Lady Danielle

I'm writing this review on my android, please excuse any grammatical errors and the like.

Such a rollercoaster. One minute I wanted throw this book, give it one star, and talk about how much of an idiot Parker and Kat were; the next I was deep into the story, not wanting to put this down. I understand the hype of this book. I understand the glowing praises. I first entered Golden thinking I was going to hate it. I was hating it, to be honest. That is, Until Parker found the journal of long dead Jilianna Farnetti. A journal that'll shape Parker Frost's life and choices. 

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

When coming upon this question, Parker Frost doesn't truly have an idea. She only has the idea of what her mother wants for her: go to Stanford, get good grades, become a doctor... and Parker always wants to please her mother, never wanting to disappoint or embarrass her. Never having the chance of experiencing the teenage life. Never able to make her own choices or decisions. But it all changes when she tackles on a project given to her by her teacher. Every senior is to answer the question I stated above in a journal. They're supposed to write everything they're feeling, everything they've experienced, everything they plan to do in the future. At the end of the year, the teacher collects them and stores it in his storage for ten years then ships the journals back to the owners.

While sending the journals out, Parker comes across Jilianna's journal — the girl who's been missing for a decade and the most talked about person of the small town. This is the start of Parker having to make her own choices: either she turn it in, or keep it to read what Jilianna's story really was and how she came to her death besides relying on the rumours. She keeps it. Jilianna's story was gripping and had me tearing up a little; I feel this was the highest part of the story (also the last twenty-six pages).

The reason I'm not giving Golden a higher rating is Parker, Kat, and Trevor (or Travis, I forgot his name already oops). The writing was incredible, easy, and very light, but the three character I stated above really grind my gears. I hated how Parker handled her supposed crush for Trevor (or Travis), she was being really immature and stupid about the situation. Kat is your typical YA clichéd bad influential best friend whose idea of getting the guy you like is showing off your tits and be incredibly easy. Trevor (or Travis, damn you!) was a straight up idiot (view spoiler). 

But aside from that, the story had me reflecting on my life. I recently graduated from high school (class of 2013, aye!) and I DO have a plan for my life, but when I look back in my high school years I wish I could've spent my years on making mistakes and learning from them. I wish I wouldn't have been so anti-social. Oh well, life goes on.... Coincidentally, my English teacher gave us an assignment before senior year was finally over: we were to write a letter to ourselves (didn't matter how long), put it in an envelope with a forever stamp and hand it in; five years later he'll send it out to us. I love projects such as these.

Anyway, this was an enjoyable coming of age novel and I do recommend it. I hope this will leave you thinking and reflecting as it did for me and I hope this story will inspire you to make your own choices and live in the moment. As Mae West said, "You only have one life to live, but if you live it right, once is enough."

• Seize the day.