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The Impossible Vastness of Us Kindle Edition

by Samantha Young (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 722 ratings
“I know how to watch my back. I’m the only one that ever has.”

India Maxwell hasn’t just moved across the country—she’s plummeted to the bottom rung of the social ladder. It’s taken years to cover the mess of her home life with a veneer of popularity. Now she’s living in one of Boston’s wealthiest neighborhoods with her mom’s fiancé and his daughter, Eloise. Thanks to her soon-to-be stepsister’s clique of friends, including Eloise’s gorgeous, arrogant boyfriend, Finn, India feels like the one thing she hoped never to be seen as again: trash.

But India’s not alone in struggling to control the secrets of her past. Eloise and Finn, the school’s golden couple, aren’t all they seem to be. In fact, everyone’s life is infinitely more complex than it first appears. And as India grows closer to Finn and befriends Eloise, threatening the facades that hold them together, what’s left are truths that are brutal, beautiful and big enough to change them forever…

From New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young comes a story of friendship, identity and acceptance that will break your heart—and make it whole again.
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  1. Reading age
    12 - 17 years
  2. Print length
    368 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    10 - 12
  5. Publisher
    Harlequin Teen
  6. Accessibility
    Learn more
  7. Publication date
    June 27, 2017
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. ISBN-13
    978-1488015441
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 10 Up—This well-layered novel is about India, whose life is turned upside down when her mom moves her across the country to live with her new fiancé. India goes from a small apartment to one of the biggest houses in the neighborhood but is still afraid that her peers think of her as "trash." While finding herself and living in a new city with a new family, the protagonist also comes to terms with a dark past and tries to move forward once and for all. This story is told from India's point of view, enabling readers to get inside her head. Though most of the book takes place in present day, there are flashbacks of India's past, which illustrate how she arrived at her current situation. This coming-of-age novel will appeal to readers who are in a time of change or feel a sense of flux in their lives. Seeing how India handles her transition and attempts to make her life the best it can be will resonate with those experiencing similar upheavals. With plenty of romance and some humor, this tale is a quick read. VERDICT A solid contemporary YA debut that will attract the author's teen romance fans. Give to fans of Kasie West and Sarah Dessen.—Tegan Anclade, Lake Villa District Library, IL

Review

Portrays a vulnerable character thrust into the intense environment of an elite private school, determined not just to survive but to thrive.

-- "Booklist"

With plenty of romance and some humor, this tale is a quick read. A solid contemporary YA debut that will attract the author's teen romance fans.

-- "School Library Journal"

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01MXGNQ0T
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harlequin Teen
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 27, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Original
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1488015441
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 10 - 12
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 17 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 722 ratings

About the author

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Samantha Young

Samantha Young

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Samantha is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, #1 Amazon bestselling author, and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavoodles.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
722 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this YA book compelling with an interesting plot and well-developed characters, particularly appreciating India's portrayal. The story is emotionally rich, with one customer describing it as a soul-searing journey, and customers praise the writing quality. The book receives positive feedback for its relevance to important societal issues, with one review noting its timely subjects. While customers find the pacing quick, opinions about the pacing are mixed.

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32 customers mention "Story quality"26 positive6 negative

Customers find the book's story compelling, with an interesting plot and great love narrative.

"...Written with passion and sheer beauty, this heartfelt story took me on an emotional journey of strength and courage, hope and love, acceptance and..." Read more

"...The plot of The Impossible Vastness of Us was so unique, compared to other books I’ve read, that it was easy to overlook those moments that didn’t..." Read more

"...I was completely blown away!!!! Young delivers a heartfelt and beautiful story, filled with angst, friendship, love and family...." Read more

"...of the circumstances made me appreciate the read and it was quick and engaging" Read more

25 customers mention "Readability"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and sweet, with one mentioning they couldn't stop reading it.

"...What a fantastic, heartfelt story! India, Eloise, & Finn’s journey grips you from the start and doesn't let you go. I devoured this story...." Read more

"...I cannot recommend this book enough, it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year...." Read more

"It was a quick and sweet read, I love strong characters so the fact that the main character was a strong one regardless of the circumstances made me..." Read more

"...Worth a read." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer highlighting the emotional journey of the three main characters and another noting Finn's loyalty.

"...The characterization is incredible! I was drawn to these characters, could feel everything they were going through...." Read more

"...I also greatly enjoyed her characterizations and will definitely be adding more of her books to my short list." Read more

"...’s something about a girl trying so hard to be strong that I find endearing, and I felt for her and wished for her to succeed the entire time I was..." Read more

"...sweet read, I love strong characters so the fact that the main character was a strong one regardless of the circumstances made me appreciate the..." Read more

13 customers mention "Heartfelt story"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally moving, with one describing it as a soul-searing journey filled with angst.

"...Written with passion and sheer beauty, this heartfelt story took me on an emotional journey of strength and courage, hope and love, acceptance and..." Read more

"...YA authors aren’t afraid to deal with delicate topics in a way that feels real...." Read more

"...I was completely blown away!!!! Young delivers a heartfelt and beautiful story, filled with angst, friendship, love and family...." Read more

"...I liked India immediately. She was sassy, but she was also very compassionate. There is romance in this story...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer describing it as a wonderful emotionally charged narrative.

"...Written with passion and sheer beauty, this heartfelt story took me on an emotional journey of strength and courage, hope and love, acceptance and..." Read more

"...I was quite impressed with her writing and storytelling abilities...." Read more

"...This book is so full of emotion, the way it is written is so careful and heartfelt you can feel everything that is going on...." Read more

"...It was impeccably penned with characters who will completely own your heart, a plausible story and plot arc, and a greater hope in true friendship..." Read more

7 customers mention "Relevance"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate how the book addresses important societal issues, with one customer noting its relevance to high school experiences.

"...that was interesting and felt real, while still remaining relevant to the particular circumstances each of the major players were facing...." Read more

"...But I was very pleasantly surprised. The book is set in high school. And it focuses on love, friendship, and family...." Read more

"The subjects covered in this book were timely and well presented. India is a typical teenage girl...." Read more

"...There are a lot of teen angst in this book. It also deals with many issues facing teens including lack of self-esteem...." Read more

7 customers mention "Strength"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the book, with one noting how it stands the test of time and another highlighting the protective nature of Theo.

"...It is truth, pain, and hurt but also acceptance, courage, strength, and love. “..." Read more

"...I appreciated the faults of Hailey and the protectiveness of Theo. I felt each character brought an admirable trait to this book...." Read more

"...and plot arc, and a greater hope in true friendship that stands the tests of time. Brilliance." Read more

"I loved this one. So many layers and secrets and fragile hearts and minds...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it quick while others describe it as unfulfilling.

"It was a quick and sweet read, I love strong characters so the fact that the main character was a strong one regardless of the circumstances made me..." Read more

"...I'm not necessarily a fan of how it ended, it felt incomplete...." Read more

"...She brought to life dark pain, frozen fear, slow reconciliation, gross injustice, and heartfelt love in the most beautiful and agonising of..." Read more

"...This was a quick and easy read if you are looking for a book to relax with!" Read more

HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL and UTTERLY BRILLIANT, an unforgettable coming of age love story you'
5 out of 5 stars
HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL and UTTERLY BRILLIANT, an unforgettable coming of age love story you'
Sometimes you read a story that you KNOW from the start will stay with you forever. A story that just sticks. A story that swiftly works its way into your heart. A story that means the world while becoming your world. Entrancing and emotionally-charged, The Impossible Vastness of Us is an inspirational story of young love that imprints on the heart and soul. I delved into rare territory, a young adult romance, and oh was The Impossible Vastness of Us an incredibly MOVING and MESMERIZING journey. The fierce and fiery angst of this teen romance made my pulse pound and my heart beat out of my chest. The characters are full of fire with a story so heady, harrowing, and heartfelt. India is the youngest and strongest heroine I've encountered in a long time. A warrior, India is young but has already lived a life of hell. This beautiful girl bravely hides a shattered soul. I admired India a lot!!! I was probably insane to even think about him — this beautiful, rich boy — but he was getting to me. Nobody got to me. Finn is gorgeous, tall, athletic, and insanely rich. He, like India, is broken but wields a sword of bravery in spades. I LOVED this hero so much!!! Broken sees broken, and Finn and India are two shattered souls trying to be whole. I saw him. I think he was the first person I'd ever truly seen and I couldn't help it — I wanted him to see me, too. Passion penetrated me, these words so poignant. I cried so many tears of sadness and sweetness. I felt each word slice through me, my emotions enveloping me where I was ALL IN this story. "Most of the time I feel like I can't breathe inside my own life. Like I'm just existing. Not with you, though. I feel like I'm breathing fresh, clean air whenever I'm with you. I feel alive." Finn and India's connection is MAGICAL!!! I loved this heart-wrenching and heartwarming romance that made ME FEEL ALIVE!!! "Freedom is bigger than us." The Impossible Vastness of Us by Samantha Young was not what I expected; it was a million times MORE!!! The Impossible Vastness of Us is an EPIC young love story and beyond!!! This book is strength in spades. This book is healing after heartbreak. This book is accepting and embracing differences and diversity. This book is hard-fought freedom. This book is selfless love. This book is EVERYTHING, and I NEED more of Eloise, Finn, and India, as I feel their story has only begun. Heart-pounding, butterfly-fluttering, soul-shattering, feels flowed through me fast and furiously as The Impossible Vastness of Us touched me every part of me. Like a gaping wound, this story cut me open as it bled angst, exposing every emotion. All of the words made me FEEL ALL OF THE THINGS!!! The Impossible Vastness of Us is an emotional explosion that BLEW ME AWAY from beginning to end. I was OBSESSED with and OWNED by this romance. Samantha Young brilliantly brings characters to life that captivate through a journey of heartbreak and healing. You NEED to get touched by this UNIQUE and UNPUTDOWNABLE ROMANCE. HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL and UTTERLY BRILLIANT, The Impossible Vastness of Us is an unforgettable coming of age love story you'll feel forever. "If something bad happens to you, it's up to you how you let it change you — you either become more compassionate or you let it make you bitter." 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 heartbreakingly beautiful stars
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Melanie C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    “Life is what you make it, no matter where you come from.”

    What a fantastic, heartfelt story! India, Eloise, & Finn’s journey grips you from the start and doesn't let you go. I devoured this story.

    One of the best things about this story is the abundant amount of feelings you are overcome with. You don't want or need to know what happens, you just need to read and feel! This story deals with so many different aspects of life. It is truth, pain, and hurt but also acceptance, courage, strength, and love.

    “Things change us, things will always change us, but who you are, that thing inside you that determines your choices, controls your actions, your reactions, it’s still yours. If something bad happens it’s up to you how you let it change you – you either become more compassionate or you let it make you bitter.”

    The writing is powerful! It's real and raw. I wanted to be a part of this amazing friendship and bond and pact. I wanted to protect each of them and comfort them. The feelings are so deep. It's written with so much passion you could feel it bleeding through the pages.

    The characterization is incredible! I was drawn to these characters, could feel everything they were going through. Whether it was friends or family, you are deeply touched in every instance. I smiled, I cried, my heart hurt, and my heart soared. The character evolution is breathtaking to watch and the journey soul searing.

    Written with passion and sheer beauty, this heartfelt story took me on an emotional journey of strength and courage, hope and love, acceptance and finding yourself. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished.

    “I never knew being lost could be so beautiful.”
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  • Sarah Arndt
    4.0 out of 5 stars Relevant. Current. Real.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    One of my very favorite things about YA is how current and culturally relevant they tend to be. I love that YA authors aren’t afraid to deal with delicate topics in a way that feels real. The Impossible Vastness of Us was a great example of that relevancy to important societal issues.
    The Impossible Vastness of Us was a very fresh story to me. I’ve never read anything quite like it and I am finding in difficult to properly describe the what the experience of reading it was. I went into this book thinking it was going to be more sappy romance than substantial commentary on the ills of the world. My take away was completely opposite of what I had assumed and I am very happy about that. Samantha Young wrote a book about the struggles and rewards of discovering the parts of you that make you and individual, whether they’re something others understand and accept or not. Above the romance and finding love, The Impossible Vastness of Us was a story of learning to love yourself in spite of the things you may not find lovable.
    There were moments in the book that veered into the monotonous, parts that seemed more like filler than plot development, but they were overshadowed by all of the intense emotions and horrors of the past that the characters experienced. The plot of The Impossible Vastness of Us was so unique, compared to other books I’ve read, that it was easy to overlook those moments that didn’t work for me in favor of the intrigue of the rest of the book. At one point in the book India says she used to need books to have a happy ending, but she’d come to a place where she just wanted them to have the right ending, to which her mother states that the right ending is a happy ending. That interaction perfectly sums up how I feel about this book.
    When I first met the characters in this book I wasn’t sure which, if any of them, I would like or even identify with. By the halfway point, I was sure that a few of them were beyond redemption, even if they thought they were doing the only thing they could, given their circumstances. When I read the final line of The Impossible Vastness of Us, I realized how ridiculous my pre-conceived notions were and that even if the motivations of a person don’t make sense on the surface with time and explanation understanding was easy to come by. I fell in love with almost every character in the book and there were pieces of each of them that were things I could see within myself.
    Though I’ve had several of Samantha Young’s books sitting on my shelves for years, this is the first book of hers that I’ve actually read. I was quite impressed with her writing and storytelling abilities. She wove a plot that was interesting and felt real, while still remaining relevant to the particular circumstances each of the major players were facing. I also greatly enjoyed her characterizations and will definitely be adding more of her books to my short list.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Rachel L
    5.0 out of 5 stars it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    5 stars!!!

    How do you begin to gush about a book you loved so so much? Samantha Young is one of my all-time favorite authors, I’ll read anything the woman writes. So when she published a YA I was intrigued, and decided to give it a shot. I was completely blown away!!!! Young delivers a heartfelt and beautiful story, filled with angst, friendship, love and family.

    India Maxwell is alarmed when her flight attendant mother tells her she’s been seeing a man on the other side of the country. Pretty soon her mother is engaged, and she’s whisked away to Boston to live with her soon to be step father, Theo, and step sister, Eloise. India and her mother have never been well off, so she’s in for a world of shock when she finds her new family insanely rich. And because of trust issues from her past, India has no desire to get close to her new family.

    While India is adjusting, Eloise is not cruel but also not kind. Eloise’s boyfriend Finn appears to dislike India as well. All India wants is to be on top, and to get enough extracurricular’s to get into a good college. But as time goes by, feelings thaw between the two girls and a tentative relationship forms.

    This book wasn’t anything like I expected in the best possible way. India had such a presence on the page, I absolutely adored her, flaws and all. There’s something about a girl trying so hard to be strong that I find endearing, and I felt for her and wished for her to succeed the entire time I was reading.

    While this is a young adult romance, my favorite part of the book was the themes of friendship and family. People need more than just romantic love to feel supported in life, and I loved being on India’s journey to find her forever friendships and her way to a new family.

    I cannot recommend this book enough, it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. So if you find yourself curious about this book, just do yourself a favor and buy it and read it. You won’t regret it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Laury C
    3.0 out of 5 stars Sweet
    Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    It was a quick and sweet read, I love strong characters so the fact that the main character was a strong one regardless of the circumstances made me appreciate the read and it was quick and engaging
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Leslina21
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely read
    Reviewed in Canada on December 11, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Beautifully written. India moves from California to the upper classes of Boston when her mother gets unexpectedly engaged to a very wealthy man.
    India goes from being super popular to an unknown nobody at her new fancy private school full of wealthy kids. India also has to deal with a new step sister and step father.
    I loved it, only sad it’s over, I want more!
    Report
  • NicShef❤️Reading
    5.0 out of 5 stars From the very beginning I was hypnotised...
    Reviewed in Australia on March 10, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I love Samantha young so how did I miss this?
    Was it because it’s YA so I dismissed it, I don’t think so...
    I am not a lover of YA books, but I love what Samantha Young writes so when this was a kindle daily deal I was delighted to try something new from her and one clicked it and wow did it floor me!

    The subjects covered in this book were well presented and very current. India is a typical teenage girl. She has been abused by the people in her life and lived to tell the tale. Like a lot of YA the ANGST was at an all time high all the way through this read.

    This book is so full of emotion, the way it is written is so heartfelt you can feel everything that is going on. Our three main characters, India, Finn and Eloise are all drawn together through India’s mother getting married to Eloise’s father and in doing so opens up everything from shock to acceptance. I liked the strength and determination of India. I loved the loyalty of Finn. I understood the fear of Eloise. There were so many secrets to keep up with.

    Everyone has some secrets in their lives and these three have a few between them. I enjoyed all of them, they are individual people but who all come together well. There are ups and downs, tears and laughter and through it all you know these three will get through whatever is thrown their way. From the very beginning of the read, you’re hypnotised.

    The only part I didn’t really care for was the epilogue. I didn’t really feel like I got closure on this book. Perhaps Ms. Young will give us a novella in the future for a glimpse at India, Finn and El...?!?
    Still a huge 5 Stars from me...
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  • MLM 66
    5.0 out of 5 stars Impossible to put down!! 5*+
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Samantha Young definitely upped the bar with this fabulous story, a lot of thought has gone into this and its incredibly well written and something very different from what she's given us previously.
    From beginning to end you are totally consumed with everything that is India...past and present. Having already suffered at the hands of her evil father she knows all too well the repercussions that brings but that's all behind her now and she's in a good place she's happy in Cali, that is until Hayley who we are not sure at this point who she is to India due to the very hostile interactions between them, however we soon find out she is infact her mother.. strange it seems but all is revealed.
    Hayley tells India that they will be relocating to Boston, the already fragmented relationship is only intensified by the disappointing news. A few days notice is all she gets before she is thrown into a life of over indulgence, as for lifestyle you couldn't get a more different setting it is total extremes and the feeling of uncertainty and the not knowing is a problem for India, she has to start all over again but she's tough she's had to be.
    The issues, situations and subject matter that feature throughout are incorporated very well and hold no bounds. People may hide behind their powerful names and all their materialistic wealth but if there are problems going on behind closed doors...in the end the outcome is the same.
    As The Impossible Vastness Of Us continues we witness the fall out from various situations that involve India, Finn, Eloise, and their friends. You just want everything to work out and for all to be happy but with all the secrets and pretending that is practically forced upon them it's a long shot.
    India and Finn's relationship at times proved impossible, they had so much standing in their way, I loved Finn's determination though, he was willing to to give it all up for India. You could feel the tension building secrets began to unravel which meant trouble on the horizon.
    However the biggest reveal was waiting in the wings it was only a matter of time before Eloise would be forced to tell her father her secret, the delivery was epic and came as no surprise considering how long she had hung on to it.
    After Theo had shown such kindness and support to Finn we could only hope that he would do the same for his daughter, Eloise did warn us.
    Hayley won us round in the end, she was the go between and helped soften the blow but there would still be a long way to go but as Eloise was free to start on her new chapter in life you couldn't help feel disappointed for India and Finn.
    It was a bitter sweet ending but I wish there would be more... a follow-up on India and Finn ? Please.!
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  • Booknmusiclover
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wow
    Reviewed in Canada on March 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book covered so many subjects with such grace and the ability to cover everything without jumbling them all together has got me at a loss of words. She did a fantastic job and if you want a great book pick this up...PS I kept the review free of stuff the would clue you in to what the book was about no spoilers for you
    Report
  • Garonnette
    4.0 out of 5 stars Une intrigue romance ado
    Reviewed in France on July 25, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Comme tous les livres de Samantha young on se retrouve absorbé par l'histoire, dommage que le livre soit trop court! J'espère bien une suite personnelle de chaque personnage.
    Report

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