Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall

It really does.

I wasn't really expecting to like this one as much as I did. It's not the most original of plots; there are similarities to both It's A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol (the latter of which is actually referenced in the story). But just because we know the basic gist of how things are going to play out doesn't take away from the individual, unique experiences of Tessa's life that have shaped who she is.Tessa is less of the stereotypical mean girl you'd expect in a story like this and more of a complex, real teenager. Her "evil" deeds don't slap you in the face all at once, and even when she's talking about how her moral compass is broken, you realize that it's not *that* broken if she can see that there are things about herself that need improving.The pace and story structure worked well. We're thrown into the action right away, with Tessa contemplating what's going to happen when that dodgeball (currently flying through the air) hits her head. Much of the rest of the story is told in flashbacks, from babyhood to the junior prom. Tessa's life is pretty unremarkable, but I think that's part of what makes the book work. You can relate to a girl who's not drop-dead gorgeous, who has issues with her parents and brother, who's neither rich nor poor, who's an average student, and who's made some mistakes either out of immaturity or stupidity. It was refreshing, especially in a world of YA fiction that's often populated by a perfect, gorgeous girl and her otherworldly problems.That's not to say there wasn't some otherworldly stuff going on here. Tessa's near-death experience, in which she finds herself in a near-facsimile of her local mall, complete with a mysterious boy who guides her through the experience, is an interesting take on the trope. I thought the mall setting might be a little fluffy but, surprisingly, all the brand name dropping didn't really take anything away from the gravity of the story and its message.If there was any weak part for me, it would probably be the ending. Some parts of it seemed a little too pat and corny. But Tessa was a character I could believe would take something away from the experience, so I can overlook the rather quick turnaround and an ending that felt a little rushed.All in all, it was an enjoyable book, with deep messages about self-worth and honesty that were cloaked behind a seemingly fluffy plot device and setting. Plus, it's written in free verse, so it doesn't take long to get through -- which is great if you want a quick afternoon read!

This book is totally funny and realistic of the life of a girl that is not-so-popular. This is totally awesome and funny at some parts and really makes you want to never leave your seat to do something else. I read this book in a day and re read it the next.day... its brilliant. It captivates you and makes you feel like reading on even though its not mystery or horror, which is what normally makes me feel like completing the book fast as I want to know the ending. It was really captivating and I hope that Wendy mass could publish another book like this except that it depicts the life of a really popular and pretty girl instead :) it would be great :D

Wendy Mass out does herself again with this beautifully moving book! Tessa is a junior in highschool who has made some mistakes, and told quite a few lies, while growing up. Her memories of everything embarrassing, upsetting, or telling lies is replayed to her by a teen boy when she gets hit in the during a gym class dodgeball game. As she goes through her memories, she wanders around the mall where she spent most of her time. In this story of regret, flashbacks, and embarrassment, Tessa learns a thing or two about herself, she may just find redemption for herself, and a cute boy.I recommend this book to ANYONE!

A little disappointing. There wasn't much of a plot, and how could you almost die from getting hit in the head with a dodgeball? That's kind of pathetic. Still okay. Definitely much better books out there by Wendy Mass (the author of this book) another book by her is a Mango Shaped Space which was good. Read that one instead.

I truly loved this book so much. It definitely deserves 5 stars for so many reasons. One is that it was very descriptive and exciting. It was also a book where you just could not put the book down. I would for sure recommend this book to anyone who loves a little bit of mystery and fantasy all in one. This book was for sure one of my favorite books written by Wendy Mass.

I liked the beginning of the book. I feel like you really get to know Tessa's character. You understand who she is, even before her life turns upside down. I like how you can tell, throughout her memories, why she is how she is. She was hard because she built a wall around herself. She wouldn't let herself believe that other people could like her, and in doing that she lost her sparkle. She lost herself. So many of her memories, years later, showcased over the bad. The bad had overshadowed the good that was hiding away. She believed that when people acted in ways that she didn't understand, it was because they did not like her. She didn't look, deep down, into herself and others. She only skimmed the surface.I would recommend this book to people struggling on their social life because it really gives you an inside to how others feel, and how to open yourself up to the good and the bad. This was an amazing story, awkward at times but totally realistic. -Anne

i literally got this book for my Kindle yesterday and im already more than halfway through. wendy mass shows off some incredible talent in writing this, as it is in the unusual style of verse, as opposed to paragraphs. from what ive read, this is one of mass' better books, because shes able to combine a dramatic expierience, with your every day teenager, and create this amazing, one-of-a-kind book. its not to dramatic though, because tessa and her point of view really kind of lighten the mood a bit. if you wanta thurough, but quick read, heaven looks a lot like the mall is the book for you.