Review: Every Other Weekend

Title: Every Other Weekend

Author: Abigail Johnson

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication date: January 7, 2020

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Summary

Adam’s life used to be perfect. He’s good at school, he’s got a family who supports him, life couldn’t have been better. But after his oldest brother dies, his life falls apart. His mom can’t stop crying, and now his dad has moved out. Everywhere he turns, life is completely falling apart.

On the other hand, Jolene’s family life is the complete opposite. Her parents are divorced and constantly at each other’s throats. So, she uses movies to think about the life she wants, the life she’s never had.

Adam’s father ends up moving into the same apartment as Jolene’s dad, and the two have an instant connection. Will their relationship survive every other weekend?

Review: Every Other Weekend

Trigger warnings for: sexual assault, self-harm

Thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Teen for an ARC copy of this to review! It was a great book to start out 2020 with. I got the chance to review Abigail Johnson’s previous book, If I Fix You, before, so I was happy to get the chance to review this one as well.

Every Other Weekend is a look at how divorce can affect the lives of teenagers, and how grief can rock a family’s life. Adam and Jolene are fully fleshed out characters, ones that you feel that you can relate to. They each are struggling with their own issues, and the find each other in times of need. Though it takes them a little bit to realize their feelings for each other, their relationship feels real when they finally do.

Outside of the romance, there are a lot of real issues here too. Johnson grounds Adam and Jolene’s relationship in real feelings. Adam is struggling with grief over his brother’s death–he doesn’t know how to get passed it. Jolene has anxiety issues, stemming from her relationship with her parents. Instead of being “instantly fixed” when they’re together, they’re able to help each other work through their issues.

Overall, Every Other Weekend is well constructed and feels real. Many teens will be able to relate to the characters and the situations. If you’re looking for a realistic romance, definitely check out this book!

4/5 stars