I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Tonight the Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales
Published by Farrar Straus and Giroux on September 15, 2015
Pages: 342
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
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Recklessly loyal.

That’s how seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley has always thought of herself. Caring for her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But lately she’s grown resentful of everyone—including her needy best friend and her absent mom—taking her loyalty for granted.

Then Arden stumbles upon a website called Tonight the Streets Are Ours, the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter, who gives voice to feelings that Arden has never known how to express. He seems to get her in a way that no one else does, and he hasn’t even met her.

Until Arden sets out on a road trip to find him.

During one crazy night out in New York City filled with parties, dancing, and music—the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does—Arden discovers that Peter isn’t exactly who she thought he was. And maybe she isn’t exactly who she thought she was, either.

A message from Meredith: Hey everyone! Today, I have Emily Anne here with a guest review for Tonight the Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales

You can find Emily on Reader Rising and on Twitter!

Without further adieu, here’s Emily’s review! Enjoy!

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I loved Tonight The Streets Are Ours. This book is beautifully written and offers an honest reflection of life. Even though the book isn’t fast paced or action packed, I found myself unable to tear myself away. And, after I read this book, I thought about it for weeks after.

Firstly, I love our main character, Arden. She has a strong voice, and seems very human. I love her anecdotes of her life and her examination of her “recklessly loyal” personality. In fact, she was made into her own Just-Like-Me-Doll for mass production (like the American Girl doll of the year), and that doll version of herself has both defined her and held her back.

At home, Arden is having a tough time. Her mother left; Her dad is always working. She and her boyfriends are drifting apart. She and her best friend, Lindsey, also need to get some things out. Arden feels like she never gets any love back from anybody. Then, Arden finds solace in a blog called Tonight The Streets Are Ours. She grows fascinated with the blog’s talented writer, Peter. The readers also get to read Peter’s posts, and I really liked that!

And, then, one night the two meet. And Arden discovers the truths of Peter’s life that were never told on the website. She even discovers a lot about herself on that crazy night. They don’t meet until the last half of the book, so be patient! I actually liked both parts of the book equally, even though they are completely different. My only half-complaint is that I don’t know if I would ever reread this book, and I think a lot of people will be turned off by the slow pace.

Reading Tonight The Streets Are Ours is an experience. Equal parts beautiful and raw and real-life, Leila Sale’s book is very introspective. She makes beautiful points on love, friendship, the life of the privileged, family, perception, and the importance of both sides of a story. I can’t wait to read more by Sales.