It Only Happens in the Movies

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It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne is a book that has a lot of potential but failed to deliver, in my opinion. I loved the feminist messages as well as the indie cinema setting, but I had trouble connecting with the main characters. As well, I am not the biggest fan of books in which the message is made explicitly clear and is constantly pushed on the reader, and that is what happened in this case. While this one wasn’t my favourite, there are still some aspects I found enjoyable, and those interested in books about cinema, feminism, and mental health might enjoy it. Title: It Only Happens in the Movies Audrey is over romance. While dealing with her parents’ contentious divorce, a breakup of her own, and shifting friendship dynamics, she has every reason to feel cynical. But then she meets Harry, her fellow coworker at the local cinema. He’s brash, impulsive, and a major flirt. And even though Audrey tries to resist, she finds herself falling for his charms. But in this funny, insightful, and ultimately empowering novel, love—and life—isn’t what it’s like in the movies. If I were to describe the story of It Only Happens in the Movies it would be that it's a unflinching raw truthful look at 'Why love is never like the movies'. Audrey is a character that was very real, very believable and someone I very much empathized with. But, while I was reading it, I felt that Holly Bourne was so determined to counter the entire rom-com movies system, that storylines and characters didn't get their due justice. It Only Happens In The Movies is a a very mature, true-to-life book – romance isn’t always sunshine, glitter, and happy endings. Relationships require a lot of hard work and for the most past, things will be difficult. The book reminds us of that in an engaging manner, and will make you think twice the next time you watch a rom-com.

I'm changing my rating to a 5 stars simply because as soon as I woke up this morning, my first thoughts were of this book! I am in love! The subject of love plays a huge part in the novel, designed to test its characters emotionally. For instance, we see examples of teenage love – Audrey’s end-of-the-world feelings towards breaking up with her boyfriend, Milo; coupled with the fact that her father doesn’t seem to love his own family – or else why would he have left them, and her loss of love for a school subject she once adored. Love comes in many forms and for Audrey Winters, she feels three different types simultaneously.Whilst I love reading, I’m ashamed to say that I’ve read very little over the past few months. Having been super busy in my working life, I haven’t really had time to read much nor have I been particularly enticed by any book. Reeling from her parents’ traumatic divorce and her own recent breakup, English teen Audrey vows not to let incorrigible romantic Harry woo her. I've tried to hate you. I've tried to feel numb about you. I've tried to not even think about you at all. But I'm exhausted, Katie. I can't not love you, even after everything. I can't not feel anything for you. Every feeling I have, every inch of my heart - it's yours. It always has been...” I was really annoyed by the author continously denouncing the clichés in movies, and then using the same clichés, isn't it contradicting? The ending was nice, but I didn't like the rest of the book.

Audrey is also a really good main character - her feelings are complex and often conflicting, and they’re so totally real. Her worries about her body and her feelings are real, and are things that are often glossed over or sugar coated in many films and books. I liked how, after her failed attempt at sex with her ex, sleeping with Harry didn’t suddenly make singing angels descend from the heavens, blow Audrey’s mind and making her a Changed Woman. Sure, she liked sex, but it wasn’t life changing; it didn’t complete her.Everyone's on the cliff edge of normal. Everyone finds life an utter nightmare sometimes, and there's no 'normal' way of dealing with it... There is no normal, Evelyn.” She will not be simple and sweet. She will not be what people tell her to be. That Bunny Rabbit is dead.” love isn't just a feeling. Love is a choice too. And you may no be able to help your feelings, but you are responsible for the choices you make about what to do with them.” Fast, easy, enjoyable reading that I highly recommended for the genre lovers and author’s die hard fans!

Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing -I liked Audrey and Harry's relationship while they were working at the cinema. They were really cute together, lots of playful banter and it was easy to see them as a couple. However, their relationship outside of the cinema didn't work, with Harry being either full on or distant with no in-between, constantly hanging out with his friends, getting wasted and smoking weed. Not only does Audrey have a pretty difficult home life (thanks to her dad for leaving their family for another woman, who was pregnant with his kids), she’s also suffering from heartbreak after her then-boyfriend dumped her one week after their failed sexual encounter. Audrey is embarrassed and bitter and swears off boys - especially boys like Harry, who just scream trouble, and who have the ability to break her already fragile heart. But can you really choose who to love? Meet Harry. A typical bad boy, with his charming good looks, swept-up hair and cheeky personality, he’s the epitome of who to avoid. Known for his love of directing his own zombie films, Audrey approaches with caution, but will she be the girl to change Harry’s laddish ways? Because now people use the phrase OCD to describe minor personality quirks. "Oooh, I like my pens in a line, I'm so OCD."

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃ Now chances are if you would describe yourself as a YA fan in 2018, you’ve heard of Holly Bourne. Maybe you haven’t read her, but you’ve heard all about this contemporary, feminist goddess, right? A feast of feel-good funniness and feminism that cleverly contrasts the impossible magic of movie romance with the heady complexities of real-life love. I just want to point out here that this is supposedly a feminist character? By this great feminist author. I personally am having a little bit of difficulty seeing this.This is literally one of the best representations of sex I've seen in a book. The way characters in this book deal with it are SO well done, not only boyfriends but friends offering support. AMAZING There’s more I could say but I’m almost at 2000 words so I’m going to leave it here. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone, but I am curious to see why people love it so much if anyone wants to share that with me.