A Little Something Different

Bibliography: Hall, S. (2014). A little something different. New York, NY: Swoon Reads.

ISBN: 978-1250061454

Genre: romance, fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12+/15-19

Plot Summary: Lea and Gabe are in college, live in the same dorm, frequent the same restaurants, attend the same creative writing class. The chemistry between them is practically visual to all who see them, from the barista at Starbucks and their professor to the bus driver and the Chinese delivery kid. Even the squirrel Lea sometimes feeds has on opinion. But all the opinions in the neighborhood can’t bring them together until they’re ready. Lea is shy and reserved. She’s interested in Gabe and even makes some token efforts to get to know him a little better. Gabe likes her, too, but is well aware that he comes across as awkward and bumbling. He has to figure out how to explain his behavior before anything can really develop between them. Explaining things, though, is incredibly difficult when you’re not ready to admit what’s really going on. Lea might move on in the time it takes Gabe to reach a point where he’s ready to find a solution to his challenges. All the people that create their community are ready to help them open the doors to a possible relationship, but even more than that, support them in what is sure to become a very strong friendship.

Critical Evaluation: The title A Little Something Different refers as much to the format of the book than the story itself. The story is told by multiple characters, all in first person, all in present tense. While the present tense provides immediacy to the plot line, the use of multiple characters to tell the story is amusing and original in this textual format. It’s much like a mockumentary on tv, with characters talking to the camera, engaging the viewers as if they were right there on set with them. This parallels the fact that all the characters are specifically watching the possible romance develop between the two protagonists. Each character’s individual narratives serve to develop the characterization of both Lea and Gabe, emphasizing their qualities and personalities in an unobtrusive manner. We know they both love coffee (thanks to the Starbucks barista), Chinese food is a staple (thanks to the Chinese food delivery guy) and that both are creative (thanks to their creative writing professor). Humor is infused when a park bench weighs in on the quality of rear ends (8) and when a squirrel wishes he “knew human and could answer” when the protagonist talk to him (12). Most love stories don’t consider the perspectives of inanimate objects or non-human creatures. The tone of each character is conversational. Sentences are short and their structure is basic, almost always following the simple subject-verb format. Overall, the brevity of style and the expansion of characters makes A Little Something Different into a quirky, delightful, fun book to read.

Reader’s Annotation: Everyone has an opinion on whether Lea and Gabe should get together, including the professor, the roommate, the ground squirrel and the wooden bench. But can Lea and Gabe figure out how they feel and then actually do something about it?

Author Information: Sandy Hall is a teen librarian from New Jersey where she was born and raised. She has a BA in Communication and a Master of Library and Information Science from Rutgers University. When she isn't writing, or teen librarian-ing, she enjoys reading, marathoning TV shows, and long scrolls through Tumblr. A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT is her first novel. (Additional author information is unavailable.)

Curriculum ties: Writing (different perspectives)

Booktalks: What inanimate object could share stories about your school?

Challenge issues: n/a

Reasoning: A Little Something Different is a light-hearted romance, a quick read and a fun story. It is a perfect read for young adults who are reluctant readers or for those who prefer a lighter storyline than the dark themes of the majority YA books.

References:

A little something different. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://www.amazon.com/Little-Something-Different-Sandy-Hall/dp/1250061458/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448998000&sr=8-1&keywords=a+little+something+different

Hall, S. (n.d.). Sandy Hall. Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://www.teenreads.com/authors/sandy-hall