A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

Title: A Little Something Different
Author: Sandy Hall
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 26, 2014
Pages: 268
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Purchase: Amazon
 

Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.

But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at the local Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship.

My typical reaction to a romantic read such as this would be a combination of squealing and bouncing up and down. I absolutely enjoy reading the love story of two loveable characters, cheering them on even if they keep flying opposite directions. A Little Something Different was not an exception to that. It is simply cute and heartfelt, definitely something to squeal about. 

Gabe and Lea's story is unlike any other. The story does give off a similar vibe to Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, but it stands unique. Part of this may be because it was written in fourteen perspectives, which to me was a brilliant idea. I have never heard of that being done before, and I appreciate the writer's effort of mixing things up. 

Because of its undeniable cuteness, however, I began to find it too unsurprising. Gabe and Lea are separately interesting characters, and the other characters such as Inga, Bob and Charlotte are fun to read from, as well. What I did not like was the characters' fixation on Gabe and Lea's growing relationship. I understand that this book is ultimately about their love story, but at times it felt like they became to obsessed with it, and it ended up being unrealistic. 

As I've said, I found the fourteen viewpoints interesting. It was nice to see their love story unfold through the eyes of ordinary strangers, especially through their Creative Writing teacher's eyes. Inga was so fun because she fully embraced a hardcore shipper. I also thought Charlotte was cool, trying to pretend she isn't enjoying seeing the two together, but actually waiting for them to fall in love. I just did not understand the necessity of having viewpoints of a bench and a squirrel. Was it to add more cuteness? I did not think it pushed the story forward in any way.

A Little Something Different is perfect for lovers of Young Adult romance, especially those who enjoyed Fangirl. You will get a similar feeling to Fangirl after you've read this book. It's pretty much cuteness and adorableness squeezed into one book. I enjoyed it, but not greatly, and I felt like it was too easy of a read.