Just Finished Reading … The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
The Distance Between Us
by Kasie West
To be published by HarperTeen
on July 2, 2013
Source: borrowed an ARC through Around the World ARC Tours. Please see my complete FTC disclosure on right sidebar.
Connect with the author: website : Twitter.
Summary (from Goodreads:) Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop. So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she’s beginning to enjoy his company. She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.
My take: When I see a book pitched as Pretty in Pink meets Pride and Prejudice, by the author of Pivot Point … how can I resist?
The Distance Between Us was a charming, funny book and I could definitely see the parallels with those two much-loved stories of spirited girls in love with rich guys.
Caymen Meyers works at her mother’s doll shop, which I thought was hilarious. And creepy. I loved that the book also takes advantage of every opportunity to explore women’s weird relationships with dolls. Caymen meets cute with Xander and soon realizes that he’s rich. Not just garden variety rich, but private plane rich, tycoon rich, never-have-to-work-your-whole-life rich. Caymen likes Xander, but she soon realizes she can’t fit into his world, and isn’t sure she even wants to.
Often in rich boy/poor girl romances, the guy says that he likes the girl because she’s so “refreshing” and “not like the girls he’s used to.” This usually annoys me because A) the refreshing thing about the girl is usually that she’s just normal and B) it seems completely condescending. But in The Distance Between Us, Caymen really did seem off-beat and different. She has a caustic sense of humor and doesn’t hesitate to use it on Xander, which throws him completely off-balance. The book is laugh-out-loud funny at times, and the dynamic between the two of them was really sweet and endearing.
The only thing I didn’t love about the book was the ending. I did love the fact that some real problems were thrown at the characters — the difference in Caymen and Xander’s lifestyles and expectations, the fact that the doll shop is in serious financial difficulty, and some mysterious secret involving Caymen’s mother. All that gave the book more depth and weight and allowed the characters a chance to grow. But then the ending just magically and conveniently waved a magic wand and…. poof! You can read the ending and my thoughts about it under spoiler protection here.
But that small complaint aside, I really do recommend The Distance Between Us It’s fun, it’s funny, it’s romantic, it’s a standalone — it’s an enjoyable summer read that will really put a smile on your face.
I'm pretty sure I will love this: the plot sounds just my thing, I adore West's writing, and I tend to agree with you about books. Looking forward to checking this out!
It's a fun book — different from Pivot Point — but I can see the parallels too. Definitely check it out!
I'm really excited for The Distance Between Us but I'm sad that the magic wand is waved at the end! It's ok for all the problems to not be resolved at the end!
I did NOT see that coming and it made me a little sad, strangely. But don't let that deter you — it's a fun read!
I typically don't read contemp but I loved Pivot Point and everyone is so excited for this one–I'm tempted. Great review Jen!
My Friends Are Fiction
I just skimmed through your review since I will be reading it next but I'm so excited to read it.
I have been really curious about this book! Pretty in Pink meets Pride and Prejudice sounds right up my alley. I love fun reads!
I really liked this book. The end was a bit convenient, but it was still enjoyable for me. More than anything that ending kind of made me dislike her mom even more. I just thought that it was very selfish of her to do the things she did. I know why she felt the need to do it, but you would think that being an adult she would be a bit more level headed. Great review!!
Great review! I've had this book on my TBR for awhile now. I'm very happy to see you liked it! I'm glad it has humor it in too! I didn't read the spoiler part, but hopefully I'll enjoy it too even if the ending was "too perfect" 🙂
I loved the doll shop aspect. lol So funny and creepy. I can completely see what you said about the ending being a little too perfect as well. But I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
I'll think this is another one to add to my tbr! glad you enjoyed it so much ☺
I've been wanting to read this one! Sounds like a different kind of setting than the usual – even though dolls totally creep me out. lol
Yep, 100% agree with you on all your points including that ending! I think The Distance… is great beach read material. It's not a really heavy book, the drama is kept at bay, but it still has meat to it:) Great review!
Dolls!? *shudders*
I've been wanting to read this one for awhile. It just seems so cute.
Thanks for sharing!
Oh that's always so frustrating when endings conveniently erase lots of the struggles that characters have had up until this point (I didn't read your spoiler, but that's the general gist I'm getting from your review). I was a fan of West's Pivot Point and am definitely excited to read its sequel. I was excited initially for The Distance Between Us, but reviewers have recently been pointing out some factors that may affect my enjoyment of the novel. So for right now I may sit back and wait for more reviews before deciding on this book. I'm glad you were able to enjoy it overall!
I've been meaning to read this one it looks like a perfect summer read. Also, I love the synopsis! Great review 🙂
-Mari @ The Sirenic Codex
And once again you've sold me on a book! I have no idea when I will find the time, or honestly if I will find the time, but I do want to read this one now. Pretty in Pink meets Pride and Prejudice? It's like my Andrew McCarthy as Mr. Darcy dream from the late 80's come to life! 😉
I have yet to read Pivot Point and if I like it, then I'll give this one a try.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Andreea
I am soooo excited for this one. I need to go make sure I pre-ordered it. 🙂
Charming and funny sounds great, I need to read thiws soon. I loved pivot point
What an odd coincadence, I donated my book to the tour! hehe LOVED this book so much!!! I loved the snarky witty humor. Just a really fun read!!!
Ooh I love laugh out loud funny stories, and Caymen sounds awesome! Can't wait to read this one, I'll have to pre-order it. Fab review!
I wish I'd read this book the way you did! For some reason it just didn't connect to me. But I'm glad that so many people are enjoying it. I like what you said about why Xander liked Caymen. I agree that West did a great job making Caymen stand out as a character. Also, I agree about the end!
I agree about that being a little disappointing (read the spoiler). I will still read this since it sounds like my kind of book and definitely a summer read. 🙂
Looks like a cute fun summer read! I do sometimes hate when things end so magically but I do love a happy ending! Also yeah when a rich boy meets a poor girl I understand the social differences but as a poor girl I will make it work for a private jet!!! LOL Seriously who doesn't want to make that work?!!