LitPick Review
Sam is just about to enter her senior year of school, when she finds out that because the past few months while her dad’s promotion has called for him commuting longer hours daily, it has taken its toll on the family. So, her parents have decided to move closer to his job causing Sam to have to switch high schools during her last year. She’s beyond mad at her parents for not considering her feelings. Now that’s she driving, she had even asked if she can drive back and forth to school just so she can graduate with all her friends that have been together since elementary school. Her parents are firm on their decision, so Sam starts her senior year in a different high school. She knows she will be the odd girl just because everyone else has been through the past few years together. Never does she imagine that she will be involved in a situation that will change her life forever. Nor that she would have to rely on a fellow student named Conner to be the one to initially help her through that situation. What is the life-changing situation Sam experiences? Is she able to work through the emotional and physical aspects of it?
Opinion:
I want to start off by saying that I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Michelle Wishner has a way of telling Sam’s story that pulls you in immediately and holds you until you finish it. My heart went out to Sam because I couldn’t imagine having to start a new school during senior year and having to leave all the friends you know since you were a young child. Everything that was familiar to her was ripped away in a short time. I had faith that Sam would make new friends at her school, but I knew it would be hard because the teenagers there already knew each other for years. I was glad to see that a few girls, Jess, Rachel, and Lynn, immediately stepped up to show her around and they all hit it off well together. These girls were the very backbone Sam needed later on in the story.
When Sam met Conner, the captain of the school’s hockey team, I could feel the sparks flying between them immediately. It was as if they were right in front of me and I felt the electricity flow between them. I wanted them to start something off with each other, although I knew it was just the beginning of the school year. I have to admit though, when I found out that Conner had a girlfriend, I wasn’t too happy that he was so drawn to Sam. I wanted him to make the decision who he thought he should be with and not string either one along for his benefit only. I never felt that he and his girlfriend had the connection like he and Sam did from the very first day of school. I hoped he didn’t hurt either girl and would make a decision quickly.
As the book progressed and Sam was fitting into her new school, I was happy for her that her new girlfriends were easing her into the new transition of being in a new school with all new friends. I felt bad she couldn’t spend as much time with her best friend, Becky, from her old school, so when Becky came for a visit and fit right into Sam’s new group of friends, I felt more at ease for her that she was acclimating fairly well. When they went to the party at Jake’s house, another hockey player at their school, I really felt that Sam was coming out of her shell. That was until the unthinkable happened to her. I don’t want to give anything away, but I am so proud how Conner, Jess, Rachel, and Lynn handled the situation for Sam. I knew she had made true friends that would look out for her well-being.
Overall, I really enjoyed “Ever the Same” and would highly recommend it! It has an age range set for 13-18 year olds and I feel this would be the perfect fit for teenagers in that age bracket. Honestly, I am an adult reviewer and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. If you’re looking for a great read that has romance, strong friendships, loyalty to friends and family, and a lesson or two about coming-of-age, then look no further. This is a story you shouldn’t pass up! Well done, Ms. Wishner!
