Review: Relatively Honest by Molly Ringle

Title: Relatively Honest

Author: Molly Ringle

Category: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover – My Initial Impression

I liked the simple cover; the image of a boy and a girl holding hands (though very slightly) sends a gazillion questions about what is really going on in their relationship. I thought it worked well with the title. Besides, the word ‘Honest’ in the title simply made me said ‘Hmm?’ before turning on to the next page while trying to figure out what the whole story is going to be like.  

Favorite Quote

‘The idea of talking to dad about menopause is too horrible to think about…’ 

- I get what Daniel meant by that statement. I don’t think that menopause is an appropriate to topic to talk with my dad either. Did I mention awkward too?

My Thoughts

I had very high expectation for Molly after reading What Scotland Taught Me. It was indeed a great and very pleasurable contemporary young adult book to indulge in, thus I was very nervous for her when I got this book, Relatively Honest, and wonder whether it could match WSTC’s sweet, yet wild feat. Nonetheless, the anxiety didn’t put off my enthusiasm level to read and perhaps cry as well with the characters of Relatively Honest, like what I’d experienced with WSTC’s characters. So, what’s my final verdict of this book? Splendid! Totally loved it and would definitely recommend it to everybody…everybody means EVERYBODY. 

The whole time Molly played with my emotions with all the unexpected, if not wicked, twists in the plot when I wasn't fully prepared for it. There was so much ‘Ouch!’ and unbearable secrets to deal with. Next minute I was on Daniel’s side, and the next I found myself angered by his foolishness and on his parents’ side instead. Daniel is a student from England who has to move to the States with his parents due to work. He’s a womanizer, very British and is so eager to date American girls, as many as he can. Daniel’s character reminds me a lot of my ex whom I’ve always wanted to punch in the face for his many infidelities. Still, I liked Daniel and his Brit wits, his outlook on life and ramblings. I laughed every now and then at his antics and thought Molly had really done a very good job in building his character. I normally don’t read YA book in male perspective, especially when it is written by a female author, and it’s not because I don’t read them. It’s because such YA book is rare and mostly dominated by female lead characters. But Relatively Honest offered something new and delightful, perhaps even better than the normally-too-cheesy chick lit I’ve read before. And speaking of Daniel, I pitied him at the end of day because all he wants is to love with the utmost honesty when he finally finds love in Julie, only to be broken-hearted quite miserably.

The setting appeals to me as well because it's been such a long time since I read a book set in university and student life in general. It sort of brought back the memories I have of my own university-life experience, though with less presence of much quirky companions like Daniel's having. But every wild adventure, ups and downs living as both student and young adult with remnants of still-raging adolescent hormones running through were truly fathomable.

I have to mention this but when Molly commented on my blog post by saying ‘I hope Daniel and his friends charm you and don’t freak you out too much…’, I didn't quite understand what she meant by that. After reading Relatively Honest, I couldn't help but to admit that some characters, and maybe even some scenes, made me cringed a bit. However, I was keeping an open mind and somehow glad that Molly had keep things sounded pleasant and mellow rather than disturbing and more importantly readable to conservative readers like me. And truthfully, I thought Sinter is probably the most fascinating character because at some point, I could relate to his rebel side. Who doesn't, anyway? 

My Thoughts in Brief – The Conclusion

This book as a whole had swoon me over with its concoction of wicked heartache, humor and love, especially when it was written by a talented contemporary YA author like Molly. Again, she doesn’t disappoint with Relatively Honest. With a theme and plot that will keep you endlessly guessing and contemplating, this book is indeed beautiful in its own unique way unlike any other.  

Bornean Bookworm rates: 

5 stars out of 5!

Purchase your copy at: 

Amazon - Barnes & Noble 

Visit Molly at: 

Website - Blog - Facebook - Twitter

*Thanks to Molly Ringle and her editor, Michelle Halket of ireadiwrite Publishing who kindly provided me with the review copy!