ARC Review: OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy

I love it when I see a book with a cover that sets your expectations to something light and funny, but surprises you because it offers much, much more.

Title: OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy
Pages: 256
Release Date: May 10th 2011
Published by: Walker & Company
Source: Author (thanks Amy!)
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository

Summary:

Jewish girl. Christian camp. Holy moly.

Ellie Taylor loves nothing better than a good argument. So when she gets accepted to the Christian Society Speech and Performing Arts summer camp, she's sure that if she wins the final tournament, it'll be her ticket to a scholarship to the best speech school in the country. Unfortunately, the competition at CSSPA is hot-literally. His name is Devon and, whether she likes it or not, being near him makes her sizzle. Luckily she's confident enough to take on the challenge-until she begins to suspect that the private scholarship's benefactor has negative feelings toward Jews. Will hiding her true identity and heritage be worth a shot at her dream?

Debut author Amy Fellner Dominy mixes sweet romance, surprising secrets, and even some matzo ball soup to cook up a funny yet heartfelt story about an outspoken girl who must learn to speak out for herself.

A heroine with a distinct, eloquent voice. I loved Ellie because she's such a vibrant character. I can never argue my way out of anything and it's fascinating to see a character who has a way with words, literally. She's smart, she's witty and she's very passionate about pursuing what she loves the most: to speak, to argue and attend the best Speech school she can go to. The only thing that stands in her way? She's a Jewish girl who will attend the best speech camp of her life... for Christians.

Ellie's religion is the main conflict of this book, but I think what the main problem really is about respect and understanding and valuing another person's beliefs in life. Ellie being a Jewish does not make her a lesser debater than Devon who is a Christian. One must not think differently of or judge a person based on their religion. OyMG shows a lot about preconceived notions of people with different faiths and beliefs, and what I loved about it the most is how Ellie bridged that big gap, that great divide by expressing her thoughts and feelings in that stunning speech. It makes one believe in the power of words and what it can achieve, if we only have the courage to let our voice be heard.

Ellie and Devon's rivalry is a delight to read. The two of them give true meaning to the word competition. Ellie's persistence to know just how to become the perfect candidate for the scholarship was what brought her closer to Devon. She has to beat the competition, and it's him. But the story is so much more than that. Devon wants something else, he doesn't want to follow his father's footsteps, be like him or even eat the same thing he does. Both of them can teach each other a thing or two about speaking up for themselves to get what they want. The way they challenge each other was very sweet too, it makes one miss being young, and experiencing young love in the most unexpected of place and time.

My funny bones were certainly tickled by this book! Ellie's got a very entertaining voice and it's always nice diving into the thoughts of a girl with a lot of things to say. Ellie's family dynamics is very heart warming to read, it makes me miss my own grandfather. And teens out there, please read this book! We could all learn a lesson or two from this book. Racism and discrimination are two of the biggest problems our society has and OyMG just shows how it can affect us. Full of lessons and heart warming moments, readers will find such a charming set of characters very endearing and a very engaging story about one girl finding her own voice and having the courage to stand by her own beliefs and showing, appreciating and being proud of who she is.

My rating:

Content (plot, story flow, character):

Gorgeous book!

Stunning: Worthy of a Goddess' Praise!

Book Cover:

Such a cute cover!

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.