ARC Review: Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Title: Ask Again Later
Author: Liz Czukas
Publication: March 11, 2014 by Harper Teen
Format: ARC, 336 pages
Source: National Book Store via Pinoy Book Tours

Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when her brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin.

Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be?

Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests--even if he wants to share all his feelings?

Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all...

Aside from the really pretty cover, what made me read this book is PROM. I don't know why, but I've always liked stories about the Junior-Senior Prom. Well, maybe because it is that one dreamy night where everyone is licensed to be pretty if not gorgeous, where no one will think you're extravagant because you're wearing couture and dancing crazy in couture at that, or perhaps, I just know that it is definitely a moment to remember. I was lucky I got to experience this most coveted dance, only once though because our school admin is just too kind come Senior year they don't even want us to have a graduation ball and I can say I still can remember it to date and like Heart, my friends and I also went together, or at least in my case that plan carried out well.

When I was a little girl, back before I realized that romance was like a field of land mines, I always thought it would be this magical, romantic night where I'd be princess at my own personal ball, and I'd dance with the love of my life, and stars would shine down on us as we kissed.

Ask Again Later is the story of the feisty and witty Heart La'Coeur who is down with a dilemma of choosing a date for Prom between two guys she is not romantically involved with when she and her friends already planned to go to prom together, thus the group name – No Prom-a Drama (which I find really sad and corny, I cringe everytime it was mentioned!). She wanted to just go out with a group since she doesn't want to be in any kind of relationship at all. For Heart, it is reasonable not to date anyone for her not to follow suit to what their mother did, left her along with her father and big brother Phil when the going gets tough.

Crushes are the best part of liking someone, and they are completely safe. You get all the benefits of fantasizing about someone but not of the he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not drama.

Everyone who has been reading Chick Lit and Young Adult titles will definitely find this predictable and not at all exciting until the moment Heart flipped a coin to help her decide which guy she will be going to prom with. The next chapters are totally something new. Here you are presented with two alternate realities, what will happen if Heart goes out with Ryan or if she goes to prom with Troy.

I don't like the idea that I can't control the outcome of something. Your choices should be the only influence in your own life.

Two stories. Two outlines. Or is it the author can't just pick which story to pursue? Nonetheless, I think it's brilliant. Heart is a character one can easily like and relate to, her level of being annoying is tolerable and understandable. However, it is clearly stated that she just don't want to be with Troy at all. Haha. Another thing I didn't like is, it has two alternate realities with two prom dates but it is clear to everyone who she really likes! Plus, I mean, what's the point of having two storylines if you will just combine them both by the end anyway. Yes, that head and tails chapter is dizziness OVERLOAD, I tell you.

Sometimes it's the small victories the keep a person going.

 I am surprised that I actually am giving this four stars when from the start, I'm convinced that this will only have three stars from me. Maybe it was the sweet ending, or the way it is predictable but still gave me that giddy feeling.

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