Kristine Carlson Asselin's Any Way You Slice It promised a relatable contemporary story, likely exploring the challenges of adolescence, family dynamics, and perhaps a touch of self-discovery. As a reader who enjoys realistic fiction with a focus on everyday struggles, I was drawn to its seemingly grounded premise. The book certainly has a sincere tone and some moments of genuine insight.

The strengths of Any Way You Slice It lie in its authentic portrayal of teenage life and the everyday issues faced by its protagonist. Asselin creates a relatable high school environment and the complexities of family relationships, making it easy to connect with the characters' experiences. There are moments of genuine emotion and sincerity, particularly in the protagonist's internal monologues as she navigates friendships, school pressures, and personal dilemmas. The themes of self-acceptance, finding your voice, and dealing with life's imperfections are explored with a certain tenderness. For readers looking for a straightforward, slice-of-life narrative, these aspects will likely be appealing.

However, despite its promising premise and authentic voice, I found that Any Way You Slice It didn't quite fully come together. The pacing, while reflective of its realistic approach, sometimes felt a little too slow and meandering, causing the narrative to lose momentum. While the focus on the protagonist's internal world is a strength, it occasionally overshadowed the plot progression, making the story feel less driven. I also found that the emotional impact, while present in glimpses, didn't consistently land with the depth I had hoped for. The conflicts, when they arose, often felt resolved a little too easily or lacked the profound consequences that would have elevated the narrative.

Overall, Any Way You Slice It is a sincere and relatable contemporary novel that offers a glimpse into the everyday struggles of a teenager. It's a solid choice for readers who appreciate character-focused stories and a realistic portrayal of adolescence. While it didn't completely captivate me from start to finish, it's a well-intentioned story that will likely appeal to readers seeking a more serene and reflective narrative.