Where It All Lands

The concept was deliciously intriguing: three musical prodigies who are suffering from daddy issues get stuck in a love triangle- sliding doors theme : two boys like the same girl but they are close friends so they don’t want the girl come between them. <br /><br />So they flip the coin just like every time they have a conflict for letting the fate decide for them. It’s childish but it always works and we see two different scenarios: by witnessing each boy’s winning and asking out for the girl. <br /><br />Of course each decision they made and each action they take results with different and unique consequences. Did I get your attention? Because this remarkable concept with well developed lovely three characters and lots of music totally picked my interest and pushed me flip the pages as fast as I could! <br /><br />I enjoyed this bittersweet, heartbreaking, moving story! <br /><br /> Let’s learn more about the characters and their back stories: <br /><br />Drew is school’s popular boy, who is son of outstanding music manager. His father’s cheating and abandoning him with his mom who is mentally suffering after the sudden breakup affects his new life. <br /><br />His best friend Shane is always be there with him at each painful traumatic steps of his life. Shane is a unique musical prodigy who is being bullied by football players of the school. Drew tries to protect his friend but he also has complex feelings about Shane’s talented musical skills which are more appreciated by his own father. At some parts he felt like they had better relationship and he felt like third wheel when he spent time with them. <br /><br /> Shane lost his father at young age so it might be normal for him to choose his best friend’s father as a role model which also makes Drew a little resentful. <br /><br /> And Stevie involves into their lives who also suffers from moving to the different states because of his father’s demanding NFL coach job. She cannot live at permanent place, forming longtime friendship bounds, pursuing her musical dreams. She feels trapped, exhausted till she meets with these two boys who will change her life completely.<br /><br />I enjoyed both of the scenarios even though too many F bombs throughout the dialogues were a little disturbing and the love stories were a little haphazard, instant! But I loved three of the characters and it was fun to read their POVs , learning more about their inner worlds. <br /><br />So I’m giving four what if, heartfelt, interesting concept, original, musical, growing pains stars! <br /><br />Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Wednesday Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

this was an enjoyable read. i didnt have any expectations going into it, so i would consider this a pleasant surprise. <br /><br />generally, i dont care for stories with parallel timelines, as the plot tends to get repetitious and tedious, but thats not the case with this story. each timeline feels whole and has enough differences that it didnt feel like i was reading the same thing over again. i was also worried this would end up with a love triangle, so im glad that was semi avoided.<br /><br />my only minor critique would be the ending. <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="fb346bbb-ed76-4bc2-b415-2da0ff6870ad" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="fb346bbb-ed76-4bc2-b415-2da0ff6870ad">its meant to be ambiguous and i think that fits the tone of the book, but i personally prefer a concrete conclusion. i would have loved to get confirmation regarding which timeline actually happened because the uncertain nature of it all just left me feeling a little underwhelmed.</label> <br /><br />but overall, this is quick, cute story that gets you thinking about all the little ‘what ifs’ in life. <br /><br /><i>thanks wednesday books for the ARC.</i><br /><br /><b>↠ <i>3.5 stars</i></b>

Dear Readers,<br /><br />The ARC of WHERE IT ALL LANDS is out in the world! I’m just stopping by to say thank you for reading my words. I wrote WHERE IT ALL LANDS during a time when I deeply questioned how much control we have over the trajectory of our lives. While this book is very much a love story, it’s also an exploration of life’s twists and turns. Sometimes the smallest decisions lead to the greatest victory. Other times we struggle to make change. And then of course, there are the moments that happen to us – the good, bad, and everything in between. <br /><br />What if is a loaded question. Life doesn’t allow for do-overs, and decisions can only be deemed negative or positive in hindsight. In the moment, we make our best guess and choose whichever path we think is right. Sometimes we have no choice. <br /><br />I hope readers who have wished for a do-over in their own lives find solace in these pages. Even if, like me, you still don’t have the answers, I hope you can begin to find meaning and peace through this story. WHERE IT ALL LANDS is a love letter to our truest connections and to those we have lost, the ones who have impacted our lives and continue to exist in our hearts – always.

<b>Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC for review!</b><br /><br />_______<br /><br /><blockquote> <i>Some call it fortune, some call it fate. It’s neither. Every moment led to this, and this chance would lead to more moments, all stringing together a life. We chase every dream and reach for every imagined finish line. But it’s not about the end.</i> </blockquote><br /><br />On Stevie's first day at her new school, she meets a pair of best friends who both almost instantly fall for her. Rather than fighting, the pair toss a coin to see who will get to ask her out. <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/54860399.Where_It_All_Lands" title="Where It All Lands by Jennie Wexler" rel="noopener">Where It All Lands</a> follows both realities - one where the coin lands on heads for Drew, and one where it lands on tails for Shane.<br /><br />If you can't tell by my ~overly enthusiastic~ synopsis of the book, I was NOT a fan. We start the first chapter in a flash forward to some tragedy - we don't know which timeline it's from - and we basically get 2 novellas about Stevie and her two possible relationships. We barely get to know the characters, so when the books comes full circle to that opening tragedy, it was hard to care. <br /><br />The characters were bland and pretentious. Shane was the only decent one, honestly. All 3 of our MCs are music obsessed, and the author name drops a lot of older bands as if they have the monopoly on "good music". Wexler, you know you can write a book about music aficionados without insulting one of the most talented and respected female musicians in the world? I'm not here for the Taylor Swift slander. Also considering she was virtually the ONLY female musician other than Stevie Nicks that the author mentions in the book, it came across borderline misogynistic.<br /><br />Let's not forget the worst YA trope in existence IMO - <b>insta-love</b>. Drew and Shane know within, like, 20 seconds of meeting Stevie that she's ~not like other girls~. They each have 1 conversation with her before they both know they want to ask her out. At least in Shane's timeline, we get <i>some</i> build up, but in Drew's, the pair literally get together after 3 days. And anything that was <i>good</i> about Shane's timeline was soured by his constant "oh she could never like me, she likes Drew, I'm such a fool, I'll always be in the friend zone!!"<br /><br />Like, no. Why couldn't the pair have wanted to be Stevie's friend without anticipating a relationship coming out of it? And it's clear at least Drew wasn't interested in only being friends, since he completely ignores her in the timeline where Shane wins the coin toss. A girl's friendship is not a consolation prize. <br /><br />The melodrama of the last few chapters was laughable. It feels like the author was trying to say something about the importance of friendship, of choice, of fate, but she couldn't decide what. We barely see Drew and Shane's friendship since their parts are so fully about their respective relationships with Stevie. <br /><br />1.75 stars.

he dejado de ser feliz, yo quería un libro romántico cliché no una cosa que te destroza el alma. pésimo servicio

<i>"the idea that something so small as a coin toss could change everything"</i><br /><br />Absolutely stunning. I'm blown away by how great this story is! Two best friends, Drew and Shane. They've been through so much together that they are like brothers - thick as thieves and so much loyalty.<br /><br />Stevie is the new girl, she's just arrived in town. She loves music and Pearl Jam and not really football (for reasons). And both boys find their eyes trailing Stevie. Not only is she adorable but she's their calm in the middle of the storm. <br /><br />So the boys do what they always do when they don't want to compete for something - Drew insists they flip a coin. No one knows how this will turn out. This story is told through 3 Parts - Part 1: Drew, Part 2: Shane - and then Part 3 - which is a mix of both. You get to see what would happen with both sides of the coin flip. Right or wrong, you get to see both boys get a chance with Stevie (and you get to see what <i>she</i> thinks about all of this). It's such a unique and creative way to tell the story - you get to love each character through each telling in a new way, because you get to see a new side to every character as both boys explore getting to know someone new, Stevie. <br /><br />It's a lovely story, but sad too. I loved the ups and downs and the struggles to understand. Absolutely wonderfully perfectly done. A new favorite. <br /><br /><i>An e-ARC was provided to me by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.</i>

4.5 stars<br /><br />I will admit that when I first read the blurb for <b>Where It All Lands</b>, I was very worried about a love triangle. I usually avoid those at all costs, but I'm so glad I took a chance on this story. Because of the dual timelines of the book, I'm hesitant to even call what unfolded a love triangle. There isn't overlap or wishy washy back and forth, but rather a series of what ifs and an exploration of how decisions (big or small) can impact our lives in unexpected and sometimes tragic ways.<br /><br />The book is divided into 3 parts based on the result of the coin toss - heads, tails, and a final section made up of alternating heads and tails chapters. The sections were unique enough to not feel repetitive, even though they're all the same characters and some of the events occur in both timelines. It was fascinating seeing the relationships and events unfold in each timeline. How one choice would domino into another and lead to a similar outcome or something entirely different. It raised many philosophical questions for me about how much of life is really in our control/about choice and how some moments just happen and all we can do is hold on.<br /><br />All of the characters were so wonderfully and frustratingly human. They make mistakes and rash decisions, sometimes choosing to lie and say hurtful things, but there are beautiful moments too. Those butterflies and the hopefulness of first love. The joy of finding a friend that fully sees you and the rightness of belonging. Being scared or nervous while facing your fears, but standing tall and doing it anyway. All those moments, for better or for worse, make up a life. I know some readers will take issue with how the book concluded, but I thought it was the perfect way to bring everything full circle. We don't know what the future will hold or how our decisions today will shape what happens down the line. <b>Where It All Lands</b> is a good reminder that what's important in life is the actual living.<br /><br />CW: bullying, divorce/parental abandonment (due to infidelity), car accident, mentions of anti-Semitic experiences, death of parent, choking, grief, anxiety, insomnia<br /><br />*<i>I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book</i>*

Excuse me while I sob uncontrollably and pick my heart up off the floor!<br /><br />Sometimes, YA books have the same rhythm and feel to me and I was worried Where It All Lands was falling into that trap. Several chapters into part 2, I finally (embarrassingly) picked up on the fact that this book is much, much different than any other book I've read. It was literally a "huh?" followed by "AHA!" moment and it was super cool!<br /><br />This is basically two different books in one. Drew and Shane flip a coin to see which one will get to ask the new girl, Stevie, out on a date. We hear both stories and what happens if heads or tails wins.<br /><br />This was such an intriguing premise to me. At first, I was little irked - why was this book restarting at the beginning with a different lead narrator and the details slightly skewed? Once I caught on though, it was pretty freaking neat! How often have you wondered "WHAT IF?"? What if I went out for that drink after work rather than staying to finish project? What if I took a right instead of a left? What if, what if, what if. There are endless scenarios. Will they all lead to the same final destination? Or did that single decision change your entire fate?<br /><br />This book raises all these questions and more which felt really deep and philosophical for a YA novel. The love stories were sweet, the characters quirky, awkward teens (what more could you want in a YA romcom?), and the band and music aspects felt fresh.<br /><br />If you're a YA lover, this one is a must read. I did the audio and really enjoyed it. There were three different narrators used for Stevie, Shane, and Drew which definitely helped with the already complex plot. Each narrator was talented and did a great job.<br /><br />Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for a copy of this novel.

READ THIS BOOK!!!<br /><br />To give an honest review I usually wait a few days after I read a book to process what I've read. With each day that passes after reading Jennie Wexler's debut novel, I've come to love it more and more! <br /><br />Music is a major part of the characters lives and the songs that they listen to, that I have been listening to for years, have new meaning to me. So much so that as I was driving to work a Pearl Jam song came on the radio and it reminded me of a specific part in the book (that I will not spoil for you!) and moved it me to tears. Yes, I actually cried!!! Stevie and I would have been friends in HS, Drew was super cool in a different way, but omg Shane. Shane has worked his way to being one of my favorite literary characters of all time. <br /><br />I like a story that makes me think. Where It All Lands has me thinking about how much control we really have over our lives and how much is left to chance. How our decisions impact our lives and what effects those choices have on those who are close to us. <br /><br />Bravo Jennie!!! You hit this one out of the park!!!

This book made me absolutely lose my mind. I will never look at a coin the same ever again. <br /><br /><i>Where It All Lands</i> follows three main characters: Stevie, Drew, and Shane. Stevie is the new girl in town, and Drew and Shane have been best friends for years. After Drew and Shane meet Stevie, both guys want to ask her out. So, the boys do what they've done for the past ten years when they've had a disagreement: flip a coin. If the coin lands on heads, Drew gets to ask Stevie out. If the coin lands on tails, Shane does. <br /><br />This book is told in dual timelines via three parts: part 1 is what would've happened if Drew won the coin toss, part 2 is what would've happened if Shane won, and part 3 alternates between the two timelines. As someone who loves a good dual timeline story, this form of storytelling absolutely fascinated me. Although the two timelines happened over the same period of time (August to December), the story wasn't repetitive at all. There were some events that occurred during both timelines, but there was a large degree of change between them. Seeing what changed and what stayed the same between each timeline was really interesting; this one coin toss changed so many things in the course of these people's lives, but there were also some things that stayed the same no matter what. <br /><br />This story absolutely wrecked me. I'm not going to say much because it's definitely best to go in unknowing, but this entire story threw me for a loop. It was a rollercoaster from beginning to end, and there was so much happening that I just needed to keep on reading to find out what was going to happen next. I think I experienced at least three existential crises while reading this book.<br /><br />Stevie, Drew, and Shane were all very complex characters, and I found it super interesting to see how their narratives changed based on that one single event that launched this story into existence. I loved the juxtaposition between Drew and Shane, and I also really liked how much their friendship bond was emphasized. Their stories were raw and messy and not at all perfect, but I genuinely loved all three main characters. All three characters are also in band (marching band romance heheh), so I enjoyed how big of a role music played in this story. <br /><br />I would like to add that even though there was a love triangle, I absolutely ate it up.<br /><br />Above all, this book plays into chance and the chain of cause and effect. Its message is three-fold: some things happen for a reason, other things happen without one and their happening couldn't have been changed, and the most important thing to cherish is the journey and living in the moment, not the destination (yeah yeah cheesy but it's true). <br /><br />Anyway, everyone go read this book when it comes out!! Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. <br /><br />Note: Stevie is Jewish, but it's not my place to evaluate how good the Jewish representation in this book is. If anyone is a Jewish reviewer and has an issue with the rep, please do let me know. <br /><br />TW: mentions of anti-Semitic experiences, death of loved one (off-page), grief, bullying, divorce/parental abandonment (due to infidelity), <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="502c06b3-f6d6-4241-9d2b-b121936c2e10" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="502c06b3-f6d6-4241-9d2b-b121936c2e10">car accident</label>, vomit, choking, insomnia