Review: All That Matters by Youseph Tanha

Title: All That Matters

Author: Youseph Tanha

Category: Teen

Publisher: Youseph Tanha via Kindle

Date Published: July 2011

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Ethan Wright is just like any other high school kid that is one day lucky enough to meet the girl of his dreams. Throughout the course of high school the young couple learn to cope with incredibly difficult odds to discover all that matters.

My Final Thought

All That Matters by Youseph Tanha, while it carries a story of its own, in some other way had reminded me a lot of 'A Walk To Remember' by Nicholas Sparks, which I read a few years back. Somehow for the first few pages, the plot, which includes a sick girl and a young man who loves her unconditionally, bore uncanny resemblance with Sparks' version but minus reckless teenagers, wicked 'queen bee', bullying and untimely death. When I first accepted the book to be read and reviewed, I didn't expect all that sadness and tremendous amount of love within this book and also the rational behind the 'unconditional love'. I was expecting something else. However, despite the story having quite the same pitch as Sparks' (I wouldn't compare this book to Sparks' anyhow), I found myself loving this story even more. 

Ethan, I reckoned has just experienced the pang of first love after he spots Amanda in one of his classes. Ever since that fateful day, his feelings for Amanda grows but the problem is Amanda has already in a relationship with a college guy. Despite all that, Ethan remains hopeful until an unexpected twist gives him a chance to prove his love for her. Now I must say that this kind of romance usually made me yawn because I would question every now and then of this boy's sanity. However, instead of endless string of questions, I found myself adoring him for being truly faithful. Ethan possesses every quality a girl would typically look for in a boy; he's smart and kind, he's in a band and he's got a steady job. Amanda though, while I felt sorry for her initial grim situation, toward the end of the story, I had anger for her but at the same time, I understands her wanting to see the world outside of Anacortes. 

In terms of narration, the author had done quite a great job in delivering the story to its full potential. Everything is put together nicely and with minimal flaws. Through the first person voice, readers could easily found themselves connected to Ethan. Every character in this story was interesting, and the every day situation into which the characters were put was very typical and sounded rather familiar that every teenager could relate to. On the negative side, I thought the author should have elaborated more on how Ethan ended up managing a hospital. I understand the irony but somehow, I was left hanging in confusion over Ethan's eventual fate. 

I only wished that this book had a good cover that somehow matches with the story. Otherwise, the readers won't take notice of this book and for a wrong impression. However, at the end of the day, the simple but terrific story of undying devotion made me aching in sadness, yet swarm on the inside simultaneously from the purest of love that we all crave for in our lives.

Target readers and recommendation

Love-lorn teenagers, young adult and grown ups who would appreciate a light read for the evening. Be prepared with a box of tissue paper though. 

Bornean Bookworm rates: 5 stars out of 5!

Purchase your copy: Amazon - Barnes & Noble

Notes:

*Review copy and cover are courtesy of the author, Youseph Tanha. Many thanks to him!