I have heard enough buzz about this book that I ended up purchasing a hard copy for myself! So excited to read it.

This was a very unique book in my wide reading experience, which impresses me. I read a lot of YA lit and I have only read a few books that offer any characterization of an asexual person, let alone do it the justice of explanation and insight that Tash Heart Tolstoy does. I also have not read any prior books about web series production or development which I think could really appeal to students growing up in the age of YouTube, especially those involved with acting/theater/production. Tash was such an interesting character, from her Buddhist practices to the aforementioned qualities. I will be glad to include this novel in my school library.

Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee was actually quite good. I mean, okay y’all I wasn’t expecting it to be bad or anything. It just surprised me a little with how much I enjoyed it. This book is the first book I have ever read about a character who is ace (asexual) so I did not really know what to expect. What I got was a superb story about friendship, finding yourself, and yes, a dash of romance and characters that I simultaneously adored but also wanted to help.

The book follows a teenage girl named Tash who has a web series kind of like the Lizzy Bennett diaries that focus on modernizing the story of Anna Karenina. Her web series is called Unhappy Families. Tash Hearts Tolstoy follows what happens when that series goes viral, is nominated for a Golden Tuba award and when Tash meets her internet crush, a guy whose name I forget because well, I do. Anyways, the book also deals with Tash trying to figure out where she’s going to go for college. Her relationship with her sister is going through some turmoil as well.

Tash is pretty awesome. She is so driven. Granted, her grades are not stellar. Still, she’s passionate about directing. Plus she has her own personal Youtube channel where she drinks tea and talks about books and other things. I still just totally adore her. It’s great that she loves classic literature so much. I also learned a little bit about asexuality from her. I 100% don’t know if it’s all accurate, but given the love this book seems to be getting, I think that speaks volumes for it.

Kathryn Ormsbee’s Tash Hearts Tolstoy is so readable and interesting. I’ll admit that after reading this I wanted to pick up my unread Tolstoy books and give them a shot. Tash is smart but not pretentious. She’s allowed to make mistakes, and hoo boy does she make them. Plus, the scenes with her best friend Jack and Jack’s brother Paul are great. I absolutely rooted for Jack throughout this book and am really glad that I prioritized reading it. When time is a precious commodity, sometimes you need to rank books in order of priority. This one is worthy of that high priority reading.

A fun and quick read with a charming cast of characters and a protagonist that you can't help but root for.

For a more in-depth review watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjNbk...

I received an eARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tash loves Tolstoy. Tash loves Tolstory so much that she and her best friend Jack have created a web series based on "Anna Karenina". When a popular Youtube star lists their series on her must watch list Tash and her friends are suddenly famous. They show even gets nominated for a Golden Tuba Award. Tash may finally get to connect with her vlog crush with who she has been exchanging flirty text however Tash's romance may be cut short if she can't decide how to tell him that she is romantically asexual.

This book was all interesting premise with no follow through. I never really cared about the web series or it's wacky cast of character. Tash and her BFF Jack were just kind of mean to each other. Plus, the most interesting part of the story was Tash's asexuality which felt like an afterthought.

Note: My review link will go live on July 14.

**Thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!**

what i liked
It's always been a dream of mine to get involved with YouTube. I've always been interested in creative ventures, and YouTube is one platform that I've barely dipped my toes into. Sure, I always watch the videos, but I've only made and uploaded a few. I know it's something I'd be really into, but I always put it off. That's why I think it's awesome that Tash and her friends have a YouTube channel. I absolutely ate that part of the book up.
I also loved the friendships in this book. The friends were just always there for each other and got along well.
Tash is asexual. There are not a lot of books in young adult with asexual characters. Actually, now that I think about it, this is the only one I've read!

what i didn't like
Tash actually got on my nerves a bit. I was okay with her at first, but even from the very beginning, I could tell that she really liked to take charge of situations. There's not anything wrong with that, but by the end, I didn't like her as much.
Parts of the book seemed slow to me. I always tend to like it when books are paced a little quicker.

A REVIEW COPY OF THIS TITLE WAS PROVIDED FOR A FAIR AND HONEST REVIEW.

Title: Tash Hearts Tolstoy
Author: Kathryn Ormsbee
Release Date: June 6, 2017
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Review Spoilers: Low

One of my absolute favorite trends in young adult fiction right now is what I’d call ‘nerdy contemporary’ novels. These days we’re seeing authors embrace protagonists of all kinds from aspiring web designers to super nerds at New York Comic-Con — and now web-series directors! And I just love it. I love seeing characters with unique interests that never would have graced the pages of YA novels when I was younger.

Tash Hearts Tolstoy follows Tash, a girl who – as you can probably figure out from the title – has a great love of Leo Tolstoy and his works. Together with her friends she has created a humble web-series that adapts the story of Anna Karenina into the modern day. (Basically, think The Lizzie Bennett Diaries but way more Russian.) After a famous YouTuber find their series and gives them a shout out, Tash and her series Unhappy Families are suddenly thrust into Internet stardom.

And fame certainly has it’s downsides as Tash soon learns.

If you’re not a huge fan of web-series don’t worry. While the story often revolves around Tash and her friends making the web-series that’s not the whole focus. Yes, dealing with their new found fame and the stress that comes with a rabid Internet fandom is a big part of things. But Tash’s story is just about her own journey to really understand herself — and the ever changing roles her friends and family play in her life.

Throughout the book struggles with how to fulfill her dreams and manager her expectations for herself. Like so many high school students entering their senior year, Tash is contemplating college and what comes next. And like so many teenagers she’s trying to reconcile her own needs and wants with those of her friends.

What makes Tash’s story becomes unique and so incredibly important, though, is her growing acceptance of her sexuality throughout the book. Or, rather, her lack of interesting sex. Tash is the first truly asexual or aromantic main character I’ve come across in not just a young adult book but any book. I’m sure there have been a few here and there. But while young adult fiction is embracing diverse characters who celebrate their sexuality and gender identities there has been very little asexual representation.

Tash Hearts Tolstoy gives asexual teenagers an amazingly creative young heroine in who they can see themselves. Tash finds herself struggling at first with her lack of interest in sex – something that society generally seems to indicate is wrong. As she grows more confident, she begins to accept herself. And when challenged by other people who question her sexuality she stands her ground and stands up for herself.

It’s a great message for asexual teenagers who may feel pressured by peers. Just because you’ve never had sex or don’t enjoy it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you or that you just haven’t met the right partner yet. Through Tash, Kathryn Ormsbee validates all those feelings that asexual teens have and shows them someone else who has gone through that journey of self discovery and acceptance. And at the end of the day, Tash’s asexuality is never the most important thing about her. She’s talented and determined and has a ton of meaningful relationships outside of the romantic realm.

Basically, Tash Hearts Tolstoy is much more than just a book about a girl and her friends making a web-series.

Fans of young adult contemporary books should find a lot to love about Tash Hearts Tolstoy. Some parts of the book fall into some familiar tropes but it’s web-series focus and refreshingly unique take on teenage romance and sexuality set it apart from the rest. Ultimately, it’s just a fun book to read with a great main character, relatable secondary characters, and a story that offers a more positive look at the Internet subculture most of us have grown up in. I definitely recommend it!

I was unable to read this book as it was not in Kindle format.

Tash and her best friend Jack have created a modern adaptation of Anna Karenina for their vlog. After being highlighted on another famous vlog, their web series begins to go viral. Tash gets lost in the bluster of notoriety, cyberbullying, and fans. She begins leaning more heavily on her vlog friend and crush, Thom, who gives her advice about coping with fame. Tash is given the chance to meet her online crush, when their series is nominated for an award with a ceremony in Florida. Life is messy and Tash will continue to have to balance her personal life with her professional life.

The only character I found likeable was Paul. I wish the online crush was more developed, altered or, just something more. There were sections of the book I enjoyed, especially the interactions with Jack, Paul, and Tash, alone together.

Tash Hearts Tolstory is a delightful book. Tash and her friends behave and talk like teenagers, the family dramas are balanced with the drama of filming a web series, and the writing never felt stilted or dumbed down. Also, there's no protracted love triangle, which is becoming such a rarity in YA fiction!

The best part of Tash Hearts Tolstoy is Tash herself. Not only does she struggle with her changing family dynamics and with the sudden success of her web series, but also she's asexual. This book is by no means (and shouldn't be) a primer on what it means to be asexual, but Tash's openness to examining her feelings (or lack of them) and her attempts to communicate this knowledge to some of the people around her was hands down some of my favorite parts of the book. It's refreshing to have a protagonist is not traditionally cis-heterosexual whose sexuality is also not the sole defining character trait, and I hope this is part of a trend that will continue.

I loved the parts about adapting Tolstoy into a web series. I loved the way the characters were unabashedly enthusiastic. They love stuff and don't care if that makes them weird. I loved how the interpersonal issues reflect the dramas of Tolstoy. I even liked how meeting Thom isn't at all how Tash hoped it would be (even though its a bit cliche). I didn't love the love story elements mostly because I think it could have been just as strong without them.

My Lizzie Bennet Diaries-obsessed heart was ecstatic upon reading the synopsis for this book. Teens finding success after creating a literary web-series? Sign me up. Ormsbee writes well, and it was so fun to be in Tash's head. I also want to note that I can't personally speak to the ace-rep, but I thought it was great to see a main character who identified as such and have it explored on the page. The other characters were really compelling as well. And there was so much banter between them all, I just loved it! This was a fun, compelling read, although I could have used a bit more resolution at the end.

The only thing that Natasha “Tash” Zelenka knows is that Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy (a.k.a. Leo Tolstoy) is the love of her life. Which kind of sucks since he’s dead. So she honors him the only way she knows how: by creating a web series based off of his novel Anna Karenina called “Unhappy Families.” At first, the series has small following, but once a huge vlogger gushes about the series on her channel, Tash and her friends are shoved into the internet spotlight, and all that entails. Dealing with fame, family problems, love, and identity, Tash Hearts Tolstoy is funny, honest, and a great story about the importance of being true to yourself.

The characters are what really made this novel special. Even though Tash got a bit self-centered and annoying at points, she was true to herself, funny, and, when it came down to it, a great friend. Her relationship with her two best friends, Jack and Paul, was the best part of the entire novel. Each had their own distinct personality, but they balanced each other incredibly well. The character development that Ormsbee was able to smush into a short novel, dealing with several different topics, allows the reader to connect with these characters in a way that makes them feel remarkably real.

With Tash, Ormsbee also included great ace representation. Tash’s struggle with explaining her feelings and coming to terms with what asexuality meant to her was well done, thorough, and convincing. Ace representation is sparse in literature, and this is a great addition to the canon.

The one downfall of this novel was the pacing. Like in real life, Tash is dealing with a lot at the same time: her family problems, the sudden popularity of her web series, her crush and possible meeting with a fellow video maker, and friends. That’s just how life works. However, sometimes the timeline of events would be out of order, and caused a bit of disorientation For example, Tash would be going through something with her family and days would pass. But then, the narrative would jump back a few days to start talking about something else. This constant back and forth made the plot seem jumpy at times, but also stagnant in others.

Overall, Tash Hearts Tolstoy is a fun, diverse novel; perfect for the moments when you’re looking for a light contemporary that deals with real issues.

I requested an arc of this book for several reasons:
1) a nerdy, smart, bookworm main character,
2) Classic adaptation as a blog series a la Lizzie Bennet Diaries and
3) AN ASEXUAL CHARACTER OH MY GOD.

I haven’t read much classic literature, Tolstoy included, so that didn’t grab me in more than the abstract, unlike some reviewers.

The ace representation did draw me in though. I’m ace (somewhere on the scale not quite sure where) so I was super excited to read a book with an asexual MC because I have never in my life heard of one let along read one.

Let me tell you I was not disappointed!

To me at least, I thought the representation of asexuality was very realistic. People say stupid things about it, and it feels weird to be different, but at the end of the day, you have the same feelings as everyone else (Tash is asexual but NOT romantic which are often equated when they are NOT the same thing).

The characters are all real (occasionally flawed) people, the character growth is great and I loved it. The friendships were really realistic and I related to Tash so hard!

Plot wise, it was really interesting. YA stories featuring you tubers are particularly common now, but I thought the story of the making of their show was well done. A bit slow at times, but it balanced out.

The writing was good, quick, easy, cute YA reading.

I highly recommend this story!

This book is EVERYTHING! I really enjoyed Ormsbee's debut novel and I always go into sophomore novels with a little bit of trepidation .... I mean how are they going to live up to the sheer awesome power of their debut?!? Well in this instance, I actually think Ormsbee's second novel rivaled her first! WHAT?!?! You heard me! This one definitely has that solid balance of quirk that "Lucky Few" had, but this novel is also so much more. Don't get me wrong, "Lucky Few" definitely had substance too, but I love the fact that Ormsbee took on asexuality with such grace, respect, and honesty. I don't think many people understand that asexuality exists in the universe and Tash is such an excellent example of what it means to be asexual. She's definitely a normal teenage girl who may or may not have a thing for Tolstoy and her asexuality doesn't define her (LOVE THAT!). Additionally, just like in her debut, Ormsbee's characters and character development go above and beyond - creating individuals that are not only memorable, but interesting, unique, and people you want to know in real life. I cannot sing the praises of this book enough. Kathryn Ormsbee - I think you have a fan for life!

I liked the idea of the characters more than the actual characters themselves. I think the plot had some structure issues, it seems like concept became the basis for the plot which weakened the plot rather than then the plot having been the foundation which everything was built around.

Tash puts her infatuation with Tolstoy to good use when she and her friends create a video podcast series of a modern adaptation of Anna Karenina. Much to their surprise, their series goes viral and is nominated for an award that will be granted at a Florida conference. Meanwhile, Tash has been texting with another famous podcaster, and is looking forward to meeting him at the conference. What she hasn't told him, and what only her two best friends know, is that she considers herself an asexual; she might want a boyfriend, but is completely disinterested in any sexual experiences. The novel explores how fame impacts Tash, her relationships, and her creativity. This is a fun interesting read.

Refreshing contemporary look at social media, teenage relationships and Anna Karenina

It's an uncommon YA novel that uses a Russian master of literature as a basis for a story, and a story about online filmmaking. But it works brilliantly, and I was totally caught up in the plot and with Tash.

Tash enjoys directing friends and wannabee actors in a modern-day reimagining of Tolstoy's classic work, posting episodes online and getting on with her life as a high school student between editing and shooting. All at once though, a popular blogger endorses their show and 'Unhappy Families' is a huge hit, with massive audiences and expectations.

The crew are even nominated for an award. Tash is feeling the pressure, and her relationships with friends begins to feel the strain. There is also an interesting subplot about her burgeoning flirtation/romance with a fellow online blogger, who she has not told a major revelation about her own sexuality (something I've not come across in literature before).

I really enjoyed this unusual use of Tolstoy, I've seen many adaptations of Austen, Shakespeare and their ilk, but to see Tolstoy used in a book about social media and blogging caught my eye. Tash and her cast/crew and friends are a well-developed bunch, with quirks and foibles, and I loved hearing about the filming and production of 'Unhappy Families'.

The sexuality plotline I didn't warm too, it is different - but I just didn't like it. Maybe because I'm too used to issues of sex in YA novels being based around homosexuality or regarding abuse/assaults, this was a little 'out there' for me, and nothing I've ever heard of before. Still, a sexual issue that deserves some awareness.

A book a lot of teenagers will relate to, Tash and her friends are rather inspirational in what they manage to achieve, and it's a great example of a teen drama/romance with some unique elements.

With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.

After a shout-out from one of the Internet’s superstar vloggers, Natasha “Tash” Zelenka finds herself and her obscure, amateur web series, Unhappy Families, thrust into the limelight: She’s gone viral.

Her show is a modern adaptation of Anna Karenina—written by Tash’s literary love Count Lev Nikolayevich “Leo” Tolstoy. Tash is a fan of the forty thousand new subscribers, their gushing tweets, and flashy Tumblr GIFs. Not so much the pressure to deliver the best web series ever.

And when Unhappy Families is nominated for a Golden Tuba award, Tash’s cyber-flirtation with Thom Causer, a fellow award nominee, suddenly has the potential to become something IRL—if she can figure out how to tell said crush that she’s romantic asexual.

Tash wants to enjoy her newfound fame, but will she lose her friends in her rise to the top? What would Tolstoy do? (via Goodreads)
I received an eARC from Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, Simon and Schuster, in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been excited about Tash Hearts Tolstoy since I first heard about it. A romantic asexual protagonist written by someone who is ace? Sign me up. I’m the exact audience for that nove

Contrary to my general hatred of videos, I really love youtube translations of old books. Some particular favorites are The Lizzie Bennett Diaries and Carmilla (which I desperately need to catch up on), but I know there are a lot of other shows that I haven’t watched.

I’m gonna be real with you guys, Tash’s experience really resonated with me. I found out what asexuality was when I was a year into the same relationship I’m planning a wedding for now. I had to do the research that Tash did, though luckily all of my college friends are pretty queer as well, so I didn’t have the same troubles that Tash did. I did love that Tash called her friends out on their really bad comments, and that the book dealt with some of the most common issues that my fellow aces and I run into on a regular basis - misunderstandings, being told

I do have a confession, though. I have never been able to finish Anna Karenina. Tash would have been horribly disappointed, though I will admit that the last time I tried I was 15. I may have to give it another try in the future, because I loved Tash as a character, and I'll give things a second try for people I love.

This was definitely a five star read for me. You can pick up a copy of this fantastic book on Amazon, Indiebound or your other favorite bookseller. I highly recommend it, especially for those of us desperate for good ace representation. I think you'll enjoy this book.

Five stars

Disclaimer: All links to Indiebound and Amazon are affiliate links, which means that if you buy through those links, I will make a small amount of money off of it.

I really enjoyed the author's debut, Lucky Few, and was quite looking forward to this one. And it definitely did not disappoint! Tash (Natasha, but Tash for short) had created a web series called "Unhappy Families". At first, it was just something she did for funsies, with her best friends and some new friends she found to act in the show. But then the series suddenly goes viral, and Tash has to face the ramifications of being pretty famous.

What I Liked:

The characters. Tash was a very relatable main character, and I really felt for her when the stress of going viral got to her. I imagine I would have felt the same, excited, yet overwhelmed. Luckily, Tash has awesome friends, especially her best friend Jack and her bother Paul. (But sidenote, why is everyone's name 4 letters? That confused me a bit, especially in the beginning.) Her parents also seemed like actual parents, which was great. They were protective, and supportive, and you know, present.

The relationships Tash had with her friends. She went through a lot of growth especially in terms of being a better friend. She kind of takes her friends for granted sometimes, and I like that she had to navigate how to keep a friendship going when times are hard. It was just very realistic, I feel like it is something everyone goes through, and I loved the way the author handled it all.

The asexuality rep! Tash is asexual heteroromantic, which means that she does have romantic feelings for guys, but is not necessarily attracted to them sexually. In this case, she has some feelings for a fellow YouTuber, Thom, who... well he is the actual worst, honestly. But that's for you to read about.

The plot was really great. I loved the concept of the show, and how it is based on Anna Karenina. I kind of want to watch it, basically. And I loved how the cast and crew bonded, that was probably my favorite part. I also liked stuff that happened toward the end which obviously I cannot discuss. But know that there were things I approved of very much ;) And of course, the evolution of the show from unknown to being really popular, and how Tash and the others handled it was great.

What I Didn't:

The aforementioned moderate confusion, especially in the beginning. Luckily this cleared up as the story went on, but in the beginning, I was confusing Jack with Paul and George with Paul and I felt like everyone had these same one syllable names and I was just lost. But again, this got better.

I actually kind of wanted to know more about the show! I know this might have been nearly impossible with so much going on in the book, but still, I wanted a bit more of the show, and even the cast.

Bottom Line: Definitely a fan! I loved the story, and the asexual rep. Tash grew so much as a character, too, and I enjoyed reading about her journey.