The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout, a book review

Post date: Sep 27, 2017 2:31:40 PM

By: Elizabeth Briggs, Entertainment Editor

Posted September 27th, 2017

This story follows a girl, Mallory, as she moves from the comfort of homeschooling into the big scary world of public school. Things don’t go as she wants them to in the beginning, as she is haunted by her past and a quite severe case of PTSD. When a specific person from that time, Rider, comes stumbling back into her life, things start to change rapidly. The novel is realistic fiction and goes in depth about how Mallory’s PTSD makes it very difficult to talk to someone after being abused for years and years. She speaks very few words when talked to, which isn’t something very easy to deal with in high school. Rider helps her make friends and protects her like he always has, but that isn’t what she wants. This leads into the plot of the entire book; Mallory is stuck between her feelings for Rider and a struggle to become independent.

I would definitely recommend the book to those who like realistic fiction, but I don't think it would be something fantasy lovers would enjoy. The book is very fast-paced and keeps you guessing at every point, which is something that interests almost any reader. It introduces you to many characters that are not only interesting, but not too easily fit into common stereotypes of YA novels. I think this really adds to the novel and makes it much more unique. The only complaint I have is that the storyline isn’t anything out of the ordinary, and even though it is interesting, the whole concept isn’t all that special. With everything in account, I would rate this book 8/10.