What is it that creates a family? Does calling someone a friend makes one? I get how he feels. If the snarky monologues I adored in Also Known As are more discreet here, it remains that the characters' interactions shared the smile-inducing quality that made me fall for her writing in the first place. One might say that nothing really happens, but for me it can't be seen as a flaw here: Whose lives revolve around blowing things off and apocalyptic worlds, huh?
To capture the essence of real life, sometimes we need to slow down, and in my opinion Robin Benway did it perfectly , even if I admit, it took quite a while for the story to completely hook me. Who cares, when in the end I'm smiling big and treasuring every moment I spent reading? As for the characters , I can't genuinely find a single one I didn't like or understood , one way or another. They all show weaknesses without never crossing the line between what I can understand and what I find annoying.
Shaken to the core after Oliver's kidnapping when he was 7 years old, they all had to find ways to cope, whether in being overprotective like Emmy's parents or in creating a whole hidden life as Emmy did. All of them, while flawed, stay so supportive, realistic and heartwarming that I want to hug the hell out of them. With a special mention for Emmy's dad thanks for the hooking up line, buddy and her best-friend Drew your driving skills didn't go unnoticed, and I'm totally stealing your 'The signs says STOP!
We recognize a great book when none of the characters is useless: Life is messed-up and complicated, and I love nothing more than leaving a book without knowing how I would have reacted. This is what being a complex human is about, I guess, and I'm never denying that part of me, whatever that means. View all 17 comments. I'm not even sure where that came from, or if it's a thing, or something I made up on a whim, but I know deep inside that this is the best word for it. I try to think of another description, but there is nothing that fits as this.
How is it so, you ask?
I've read a number of contemporaries over the years, many of them involving issues and concepts teenagers face during their youth, experiences that mirror our own and lessons that are valuable to us, too. But while that is so, there are times when it feels like the situation those characters are in are something that I don't really see myself getting into; as if it feels like there is still a sense of detachment somehow.
T here is no unnecessary or explosive or superficial drama among the characters. There is a "peaceful" atmosphere going on despite the big elephant of sadness in the room. There is even an endearing quality to it, a realness that you know is genuine. It feels eerily human-like in a way that this you see this happening to yourself, or to your next-door neighbor, or to your friend down the street. I guess, in short, it is not pretentious at all. I even think the dialogue is the best part of this story, because the way they talk to each other and the things they say and the things they do are so, so, so real.
This is why I say it is quiet, because most of the time, our lives are quiet, too unless you're a big hot shot in loud field like Hollywood, I guess! Read it to believe it, folks. View all 14 comments. Mar 21, Aly's Bookish Wonderland rated it really liked it Shelves: We stayed and looked and waited for him to come back, as if our love was a beacon that he could use to light his way home, to crawl up the sides of the earth and back through his front door, his tag still sticking up in the back.
When Oliver was seven We stayed and looked and waited for him to come back, as if our love was a beacon that he could use to light his way home, to crawl up the sides of the earth and back through his front door, his tag still sticking up in the back. When Oliver was seven, his father kidnapped him and they disappeared. With a tight curfew and supervision, Emmy feels trapped in a place she calls home, unable to do the things she loves. Every year, the tip-line collects another sighting of Oliver, another picture on the Internet.
People still hope, even when they know they should stop. Until one day, he did. And then, one day, Oliver is found. To read the full review, click HERE! Yes, I know I'm a greedy fucker. Yes, yes, I know I need to stop. Not even going to try. Oct 30, Anatea Oroz rated it it was amazing Shelves: This review is also posted on my blog, Anatea's Bookshelf.
I mean I had an arc copy and everything, so why not just read it now? It is also coming out, like tomorrow. So I did, read it. Emmy and Oliver have been friends from the day they were born - yes, they even share a birthday. Until one day Oliver was picked up fr This review is also posted on my blog, Anatea's Bookshelf.
Until one day Oliver was picked up from school by his dad, only to never come back. He was missing for 10 years. While everyone around Emmy was adjusting to Oliver being gone, nobody thought about the adjusting that will be necessary once Oliver returned home. Now that he's back, nothing is normal again, the question is will Emmy and Oliver be able to pick up from where they left? I expected this book to be a little heavier considering the subject it's dealing with, so I was really surprised to find out I liked this approach much better.
It captured all the feels, all the wrongness, the pity, the doubt and so much more, all that while having a lighter approach to the subject. It showed us perfectly how every side dealt with the kidnapping and its aftermaths. From Oliver's mother to Emmy, her parents and friends, and Oliver. Oliver being abducted by his father at the age of 7 did not only affect his family but Emmy's too.
It's every parent's worst nightmare having their child kidnapped and having it happen to someone you know may change the way you feel about things drastically. Emmy's parents went into overprotective mode. They pretty much controlled every single aspect of her life, to the point she had to lie to them about surfing - because it was too dangerous - and numerous other little things.
Since the book is told from Emmy's point of view, we only get to find out things about Oliver through her and their interactions. But it does nothing to make it easier for us. We still feel deeply for him. Being kidnapped by his dad at a young age and thinking all of those 10 years that his mother actually abandoned him and then finding out the truth, can't be easy for anyone. On the one hand, you have your mother who has always cared for you and wanted you back, on the other hand, there's you dad who pretty much raised you and also cared for you.
It's this dilemma that makes it so real. Blog Twitter Facebook Instagram Pinterest May 10, Tabetha rated it liked it. They both had to deal with the aftermath of Oliver returning home after being kidnapped by his father for so many years. Of course the adjustment was so much more difficult for Oli Rating: Of course the adjustment was so much more difficult for Oliver, almost impossible, initially.
The friendship, then love, that develops between Emmy and Oliver is sweet and builds slowly, but I feel like the story, as a whole, is a bit forgettable, even with the drama surrounding Oliver's kidnapping. There were not enough unforgettable lines and moments that gave me that thrill of knowing that a part of this book will stay with me always.
View all 8 comments. Literally wiping away my tears because I just love this book so much. Friendship Caro and Emmy Goals: What if I have pinkeye? Was literally tearing up over here. View all 36 comments. Nov 25, Kelly and the Book Boar rated it really liked it Shelves: Find all of my reviews at: If you or your teen is looking for a new twist when it comes Find all of my reviews at: If you or your teen is looking for a new twist when it comes to the story of the boy next door, this might be a winner.
It should make you feel all the feely feels of first love and paragraphs like this. He was finally there. I guess the more you start to love someone, the more you ache when they're gone, and maybe it's that middle ground that hurts the most, when you can see them and still not feel like you're near enough. So close and yet so far. Absolutely too cute for words. Deep , heartfelt , unforgettable. Sometimes I could slap myself for being so shortsighted. And, just to warn you, I'll probably even say that on tomorrow's review I just have this mental block that prevents me from taking a risk, taking c I guess the more you start to love someone, the more you ache when they're gone, and maybe it's that middle ground that hurts the most, when you can see them and still not feel like you're near enough.
I just have this mental block that prevents me from taking a risk, taking chances that might help me find some of the best stories ever-and this is one I almost missed out on. I can tout and say it's because I'm picky So, you know, this is my way of saying that, while I say I'm creative It was absolute perfection. Sometimes there just aren't enough words to fill the crack in your heart.
When I read the blurb for this, I passed it up multiple times I guess I didn't realize just how It seemed simple enough-Boy gets taken by his father. Emmy and her friends are scarred for life, always waiting for him to return. Boy returns when he's Emmy and Oliver fall in love. Oliver looked up at me, his face solemn and pained, and I realized with a terrible rush we weren't playing anymore. Well, we don't technically know. He was gone, stolen away from all those he cherished and loved.
One can assume that he was confused and missed his mother and friends, only to eventually fall into a rhythm with his dad and delve into his new life. I guess this leaves you wondering- If you were stripped of your life, everything you knew-not just once, but twice-how would you fare? And then Oliver blinked again and it was like a shutter went off in his own eyes so I could see the picture of the anger, the hurt, the embarrassment.
It was a private viewing just for me, gone a second later when he blinked once more and his face smoothed back into its normal, passive shape. And I think that's the largest issue in this book-Finding your place, struggling to wrap your head around new people, leaving all you know behind.. And I think that's why I was so shocked-and yes, I was very shocked by the depth of this book. Even from page one, which hooked me instantly by the way, it seemed light and funny and sweet. And, even with the darkness that creeped into the story sometimes, there was no lack of heartfelt moments and hilarious banter.
There was some cheese, I'll admit it. Wonderful, yummy, happy velveeta cheese-But only the best kind of cheese. My favorite part- The relationship. Emmy was devastated by the disappearance of Oliver. She might have even taken it harder than most even realized. They were partners in crime, best friends You know how kids are: So when he comes back with more height, a different head of hair, a new look to him, and a dark cloud hanging over his head New guy in school, mysterious past, being held back a grade.
His laugh was deeper now, but still Oliver's, as unique as a double helix. Emmy starts to reach out to him, this kid who made national news and is now a social outcast because of it. Alone more often than not, he's feeling angry, dejected, depressed that he is being thrown back into a life everyone remembers but him-all his old friends, the inside jokes, the memories they shared.
But as Emmy begins to integrate him into her life, and her two best friends' lives they used to be a foursome , he starts to smile, laugh, joke, live They were so funny and realistic and you never felt like the conversations were fake or forced for the sake of being 'hip'. This author made an authentic story with real conversations and real situations. I never once rolled my eyes or thought it was trying too hard. The friendships, the drama, the fights And, even more than that, I wanted to hug my poor little Oliver, who always felt lost and alone. Tortured , lost , devastated , Oliver has never felt more alone.
As he and Emmy become closer, we begin to see his playful side, his happy side-but he never quite knows what to do.
His mom searched for him for years, and now she has him He doesn't know where he fits and feels like he's disrupting her-and everyone else's-life. We see the emotional turmoil he goes through trying to find his place That's when I first learned about true frustration, that wrenching ache when the thing that matters most to you barely makes a ripple in other people's lives. This story is one that took me completely by surprise. It's not because I didn't think it would be good-from page one you could tell it would be fabulous-but I didn't realize just how many emotions I-or they-would feel.
I started this book during a terrible week. And even at the worst of times, I'd pick this up and would immediately get butterflies, smile like a loon, and start laughing in the quiet of night-disturbing hubbs repeatedly. This book is wonderful, one to truly cherish and never forget.
I only hope that others will give this fantastic book a chance. I swear it will make you feel as light as air. I have to say something I missed on the review: Oliver was always supportive for Emmy And he never got mad at her. He was so adorable and supportive.
For more of my reviews, please visit: View all 32 comments. May 31, Sarah rated it really liked it Shelves: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss. Emmy was a cute character, and she really went out of her way to be nice to Oliver, and to make him feel welcome when other people at their school treated him like an outcast. He had suffered so much heartache in his life that it hardly seemed to fair. To have to spend ten years missing his mother, followed by years missing his father. I liked how Emmy and Oliver got to know each other again, and I liked how they made such a sweet couple.
I did find the pacing in this a little slow though, which was a bit frustrating, but I do like books with a faster pace, so this might not bother some people. May 26, C. I laughed so much! I was just cackling like an insane watermelon while I read this and I couldn't put it down. I'm such a little evil rebel. For someone who is very dubious and skeptical about contemporaries and yet fell in love with this so so much?!
Haha, I'm just kidding. Do you seriously think that's all I have to say? So he was gone for ten years and Emmy's life kind of paused and was so affected by his kidnapping. But Oliver moved on and had a life with his dad. So when he comes back? Please do not doubt my use of the word frictionous. It is a word. I thought the book was super interesting because it was hard to figure out who was in the "wrong". And I love that. I LOVE books that acknowledge grey areas. We must talk about how hilarious it is.
I adore books that make me chuckle. I was the one snorting in my bedroom so loud my dog got up and left. The banter is witty and fast and easy and just glorious. I mean, obviously it's about friendship and rekindling old relationships and falling a little bit in love Like, Emmy's parents are super uber protective of her. Which I didn't quite understand. I mean, YES Oliver got kidnapped! But by his dad, right?!
So it's not like some predator might pluck Emmy from her parents. So they totally don't let her do anything and she has super strict schedules and aaaall the things. But her parents are still downright awesome. They have SUCH great banter with her! And it's really super sweet to see how much she loves them and how they have a good relationship. Caro and I are joining the circus? Caro and I decided to become neurosurgeons? Caro and I have decided to reimburse our parents for the eighteen years' worth of room and board that they've so lovingly provided?
And of course Emmy and Oliver were extremely adorable too. And they surfed together!! Lots of surfing in this book!! And they had hilarious banter and she was there when he was having meltdowns with re-assimilation issues. So what can I say?! It was easy to read, and so entertaining and there were NO dull moments. My only quibble was how it ended. It didn't feel right for the rest of the tone of the book, but it still was a solid ending and it didn't detracted from how much I LOVED the book!!
View all 5 comments. Ten years years later Oliver is finally home trying to get his old life back but soon he realizes nothing is the same. Those flashback from when they were kids were so adorable! This book just snuck up me! It ended up being so much more than what I thought it would be. Those last chapters had me in tears with so many emotions these characters were going through. A really beautiful book about not just first love not just friendship, but the unbreakable bound between a parent and a child.
A mother who never lost hope and little girl who always waited for her Ollie. View all 33 comments. Dec 25, Keertana rated it really liked it Shelves: Emmy and Oliver are not only neighbors, they're best friends.
They've grown up alongside one another and for the first seven years of their life, they have shared everything, including their birthdays. When Oliver's father arrives to pick him up after school one Friday afternoon, no one thinks much of it. After all, Oliver spends every weekend with his father.
When he doesn't come back to school on Monday, however, that's when Emmy starts worrying. When he doesn't come back for ten years, it's a tragedy. At seven, Oliver is kidnapped by his father and, at seventeen, he is found in an apartment in New York City. To Oliver, his life has been a series of adventures; him and his father against the world. Oliver was led to believe that his mother abandoned him and, grief-stricken and confused, he never attempted to contact her. A curious Google search a decade later reveals that his mother has been searching for Oliver all her life.
Oliver's absence has not only fractured his life, it has torn up the lives of their entire community. Emmy's parents, once carefree, have been strict, curfew-abiding jailers for much of Emmy's life. Their fear following Oliver's kidnapping has haunted Emmy her entire life and now, at seventeen, all Emmy wants is to surf and attend UCSD--dreams that will never be fulfilled as her parents have already planned that she will commute to college from home and instead of enroll her in dangerous sports like surfing, the most they have allowed her to do is have a car.
When Oliver returns, Emmy doesn't know what to think. She and Oliver were best friends ten years ago but can they still be best friends now? Is Oliver even the same person? Although Oliver hasn't been maltreated by his father, Emmy cannot even begin to understand his life or emotional state. She, living in the same home and growing up with the same friends, Caroline and Drew, who also used to be friends with Oliver, is comfortable and happy where she is. But Oliver, who has traveled around the nation and is coming all the way from New York City While Oliver's mother never stopped looking for him, she also refused to stop living.
Now married with two twin girls who Emmy babysits every week, the world has gone forward despite the fact that Oliver has come back and the road ahead for Emmy, Oliver, and those closest to them is paved with hardships. It took me awhile to truly immerse myself in this tale, primarily because Benway has to set-up the backdrop of this novel and Oliver's story is a sad, depressing one. Though he doesn't suffer from trauma and has been treated like a son by his father, he doesn't go out of his way to befriend students and his arrival in high school isn't the easiest of transitions.
Yet, Emmy is a laid-back, easy-going heroine and her willingness to draw Oliver back into her life is what truly made me invested in this love story.
Emmy is frank and open about her life, showing Oliver her favorite spots to surf and immediately treating him as the friend he always was to her. The fact that Emmy accepts that Oliver was gone for ten years but acts as if he knows her is what enables him to leave his shell and slowly join her circle of friends.
Emmy and Caro are the type of best friends you always read about or see on television but Benway makes them even more realistic than the classic portrayal. Caro is the youngest of five siblings and unlike Emmy, who is an only child and under the constant scrutiny of her parents, Caro's parents could hardly care less where she is or what she does. She shares a room with her messy older sister, Heather, and Caro dreams of sharing an apartment with Emmy and attending college with her.
Drew, who has recently told his family that he is gay, struggles with the fact that his parents still love him and yet are disappointed in him. Their trio is a tight one and while Emmy grows and changes due to Oliver's presence in her life, her friends do too. They each have their own issues and the fact that they became so alive, despite remaining secondary characters, is a testament to Benway's skill. Emmy and Oliver's own romance is sweet and slow to develop. You're almost not certain if they'll choose to remain friends but it's so very obvious that their feelings for one another run deeper than mere friendship and the support they give one another is incredible to watch.
Emmy and Oliver have one another's backs and when they find it difficult to speak with their parents or other friends, they somehow have the right words to coax the truth from one another. Reading about their relationship is heart-warming and swoon-worthy in all the right ways. Especially because, first and foremost, they will always be friends. I really enjoyed how this novel focused so deeply on family units and parental relationships. Whether it be the relationship Emmy sustains with her parents where she is forced to hide parts of her personality to please them or the one between Oliver and his mother where he feels unable to confide in her, Benway captures both the difficulties and joys of family.
Benway writes in a manner that makes even the darkest of subjects accessible and her trademark humor, combined with the easy sarcastic dialogue she imbibes within her characters, makes her novels fly by.
Benway explores the idea of freedom in college, not to mention the harsh reality of leaving behind your high school friends, with such aplomb that I hope she returns to this older YA age group and explores more of those ideas in greater depth. Having read her entire backlist at this point, I cannot wait to see what she has up her sleeve next I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another Also Known As novel. Whatever it is, though, it'll be worth the wait. Released from to , the trilogy is often cited as defining its genre and leading to a proliferation and commercialization of heist films throughout the world.
Based on the Rat Pack film, Ocean's 11 , the series has seen mixed to favorable critical reception and substantial commercial success. A long list of supporting cast members maintain the trilogy. The first sequel, Ocean's Twelve was released in with the third and final film, Ocean's Thirteen , following in An all-female spin-off written and directed by Gary Ross , Ocean's 8 was released on June 8, , 11 years to the day after Thirteen ' s release. The Ocean's film series was inspired by the heist film, Ocean's 11 , directed by Lewis Milestone and starring five of the Rat Pack: The team is given two weeks to come up with the money so they travel to Europe to execute three heists.
In order to extend the deadline they attempt to steal world's oldest stock certificate, issued by the Dutch East India Company in The rival thief proposes to the crew a competition to steal Hermitage Museum 's Imperial Coronation Egg in order to find out who is the best there is in the world. With only a week left, the crew agrees and eventually loses the competition after a Europol detective, Agent Isabel Lahiri Catherine Zeta-Jones , catches them in the act.
He told the Ocean's crew to go to the museum beforehand, switch out the real egg for a fake one and convince The Night Fox to steal it. Ocean and his crew plan to rig a new casino's opening night after its ruthless owner Willy Bank Al Pacino double crosses one of the gang, with plans to make his life a worthless cesspit of misery, a figurative Tartarus of unending misfortune which needs no explanation apart from a vengeful crew of incredibly skilled thieves.
Soderbergh and George Clooney initially downplayed the possibility of an Ocean's Fourteen or subsequent sequels due to Bernie Mac 's death in It was conceived by producer Jerry Weintraub , Soderbergh and Clooney. Olivia Milch wrote the screenplay, and Gary Ross directed the film.
Editorial Reviews. About the Author. "I remember the first 'story' I ever wrote was about my family moving to Denver. I was twelve at the time and bless my. Emmy's Story [A. L. Elder] on www.farmersmarketmusic.com *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Book II in the Ocean Series. As a child, I was shot by my father who was a law.
The title of the spin-off was later revealed to be Ocean's Eight.