Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti is a heartfelt novel that explores themes of young love, friendship, and self-discovery. The story follows Daisy, a high school student navigating her feelings for her best friend Levi Coldwell, as they bond over shared experiences and personal challenges. Set against the backdrop of their academic lives, the narrative delves into their emotional growth and the complexities of their relationship. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary romance and coming-of-age stories. Liana Cincotti's writing captures the essence of teenage life, making it relatable for both young adults and older readers alike.

Key Points

  • Explores the emotional journey of Daisy as she navigates her feelings for Levi Coldwell.
  • Highlights themes of friendship, love, and personal growth in a high school setting.
  • Features relatable characters dealing with loss and the challenges of adolescence.
  • Captures the essence of teenage life with humor and heartfelt moments.
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Author:Liana Cincotti
233 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Poems
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Liana Cincotti
233 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Poems
161
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Prologue
“My heart's been borrowed and yours has been blue,”
– Lover, Taylor Swift
I love Levi Coldwell. I’m in love with Levi Coldwell. My best friend of
four years and counting.
It wasn’t love at first sight when we met freshman year. Especially
when we both had braces and hormonal acne that changed location on our
faces every day. The first day of high school, we found ourselves in two of
the same classes, one we were each struggling with.
One audible sigh from Levi as he tried threading a needle in Sewing,
and a C- on my first English assignment, was all it took to start helping one
another.
I taught him how to sew and he helped me edit my essays. It was
exclusively a business transaction two days a week, until we started talking
about things that weren’t sewing or writing.
We had a list of adorations in common: our love for films, dedication
to academics, loyalty to family, and the grief we went through—we were
going through. We both had experiences with losing a father, and I think
that’s what bonded us first.
When I had met him freshman year, my dad had passed three
months prior, while Mr. Coldwell had already been gone for two years.
Levi still carried grief with him like an empty wine bottle.
Fast forward four years and we were the best of friends, about to
graduate high school together.
Years of texting every day, spending Saturday nights watching movies,
and eating school lunches together had become habitual. They were my
equivalent to having a morning routine or praying at night.
Months of seeing him in the stands as he cheered me on at my softball
games while I hit foul balls, and nights full of tripping on that one cracked
sidewalk on the way to each other’s houses.
I’ve witnessed him bake cupcakes for his sisters’ school functions,
pulled their hair into ponytails, and sat still as they painted our nails. Those
moments revealed every aspect of a person. And God, have I enjoyed every
single one of his aspects.
We had become the type of best friends who came over for dinner
every week and whose Moms knew each other’s most recent drama,
gossiping over gift shop cups of coffee on the porch.
He lived down the street from me, so I’d walk over and have dinner
with his family on Sunday nights, laughing as Trish recalled old stories and
his sisters threw chips at each other across the table.
But it changed when junior year rolled around.
Levi had finally returned from being away with his family in Vermont
during Christmas break. I had been bored all December waiting for him. So
the day he returned, I rushed through the hall to the second locker on the
left from our English class to see him.
Only to find him kissing someone.
My stomach clenched spotting him kissing Jennifer O'Brien. I was
blindsided seeing him pressed up against that locker with Jennifer's hands
crawling across his body like she was etching a sonnet into his skin. I
couldn’t remember how long I stared; I couldn’t stop. It was like catching
your celebrity crush in person. My throat dried up, my eyes filled with
tears, and my feet refused to move until someone bumped into me, forcing
me out of the way.
I had seen Vi—Levi—leave for dates and go to prom with other girls
and I was always completely fine! There were always twinges of jealousy,
but I brushed it off as protectiveness for my best friend. But I had never
seen him kiss anyone before. That…that felt wrong—intrusive actually.
And when I saw Jennifer taking his lips in hers, I regretted it instantly,
because every emotion I didn’t know existed rose to the surface.
It’s been almost a year since it happened, and I still couldn’t erase the
memory. But it was Senior Prom tonight and graduation tomorrow, and I
couldn’t put this off any longer.
Scrapbooking didn’t work; watching endless romance films didn’t
work; embroidering and quilting didn’t work; and writing a list of all of his
cons definitely didn’t work because he had none.
The only con I could come up with was that he didn’t try to kiss me
after the homecoming football game in September. We had been sitting in
his car outside my house, and I had glanced at his lips at least twice.
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FAQs

What is the main theme of Picking Daisies on Sundays?
The main theme of 'Picking Daisies on Sundays' revolves around love, friendship, and the complexities of growing up. The protagonist, Daisy, navigates her feelings for her best friend, Levi, while dealing with past traumas and the challenges of moving forward in life. The story explores the importance of self-discovery and the impact of unresolved feelings on relationships.
Who are the main characters in the novel?
The main characters in 'Picking Daisies on Sundays' include Daisy, the protagonist, and her best friend, Levi Coldwell. Other significant characters are Daisy's mother and aunt, who play important roles in her life, as well as Levi's family, including his sisters, Rhea and Claire. The dynamics between these characters highlight themes of love, support, and personal growth.
How does Daisy's relationship with Levi evolve throughout the story?
Daisy's relationship with Levi evolves from a deep friendship to a romantic connection. Initially, Daisy struggles with her feelings for Levi, fearing that her love may not be reciprocated. As the story progresses, they confront their past and the emotions that have lingered since high school. Their bond strengthens through shared experiences, ultimately leading to a realization of their love for each other.
What significant events shape Daisy's character development?
Significant events that shape Daisy's character development include her father's death, which profoundly impacts her emotional state and relationships. Additionally, her experiences at high school, including her friendship with Levi and the heartbreak of seeing him with other girls, contribute to her growth. The journey to Paris for her studies also serves as a pivotal moment, pushing her to confront her insecurities and aspirations.
What does the title 'Picking Daisies on Sundays' symbolize?
The title 'Picking Daisies on Sundays' symbolizes the act of cherishing simple moments of beauty and love amidst life's complexities. Daisies represent innocence and purity, reflecting Daisy's journey of self-discovery and her feelings for Levi. The Sundays signify a time for reflection and connection, highlighting the importance of nurturing relationships and appreciating the small joys in life.
What role does Daisy's family play in her life?
Daisy's family plays a crucial role in her emotional support and personal growth. Her mother and aunt provide guidance and encouragement as she navigates her challenges. The presence of Levi's family, especially his sisters, also influences Daisy's life, creating a sense of belonging and warmth. Their interactions emphasize the importance of family bonds in overcoming grief and finding happiness.

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