You Should See Me in a Crown

by Leah Johnson

[Sam@WLABB]

Liz had a plan. She would earn her way into Pennington College, become a doctor, and find a cure for Sickle Cell Disease. When she doesn't win the scholarship she was banking on, she had to come up with an alternate plan. This plan required Liz, who had been flying under the radar for the past four years, to be front and center, but would she be able to survive being in the spotlight?

• Pro: If I pick the best thing about this book, it would be LIZ! She stole my heart early on, and continued to burrow her way, deeper and deeper, throughout the story. I will never not root for an underdog, but I also found so many other reasons to love Liz. She was driven, witty, sweet, smart, and ambitious. She was a good granddaughter and sister, and dedicated her time to helping others. She charmed me to no end, and I loved her to pieces.

• Pro: Liz and Jordan's relationship was very special. Once besties, they had became "estranged" freshman year. Reunited via the competition for the crown, I saw the rift between them slowly narrowing, and it made my heart sing. Jordan became a very important part of her support system, as Liz sought her title, and they shared some really beautiful and meaningful moments too.

• Pro: Liz's #EffYouFairyTale movement was inspiring. Seeing her take back some power from those, who had made her feel less-than and unworthy was empowering. I may have let loose some applause, maybe a "whoo hoo" here and there as well.

• Pro: You all know I came for the romance, and it was so sweet and adorable. The flutters, the looks, and the kisses were all there. I adored Mack, and could not have picked a better love interest for Liz. She really seemed to have met her match in Mack. The way they geeked out to their favorite band was so fun, and I was rather pleased to see a sort of mini grand gesture in there too. I wanted to shout about it, but I want you to enjoy it as much as I did.

• Pro: I may label this book as "fluffy", but Liz's story wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. She faced many issues as a poor, Black, queer woman. It was her struggle with her "otherness", however, which touched me the most. It was heartbreaking to see her have to hide pieces of herself, and that she felt like she had to keep those parts hidden.

• Pro: This book was treat to read. Johnson wrote a story, which filled me with so much bliss. It was the feel-good book I really needed, and I am grateful, that I had the opportunity to see Liz realize her own fairytale.

Overall: When a book can make me laugh, cry, smile, swoon, and dance for joy, it gets all the stars.

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