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The Pastel Effect
Caroline seems like a typical high school sophomore. She has a best friend, a crush, and the coolest dad a girl could ever ask for. But she also has something inside of her that she knows doesn’t belong. Something that casts a shadow over her adolescent rites of passage. Something she’d rather not name for fear that it will become too real. She knows it lives in her mind — the self-doubt, the sadness, the feeling that all is doomed, that everyone leaves, and that maybe it’s her fault. It flips on as easily as a switch, and it can burn out as fast as a match, but it’s always there, waiting.
Cody feels the pressure from everyone in his life. His parents expect an academically capable athlete. His friends want the life-of-the-party. He tries to be everything for everyone and loses himself somewhere along the way. He’s amused by Caroline, someone so completely unlike him that he can’t help but fall for her. In a world where being himself feels wrong, he finds the acceptance he longs for in their friendship.
The challenges of entering adulthood are amplified as Caroline faces her illness and Cody encounters a life-changing situation that tests everything he has ever known. Will their obstacles tear them apart or force them together?
Cody feels the pressure from everyone in his life. His parents expect an academically capable athlete. His friends want the life-of-the-party. He tries to be everything for everyone and loses himself somewhere along the way. He’s amused by Caroline, someone so completely unlike him that he can’t help but fall for her. In a world where being himself feels wrong, he finds the acceptance he longs for in their friendship.
The challenges of entering adulthood are amplified as Caroline faces her illness and Cody encounters a life-changing situation that tests everything he has ever known. Will their obstacles tear them apart or force them together?
336 pages, Paperback
Published November 25, 2020
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517 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 20, 2026
I've read this book at least three times now - I loved it that much!
Sweet, bashful Caroline and impudent Cody felt so real to me. I totally empathized with young Caroline throughout this entire story. Everyone should read this excellent book!
There is nothing trite or hackneyed in this amazing journey through early troubled "teenhood ' - this is not your usual YA/NA story line. For the first two-thirds of the novel, Caroline and Cody are 15 and 16 respectively. We pan forward and watch them mature into their early twenties. The last third of the novel is written in Cody's voice - and what a revelation that is!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Both Caroline and Cody are precociously intelligent, straight A students with the usual teenage angst. They become best friends, then something more. Caroline is a loner. Caroline has a daily struggle with masking the symptoms of manic depression: she doesn't want to worry her very loving and supportive family. Her father is forever heartbroken over the loss of her beautiful mother, who died of a drug overdose. We worry that Caroline is fighting mental demons stronger than she can cope with, but we rally behind her. She is such a great kid! She loves her father, and rightly so. I don't want to give too much of this plot away, but you can actually feel the love in this novel.
Cody is your usual mixed up, immature teen. He doesn't know what he wants. He is drawn to Caroline, but he doesn't want to give up his friends in the popular Circle.
How many of us have lived through the ups and downs of teenage courting: boys run to you, then away from you. They will even carry this courtship dance into adulthood. Nonetheless, their evolving relationship is a fascinating read - because most of us have all been through something exactly like this!
Caroline and Cody keep assuring each other that what they have cannot possibly last forever, but they also can't seem to let each other go.
I love all the wise counsel from Caroline's super supportive family and her psychologist, Josh. Carmack creates real, flawed characters who will live on in your heart and mind. I love disappearing into Arly Carmack's world and living amongst her very true to life characters. Her stories are incredibly moving. Her writing will grab you and mesmerize you with its simple beauty. Arly Carmack is a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered by the reading world. I was awestruck by Arly Carmack's debut novel, NINETEEN, but I was spellbound by the beauty and truth of The Pastel Effect!
You have to read this book. Your heart will thank you. So, so, so highly recommended.
This is a MUST HAVE on anyone's bookshelf, young and adult! GO READ THIS BOOK, RIGHT NOW!!!!
PS:Here is one Highlight that I made on my Kindle edition, but which never made it to the highlights that are linked to this review.
(Scene: Caroline is discussing Cody with her Dad's girlfriend, Kristi:)
"Cody was drinking. I don’t know why. He said it was heavy. He’s super complicated, I think.”
"Boys aren’t complicated,” Kristi said. “They only think about like two or three things. Ever.”
Sweet, bashful Caroline and impudent Cody felt so real to me. I totally empathized with young Caroline throughout this entire story. Everyone should read this excellent book!
There is nothing trite or hackneyed in this amazing journey through early troubled "teenhood ' - this is not your usual YA/NA story line. For the first two-thirds of the novel, Caroline and Cody are 15 and 16 respectively. We pan forward and watch them mature into their early twenties. The last third of the novel is written in Cody's voice - and what a revelation that is!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Both Caroline and Cody are precociously intelligent, straight A students with the usual teenage angst. They become best friends, then something more. Caroline is a loner. Caroline has a daily struggle with masking the symptoms of manic depression: she doesn't want to worry her very loving and supportive family. Her father is forever heartbroken over the loss of her beautiful mother, who died of a drug overdose. We worry that Caroline is fighting mental demons stronger than she can cope with, but we rally behind her. She is such a great kid! She loves her father, and rightly so. I don't want to give too much of this plot away, but you can actually feel the love in this novel.
Cody is your usual mixed up, immature teen. He doesn't know what he wants. He is drawn to Caroline, but he doesn't want to give up his friends in the popular Circle.
How many of us have lived through the ups and downs of teenage courting: boys run to you, then away from you. They will even carry this courtship dance into adulthood. Nonetheless, their evolving relationship is a fascinating read - because most of us have all been through something exactly like this!
Caroline and Cody keep assuring each other that what they have cannot possibly last forever, but they also can't seem to let each other go.
I love all the wise counsel from Caroline's super supportive family and her psychologist, Josh. Carmack creates real, flawed characters who will live on in your heart and mind. I love disappearing into Arly Carmack's world and living amongst her very true to life characters. Her stories are incredibly moving. Her writing will grab you and mesmerize you with its simple beauty. Arly Carmack is a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered by the reading world. I was awestruck by Arly Carmack's debut novel, NINETEEN, but I was spellbound by the beauty and truth of The Pastel Effect!
You have to read this book. Your heart will thank you. So, so, so highly recommended.
This is a MUST HAVE on anyone's bookshelf, young and adult! GO READ THIS BOOK, RIGHT NOW!!!!
PS:Here is one Highlight that I made on my Kindle edition, but which never made it to the highlights that are linked to this review.
(Scene: Caroline is discussing Cody with her Dad's girlfriend, Kristi:)
"Cody was drinking. I don’t know why. He said it was heavy. He’s super complicated, I think.”
"Boys aren’t complicated,” Kristi said. “They only think about like two or three things. Ever.”
March 24, 2021
Caroline is a high school sophomore who lives with her dad. Her mom passed away when she was a young child and it’s been her and her dad ever since. She’s fallen head over heals for a boy at school (Cody), but their friendship is confusing, and Caroline struggles with him because of his fickle nature. As she navigates through their sometimes difficult relationship, she struggles with mental illness, deals with the past, and wonders about the future.
Caroline’s struggle felt real, and the entire story is believable. Her family relationship is heartwarming, and I fell in love with their wisdom and kindness toward one another. They’re caring people and very accepting of others.
“He smiled, then he kissed my cheek. I knew that no matter what happened with Cody, I had one of the best dads in the world, and suddenly Gram and Gramp were the best, too, because they made him. I went to bed that night thanking God that I had the family I did. It didn’t matter what I had lost, I knew that I was lucky for what I still had.”
Caroline was well fleshed out, but there was one thing I craved: more about Cody. He’s not a likable character, and by the time we get his perspective, it’s in the future when so much has changed. Maybe it would’ve been better to get more of Cody’s perspective throughout the story which would’ve led into more about his behavior and made him a little more redeemable. There were a few other characters I wanted to know more about too.
The story itself was quite emotional for me; it sort of took me back to my high school days because of the younger cast of characters and the coming of age story. It felt real, and even though the book was slow at times, I was invested in the characters, and it didn’t matter to me. The late twist was totally unexpected and a little hard to digest, but the author did a nice job pulling it all together in the end.
This book did capture my heart. The writing is beautiful, and there are many memorable quotes. It kept my attention from beginning to end.
Be sure to check out Susan’s Reviews for her excellent review of this book. I thank her for bringing this book to my attention!
4****
You can also see this review and others @www.readrantrockandroll.com
Caroline’s struggle felt real, and the entire story is believable. Her family relationship is heartwarming, and I fell in love with their wisdom and kindness toward one another. They’re caring people and very accepting of others.
“He smiled, then he kissed my cheek. I knew that no matter what happened with Cody, I had one of the best dads in the world, and suddenly Gram and Gramp were the best, too, because they made him. I went to bed that night thanking God that I had the family I did. It didn’t matter what I had lost, I knew that I was lucky for what I still had.”
Caroline was well fleshed out, but there was one thing I craved: more about Cody. He’s not a likable character, and by the time we get his perspective, it’s in the future when so much has changed. Maybe it would’ve been better to get more of Cody’s perspective throughout the story which would’ve led into more about his behavior and made him a little more redeemable. There were a few other characters I wanted to know more about too.
The story itself was quite emotional for me; it sort of took me back to my high school days because of the younger cast of characters and the coming of age story. It felt real, and even though the book was slow at times, I was invested in the characters, and it didn’t matter to me. The late twist was totally unexpected and a little hard to digest, but the author did a nice job pulling it all together in the end.
This book did capture my heart. The writing is beautiful, and there are many memorable quotes. It kept my attention from beginning to end.
Be sure to check out Susan’s Reviews for her excellent review of this book. I thank her for bringing this book to my attention!
4****
You can also see this review and others @www.readrantrockandroll.com
November 25, 2020
Arly Carmack does it again! This author has such an impeccable voice for young adults, and The Pastel Effect was just that - impeccable. This story is not an easy one. It's frustrating, it's confusing, it's elating and devastating - just like an adolescent relationship. The characters are flawed. They're real and honest, and I couldn't get enough of it.
There is a tone of melancholy throughout the book, but with enough light that shines through to give the reader hope that things may actually work out for Caroline and Cody. Much like the title itself referring to the pastel colors in Caroline's life.
I really adored Caroline's friend Lilly and her dreamy, but very off-limits brother, Skip. I hope Carmack can give us a little more of them in the future!
While this book centers on mental illness with perhaps a depressing theme, it's not a depressing book, and I think anyone would benefit by reading it. We all have been touched by mental illness in one way or another, either suffering from it or knowing someone who has. With diary entries and first person POV, the experience came across as very authentic and palpable.
This is an important book, and one I think is appropriate and necessary for both young adults and those who care for them.
There is a tone of melancholy throughout the book, but with enough light that shines through to give the reader hope that things may actually work out for Caroline and Cody. Much like the title itself referring to the pastel colors in Caroline's life.
I really adored Caroline's friend Lilly and her dreamy, but very off-limits brother, Skip. I hope Carmack can give us a little more of them in the future!
While this book centers on mental illness with perhaps a depressing theme, it's not a depressing book, and I think anyone would benefit by reading it. We all have been touched by mental illness in one way or another, either suffering from it or knowing someone who has. With diary entries and first person POV, the experience came across as very authentic and palpable.
This is an important book, and one I think is appropriate and necessary for both young adults and those who care for them.
March 26, 2021
A fantastic read!
If I had to choose one word to describe The Pastel Effect, it would be “real”, and that is high praise. The characters are living, breathing incarnations of mental health challenges and teenage insecurities, eloquently described by Carmack. This is a fantastic story, and I connected with many of the passages on a personal level.
If I had to choose one word to describe The Pastel Effect, it would be “real”, and that is high praise. The characters are living, breathing incarnations of mental health challenges and teenage insecurities, eloquently described by Carmack. This is a fantastic story, and I connected with many of the passages on a personal level.
December 19, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was very impressed. “The Pastel Effect” tells the story about a young girl coming to terms with her feelings about a boy her age.
Carmack does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, including the girl’s dad, his romantic partner, and a down to earth school counselor.
The dialogue reads very smoothy and is easy to absorb and get lost in. The story is believable will be relatable to a lot of readers. Themes of loss, addiction, anxiety, and mental illness are well written and presented.
I suggest this novel to anyone looking for a great YA read, with a good amount of drama, humor, and character development as well.
Carmack does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, including the girl’s dad, his romantic partner, and a down to earth school counselor.
The dialogue reads very smoothy and is easy to absorb and get lost in. The story is believable will be relatable to a lot of readers. Themes of loss, addiction, anxiety, and mental illness are well written and presented.
I suggest this novel to anyone looking for a great YA read, with a good amount of drama, humor, and character development as well.
December 5, 2020
I would describe this book as the YA version of Sally Rooney's 'Normal People' (but with a better ending). I was TOTALLY invested in the two main protagonists Caroline and Cody and their relationship. Arly Carmack clearly has a knack of coveying teenager's feelings because it brought back all the feelings I remembered having as a teen battling with love and relationships. This book isn't my usual cup of tea being a YA romance novel but wow, I just LOVED IT. ❤ 📚
Want to read
June 7, 2021I'msoexcitedabouthis
February 27, 2022
Catch me crying in the club. This was such a good read. I related way too much to the main character and now I will forever long for a man who confidently answers my question on what song will be his first dance at his wedding. I'm literally in shambles. This book has broken me.
December 11, 2020
First off, I’d like to say thanks to NetGalley for an arc of the book! I loved this book. I read it all in one sitting, I was so hooked. The relationship between Cody and Caroline was so raw and real which I really loved. I adored the slow burn friends to lovers and watching it all slowly play out. I liked their little cop show nights and the small gestures that made big differences. It was such a wholesome book. However, I also love how it showed the bad parts of their love, it wasn’t perfect and it never worked out the way they expected. There was such a plot twist at the end!! So many in the second part actually, where it switches to Cody’s POV. I liked how the characters wrote differently and reflected their own personalities and how Cody always tries to better himself from the past. The family dynamics, especially Caroline’s, I loved so much. I also loved Dr Josh and Lily and Jordy’s relationship hehe. I also liked the way the texts were written betweeen Cody and Caroline, the sarcastic jokes etc. This is probably the longest review of positivity I’ve written because it was so good!! It’s like Eleanor and Park but even better and par the racism :))) Thank you so much for the ARC! I am so so grateful I could read such an amazing book.
I’ve been in isolation for the past two weeks, and I’ve been bored as hell. It’s hard to get through, there’s too much time to think and not enough human contact. So what did i result to doing? Reading this book. I wanted to immerse myself into another world, and this book did a pretty grand job of that. It’s perfect. The timings were sometimes a bit confusing to understand but I can see why, as Cody began to remember things we as readers were not previously aware of. All in all, I loved it. Right from the start. And definitely at the end!,!
I’ve been in isolation for the past two weeks, and I’ve been bored as hell. It’s hard to get through, there’s too much time to think and not enough human contact. So what did i result to doing? Reading this book. I wanted to immerse myself into another world, and this book did a pretty grand job of that. It’s perfect. The timings were sometimes a bit confusing to understand but I can see why, as Cody began to remember things we as readers were not previously aware of. All in all, I loved it. Right from the start. And definitely at the end!,!
December 8, 2020
*Received as an ARC on NetGalley*
A heartbreakingly beautiful story.
I have completely fallen in love with this book and its characters. The story is so much more than the usual YA contemporary romance, and despite starting this book with extremely high expectations, they were absolutely and completely exceeded in all aspects. The two main characters are so raw and real and are both perfectly refreshing examples of realistic teenagers in YA books. I connected with both the story and the characters straight away and really did not want this story to come to an end, although I completed it all in one sitting. While the book does explore many darker topics, Arly Carmack addresses these brilliantly. These themes were communicated perfectly and it was extremely easy to sympathise and empathise with the characters’ experiences. Many times I was caught crying throughout my reading experience. I loved the way that Carmack expressed the true struggles that people can experience when living with these challenges, but also how she communicated the idea of learning to live with these things, instead of just surviving.
Overall a truly spectacular read and a perfect first experience of Arly Carmack’s writing. This book has quickly become one of my all time favourites.
*Warning that this book may be triggering for some readers. Mentions of mental illness, drugs and alcohol, self harm, accidents*
A heartbreakingly beautiful story.
I have completely fallen in love with this book and its characters. The story is so much more than the usual YA contemporary romance, and despite starting this book with extremely high expectations, they were absolutely and completely exceeded in all aspects. The two main characters are so raw and real and are both perfectly refreshing examples of realistic teenagers in YA books. I connected with both the story and the characters straight away and really did not want this story to come to an end, although I completed it all in one sitting. While the book does explore many darker topics, Arly Carmack addresses these brilliantly. These themes were communicated perfectly and it was extremely easy to sympathise and empathise with the characters’ experiences. Many times I was caught crying throughout my reading experience. I loved the way that Carmack expressed the true struggles that people can experience when living with these challenges, but also how she communicated the idea of learning to live with these things, instead of just surviving.
Overall a truly spectacular read and a perfect first experience of Arly Carmack’s writing. This book has quickly become one of my all time favourites.
*Warning that this book may be triggering for some readers. Mentions of mental illness, drugs and alcohol, self harm, accidents*
December 9, 2020
First I would like to thank NetGalley and Reedsy Discovery for a copy of this advanced reader ebook! There are potential spoilers ahead.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book! When I first started reading it, I found it hard to engage with. It felt forced and I just wanted to finish it. However, once I reached about 30%, I struggled to put it down. The book picked up and I found myself devouring it all at once.
While it was hard for me to relate to the main character, it was easier to relate to the storyline of her relationship with Cody. Most people have gone through the teenage angst of wondering whether a relationship is real, wondering if the feelings are real, and not knowing how to handle it. From this perspective, the book was very relatable. In terms of the mental illness aspect of it though, I found myself not able to relate simply as those circumstances do not apply to me. However, the author did a great job at bringing the conditions to light and making the reader see what it can be like.
I will say, I wish the book had ended differently. While I do like that now both protagonists have their own health aspects to take care of, it felt rushed and not fully explained. I would have liked more of a story line regarding their therapies together, their new family, and their healing progress. Maybe there will be a book 2?
Overall, I did enjoy this book and I'm glad I stuck with it!
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book! When I first started reading it, I found it hard to engage with. It felt forced and I just wanted to finish it. However, once I reached about 30%, I struggled to put it down. The book picked up and I found myself devouring it all at once.
While it was hard for me to relate to the main character, it was easier to relate to the storyline of her relationship with Cody. Most people have gone through the teenage angst of wondering whether a relationship is real, wondering if the feelings are real, and not knowing how to handle it. From this perspective, the book was very relatable. In terms of the mental illness aspect of it though, I found myself not able to relate simply as those circumstances do not apply to me. However, the author did a great job at bringing the conditions to light and making the reader see what it can be like.
I will say, I wish the book had ended differently. While I do like that now both protagonists have their own health aspects to take care of, it felt rushed and not fully explained. I would have liked more of a story line regarding their therapies together, their new family, and their healing progress. Maybe there will be a book 2?
Overall, I did enjoy this book and I'm glad I stuck with it!
March 16, 2021
The Pastel Effect is not your normal YA romance novel but goes above and beyond in ways that I have never read before. Arly Carmack displays complex and developed emotions, characters and relationships in such a lovely way in this book.
Caroline is a sophomore in high school when the book begins and befriends Cody through a maths project. The two quickly become close friends and spend more and more time together. As they get to know each other their relationship gets more complicated and reaches its peak after Cody encounters a life-changing situation that tests everything he has ever known.
The plot was exciting yet not overwhelming at the same time. Much of the writing and events in the book made me smile and laugh with fresh ideas that I haven't seen in other YA novels. As well as this, Carmack's portrayal of mental health problems and their effects on different relationships equally was equally well-done. However, towards the end there was a lot of focus on their relationship which undoubtedly made me miss other characters whose lives had been developing along side Caroline and Cody's which I really enjoyed originally.
Big thanks to the NetGalley for providing an eARC this book in exchange for an honest review
Warning that this book may be triggering for some readers as it includes mentions mental illness, drugs and alcohol, depression, self harm, accidents.
Caroline is a sophomore in high school when the book begins and befriends Cody through a maths project. The two quickly become close friends and spend more and more time together. As they get to know each other their relationship gets more complicated and reaches its peak after Cody encounters a life-changing situation that tests everything he has ever known.
The plot was exciting yet not overwhelming at the same time. Much of the writing and events in the book made me smile and laugh with fresh ideas that I haven't seen in other YA novels. As well as this, Carmack's portrayal of mental health problems and their effects on different relationships equally was equally well-done. However, towards the end there was a lot of focus on their relationship which undoubtedly made me miss other characters whose lives had been developing along side Caroline and Cody's which I really enjoyed originally.
Big thanks to the NetGalley for providing an eARC this book in exchange for an honest review
Warning that this book may be triggering for some readers as it includes mentions mental illness, drugs and alcohol, depression, self harm, accidents.
December 5, 2020
I loved this book. I have never read anything from Arly Carmack but I will be exclusively be her biggest fan. I loved the character development and though I thought there were some loose ends that I wish had been tied up but I thought the ending felt right for the story we got. I loved Caroline and Cody and their complex emotions, including mental illness and the normal teenager self-doubt. Again, couldn't recommend this book enough.
December 5, 2020
Genre: Young Adult / Romance
Release Date: 25th November 2020
TW: Mental Illness / Drug & Alchohol References / Sexual References / Self-Harm / Accidents
Caroline wanted the things that everybody did in highschool. The grades, the friends, the cute boyfriend - ideally her best friends adorable brother Skip. But that was never going to happen with their pastor father looking over them.
Then Cody Kirby walks into the picture during a class project. The image of popularity and confidence, part of the 'circle' - but suspciously nice. And now all of a sudden she is crushing hard on a boy who she'd only ever said a few sentences to - the first one being "What song will we play at our wedding then?"
They were the last people in town you'd imagine becoming best friends - but they have one very real thing in common - they're both pretending to be happy. Caroline is plagued by loss, doubt, and underlying issues and Cody is slowly crackng under the pressure of trying to be the person everybody wants him to be - and losing himself on the journey.
At the beginning of this story, It honestly felt a little stiff and rushed, just pushing us through so we could get to the action - but once we got a real feel for the characters it ended up with some really wonderful moments throughout.
Now, let's talk about our two main characters - they're annoying as hell. They're whiny, they're obsessed, they're naive and unreliable. But that's exactly why they're so perfectly written. Don't you remember what being a teenager was like? This story gives such an refreshingly frank look into the truths of being a confused, hormonal teenager trying to navigate who you are and what you want.
Now, this book does go to some very dark places, dealing with the issues that so many young people are going through when they're growing up - but it's mostly handled very well and while there are difficult subjects - this isn't a sad book at all. It's about living with issues, instead of just surviving with them.
Once I'd warmed up to the story, this book was a pleasure to read and very easy to speed right through - it was a slow burning drama for the first half of the book, while we navigate the complications of young love and friendship and it most definitely quickly changed pace in the end. There were a few loose ends bothering me towards the end of this tale, but this also worked in a unique way - we don't get all the answers because these kids still have a lot of growing up to do.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Netgalley & Arly Carmack for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
December 26, 2020
2.5 Stars
Eleanor & Park meets Sally Rooney's Normal People.
Let me start by saying that I think Arly Camack perfectly captured the angst and elation of first crushes and first loves in this book. The reader gets to experience a rollercoaster of emotions as Caroline and Cody try to navigate a relationship through their teen years.
The Pastel Effect tackles many things teenagers experience - mental health problems, peer-pressure as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
The problem was that I didn't really care for Cody at all.
Caroline let him walk all over her and by the second part of the book (which felt quite rushed) I just wasn't at all invested in their relationship. I didn't really care what happened between them.
I also felt that the friendship between Caroline and Lilly was so under developed. We're told they're 'best friends' but Lilly is absent for large periods of time - especially once Caroline and Cody start dating.
I did enjoy the journal entries from Caroline's mum, Tressa. It really made me connect with Caroline and I think it added a lot of depth to her own mental health struggles.
If you're a fan of Normal People, I think you would enjoy The Pastel Effect.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book
Eleanor & Park meets Sally Rooney's Normal People.
Let me start by saying that I think Arly Camack perfectly captured the angst and elation of first crushes and first loves in this book. The reader gets to experience a rollercoaster of emotions as Caroline and Cody try to navigate a relationship through their teen years.
The Pastel Effect tackles many things teenagers experience - mental health problems, peer-pressure as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
The problem was that I didn't really care for Cody at all.
Caroline let him walk all over her and by the second part of the book (which felt quite rushed) I just wasn't at all invested in their relationship. I didn't really care what happened between them.
I also felt that the friendship between Caroline and Lilly was so under developed. We're told they're 'best friends' but Lilly is absent for large periods of time - especially once Caroline and Cody start dating.
I did enjoy the journal entries from Caroline's mum, Tressa. It really made me connect with Caroline and I think it added a lot of depth to her own mental health struggles.
If you're a fan of Normal People, I think you would enjoy The Pastel Effect.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book
February 21, 2021
I honestly think The Pastel Effect is my favourite read of the year so far, I adored this book from start to finish and I genuinely do not have a criticism for it...
From the start I was drawn into this story and I loved the way it was presented to us a couple of teenagers trying to navigate the incredibly stressful experience that is high school. In fact, a lot of what was written resonated with me and reminded me of my own experiences in school and I think that's part of the reason why I loved it so much, it felt very real.
The book itself was beautiful. Every word written and spoken was carefully crafted to bring us happiness, or sadness, or excitement. There we no shortage of emotions that I felt during my read of The Pastel Effect.
I loved the characters that we were on this journey with, every single one of them felt relatable.
The relationships that the author built up with Caroline and her Dad (Teddy) was stunning, I was moved so many times throughout this book. We were shown a strong relationship between Dad and daughter and we were shown Teddy as a single Dad and how he raised Caroline into this strong young woman. The whole backstory they had was amazing.
I loved how Tressa (Caroline's Mom) had this influence throughout the book, without her actually being there as well. The author featured her beautifully and brought her to life through the pages of her diary.
Cody, I changed my opinion on at various points throughout the book, but when the latter section was from his POV my feelings towards him completely changed, I was in awe of him. His character was written so true to teenage boys!
The journey that we saw our characters go on, a journey of love and self discovery and joy and sadness and everything inbetween was truly beautiful.
One of my favourite things about this book was how it introduced topics that should be discussed and included in conversation. Namely, the topic of casual sex, the topic of consensual sex and the topic of therapy. The author wove these into the book perfectly.
The ending of this book made me SOB, it was the most fitting ending to the most wonderful book.
I have nothing but praise for The Pastel Effect and Arly Carmack and her writing. This was amazing and I honestly would put this as my favourite read of the year so far.
From the start I was drawn into this story and I loved the way it was presented to us a couple of teenagers trying to navigate the incredibly stressful experience that is high school. In fact, a lot of what was written resonated with me and reminded me of my own experiences in school and I think that's part of the reason why I loved it so much, it felt very real.
The book itself was beautiful. Every word written and spoken was carefully crafted to bring us happiness, or sadness, or excitement. There we no shortage of emotions that I felt during my read of The Pastel Effect.
I loved the characters that we were on this journey with, every single one of them felt relatable.
The relationships that the author built up with Caroline and her Dad (Teddy) was stunning, I was moved so many times throughout this book. We were shown a strong relationship between Dad and daughter and we were shown Teddy as a single Dad and how he raised Caroline into this strong young woman. The whole backstory they had was amazing.
I loved how Tressa (Caroline's Mom) had this influence throughout the book, without her actually being there as well. The author featured her beautifully and brought her to life through the pages of her diary.
Cody, I changed my opinion on at various points throughout the book, but when the latter section was from his POV my feelings towards him completely changed, I was in awe of him. His character was written so true to teenage boys!
The journey that we saw our characters go on, a journey of love and self discovery and joy and sadness and everything inbetween was truly beautiful.
One of my favourite things about this book was how it introduced topics that should be discussed and included in conversation. Namely, the topic of casual sex, the topic of consensual sex and the topic of therapy. The author wove these into the book perfectly.
The ending of this book made me SOB, it was the most fitting ending to the most wonderful book.
I have nothing but praise for The Pastel Effect and Arly Carmack and her writing. This was amazing and I honestly would put this as my favourite read of the year so far.
December 29, 2022
I liked Caroline’s part but Cody’s part just seemed very rushed
April 11, 2021
I have mixed feeling about this one, first of all, I loved it.
The family dynamics in C's family, were specially great to me, not perfect, at all but that made even better.
The relationship with Cody was beautifully complicated, and the way we experience it through Caroline is so intense but to me, it was very real.
Part 2 however, confused me a bit. I enjoyed it as well.
I keep thinking about their future, and it is so uncertain... I think is best to hope for the best but uff.
The family dynamics in C's family, were specially great to me, not perfect, at all but that made even better.
The relationship with Cody was beautifully complicated, and the way we experience it through Caroline is so intense but to me, it was very real.
Part 2 however, confused me a bit. I enjoyed it as well.
I keep thinking about their future, and it is so uncertain... I think is best to hope for the best but uff.
March 7, 2021
This was a lovely story about the journey of two people trying to make sense of their lives, it made me cry quite a bit. Heroine is th daughter of a single dad, who never could commit to a serious relationship since he lost the love of his life, the heroines mother. The heroine is scared of the legacy of mental illness that comes from her late mother, and struggles to come to terms with her place on world where healthy relationships are far and few. Her relationship with the hero is very flawed, like almost every character in this book. He hurts her again, and again because of his own hesitancy to break out of the mold of expectations his family and friends have set for him. They have a very strong bond based on how well they understand each other, in all aspects except the heroines mental health, and the heroes difficulty to stand up to pressure.
When the book fast forwards to their adult life in college with a massive twist in the plot, I was hoping this is where we would come to hear more about the heroes motivations about when he treated the heroine terribly, but his redemption arc goes in a different direction all together. This change in his behavior is sudden, explained logically by the book, but I would have enjoyed a slow growth of personality instead.
It's an engrossing and emotional book, ny biggest take away was that everyone is flawed, you have to choose what's flaws can you live with, without undermining your self respect. It treats mental illness and the way family members see it, very well and gave me a very good perspective about anger and sadness. But my favourite character in the book was probably the heroine's best friend who follows her religious family's rules but craves a typical high school experience, and her brother, steadfast in his religious beliefs, slightly patriarchal, yet a good friend.
When the book fast forwards to their adult life in college with a massive twist in the plot, I was hoping this is where we would come to hear more about the heroes motivations about when he treated the heroine terribly, but his redemption arc goes in a different direction all together. This change in his behavior is sudden, explained logically by the book, but I would have enjoyed a slow growth of personality instead.
It's an engrossing and emotional book, ny biggest take away was that everyone is flawed, you have to choose what's flaws can you live with, without undermining your self respect. It treats mental illness and the way family members see it, very well and gave me a very good perspective about anger and sadness. But my favourite character in the book was probably the heroine's best friend who follows her religious family's rules but craves a typical high school experience, and her brother, steadfast in his religious beliefs, slightly patriarchal, yet a good friend.
January 22, 2021
The Pastel effect is a love story, a Young adult that tells the story of Caroline and Cody from two points of view.
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The first part is told by Caroline and talks about the fear of rejection, abandonment and mental illness that her mother suffered and how this affected her family. the second or last part is related by Cody a few years later.
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I really liked the characters, the dialogue and how Cody and Caroline interacted. I did not like reading how she was still hooked on a pattern and how it seemed that all the characters were pushing her towards that, for someone with a mental illness it is difficult to try to perceive things as others and they always struggle to keep up, that everyone continues to insist and no one will support her in her decisions to respect herself and feel valued by her own person, didn't feel right.I did not like how Cody's character continued to act although it was clear what was wrong with him.
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The POV could have been better from the beginning of the book although I admit that after several plot twists the one that introduces Cody's pov made me follow energetically to the end of the book although I did not like that she seemed hopeless to the end.
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I think it is a young adult love story that everyone will like it, and feel a very hartwarming about how the characters grow with the story
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Thanks to #NetGalley and BooksgoSocial for let me read #ThePastelEffect
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The first part is told by Caroline and talks about the fear of rejection, abandonment and mental illness that her mother suffered and how this affected her family. the second or last part is related by Cody a few years later.
.
I really liked the characters, the dialogue and how Cody and Caroline interacted. I did not like reading how she was still hooked on a pattern and how it seemed that all the characters were pushing her towards that, for someone with a mental illness it is difficult to try to perceive things as others and they always struggle to keep up, that everyone continues to insist and no one will support her in her decisions to respect herself and feel valued by her own person, didn't feel right.I did not like how Cody's character continued to act although it was clear what was wrong with him.
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The POV could have been better from the beginning of the book although I admit that after several plot twists the one that introduces Cody's pov made me follow energetically to the end of the book although I did not like that she seemed hopeless to the end.
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I think it is a young adult love story that everyone will like it, and feel a very hartwarming about how the characters grow with the story
.
Thanks to #NetGalley and BooksgoSocial for let me read #ThePastelEffect
June 15, 2021
“It makes sense for you to be pastel. You’re trying to cover up your hurt with something bright, but the color doesn’t shine through. It only makes it to pastel. I understand.”
I really loved "The Pastel Effect" and I think this will be one of my favorite book of the year!
Caroline's mom passed away when she was a young child and it’s been her and her dad ever since. The friendship between Caroline and Cody is confusing, and Caroline struggles with him because of his fickle nature.
Plus, Caroline is struggling with her demons and the reader surely cared so much about her. But she fight them back.
Cody is kinda a smart dumb**s. Sometimes he disappear and can't see the real feelings Caroline has for him. In the second part of the book, it switches to Cody’s POV. I don't really know if I liked it or not.... but after a big plot twist I like how Cody always tries to better himself from the past.
The story itself was quite emotional; it took me back to my high school days and my young self surely could loved it. It felt real, I also hoped to have a friendship like that. Caroline and Cody's messages are one of the most amazing things in this book. I loved how they communicate and are doing better with little things they have in common.
I really loved "The Pastel Effect" and I think this will be one of my favorite book of the year!
Caroline's mom passed away when she was a young child and it’s been her and her dad ever since. The friendship between Caroline and Cody is confusing, and Caroline struggles with him because of his fickle nature.
Plus, Caroline is struggling with her demons and the reader surely cared so much about her. But she fight them back.
Cody is kinda a smart dumb**s. Sometimes he disappear and can't see the real feelings Caroline has for him. In the second part of the book, it switches to Cody’s POV. I don't really know if I liked it or not.... but after a big plot twist I like how Cody always tries to better himself from the past.
The story itself was quite emotional; it took me back to my high school days and my young self surely could loved it. It felt real, I also hoped to have a friendship like that. Caroline and Cody's messages are one of the most amazing things in this book. I loved how they communicate and are doing better with little things they have in common.
December 19, 2020
Heartwarming YA romance that delves head-first into teen friendships, relationships, and mental health. The story centers around two people, Cody and Caroline. They go through high school with an on-again, off-again relationship. Filtering through the sidelines of their lives are Cody's parents, his clique of friends, Caroline's close friend Lilly, and Caroline's dad, Teddy.
I really enjoyed the first half of the story. I found the characters to be engaging and authentic. Carmack really captured the teen-friend circle, gossip, and romance. While I liked the premise of the ending, I felt that the second half of the book was rushed and glossed over key details. Overall, this is great YA romance but be prepared for mental health issues, sexual scenes, drug and alcohol use, as well as self-harm. These topics are very well depicted and bring a realistic perspective which I appreciated. This book reminded me a lot of Sally Rooney's, Normal People, but set in a YA world.
Thanks to NetGalley, Arly Carmack, and Cohasset Drive Independent Press for the advanced eBook in exchange for an honest review. Solid 3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the first half of the story. I found the characters to be engaging and authentic. Carmack really captured the teen-friend circle, gossip, and romance. While I liked the premise of the ending, I felt that the second half of the book was rushed and glossed over key details. Overall, this is great YA romance but be prepared for mental health issues, sexual scenes, drug and alcohol use, as well as self-harm. These topics are very well depicted and bring a realistic perspective which I appreciated. This book reminded me a lot of Sally Rooney's, Normal People, but set in a YA world.
Thanks to NetGalley, Arly Carmack, and Cohasset Drive Independent Press for the advanced eBook in exchange for an honest review. Solid 3.5 stars.
September 22, 2024
2.5⭐️!
This wasn’t for me. I was really bored for about 50% of the book. The writing felt clunky and weird at times but got better as the book progressed. While I enjoyed the last 50% the first 50% was such a chore to get through. And the last 100 pages were definitely the strongest point in the book, getting Cody’s POV wasn’t what I expected but I really liked that touch.
Overall a very meh, forgettable book for me, I expected more.
This wasn’t for me. I was really bored for about 50% of the book. The writing felt clunky and weird at times but got better as the book progressed. While I enjoyed the last 50% the first 50% was such a chore to get through. And the last 100 pages were definitely the strongest point in the book, getting Cody’s POV wasn’t what I expected but I really liked that touch.
Overall a very meh, forgettable book for me, I expected more.
March 24, 2021
Decent story but maybe a little too “young adult” for me. Also, not a fan of the abrupt transition from Caroline to Cody 75% of the way through the book.
March 27, 2024
Wow. This book was not what I expected ?
February 8, 2022
What a beautiful book! I absolutely love Cody and Caroline's relationship even though it was very up and down, but also portraying normal life! So well written and covering topics in a very sensitive way!
March 18, 2025
seemed super corny and I ended up quitting the book 3/4th of the way through.
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