That Boy

I feel so lucky to have found this book. I first tried out the audio, and completely fell in love with that. I wasn’t even supposed to read the book, but I saw <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/459769773?book_show_action=false&page=1">a short Goodreads review by Kelly @ The Diva Booknerd</a>, where she talks about the little diary doodles in the book. So of course I had to see it. I’m so glad I did because they add a little charm to the book, and it sort of gives you this feeling that you’re reading JJ’s diary. And I certainly loved reading it. Though I must admit that it was easier to spot the flaws in Jillian Dodd’s writing when you’re reading it rather than listening to it. But I didn’t really mind them because I loved this book so much. ADORABLE. I think that would be the best word to use to describe this book. From the doodles to the characters and to the situations they found themselves in, it was just all so cute. Well, mostly anyway. There are some scenes that left me tearing up. But there was also a positive note to them that lightened up the mood. This is a kind of book that touched my heart with joy, sadness, hope, and love. I’m not anything like JJ, but I was able to easily connect with her. I think it’s because she tells you her whole story from such a young age until her adolescence, and she was definitely a great narrator. It feels like actually knowing someone so well, and liking her for being herself. That Boy is basically JJ’s story from the moment she met her best friends until the moment that she admits that she has fallen in love with one of them. It was certainly a bumpy ride with a lot of distractions along the way. But through it all, I could see how JJ was right for the one she chose, especially after seeing everything the second time around. JJ (Jadyn James) is quite the unconventional female protagonist. She plays football with her two best friends, Danny and Phillip, and she plays rough. She’s not afraid to break some bones or get cuts and bruises. She’s very competitive and she doesn’t like losing. I particularly like how JJ earned Danny’s respect after he told her that she couldn’t play with them because she was a girl. I guess she was a little like a tomboy growing up. But she did catch up with her female peers along the way – being a little fashionable and gushing about boys. <blockquote>“Maybe I’ll just give up on boys. Okay, maybe not. They’re just so cute!”</blockquote> I like how she has hard and soft sides. She’s smart and strong. But she can also be quite stubborn and always wants to be right. She’s a free spirit. She has all these different layers to her personality that I enjoyed seeing. And she just makes me laugh so much. There was a little love triangle here, but I didn’t really mind. I loved both Danny and Phillip. Though I’m not sure whether I’d want them more as a best friend or as a boyfriend. Both could probably work. Danny is a lot like JJ. They have so much in common, and they love scheming together which usually gets them into trouble. However, they both butt heads a lot because neither of them likes backing down. And Phillip would have to play peacemaker. He’s the responsible one among the three that keeps the other two grounded. And he’s really sweet and loyal too. Their friendship was so solid that I wish I could have been one of them. Apart from the romance, I was so delighted to see the beautiful family and friend relationship that they had. JJ, Danny, and Phillip were all best friends and really close, but it was also great to see that their parents were as close as well. And all three families surely looked out for each other. I particularly love JJ’s parents who taught her and me that we should celebrate life every day. Also, they all had such cool parents that I wish I had or I wish to be. They’re open, caring, light-hearted, and funny. <blockquote>“Sadly, my parents’ social life far surpasses mine. That thought is very pathetic and totally tragic.” – JJ</blockquote> Overall, That Boy was a perfect fluffy read – HILARIOUS, emotional, romantic, swoon-worthy. I loved getting to know all of the characters, and it isn’t often that I care for all the prominent main and side characters so this one’s special. This book was just so cute. I would recommend this to anyone who loves contemporary romances and to anyone looking for a fun, light read.

Warning: If you are allergic to romantic comedies, then THAT BOY is not the book for you. But if you are immune to fun, sweet romances and hot boys that will have you gushing then please continue. THAT BOY was my first ever Jillian Dodd book and have to say that I absolutely loved it and could not get enough. Before reading THAT BOY, I was high on angsty and intense reads. It seemed like every book I was reading was overly dramatic and gut wrenching. Reading THAT BOY was like walking out of a dark tunnel and entering into a fantastical world full of hearts, flowers, rainbows, unicorns, and kittens. It was a total 180 degree difference from what I was accustomed to but I do not regret one page, paragraph, sentence or word of this book. I could go on and on about how much I loved this book but I'm going to break the book review norm and give you five reasons why you should read this book. TOP 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD READ THAT BOY 1.Loveable Heroine: If you've ever watched the movie, My Girl, Jadyn James "JJ" Reynolds will remind you of the movies main character, Vada Sultenfuss. Just like Vada, JJ is a fun, precocious, loving, and witty girl. She's a bit naive but not totally oblivious to consequential circumstances. She's your typical, spunky teenager without all the arrogance and rebelliousness. JJ is one of the most realistic YA heroines I have ever come upon and really appreciated her honesty and self-deprecating sense of humor. 2.Double the Pleasure…Double the Fun: *sigh* to have grown up with two hot boys who eventually become your BFF's for life. At one point I was seething with envy over JJ's friendship with All-American Boy Hottie, Danny Diamond and Prince Charming, Phillip Mackenzie. And I wasn't just jealous because she grows up next door to some hotties but envious of the strong relationships and bonds she forms with each is something we wish for in a friendship. 3.Love Triangle: Yes, THAT BOY has a love triangle but it's different and unique in its own way. THAT BOY is not that kind of story that leaves you with a clear winner or loser. At the end there is only one winner and that's JJ. I love that Jillian Dodd doesn't leave you having to pick one or the other because ultimately JJ ends up with both boys being a permanent part of her life. Each fulfills their respective roles and I couldn't have been happier about the way it ended. And for all you dirty minded folks, no, JJ is not in some threesome. LOL. 4.Growing Pains: You first meet JJ when she's an adorable eight year old tomboy and then watch her grow up and learn the facts of life from elementary school all the way till she graduates college. It was really enjoyable to see her go through various stages of her young life (middle school, high school, and college) as she learns valuable lessons about life, love, family, friendship, and growing up. I must warn you that there is a tragedy in the story that I found to be too devastating and left me in tears but for character development it's probably something that needed to happen in order for JJ to grow up. 5.Funville: THAT BOY was just an absolute joy to read. I immediately fell in love with Jillian Dodd's brand of writing. I loved the voice she gave to her characters and while the characters or story wasn't all that complicated, THAT BOY, is the kind of book that'll leave a lasting impression on you. Jillian Dodd will have you reminiscing about the best parts of your teenage years but with just the right amount of angst that doesn't leave you annoyed by the characters. Ms. Dodd definitely had me wishing that I could relive some of my most formidable teen years of my life. Bottom line, THAT BOY is a definite must read for readers who adore a fun romance with delightful characters and a story that's easy and fun to read. You'll love reading about JJ and the two most important boys in her life and you'll walk away from this book feeling like you've made three new life long friends. Rating: 4.5 Stars

"... I always lose the guy!" "Yeah, well that's because they're always the wrong guy." "And you think you're the right one?" "Yeah. I do. I'm the one," he says, pointing to his chest. I never thought I would finish reading a book and end up feeling like I made new friends. This story will completely immerse you into these characters' lives, make you wish you really knew them, grew up with them. It is a truly feel-good book if there ever was one and I am feeling the seam-bursting goodness all the way to my toes. This is the delightfully light-hearted story of Jadyn "JJ" and her two best friends in the whole wide world, Danny and Phillip. Having been neighbours all their lives and having parents who are also best friends, they have always been inseparable. While JJ and Danny are very alike - both competitive, impulsive and fun-loving - Phillip is the level-headed quiet achiever one of the lot. They balance each other perfectly, loving one another unconditionally and always being there for each other. We watch boyfriends and girlfriends come and go, but their friendship staying true and only getting stronger as time passes by. We follow JJ, Danny and Phillip through their teenage years, through heartbreaks, personal trials, moments of joy and moments of intense sadness, witnessing their transition into adulthood first-hand. We hear it all through JJ's voice, the voice of a young girl raised in a loving family and surrounded by people who love her selflessly. From a tomboy who needs to prove to others that she can play catch better than any boy, to a young woman embracing her body and her feelings, JJ enchants us, makes us invested in where life takes her, and we can't help but watch her life unfold with heated anticipation. The relationships between the two boys and JJ are as different as night and day. Danny excites JJ, turns her to mush every time she sees him, easily making her entertain the idea of turning their friendship into something more. They are like two fire crackers when they are together - always the life of the party - their minds mischievously in sync and always ready to conquer the world. "... when you're around Danny, it's really hard to think about anything but him. He's got this easy, seductive way about him. Like he's a warm, inviting swimming pool and you can't wait to jump him." Her relationship with Phillip, on the other hand, is a much closer one but with clearer and much more guarded boundaries in JJ's head. She never sees him as anything more than her best friend, one she talks to on the phone every night before falling asleep, one she depends on when her life turns sour, one she cannot do without. "Nothing is ever real until I tell it to Phillip." His affection for her is pure and genuine, it lifts off the pages and envelopes us in its tenderness. Phillip complements JJ, he grounds her and makes her want to be a better person. While we watch JJ step into womanhood, make her mistakes and learn her lessons, we also watch her come to terms with her own feelings and what she hopes to find in life. Two boys, two sides of JJ, only one boy that has her heart. Do yourself a favour and read this book. It will be like sunshine after a cloudy day - it will fill you with cheerfulness and put a smile on your face. "I've been here for you all along. I've listened to you cry about other guys, I rescue you, take care of you when you're sick, hug you when you're sad, tell you you're beautiful when you look terrible." He looks me straight in the eyes and is dead serious when he says, "Princess, I've always been the one."

I wanted to like That Boy more than I did. I love the concept of discovering that the boy you've grown up with as just friends turns out to be the boy you are madly in love with. Plus, That Boy has the twist that there are two boys. JJ is a bit of a tomboy, and her two best friends are Phillip and Danny. Both boys are sweet to her, treat her also as a best friend, and the threesome are practically inseparable. But Phillip and Danny are very different, personality-wise. The three are really cute as they grow up together and become adults together. I really liked their unconditional friendship with each other, as well as between their families. Liked: The friendships between JJ, Phillip, and Danny. While obviously there are two guys and one girl, I never felt like this was one of those strained, tedious love triangles. The feelings growing throughout the book felt legitimate. I liked that JJ was a bit of a tomboy and could hold her own around guys, especially with sports. Again, I liked the friendships throughout the book, not just the main three characters, but the parents and other students as well. There are also some very funny scenes (like strip football), and some very touching scenes that were very well-written. The author knows how to weave a story and a history. Just Okay: The book spans many years, from age 12 to 22 (although even birth is referred to as Phillip and JJ have known each other since infancy). This lengthiness and filler years affected the pacing for me. While I liked the build-up of the relationships and getting the full background on why these kids were so close, there were definitely moments in the book that dragged for me and I found myself skimming. Disliked: I could only read JJ's constant inner-dialogue for so long before I was skimming scenes. Her inner ramblings were kind of cute to start with (at age 12, for instance), but as she is entering adulthood, she never quite breaks out of that mindset. Maybe she had ADHD or something, but I found her mental bouncing distracting. I'm a lover of dialogue, verbal dialogue with others, and I would have liked more dialogue between the characters. There was dialogue, but replacing the inner dialogue with more outer would have been my preference. Of course, this is my preference. For someone else, they may love inner dialogue and ramblings and this would be their cup of tea. I also didn't love JJ's character. Her immaturity at times really grated on me, and I hope she grows up more in That Wedding (see my other review for my feelings on that...) Ending: Despite my mediocre feelings about the book, I still really wanted to get to the end and see who JJ ended up with. I liked many parts of the ending and felt swept off of my feet by "that boy"'s proposal. But I still wanted to shake JJ over her continued immaturity and whiny inner ramblings. Girlfriend just needs to see what's in front of her already. Bottomline: This was just an okay read for me. I won't be revisiting this book.

Beware! I loved this book so much, I have many many quotes :) :):) I wish I could give it 50 stars!!! This book was super fun. I knew from the very first page that I was goi...ng to love it. Sometimes I just need a really easy book to immerse myself in, one that doesn't need much thinking. This was it. I was grinning nearly the whole way through. I adored reading her thoughts as a young girl. Here are a few of my favorite bits that I related to; 'Important Things I have learned in my life so far; 4. When you have the choice, play with a boy. Boys are easy to get along with. They don't care if your clothes match, or if your hair is a mess. Boys don't talk behind your back or make up stories about you to try to hurt your feelings. They are too busy playing sports or video games.' _____________________________________ 'He thinks HE is SO COOL! The first day he moved here, he told me how he's a great quarterback. I told him to stop bragging. It's not nice. But he went I'm not bragging, I'm just confident in my skills. Whatever. I figured the kids at school would hate him because no one likes a bragger, right? Right? Wrong!' _____________________________________ 'Well his advice on boys might be good, but evidently he's forgotten the Laws of Fifth Grade. You CAN only have one best friend. That's okay though; his memory is probably going bad because he's getting so old. He is thirty-eight after all.' We follow JJ through life reading parts she felt were so mementos she recorded them in journal fashion. We watch her grow up from a fiery little Princess from 4th grade into a confident and stubborn woman who knows her mind. As she grows so does her relationship with her 2 best friends. Phillip and Danny - this friendship made the book. They have been friends forever. The kind of friends that are there for each other through thick and thin. Unconditional. With Phillip, he keeps her grounded and safe. While Danny seemed to be the fun, adventurous friend. (To all my mummy friends, I know you are just thinking - Danny sounds like the fun one. The dad!) Both were beautiful friendships with so many wonderful, funny moments. She had me laughing out loud remembering when I used to act and speak this way; 'I mean, this date is of EPIC proportions. He's a senior for God's sake! My high school reputation could be ruined or made in one single night. I don't want to be known as a terrible kisser! Or Worse! Totally Inexperienced! I've got to do something. Get me somebody, anybody! I need someone who has experience and, most importantly, who will help me. I glance out my window and see Danny's bedroom light it on. Ch-Ching. Danny has experience, and I'm too desperate to be embarrassed.' ____________________________________ 'Hello? Naked parents. Pot. Alcohol. I may very well me traumatized by all of this. Somebody wanna call a shrink?' ___________________________________ 'Hot guy. Hot bod. Hot car. Trifecta, baby.' ___________________________________ 'And I swear, each bean row must be, at a minimum, several hundred miles long. At least that's what it felt like. After about four hours of walking beans, I have to admit, I was ready to use the scythe on myself, just to make the misery stop. But then I figured I'd forever be remembered as the girl who killed herself in a bean field. Not exactly the legacy I am hoping for!' ___________________________________ 'I know there are large, really important issues in the world. World peace, terrorism, nuclear arms and global warming. But honestly, finding the perfect swimsuit has got to be top of most women's list, regardless of race, religion, political, or sexual orientation. So in finding this perfect bikini, I really feel I've done my part to help conquer this great world issue.' JJ struggled at times just like any of us. If she wasn't trying to figure out how to survive being a teenager, she was surviving a tragedy, then she was learning how to grow into herself and her body or learning about human nature and trying to live in every moment. To me she was not just a character from a story, it was like growing up with her. Her honesty us refreshing. 'So I ask for more clarification, "Like just being around them or actual physical contact?" He stops reading my chart, looks at me like I'm blonde and says, "Physical contact. Like kissing." "We may need for paper for that, Doc," Phillip, the comedian in the corner says. "Shut up, Phillip," I glare at him. But he continues, "Just bring in the student directory. We can use a highlighter, might go faster."' There was a lot of emphasis on JJ looking for love all throughout, but I thought she was wonderful and I knew she would find THAT boy in the end. 'Somewhere, my prince is waiting. Ha! Actually, I don't think he's waiting. I think he's hiding from me.' I was so happy she found him! I am so looking forward to reading "That Wedding" next. I can't wait to hear what's happening with Danny, Phillip and JJ...

One of the most creative books I have ever read! First of all, loved the little doodles at the beginning of each chapter. I thought I was over books with pictures and color but maybe I was wrong;) Secondly, I loved the age progression and how the thoughts and dialogue of Jadyn matured as she aged. I will admit that I may have been a little annoyed with an entire book written from a 4th graders point of view but it was brilliant! Last, I really fell in love with Jillian Dodd's writing style. It wasn't too simple or too complex or forced; it was just a very realistic read that flowed nicely. Did I mention that I am so adding Jillian Dodd to my list of favorite authors?!?! This book was amazing and very hard to put down. I needed to know who had proposed to her at the beginning of the book. Was it Danny or Phillip? Phillip or Danny? I wanted it to be Phillip. No, no I wanted it to be Danny. Oh, then I just didn't know and then I did and I had to keep going until I had an answer to that buring question! I am usually not for plural marriage but there were times I thought to heck with it; Jadyn should just marry both of them and get it over with;) Jadyn was a tom boy growing up and it just so happened that she had two amazing boys in the neighborhood to play with. She was confident, funny and could stand on her own two feet. Jadyn was a little naive at times and did not pick up the feelings of her two swoon-worthy next door neighbors. She also didn't realize she was a total hotty and that maybe it wasn't such a good idea to play football with them in nothing more than a bikini. I loved "watching" her grow up before my eyes; I got to see her firsts, her heart breaks and her little emotional meltdowns as she realized she loved THAT boy. Now lets talk about THOSE boys. Phillip is so level-headed, safe and caring. There is nothing he wouldn't do for Jadyn and it is very evident that he might think of her as more than a friend from a very young age. He isn't the type of guy that wears his emotions on his sleeve and Jadyn certainly does not realize that he might want more than friendship. And then there is Danny. Danny is one of those boys I always fall in love with in a book. He is a jock, arrogant and not anywhere as safe as Phillip. He doesn't really do the whole long-term relationship thing and I wanted Jadyn to tame him. He seemed to have feeling for her but since relationship wasn't in his vocabulary and he didn't want to hurt her, he didn't act on it. This was one love triangle that I knew the ending would not disappoint me because I loved both boys. This is sincerely one of the sweetest books I have read in a long time. It was the perfect mix of romance, drama and had a touch of angst to make my heart flip-flop. I will be picking up That Wedding in the very near future and I do believe there is supposed to be another one coming out called That Baby. Dodd is another author to add to my read-everything-she-writes-list!

Just what I needed. Light, fun, uncomplicated. And I loved the humor. Want to smile? Here are JJ's share of wisdom as a young kid: <b>"Important things I have learned in my life so far: 1. Always be the princess. Princesses have much more fun and not so much responsibility. Plus you get to marry the prince. 2.Never be the queen. Queens are old and bossy and sometimes even evil.(...) Queens are responsible. 3.Responsibility makes you crabby and no fun. 4. When you have the choice, play with the boy. Boys are easy to get along with. They don't care if your clothes match or if your hair is a mess (...) 5.Always trust your Daddy. Daddies are incredibly smart and handsome and they always smell very good (...)"</b> And another one from older JJ:<b> Grandpa used to tell me to do that. Walk into the place like you own it JJ, and people will think that you do. Of course he also said, If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bulls***.</b> You see why I've got a huge smile plastered on my face now? I've a goofy face and I don't care as I've got a blast reading about JJ, Philippe and Danny. Their friendship story, their love story all the things we get to experience as children and when we grow up and go to college. These friends were incredible and their families too. That story makes you believe life is beautiful, even if you've got drama too, that you're strong and can go on with the help of your friends. It's one of those books that give you positive vibe and energize you for the day. After all my dark reads, it was perfect! If you're looking for friendship to lover, light and sweet with wonderful characters, go for it!

This is one of my favorite books ever. We have JJ, the girl that always will be a troublemaker. Stubborn, strong willed and not afraid to stand up for herself against the boys. Might seem to be a tomboy, but trust me - she will grow up to be a woman. Danny - the new boy, quarterback and chickmagnet. Philip - lifelong best friend, the responsible of them all, and the only reason that JJ and Danny can be friends. Together they are the best friends you can imagine. I really love their friendship, and even though there might be some kissing involved, it's not really a triangle love story. It's just about kids growing up. I love the way the book is build up - we start with the ending (that really is a teaser if I might say so) and from then on the chapters will guide you though their life from kids to grown ups. It's such a easy way to get into the characters life. It's so much easier and funnier to get them to know than only following them as grown ups, where Jadyn will pick THAT boy she will marry. You will be on the same page as the characters the whole time, and you can really see how they all change. Everything I loved when I was a kid (hell things I still love to do) are written into this story. I love the football matches - stripball anyone? - hanging out in the hot tub, go to college parties, flirting with the boys, fighting with the boys etc. I love how funny it is written - love JJ's way of thinking, and expressing herself. She is so honest in everything she do and say, and it is so refreshing to have such a real character. But it won't all be football, boys and parties - there happens something really sad, that have a big impact on Jadyns life. I love how well written the sad part is - how it is not rushed. I cried tears, when I read that part. Jillian did such a good job. There is this scene in school after the sad part, where you would think the worst part is over now, but in this scene Jadyn gets kicked while she is still on the ground, and it is so hurtful a scene that is hard to forget. This scene is a good reminder of what Jadyn have experienced doesn't end, but will follow her her whole life. She is so strong, and find her ground again. I can't wait to see how this will follow her out through the following books. I was captivated through out the whole book, and couldn't put it down before I had reached the end. Jillian has a talent that needs to be shared. A book for all ages. Funny, so sweet, really sad, and sooooo romantic - lots of swoon worthy scenes. I can't tell how much I love this story.

There was so many plot twists and I didn’t want to stop reading it ever. I love this book so much

un libro che ho apprezzato tantissimo, un libro che copre un lasso di tempo piuttosto lungo. Conosciamo i protagonisti che sono più che bambini e li lasciamo che sono in grado di costruirsi una famiglia e un futuro. Lei, JJ, una ragazza che tutti amano, da proteggere, da tenere vicino, un'amica, una compagna di giochi. Philip e Danny i suoi amici, quelli che ci sono sempre, ognuno a modo loro, quelli che le hanno dato il primo bacio, che l'hanno consolata quando è rimasta sola, che l'hanno capita e difesa, che hanno giocato con lei. Ma solo uno di loro sarà quello che le conquisterà il cuore, che passerà sopra i suoi sbagli, che la terrà abbracciata nel momento del bisogno. Se c'è una cosa che ho amato davvero in questo libro è la dolcezza e la tenerezza con cui è raccontato, i personaggi crescono, cambiano, ma restano sempre punti fermi l'uno per l'altro, anche se in modi differenti. Non avevo una preferenza tra Philip e Danny, li ho trovati entrambi adorabili, e fondamentali per la vita e per la crescita di JJ. Un libro per tutti, non ci sono scene troppo bollenti, non è mai volgare, e racconta la crescita di ragazzi adolescenti che si trovano alle prese con problemi che in alcuni momenti sono più grandi di loro. Lo consiglio davvero, e non vedo l'ora di leggere That girl.

That Boy is an amazing, hilarious, beautiful and relatable masterpiece. “I haven't met anyone that made me want to stay with them, more than I wanted to go and rescue you.” Loved JJ. Loved Danny. Loved Phillip. Loved Loved Loved their relationship. “Staying mad is easy. Forgiving someone takes guts.” All three of them were so likeable and charming that I spent the whole book literally grinning and giggling and wishing I had had friends like those boys! Somehow Jillian took a tedious love triangle type situation and turned it into a beautiful and complicated story with so much depth and history that by mid-book I didn't care who JJ ended up with as long as it was one of them! Because we are there throughout most of JJs life I found myself smiling when they would mention something from the past- as If I had been there myself to remember it. This wasn't some trashy chic novel to pass the time- it was brilliant and completely unexpected. That Boy is written in the form of Jaydn's diary and I love that! I'll be testing the style out myself with my next writing projects that for sure! That Boy has definitely assured a place in my favourites list.

I really enjoyed this book. The story is fast paced with a smart, witty heroin. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry - I highly recommend this book.

Best romantic story I've downloaded this month! This book was really captivating. I could not put this down and pretty much kept on reading in one day. This is my kind of book - easy reading, filled with banter (between characters and heroine but mostly with herself). I have never met a heroine talking to herself so much but she's got a great sense of humor and I loved it. Characters were realistic and the story had just enough drama. Heroine's insecurities & pigheadedness got in the way of an early happily ever after but eventually, she found her way and realized the error of her ways and the best thing that ever happened to her was right under her nose. This book is just perfect for Valentine's Day!