| Title | : | Passing Notes |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 95 |
| Publication | : | First published January 29, 2015 |
How do the notes keep appearing? Who’s writing them? Why?
And if Mark follows the ghostly writer’s advice, will he win Bethany’s love?
Passing Notes Reviews
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Very enjoyable Novella for young adults. Who doesn't enjoy the first love or crush of a young boy. A little bit of paranormal activity. Light-hearted enjoyable read. The author does a great job of giving you a little bit of the characters' lives without making you feel like something is missing.
I thank the author for a free copy of her book for an honest review. -
4.5*
This novella highlights today’s changing world and how the ways of communication differ from not that many years ago. The art of letter writing is becoming obsolete along with the need for cursive writing, as computers figure largely in education and people use texting and emails to keep in touch. When Mark Dowd finds himself having to use a very old, odd-looking piece of furniture as a desk in his English class he notices a half hidden carving in the wood. A heart with the name Eileen stylishly carved inside. Mark tries to copy the carving, eventually with a marker pen on the back of his hand as he runs out of space on the paper.
Mark thinks he’s making progress with Bethany, the girl he’s had a crush on for years, but his texts and emails don’t seem to be having the desired effect. Ever since Mark drew the heart on his hand he’s been receiving hand written notes from an unknown source, with advice on how to win Bethany back by writing traditional love letters.
This is a lovely, well written narrative with strong messages; love lives on and if a heart is set on someone special, the relationship is more than worth the thought and effort that goes into it. The underlying story of Mark’s grandmother is an emotional one, the last chapter is very moving and powerful, bringing everything to a wonderful conclusion. I enjoyed the slightly different slant on the supernatural aspect very much. And who wouldn’t love a hand written love letter as opposed to a quick text or email. The story has thought provoking content and it would be an awful shame if this creative skill and expressive method of communication is lost completely. -
Cute, not what I expected.
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Mark Dowd has never had a girlfriend and never been in love, so when the girl he’s had a crush on since seventh grade is sitting outside his job, having cried her eyes out, he gets his chance to show her what a decent dateable guy he is. Mark has also never had to woo anyone before and his first halfhearted attempts are met with indignation and the cold shoulder. Mark is making mistakes left and right trying to romance this girl. He’s about to lose her when a mysterious ghost writer begins to give him advice and guide him in writing the perfect love letter and how to deliver it properly. Will this gesture prove to Bethany how much Mark likes her and how he really is exactly who she met that first night?
“Instead of throwing books around, slamming classroom doors, and screeching through hallways, this ghost chose to haunt the high school by teaching random kids how to write better love letters.” (Kindle Locations 481-482).
Why would a straight A student who follows the rules date a guy like Mark? What does he have going for him? Is he good looking? The bad boy? At first he tells us that he’s getting D’s in school, can’t spell, and has poor grammar. He doesn’t brag about anything, so we assume he would never be good enough for Bethany, but his actions throughout this novella show us otherwise. Mark is revealed to be a polite, hard-working boy who really does try his hardest when he wants to attain something of value. He can apologize when he’s wrong. He is humble and works a real job. He is nice and accommodating when his elder grandmother who has Alzheimer’s mistakes him for his grandfather. Mark is not as simple as he made himself out to be. He may not know what the word ‘crude’ means, but he does know when to accept help and when to admit he doesn’t know what he’s doing when romancing Bethany. This is intelligence in spades and what Bethany is surely attracted to. It makes me like Mark, even though he’s failing in school and his life plans only amount to joining the army after graduating. He’s adorably ignorant.
Usually the smart beautiful girl leaves her jerk of a jock boyfriend for the quiet smart cute boy, but Mark isn’t the nerd we all recognize in stories. Mark is different. This made the story different and fun to read. It had a slight spin to the usual boy loves girl plot-line. Though the short story was simple in writing style, plot, characters, and motivations, it kept my attention throughout with its honest elegance.
The magical part of having a ghost was done well. The ghost was connect to Mark in both a premeditated way and an immediate way.
Passing Notes had a beautiful and fitting end that came full circle and was satisfying to read.
For any teen that stumbles through dating, this is a wonderfully informative and entertaining novella that they can learn from.
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. -
5 PASSING STARS
I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book! *_*
It's so sweet and just simply beautiful. The ghost writer had me questioning and wondering, trying to figure out who it was (I got it early on and I was aww-ing like a fucking idiot at the end!)
Sigh.
I can't explain how amazing this short read was. Its so simple but the impact and the message in and of itself is beyond powerful.
Mark and Beth couldn't have been more different, yet with Mark being thoughtful and the humility that Beth possesses is what makes them click. I love the standard that Beth seeks and how Mark understands and work towards it.
With the help of someone close to him, he got the girl he's been crushing on since 7th grade! All males should read this book! I don't think a girl would refuse what Mark does - they'd probably skip the whole courting phase and crash in complete love xD
Am without words, honestly.
Grinning like a damn idiot just remembering the goodness of this book. The contentment I got, the silent cheers I had for Mark and the nodding of understanding in relation to what Beth felt and what she wanted.
That ending with his grandma had my eyes watering. It was too beautiful and I wonder if my heard was gasping for air, cuz daaaaammmmnnnn <3.
Simple.
Yet, fucking beautiful.
A MUST READ!!!
Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. ^__^ -
As the mother of teenage boys who can be completely clueless about teenage girls, I especially enjoyed this heartwarming novella. Having just a hint of Cyrano de Bergerac combined with light supernatural elements, this story grabbed me immediately and can easily be finished in one sitting.
With today's technology changing the way we communicate, the handwritten letter is truly a lost art form. Passing Notes is a reminder that pouring your heart into an actual love letter can mean so much more and is something tangible a person can keep forever. I think most of us still feel a certain twinge of excitement when receiving a letter in the mail.
The author brings to light something I've noticed with our school systems - cursive writing seems to be almost nonexistent and is rarely taught anymore. Who decided this was a good idea? Although they've improved, my sons struggled early on to read anything written in cursive and to this day, both still print when writing.
Passing Notes is classified as YA, but don't let that stop you - this is easily a crossover novella and you'll be glad you gave it a chance.
I received a digital copy of this story in exchange for an honest review through Rosie's Book Review Team. -
This novelette is such a sweet love story. It is promoted as YA fiction because both the main characters are still in high school but actually this is a love story for all romantics.
When the new semester begins Mark finds himself relegated to the back of an oversubscribed class and having to use an old desk full of stuff which is long forgotten. As his mind wanders his eye catches a beautiful heart carved out on the desk. He can't quite make out what is written inside the heart as it is in cursive but curiosity gets the better of him and he looks a little closer.
With today's technology making communication faster than ever it is so easy to pick up your mobile phone and send a quick but not particularly impassioned message to the one you love. Although emails are quick and simple there is nothing to beat getting a letter through the post written from the heart and from the person who adores you. D G Driver has captured the delight and romance of the written word beautifully in this short piece. With a back story of an elderly grandma at the end of her life this is an emotive piece of work and one that was a joy to read. -
Mark loved Bethany since seventh grade and when he gets a chance to be her boyfriend, he doesn't want to ruin it. The relationship is new, and every time he thinks he's doing the right thing, he seems to make things worse, until a ghost writer makes an appearance. Mark gets ghostly letters at school, helping him understand what a relationship is really about. He uses these notes to help him win back the girl he thinks he may have lost.
Sometimes a text is not enough. I think that's what the author is trying to tell us. In this busy, crazy world we send the shortest messages with little or no thought. Long ago, letter writing was the only method of communication and has become a lost art. Mark, the teen boy in the story, is introduced to this art form to help him win over his girl. I liked the way the notes showed up, giving clues to who was sending these messages. I had it figured out before Mark, but won't reveal the answer in case you don't. The ending brought tears to my eyes, very touching.
This is a novella, easy to read, thought-provoking and stays with you after you're done reading. -
This was such an amazing and sweet novella about love and the ability to share it. Mark is an unpopular boy at school who happens to have a crush on Bethany, the most popular girl. He has tried to email and text her, but that has not worked. Then, when he is placed at the back of the class, someone starts leaving him hints on what to do to get her attention. The mysterious helper coaches the young Mark on how to gain Bethany’s affection and keep it.
I thought this was just a sweet story until I go to the end. I was only going to give this book a 4 star rating, but the last chapter blew me away and brought me to tears!! I can’t begin to tell you how moving and meaningful that entire chapters was to the entire story! Those few pages catapulted this to a whooping “I wish there were more than 5 Starts to give this little gem” rating. This is an author worth keeping an eye on because this tiny bit of a story has more depth and feeling in it than a lot of full length novels that I have come across. Kudos, D.G. Driver!
*I received a copy of this book for review. -
This is such a good read!!
Passing Notes is a short read by D. G. Driver, and it is all about a boy named Mark. Mark is in love, and he really has one shot at winning the heart of Bethany- the trouble is.... that he is really blowing it. As he is thinking of what all he is doing wrong, he finds a letter that is oddly fitting to his current situation. He keeps getting the notes and he learns what happens when he doesn't pay heed to the advice he is given. What is a love-sick boy to do??
I really enjoyed reading this short novella. I really did feel Mark's frustration when he would attempt something to woo Bethany and it would just backfire in his face. Then he started getting the letters and when he listens.... it's amazing for him! He learns of a long forgotten connection, and he learns a new skill as he goes.
You will love the ending, and you will love the whole package!
A little tip, be sure to read the afterward section!
~Dowie -
Passing Notes is about Mark, a below-average guy doing his best to pursue Bethany, who happens to be one of the most popular and beautiful girls in his high school. Their new relationship seems to be fizzling out and Mark is clueless as to why... until a mysterious presence makes it his mission to help him seal the deal. Can Mark learn from his mistakes and use the advice he's given to build a lasting love?
The subtle moral of this novella is that love can only grow when we put some thought and effort into it. With the use of texting and social media these days, it's easy to become lazy and complacent in our relationships so I honestly believe that this should be required reading for any young (or young at heart) person in your life. It might even save a few marriages.
Oh, and you'll probably be able to guess who the ghost is but the confirmation provided one of the most powerful moments of the story. Ms. Driver proves once again that she's an author to watch! -
I received a free ecopy of this novella for an honest review.
Passing Notes is a novella about young love but with a touch of paranormal. It’s a sweet story that I enjoyed.
Even though this is a novella, D.G. Driver did a good job at developing the characters. It’s obvious that Mark, who is telling the story, is a good guy who is hopelessly in love.
A couple of current issues are brought to attention, both of which are bothersome to me. One is how much texting and emailing replaces talking and spending time together in relationships. The other is that cursive writing seems to be becoming a thing of the past.
I enjoyed Passing Notes and I believe young adults and adults alike would like it. I wish it had been longer! -
With her novel Cry of the Sea, D.G. Driver established herself as a new voice to watch in YA fantasy - with this novella, she proves the reputation was well deserved.
Passing Notes takes a new look at the familiar paranormal romance genre, with a unique main character (so many YA protagonists are clever, well-read, and well-spoken - Mark's character offered a nice change of pace) and a new angle on the romance (humans never get to date other humans in paranormal romances!).
It was a pleasant story that I finished in a single sitting on a camping trip, with a nice, ambling pace and a sweet family aspect that I don't often see in the genre. Highly recommended for fans of both young adult and paranormal romance! -
I was looking for a quick read to get me in the Valentine's Day spirit, and Passing Notes delivered. As the previous reviews state, this is a sweet novella about a teenage boy trying to master the art of writing a love letter to his new girlfriend (with a little help from a ghost). I appreciated the story even more after reading the author's note at the end. She was inspired by the dying art of letter writing after learning cursive is often no longer taught in schools and witnessing teens replacing long-hand writing with text messages. Passing Notes proves there is something personal and meaningful in the writing of a letter which can never be replaced by texting, email, or social media. This a clean read, totally appropriate for younger YA audiences through adults.
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Passing Notes is a young adult short-story that this adult truly enjoyed. I also think younger readers would enjoy the book and it would be appropriate. It is very easy to read and even with all of our technology, readers can relate to the storyline of the impact of a well written letter.
There is a little supernatural with a ghost giving Mark advice on his communication with his girlfriend, Bethany. Don’t be turned off by the ghost, it is very well done and sweet. The ghost wraps up the story beautifully.
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books. -
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book was a fun little afternoon read. It didn't take long at all to finish and it was an enjoyable story.
The paranormal element was a fun addition and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that Mark is forced by the ghost to write in cursive. I see/hear people saying that they hate cursive and it's a waste of time and I die a little inside. I'm a big fan of cursive. Plus writing letters is so much more fun than texting or emailing. Even if it costs more money. Blech.
First love is pretty much always fun to read about so I was super super happy reading this. Mark has a lot to learn at the beginning but by the end I was pretty impressed.
Great little book! 4.5 stars -
I looooove this novella about this kid who just wants to get the girl, but he's just so hopeless. Well, that is until he starts getting ghost letters telling him what an idiot he is and instructions on how to properly write a love letter and woo the girl of his dreams.
It's just a sweet, sweet story and the ending is a little unexpected (at least it was for me!) and left me saying "awww!"
I highly recommend anything D. G. Driver writes. She's amazing.
* DISCLAIMER: I do work for the company that published this book and I designed the cover, however my opinions are 100% my own and true. I like this book! -
Originally posted on my Blog
Live Laugh & Love Books
Such a great little love story! It’s marked as a Young Adult, but it could also fall into a Adult Romance as well. It’s soooooooooo adorably sweet! Passing Notes was a quick read that put a smile on my face, but made me hold back tears just a little bit.
Writing letters just isn’t what it used to be and I enjoy that in this book Mark is encouraged to write letters! Overall a very good read that I suggest everyone read.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.* -
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Mark is a quiet high school boy who has had a crush on Bethany since 7th grade. He starts getting relationship advice via some “old” notes and if he doesn’t follow the advice, things start going wrong.
I really enjoyed reading this novella. It was very well written and the author was able to pull me into the story and keep me there. It had a surprise ending that I kind of figured out before hand, but I wasn’t sure and was pleasantly surprised that I had it right.
5 out of 5 stars!
Donna -
Mark is a highschool student who is sitting at a desk at school and notices a heart with a name Eileen it in. He is really curious about it. He traces it and ever since he did a "ghost" talks to him and helps him with a girl name Bethany Mark is interested in. I was very interesting in learning more about this heart and who the ghost was. I found it fasinating who they were.
D.G. Driver did a wonderful job with this story. The characters,the story line and the description of things thoughtout the book. She had my attention throughout the book along with my curiousity. -
This story is so sweet. It transcends time and generations. In a world of everything electronic, the novelty of a beautifully written letter couldn't be more romantic. I love who the ghost ends up being. It ties the story up really well. I couldn't think of a way for this story to be any better. The author has such a great voice for teenagers. I would recommend this book to anyone.
It's very refreshing to have a story that isn't full of blood and sex. There is so much more to romance than physical interaction. This story helps to remind us all of that. -
I received this in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This very strong novella gives one hope that the art of communication is still alive and well. I fell deeper in love with my husband as a result of the letters we wrote while he was in the Army. It is something kids are losing as we become more technology based in society. An excellent short story reflecting this issue. -
I wrote Passing Notes about six years ago, and it was published by Fire and Ice YA Books as a novella. I got the idea two years ago for a way to add on to the story and turn it into a full length novel. That novel is now published and is titled All the Love You Write. It does start with a revised version of Passing Notes and then goes on to share the love story of the ghosts when they were teenagers back in 1970 and what happens to Bethany and Mark as the school year continues. If you enjoyed this story, please get yourself a copy of All the Love You Write.
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2.5 stars rounded up
Lovely, cute and a fantastic idea, but not much of a story. -
Book Review: Passing Notes
It's a nice change when the narration is through a guy's POV. A very confident and positive senior with little skills to show, academic wise. But he's sweet and he's not your average Joe. His main disadvantage right now is to talk/text his way back to a long-time love that seems to be slipping away, fast. Upon came a note and binding spell, he can now communicate with an unknown guy who can write sweet love letters and also he's a ghost! Ahhhh, yes, freaky!
42%- freaky! His grandma has the same name as the girl with her name drawn on to the back of his hand w permanently marker. The other freaky part is his grandma recognizes the handwriting too and from who which she abruptly forgets.
72%- So up to this point we don't know who this ghost guy is yet but we know he's helping Mark make it right by Bethany by helping him write love letters better, the old fashion way, because if he doesn't, when she graduates and goes to college and he graduates and head off into the army, there won't be rekindling of any type. Is it weird to have this gut feeling that maybe it's his past grandpa? Hmmm, that could be really sweet and scary all at once. I think his grandma is hinting him as she came around clear-headed, that his grandpa's name is Joe and maybe in those letters there's something that could help Mark.
End- a sweet goodbye, clarity, and letters.
This story could pass for many things, an army man's last wish, lingering souls, how to write a love letter. The list goes on. But the take away is love comes in many shapes and sizes, it's a powerful force that still lives on even if we past from one life to another. The tradition of a letter through mail hold so much meaning that a simple text or an email fails badly in comparison. This is a good novella in a way it teaches us the etiquette and true meaning of writing letters, the bond between family and the long forgotten. Some friends are worth holding on to the end while other fade away.
Mark learns through a ghost friend's advice that truth and patience is key to a longer and healthier relationship. Some things are not as they seem and being responsible and true to yourself is key.
