Book Review | Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts

Another book from my recent library excursion! So, I'd first like to say that this book is definitely not like The Fault in Our Stars, contrary to many people's initial opinion. Yes, Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts follows two kids with cancer. However, Zac and Mia's story greatly differs from Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters' tale.

Summary:
Zac is an expert on the c-word issue. He's been in and out of the hospital for awhile for

leukemia treatment in Perth, Australia. Then, one day, a loud blast of Lady Gaga from the room next door alerts Zac to Mia's presence. Angry, feisty, and pessimistic, Mia is a handful, especially for the nurses and doctors that are trying to treat her cancer. However, Zac feels drawn to her. Simultaneously, Mia finds something endearing about this pale boy. The two's love story unfolds in this tough, tender novel. The odds may be against them, but at least they've got each other.

First, I would just like to say how much I loved the fact that this book was set in Australia. I also really liked how Zac's family ran an olive farm. I just pictured a bunch of baby alpacas roaming the grounds.

Without a doubt, Zac was my favorite character. He was a fighter, through and through. He tried to remain upbeat and positive for some strange girl that he didn't know. I also enjoyed his subtle sense of humor. By the way, I pictured Zac as Charlie from Red Band Society. Man, I miss that TV show...

Mia irritated me from the start. Her attitude towards her mother got on my nerves. And her thing with Rhys? Please. She deserved so much better. I'm glad everything was sorted in the end. Mia was also incredibly too pessimistic. However, I sort of understood where she was coming from. But simultaneously, I got annoyed at Mia and her irrational behavior. Of course, I would say much, but I felt as if she acted so immature. Everything was resolved in the end, so I don't have too many complaints about Mia because she redeemed herself and all was well.

I felt that the plot was somewhat...forced? I know that sounds odd since books need a driving action in order for a plot to even begin to take place. However, I felt that some things were a bit unnecessary (*cough cough* Mia...). The plot didn't feel real to me at times. I don't really know how to describe it, except that I wasn't really impressed by a majority of this book. Yes, it was cute, but I merely felt lukewarm during most of the book. I wouldn't say that this book was disappointing because I really had no expectations, but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be.

The ending was a bit confusing for me. I felt as if the ending wasn't as clear cut as it should have been. However, I was glad that the author included an epilogue. I felt like the epilogue was the perfect ending to the story. It left me feeling happy and warm inside.

Zac and Mia isn't the greatest book that I've read, but it was sweet. I was a little unimpressed; however, I wasn't totally let down. I rated this book a 3/5 stars.