Review: Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Getting Over Garrett Delaney
Abby McDonald
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: January 24, 2012

Can a twelve-step program help Sadie kick her unrequited crush for good? Abby McDonald serves upher trademark wit and wisdom in a hilarious new novel.
Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly onesided. The object of her obsession - ahem, affection - is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie's feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett's constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock- all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder - until he calls to say he's fallen in love. With some other girl! A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she's finally had enough. It's time for total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized selfhelp guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

Getting Over Garrett Delaney centers around Sadie, who is trying to get over the boy she's been in love with for years. I really enjoyed Sadie's character, albeit she was pretty naive at first. She had based a lot of who she is on Garrett and his interests. In the beginning it bothered me that she was so obsessed with Garrett, but I was glad when she took the initiative to try to get over him. I also liked that while she wanted to get over Garrett, she didn't want to totally cut him out of her life. I think on some aspects that shows maturity, and she definitely grew a lot.

And Garrett. While he isn't my favorite character ever, I can see why Sadie liked him. To her, he was older and more sophisticated. Although, he was mostly just pretentious and selfish. But I didn't despise him despite that. Like I said, I can see why Sadie fell for him.

I also enjoyed the other cast of characters. The coffee shop crew, Kayla. They were all really fun and unique. And Jake. I do wish we could have seen more of him and gotten to know him more. But I still liked him.

Getting Over Garrett Delaney was a really cute read. It's a story about getting over someone you love and finding yourself along the way, complete with plenty of wit and humor along the way.