The very first book pick for Reese Witherspoon's
YA Book Club!
'[A] super funny, joyful story that'll
have you reliving your high school prom days!' -
Reese's YA Book Club.
Liz has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward
to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed town. But
Liz has an escape plan to attend an uber-elite college, play in
their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor.
But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls
through, Liz's plans come crashing down . . . until she's reminded
of her school's scholarship for prom king and queen.
There's nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of
social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events,
but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she's willing
to do whatever it takes to get to college.
The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl
in school, Mack. She's smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider
as Liz.
But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the
competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?
Becky Albertalli meets Jenny Han in a smart, hilarious,
black girl magic, own voices rom-com by fantastic debut talent,
Leah Johnson.
Rating: 5/5 stars (read June 23rd 2020)
~
I really don't know how to review this book except to say just read it. Honestly. I went into this book knowing only the synopsis, and came out with so much more. The amount of love, joy, fear, and strength in this book and in Liz was astounding to read about, and I was hooked from the first Hamilton reference and never looked back. This is a book about being different than other people; being queer in the Midwest, where some people still look down upon it but others lift you up; and what it means to be black, which is something I am not, and understanding a little bit more by reading about Liz's courage and her fears. I can't wait to read more from this author, and to read more books like this.
Reading updates
-
Started reading
-
23 June, 2020:
Finished reading
-
23 June, 2020:
Reviewed