Embracing You, Embracing Me by Michelle Bellon Review

Embracing You, Embracing Me
By Michelle Bellon
Fingerpress, 266 pages
7th May, 2012
Source: This book was provided by the author in exchange for my unbiased review.

Young Adult novel begins in a 90s Trailer Park, and hits hard. In a decade when image matters, when the so-called Generation X is swelling with 'future perfect' hopes and pride, 16-year-old Roshell McRady dances her way through High School, never quite admitting that she's ashamed of her trailer park family home. Meanwhile she listens to Madonna while conjuring creative Top Ramen recipes to feed her younger cousins; she empties enough hairspray until her bangs are feathered and vertical like a lethal weapon; and she agonises over how to convince Gabriel Harrison, the new Mystery Guy in town, to invite her to the prom - a night which threatens to turn into a disaster. But then life takes a dramatic turn for Roshell, and her life changes forever. A love story emerges from the anguish of Roshell's life, and when she leaves school and finds work at a casino, things don't get any less complicated for her - until one night a powerful dream marks out the exact path that she must take. Embracing You, Embracing Me has young adult humour and nineties-style cultural aspirations, but surprises with some hard-hitting moments that give the book a keen edge.

- Goodreads.com description

I swear I’ve got so many emotions running through me once I was done with the book. Embracing You, Embracing Me was such an emotional ride! I was 10 pages in and I was hooked!

Roshell was such an easy character for me to connect with. She’s such a fun, strong character person. Her hair is awesome! She’s active and loves to dance. Especially ballet. But she never could admit her insecurities of her trailer van house.

I love a good supporting best friend character! I mean, why the fights right? Amber was just so loyal to Roshell. She has been through almost everything with Roshell.

Roshell’s relationship with Gabriel was very endearing. They are just so cute together! I was kind of annoyed when Roshell went kind of hot and cold on him. I mean, I understand why she was acting that way but… well… maybe I’m just biased since I think Gabe’s really cute :P

I like that this book didn’t just have one POV. And no. It doesn’t have multiple POVs too. But you still get the two sides of the story. Each character in this book have their own POV scene. It went kind of like a blurb.

This book wasn’t just a ride through Roshell’s high school life. It went straight on to her adulthood. I have been laughing, crying, and giggling through this whole book. Especially when I’m halfway through the book. That emotional ride was at its intense.

Embracing You, Embracing Me has lots of its moral values. The title totally suits the book. Roshell learnt a lot through her journey through life. It’s ok to make mistakes but don’t repeat them and that’s what Roshell’s trying to do.

Embracing You, Embracing Me was such an endearing and an enjoyable read. Definitely not a book that you’ll forget soon!

Fara