TL;DR
A heartwarming tale of a fake relationship that leads to real love, tackling themes of trust, family issues, and personal growth.
What is The Upside of Falling about
'The Upside of Falling' by Alex Light is a romantic story focused on two teenagers, Becca Hart and Brett Wells, who pretend to be in a relationship. Becca, disillusioned with true love due to her parents' divorce, lies about having a boyfriend to avoid ridicule. Brett, the popular football captain, overhears and volunteers to be her pretend boyfriend to dodge his own relationship pressures. As they navigate their fake relationship, they discover deeper commonalities and unresolved personal issues, leading to genuine affection. The book explores themes of heartache, friendship breakups, family expectations, and taking a chance on love.
The Upside of Falling 6 Key Takeaways
Becca Hart's lie about having a boyfriend
Becca, tired of being teased, impulsively lies about having a secret boyfriend to her former best friend, hoping to escape ridicule.
Brett Wells volunteers to play the part
Popular football captain Brett overhears Becca's lie and offers to be her pretend boyfriend, seeking to avoid the pressure of a real relationship.
Navigating the fake relationship
Both Becca and Brett struggle to maintain the charade as they barely know each other, leading to awkward and comedic situations.
Discovering deeper commonalities
As they spend more time together, they learn about each other's personal struggles and begin to bond over their shared experiences of family issues and personal expectations.
Blurring the lines between fake and real
Their fake relationship starts to feel real, forcing them to confront their genuine feelings for each other and the complexities of their personal lives.
Conclusion and self-discovery
By the end, both characters have grown significantly, learning to trust, forgive, and open up to the possibility of true love.
Top The Upside of Falling Quotes
- 'Sometimes the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in someone else.'
- 'Real love is never easy, but it’s always worth it.'
Who should read The Upside of Falling?
'The Upside of Falling' is perfect for teenagers and young adults who enjoy heartfelt romances with depth. Fans of Jenny Han and other contemporary romance authors will appreciate the relatable characters and the exploration of real-life issues like family, self-identity, and the transformative power of love.
The Upside of Falling Best Reviews
- 'The Upside of Falling' is a delightful read that offers more than just a typical high school romance. It delves into deeper themes of family dynamics and personal growth, making it relatable and engaging for readers. - Publishers Weekly
- Alex Light has crafted a sweet, yet complex, romance that will capture the hearts of teens and adults alike. The characters are well-developed, and the story, though predictable, is charming and sincere. - School Library Journal
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The Upside of Falling FAQs
What is The Upside of Falling about?
'The Upside of Falling' is a teen romance about Becca and Brett who enter into a fake relationship that gradually becomes real as they navigate personal and familial challenges.
What lessons does the book teach?
The book addresses themes such as the impact of divorce, friendship breakups, family expectations, forgiveness, and taking a chance on love.
Is the book appropriate for all ages?
While generally suitable for teens, the book includes some sensual content and language, as well as themes of parental infidelity and divorce that may be more mature.