Review | What I Thought Was True

What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
April 2014 by Dial Books for Young Readers
422 pages
Four stars


"From the acclaimed author of My Life Next Door comes a swoony summertime romance full of expectation and regret, humor and hard questions.

Gwen Castle has never so badly wanted to say good-bye to her island home till now: the summer her Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, takes a job there as the local yard boy. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is." -Goodreads


I've always had a soft spot for books with a beach or island setting. They have a specific feel to them that I just love and get so immersed in. This one did not disappoint. I loved Huntley's first book, My Life Next Door. I had high hopes for this one too. While I didn't love it quite as much as MLND, it was still lovely and addicting. There was so much depth and so many great and unique characters. 

Gwen Castle lives on Seashell Island, where the wealthy spend their summers, and the locals take on jobs to serve them. Gwen and her family are very much a part of the island life. Her world gets turned upside down when she runs into what she considers to be her biggest mistake, Cassidy Somers. What I Thought Was True isn't just about Gwen, it's about her family, friends, relationships, jobs, financial issues, the future. 

I loved Emory's character and the role he had in the story. He seems to be the glue that holds the Castle family together. He's not normal, but he's not quite autistic. He's just Em. That being said, I spent most of the book terrified that something was going to happen to him. I thought he was going to get sick or something, and it would be this huge tragedy for the family. Spoiler alert, he's fine, which I'm so happy about. Some of the scenes with Emory were my favorite in the whole book. You can't help but love him. 

Cassidy is so wonderful, but he's not perfect. I love when the romances in YA contemporary novels are realistic. Both characters have made mistakes and can't seem to get on the same page. Gwen and Cassidy were a hilarious couple and just proved how awkward romance is at that age. It was so refreshing to read. Another thing I noticed, and really appreciated, was how the roles seemed to be reversed. Gwen was more physically advanced but Cassidy was better with the emotional side of things. I can't really think of another YA book that I've read where it was so opposite of what you normally see.

One thing I really respected about this book is how casually they talk about sex. The main character isn't an innocent bystander who was taken advantage of. She is able to make her own decisions and her own mistakes. They also mention using birth control and condoms, which I think is really important. It's not just about the heat of the moment, you should think clearly. Huntley doesn't tip toe around the subject, it's just how these characters are. 

There are so many good themes and morals to take away from this story. It was one of the better books I've read in a while and just makes me want to read more contemporary. When it's done well, it's so good. I'm really looking forward to reading Huntley's next book.