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99 Days by Katie Cotugno is probably the most dramatic book I’ve read this year. While I did enjoy reading this book, the main character seems to not sit well with me. It is a gorgeously designed novel that has a very unique concept, however, the main character seems a bit artificial with her melodramatic tendencies.
Title: 99 Days (99 Days #1)Series: 99 Days #1
Author: Katie Cotugno
Also by this author: Fireworks
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 21, 2015
Rating:
Series Rating:
Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that’s how I know everyone still remembers everything—how I destroyed my relationship with Patrick the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. How I wrecked their whole family. Now I’m serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college, and be done.Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn’t finished. I’m expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it’s just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. “For what it’s worth, Molly Barlow,” he says, “I’m really glad you’re back.”Day 12: Gabe got me to come to this party, and I’m actually having fun. I think he’s about to kiss me—and that’s when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who’s supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who’s never going to forgive me.
Review: 99 Days by Katie Cotugno
❀ A Beautiful Hardcover
The layout of 99 Days is so incredible. Starting with its beautiful end papers, this book has a beautiful feel to it. The chapter sequencing is also very appealing to this story. Each day that Molly is in town has its own chapter. It begins with Day One and quickly progresses throughout Molly’s entire summer. A fast paced read set in summertime essentially makes this book a fun summer read almost akin to reading a journal.
❀ Interesting Plot
The plot for 99 Days is really interesting. The main character’s (Molly) mom writes a bestselling book about her love life, which pretty much the whole town has read. After changing schools, Molly returns to her hometown and must deal with all the harassment that her mother caused. She has 99 days left until she can leave for university, hence the name 99 Days.
❀ Main Character is Frustrating
Although I quite enjoyed this book and its storyline, I struggled with the main character, Molly. She makes so many horrible decisions that are frustrating to read. Molly is a drama queen and runs havoc on the other characters’ lives in 99 Days. It is understandable that she is acting out due to her current circumstances, but there was too much melodrama for my taste. I suppose these flaws make her a relatable character for some, but I found it a little bit over the top.
❀ Perfect Beach Read
99 Days by Katie Cotugno is definitely a book that is a sure fire read for the beach. It contains a unique plot and certainly does not lack in the drama department. This fast-paced book is one to pick up if you are heavily into the contemporary genre.
About Katie Cotugno
Katie Cotugno is the New York Times bestselling author of messy, complicated, feminist love stories. She studied Writing, Literature and Publishing at Emerson College and received her MFA in Fiction at Lesley University.
Katie is a Pushcart Prize nominee whose work has appeared in The Iowa Review, The Mississippi Review, and Argestes, among others.
The great loves of her life include child's pose, her little sister, and mozzarella and honey sandwiches. She lives in Boston with her husband, Tom, and her dog, Avon.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
I’ve been pretty interested in reading this book, though I have seen that many people think the main character was a bit annoying. I really want to experience the chapter sequencing that you mentioned; it sounds very awesome and unique. I will probably give this one a read because I’m curious. Great review!
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
I am looking forward to giving this one a shot. I fear that the melodrama may be a bit much for me, but I still want to give it a shot! Thanks for the review!
You mean the mom wrote a book about Molly’s love life? OUCH. I have to agree about the melodrama — just from the blurb alone, lol
I’m glad to see a different perspective of this book cause honestly I didn’t like it. Molly can’t making the same mistakes over and over again. It was infuriating!!!!
Btw, I’m about to read the Throne of Glass series! I saw that you just posted your Heir of Fire review. Heard nothing but good things about it! 🙂 So excited to read that! Your blog is really beautiful, btw!!! 😀
Great review, thanks for sharing!
Interesting I’ll have to look this one up!