Title: Fighting For You
Author: Monica Murphy
Series: The Callahans # 5
Release Date: February 11, 2021
Length: 386 pages
Genre: YA Romance
****My Review *****
Fighting For You by Monica Murphy
All those who have felt the magic of this author in the previous 4 books, surely were impatiently awaiting the release of this 5th book in The Callahans series. Fighting For You by Monica Murphy is the book which will take you on such an emotional journey that will make you forget about the world around you.
But even if you have not read the previous ones, Fighting for You can definitely be read as a standalone, and never feel lost or lacking some background story while reading this story.
Senior year is something that young high school students look forward to from the very beginning. Wild parties, experiencing new things, crossing all boundaries … a time of madness when everything is allowed. A time that should create memories that remind of carelessness and embracing the wild side.
But too much passion and a little carelessness change all of young Jocelyn’s plans. Forward or backward, each solution carries its own weight, and that arrogant, loudmouth jerk is not here to carry the burden with her.
But once the storm subsides, and the emotions surface, the desires and perceptions change. But will a sincere apology and I love you from the bottom of my heart be enough to forget all the pain and doubts?
As I write this review, the emotions that overwhelm me change and so does my attitude. If I were to comment on this book as an experienced pedagogue, I would say that the author has done fantastic research and demonstration of immature high school behavior.
Frivolity, indecisiveness, immaturity… but everything is fine-tuned. And at times their thoughts and ideas seemed quite funny to me.
The very way she has conveyed the emotions and thoughts of the main characters are masterful. As well as the way they deal with the unplanned situation, with all the vicissitudes, ups and downs, and uncertainty that simply captivates.
And unlike many other authors of this type, where teenagers are reminiscent of adults, this gifted author leaves them to be teenagers. Originally portrayed with all the selfishness, insecurity, and desire to be someone in that vicious circle called high school.
As a parent, I have to say that by reading books like this I am terrified of when my children will become teenagers. How will I deal with all the difficulties, how will I provide the right support and attention, I honestly have no idea.
And I must admit that I admire the character of Jocelyn’s mother, a stable and determined woman, that stands behind her child 100%. Somehow reminiscent of a lioness, who is ready to do anything to defend her little one. Diego’s mother is a reflection of every parental failure.
And the romantic in me was not really thrilled by the whole story. Yes, there are enough twists that could keep your attention until the very end. But the character build could be improved in several ways. Both Diego and Jocelyn seemed a bit stereotypical.,
He, a classic bully, an adulterer, someone we just want to hate. But as we slowly get to know the real Diego, it becomes easier for us to cheer for him. He is just an insecure child who has suffered a lot and is trying to fit into a world that doesn’t understand him. Yes, he makes mistakes, but that is part of life. It makes him more realistic and adds plausibility to the story.
And I believe we are all amazed at Jocelyn’s perseverance and strength. A girl who matures overnight and tries to sort out her life and succeed in her dreams. Their quarrels, their make-up sessions, their love inevitably reminds us all of the warmth of the first love, the lust, the real hope.
From a plot that takes place in the past to a future that promises happiness, the author leads us through this thorny journey where the emphasis is not only on the love drama but also on the path of two young people to the adult world.
With lots of relatable elements, Fighting For You by Monica Murphy is a great choice for all YA readers. It’s also great for all those who want to reminisce about their teenage years and all that drama…