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Flat-Out Love #2
Flat-Out Celeste
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2014)For high-school senior Celeste Watkins, every day is a brutal test of bravery. And Celeste is scared. Alienated because she’s too smart, her speech too affected, her social skills too far outside the norm, she seems to have no choice but to retreat into isolation.
But college could set her free, right? If she can make it through this grueling senior year, then maybe. If she can just find that one person to throw her a lifeline, then maybe, just maybe.
Justin Milano, a college sophomore with his own set of quirks, could be that person to pull her from a world of solitude. To rescue her—that is, if she’ll let him.
Together, they may work. Together, they may save each other. And together they may also save another couple—two people Celeste knows are absolutely, positively flat-out in love.
Whether you were charmed by Celeste in Flat-Out Love or are meeting her for the first time, this book is a joyous celebration of differences, about battling private wars that rage in our heads and in our hearts, and—very much so— this is a story about first love.
But college could set her free, right? If she can make it through this grueling senior year, then maybe. If she can just find that one person to throw her a lifeline, then maybe, just maybe.
Justin Milano, a college sophomore with his own set of quirks, could be that person to pull her from a world of solitude. To rescue her—that is, if she’ll let him.
Together, they may work. Together, they may save each other. And together they may also save another couple—two people Celeste knows are absolutely, positively flat-out in love.
Whether you were charmed by Celeste in Flat-Out Love or are meeting her for the first time, this book is a joyous celebration of differences, about battling private wars that rage in our heads and in our hearts, and—very much so— this is a story about first love.
325 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2014
243 people are currently reading
7,572 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Park
19 books4,213 followersJessica is the author of 180 SECONDS, CLEAR, The Left Drowning Series (LEFT DROWNING and RESTLESS WATERS), the New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE (& the companion novella FLAT-OUT MATT), FLAT-OUT CELESTE, and RELATIVELY FAMOUS. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends an obscene amount time thinking about rocker boys and their guitars, complex caffeinated beverages, and tropical vacations. On the rare occasions that she is able to focus on other things, she writes.
Please visit her at jessicapark.me and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjessic... and Twitter @JessicaPark24
Please visit her at jessicapark.me and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjessic... and Twitter @JessicaPark24
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,217 reviews
November 18, 2014
Aaaaaaaaaaaand I give up. At 60%
Okay, I get it.
Celeste is beautiful.
Celeste is a fucking genius.
Celeste is just sooooooooo fantastically awkward and eccentric.
Her parents are eccentric.
Her brother is eccentric.
They are all just sooooooooooo awesomely smart and eccentric.
Enough. Already.
Don't get me wrong, I thought Flat-Out Love was decent, I really like Celeste as a character, and the writing was mostly engaging.
But the blush is off the fucking rose people.
I get it Jessica Park, you are just sooooooooo smart and sooooooooo witty.
But I felt like I was being beaten over the head by the Shitty McWitty Monster trying to read this thing.
Don't get me wrong, Park is a talented storyteller, but frankly, it was like "Gosh, I am just sooooooooo quirky" overkill and I couldn't take it anymore.
Am I an idiot? No.
Did the oh-so-witty jokes go over my head? No.
Am I probably going to get attacked for this review?
The prognosis is...Quite plausibly.
And for the haters who think you shouldn't rate a DNF I say too fucking bad. My personal rule for rating a DNF is that I get through 50% or more.
Because if I can't get through it by then?
Okay, I get it.
Celeste is beautiful.
Celeste is a fucking genius.
Celeste is just sooooooooo fantastically awkward and eccentric.
Her parents are eccentric.
Her brother is eccentric.
They are all just sooooooooooo awesomely smart and eccentric.
Enough. Already.
Don't get me wrong, I thought Flat-Out Love was decent, I really like Celeste as a character, and the writing was mostly engaging.
But the blush is off the fucking rose people.
I get it Jessica Park, you are just sooooooooo smart and sooooooooo witty.
But I felt like I was being beaten over the head by the Shitty McWitty Monster trying to read this thing.
Don't get me wrong, Park is a talented storyteller, but frankly, it was like "Gosh, I am just sooooooooo quirky" overkill and I couldn't take it anymore.
Am I an idiot? No.
Did the oh-so-witty jokes go over my head? No.
Am I probably going to get attacked for this review?
The prognosis is...Quite plausibly.
And for the haters who think you shouldn't rate a DNF I say too fucking bad. My personal rule for rating a DNF is that I get through 50% or more.
Because if I can't get through it by then?
November 10, 2023
5 #amazingstars!
Flat-Out Celeste is an incredible story. Once again, this author was wowed me with her amazing characters and flawless story telling abilities. If you’ve read Flat-Out Love (and if you haven’t, you need to right away), you know and love Celeste. I think she was everyones favorite character in that book. I know she was mine. I love the way she talks, acts and carries herself.
Celeste is at a new stage in her life. She’s a senior in high school and about to take the plunge, leave home and go to college. Before she does that, she feels she needs to make some changes in her life.
She does some hilarious things to try to fit in... she’s a bit of a character. During this process, she gets an email from a college sophomore named Justin. He is a rep from Barton College and he starts email Celeste about the school. They develop a sweet and fun friendship. I love Justin and Celeste together.
Celeste is such an endearing character. She’s quirky, intelligent and brave. Justin is backwards in the most adorable way. He’s sweet, rambles when he talks and is clumsy as can be. He is completely 100% lovable. I like how they are both a little odd in different ways, but neither one is bothered by the other. Those quirky qualities they both harbor are engaging to one another.
This is a story that left a permanent grin on my face. I couldn’t stop from smiling all day. I loved the emails and texts, the coffee designs, drunk Matty, I could go on and on about what I loved about this book, because I basically loved it all!
Celeste has always been a favorite of mine, and I love her more than ever now. And don’t get me started on Justin. He was perfection. He was able to see the real Celeste. He liked her for who she was and only wanted her to see herself through his eyes. To be able to help her and be there for her.
Jessica Park is one of the most talented authors out there. I feel like every book of hers I read goes straight to my favorites shelf. I have high hopes that Ms. Park will keep writing this series... I don’t want it to end. I want to live in the world she’s created with these extraordinary characters forever.
Flat-Out Celeste is a magical journey following two of the most interesting characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading about. It’s about accepting yourself for who you are, loving the person you were meant to be and realizing we’re all a little bit different but staying true to who you are is the most important thing in life. It’s a story of love, friendship, and living life to the fullest. A truly delightful story you won’t want to miss out on!
‘We all have something. All of us. Every single person in this world has a quirk.’
Flat-Out Celeste is an incredible story. Once again, this author was wowed me with her amazing characters and flawless story telling abilities. If you’ve read Flat-Out Love (and if you haven’t, you need to right away), you know and love Celeste. I think she was everyones favorite character in that book. I know she was mine. I love the way she talks, acts and carries herself.
Celeste is at a new stage in her life. She’s a senior in high school and about to take the plunge, leave home and go to college. Before she does that, she feels she needs to make some changes in her life.
I refuse to be left behind in this world, so I need to catch up.
She does some hilarious things to try to fit in... she’s a bit of a character. During this process, she gets an email from a college sophomore named Justin. He is a rep from Barton College and he starts email Celeste about the school. They develop a sweet and fun friendship. I love Justin and Celeste together.
“I’m going to kiss you. And I better do a good job because I want you to like it.”
“I feel quite sure that I will.”
“How could you know that?”
“Because it’s you.”
Celeste is such an endearing character. She’s quirky, intelligent and brave. Justin is backwards in the most adorable way. He’s sweet, rambles when he talks and is clumsy as can be. He is completely 100% lovable. I like how they are both a little odd in different ways, but neither one is bothered by the other. Those quirky qualities they both harbor are engaging to one another.
“I have social difficulties. I do not always read situations properly. Or, more correctly, I do not always read people properly.”
“Maybe people don’t read you properly.”
“That is a generous way to see me.”
“It’s the only way to see you.”
This is a story that left a permanent grin on my face. I couldn’t stop from smiling all day. I loved the emails and texts, the coffee designs, drunk Matty, I could go on and on about what I loved about this book, because I basically loved it all!
Celeste has always been a favorite of mine, and I love her more than ever now. And don’t get me started on Justin. He was perfection. He was able to see the real Celeste. He liked her for who she was and only wanted her to see herself through his eyes. To be able to help her and be there for her.
Sometimes you need someone else to believe in you, to carry you, until you can carry yourself. Let me carry you.
‘There is magic in diversity. Without the Celestes, the world wouldn’t go round.’
Jessica Park is one of the most talented authors out there. I feel like every book of hers I read goes straight to my favorites shelf. I have high hopes that Ms. Park will keep writing this series... I don’t want it to end. I want to live in the world she’s created with these extraordinary characters forever.
Flat-Out Celeste is a magical journey following two of the most interesting characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading about. It’s about accepting yourself for who you are, loving the person you were meant to be and realizing we’re all a little bit different but staying true to who you are is the most important thing in life. It’s a story of love, friendship, and living life to the fullest. A truly delightful story you won’t want to miss out on!
“You’re a lifesaver, Celeste.”
“No, you are my lifesaver, Justin.”
“I am choosing a love that defies boundaries and a life that defies boundaries. That is the power of Celeste.”
May 28, 2014
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS
"Hey Celeste?"
"Hey Justin?"
Wow this was amazing!I can't even express how much I loved it!!It is one of these books that you will remember forever!Flat-Out Celeste was everything I hoped it would be and much more!!
Celeste is one of my favorite characters!!
Celeste is now 18 years old and she is a senior in high school.After years of being isolated,socially awkward, and feeling that she will never fit somewhere. Suddenly she meets Justin who is as weird as she is!!!At the beginning they start talking with emails!And these first lengthy series of emails from Justin was amazing :))) Omg these both were so cute <33 Celeste and Justin compliment each other perfectly!!Their relationship was pure and innocent.
“Why are you nervous?”
“Because I’m going to kiss you. And I better do a good job because I want you to like it.”
"I feel sure that I will.”
“How could you know that?”
“Because it is you.”
"I am staggered by you.I am intoxicated by you.
I think about you way more than I should."
Celeste is so cute,sweet and funny!I liked the way she talked!And Justin...I adored him!!He is exactly what Celeste need!!He's funny,weird and so swoony *sigh* He doesn't have tattoos and he isn't a bad boy but he is worthy to keep your interested from the beginning till the end!!!I also loved Matt and Julie!!So glad to see the progression of their lives!!Also lovable characters were Dallas and Zeke :))
I love the theme of this book!The writting was amazing like all Jessica's books!!I would like more of Celeste and Justin!!I hope the author to write a short novel for their future!!
You can read this book without reading the other but I think it's better to read them all!!
If you are looking for a book that it will make you cry,laugh,swoon this is what you need!!
"Hey Celeste?"
"Hey Justin?"
Wow this was amazing!I can't even express how much I loved it!!It is one of these books that you will remember forever!Flat-Out Celeste was everything I hoped it would be and much more!!
Celeste is one of my favorite characters!!
Celeste is now 18 years old and she is a senior in high school.After years of being isolated,socially awkward, and feeling that she will never fit somewhere. Suddenly she meets Justin who is as weird as she is!!!At the beginning they start talking with emails!And these first lengthy series of emails from Justin was amazing :))) Omg these both were so cute <33 Celeste and Justin compliment each other perfectly!!Their relationship was pure and innocent.
“Why are you nervous?”
“Because I’m going to kiss you. And I better do a good job because I want you to like it.”
"I feel sure that I will.”
“How could you know that?”
“Because it is you.”
"I am staggered by you.I am intoxicated by you.
I think about you way more than I should."
Celeste is so cute,sweet and funny!I liked the way she talked!And Justin...I adored him!!He is exactly what Celeste need!!He's funny,weird and so swoony *sigh* He doesn't have tattoos and he isn't a bad boy but he is worthy to keep your interested from the beginning till the end!!!I also loved Matt and Julie!!So glad to see the progression of their lives!!Also lovable characters were Dallas and Zeke :))
I love the theme of this book!The writting was amazing like all Jessica's books!!I would like more of Celeste and Justin!!I hope the author to write a short novel for their future!!
You can read this book without reading the other but I think it's better to read them all!!
If you are looking for a book that it will make you cry,laugh,swoon this is what you need!!
November 11, 2023
Jessica Park delivered a DELIGHTFUL young adult read.
Celeste is lying to Matt and her family about being in the in crowd. The truth is that she doesn’t have any friends and is simply biding her time to embark on her college career. When Celeste clicks the campus life section for all the elite schools she has applied for she realizes that her social interactions have only just begun and she tries several things to fit in with what she considers the norm.
Justin Milano is a student liaison for Barton College who contacts Celeste through several rambling emails trying to woo her to attend his school. Through the emails, Celeste and Justin develop a friendship. Justin is a terrific character who doesn’t fit into society’s normal picture as well, but he is happy in his own skin and not only attempts to sell his school but he is in fact very interested in Celeste romantically.
This story was so very SWEET and I really enjoyed Justin’s love and support of Celeste.
"God, we’re all probably diagnosable. Look at the world around you. Look! We all have something. All of us. Every single person in this world has a quirk.”
"You have to stop hating yourself. And stop assuming that everyone else will hate you too.”
Celeste is a wonderful fictional character that is completely endearing!!
"Check out the new Celeste, all ballsy and stuff.”
“Matty! Do not say ballsy! That’s disgusting.” She sunk into the seat and looked out the window. “But I am gettin’ ballsy, aren’t I? It’s fun.”
This story delivered a shocking blow in regard to Matt and Julie’s relationship. Have no fear readers because both characters are in this story as well.
Flatten me out and screw in some hinges because I want to go to college with Celeste next! Pretty Please!!
"I lose myself and find myself at the same time with you.”
Celeste is lying to Matt and her family about being in the in crowd. The truth is that she doesn’t have any friends and is simply biding her time to embark on her college career. When Celeste clicks the campus life section for all the elite schools she has applied for she realizes that her social interactions have only just begun and she tries several things to fit in with what she considers the norm.
Justin Milano is a student liaison for Barton College who contacts Celeste through several rambling emails trying to woo her to attend his school. Through the emails, Celeste and Justin develop a friendship. Justin is a terrific character who doesn’t fit into society’s normal picture as well, but he is happy in his own skin and not only attempts to sell his school but he is in fact very interested in Celeste romantically.
This story was so very SWEET and I really enjoyed Justin’s love and support of Celeste.
"God, we’re all probably diagnosable. Look at the world around you. Look! We all have something. All of us. Every single person in this world has a quirk.”
"You have to stop hating yourself. And stop assuming that everyone else will hate you too.”
Celeste is a wonderful fictional character that is completely endearing!!
"Check out the new Celeste, all ballsy and stuff.”
“Matty! Do not say ballsy! That’s disgusting.” She sunk into the seat and looked out the window. “But I am gettin’ ballsy, aren’t I? It’s fun.”
This story delivered a shocking blow in regard to Matt and Julie’s relationship. Have no fear readers because both characters are in this story as well.
Flatten me out and screw in some hinges because I want to go to college with Celeste next! Pretty Please!!
"I lose myself and find myself at the same time with you.”
November 10, 2023
RE-READ via audio
I read this book last year and loved it. Just recently I was given the opportunity to listen to the audio and I couldn’t pass up the offer. It provided a chance for me to to experience this with my whole family. Lately we’ve gone on a couple longer car trips which gave us plenty of time to listen to Flat-Out Celeste.
I love that this is in the young adult genre and it is really innocent. With that said, my teen son would say there is nothing more awkward than listening to a ‘kissing scene’ with your parents. He announced in the car, “I thought you said that these scenes were ‘behind closed doors’!” Behind closed doors meaning we wouldn’t have to listen to any affectionate moments. *lol* In all honesty there are only two quick kissing scenes and even those were tame for the romance world.
As a family we enjoyed listening to this one! We began looking forward to our trips knowing that we got to listen about Justin & Celeste.
Foxes include: mom, dad, 18 year old girl, 17 year old boy, and 16 year old girl.
Below is my original review from last year.
I'm a fan of Celeste and the POWER OF CELESTE!!
My teenage daughter, Samantha, is an avid reader but not of the romance genre. Last year I convinced her to read Flat-Out Love and she stayed up until 3 am, on a school night, to finish it. I asked her what she thought and she said that she liked it. Even though she liked the book I couldn't convince her to read another romance book.
When she heard FLAT-OUT CELESTE was coming out she one-clicked it right away. Watching her experience this book was so much fun because she literally wouldn't put it down. I took photos of her reading it while she was out in public suppose to be interacting with people: during her choir concert she read while she waited her turn and when we were at a restaurant for a family dinner she had the book covering her face. When someone would asked her a question she would look up and say, "Did you say something to me?"
Here she is caught in the act of reading while at a restaurant!
To say that she was in a zone when reading this book is an understatement. Once she finished I convinced her to write her first GR review-> http://bit.ly/1q8ghlH
You must read Flat-Out Love first before reading this book because there are too many spoilers in this book and it's a continuation of FOL but with Celeste as the main character. Another piece of advice I give all my friend when they read FOL -> don't read any review before hand. Go into the book blind. It's more fun that way.
In FLAT-OUT CELESTE Celeste and Justin's relationship parallels the couple from FOL. Celeste starts out like her brother in a relationship with someone she's never met in person but instead via email. A few other things were similar to her brother's romance but it was done in a whole new fashion. I had fun discussing with my daughter the ways they resembled each other. I really want to list all the similarities but I don't want to spoil the fun for those who haven't read it yet.
Celeste and Justin are flat-out funny and quirky characters. Between speaking their minds to being absentminded they had me laughing. In one particular scene the tears spilled down my face.
Young adult romance can be a hard genre to write especially if you take sex out of the equation. Then the author must rely on plot and story telling skills to keep an "older" audience interested. Ms. Park did just that with this story. I never once missed that the character never had "sexy time." Don't get me wrong they did have romantic times together but sex was never involved. BRAVO, MS. PARKS, on creating a story I'm able to recommend to teen readers and not worry about their parents freaking out because there's smut in the book. P.R.I.C.E.L.E.S.S.
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Novella:
(#1.5)
Book 1 & 1.5 is one character's POV of the same story.
I read this book last year and loved it. Just recently I was given the opportunity to listen to the audio and I couldn’t pass up the offer. It provided a chance for me to to experience this with my whole family. Lately we’ve gone on a couple longer car trips which gave us plenty of time to listen to Flat-Out Celeste.
I love that this is in the young adult genre and it is really innocent. With that said, my teen son would say there is nothing more awkward than listening to a ‘kissing scene’ with your parents. He announced in the car, “I thought you said that these scenes were ‘behind closed doors’!” Behind closed doors meaning we wouldn’t have to listen to any affectionate moments. *lol* In all honesty there are only two quick kissing scenes and even those were tame for the romance world.
As a family we enjoyed listening to this one! We began looking forward to our trips knowing that we got to listen about Justin & Celeste.
Foxes include: mom, dad, 18 year old girl, 17 year old boy, and 16 year old girl.
Below is my original review from last year.
I'm a fan of Celeste and the POWER OF CELESTE!!
My teenage daughter, Samantha, is an avid reader but not of the romance genre. Last year I convinced her to read Flat-Out Love and she stayed up until 3 am, on a school night, to finish it. I asked her what she thought and she said that she liked it. Even though she liked the book I couldn't convince her to read another romance book.
When she heard FLAT-OUT CELESTE was coming out she one-clicked it right away. Watching her experience this book was so much fun because she literally wouldn't put it down. I took photos of her reading it while she was out in public suppose to be interacting with people: during her choir concert she read while she waited her turn and when we were at a restaurant for a family dinner she had the book covering her face. When someone would asked her a question she would look up and say, "Did you say something to me?"
Here she is caught in the act of reading while at a restaurant!
To say that she was in a zone when reading this book is an understatement. Once she finished I convinced her to write her first GR review-> http://bit.ly/1q8ghlH
You must read Flat-Out Love first before reading this book because there are too many spoilers in this book and it's a continuation of FOL but with Celeste as the main character. Another piece of advice I give all my friend when they read FOL -> don't read any review before hand. Go into the book blind. It's more fun that way.
In FLAT-OUT CELESTE Celeste and Justin's relationship parallels the couple from FOL. Celeste starts out like her brother in a relationship with someone she's never met in person but instead via email. A few other things were similar to her brother's romance but it was done in a whole new fashion. I had fun discussing with my daughter the ways they resembled each other. I really want to list all the similarities but I don't want to spoil the fun for those who haven't read it yet.
Celeste and Justin are flat-out funny and quirky characters. Between speaking their minds to being absentminded they had me laughing. In one particular scene the tears spilled down my face.
Young adult romance can be a hard genre to write especially if you take sex out of the equation. Then the author must rely on plot and story telling skills to keep an "older" audience interested. Ms. Park did just that with this story. I never once missed that the character never had "sexy time." Don't get me wrong they did have romantic times together but sex was never involved. BRAVO, MS. PARKS, on creating a story I'm able to recommend to teen readers and not worry about their parents freaking out because there's smut in the book. P.R.I.C.E.L.E.S.S.
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Novella:
(#1.5)
Book 1 & 1.5 is one character's POV of the same story.
June 3, 2014
4,5 Flat-Out Stars.
Celeste isn’t the sweet and scared little kid you met on “Flat-Out Love”.
She is now grown up, close to go to college but she is too shy, too smart, too “not-normal” and still too broken by her brother’s death to be close with anyone. So she has no friends with the exception of Julie and her brother, Matt. And even they are going to some really bad things.
She just need to finish high school, go to college and everything will finally be all-right. It has to be.
One day she receive an email from Justin. He is a college “liaison” and his college his trying to “woo” Celeste into attend it. They start to develop a friendship by email and when they finally meet, everything between them chances, and for the first time Celeste has something that makes her happy.
But how can a relationship work when distance, fears and insecurities keep getting in the way?
Celeste will find out that in order to love someone she has to love herself first. And that in order to save someone’s love life, she probably have to save her own first.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Storyline: Sweet and emotional. Jessica Park always delivers amazing YA books with wonderful characters.
I’ve got to say that I liked this one more than Julie and Matt’s story. Even though I loved to see how they ended up.
Writing Style: Female POV. Heartwarming, emotional and engaging.
Character Development: Celeste was an amazing girl. Yes, she had some annoying insecurities but they were understandable. I really liked her. Justin was amazing, what a sweet boy he was. He was sweet and funny and overall, swoon-worthy. I loved how their relationship started off with cure virtual banter and progressed from there.
It was nice to see more of Julie and Matt, and Matt truly is an amazing older brother.
Steam: Meh.
HEA:
Celeste isn’t the sweet and scared little kid you met on “Flat-Out Love”.
She is now grown up, close to go to college but she is too shy, too smart, too “not-normal” and still too broken by her brother’s death to be close with anyone. So she has no friends with the exception of Julie and her brother, Matt. And even they are going to some really bad things.
She just need to finish high school, go to college and everything will finally be all-right. It has to be.
One day she receive an email from Justin. He is a college “liaison” and his college his trying to “woo” Celeste into attend it. They start to develop a friendship by email and when they finally meet, everything between them chances, and for the first time Celeste has something that makes her happy.
But how can a relationship work when distance, fears and insecurities keep getting in the way?
Celeste will find out that in order to love someone she has to love herself first. And that in order to save someone’s love life, she probably have to save her own first.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Storyline: Sweet and emotional. Jessica Park always delivers amazing YA books with wonderful characters.
I’ve got to say that I liked this one more than Julie and Matt’s story. Even though I loved to see how they ended up.
Writing Style: Female POV. Heartwarming, emotional and engaging.
Character Development: Celeste was an amazing girl. Yes, she had some annoying insecurities but they were understandable. I really liked her. Justin was amazing, what a sweet boy he was. He was sweet and funny and overall, swoon-worthy. I loved how their relationship started off with cure virtual banter and progressed from there.
It was nice to see more of Julie and Matt, and Matt truly is an amazing older brother.
Steam: Meh.
HEA:
October 15, 2018
Perfect
At last, we’ve come full Circle, seeing Celeste evolve has been truly satisfying and once again, Jessica stuns with vivid atmosphere, witty dialogue, and exceptional characterization.
December 22, 2015
RE-READ!
Celeste is thee best YA heroine
Yup, I totally loved her. Celeste and her hero, Justin, were undeniably, beautifully weird.
I can't help but feel very meloncoly over the whole story. We join Celeste on her journey through the final months of High School. We see her grow. Watch her find acceptance with her peers and herself. And most of all, find her soulmate. The meloncoly feeling comes from the feeling that we are only just seeing the start of her wonderful life and not experiencing the rest of it.
There were some beautiful scenes, quotes and relationships in 'Flat-out Celeste'. Celeste's interactions and conversations were very endearing and entertaining. I LOVED the way Matt was with her. She was such a strong and quirky character, I never wanted to stop reading about her.
And Justin! God, he was just... Perfect for Celeste. Hyper, crazy and just heartwarming.
There is so much I could quote from this book, but if you like YA, then you just have to read it.
That last half of the book... I was laughing, I was so sad, and so goddamn happy.
*Apologies for the short review, I am laptop-less and typing via mobile device :) *
Celeste is thee best YA heroine
Yup, I totally loved her. Celeste and her hero, Justin, were undeniably, beautifully weird.
I can't help but feel very meloncoly over the whole story. We join Celeste on her journey through the final months of High School. We see her grow. Watch her find acceptance with her peers and herself. And most of all, find her soulmate. The meloncoly feeling comes from the feeling that we are only just seeing the start of her wonderful life and not experiencing the rest of it.
There were some beautiful scenes, quotes and relationships in 'Flat-out Celeste'. Celeste's interactions and conversations were very endearing and entertaining. I LOVED the way Matt was with her. She was such a strong and quirky character, I never wanted to stop reading about her.
And Justin! God, he was just... Perfect for Celeste. Hyper, crazy and just heartwarming.
There is so much I could quote from this book, but if you like YA, then you just have to read it.
That last half of the book... I was laughing, I was so sad, and so goddamn happy.
*Apologies for the short review, I am laptop-less and typing via mobile device :) *
June 15, 2014
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 Quite Fabulous Stars ☆ ☆☆☆☆
Flat-Out Celeste is off the hinges AH-MAZZZING!!! Jessica Park has blown me away with this fun, quirky, sweet and lovable installment of the Flat-Out Love series. I am “quite” amazed and bewitched how beautiful and inspiring this story is. I laughed, swooned, cried, and laughed again and was left with a big fat smile on my face. In this unforgettable and touching book, Ms. Park reminds us all to LIVE, LOVE, & LAUGH. Flat-Out Celeste was more than finding love but finding strength, inner peace, and acceptance.
“LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE DREAMED.”
Celeste Watkins is still the same quirky, lovable, and brainiac girl that we all fell in love with in Flat-Out-Love and Flat-Out Matt. How could we forget the girl who has quite a profound vocabulary knowledge and intellectually gifted? When I was first introduced to Celeste in Flat-Out Love, hands down she was my favorite. I loved her personality and everything about her. She stole my heart with how raw, open, and vulnerable she is. Fast forward to a couple years and Celeste is in her senior year of high school and she’s off deciding which Ivy League college should she attend to. She should be excited with all these Ivy schools vying for her but something is missing.
“He’s just stupendous. He is not only a suitable first boyfriend, but rather ideal one at that. Our phone conversations are quite wonderful, his emails detailed and engaging, and every morning he sends me a coffee picture.”
Cue in Justin Milano, a college sophomore at Barton College in San Diego. Justin emails Celeste in trying to woo and persuade her in attending Barton College. After a few email exchanges, it seems that Justin is just as quirky as Celeste. Call it fate or what not, within a few email exchanges and a handful of meetings, it seems these two found a perfect partner within each other. For the first time, Celeste is comfortable in her own skin. Justin loves Celeste for just being herself. She calms him and gives him light. And for the first time in her life, Celeste has found someone who understands her besides her family and Julie. A new Celeste is transforming!
“You’re calming for me. You can settle me somehow in a way that nobody else has. I can’t explain it.”
The sweetness of Justin and Celeste relationship is off the charts beautiful. I love how Justin allows Celeste to experience and try new things whether it be trying out new food or experiencing her first kiss. This new life Justin brings out in Celeste was truly refreshing and breathtaking. The growth of Celeste character is what makes this story beautiful. The raw, honest, and vulnerability of watching her blossom with the help from Matt and Justin is what is truly inspiring. From a shy, timid dependent girl is transformed to a lady finding her wings to truly fly and let go. Justin was the yin to her yang. They truly balanced each other. He allowed Celeste to see and find her inner beauty and strength.
“Don’t doubt my love. Don’t doubt yourself. You don’t get to do that. Remember we talked about the fight? You’re in it again. So win. Fight for yourself, fight for me, for us. For….for whatever you need to. But win this battle and win the war. This is not the time to give up; it’s not………….Everything is lined up in your favor, so I’m telling you, win the war. Finish it. You need this to be over.”
Jessica Park is a storyteller and Flat-Out Celeste is another perfect example of her spellbinding ways. Ms. Park brought life to Matt, Julie, Celeste, and Justin. These were not just fictional characters but characters that felt real. The raw emotional transformation of each of these beloved characters were felt through every emotions they evoked. Flat Out Celeste is one of those books that must be experienced. Celeste’s story reminds us all that life is meant to be lived. As a big fan of Jessica Park, the Flat Out Series will be one of those books that you can never get tired of re-reading. They will grip, touch, and stay with you.
“I am choosing a love that defies boundaries and a life that defies boundaries. That is the power of Celeste.”
Jessica Park
Flat-Out Celeste is off the hinges AH-MAZZZING!!! Jessica Park has blown me away with this fun, quirky, sweet and lovable installment of the Flat-Out Love series. I am “quite” amazed and bewitched how beautiful and inspiring this story is. I laughed, swooned, cried, and laughed again and was left with a big fat smile on my face. In this unforgettable and touching book, Ms. Park reminds us all to LIVE, LOVE, & LAUGH. Flat-Out Celeste was more than finding love but finding strength, inner peace, and acceptance.
“LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE DREAMED.”
Celeste Watkins is still the same quirky, lovable, and brainiac girl that we all fell in love with in Flat-Out-Love and Flat-Out Matt. How could we forget the girl who has quite a profound vocabulary knowledge and intellectually gifted? When I was first introduced to Celeste in Flat-Out Love, hands down she was my favorite. I loved her personality and everything about her. She stole my heart with how raw, open, and vulnerable she is. Fast forward to a couple years and Celeste is in her senior year of high school and she’s off deciding which Ivy League college should she attend to. She should be excited with all these Ivy schools vying for her but something is missing.
“He’s just stupendous. He is not only a suitable first boyfriend, but rather ideal one at that. Our phone conversations are quite wonderful, his emails detailed and engaging, and every morning he sends me a coffee picture.”
Cue in Justin Milano, a college sophomore at Barton College in San Diego. Justin emails Celeste in trying to woo and persuade her in attending Barton College. After a few email exchanges, it seems that Justin is just as quirky as Celeste. Call it fate or what not, within a few email exchanges and a handful of meetings, it seems these two found a perfect partner within each other. For the first time, Celeste is comfortable in her own skin. Justin loves Celeste for just being herself. She calms him and gives him light. And for the first time in her life, Celeste has found someone who understands her besides her family and Julie. A new Celeste is transforming!
“You’re calming for me. You can settle me somehow in a way that nobody else has. I can’t explain it.”
The sweetness of Justin and Celeste relationship is off the charts beautiful. I love how Justin allows Celeste to experience and try new things whether it be trying out new food or experiencing her first kiss. This new life Justin brings out in Celeste was truly refreshing and breathtaking. The growth of Celeste character is what makes this story beautiful. The raw, honest, and vulnerability of watching her blossom with the help from Matt and Justin is what is truly inspiring. From a shy, timid dependent girl is transformed to a lady finding her wings to truly fly and let go. Justin was the yin to her yang. They truly balanced each other. He allowed Celeste to see and find her inner beauty and strength.
“Don’t doubt my love. Don’t doubt yourself. You don’t get to do that. Remember we talked about the fight? You’re in it again. So win. Fight for yourself, fight for me, for us. For….for whatever you need to. But win this battle and win the war. This is not the time to give up; it’s not………….Everything is lined up in your favor, so I’m telling you, win the war. Finish it. You need this to be over.”
Jessica Park is a storyteller and Flat-Out Celeste is another perfect example of her spellbinding ways. Ms. Park brought life to Matt, Julie, Celeste, and Justin. These were not just fictional characters but characters that felt real. The raw emotional transformation of each of these beloved characters were felt through every emotions they evoked. Flat Out Celeste is one of those books that must be experienced. Celeste’s story reminds us all that life is meant to be lived. As a big fan of Jessica Park, the Flat Out Series will be one of those books that you can never get tired of re-reading. They will grip, touch, and stay with you.
“I am choosing a love that defies boundaries and a life that defies boundaries. That is the power of Celeste.”
Jessica Park
Want to read
May 25, 2014 I can't wait to start reading this!!!!
Whether you were charmed by Celeste in Flat-Out Love or are meeting her for the first time, this book is a joyous celebration of differences, about battling private wars that rage in our heads and in our hearts, and—very much so— this is a story about first love.
For high-school senior Celeste Watkins, every day is a brutal test of bravery. And Celeste is scared. Alienated because she’s too smart, her speech too affected, her social skills too far outside the norm, she seems to have no choice but to retreat into isolation.
But college could set her free, right? If she can make it through this grueling senior year, then maybe. If she can just find that one person to throw her a lifeline, then maybe, just maybe.
Justin Milano, a college sophomore with his own set of quirks, could be that person to pull her from a world of solitude. To rescue her—that is, if she’ll let him.
Together, they may work. Together, they may save each other. And together they may also save another couple—two people Celeste knows are absolutely, positively flat-out in love.
Whether you were charmed by Celeste in Flat-Out Love or are meeting her for the first time, this book is a joyous celebration of differences, about battling private wars that rage in our heads and in our hearts, and—very much so— this is a story about first love.
For high-school senior Celeste Watkins, every day is a brutal test of bravery. And Celeste is scared. Alienated because she’s too smart, her speech too affected, her social skills too far outside the norm, she seems to have no choice but to retreat into isolation.
But college could set her free, right? If she can make it through this grueling senior year, then maybe. If she can just find that one person to throw her a lifeline, then maybe, just maybe.
Justin Milano, a college sophomore with his own set of quirks, could be that person to pull her from a world of solitude. To rescue her—that is, if she’ll let him.
Together, they may work. Together, they may save each other. And together they may also save another couple—two people Celeste knows are absolutely, positively flat-out in love.
October 7, 2014
**AWESOME price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US, 7/13/14!**
Jessica Park, how much do I have to pay you to write a M/M?? Your M/F stuff blows me out of the freaking water! I would die to see you write some gay romance... DIE.
Now that I have that out of the way...
This book was quirky awesomeness. Truly awesome. How many times do I love contemporary M/F??? 1 out of 100, maybe. Jessica Park makes it look easy and it is almost enough to convert me to a more hardcore M/F reader (I said almost folks, nothing could pry me away from my M/M!).
Most of what makes this book so fabulous is her exceptionally well crafted main characters. Justin was... sigh... perfection. I love a beta man and Justin is a beta hero through and through. Kind, gentle, loving, emotional, and, above all, hilarious and eccentric. He was beta without being soft and feminine. He was a beta that you would want to date yourself in college (or who are we kidding, right now!!). I adored him.
Celeste was the antithesis of what we usually get in a female MC and that was precisely why she was so awesome. On the autistic spectrum (I'm assuming from the hints in the story), she was a character that had to be written very carefully so as not to alienate readers. However, Jessica Park allowed us to know her and love her, and love her I did.
I could have done with a little less Matt and Julie and the ending was rushed and sudden, but I LOVED this book so hard.
Makes my favorites list for 2014.
**Buddy read with Jennifer-pher, Susan, and Amy**
Jessica Park, how much do I have to pay you to write a M/M?? Your M/F stuff blows me out of the freaking water! I would die to see you write some gay romance... DIE.
Now that I have that out of the way...
This book was quirky awesomeness. Truly awesome. How many times do I love contemporary M/F??? 1 out of 100, maybe. Jessica Park makes it look easy and it is almost enough to convert me to a more hardcore M/F reader (I said almost folks, nothing could pry me away from my M/M!).
Most of what makes this book so fabulous is her exceptionally well crafted main characters. Justin was... sigh... perfection. I love a beta man and Justin is a beta hero through and through. Kind, gentle, loving, emotional, and, above all, hilarious and eccentric. He was beta without being soft and feminine. He was a beta that you would want to date yourself in college (or who are we kidding, right now!!). I adored him.
Celeste was the antithesis of what we usually get in a female MC and that was precisely why she was so awesome. On the autistic spectrum (I'm assuming from the hints in the story), she was a character that had to be written very carefully so as not to alienate readers. However, Jessica Park allowed us to know her and love her, and love her I did.
I could have done with a little less Matt and Julie and the ending was rushed and sudden, but I LOVED this book so hard.
Makes my favorites list for 2014.
**Buddy read with Jennifer-pher, Susan, and Amy**
January 4, 2016
***4.5 Stars***
"Hey, Celeste?"
"Hey, Justin?"
"Are you all right?"
"Yes. I'm very much all right."
"Then I'm very all right, too."
There are so many great reviews out there for this engaging, sweet, coming of age book that there's not really much I can add. I've been a fan of Celeste since Flat-Out Love, and am so glad that she got her own story. Justin was the perfect guy for her, and watching her come into her own, face her fears and find love was so damn awkward and adorable and sweet and frustrating and heartmelting......and relatable.
"I have social difficulties. I do not always read situations properly. Or, more correctly, I do not always read people properly."
"Maybe people don't read YOU properly."
"That is a generous way to see me."
"It's the only way to see you."
So damn sweet. Justin was the perfect quirky and understanding balance to Celeste's trepidations and fears. His uncanny honesty allowed Celeste to just be. And her natural caring, unguarded self managed to quiet Justin's constantly racing mind and give him peace.
"My heart is pounding. Do you feel that? You make me so nervous, but I'm so comfortable at the same time. I don't know how to make sense of those two things happening at the same time."
"Why are you nervous?"
"Because I'm going to kiss you." A touch of a smile crossed his lips. "And I better do a good job because I want you to like it."
"I feel sure that I will."
"How could you know that?"
"Because it is you."
Well if that doesn't melt your heart, I just don't know what will!! It's been a while since I've read any YA/NA, but sometimes it goes to show that even this smut slut can do PG and sweet.
"...but I really want to kiss you. And for that I need two hands because I'm going to have to hold you up. That's how hard I'm going to kiss you."
So that's it...that's all the gushing I have in me. I stayed up way too late last night finishing this one because I just couldn't put it down, and have consumed way too much coffee to make up for the lack of sleep. I'm pretty sure if I let it, the caffeine will allow me to ramble on for pages on end, and of course I would have more than enough quotes to entertain since I highlighted about half of the damn book!! Okay, time to end this review and grab another cup of coffee.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
p.s. Ms. Park, if you would be so kind as to possibly write a novella with Matt and Julie actually SHOWING them in a relationship, that would be greatly appreciated.
January 3, 2016
I loved Flat-Out Love and Flat-Out Matt with is clever humor, unexpected romance and quirky family. So I was thrilled to dive back into this world with Celeste, the youngest Watkins, now all grown-up.
Celeste, Matt’s little sister was beyond her years smart, loveable, but socially awkward in Flat-Out Love. Celeste, as well as the rest of the family were on the verge of a total meltdown after suffering an unimaginable loss. Julie (Matt’s love interest) was instrumental in their road to healing and in the years that have since past, the Watkins family has made many positive strides. Yet, Celeste is still smart beyond her years and socially awkward, painfully so.
When we meet up again with Celeste, she’s in her senior year of high school, just trying to survive without capturing too much attention because she has such a hard time fitting in socially. Celeste realizes all the situations she tries to avoid will only become more of a problem in college so she comes up with a plan to reinvent herself which leads to some pretty hilarious results!
Celeste is also trying to decide on a college. All the Ivies have courted her so she basically has her pick, but when the student liaison, Justin, from Barton College in San Diego emails her, Celeste’s world begins to change and open up. They begin a charming and wacky email exchange that she quickly becomes addicted to. Justin’s outgoing, all over the place messages beguile and attract her and when Justin comes back home for Thanksgiving break they meet up and the sparks fly!
Celeste finds herself completely enamored with Justin on every level, he’s gorgeous and their personalities just click. He’s not completely what you’d call cookie cutter normal either which is perfect for Celeste. Until Justin, Celeste gave up on any hope of having a boy friend, not because she wasn’t appealing to the opposite sex, but because when she opened her mouth all chances end. Most find her weird, but Justin is utterly fascinated by her.
I loved that Celeste didn’t make a dramatic personality change to find the right person for her. This story underscored the idea that there is someone out there for everyone. It was heartening to see Justin’s positive effect on Celeste and vice versa. Their connection and relationship gave her a little confidence boost to muster up courage enough to open up and let others in.
He was so beautiful, this boy, in all senses of the word. He made her feel raw and exposed and vulnerable, but in doing so, he was healing her and empowering her. She knew that.
Justin was just completely lovely: open, honest, full of energy and love. He was all over the place, but Celeste brings a focus and calm into his existence, and they seem to bring out the best parts in each other.
The romance was sweet, and oh-so-swoony! I have to say it had one of the best first kisses I’ve ever read! Oh, my stars!
“My heart is pounding. Do you feel that? You make me so nervous, but I’m so comfortable at the same time. I don’t know how to make sense of those two things happening at the same time.”
“Why are you nervous?”
He squeezed her hand. “Because I’m going to kiss you.”
Flat-Out Celeste brought back the Flat-Out world perfectly! Jessica Park captivated me with her quirky brand of humor interspersed with heartbreaking moments, and a romance that melted my heart!
Favorite Matt geeky t-shirt:
Dear Algebra, Stop asking us to find your X. She’s not coming back.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
You can find this review and more at The Readers Den.
Celeste, Matt’s little sister was beyond her years smart, loveable, but socially awkward in Flat-Out Love. Celeste, as well as the rest of the family were on the verge of a total meltdown after suffering an unimaginable loss. Julie (Matt’s love interest) was instrumental in their road to healing and in the years that have since past, the Watkins family has made many positive strides. Yet, Celeste is still smart beyond her years and socially awkward, painfully so.
When we meet up again with Celeste, she’s in her senior year of high school, just trying to survive without capturing too much attention because she has such a hard time fitting in socially. Celeste realizes all the situations she tries to avoid will only become more of a problem in college so she comes up with a plan to reinvent herself which leads to some pretty hilarious results!
Celeste is also trying to decide on a college. All the Ivies have courted her so she basically has her pick, but when the student liaison, Justin, from Barton College in San Diego emails her, Celeste’s world begins to change and open up. They begin a charming and wacky email exchange that she quickly becomes addicted to. Justin’s outgoing, all over the place messages beguile and attract her and when Justin comes back home for Thanksgiving break they meet up and the sparks fly!
Celeste finds herself completely enamored with Justin on every level, he’s gorgeous and their personalities just click. He’s not completely what you’d call cookie cutter normal either which is perfect for Celeste. Until Justin, Celeste gave up on any hope of having a boy friend, not because she wasn’t appealing to the opposite sex, but because when she opened her mouth all chances end. Most find her weird, but Justin is utterly fascinated by her.
I loved that Celeste didn’t make a dramatic personality change to find the right person for her. This story underscored the idea that there is someone out there for everyone. It was heartening to see Justin’s positive effect on Celeste and vice versa. Their connection and relationship gave her a little confidence boost to muster up courage enough to open up and let others in.
He was so beautiful, this boy, in all senses of the word. He made her feel raw and exposed and vulnerable, but in doing so, he was healing her and empowering her. She knew that.
Justin was just completely lovely: open, honest, full of energy and love. He was all over the place, but Celeste brings a focus and calm into his existence, and they seem to bring out the best parts in each other.
The romance was sweet, and oh-so-swoony! I have to say it had one of the best first kisses I’ve ever read! Oh, my stars!
“My heart is pounding. Do you feel that? You make me so nervous, but I’m so comfortable at the same time. I don’t know how to make sense of those two things happening at the same time.”
“Why are you nervous?”
He squeezed her hand. “Because I’m going to kiss you.”
Flat-Out Celeste brought back the Flat-Out world perfectly! Jessica Park captivated me with her quirky brand of humor interspersed with heartbreaking moments, and a romance that melted my heart!
Favorite Matt geeky t-shirt:
Dear Algebra, Stop asking us to find your X. She’s not coming back.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
You can find this review and more at The Readers Den.
May 28, 2014
5--I Flat Out Loved It--Stars!!!
Absolutely wonderful, beautiful, endearing, inspiring, emotional, and heartwarming love story.
I met and fell in love with Celeste in Flat-Out Love. Celeste who was crippled by the loss of her older brother, Finn. Quirky Celeste who loves hard, who speaks a little different, who longs to feel accepted...to feel wanted, to feel a part of something.
Celeste is a senior in high school. She's applying to colleges. Preparing to move on. To be on her own. Struggling with where she'll fit in, if she'll fit in, how she'll fit in.
One day Celeste gets an e-mail from Justin, the student liason at Barton College in San Diego. But Celeste didn't apply at Barton college. Celeste and Justin begin exchanging e-mails as he "courts" her for Barton. And in the process they become friends and eventually fall in love.
Justin was sweet, and kind and patient. He loved Celeste compeletely. Every quirk, everything that made her different...that made her who she was. But Celeste didn't always believe she was worthy of that love.
Justin "saved" Celeste in a way. He opened her up and allowed her to hope. Hope that she could have friends, that she could love and be loved, that she could be herself without worry.
I fell in love with Celeste's journey. I devoured every word of her story. I didn't want it to end. I laughed....I cried. Celeste was so strong, so brave, so honest, so kind. She deserved the world.
Absolutely wonderful, beautiful, endearing, inspiring, emotional, and heartwarming love story.
“Hey, Justin?”
“Hey, Celeste?”
I met and fell in love with Celeste in Flat-Out Love. Celeste who was crippled by the loss of her older brother, Finn. Quirky Celeste who loves hard, who speaks a little different, who longs to feel accepted...to feel wanted, to feel a part of something.
Celeste is a senior in high school. She's applying to colleges. Preparing to move on. To be on her own. Struggling with where she'll fit in, if she'll fit in, how she'll fit in.
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
One day Celeste gets an e-mail from Justin, the student liason at Barton College in San Diego. But Celeste didn't apply at Barton college. Celeste and Justin begin exchanging e-mails as he "courts" her for Barton. And in the process they become friends and eventually fall in love.
Justin was sweet, and kind and patient. He loved Celeste compeletely. Every quirk, everything that made her different...that made her who she was. But Celeste didn't always believe she was worthy of that love.
"Fight for yourself, fight for me, for us. For… for whatever you need to. But win this battle and win the war."
Justin "saved" Celeste in a way. He opened her up and allowed her to hope. Hope that she could have friends, that she could love and be loved, that she could be herself without worry.
"Sometimes you need someone else to believe in you, to
carry you, until you can do that yourself. Let me carry you. You’re almost there."
I fell in love with Celeste's journey. I devoured every word of her story. I didn't want it to end. I laughed....I cried. Celeste was so strong, so brave, so honest, so kind. She deserved the world.
“I am choosing a love that defies boundaries and a life that defies boundaries. That is the power of Celeste.”
April 20, 2015
4.5 Only because of the Audio Stars
I think your enjoyment of this book will depend almost solely on how much you connect with Celeste. She was my favorite character in Flat Out Love because she had so many quirks and emotional connection issues. I like how naïve and sincere her character is and I was so excited to see her a few years later swimming through the waters of trying to discover who she is in that year right before college.
Celeste struggles with being exceptionally smart but really naive to the world around her. She still has trouble connecting with peers and feels acutely how different she is from the other kids she is in school with. She has come a long way from the girl that carried around a life-size replica of her brother Finn but she still has a long way to go to become comfortable with who she is.
Pretty much Celeste is a hot mess, but she is a ridiculously smart hot mess who has decided to try new things in an attempt to become more socially acceptable and find a place that she does fit in.
There are some extremely funny situations as Celeste goes on this journey. My favorite being the attempt to join a skater puck band while wearing a black skin tight cat suit with firetruck red hair and singing a Joan Baez song. Even funnier was accidentally meeting Justin a college recruiter in said outfit. But most of all I loved the burgeoning relationship that develops between Celeste and Justin as they email and text each other over the year.
They are both such strong personalities in their own right but somehow the hot mess that is Celeste with her uber intelligence and lack of social skills fits and compliments Justin’s exuberant all over the place random A.D.H.D. type personality. They were adorable like two puppies frolicking in a meadow.
I enjoyed the journey that Celeste went on and there were moments that I was heartbreakingly sad for her and her struggles with her perceived inadequacies. She wasn’t pouting and woe is me, they seemed pretty genuine and I really struggled with her through them. There is a scene with Flat Finn that ripped out my heart and I was so happy that at least Matt was still around to help her through it.
Celeste’s brother sister relationship with Matt is still so great. He is the one that really gets most of who she is and it is adorable how he tries to take care of her almost like a parent would. It is amazing the bond between them and how close they are. I especially loved the time they experimented with alcohol, incredibly funny.
My only dislikes of this story were that part of this story focused on Matt and Julie. I assumed they already got their HEA only to learn that after a few years Julie went to the West Coast for a job and she and Matt had somehow ended. Even though it is quite clear that they are not over one another it took until the very end of the book for that to get sorted out as well. I’m happy for them but it was a bit distracting from some of the story I really loved.
Had I read this book my mind wouldn’t have done as good a job with the story and the emotions of Celeste. Therefore I think I would have given this story a 3.5 star rating but it gets a 0.5 star bump up to 4 for audio awesomeness.
Flat out Celeste is a super cute coming of age story. You don’t have to have read Flat out Love to read this but I think you would enjoy it more if you had.
Audio Note: I rarely give a recommendation to just listen to a book, but sometimes it is warranted and necessary. Tavia Gilbert did such a fantastic job embodying the voices of the characters in this story and performing the narration that I enjoyed the story more by listening to the narration than I think I would have just reading. Her interpretation of Celeste and Justin was perfect for the story and she did a great job with the rest of the cast as well. There are a few portions of the story that I believe had I been just reading it they would have moved me a little but I don’t think they would have gutted me quite as much. Tavia Gilbert had my heart ripped out and on the floor while Celeste dealt with a few of her issues and had a scene with Flat Finn. I cried in my car on the way to work as she performed that scene in particular. This book was at least 0.5 - 1 stars better for my because of the audio narration.
“You are who you are. Don't be ashamed of yourself. At all. Surround yourself with people who cheer you on.”
I think your enjoyment of this book will depend almost solely on how much you connect with Celeste. She was my favorite character in Flat Out Love because she had so many quirks and emotional connection issues. I like how naïve and sincere her character is and I was so excited to see her a few years later swimming through the waters of trying to discover who she is in that year right before college.
Celeste struggles with being exceptionally smart but really naive to the world around her. She still has trouble connecting with peers and feels acutely how different she is from the other kids she is in school with. She has come a long way from the girl that carried around a life-size replica of her brother Finn but she still has a long way to go to become comfortable with who she is.
I have issues centered around loss. Perceived abandonment. Solitude, which I both crave and detest. It’s too much to explain.”
Pretty much Celeste is a hot mess, but she is a ridiculously smart hot mess who has decided to try new things in an attempt to become more socially acceptable and find a place that she does fit in.
There are some extremely funny situations as Celeste goes on this journey. My favorite being the attempt to join a skater puck band while wearing a black skin tight cat suit with firetruck red hair and singing a Joan Baez song. Even funnier was accidentally meeting Justin a college recruiter in said outfit. But most of all I loved the burgeoning relationship that develops between Celeste and Justin as they email and text each other over the year.
“Justin: I know where you live.
Justin: Wait, I didn't mean that in a creepy way...
Justin: Hello? Oh gawd... Did I freak you out?
Justin: I just meant that I would know where to pick you up. And it's not like I'd show up in a van with the windows all blacked out. That'd be super creepy.
Justin: I drive a Prius.
Justin: Nobody gets abducted in a Prius, right?”
They are both such strong personalities in their own right but somehow the hot mess that is Celeste with her uber intelligence and lack of social skills fits and compliments Justin’s exuberant all over the place random A.D.H.D. type personality. They were adorable like two puppies frolicking in a meadow.
I enjoyed the journey that Celeste went on and there were moments that I was heartbreakingly sad for her and her struggles with her perceived inadequacies. She wasn’t pouting and woe is me, they seemed pretty genuine and I really struggled with her through them. There is a scene with Flat Finn that ripped out my heart and I was so happy that at least Matt was still around to help her through it.
Celeste’s brother sister relationship with Matt is still so great. He is the one that really gets most of who she is and it is adorable how he tries to take care of her almost like a parent would. It is amazing the bond between them and how close they are. I especially loved the time they experimented with alcohol, incredibly funny.
My only dislikes of this story were that part of this story focused on Matt and Julie. I assumed they already got their HEA only to learn that after a few years Julie went to the West Coast for a job and she and Matt had somehow ended. Even though it is quite clear that they are not over one another it took until the very end of the book for that to get sorted out as well. I’m happy for them but it was a bit distracting from some of the story I really loved.
Had I read this book my mind wouldn’t have done as good a job with the story and the emotions of Celeste. Therefore I think I would have given this story a 3.5 star rating but it gets a 0.5 star bump up to 4 for audio awesomeness.
Flat out Celeste is a super cute coming of age story. You don’t have to have read Flat out Love to read this but I think you would enjoy it more if you had.
Audio Note: I rarely give a recommendation to just listen to a book, but sometimes it is warranted and necessary. Tavia Gilbert did such a fantastic job embodying the voices of the characters in this story and performing the narration that I enjoyed the story more by listening to the narration than I think I would have just reading. Her interpretation of Celeste and Justin was perfect for the story and she did a great job with the rest of the cast as well. There are a few portions of the story that I believe had I been just reading it they would have moved me a little but I don’t think they would have gutted me quite as much. Tavia Gilbert had my heart ripped out and on the floor while Celeste dealt with a few of her issues and had a scene with Flat Finn. I cried in my car on the way to work as she performed that scene in particular. This book was at least 0.5 - 1 stars better for my because of the audio narration.
June 14, 2014
***Reader Beware: In order to understand Celeste and her story as whole, I strongly recommend that you read Flat-Out Love first. Then, I have no doubt that Celeste's book will have the same impact on you that it did on me, and plus it's just a brilliant as Flat-Out Celeste. For that matter, don't even read this unless you've read Flat-Out Love, because there are some spoilers in this review. ***
5++ Superb Stars!! The beauty that is Celeste and the awesome that is Justin, with a whole lot of quirky mixed in, that’s what this book is about. Outstanding!
Talk about tugging on your heartstrings...WOW! This unique loveable character has had a hold on my heart since reading Flat-Out Love. You can still feel Celeste's pain over her brother’s death and while she's overcome quite a bit since then, it's evident she still struggles.
Enter...Justin Milano! This hyperactive, talkative beautiful charming boy is the light that will shine in Celeste's world. He will bring color back into her life, take her hand and show her how to live, not just exist. It's not easy for him to smash through her protective shell, but he's persistent, because he knows that if can break through to her, she will be his salvation as well. Soul mates to the core!
While the book is heart wrenching at times, it's also incredibly funny. When Celeste tries to reinvent herself, her audition for a skate punk band and the events that ensue, had me laughing so hard, my stomach hurt! Old fashioned anyone? *snicker snort* Drinking has never been so entertaining!
Speaking of Matt, well he did share in the Old Fashioned experiment, anyhoo...Matt, Matt, Matt! I have so much love for Matt! I wish everyone could have someone in their life that loves them as much as Matt loves his sister. He would walk to the ends of the earth for her, and he does, over and over. While this story mostly focuses on Celeste and her journey, it also brings resolution for Matt and the lovely Julie, the families savior from Flat-Out Love. Just thinking about the two of them sets my heart a flutter.
There are so many remarkable moments in this book! I wanted to whoop, holler, and celebrate every hurdle Celeste overcame. So many beautiful people, besides the incredible Justin, enter into her life, (Zeke and Dallas... hmmm...Flat-Out Couple...has ring don't you think?) who embrace Celeste, her idiosyncrasies, accept and value what she brings to the table, and don't look at her like she's a freak. I read through watery eyes.
Thank you Jessica Park for bringing us back into the lives of the wonderful Watkins family. You've shown us that there is someone for everyone and sometimes you just have to make that leap and trust, let someone love you and you might just find, you love them right back!
Do you want to feel good…really really good??? Then read Flat-Out Celeste . It's SUPERB!!
*A copy of the book was provided by Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for an honest review*
May 11, 2020
Some stories are achingly beautiful.
They reach deep into the core of your soul and they fill you with so much happiness! They break your heart a little bit and then wash away each tear with their beauty. Flat-Out Celeste is one of them (the series as a whole for that matter).
I don’t even know what should I start with.
♥ I loved Jessica’s emotional writing, full of humour but also tear inducing.
♥ I loved the characters full of life and love, of hope and fears. I loved their complexity, their particularities, I loved everything about them all.
♥ Then there is the beautiful dialogue (with the unique way Celeste talks in) and the wittiness most characters seem to carry around, the geeky t-shirts with those lovely funny messages on them, not to mention the coffee routine, the emails and the sugar-sweet romance.
I guess this means that I loved everything about this story.. and yeah, I truly did!
CELESTE is such a wonderful and special character.
There’s nothing ‘flat’ about her, she has a lot of depth, but I guess that she needed to find that on her own. She needed someone to un-break her tiny heart, she needed to break free of the protectiveness of her family (especially Matt, who loved her so much that he sacrificed everything for her; Matt who also kept her as a shield, ‘protecting’ him from taking risks and living his life), she needed to find ‘herself’ and be comfortable in her own skin. Most of all she needed love. Because love was what broke her in the first place, and love was what could make her whole again.
JUSTIN is one of the funniest guys out there.
I loved his ramblings, I loved his clumsiness, I loved how protective and caring he was with Celeste, but also I loved how he was the one that made her break free of the many things that kept her in that imperfect bubble of solitude. He was everything she needed and reading their story made me really giddy. They were both so cute and right for each other.
I could tell you many more things about Celeste’s parents and her new friends, about her dreams and needs, about her first date and first kiss, about each and every element I loved in this book, but that would never be enough. You need to feel each emotion on your own, you need to love this book for your own personal reasons.
All I can say is that this book is more than I ever thought it would be: simply, utterly and flat-out amazing!
Happy midnight reading!
*Find the complete review at: ReadingAfterMidnight.com
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Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Blog (RO)
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They reach deep into the core of your soul and they fill you with so much happiness! They break your heart a little bit and then wash away each tear with their beauty. Flat-Out Celeste is one of them (the series as a whole for that matter).
I don’t even know what should I start with.
♥ I loved Jessica’s emotional writing, full of humour but also tear inducing.
♥ I loved the characters full of life and love, of hope and fears. I loved their complexity, their particularities, I loved everything about them all.
♥ Then there is the beautiful dialogue (with the unique way Celeste talks in) and the wittiness most characters seem to carry around, the geeky t-shirts with those lovely funny messages on them, not to mention the coffee routine, the emails and the sugar-sweet romance.
I guess this means that I loved everything about this story.. and yeah, I truly did!
CELESTE is such a wonderful and special character.
There’s nothing ‘flat’ about her, she has a lot of depth, but I guess that she needed to find that on her own. She needed someone to un-break her tiny heart, she needed to break free of the protectiveness of her family (especially Matt, who loved her so much that he sacrificed everything for her; Matt who also kept her as a shield, ‘protecting’ him from taking risks and living his life), she needed to find ‘herself’ and be comfortable in her own skin. Most of all she needed love. Because love was what broke her in the first place, and love was what could make her whole again.
JUSTIN is one of the funniest guys out there.
I loved his ramblings, I loved his clumsiness, I loved how protective and caring he was with Celeste, but also I loved how he was the one that made her break free of the many things that kept her in that imperfect bubble of solitude. He was everything she needed and reading their story made me really giddy. They were both so cute and right for each other.
I could tell you many more things about Celeste’s parents and her new friends, about her dreams and needs, about her first date and first kiss, about each and every element I loved in this book, but that would never be enough. You need to feel each emotion on your own, you need to love this book for your own personal reasons.
All I can say is that this book is more than I ever thought it would be: simply, utterly and flat-out amazing!
Happy midnight reading!
*Find the complete review at: ReadingAfterMidnight.com
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Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Blog (RO)
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September 9, 2016
5 - Awkward is Awesome - Stars!
We originally met Celeste in Flat Out Love and she is a such a quirky character.
Celeste is very intelligent. She has always known she is different and socially awkward. She basically has a non-existent social life.
Now its becoming more apparent as she applies for different colleges. She is unsure how she will fit into different social situations given her current behaviors.
She of course has applied to all the prestigious schools since shes basically a genius. But then thanks to her teacher Mr. Gil, a lesser known college is trying to seek her attendance. Barton College is located all the way across the country in California though! And Celeste has never even flown. One good thing about California is that is where Julie is! Julie is Matt's ex-girlfriend and one of Celete's only friends.
Trying to decide on a college is exhausting!
Enter Justin, who is the liaison from Barton who attempts to woo Celeste into coming there. They start with enjoyable email conversations which left me smiling.
He is from the same area as Celeste so when he comes home he meets her. She thinks he's adorable and finally has her first crush!
Justin is a little odd as well. But them together is adorable! And I loved that he was able to help bring Celeste out of her shell and realize that she isn't the only weird one in the world.
With this one I laughed and I cried and at the very end I had a complete smile on my face so its a winner.
We originally met Celeste in Flat Out Love and she is a such a quirky character.
Celeste is very intelligent. She has always known she is different and socially awkward. She basically has a non-existent social life.
Now its becoming more apparent as she applies for different colleges. She is unsure how she will fit into different social situations given her current behaviors.
She of course has applied to all the prestigious schools since shes basically a genius. But then thanks to her teacher Mr. Gil, a lesser known college is trying to seek her attendance. Barton College is located all the way across the country in California though! And Celeste has never even flown. One good thing about California is that is where Julie is! Julie is Matt's ex-girlfriend and one of Celete's only friends.
Trying to decide on a college is exhausting!
Enter Justin, who is the liaison from Barton who attempts to woo Celeste into coming there. They start with enjoyable email conversations which left me smiling.
He is from the same area as Celeste so when he comes home he meets her. She thinks he's adorable and finally has her first crush!
“Hey, Justin?”
“Hey, Celeste?”
Justin is a little odd as well. But them together is adorable! And I loved that he was able to help bring Celeste out of her shell and realize that she isn't the only weird one in the world.
"God, we’re all probably diagnosable. Look at the world around you. Look! We all have something. All of us. Every single person in this world has a quirk."
With this one I laughed and I cried and at the very end I had a complete smile on my face so its a winner.
”You’re a lifesaver, Celeste.”
"No, you are my lifesaver, Justin.”
November 22, 2015
It's been TWO HOURS since I read the final line, & it's taken all of TWO HOURS to get my trembling, breathing & heart-rate under control. My hands are still shaking, so I'm going to need to keep this review short.... This novel SHREDDED me. It DESTROYED, SHATTERED, MANGLED, DEMOLISHED, & CRUSHED me to the point where my emotional pain manifested viscerally. In all honesty, it felt like someone stabbed me in the chest with a blade & slowly, tortuously carved out my heart. I spent the entire novel with one hand either rubbing the aching area over my chest... or dabbing my eyes with tissues. I'm not exaggerating when I say that my eyes watered throughout the ENTIRE novel. My eyes never stopped tearing— mostly due to emotional devastation, but at times, also due to Matty & Celeste's crazy antics. Matthew Watkins will forever rank in my uppermost echelon of literary characters. When Matty cries, I cry. When Matty laughs, I laugh. When Matty hurts, I hurt… A LOT.
For the most part, Flat-Out Celeste was a very well-written novel. While I do have some criticisms, I'll save my literary analysis for another time. This novel shifts between being uproariously funny to being overwhelmingly distressing. Author Jessica Park takes her readers on a tumultuous ride… and in the end, I felt drained of all emotion & every ounce of adrenaline.
*4.25/5 stars*
P.S. This book features some fabulous quotes. Unfortunately, I can’t post any of them b/c I fear that I may spoil the novel for those of you who plan to read it. Therefore, I’ll just leave you with some awesome quotes from Matty’s geeky T-shirt collection:
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.
Come to the nerd side. We have Pi.
Dear Algebra, Stop asking us to find your X. She’s not coming back.
All This Science Gives Me a Hadron.
Don’t Stop Me From Having a Helvetica Good Time.
*** Did I mention how much I LOVE Matty? *sigh*
For the most part, Flat-Out Celeste was a very well-written novel. While I do have some criticisms, I'll save my literary analysis for another time. This novel shifts between being uproariously funny to being overwhelmingly distressing. Author Jessica Park takes her readers on a tumultuous ride… and in the end, I felt drained of all emotion & every ounce of adrenaline.
*4.25/5 stars*
P.S. This book features some fabulous quotes. Unfortunately, I can’t post any of them b/c I fear that I may spoil the novel for those of you who plan to read it. Therefore, I’ll just leave you with some awesome quotes from Matty’s geeky T-shirt collection:
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.
Come to the nerd side. We have Pi.
Dear Algebra, Stop asking us to find your X. She’s not coming back.
All This Science Gives Me a Hadron.
Don’t Stop Me From Having a Helvetica Good Time.
*** Did I mention how much I LOVE Matty? *sigh*
April 21, 2017
When I finished the last page of this book I cried. It wasn't because the book was sad, it wasn't because of how happy I was with the ending, it was because of how amazing this book was and how sad I was that it was over. I love this book so much and it is, without a doubt, one of the best books I have ever read. Celeste is my favorite book character of all-time. I loved her in Flat-Out Love and Flat-Out Matt and was so excited she was getting her own book. Flat-Out Celeste was everything I hoped it would be and more. Celeste is strong, interesting, smart and funny. She has such a good heart and is so complex. Justin was her perfect match and I loved their emails to each other. Matt is still my number #1 book boyfriend and I was so glad we got more Matt in Flat-Out Celeste. I wish I was better at writing reviews because I just want everyone to know how awesome this book is and how much it will touch your heart. My only wish is that there would've been an epilogue because I love epilogues. Highly recommend this beautiful and amazing book!
June 8, 2014
Flat-Out Celeste, I was so happy with this well written story. There were a few kinks on which who was speaking but, other than that the writing of it was great.
This story was an absolute page-turner!
Reading it was like a roller coaster, it started out slow, then the climb came, and a huge climb at that. Finally reaching it's peak, the story came crashing down with sadness.
Just as you don't believe it will ever level out again and it'll go crashing into the ground, it immediately turned around and shot sky high into cloud nine!
I would highly recommend this book to be read for teens and up, with five stars!
Enjoy! ^_^
This story was an absolute page-turner!
Reading it was like a roller coaster, it started out slow, then the climb came, and a huge climb at that. Finally reaching it's peak, the story came crashing down with sadness.
Just as you don't believe it will ever level out again and it'll go crashing into the ground, it immediately turned around and shot sky high into cloud nine!
I would highly recommend this book to be read for teens and up, with five stars!
Enjoy! ^_^
May 24, 2014
Damnit, I'm gonna need some therapy after that... This is one of the best books I ever read ! I loved Celeste so much in Flat-Out Love, I hurt for her and couldn't wait for her to have her own book and happiness.
She is the best female character ever written. Like ever. I do not know how in the hell Jessica Park came with theses ideas and this so much awesome character, but...
I cried for Celeste, Justin, Matt and Julie.
And Celeste is so right. Nobody needs a over tattooed alpha male when Justin exists. He is effortless in his loving. Nobody's perfect but he is closed to be.
Now in a totally selfish way, I want more of these four.
January 3, 2017
3.5
Such an adorable story! This tie in to Flat-Out Love was undeniably addictive and adorable. Of course, I had some annoyances with the story which couldn't be overlooked (aka the way Celeste spoke). I will hopefully do a full review tomorrow!
“I am choosing a love that defies boundaries and a life that defies boundaries."
Such an adorable story! This tie in to Flat-Out Love was undeniably addictive and adorable. Of course, I had some annoyances with the story which couldn't be overlooked (aka the way Celeste spoke). I will hopefully do a full review tomorrow!
October 9, 2019
Oh, JP. You really played with my emotions with this one.
Hey, Justin?
Hey, Celeste?
I was extremely hesitant to start this book, but I knew that I had to read it because Park is one of my favorite authors. She wouldn't let me down - and she didn't. I just had this fear that this installment was going to take away some of the magic from the first book Flat-Out Love. To be honest, it did. I found myself being so frustrated with everyone. Celeste was a tad bit annoying. Matt was annoying and dumb. Their parents were still oblivious and annoying. And, of course, all that made me - yep you guessed it! - annoyed.
When Justin's character was introduced, the book completely changed. Justin was an amazing character and complimented Celeste so perfectly. JP kept to the theme of instant messaging, and she executes those scenes so well. Justin and Celeste has chemistry so strong that I literally got butterflies at some of their dialogues.
"And you have me. Sometimes you need someone else to believe in you, to carry you, until you can do that yourself. Let me carry you. You’re almost there. Damn it, Celeste, you’re almost there. God, please, you have me, and I want you.” He stopped walking back and forth and put both of his hands over his heart. “I want you so much.”
Overall, this book was good. I really, really wanted to love it but the first half of the book really brought the story down. And somebody please tell the Watkins that they aren't the only quirky family in the world. #soannoying
4 STARS!
Hey, Justin?
Hey, Celeste?
I was extremely hesitant to start this book, but I knew that I had to read it because Park is one of my favorite authors. She wouldn't let me down - and she didn't. I just had this fear that this installment was going to take away some of the magic from the first book Flat-Out Love. To be honest, it did. I found myself being so frustrated with everyone. Celeste was a tad bit annoying. Matt was annoying and dumb. Their parents were still oblivious and annoying. And, of course, all that made me - yep you guessed it! - annoyed.
When Justin's character was introduced, the book completely changed. Justin was an amazing character and complimented Celeste so perfectly. JP kept to the theme of instant messaging, and she executes those scenes so well. Justin and Celeste has chemistry so strong that I literally got butterflies at some of their dialogues.
"And you have me. Sometimes you need someone else to believe in you, to carry you, until you can do that yourself. Let me carry you. You’re almost there. Damn it, Celeste, you’re almost there. God, please, you have me, and I want you.” He stopped walking back and forth and put both of his hands over his heart. “I want you so much.”
Overall, this book was good. I really, really wanted to love it but the first half of the book really brought the story down. And somebody please tell the Watkins that they aren't the only quirky family in the world. #soannoying
4 STARS!
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June 6, 2014
3 stars
Celeste is a social outcast at school and now preparing to go to college. Justin is a student liasion hoping to persuade her to choose his college. They develop a friendship, but would her insecurities get in the way of love?
Maybe I wasnt in the YA mood but I found myself a bit bored. I wasnt happy with Matt&Julie's situation. I thought the best part of the whole book was Matt&Julie's scene at the end. I dont have much to say about Celeste&Justin, I guess that pretty much sums up how I feel about them.
I think if you are in the mood for first love low drama type with a few cute moments, I would recommend this. It didnt quite reach higher ratings but I think lots of readers will enjoy this one.
January 2, 2015
Several years ago, when Flat-Out Love was very first released (*with* the original cover that I still see in my mind whenever I think of it!), I read it, had an intense emotional reaction to it, and proceeded to recommend it to every single one of my friends on Goodreads and in real life.
The connection to Celeste's character in particular, for me, was immediate and unbreakable. I worked to express that in my review, and I worked to express that in my communication with the author. I loved Celeste as a sister. I felt protective of her. I ultimately felt such pride in her. But, in my own way, I also identified with certain unique aspects of her character. I hoped with my whole heart that I would one day 'meet' Celeste again. I also had extremely high expectations for that reunion and pledged to accept nothing less than perfection for Celeste's story.
Jessica Park is a brilliant, truly gifted storyteller and wordsmith. I am sitting here so full of complex emotions, having just finished reading Flat-Out Celeste, and all I can think to say to Jessica Park is, "Thank you!!!!", ten thousand times over. My gratitude is boundless because this author so *far* exceeded my (admittedly unmeetable) expectations that I'm in absolute awe. Absolute. Awe.
I highlighted pages and pages...and more pages of passages and conversations, between Celeste and (perfect-for-her) Justin, Celeste and my beautiful, wonderful Matthew, Celeste and her family. You get the idea. Honestly? I would have saved myself time and effort if I'd just highlighted the entire damn book! Nearly every page was emotional gold, and the beauty of Celeste's story--the intrinsic value--is now imprinted on my heart for a lifetime. Just as Flat-Out Love is.
Once again, I felt that sibling bond with Celeste. Once again, I found myself identifying with her, in my own way. And, once again, I felt such fierce pride in this remarkable, breathtaking young woman. The one thing that had changed between Celeste and I? She didn't inspire my protective instincts. As Justin pointed out throughout the book, she was fighting her war, and she was winning!
As she said, "I am choosing a love that defies boundaries and a life that defies boundaries. That is the power of Celeste."
The connection to Celeste's character in particular, for me, was immediate and unbreakable. I worked to express that in my review, and I worked to express that in my communication with the author. I loved Celeste as a sister. I felt protective of her. I ultimately felt such pride in her. But, in my own way, I also identified with certain unique aspects of her character. I hoped with my whole heart that I would one day 'meet' Celeste again. I also had extremely high expectations for that reunion and pledged to accept nothing less than perfection for Celeste's story.
Jessica Park is a brilliant, truly gifted storyteller and wordsmith. I am sitting here so full of complex emotions, having just finished reading Flat-Out Celeste, and all I can think to say to Jessica Park is, "Thank you!!!!", ten thousand times over. My gratitude is boundless because this author so *far* exceeded my (admittedly unmeetable) expectations that I'm in absolute awe. Absolute. Awe.
I highlighted pages and pages...and more pages of passages and conversations, between Celeste and (perfect-for-her) Justin, Celeste and my beautiful, wonderful Matthew, Celeste and her family. You get the idea. Honestly? I would have saved myself time and effort if I'd just highlighted the entire damn book! Nearly every page was emotional gold, and the beauty of Celeste's story--the intrinsic value--is now imprinted on my heart for a lifetime. Just as Flat-Out Love is.
Once again, I felt that sibling bond with Celeste. Once again, I found myself identifying with her, in my own way. And, once again, I felt such fierce pride in this remarkable, breathtaking young woman. The one thing that had changed between Celeste and I? She didn't inspire my protective instincts. As Justin pointed out throughout the book, she was fighting her war, and she was winning!
As she said, "I am choosing a love that defies boundaries and a life that defies boundaries. That is the power of Celeste."
October 18, 2014
Wow, it was such a fun and sweet read! I love how Jessica Park brings these unique characters to life and makes them so lovable. Review to come!
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Chloë Grace Moretz is perfect Celeste ♥
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Chloë Grace Moretz is perfect Celeste ♥
November 9, 2015
Flat Out Celeste by Jessica Park
Mature YA. Can stand alone but part of a series.
It's been almost 3 years since I read Flat-Out%20Love" target="_blank">Flat Out Love. Before I ever started blogging. In fact, Flat Out Love by Jessica Park is one of the books that encouraged me to start Ana's Attic. I wanted to share these amazing, unique books with as many people as I could. In three years, I can still say that Flat Out Love is one of my favorite reads. Unique, quirky, smart, heart warming and heart wrenching, I didn't really want more--don't mess with perfection and all that. It was perfect the way it was.
Then I read Flat Out Matt. Flat Out Matt wasn't a complete story, just many of the scenes re-told from Matt's POV, and again, Jessica Park made magic. But Celeste, one of my favorite female characters ever, growing up and headed to college? NOOOOOOO!!! Don't fuck up the innocence of Celeste, one of my favorite characters ever!
Silly me, I should have trusted Jessica. Flat-Out%20Celeste" target="_blank">Flat Out Celeste could not have been a more perfect story. In fact, I may have even loved it more than the first.
"There is magic in diversity. Without the Celestes, the world wouldn’t go round."
Celeste is a senior in high school. She has grown into a beautiful young lady, but she knows she is different, very different.
"Celeste knew that, according to societal standards at least, she was attractive, but she didn't quite understand why those standards existed in the first place. Her appearance had nothing to do with the strange creature that she was."
"Lecherous stares are unwarranted, given my aberrant character"
She still rarely uses contractions, she is so ridiculously smart, her peers rarely know what she is talking about, and she spends her lunch periods hidden away, alone, imagining how different her life can be in college. Until a fellow classmate, Dallas, makes an effort to be her friend. And even recommends a smutty book to her!
"The black and white cover showcased a semi-naked man's muscled torso, with barely an inch of skin that was not tattooed, clutching a woman in a clearly intimate embrace. "I see that they are on a motorcycle. I have concerns about where the handlebars might end up."
Then Celeste gets an e-mail from the student liason from Barton college, a small liberal arts school way across the country in California. Celeste won't fly, but the letters from the young male liaison have her interest piqued. Celeste has her choice of any Ivy League school, but they are all kind of blending together for her. She has been planning and working on college forever thinking that that would be "her time" but she is starting to realize that in college you still need a roommate and a social life, so she decides to change her image a bit.
I refuse to be left behind in this world, so I need to catch up.
She stops avoiding Dallas and develops a friendship.
"My friend Dallas took me aside to offer quite the list of compliments."
"That's great, Celeste."
"And then I bitch-slapped her."
Matt choked on the drink and desperately tried to clear his airway. "I'm sorry. You did what?"
"She cocked her head. “I bitch-slapped her.”
“That… that can’t be right,” he sputtered. “I mean, I hope it’s not.”
“I slapped my hand against her hand. Up in the air.” She looked at Matt blankly. “Is that not the right term?”
She also develops an online e-mail/texting friendship with the awkward and very ADD Justin, the liaison from Barton. Just like Jessica did in Flat Out Love, the messages between the two were some of my favorite moments. Since Justin's hometown is near Boston, he can meet Celeste during the holidays.
"Justin: I know where you live.
Justin: Wait, I didn't mean that in a creepy way...
Justin: Hello? Oh gawd... Did I freak you out?
Justin: I just meant that I would know where to pick you up. And it's not like I'd show in a van with the windows all blacked out. That'd be super creepy.
Justin: I drive a Prius. Justin: Nobody gets abducted in a Prius, right?"
I just loved the sweet innocence that the two had. Celeste has never really had a relationship outside of her family and Julie, but Justin has grown to accept and appreciate his own idiosyncrasies and in turn, he helps Celeste with her social fears.
“I have social difficulties. I do not always read situations properly. Or, more correctly, I do not always read people properly.”
“Maybe people don’t read you properly.”
“That is a generous way to see me.”
“It’s the only way to see you.”
Not only does Justin help Celeste, but she helps him as well.
“You’re calming for me. You can settle me somehow in a way that nobody else has. I can’t explain it.”
And the two of them together couldn't have been more perfect.
“I’m going to kiss you. And I better do a good job because I want you to like it.”
“I feel quite sure that I will.”
“How could you know that?”
“Because it’s you.”
Jessica Park really did a great job working her quirky magic with Flat Out Celeste, and I couldn't have loved it more.
"Sometimes you need someone else to believe in you, to carry you, until you can carry yourself. Let me carry you."
Likes:
•Matty’s nerd shirts are back.
•The sweet, silly e-mails.
•First love done right.
•Coffee art.
•Band tryouts.
•Celeste's new friends.
•I smiled and laughed out loud many times.
•I just loved Justin.
•The underlying message throughout the whole book.
Dislikes:
•Matt and Julie's relationship. I thought I missed something and had to go back and read the end of the last book. Huh?
•I wish there was an epilogue.
Rating: 5 stars 1 heat
Honestly Flat Out Celeste was a 5++++ star read for me, especially while reading it. But I just didn't understand what I missed with Matt and Julie, I thought I forgot a major plot point from the last book, until I looked back after finishing and realized that the story I thought I missed had takes place in the intervening years, which made me so sad.
Still, I loved everything about Celeste's story. I loved her growth, her trying to find herself, her audition song choice, and how the cat suit felt, the texts and e-mails, her friendships with her classmates and her and Matt's wonderful brother/sister relationship. I loved how labels were never really used and the messages behind all of Jessica Park's words. The message that normal is just a perception, and nobody should be able to set a standard of what is "normal". The message to embrace yourself, quirks and all because that is what makes the world interesting was deeply embedded in this story without being obnoxiously in your face.
Flat Out Celeste was certainly not about your average tattooed bad boy, yet I fell in love with Justin just the same. If you are looking for a unique read with will make you laugh, cry, smile the whole time, hug your kindle and make you feel good about yourself or your quirky child, this is one series that can do it for you.
"God, we’re all probably diagnosable. Look at the world around you. Look! We all have something. All of us. Every single person in this world has a quirk."
Note: The strangest thing happened while reading this book, my son, who is the lead singer and guitar player in his band, played a song because his drummer wanted to sing it at his last show. I was sneak reading Flat Out Celeste during the show, and right at the audition part, my son started playing "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" right when that song was in the book. He never, ever played it before! Weird, huh?
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May 26, 2014
Celeste and Justin have made me really happy! I haven't shipped a couple this hard in a while. I don't know if there are list anywhere of favorite book couples for each year. But so far their my favorite couple of 2014!!!!
Summary: Remember Celeste Watkins??? Well she's in high school now and she can't wait to be done with it. She can't wait to leave her high school life behind and start a new one at college. But until than she has to deal with school, her peers, and choosing which college she wants to go to, to start her new life. Things are already complicated but they get a little more complicated when Justin Milano comes into her life.
Characters: I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I was reading about Celeste and Justin. They are too cute together and they've become one of my favorite couples. I already loved Celeste from the first book but seeing her older now and getting her pov made me love her even more. She's been through alot and she does do things a little bit different than some people. But she's very intelligent, strong, and NORMAL!!!! I'm glad she met Justin because if she didn't I don't think she would have been ready for college. She didn't feel like her school mates accepted her and she figure that it would be different when she started college. But with the help of Justin she realized that she didn't need to change for anyone and that everyone was not out to get her.
You don't want to miss out on people. If you assume everyone is out to get you, then you're going to shut them down before they have a chance to prove you wrong.
She's come a long way from the little girl that we first met. She's matured alot and I'm glad that she met someone new that she felt comfortable with. Even more comfortable then she is with her family.
Writing: I did find one error but other than that the writing was perfect. The story was kind of predictable but I still loved it, and all the characters were relatable.
Overall: I really enjoyed this story. Not only was it perfect but it's one of those books that actually teach you something. I feel like it teaches a great lesson about accepting people for who they are and letting people be who they want to be.
Do we want the entire universe made up of people who are all clones of each other? How damn boring would that be?
Nobody's perfect and I think if more people would except that the world would be a little bit better. Enough about what I think. This story is AMAZING!!!! If you don't fall in love with Celeste something is clearly wrong with you. And if you don't know who she is you need to find out. Read this book now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before I finish this review I have three words for you: MATT AND JULIE!!!!!
Favorite Quote(s):
That's the thing about music. You get to make it mean whatever you need it to mean.
You are who you are. Don't be ashamed of yourself. At all. Surround yourself with people who cheer you on.
I'm not going to drown in what I can't change.
Summary: Remember Celeste Watkins??? Well she's in high school now and she can't wait to be done with it. She can't wait to leave her high school life behind and start a new one at college. But until than she has to deal with school, her peers, and choosing which college she wants to go to, to start her new life. Things are already complicated but they get a little more complicated when Justin Milano comes into her life.
Characters: I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I was reading about Celeste and Justin. They are too cute together and they've become one of my favorite couples. I already loved Celeste from the first book but seeing her older now and getting her pov made me love her even more. She's been through alot and she does do things a little bit different than some people. But she's very intelligent, strong, and NORMAL!!!! I'm glad she met Justin because if she didn't I don't think she would have been ready for college. She didn't feel like her school mates accepted her and she figure that it would be different when she started college. But with the help of Justin she realized that she didn't need to change for anyone and that everyone was not out to get her.
You don't want to miss out on people. If you assume everyone is out to get you, then you're going to shut them down before they have a chance to prove you wrong.
She's come a long way from the little girl that we first met. She's matured alot and I'm glad that she met someone new that she felt comfortable with. Even more comfortable then she is with her family.
Writing: I did find one error but other than that the writing was perfect. The story was kind of predictable but I still loved it, and all the characters were relatable.
Overall: I really enjoyed this story. Not only was it perfect but it's one of those books that actually teach you something. I feel like it teaches a great lesson about accepting people for who they are and letting people be who they want to be.
Do we want the entire universe made up of people who are all clones of each other? How damn boring would that be?
Nobody's perfect and I think if more people would except that the world would be a little bit better. Enough about what I think. This story is AMAZING!!!! If you don't fall in love with Celeste something is clearly wrong with you. And if you don't know who she is you need to find out. Read this book now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before I finish this review I have three words for you: MATT AND JULIE!!!!!
Favorite Quote(s):
That's the thing about music. You get to make it mean whatever you need it to mean.
You are who you are. Don't be ashamed of yourself. At all. Surround yourself with people who cheer you on.
I'm not going to drown in what I can't change.
June 15, 2014
2.5 – 3 (I Don’t Get It) Stars
I’m not the norm here. I didn’t get this read and I didn’t think it deserved five stars. I like Jessica Park’s read and I know the Flat-Out Love series is geared towards more the YA audience, but again…
I JUST DO NOT GET IT!!!
I was bored for the first 30% because NOTHING HAPPENED. Then finally Celeste gets correspondence from Justin and I��m like….
This is too cute!!!
So I read some more and Celeste and Justin meet over the holidays and they have their first date and it’s really cute and all, but then I’m like….. Maybe this “type of read”
IS JUST NOT FOR ME
Can something be too cute??
I didn’t understand Celeste’s character. I understand “different” kind of Heroine’s, but I found her kind of too unrealistic and kind of annoying. I get she’s an 18 year old nerd, but I just couldn’t connect and it drove me mad. The relationship between Celeste and Justin was too slow and too youthful. I couldn’t imagine a sophomore in college acting like that.
Oh and when Celeste
I TRIED!!!! I REALLY DID
I really did try and so many people recommended it and I read the rave reviews and I loved Matt’s story, so I was HIGHLY disappointed with this one.
It just wasn’t for me.
AMAZON
I’m not the norm here. I didn’t get this read and I didn’t think it deserved five stars. I like Jessica Park’s read and I know the Flat-Out Love series is geared towards more the YA audience, but again…
I JUST DO NOT GET IT!!!
I was bored for the first 30% because NOTHING HAPPENED. Then finally Celeste gets correspondence from Justin and I��m like….
This is too cute!!!
So I read some more and Celeste and Justin meet over the holidays and they have their first date and it’s really cute and all, but then I’m like….. Maybe this “type of read”
IS JUST NOT FOR ME
Can something be too cute??
I didn’t understand Celeste’s character. I understand “different” kind of Heroine’s, but I found her kind of too unrealistic and kind of annoying. I get she’s an 18 year old nerd, but I just couldn’t connect and it drove me mad. The relationship between Celeste and Justin was too slow and too youthful. I couldn’t imagine a sophomore in college acting like that.
Oh and when Celeste
I TRIED!!!! I REALLY DID
I really did try and so many people recommended it and I read the rave reviews and I loved Matt’s story, so I was HIGHLY disappointed with this one.
It just wasn’t for me.
AMAZONDisplaying 1 - 30 of 1,217 reviews