At sixteen years old, Cree Cabot is forced to give up her dreams of music and freedom and become an adult fast to take care of her little brother. Years later, she’s like a robot, always working and never playing, making her a very dull person. Seth, her little brother, is the only one who really knows how she used to be and wishes she were that person again. Along with Seth, a caring, loving old woman name Ellen who has been with them this whole time, knows deep down Cree needs a man to love her like she deserves. These two are mischievously concocting a plan to finally get Cree out of her shell and see that life is more enjoyable when you live each day to the fullest.

Mike Sullivan is a man with a vision that comes to life in his comic books and in the way he speaks his mind. He’s always enjoyed life and can’t stand to see that Cree is the opposite, never living, always working and never taking time to relax. Each time he’s with her, he sees a little bit of the energetic and happy person Seth says she used to be. When Cree lets go, it’s like a light breaking through a dark sky but then she retreats back into her shell making her the same robot woman everybody sees her as. He wants to see Cree for the woman she is and what she could become: a woman in love and of love. Can he succeed and show Cree that love does exist and that he will be there for her forever?

Kicking Sideways is a tale of love enduring everything. Cree’s sacrificed everything after her mother killed herself. Now that she’s got a man who is interested in her, she doesn’t know what to do. I especially loved the secondary characters like Seth who is young but understands that people must do things they aren’t ready to do. He sees Cree do everything except the most important thing likre enjoying life, which he understand even though he’s a teenager. I also liked old Ellen, a woman who’s got so much spunk and spirit in her, even at her age. These two are smart and clever. As for Cree and Mike, you can instantly see how in love these two are, yet Cree always pulls back. Sometimes I got annoyed at that but the reader will understand why when they read the book. Dina Keratsis created Cree like a superhero at times, always taking care of others and then you feel sorry for her when you see her vulnerable. Mike is the perfect man for her and completes her in so many ways. Dina Keratsis did a fabulous job in this book with so much pain, love and heartache. There are times when you cry but then, through it all, you will not want to put it down and will regret finishing it so soon. This is definitely a recommended read for this is truly one of those books that is worth keeping.


Reviewed by: Lena C.