At first I hated this book. I could not connect with the main character, Liza, who I felt was way too uptight and controlling. I was tempted to put the book down (or in this case, my Kindle) but I didn't and I'm actually pretty darn glad that I finished it. 
 The Trouble with Destiny by Lauren Morrill stars Liza Sanders, a drum major who has just found out her band is losing funding. Armed with her clipboard and baton, she finds Destiny - a luxury cruise liner hosting a Spring break talent show complete with a $25,000 prize. Throw in an old friend (a.k.a. new flame), the school jock, and an ex-bestie/current arch nemesis and you've got a recipe for YA Contemporary gold. 
 Here's a teensy-tiny bit of a personal story. You see, when I was in my senior year of high school I finally took Musical Theater, the only art credit that would fit into my perfectly crafted schedule where I attempted to spend the least amount of time in school, little knowing that I would be selected as Stage Manager for our Winter performance. If you don't know what a Stage Manager is, they're basically that person that does everything - they have to make sure that everything and everyone has what they need, is where they need to be, and doing what they're supposed to be doing. I was one of the only senior's in a sea of freshman, given the burden of stage managing as well as having to perform "Can You Hear the People Sing" from Les Miserables. Suffice it to say it was one of those terrible, horrible experiences that you sort of chuckle about years later, but also still feel weirdly bitter about. In the middle of running around moving people and props on stage I had a classmate open the stage door on my finger, ripping my fingernail up and backwards off of my nail bed exactly one act before I was supposed to perform. The pain in combination with angry stress left me crying angry tears. I still remember going on to perform and hearing my musical theater teacher whisper from the front row "sing LOUDER Krista". I don't think anyone could have given a more genuine French revolution-inspired (pardon me, June rebellion-inspired) performance. 
 This tale of woe has a point (I promise), while I initially abhorred Liza's over-controlling personality I began to understand her. I could identify with stress and pressure and feeling like you're the only person who can see "the big picture". I can identify with giving yourself over to stress in such a manner as you do and say things you instantly regret. For people who are natural born leaders, like I believe Liza is, there is a struggle with trying to get people on the same level of motivation when they are not as invested. Which is why I loved that the story ended the way it did. 
 Of course, there were some parts that I just couldn't even - like when she got in trouble with her band teacher. I get how in terms of moving the story along that would be a quick way to get Liza out of leading the band, however, I just didn't like how it was written, I didn't like that that was what ended up happening. I also didn't like her antagonistic relationship with Russ throughout most of the book - I liked Russ instantly, as a reader you know he's the good guy so every time Liza is mean or just plain rude to Russ it makes you sort of hate her. I went to a city school where I feel like cliques weren't as big of a deal as they might be elsewhere, so I'm not sure if this sort of resentment has any root in reality but I wasn't a fan of the sports team-hating on Liza's part - it felt a little to cliche. Also, the ending is really rushed - like the author is tying up all these loose ends that have been floating around - Liza's relationship with Demi gets a quick and unrealistic ending, which brings me to the final bits of this lengthy review... 
 I realized while writing my review that the issues that I had with the story were all mainly issues with the tendency of the writing to be unrealistic. I mean, would you really do what Liza does? Would anyone? And then it hit me - this book is a literary chick flick for the younger set - does anyone bump into a billionaire in the street, end up interviewing with them, solve their corporate issues with your knowledge of shopping, and magically fall in love? No. In the same way no one would really raise enough money for a luxury cruise ship excursion with the entire band in the middle of being defunded, and casually compete to win $25k in between buffet bars, jacuzzi's, and romantic entanglements? No. But we love these stories just the same, which is why I can gladly give The Trouble with Destiny a tidy recommendation.