A Long Way from You by Gwendolyn Heasley

For too long, Kitsy has had to satisfy her dreams of becoming a real artist by giving her friends makeovers before prom. So when her best friend Corrinne’s family offers to sponsor her for a summer art course in New York City, Kitsy bids a temporary good-bye to Texas to say hello to the West Village.

Between navigating the subway and the New Yorkers—namely, the Art Boy who has a nice trick of getting under her skin—Kitsy knows that this summer is going to be about a lot more than figure drawing.

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Last year Heasley’s debut title Where I Belong was one of my favorite contemporary books. When I saw she was coming out with a new book, I was ecstatic. At first it didn’t click with me that this was Kitsy’s story. (I’m a bit ditsy sometimes and things just don’t connect. ;) ) When I figured that out I was even more excited!

Kitsy was one of my favorite characters in Where I Belong, so, the chance to get a book all about her is exciting! Fans of Corrinne, will be happy to know she does appear in the book some, but is away at camp. Kitsy’s attending a great summer art course and is navigating the streets of NYC on her own.

A Long Way from You is a coming-of-age story. There is a bit of romance, but the main focus is Kitsy. To be honest, I think the synopsis, cover, and maybe even the title, distract from that. Romance is important, but this girl has grown up in a small town with no real art program. She’s in a huge new city and is learning how to be alone, to take care of her responsibilities, and how to embrace her art.

Kitsy has such a good head on her shoulders! I want to be this year at her age. Here she is in a new city, she’s nervous..she’s alone. She’s making new friends, but she’s becoming one with herself. The trip is her chance to be herself.

A Long Way from You is a book filled with a lot of heart. It’s upbeat, it has it’s sad moments, but it’s a pretty happy little story. I, personally, am in love with it and Heasley’s writing style. I can’t wait for more from her!

Fans of Heasley’s Where I Belong are sure to be thrilled with the newest companion novel. If you haven’t read Where I Belong, it’s not necessary, but I urge you to so that you can get the full story on Corrinne and some of the references they make in A Long Way from You. There aren’t many, but Corrinne and a few other characters pop up from time to time.

I received A Long Way from You in exchange for my honest opinion.

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