Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley
Where I Belong
Gwendolyn Heasley
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Pages: 304
Source: Copy from friend
Rating: 3.5 stars
Via Goodreads: Meet Corrinne. She’s living every girl’s dream in New York City—shopping sprees at Barneys, open access to the best clubs and parties, and her own horse at the country club. Her perfect life is perfectly on track. At least it was. . . .
When Corrinne’s father is laid off, her world suddenly falls apart. Instead of heading to boarding school, she’s stripped of her credit cards and shipped off to the boonies of Texas to live with her grandparents. On her own in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the life she’s supposed to be living. She doesn’t care who she stomps on in the process. But when Corrinne makes an unlikely friend and discovers a total hottie at work, she begins to wonder if her life B.R.—before the recession—was as perfect as it seemed.
I have been looking forward to Where I Belong for months, even more after I saw the gorgeous cover. I started reading, and I was let down. The plot was very slow and I wasn’t completely captivated, about 2/3 the way through the book, something clicked and I was absolutely addicted.
My feelings on the characters were completely mixed. At first, I absolutely hated Corrinne. I thought she was a complete snob, and wanted to slap her. As the book went on, she really grew on me, and I really did like her by the end of the book. I really liked Kitsy throughout the whole novel, she was really fun and totally likable.
The plot was really fun. It was fun to see how Corrinne adapted after being thrown into a completely different lifestyle. Pampered princess to Texan. All the scenes with Corrinne’s grandparents were absolutely lovely, and I really enjoyed them. I wish my grandma cooked like that all the time! I wasn’t completely on board with the ending – it was nice, but I felt like there were still a few strings that weren’t quite all tied up.
Where I Belong was a pretty decent read. I thought it was enjoyable, and you should read it should you have the opportunity. It wasn’t amazing, but still quite a read.
I just reviewed this one as well and I completely agree with you on hating Corrinne at the beginning. That "Dear Reader" letter from her didn't help either. It made me wary from the get-go, but she grew on me. It was a nice subtle transition.
I also just couldn't get over the name Bubby as much as I liked him…
I really want to read this one, though I've seen mixed reviews. But it's on my 2011 debut author list, so I've got to get to it this year.
Thanks for the honest review, and I'm glad you ended up liking it! :)
Nice review. I'm not sure I would have made into 2/3 so good job.
great review. This isn't my usual read but i may have to take a look at this one.
Cheers!
Hmm…glad to see your thoughts on this. I'll pick up from the library then
Thanks for you review on this one. I have this on Mt TBR but don't think I'll rush to read it. Though I do hope to get to it eventually.
I've seen pretty good reviews on this one. Like you I've been really excited about it. I'm still pretty curious about it!
This is a great review, I like how you talked about how your feelings changed. It makes this book seem more dynamic that you could have such an interesting reading experience :)Looking forward to reading it :)
Great review! Thanks for being honest. I'm sorry you didn't like it as much as you originally thought you would. I hate when that happens. =/
I hope to read this soon, but I won't be jumping to read it as fast as I would of before. I heard a lot of good things about it at the beginning, but lately it's been mixed reviews.
I'll end of reading it sometime because it sounds good and enjoyable, but I won't be jumping, like I said.
I really loved this book. The story is cute and I really liked the Texas setting.