03/01/2018
Gr 9 Up—This follow-up to 99 Days is the continuation of Molly Barlow's relationship saga. Picking up after her freshman year in college, this is an engaging novel that does not entirely stand alone. Molly has spent much of the past year with Ian, who has helped her to become a calmer, more stable version of herself. Now she and Ian are off on a romantic vacation together. While exploring London, they run into Molly's ex, Gabe, and his new girlfriend. Gabe is the reason for Molly's fractured relationship with her hometown, the reason for her heartache, and the reason for the abortion she had at the beginning of the school year. When Ian invites Gabe and Sadie to join them for their trip to Ireland, Molly and Gabe find themselves thrown together and trying to keep their past a secret. Cotugno admirably fills readers in on the events of the previous novel without simply providing a synopsis in chapter one, but teens who have read 99 Days will likely be more satisfied than those who are not familiar with the complex relationships among Molly, Gabe, and his family. Some humor makes the serious topics more easily digested. VERDICT With realistic depictions of complicated, imperfect personalities, this book will be enjoyed by fans of Cotugno's previous novels and by readers of Sarah Dessen and E. Lockhart.—Karen Brooks, Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, WA
2018-02-20
After the unfortunate events of 99 Days (2015), Molly Barlow has spent the past year molding herself into someone she thinks other people will like.Now it's the summer before her sophomore year at Boston University, and she's spending nine days in Europe with Ian, her boyfriend of five months. Things are going well: Bookish Ian is funny and sweet and has just told Molly he loves her (in the Tower of London, of all places). It's the perfect holiday! Then, there he is, on a platform on the Underground—Gabe, Molly's ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately for Molly, mega-extrovert Ian does the worst thing possible: He invites Gabe and his girlfriend to travel with them. Molly, who used to be more impulsive, has been trying to erase that part of herself—the part that got her into so much trouble back home—by carefully scheduling every moment of the trip. However, as old emotions bubble to the surface and she tries to ignore her lingering feelings for Gabe, Molly will have to learn that in order to be her best self, she doesn't have to erase who she really is. With the exception of Molly's brown-skinned college roommate (who appears briefly in flashbacks), everyone appears to be white.For fans of the previous book who want to know whether Molly finds happiness. (Fiction. 13-adult)
Praise for 9 DAYS AND 9 NIGHTS: “A sequel that’s just as compulsively readable as the first.” — Booklist
Praise for 9 DAYS AND 9 NIGHTS: “With realistic depictions of complicated, imperfect personalities, this book will be enjoyed by fans of … Sarah Dessen and E. Lockhart.” — School Library Journal
Praise for TOP TEN: “A winning, highly readable exploration of different kinds of love.” — Booklist
Praise for TOP TEN: “Endearing and refreshing” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for TOP TEN: “Sensitive and honest...will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Praise for TOP TEN: “A good choice for most YA shelves.” — School Library Journal
Praise for FIREWORKS: “A compelling portrait of the intimacies of close girl friendships …and a romance as hot as the midsummer Orlando sun” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for FIREWORKS: “Cotugno hits the nail on the head when exploring female friendship and the difficulties surrounding life in the spotlight. This devourable novel will appeal to those interested in the creation of fame, but also to any girl on the cusp of change.” — Booklist
Praise for FIREWORKS: “A thrilling, intense read...this book will hook readers.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Praise for FIREWORKS: “[A] fast-paced drama about the significance of authentic friendship and romance.” — School Library Journal
Praise for 99 DAYS: “This book will appeal to fans of E. Lockhart’s The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks (Hyperion, 2008), offering complex characters, plot twists, and an insightful look at society’s double standards.” — School Library Journal
Praise for 99 DAYS: “A thought-provoking story...[that] explores the powerful bonds that arise between childhood friends who grow up to discover romance” — Publishers Weekly
Praise for 99 DAYS: “Molly’s a totally engaging, multi-faceted character…A fascinating story of adolescent love and betrayal.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for 99 DAYS: “A complicated, compelling summer romance…and a whole lot of kissing make[s] this one to stick in the beach bag.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Praise for HOW TO LOVE: “There are those novels, once in a spectacular blue moon, that just feel perfect. How to Love is that book. Perfect.” — Carolyn Mackler, winner of the Printz Honor and bestselling author of The Future of Us
Praise for HOW TO LOVE: “How to Love is epic. I crushed so hard on this book. A roller coaster ride with all the euphoric highs and the stomach-dropping lows of falling in love. The writing is as beautiful as the love story. I adored it!” — Siobhan Vivian, author of The List
Praise for HOW TO LOVE: “A vibrant, sparkling narrative of first love and second chances - will remind you that love isn’t ever easy, but falling for a great story is.” — Entertainment Weekly
Praise for HOW TO LOVE: “[In this] confident debut...it’s impossible not to root for the two of them to beat the odds.” — Publishers Weekly
Praise for HOW TO LOVE: “Cotugno’s debut ambitiously, and intriguingly, follows a couple who fall in love twice, over two different time periods.” — Booklist
Praise for HOW TO LOVE: “Readers looking for a story of whirlwind passion…and a happily-ever-after drive into the sunset will not be disappointed.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
