Life is Like a Parade

To be honest, I’m struggling to describe the set-up of Life is Like a Parade — so here’s the blurb I was given from NetGalley.

“After twenty-seven months in the Peace Corps, the droll hero of this amusing tale returns home with one simple thing on his mind – he’s determined to kiss a girl. And not just any girl or any kiss, but an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime first kiss with Mandi, his beautiful next door neighbor. The fun mix of tension, humor, and life lessons in this heartfelt romance will appeal to readers of all ages.”

With such a cutesy title, Life is Like a Parade set me up with hopes of fun and romance. Was it all that I expected?

Nah.

This must be a debut novel, for it’s a near-comical mess. Leading man Tommy is completely, totally and utterly desperate for his first kiss. He reaches vomit-inducing levels of unattractiveness throughout the novella. At first his heart is 100% set on Mandi — until he bumps into Jamie, who he’s always fancied too, turns out. When he talks to Jamie about his desperation desire to kiss her on what feels like every third page — to which she says that she won’t — it’s slightly frustrating, slightly annoying. It feels as though he’s not listening or taking her seriously, and as a reader, you want her to say “shut up and talk about something else!”

Full review is available on my blog!

Thank you to NetGalley, L. Henry Smith, and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I want to begin by giving praise to the author for taking the risk of putting himself out there to bring his story to life. In the author’s note, it states that Smith’s “greatest joy in life is his family,” which certainly comes through in Life is Like a Parade. The cover artwork is also very beautifully executed, enticing, and sweet. If I saw this cover in a bookstore, I would certainly want to pick it up and read at least the synopsis!

With the above attributes working in its favor, I really wanted to like this book. It is a short novel and promised to be a quick read, but the awkward dialogue and disjointed storytelling makes it difficult to wade through. Regarding the organization, it feels as though there was no planning or preparation involved in the writing process. Between the first chapter and the next couple of chapters, for example, it isn’t immediately clear that the narrative is shifting into a flashback of sorts; there is no segue or notice. Additionally, the titling of each chapter, in combination with numbering, is awkward and makes the chapters feel more like awkwardly written short stories rather than parts of a more cohesive whole. There are some confusing grammar issues, such as accidentally using “her” when meaning to use “his,” several missing words, and mixed up usage of “your” and “you’re.” Grammatical issues, though annoying, are easy enough to get through when they are occasional, but when combined with consistently one dimensional characters and a story that is similarly lacking in depth it all unfortunately starts to unravel.

I do feel as though this story is unique and has promise, but the current lack of depth and organization make it difficult to get through. I would like to see Tommy’s character better fleshed out, better segues between sections (especially for the sake of cohesiveness), some actual organization and substance to the plot, as well as more attention to grammar and details. I am not against stories with moral agendas, as Life is Like a Parade seems to present: “no kissing before the second date” as well as the very old fashioned approach to interpersonal relationships in general, which makes the timeline and setting a bit confusing (seems like the 1950s with smartphones). This just provides yet another (major) reason to bring more care and attention to the details of character, setting, and overall storytelling.

This is the first book I signed up to review on NetGalley. I knew of NetGalley from one of the book blogs. I can't remember which particular blog. Thank you, whoever you are. I got introduced to a new source of free books to review.

Life is Like a Parade is a story of Tommy Taylor and Jaime Jones.

This book is a sweet, witty and entertaining read. I enjoyed very much the smart banter between Tommy and Jaime. I liked that these two think alike in a lot of ways. Their exchanges often ended up as a yardstick as to who is more brilliant in giving a funny and mightier comeback. And if the other's retort is smart enough to make the other silent or lost for a wittier answer. I was looking forward to this kind of conversations between the pair. It was the best part of the book. It was not the usual type of conversations I get to hear. These conversations gave character to the book and made it stand out from the other comedy romances I have read. Not to mention the quirky and lovable characters. It made me want to live in Westfield.

Of course, the book was not all about roses. There were serious conversations also. And those serious dialogues squeezed my heart tight. I was on the verge of crying and feeling sorry for our lovebirds. They have waited and endured long enough. They deserved to be together. The book also talked about family dynamics and relationships. Of random kindness and repaying back that kindness when the opportunity comes.

Another character of the book was playing with suspense. Though it had become obvious to me what was going on, but I couldn't help but feel the frustration and worry of Tommy. The author played with his characters' weaknesses which solicited more empathy from me. I wanted to hug Tommy right there and tell him that everything is going to be alright. He has nothing to worry about.

I gave the book 5/5 mine cars. The author adeptly played me like a guitar string. He was a skillful player who played with my emotions. He made me laugh with the easy and comfortable banter between Tommy and Jaime. And after I was feeling comfortable and content with all the merriment, he played a soulful note and wrung my heart. It was a dizzying roller-coaster of emotions, yet very fulfilling. Like being on the Space Mountain in Disneyland, the ride makes you breathless, weightless and disoriented. At the same time, it makes you want to experience it more. The book made me hopeful. Some wishes do come true after years of patiently waiting. Good people are often rewarded for good deeds, sometimes instantaneously. And that you have to take advantage of the golden opportunities as they come. At the same time, you march to the tune of your heart. Yeah, big dope!

Life is like a parade, sometimes it's clowns and floats and marching bands, but sometimes it's sunburns and muscle cramps and broken blisters -nobody knows that better than you.
- L. Henry Smith, Life is Like a Parade -

Thank you again, Netgalley for the review copy.

Actual Rating: 3.5

This was a nice love story. I thought the story was interesting. Also, it is interesting to read this from the male perspective as it gave me more of understanding of who Tommy was as a character. I really like Tommy and Jamie together. I thought their chemistry was great. The ending was really sweet. I do wish that it was longer than 164 pages. Overall, a great read.

Swoon! Wonderful love story. Incredibly well written and the main character was so lovable. Will definitely recommend to others.

It was a great read. I feel the character development was good and I would recommend to friends.