I Now Pronounce You Someone Else
Author: Erin McCahan
ISBN: 9780545088183
*Scroll to the bottom to enter for a chance to win this awesome book for yourself!
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan tells the story of Bronwen Oliver, a high school senior who just doesn’t fit into her own family. In fact, she’s convinced that she is really Phoebe Lilywhite, because her family just doesn’t understand her.
Bronwen’s dad died when she was young and her mom and brother were never the same after. Her mom re-married and although Bronwen likes her stepfather, it isn’t the same as having a real father.
During the beginning of her senior year, Bronwen meets Jared Sondervan, a college senior. She quickly falls head over heels and the best part is? He is completely in love with her too. Jared has the family that Bronwen has always yearned for. When Jared proposes to her, she gleefully accepts. In a flurry of wedding planning, college applications and graduating high school, Bronwen forgets to slow down to think about the choices she is making. When it all finally hits her, she wonders if she is making the biggest mistake of her life.
I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read this one, especially since I’ve had it for a few weeks now!
First off, let’s take a look at the cover. I’m a sucker for a good cover, and this one is awesome. I love that the cover really gives you the gist of what the story is actually about; a girl who is in high school and is juggling all of her classes, but is also getting married and trying to plan a wedding.
Bronwen is definitely a likable character. While I couldn’t personally relate to her, I wanted to be her friend. I wanted to hear her story and lend a sympathetic ear. I wanted to laugh and jump for joy with her and I wanted to hug her and cry with her. Bronwen goes through a gammut of emotions throughout the book and each emotion is so real and your heart wrenches with her and for her.
The story itself starts off a little slow. You learn from reading the summary of the story that Jared is going to propose to Bronwen so my only frustration was with that it took more than 70 pages into the book to finally see Jared propose. Once the story picks up though, it keeps going and going and you won’t want to put the book down until you’re finished.
I found myself falling in love with Jared right there along with Bronwen. Do guys as amazing as him truly exist? I don’t know, but if you do know, point me to where I can sign up for one. Jared is the guy that every girl wishes and dreams for. He is handsome, caring and kind. He wants to know every single little thing about Bronwen; the funny, the silly, the sad, the serious. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as Bronwen eventually opened herself up to him and let him completely in.
The minor characters truly make this book. Bronwen’s relationship with her mother is strained, but I loved watching her interact with her stepfather Whit. I also enjoyed the interaction between Bronwen and Jared’s family. Author Erin McCahan does a wonderful job developing relationships with several minor characters, all the while keeping the story focused in on Bronwen and her central relationship with Jared.
My most favorite aspect of this book was the way it made me feel. Just as Bronwen went through a range of emotions, so did I. I felt my heart break and then I felt it slowly being mended back together again. That’s how you know good writing; when the author truly makes you feel as if you are a part of the story, not merely an observer.
I loved this book so much that I am going to give my copy away so that someone else can read and enjoy it. Stay tuned for an interview with Erin McCahan and enter the giveaway below!
4.5/5
Great review! I enjoyed this book, too, and didn’t think I was going to. It went a completely different (and better!) way than I was expecting it to.
When I accepted it from the publisher, I thought it looked like a cute and typical YA book that I’d enjoy, but I didn’t know I would like it SO much and like you said, it was totally different than expected! In an amazing way!
sounds so cute! totally putting it on my list!
Definitely sounds like a cute story, and I’m loving that cover!
Awesome review! I’ve heard so many good things about this one. Can’t wait to read it!
I’ve been seeing this book everywhere and your review just convinced me to read it! it sounds just like the type of book Id enjoy. and thanks so much for the giveaway! 🙂
Hooray! I’m glad…maybe you’ll win and you won’t even have to get a copy 😉
Great giveaway! The book sounds great, and I love the cover art 🙂
This looks like a good read. Such a cute cover!
I felt the same way about this book! I really admired how the author ended the story-it wasn’t all flowers and sunshine but it felt right for me and it was realistic and hopeful for Bronwen. (Finding a Jared nowadays is like finding a unicorn. It feels freaking impossible BUT THEY’RE OUT THERE I KNOW IT.)
Ahem. Nice review 🙂
I’m glad you liked the book too! Didn’t your heart break for both Jared and Bronwen though at some points?
I sincerely hope they are out there…I’m guessing I can’t meet one at a bar? Hmph. Maybe a bookstore? 🙂
Yes! That scene where she flees to her special place and Jared runs after her… that tugged at my heart strings! OH, and don’t even get me started on that moment when she finally confronted her stepfather… I wanted to strangle her mom right then. >O!!
A bookstore would be nice! You automatically know that you’d have something in common with him (Reading=Knowledge. Knowledge Is Sexy.) I have seen some cute boys at Barnes & Noble…but then their girlfriends follow from behind. Sigh.
I’m excited about it now!!
Great giveaway! This book sounds good!! 🙂
This sounds like a great read! I love books where you feel like you are experiencing all the same emotions as the characters.
I totally agree, I’m such a sucker for good cover and this one’s gorgeous!
I’m really excited about this book & loved your review; the cover is so thought-provoking with the textbooks & bridal bouquet next to each other. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the book! It’s nice to hear that the minor characters as well as the main characters were excellent. 🙂
Thank you for the review!
I like that cover too, it’s pretty darn cute. I also like the protagonist’s name…very unique.
There have been plenty of times where I’ve read a book with a slow beginning but then it picked up and ended up blowing me away. I always try to get a 100 pages down before I give up.
I also usually try to give it about 100 pages! I think that’s a pretty fair chance. I’m glad I got further into this one though cause I loved it!
This sounds so good!!!
I’m always looking for new books to read and this one sounds cute! Plus I’m pretty much a sucker for any type of book with a wedding, knowing I won’t be having one anytime soon it gives me the chance to live vicariously through someone else.
OK, I have to admit that this book didn’t really sound that fantastic to me (it sounded good, but not something I would actively seek out) until this fantastic review! Though the bully who terrorized me in elementary school was named Bronwen…heh. Maybe this book can help me overcome my fear 🙂
Amazing that you actually knew someone named Bronwen! That name is so unique.
I’m glad my review changed your mind! I was a little skeptical too, but I’m glad I made it through because it definitely was awesome!
Awesome! Your review totally made me want to read it, and I typically don’t do the YA books well.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book! Thanks for hosting the giveaway 🙂
Your review makes me want to read it more! Thanks for the chance!
Really nice post,thank you