Official Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Abby Turner’s summer isn’t going the way she’d planned. She has a not-so-secret but definitely unrequited crush on her best friend, Cooper. She hasn’t been able to manage her mother’s growing issues with anxiety. And now she’s been rejected from an art show because her work “has no heart.” So when she gets another opportunity to show her paintings, Abby isn’t going to take any chances.
Which is where the list comes in.
Abby gives herself one month to do ten things, ranging from face a fear (#3) to learn a stranger’s story (#5) to fall in love (#8). She knows that if she can complete the list, she’ll become the kind of artist she’s always dreamed of being.
But as the deadline approaches, Abby realizes that getting through the list isn’t as straightforward as it seems . . . and that maybe—just maybe—she can’t change her art if she isn’t first willing to change herself.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review:
I loved Abby’s personality and spirit. I’m extremely sarcastic myself, so it was easy to relate to her in that way. Overall, she’s someone that I would want to be friends with. Her passion for her artwork was inspiring, and I enjoyed being able to see her transformation as an artist throughout the book. Her inner turmoil over her feelings for her best friend Cooper definitely made me emphathize with her, and because of how well Kasie wrote the novel, I was able to connect with Abby although I’ve never experienced the unrequited love that she is currently afflicted with at the start of the book. Her drive to finish her list is something I definitely applaud, because I don’t think I would be able to do that.
Cooper and Abby’s friendship dynamic is totally goals. Aside from the whole unrequited love thing, it’s clear that they both care for each other a great deal, and their friendship seems like the one everyone would like to find. I was getting so frustrated while I was reading, because they were perfect for each other!! When Iris entered the scene and started going out with Cooper, I felt bad for Abby, but also thought it was a good relationship to introduce in order to further both her and Cooper’s story arcs. What annoyed me about her character is that the first time she flirted with Cooper was in line at the beach movie. Since she didn’t know Cooper or Abby then, he could’ve easily have been on a date with Abby for all Iris knew, and she flirted with him anyway. That’s not cool. Anyway, I shipped Cooper and Abby from the start. But then Elliot came onto the scene and made me doubt myself. Lacey was a really great addition to Abby’s story. Round of applause for strong, supportive female characters.
Normally I comment on author’s writing styles, but with Kasie’s I didn’t feel like I was reading a book. What I mean is that her wording flowed so well that I felt as though I was watching a movie in my head with the characters. That’s my favorite type of book to read, and reminds me why I love to read. To become completely submerged into a story and for the characters to feel so real isn’t an easy feat, but Kasie West makes it look effortless.
Out of all of Kasie West books I have read so far, this one just might have been my favorite. I’ve loved all of them, but this one was absolutely adorable, and had everything I love about contemporary romance. (I would love for her to write some New Adult too!)
Overall, this was an amazing book and I’m so thankful that I was able to obtain an ARC from a fellow reader. Once it’s released on December 26th, I strongly encourage you all to go buy it! (Or even better, preorder it.). I can’t wait for ‘Listen to Your Heart’, Kasie’s next book to be released!
‘Love, Life, and the List’ will be released by Harper Teen on December 26th, 2017.
PREORDER ‘LOVE LIFE AND THE LIST’ HERE:
Links to my other Kasie West book reviews:
buried in a bookshelf 
I think this might be my favorite Kasie West book too.
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