Nineteen by Arly Carmack

My Thoughts:

What I Loved: Nineteen is a book so stuffed with emotions, you cannot help but be completely sucked in. Arly Carmack writes with such real love, sorrow, and passion, I felt everything the main character, Cameron was feeling. The story was written so vividly and Cameron’s experiences were so authentic, it just connected with me. I expect that it will connect with many other readers as well.

How I Felt: This book slightly wrecked me, to be honest. Cameron’s life is full of so much disappointment, and yet, HE is such a bright, shining light that I couldn’t stop reading. I cannot praise enough Arly Carmack’s ability to create this character that I fell in love with. I wanted to hug and support him, but I was also in awe of his strength and determination.

I discovered there would be a sequel to this book about halfway through completing it. I’m glad I knew, so I wanted to make sure that you were also aware. The story does not tie up loose ends, and I was a bit disappointed in, what I felt was a bit of an abrupt turn of events into the ending. I felt it was a bit rushed, and I actually went back and re-read it just to see if I could slow it down at all. I’ve considered the ending over the last few days, and I have decided that while, I wanted more, I’m not letting the ending affect my rating of this book. Nineteen is beautifully written with fabulous character development and while the ending felt hurried, I would not have been as upset if I had already had book two in my hands.

Content Warnings: Scenes and references to abortion and sex.

To Read or Not To Read: I have categorized this book as YA, but also general fiction, because I believe that it applies to all readers. If you enjoy stories of people growing up and growing into themselves, this is a great book for you.

What’s This Book About Anyway?

Cameron is nineteen. He doesn’t fit in with his family and doesn’t really have friends. His parents are disappointed in him for not choosing to go to college. The book takes us through his life at nineteen, but it also flashes back to his earlier years. These flash backs give us insight into the experiences that have shaped who he is today; the secrets he kept and the emotions he buried. As his parents decide that it is time for him to move out, he must strike out on his own, making a way for himself in life.