Flat-Out Love is flat-out confusing, amusing, tragic, heartwarming...and everything else. I love the title's connection to the story, as well. I love the "oh" moment I had when I finally figured it out. ;-) 
 I think I'm going to stop doing plot summaries, because I just find them really boring to type. Okay, well, I might not stop altogether, but I'm struggling putting this book into words; it's just gah. In a good way, of course. Plus, there's a link to the book right above this text if you're curious. 
 I will say that the direction this story takes completely surprised me. I was not expecting the family secret that is actually the family secret. I've read many books revolving around this tragedy, but none of them are written in this clever and intriguing way. The romance is unexpected, as well. Gah, the romance...I love it. It's written in a completely realistic way and, more importantly, it's not smothering. I don't enjoy reading a romance that leaves me wanting more, and, at the same time, I don't enjoy reading a romance that's smothering to where I just want to get away from it. The romance here has the perfect balance; I am satisfied and I can breathe. 
 The story is slow at times, but the characters really held my interest with how completely humorous, tragic, and alive they are. These characters just jump right off the page. Well, in my case, my kindle. (OMG I love my kindle!) They all have their own personality, none of them are cliche, and you can't help but love every single one of them. At least, I couldn't help but love them. It's rare that I completely love the main female character in books, but, in this case, I do. Julie's smart, strong, and nothing she says or does bothers me. And, I cannot forget to give a shout out to Matt. *sigh* Oh, Matt. He's fictional, Malynda. Fictional. Get a grip. 
 I especially love Julie's interactions with Celeste. There's something really tender about them. I like how Celeste progresses and how Julie is always by her side, pushing her because she believes in her. I don't really care for how Celeste talks, however. She talks way too sophisticatedly for a girl her age. She is like a grown up thesaurus. *t-bird sneer* 
 The ending is pretty satisfying. At first, I thought it ends somewhat abruptly, but after reflecting on the story and really taking in the ending, I realized how perfect it actually is. It makes sense, and I wouldn't change it. 
 Favorite Quotes 
 She cleared her throat and tried to come up with an excuse as to why she was out for coffee with a flat boy. Telling him that a thirteen-year-old girl needed to cart around a flat version of her brother for a mysterious reason probably wouldn't fly so well. 
 As she moved to sit back down, she tipped the paper turkey centerpiece to the side and into the candle flame, immediately turning the gaudy decoration into a fiery display. "Oh, hell!" Kate shrieked. Everyone simultaneously backed their chairs up about three feet and--amid hollers to call 911 and prayers to higher powers--Uncle Pete upended his water glass on the flames. "No harm, no foul," he chortled. "Get it? Fowl? Turkey joke." 
 "Swiiiiiing looooow," Seth's singing echoed through the building. 
 "What the hell are you doing calling me from your hot and steamy date? Why are you not rolling around in Seth's bed? Oh, ew! You better not be calling me from his bed," Dana warned.