Tonight the Streets Are Ours
Author: Leila Sales
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Publisher: Farrar Straus and Giroux
Summary:
Recklessly loyal. That’s how seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley has always described herself. Taking care of her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But lately she’s grown resentful of everyone taking her loyalty for granted, including her needy best friend and her absent mom. Arden finds comfort in a blog she stumbles upon called “Tonight the Streets Are Ours,” the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter, who gives voice to feelings that Arden has never known how to express. So when Peter’s heart is broken, Arden sets out on a road trip to see him. During one crazy night filled with parties, dancing, and music- the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does – Arden discovers that Peter isn’t exactly who she thought he was. And maybe she isn’t exactly who she thought she was either.
First Sentence: Like all stories, the one you are about to read is a love story.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
My Review:
I was a huge fan of Leila Sales’ earlier book, This Song Will Save Your Life, so when I saw that she was writing a new book, I was obviously beyond excited for it even though I had absolutely no idea what the book was about. Add the fact that I saw its gorgeous cover when the cover was released and scratch that – I not only needed that book, but I absolutely NEEEEEEEEDED it in my hands asap. Tonight the Streets Are Ours was one of my top three priority books to obtain at BEA and you can imagine the internally squealing that went on when it was finally in my hands.
What had become abundantly clear to Arden over the past month was this: there were people in this world who didn’t know how to take care of others. There were people who walked away even when they’d made a promise to stand by you. There were people who threw around the word love but only acted on it when it was convenient for them. (ARC 26)
Tonight the Streets Are Ours was a breeze to go through. I was into and invested in the entire book. There was never a slow or boring moment for me and I love how Leila Sales wrote Tonight the Streets Are Ours using a present day teaser in the first chapter, then started telling the story all the way from the beginning before everything had happened. By writing Tonight the Streets Are Ours this way, Leila Sales got my attention right from the start and made me more interested in Arden’s journey. Half of the book is also told before Arden’s trip to New York while the last half of the book tells you what had happened in New York and the aftermath of the trip.
Okay, so I’m sad to say this but Arden, the main character, was kind of…ummm. Well, I can’t think of any nicer way to say this than she was not in her right mind sometimes, as you can probably tell from the synopsis of Tonight the Streets Are Ours. Yes, Arden does stalk Peter – a person she has never talked to even once (what happened to Internet safety?) – and her reasoning behind stalking him is so ridiculous to the point that she really needs to seek some help. Arden has also stalked someone else in a way in the past too; she really needs to seek help for this trait of hers. Other than that, Arden is a normal, everyday person who values her friends beyond all else.
Because more and more these days, she wondered if the most exciting moment in her life was already in her past. If maybe the greatest thing about her had happened when she was nine years old, and it had all been downhill ever since then. (ARC 168)
I love that Tonight the Streets Are Ours takes place in New York. It was great seeing Leila Sales talk about my city and naming all the places I’ve been to with the exception for a few. Yes, I giggled when Leila Sales changed a part of New York to fit her story (I bet other New Yorkers will know what I’m talking about).
If you want to read a book about self-discovery, discovering how people really are, with a dose of stalkerdom and reality, Tonight the Streets Are Ours is definitely the book for you!
Wonderful review! I have been meaning to pick this book up. It looks wonderful and engaging :) Glad you enjoyed it.
Steph recently posted…Building the Book Pile #153
i was sold by just looking at the cover! it’s so gorgeous <333 i've never really read a book that includes stalking so i'm definitely intrigued and can't wait to read it soon heh. also it's based on new york ah! i've never really been there yet but it's one my favourite places already.
great review!
xxx, isha
isha @ two sisters bloggin’ recently posted…// book review + discussion: snow like ashes by sara raasch
Ahh I’ve heard such good things about this book and the cover is SO GORGEOUS. Your lovely review has made me want to read it even more!
Kyra @ Blog of a Bookaholic recently posted…The Process of Reading the Last Book in Your Favorite Series (The pain. The feels. THE TORTURE.)
I am so up in the air with this book. My co-blogger didn’t like it very much, at all. There were certain aspects in the book that she just couldn’t get over. She also loved This Song Will Save Your Life and was the main reason she picked this one up. I have heard so many mixed reviews that I don’t know whether or not I’ll pick it up.
New follower via Bloglovin’. Your blog design is gorgeous and I am just sitting her gawking at it ;)
Erica @ Novel Ink recently posted…Finding Perfect by Kendra C. Highley // Characters that transformed into beautiful butterflies
I really loved this one, and was equally excited for it to come out so I’m glad it didn’t disappoint! I agree about Arden, even though I liked her, she was a bit… misguided. It made the story interesting though! Great review.
Anne @ Lovely Literature recently posted…Anne’s Mini Reviews: July & August 2015
I was just not a fan of this book. This was my first Leila Sales book. I thought Arden was a martyr. She got mad at her friend because she made a choice t sacrifice for her. Then she yelled at her for it. She got on my nerves so bad.
Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books recently posted…BOOK REVIEW: Tonight The Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales
Yaay :D So glad you liked this book Kelly. <3 I'm excited to read it. I also loved her previous book :) But, lol, main girl sounds a bit crazy :D Yet I'm curious. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about it. <3
Carina Olsen recently posted…Review: Guys Read: Terrifying Tales by Jon Scieszka
I had no interest in reading this book but after ur review…i want to read it. A new york centerd book sounds nice.
I love this review! I always get really nervous to see reviews of this book because I loved Leila Sales’ first book. I could see how the main character would get annoying, but I can really see that happening in real life (not that I want it to, lol). But anyway, I’m still excited to pick this up.
Katherine recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Series I Need to Finish
Thanks for the review. I think I’d read this JUST because of the cover! As a graphic designer, I love looking at typography. This book cover looks like it was done by one of my favorite designers of all time: JESSICA HISCHE!! She does a TON of book covers, especially for penguin. Ever see the pretty classic editions with just the letter done up real fancy on a solid background? That’s her!
Anyway, I’m looking forward to reading it!
I wasn’t a huge fan of this one, but I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
I was a bit hesitant to pick up her book…i always do with most contemporaries…but i will get her first book for it got great reviews…i hope i will end up enjoying it as much as u did.
thanks for this review. it was encouraging ;)
This sounds like a really interesting book, and I love its cover! I think that I might just have to put this on my to-read list. Great review!
I’m a little worried on the stalking part, but other than that I might be sold on reading this one. I’m in the need of an easy read and like you said this was a breeze so I’d give it a go. I’ve seen good reviews so far like yours and the cover is also a major plus. Thanks for sharing your thoughts ???
Yup, that cover is lovely, and coincidentally when I picked up a copy, I also wound up borrowing other books from the library with similar covers – très weird.