Blog Tour Review- HOW TO BE BRAVE by E. Katherine Kottaras

 Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Pub. Date: November 3, 2015

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Source: E-Arc

Rating

GOODREADS

Blurb:
An emotional contemporary YA novel about love, loss, and having the courage to chase the life you truly want.

Reeling from her mother's death, Georgia has a choice: become lost in her own pain, or enjoy life right now, while she still can. She decides to start really living for the first time and makes a list of fifteen ways to be brave - all the things she's wanted to do but never had the courage to try. As she begins doing the things she's always been afraid to do - including pursuing her secret crush, she discovers that life doesn't always go according to plan. Sometimes friendships fall apart and love breaks your heart. But once in a while, the right person shows up just when you need them most - and you learn that you're stronger and braver than you ever imagined.

Review:
'How to be Brave' has made me speechless... I knew going into the story that it would be empowering and show a beautiful message on learning to love ones self. It can be a hard thing to do; even more so when society says that being a certain "size" means your unhealthy and not beautiful. Being brave isn't just doing something you're afraid to do, it's about embracing the fear of the unknown and kicking in its ass.

Ever since Georgia lost her mom, she's been struggling to find a way to live in a world without her. But that's easier said than done - Georgia's mother was her rock, her best friend, and the only constant thing in her life. When her mom died, a part of Georgia died as well. As a parting gift, she left Georgia with very great advice - live life to it's fullest. Take chances and don't be afraid. Then starts a wonderful story where our dear protagonist embarks on a journey of self discovery, first love, and learning how to be brave when all you want to do is hide.

I think this is the most absolute perfect book for teenagers to read; it tackles bullying, insecurities, and it's just an eye-opening book that could show you, that you're not alone. Everyone feels these things when they are that age and it doesn't do good to bottle everything up and hope that tomorrow will be a better day. Sometimes it's okay to lean on people when you're hurt and scared. Georgia shows us so much bravery, so much heart. It's so inspirational.

Overall, please do try to pick this beautiful book with an even more powerful message up to read. It's a book that can change lives...books DO save lives. It was very interesting as to why the author wrote the story and I applaud her for sharing something so personal. I loved this book and fully recommend this to everyone!

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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About the Author:
E. Katherine Kottaras is originally from Chicago, but now she writes and teaches in the Los Angeles area. She holds an M.A. in English from the University of California, Irvine and teaches writing and literature at Pasadena City College. She is at her happiest when she is either 1) at the playground with her husband and daughter and their wonderful community of friends, 2) breathing deeply in a full handstand, or 3) writing.

Her debut YA contemporary novel, HOW TO BE BRAVE, is forthcoming from St. Martin’s Press (November 3, 2015). Her second book is tentatively set for a 2016 release.

If you have questions or would like to contact her directly, please visit her at ekatwrites.com.