of the novel was composed of Scarlett falling apart and making people around her upset. There wasn’t anything left to keep me in suspense.
- The number of exclamation points. This is a stupid one. I know. But one of my biggest pet peeves in the entire world is the overuse of exclamation points, in real life or novels. They’re simply not necessary ninety-nine percent of the time. I think it weakens dialogue and impact. There are rare exceptions in novels for me, and this was not one. I got so mad at one point I seriously almost started keeping count. It’s dumb. Still.
- Cringey dialogue. Self-explanatory.
- This has nothing to do with the actual story, but I hate the picture on the cover of the dusk jacket.
Was it worth it? Eh.
November 30, 2019
TW: death, mentions of abortion, addiction, car accident, animal deaths, pregnancy, death of a loved one
I feel like this may get pretty mixed reviews, because it’s either hit or miss. I for one am still deciding on my final rating, but so far I’m kind of in the middle. it’s probably the hardest book to decide on a rating that I’ve read yet this year, so I definitely could change it.
objectively this book is quite good. everything is so vividly described that I felt like I was watching a movie. the writing is real strong and the ending is so emotional, guys, like prepare tissue. this book dives into strong themes that are complicated and messy. it’s handled with care, too, and yet as enjoyable as this book could be, it’s just not really for me.
scarlett was an unlikable protagonist at times, which I feel foolish even mentioning because that’s the entire point: the characters are broken, naïve teenagers who make mistakes and mess everything up. there’s a theme of knowing someone is struggling and not reaching out until it’s too late, which is really powerful and important. but most importantly, it’s about learning to forgive yourself and move on. which is so amazing and it’s handled so well, but I do have some complaints.
I feel like this is a prime example of a book where the concept is done and executed well, but I just personally didn’t enjoy it. I went into this book thinking it was a fun fluffy romance (which I don’t LOVE, but the cover was so beautiful I couldn’t resist) and was pleasantly surprised to find out it was actually emotional and tragic. which sounds morbid, but it was right up my alley, y’all. here’s the thing, though: while I emphasized with the characters and their situations, I didn’t love them. and that’s how it’s supposed to be, y’know? but I didn’t know this going on and i thought they would still be likable characters who made mistakes. maybe to some people, they are, and I’m just missing something. but to me, I found scarlet to be judgmental, and it just drove me up a wall sometimes. and some, not all but definitely some of the political discussions felt forced. like feminism is great and all, but I’d love it if the discussions felt more...natural??
but there are still things I ADORED. the whole theme of forgiving yourself and moving on from your past was so well done. and the whole book was SO atmospheric: like when she was describing the ocean or the mountains, I felt like it was there living it too. also her obsession with physics and just her awe and amazement of the world was so wonderful. I also do love messy, complicated characters, I just still want you to make me love them, you know? also the ending was really really lovely and yeah I got a little teary, but who wouldn’t honestly???
ultimately it just was an okay experience for me. like good and not a waste of time or anything, but just not super memorable. wish I could’ve loved this as much as I anticipated, but oh well! nothing could ever live up to radio silence anyways.
I feel like this may get pretty mixed reviews, because it’s either hit or miss. I for one am still deciding on my final rating, but so far I’m kind of in the middle. it’s probably the hardest book to decide on a rating that I’ve read yet this year, so I definitely could change it.
objectively this book is quite good. everything is so vividly described that I felt like I was watching a movie. the writing is real strong and the ending is so emotional, guys, like prepare tissue. this book dives into strong themes that are complicated and messy. it’s handled with care, too, and yet as enjoyable as this book could be, it’s just not really for me.
scarlett was an unlikable protagonist at times, which I feel foolish even mentioning because that’s the entire point: the characters are broken, naïve teenagers who make mistakes and mess everything up. there’s a theme of knowing someone is struggling and not reaching out until it’s too late, which is really powerful and important. but most importantly, it’s about learning to forgive yourself and move on. which is so amazing and it’s handled so well, but I do have some complaints.
I feel like this is a prime example of a book where the concept is done and executed well, but I just personally didn’t enjoy it. I went into this book thinking it was a fun fluffy romance (which I don’t LOVE, but the cover was so beautiful I couldn’t resist) and was pleasantly surprised to find out it was actually emotional and tragic. which sounds morbid, but it was right up my alley, y’all. here’s the thing, though: while I emphasized with the characters and their situations, I didn’t love them. and that’s how it’s supposed to be, y’know? but I didn’t know this going on and i thought they would still be likable characters who made mistakes. maybe to some people, they are, and I’m just missing something. but to me, I found scarlet to be judgmental, and it just drove me up a wall sometimes. and some, not all but definitely some of the political discussions felt forced. like feminism is great and all, but I’d love it if the discussions felt more...natural??
but there are still things I ADORED. the whole theme of forgiving yourself and moving on from your past was so well done. and the whole book was SO atmospheric: like when she was describing the ocean or the mountains, I felt like it was there living it too. also her obsession with physics and just her awe and amazement of the world was so wonderful. I also do love messy, complicated characters, I just still want you to make me love them, you know? also the ending was really really lovely and yeah I got a little teary, but who wouldn’t honestly???
ultimately it just was an okay experience for me. like good and not a waste of time or anything, but just not super memorable. wish I could’ve loved this as much as I anticipated, but oh well! nothing could ever live up to radio silence anyways.
February 27, 2020
5 Stars!
I'm not sure if I've ever read a book that kept me in a state of melancholy from beginning to end, while interspersed with bouts of bone-deep grief. Although it might be more my personal response to the book, rather than a universal one. Regardless, the story was not only impressive by the emotional reactions it evoked, but also in the way the author kept me surprisingly captivated with her non-linear storytelling. Honestly, I'm having a hard time giving this book justice since I was so emotionally invested. I guess that speaks for itself. While I might not agree with some of the choices made in the story, it was beautifully conveyed with timely messages for today's older, young adult.
January 6, 2021
Thanks, Shana my eyes are swollen now.
To be honest I just bought this because of this BEAUTIFUL Cover and because I found it at a used books online shop.
From the first second, I started this book I fell in love with it, the writing style, the time jumps, and the realness. I thought this would be about a cute road trip but noup and the moment I found what it is really about I was so angry and sad but the heartbreak didn't start there it was just building up.
Get yourself a tissue box because you will need it!
I want to read anything ya what Shana is gonna write next <3
Edit: I started crying again after listening to the song
To be honest I just bought this because of this BEAUTIFUL Cover and because I found it at a used books online shop.
From the first second, I started this book I fell in love with it, the writing style, the time jumps, and the realness. I thought this would be about a cute road trip but noup and the moment I found what it is really about I was so angry and sad but the heartbreak didn't start there it was just building up.
Get yourself a tissue box because you will need it!
I want to read anything ya what Shana is gonna write next <3
Edit: I started crying again after listening to the song
March 1, 2020
Trigger warning :
Unbearably sad, impossibly painful to read and a hard punch to the gut, As Many Nows as I Can Get is heartbreak with words and sadness in the space between them.
At what point did I stop being a planet in orbit, held in place by familiar forces of gravity? And after the cosmic collision that followed, after I cut myself loose, cast myself off, made myself alone, will I ever return to my old orbit? Can I? Do I want to?
If you’re looking at the cover and thinking to yourself what a cute love story this book will be , look away and run for your life, this book will break your heart, fill you with melancholy and hurt you every step of you. but if you’re a glutton for punishment, then come home.
Told in a non-linear way, this book is the story of two teenagers Scarlett and David and how they plunge into a romance that will change who they are and brand their souls for the rest of their lives. Jumping from one point to another in their relationship, the book goes back and forth between their time together and their time apart focusing on their ups and downs and every heartbreak and hope in between.
All these nows happening at once. And if all our nows happen at once, then death—it’s just a scavenger hunt through time
It took me a while to finish the book because it was so painful and sad that I just couldn’t take it at times. I would put the book time just to breath and feel okay and then pick it up again and it will swallow me whole. It’s been a while since I’ve experienced such an intense and uncontrollable reaction to a story like this one.
Now, I’m thinking about all the other people who were sad or lonely, grieving or lost, who have driven this road. How we are connected by our sadness, our joy, our subatomic particles
The story played with my emotions giving me hope and yanking it from me the next page. I’m not going to lie, this tragic love story killed my spirits so many times I felt like I was choking on my feelings.
A story about grief, loss, and loving the right person at the wrong time, being unable to give them a helping hand and help them out when they need it the most and feeling all the guilt of the world when you know that deep down you could’ve had it all, As many nows as I can get delves deep into the heart two teenagers who fall for each other in the most expecting time and having to deal with their conflicted feelings, their inner demons and their personal struggles alongside of that.
Melancholic, Heart wrenching and achingly real, As Many Nows as I Can Get is the book to pick if you want to feel all the hurt in the world but also celebrate the tiny little moments that made you feel alive and loved and whole.
Maybe my nows will be difficult, and lonely, and full of hurt. Probably they will. But not all of them. Mostly, they will be mine. Each now, a chance to acknowledge what is in front of me. To do my best. An inhale. An exhale. A chance
July 28, 2023
me engaño la portada, yo pense que iba a ser un romance y la verdad que de romance no tiene nada. es raro describir como me senti porque no era nada de lo que esperaba y cada cosa que pasaba menos me la esperaba, nunca supe para donde iba el libro, no es cuatro estrellas pero tampoco son dos es como un buen intermedio que si te gustan las historias tristes seguro le pones 5 estrellas
January 3, 2020
This review and many others can also be found at Musings of a (Book) Girl.
Content Warnings: underage drinking, sexism, cancer, hospitals, drug use, drug overdose, death of a parent, grief, ghosting a two year relationship, talk of suicide, anxiety, depression, talk of eating disorders, talk of gun violence, unplanned pregnancy, talk of abortion, talk of miscarriage, gaslighting, misgendering, car accident, animal death, fatphobia
As Many Nows as I Can Get completely caught me off guard in the best way possible.
This book does have a content warning list a mile long so please make sure you practice caution while reading. There are so many difficult topics and themes but they are handled with care. Real life is messy and this story shows that.
Scarlett’s story is told in non-linear chapters which I thought would give me a hard time but it was really easy to follow. Everything flowed together perfectly and the order in which things were told made sense. Youngdahl arranged everything in a way to where the reader gets the needed information at the exact right moment.
And the characters? I love them with my whole heart. Scarlett is so fucking strong and I don’t think she gives herself near enough credit. Mina is just an absolute saint and I wish she was my best friend. And their science friends are all just so nice and supportive and they filled me with warm fuzzy feelings. Cody and David were jerks but they were important to the story so I kind of liked them too.
The book is a little bit longer but it honestly never felt like it. Every word had a purpose and for me, there were no lulls in the story. It went by so quickly because I couldn’t focus on anything other than soaking everything in.
As Many Nows as I Can Get pulls you in from the very beginning and doesn’t let go until it has breathed everything it has into you. A truly phenomenal and important story that is not to be missed.
A finished copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings: underage drinking, sexism, cancer, hospitals, drug use, drug overdose, death of a parent, grief, ghosting a two year relationship, talk of suicide, anxiety, depression, talk of eating disorders, talk of gun violence, unplanned pregnancy, talk of abortion, talk of miscarriage, gaslighting, misgendering, car accident, animal death, fatphobia
As Many Nows as I Can Get completely caught me off guard in the best way possible.
This book does have a content warning list a mile long so please make sure you practice caution while reading. There are so many difficult topics and themes but they are handled with care. Real life is messy and this story shows that.
Scarlett’s story is told in non-linear chapters which I thought would give me a hard time but it was really easy to follow. Everything flowed together perfectly and the order in which things were told made sense. Youngdahl arranged everything in a way to where the reader gets the needed information at the exact right moment.
And the characters? I love them with my whole heart. Scarlett is so fucking strong and I don’t think she gives herself near enough credit. Mina is just an absolute saint and I wish she was my best friend. And their science friends are all just so nice and supportive and they filled me with warm fuzzy feelings. Cody and David were jerks but they were important to the story so I kind of liked them too.
The book is a little bit longer but it honestly never felt like it. Every word had a purpose and for me, there were no lulls in the story. It went by so quickly because I couldn’t focus on anything other than soaking everything in.
As Many Nows as I Can Get pulls you in from the very beginning and doesn’t let go until it has breathed everything it has into you. A truly phenomenal and important story that is not to be missed.
A finished copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2019
This book is phenomenal! I picked it up on a complete whim (a book with romance and physics? What more could I want!) and it is one of the best decisions I've ever made! I can't believe this is a debut, it is beyond incredible and I strongly urge everyone to read it!!
December 12, 2019
I FELT the way this story unfolded and that’s just something not many authors can achieve. I see why this is on many best of lists.
Contemporary realistic fiction fans, this is for you.
Contemporary realistic fiction fans, this is for you.
September 15, 2019
The story was sweet, cliché at times, and rather predictable, but tackled some complicated subjects. The writing was rather forgettable. The thing that really bugged me about this book, which made me give it a low rating, was the main character. A "nerdy" physics major, Scarlett's (or at least the author's) knowledge of science didn't seem to extend further than tortured metaphors comparing black holes or the big bang to whatever difficult decision she was facing at the moment. I hoped I could relate to a character facing the pressures of college and growing up, but I found myself slowly becoming more and more annoyed with Scarlett's superiority complex and lack of self-awareness. I really wanted to like this book more than I did.
Want to read
April 20, 2021i am really excited to read this but why does the cover literally look like trace drawings of Dakota Johnson and Froy Gutierrez?? 😭😭
October 12, 2020
4.5 stars
Want to read
November 20, 2020Woah this cover kind of slaps
June 5, 2019
I read the arc of As Many Nows as I Can Get in one day! This is a book about tough things. Tough, tough things that I don't want to spoil for the world. But, that said, this book deals with complicated pieces of life in a beautiful way. I thought Youngdahl dealt with the characters' trials in a thoughtful way that never felt sensationalized or judgmental. And if you are a fan of likable unlikable characters, wow, does this book deliver. I was always rooting for these kids. Those are my favorite kind of main characters.
Devour As Many Nows as I Can Get just like I did!!!! And cry!!!
Devour As Many Nows as I Can Get just like I did!!!! And cry!!!
June 20, 2019
4.5 ⭐
That's really, really good book. Deals with tough topics, but in a really great way, writing is brilliant and mature (not boring!), and whole mood of the book is incredible - little heavy, but with lighter parts.
Love the non-linear way of telling the story, love the way we can connect to characters, love the slightly feminist vibe (woman supporting woman, empowering) and absolutely LOVE the cover. It's gorgeous! ❤️
That's really, really good book. Deals with tough topics, but in a really great way, writing is brilliant and mature (not boring!), and whole mood of the book is incredible - little heavy, but with lighter parts.
Love the non-linear way of telling the story, love the way we can connect to characters, love the slightly feminist vibe (woman supporting woman, empowering) and absolutely LOVE the cover. It's gorgeous! ❤️
January 26, 2023
This was so emotional for me.
I couldn’t stop crying the whole time…
I think the most artistic part of this storyline was the heart wrenching background of the Electric Boy.
[⚠️⚠️WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️⚠️]]
Learning how he came to be an electric phenomenon was at first an infuriating process. I understand that if I had a son that would not stop shoving his green beans into outlets WHILE THEY WERE STILL ON THE METAL FORK would make me want to electrocute him myself; however, I share my sympathies with the young boy. When I was a wee lass, I hated eating mashed potatoes. In fact, one day when eating a chili dog, I threw up every last bit of my dinner on the kitchen table. My dad sent me to time-out, and I cried myself to sleep.
Anyways….
I sympathize with five-year-olds who shove forks into outlets because it is a reflection of how we often bury our issues in whatever makes us feel better—which, one would refer to as an “outlet.” My outlet is not eating my vegetables…another reason I share my sympathies with the ugly young boy.
But the hardest part of his origin story is when his Aunt Lucy broke his heart and the lightning surged through his veins, teleporting him into the quantum realm. But because of his lover’s tragic mistake, he ends up meeting his new lover—where this story begins.
Generally, the story line was easy to follow, but it honestly lost me when the young girl developed a chronic phobia of holding her Lightning Man’s hand. I understand with the electricity surging through him that it can be daunting, but love hopes all things. She should love him even though he is a walking, breathing fire / death hazard.
I like how he can move through electric wires like that villain from the one spider man movie. It’s cool. I wish he’d stop Electro-porting into bathroom stalls when other men are in there. Too awkward, 2/10. The 2 is for my comedic enjoyment.
Besides not being able to be in the rain, he lives a generally normal and comfortable life. He does have to charge at Tesla stations, which is uncomfy for everyone to watch where he shoves the charger.
Anyways, I’ve spoiled so much, so go read it for yourself! Be prepared to feel Electric Love— it’s like being BØRNS again.
I couldn’t stop crying the whole time…
I think the most artistic part of this storyline was the heart wrenching background of the Electric Boy.
[⚠️⚠️WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️⚠️]]
Learning how he came to be an electric phenomenon was at first an infuriating process. I understand that if I had a son that would not stop shoving his green beans into outlets WHILE THEY WERE STILL ON THE METAL FORK would make me want to electrocute him myself; however, I share my sympathies with the young boy. When I was a wee lass, I hated eating mashed potatoes. In fact, one day when eating a chili dog, I threw up every last bit of my dinner on the kitchen table. My dad sent me to time-out, and I cried myself to sleep.
Anyways….
I sympathize with five-year-olds who shove forks into outlets because it is a reflection of how we often bury our issues in whatever makes us feel better—which, one would refer to as an “outlet.” My outlet is not eating my vegetables…another reason I share my sympathies with the ugly young boy.
But the hardest part of his origin story is when his Aunt Lucy broke his heart and the lightning surged through his veins, teleporting him into the quantum realm. But because of his lover’s tragic mistake, he ends up meeting his new lover—where this story begins.
Generally, the story line was easy to follow, but it honestly lost me when the young girl developed a chronic phobia of holding her Lightning Man’s hand. I understand with the electricity surging through him that it can be daunting, but love hopes all things. She should love him even though he is a walking, breathing fire / death hazard.
I like how he can move through electric wires like that villain from the one spider man movie. It’s cool. I wish he’d stop Electro-porting into bathroom stalls when other men are in there. Too awkward, 2/10. The 2 is for my comedic enjoyment.
Besides not being able to be in the rain, he lives a generally normal and comfortable life. He does have to charge at Tesla stations, which is uncomfy for everyone to watch where he shoves the charger.
Anyways, I’ve spoiled so much, so go read it for yourself! Be prepared to feel Electric Love— it’s like being BØRNS again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2021
such a heart-rending book. incredibly beautiful.
August 28, 2019
Okay, so…this book. To be completely transparent, I’m still processing this book. I finished it almost a week ago and I would happily wait longer to post my review, but it’s due today and I also am not sure that waiting any longer would help me figure out exactly how I feel anyway. Here are the things I do know, this book has a tragic beauty to the story, it made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion and then it made me cry…a lot. The characters are extremely flawed, struggling through very difficult choices/experiences and I didn’t love them at first, but they grew on me and I found myself feeling for them as the story progressed. I originally didn’t even plan to read this book, but it’s the one I was selected for and I find myself thankful that it worked out that way.
As Many Nows As I Can Get is not the light hearted, summer read I originally assumed it to be. It’s heartbreaking, yet hopeful. Tragic, yet beautiful. It’s on the older end of Young Adult and reminds you of what it is to look into the precipice of adulthood with no clue what you’re doing. It’s full of characters who grow or fall from the choices they make, and it’s one of those stories that sticks in your head long after you’ve finished it. I’ve struggled figuring out exactly what to say about this book. I didn’t like it at first, but I couldn’t put it down. The main character, Scarlett, pissed me off. She seemed so selfish to me, and her group of friends so irresponsible, but the I remembered that teenagers actually do these really dumb things and I was amazed with the vivacity Youngdahl captured in these characters. They could be real people.
This book is written in an alternating time line, moments in Scarlett’s past and then moments in what she refers to as her nows. The nows are short snippets into her current projection, but also show how much she has grown as a character. She becomes more aware of herself and realizes how her dwelling on the past will only prevent her from having the best possible now. It’s a beautiful sentiment really as we all know living in the past does us no good. The nows are filled with hope, while the past is shrouded in in sadness and unknowns, but both parts are compelling and made me turn the pages faster than I expected.
Overall, I did like this book. It didn’t become an immediate favorite or anything, but I found it powerful and interesting. I think this book could be one that has a strong impact on the reader and remind them to live their life to the fullest. It’s beautiful in a sad way and hopeful in a strong way and though I didn’t love every part of it I don’t think it’s book I’ll be forgetting any time soon.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As Many Nows As I Can Get is not the light hearted, summer read I originally assumed it to be. It’s heartbreaking, yet hopeful. Tragic, yet beautiful. It’s on the older end of Young Adult and reminds you of what it is to look into the precipice of adulthood with no clue what you’re doing. It’s full of characters who grow or fall from the choices they make, and it’s one of those stories that sticks in your head long after you’ve finished it. I’ve struggled figuring out exactly what to say about this book. I didn’t like it at first, but I couldn’t put it down. The main character, Scarlett, pissed me off. She seemed so selfish to me, and her group of friends so irresponsible, but the I remembered that teenagers actually do these really dumb things and I was amazed with the vivacity Youngdahl captured in these characters. They could be real people.
This book is written in an alternating time line, moments in Scarlett’s past and then moments in what she refers to as her nows. The nows are short snippets into her current projection, but also show how much she has grown as a character. She becomes more aware of herself and realizes how her dwelling on the past will only prevent her from having the best possible now. It’s a beautiful sentiment really as we all know living in the past does us no good. The nows are filled with hope, while the past is shrouded in in sadness and unknowns, but both parts are compelling and made me turn the pages faster than I expected.
Overall, I did like this book. It didn’t become an immediate favorite or anything, but I found it powerful and interesting. I think this book could be one that has a strong impact on the reader and remind them to live their life to the fullest. It’s beautiful in a sad way and hopeful in a strong way and though I didn’t love every part of it I don’t think it’s book I’ll be forgetting any time soon.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2022
edit 1/9/2022: recommended this for my YA Lit class and it somehow got voted in and now I'm scared people aren't going to like it and I'll be sad.
If I wasn't on a train sat next to a total stranger I'd be sobbing rn.
If I wasn't on a train sat next to a total stranger I'd be sobbing rn.
August 12, 2020
This is gonna be a sad review.
Q: Have you ever been in a state of melancholy when you're reading a book from the beginning till the end?
As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl did that to me.
To be honest. I don't know why when I looked at the cover, I felt there's a sadness on the cover. Maybe because there are birds flying, the river, the mountain, the long road in the middle between the girl and the boy and the cloud literally look sad. I didn't even read the synopsis. I just started reading the first page. I was like "oh wow. Am I really ready for this?"
Anyway, l'm gonna list down a few things I love about this book. And I really hope you will pick up this book soon.
1. I loved that this book gives me the meaning of life. To appreciate the life that has been given to you. To appreciate the people and everyone around you. Your friends or your loved ones.
2. I loved that the characters felt so real. They were flawed because they were so real. And I really loved the main characters.
3. This book talked about grief, friendship and the family. The bond between the characters was the thing that adored me.
4. This book literally like a diary of someone who've been hurt so much and really felt like reading someone's diary
It was such painful and sad to continue reading this book. I took a long while to finish this book because it just hurts me to continue reading. I was choking on my feelings because of this tragic love story. For a long while I've never felt this way when reading a book. All the Bright Places was the book that made me cry and this book wasn't just made me cry, but I felt the heartbreak because of the loss, the grief, the conflicted feelings that the two main characters have for each other. Until now I still feel my heart is aching.
I will write my full thoughts on my blog soon. I'm gonna heal, I will.
Thank you @times.reads and @putrifariza for sending me a copy of As Many Nows as I Can Get in return for an honest review. This book is available at all good boookstores.
Q: Have you ever been in a state of melancholy when you're reading a book from the beginning till the end?
As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl did that to me.
To be honest. I don't know why when I looked at the cover, I felt there's a sadness on the cover. Maybe because there are birds flying, the river, the mountain, the long road in the middle between the girl and the boy and the cloud literally look sad. I didn't even read the synopsis. I just started reading the first page. I was like "oh wow. Am I really ready for this?"
Anyway, l'm gonna list down a few things I love about this book. And I really hope you will pick up this book soon.
1. I loved that this book gives me the meaning of life. To appreciate the life that has been given to you. To appreciate the people and everyone around you. Your friends or your loved ones.
2. I loved that the characters felt so real. They were flawed because they were so real. And I really loved the main characters.
3. This book talked about grief, friendship and the family. The bond between the characters was the thing that adored me.
4. This book literally like a diary of someone who've been hurt so much and really felt like reading someone's diary
It was such painful and sad to continue reading this book. I took a long while to finish this book because it just hurts me to continue reading. I was choking on my feelings because of this tragic love story. For a long while I've never felt this way when reading a book. All the Bright Places was the book that made me cry and this book wasn't just made me cry, but I felt the heartbreak because of the loss, the grief, the conflicted feelings that the two main characters have for each other. Until now I still feel my heart is aching.
I will write my full thoughts on my blog soon. I'm gonna heal, I will.
Thank you @times.reads and @putrifariza for sending me a copy of As Many Nows as I Can Get in return for an honest review. This book is available at all good boookstores.
August 1, 2022
3.5 stars ⭐️ . This book was not at all what I was expecting based off of the synopsis on the back. If you are hoping for a happy and light romance this is not the book for you. While this book wasn't necessarily what I expected and I at first had mixed feelings, I grew to love the characters and felt invested in the outcome of the book. This book deals with very heavy topics and instead of a basis around romance it is more of a basis around loss, grief, death, academic validation, and (spoiler) teen pregnancy and how to deal with it. It was written jumping around a timeline, which I thought might be confusing but it was done in a really effective way that progressed the story and made you question what would come next.
I loved Scarlett and felt like I could really relate to a lot of the internal battles that she had with herself regarding school, "being smart," and her relationships with others. I was really proud of how she grew throughout the book and learned how to make choices for herself and believe in herself. Also a major pro that she was a woman in STEM. This book did a great job of addressing sexism in the STEM field as well. I also loved the friendship between her and Mina and loved how they both grew together.
While this isn't what I was expecting or the type of book that I would typically reach for, I did enjoy it and I am glad that I read it because I feel like it did help me to see what it must be like for people who are dealing with similar things as Scarlett.
I loved Scarlett and felt like I could really relate to a lot of the internal battles that she had with herself regarding school, "being smart," and her relationships with others. I was really proud of how she grew throughout the book and learned how to make choices for herself and believe in herself. Also a major pro that she was a woman in STEM. This book did a great job of addressing sexism in the STEM field as well. I also loved the friendship between her and Mina and loved how they both grew together.
While this isn't what I was expecting or the type of book that I would typically reach for, I did enjoy it and I am glad that I read it because I feel like it did help me to see what it must be like for people who are dealing with similar things as Scarlett.
May 21, 2019
I’m so glad I got to read an ARC of Shana Youngdahl’s AS MANY NOWS AS I CAN GET because now I get to shout about what a stunning debut this is. Told out of sequence in a nod to Einstein’s theory of time, the story follows two high-achieving teens on the cusp of moving on from the small town they grew up in, as they deal with forces that are simultaneously pulling them together and pushing them apart. Scarlett is drawn to David’s wild energy and also by an impulse to push back against the weight of everyone else’s expectations. David is caught: between his feelings for Scarlett, which just might be deeper than either of them is willing to admit, and his own destructive impulses. Youngdahl approaches this story of love, friendship, loss and coming to terms with our choices, regrets and mistakes with so much honesty and empathy. Fans of writers like Jandy Nelson and Jennifer Niven will love this thoughtful, brainy, beautifully written novel.
September 7, 2019
I think this book was written exactly for me? It's told in non-linear first person, which I love in general, and this was really well done. Her writing style is just gorgeous - poetic while still being concise and effortless.
I will say that the plot wasn't exactly anything new or super special, but the way it was put together was. A++ for all the STEM stuff, too. This to me, is a fantastic example of a good writer being able to elevate a story in the writing and how it's told (I would also like to see the physical book, I suspect there are typeface changes between chapters). Very excited to see what Youngdahl does next, and recommend this to everyone!
I will say that the plot wasn't exactly anything new or super special, but the way it was put together was. A++ for all the STEM stuff, too. This to me, is a fantastic example of a good writer being able to elevate a story in the writing and how it's told (I would also like to see the physical book, I suspect there are typeface changes between chapters). Very excited to see what Youngdahl does next, and recommend this to everyone!
April 27, 2020
Whether you're pro-life or pro-choice, you'll appreciate this story about Scarlett, a first-year college student who finds herself needing to make a few choices to make after learning she is pregnant. As her roommate Mina says, " . . .Most people think there are three choices in this situation, but most people are not as creative as me. Sure, you could do the abortion, adoption or mothering route, but I think it's best to link any experience to your own life path and goals." I loved learning what choices Scarlett made about pregnancy, college, and life goals.
Give this one to anyone who is looking for a story about early adulthood or a story that explores women's reproductive issues (i.e. unplanned pregnancy) in a respectful way.
Give this one to anyone who is looking for a story about early adulthood or a story that explores women's reproductive issues (i.e. unplanned pregnancy) in a respectful way.
June 15, 2020
This book was so much more than what I expected it would be ... And I already anticipated it to be good. It's no cheesy and everything-is-just-perfect romantic story. It's a story about how life takes sometimes different turns than what we think, how love is not necessarily reasonable and straightforward, but rather difficult and complex. I loved the time jumps that complicated the unraveling of the story while simultaneously adding a sense of suspense that definitely supported the atmosphere of the book.
July 13, 2020
3.5 stars. The positives are that this book dealt with the rough transition to college and how a woman's identity is crafted and questioned by her own decisions + other people's perceptions rather tastefully. The negatives were that this novel was really character-driven and the characters, other than her amazing roommate, were all pretty flat. Overall, a big old "meh" on this coming-of-age tale.
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