❃ 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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).
5. I eat a mandatory yogurt mixed-with peanut butter and chocolate chips every night before bed.
6. My first real kiss wasn’t until my sophomore year.
7. My husband and I met performing at the same open mic.
8. 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.

About Candace Ganger

Candace Ganger is a mother, blogger, Entertainment writer for Showbiz Cheat Sheet, and contributing writer for sites like Romper, Teen Vogue, TWLOHA, Bustle, XO Jane & Hello Giggles. She’s also an obsessive marathoner and continual worrier (yay!). Her debut YA novel, THE INEVITABLE COLLISION OF BIRDIE & BASH, is out now via St. Martin’s Griffin, and she’s part of a YA mental health anthology, LIFE INSIDE MY MIND, out now via S&S. Her forthcoming YA novel from St. Martin’s Wednesday Books, SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID, releases September 24, 2019.

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About The Candid Cover

Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.