Official Review: A Love Story by Jon Ripslinger

ALynnPowers · Post by **ALynnPowers** » 16 Jun 2020, 13:14

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Love Story" by Jon Ripslinger.]

3 out of 4 stars

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A Love Story is a young adult novel by Jon Ripslinger that tells the story of a young man’s life-altering year. Michael Panther, handsome football star, spends the summer before his senior year of high school with his family at a Wisconsin campsite owned by his dad’s friend. After the greatest summer romance with Jodi Jackson, Michael must return to Iowa with his dying father, who wants to spend his last few remaining days at home with his family. Within a few months, Michael learns that Jodi is pregnant, and she is certain that Michael is the father. However, Michael is suspicious that Jodi has been with her ex, and he is hesitant to accept responsibility unless he knows for sure that the baby is his. Michael keeps busy with football and schoolwork to distract himself from the worry and the impending due date that could forever alter his plans for the future.

As the name implies, A Love Story is a love story, but it is so much more than a typical romance novel. There is a little bit of football in there to appeal to the sports fanatics, but more importantly, this book is jam-packed with powerful emotions that all teenagers can be expected to experience at some point or another. Having to solve adult problems and make life-changing decisions only increases these emotions, and I think the book did a great job bringing the readers into those feelings.

The relationship between Michael and Jodi isn’t the only focus of the book. We also get to experience Michael’s relationships with his parents, his football teammates, and his friends. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of Michael’s relationship with his mother. Oftentimes, in young adult books, parents are portrayed as nothing more than obstacles or villains (if they are present at all), but Michael had a good, honest relationship with his mother. His mother was presented as the voice of reason amid a sea of teen angst, and she provided a good, grounded support system for Michael. I wouldn’t even consider the mother as one of the main characters in the book, but she certainly serves as a strong lesson to both teens and parents about how important communication among family members can be.

The only negative thing I have to say is that I found exactly 11 errors in the book. Some people might consider that to be a lot, and others might think that’s nothing. I’ve definitely read books with way more errors. Most errors were merely typographical, and a lot of readers probably wouldn’t even notice them. Personally, I think that these errors were insignificant, and they certainly didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. Despite these errors, the book still manages to feel professionally edited, and the writing quality is excellent.

If I could, I would only take away half a point for the errors, but I can’t do that here. In the end, I must give this book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars, though I really feel that it deserves more. It is a great, emotional story that older teenagers and adults would enjoy. Profanity and sexual themes are present within the book, as can be expected in a book about teen pregnancy.

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A Love Story
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Gabrielle Sigaki · Post by **Gabrielle Sigaki** » 20 Jun 2020, 07:07

The premise of the book seems to be a common teenager love story, but your review got me interested. After all, the way the author develops the plot is something that matters more than the premise itself. And I felt the book talks about important topics, such as teen pregnancy and the relationship with the family. Thanks for the beautiful review!

LinaJan · Post by **LinaJan** » 20 Jun 2020, 14:46

It sounds like a well-rounded story of one fella's life. I am not the one for love stories, but your review has me pondering that maybe I should give this one a try. I was always interested in how a particular emotion is described as these things are so subjective and personal and, as you point out, there's quite a bit of focus on it in this book.

Thank you for such a thorough review! Onto my shelf this goes

Post by **Christabel Uzoamaka** » 20 Jun 2020, 18:10

I like how the book portrays more than Micheal and Jodi’s love story. It really is a love story. Not just a story about a boy and a girl but a story about family, achievement, responsibility and even acceptance. It’s a book I would love to read.
Thanks for the great review!

Nzube Chizoba Okeke · Post by **Nzube Chizoba Okeke** » 21 Jun 2020, 09:15

Knowing that this story is much more than a love story is fascinating. Great review!

Frannie Annie · Post by **Frannie Annie** » 21 Jun 2020, 11:50

This sounds like a good love story, the best ones have more than just a relationship between two characters! Good review.

Priyanka2304 · Post by **Priyanka2304** » 03 Jul 2020, 10:13

That was a lovely review. Teenage love stories have a refreshing feel and bring back a lot of old memories. Hoping to read it soon.

purvasha__ · Post by **purvasha__** » 10 Jul 2020, 02:01

There are too many cliches in the romance genre these days, but from your review, this book seems like something I'd pick up. Thanks for sharing this. Hope to read it.

blancaelizondo214 · Post by **blancaelizondo214** » 15 Jul 2020, 02:22

I love it

Ledy · Post by **Ledy** » 16 Jul 2020, 13:06

Given the way this book is being reviewed,it sparked some interest in me such that I want to try it..thanks for the reviews

Chiagbanwe · Post by **Chiagbanwe** » 21 Jul 2020, 08:39

I think that the fact that it shows a positive relationship between Michael and his mother is something that is needed. Mostly, the relationship between teenagers and their parents in books are portrayed as strained, but this book is already starting off on a good ground for me because of this.
Nice review.

arazeli · Post by **arazeli** » 23 Jul 2020, 03:18

I like how the book depicts more than Micheal and Jodi's romantic tale. It truly is a romantic tale. Not only a tale about a kid and a young lady yet an anecdote about family, accomplishment, obligation and even acknowledgment. It's a book I couldn't want anything more than to peruse.

A debt of gratitude is in order for the incredible survey!

Salomephir · Post by **Salomephir** » 23 Jul 2020, 05:17

The premise of the book seems to be a common teenager love story, I liked it it was very interesting And I felt the book talks about important topics, such as teen pregnancy and the relationship with the family. Thanks for the beautiful review!