Review of The Lighter Side of Life And Death by C.K. Kelly Martin

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Sixteen-year-old Mason Rice is having the night of his life. He's just delivered an incredible performance in the school play, basked in celebratory afterglow vibes at the party of the year, and lost his virginity to one of his best friends—the gorgeous but previously unobtainable Kat Medina. His dreams are coming true and the future looks golden. Unfortunately, Kat sees things very differently. Crossing the friendship line was a big mistake and all she wants is to forget it and move on, even if means forgetting Mason altogether. What's a guy to do? Well, if you're Mason, you hang your hopes on the first attractive 23-year-old you cross paths with. At first Mason wonders if he's imagining the chemistry . . . until Colette invites him over to her apartment. Suddenly Mason's living in a whole new world. Fans of John Green and Sarah Dessen will savor C. K. Kelly Martin's sexy, smart, soulful story of one confused boy, two girls, and all the complications that ensue in this feel good celebration of friendship, first love, first lust, and second chances.

Sixteen year old Mason has just experienced the best night of his life. He has flawlessly pulled off his role in the closing night of his play, he had an awesome cast part, AND he just lost his v-card to his best friend, Kat. However, we all know The Lighter Side Of Life And Death by CK Kelly Martin would totally suck if his life stayed perfect. This is the part where we cue the conflict. Turns out, Kat doesn’t quite know how to handle that night.

What results in The Lighter Side of Life and Death by CK Kelly Martin is an honest, gripping portrayal of growing up and burgeoning sexuality for a teenage boy. Examined is the difference between love and lust, which I guess may appear in similar clothing a whole lot of the time, so it is easy to confuse one for the other. I really appreciated that C.K. Kelly Martin wasn’t afraid to go the full Monty, it made the book’s impact so much more larger on me.

As far as characters voices go, Mason has a distinctive voice. You can tell he’s this easy going guy, yet he struggles over these issues which aren’t exactly life and death, but certainly feel that way when you are sixteen. I loved how Martin portrays that teenage egotism perfectly. Let’s face it, when you are a kid you are the center of your universe. Some of us grow out of that, some of us don’t. I’m not even sure I’ve grown out of that.

I don’t think I would hesitate to give The Lighter Side Of Life And Death by CK Kelly Martin to a teenager who is coming to grips with their hormones. This book is short, it’s a fast read, yet it is non-judgmental of the decisions the characters make. Mason is never punished for what he decides. I guess what I am trying to say is I love The Lighter Side Of Life And Death by CK Kelly Martin for the fact that it isn’t superficial, that it just seems to get it. Ya know?

Other Reviews of The Lighter Side Of Life And Death by CK Kelly Martin:

The Crooked Shelf
A Good Addiction

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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