
Author: Candace Ganger
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: July 25, 2017
Rating:


Birdie never meant to be at the party. Bash should have been long gone. But when they meet, a collision course is set off they may never recover from.
Sebastian Alvaréz is just trying to hold the pieces together: to not flunk out, to keep his sort-of-best friend Wild Kyle from doing something really bad, and to see his beloved Ma through chemo. But when he meets Birdie Paxton, a near-Valedictorian who doesn’t realize she’s smoking hot in her science pun T-shirt, at a party, an undeniable attraction sparks. And suddenly he’s not worried about anything. But before they are able to exchange numbers, they are pulled apart. A horrifying tragedy soon links Birdie and Bash together—but neither knows it. When they finally reconnect, and are starting to fall—hard—the events of the tragedy unfold, changing both their lives in ways they can never undo. Told in alternating perspectives, The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash by Candace Ganger is a beautiful, complex, and ultimately hopeful teen novel that will move you to the very last page.


❃ 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. ❃
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash, Candace Ganger
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash by Candace Ganger drew me right in. It tells the story of two people linked by tragedy, though one of them doesn’t know it. One of the main characters, Birdie, is so intelligent, and the author’s writing is whip-smart. However, it is a good idea to have some tissues nearby because this book is an emotional rollercoaster.
❀ Intriguing Concept
This book’s concept really intrigued me. Basically Bash, and his friend are in the car that runs over Birdie’s baby brother, causing him severe injury. There is a low chance of survival, and Bash and his friend never own up to the accident. The plot thickens as Birdie and Bash end up working at a rollerskating rink together while Birdie is unaware of their connection. I enjoyed the suspense that built up as Bash struggled to tell Birdie what he did and being able to understand both sides of the story. This story is so complex and absolutely heart-wrenching, making it an incredible debut.
❀ Intelligent Main Character
I really enjoyed Birdie’s character in the novel. She is so intelligent and not afraid to make math jokes. Birdie is also pretty sassy because of her ability to recite random facts, which provided some comic relief. She struggles a lot after the accident and blames herself, so I really sympathized with her. I found Birdie to be such a realistic character and one who is very likeable.
❀ Entertaining Writing Style
Candace Ganger has a very entertaining writing style. I found the writing in this book to be similar to John Green’s since it is both clever and comedic. Ganger is able to write about tragic events while still incorporating some fun scenes, which I appreciated. It is also clear that she did her research while writing this book because there are some great chemic metaphors scattered throughout the story. This amusing writing really added a lot to the book and is the perfect complement to Birdie and Bash’s story.
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash by Candace Ganger is a clever story about two teens who are linked by a tragedy. I loved the main character and her intelligence, and the author’s writing style is so engaging. Though this book is pretty heavy, it’s worth the read.
CANDACE GANGER, The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash
❀ TOP 8 LESSER KNOWN FACTS ABOUT CANDACE GANGER
I have a long list of phobias, including, but not limited to, plastic cups, farm machinery, and bare mattresses. Every day, it seems there’s a new thing I’m terrified of.
- I’ve never had an invisible friend, but talk out loud, to myself, 99% of every day.As an avid mental health advocate and someone who lives with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Distress Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder (yeah, it’s a lot), I’ve been pinching my toes together between passing objects since five years old.
- I’ve had a lot of jobs but my least favorites include door-to-door vacuum sales, an annoying telemarketer (sorry), and mortgage company receptionist where I was belittled every day until fired.
- In high school, I was in M-Club — a Marion (IN) Giants basketball cheering section where I regularly held signs asking old Coach Moe to marry me (and I see how incredibly inappropriate that is now…yikes).
- I performed at a Boys & Girls Club talent show in middle school and walked away with a second place trophy (I think they felt sorry for me).
- I eat a mandatory yogurt mixed-with peanut butter and chocolate chips every night before bed.
- My first real kiss wasn’t until my sophomore year.
- My husband and I met performing at the same open mic.
- I didn’t begin running until I turned 31 — a year after my son and I nearly died from his traumatic birth. In the time since, I’ve run 1 ultramarathon, 7 marathons — including Boston —9 half marathons, and dozens of 5 & 10ks.
I also shy away from tragic books. But when I do pick one up it’s usually amazing so I should try to step out of my comfort zone a little with those. This one sounds great!
It really is hard to come out of that old comfort zone! I think that you will enjoy this one. 🙂
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this one. Like you, I don’t normally reach for the tear-jerking, tragic books but everyone once in a while I get in that mood or it’s from an author that I like so I’ll pick one up. I haven’t read this book yet but I’ve been hearing about it a lot.
Thanks for sharing, great review!
~Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
So True! I think that the cover is what originally drew me in. It is one that I am glad to have picked up, for sure. 🙂
I have been in the mood for this type of story lately. This sounds absolutely heartbreaking, though. I might have to wait until I am in a strong emotional place to read this one, or there is a chance I might not stop crying for a few days!
It will definitely tear your heart out! I hope that you enjoy it if you do pick it up! 🙂
this is such a great review. thank you
Oh wow! What a terrible secret to carry. I will grab a box of tissues before tackling this one. Great review.
This one sounds quite powerful and hauting, and really inruiging. Great review!
Megan @ http://www.wanderingsofabookbird.blogspot.co.uk
Oh wow, what a beginning these two have! I think you’re absolutey right — I’d need a heap of tissues to get through this one. Wonderful review!
Oh wow this sounds very good. I was put off by the cover, but I will add it to my TBR right now. Thank you for the recommendation.