Review: On the Fence
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not a huge fan of contemporaries; I'm a bit picky. However, West's The Distance Between Us has me hooked on any contemporary she writes.
Charlie is the very definition of the word tomboy. She's grown up playing sports of all kinds with her three older brothers and all of their friends. She's never known her mother and she doesn't really have any female friends. Charlie is stubborn and she doesn't always make the right decision, but I loved her. Her brothers were all distinct and the family dynamic between them, Charlie, and their dad was a lot of fun to read.
Now enter Braden, the boy next door. He's been like a brother to Charlie for the past twelve years, but she's sixteen now and Charlie is starting to realize that she likes this boy more than she feels she should. After all, he's her brothers' best friend.
Watching Braden and Charlie come to the point where they finally admit their feelings for each other was altogether painful and fun. Sometimes I just wanted them to get to the point, admit that they liked each other, and kiss. At the same time though, I didn't want West to rush a single thing. Watching Braden get jealous was entirely too much fun.
If you liked The Distance Between Us, then you will eat this one up. It's wonderfully reminiscent of West's first contemporary, and even gives a few nods to it while still being unique and different from its predecessor. After I finished On the Fence, I missed Braden, Charlie, and Charlie's brother, so much so that I found myself basically rereading the majority of it a few days later.
Miss West did yet another fantastic job writing a very fun contemporary. On the Fence isn't just about the romance, it's also about Charlie coming to terms with her mother's passing and becoming more comfortable with herself. Don't miss out, go buy this now.
