Review: As You Were

As You Were by Tasha Christensen (4/5)

Despite the fact that this isn’t my normal genre (I usually prefer something fantastical in my stories) I really liked this book. It was a fun, easy read that I blew through in a few days.

It broke my expectations and assumptions I had going in, which was nice to experience. I definitely think someone with a background in band (present or past) would find certain parts more interesting than I did. I kind of skimmed through those sections to get back to the story, which is fine.

Hannah, our ambitious protagonist, is rather driven and single-minded sometimes–and suffers the potential pitfalls of that–which I think is relatable for many teens out there. Not for me, of course. I had no ambition in high school.

I finished this book wanting to know more about the other characters. We get a taste of their backgrounds and their personalities, but I wanted so much more, particularly for Hannah’s best friend. I believe this is intended as a series, though, so maybe I’ll get my wish with the next one. I praise the presence of an ace character, but it’s only mentioned in passing. Please give me more of her!

I did get teared up a bit near the end, in a “I’m so proud” sort of way, so kudos to the author. But then again, almost everything makes me cry so if it doesn’t it’s either not meant to be emotional or you’re doing something very wrong.

Recommend for band geeks and anyone looking for a sweet story that pursues the question of “what really matters in life, and what isn’t worth sacrificing to get what you want?”