Books Like...

'What to Say Next' by Julie Buxbaum is a heartwarming story that follows the unlikely friendship between Kit Lowell, a popular high school girl dealing with the loss of her father, and David Drucker, a socially isolated student suspected to have Asperger's Syndrome. The plot revolves around Kit seeking solace in David's company as they navigate through grief, high school drama, and the complexities of teenage life. The book beautifully portrays the growth of their relationship, filled with humor, warmth, and unexpected twists, ultimately leading to a heartwarming and believable connection between the two characters.

The writing style of 'What to Say Next' is described as compelling, engaging, and uplifting, with a charming narrative that alternates between the perspectives of Kit and David. The author, Julie Buxbaum, skillfully captures the feelings and thoughts of the characters, making them relatable and real to the readers. The book delves into serious themes such as grief, neurodiversity, and family dynamics, while also incorporating lighter moments and humor, creating a well-rounded and emotionally resonant story.

As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl is a coming-of-age novel that follows Scarlett, a teenage valedictorian, as she navigates love, loss, and tough decisions. The story delves into Scarlett's relationships with two damaged boys, her friends, and family, all while exploring themes of time, space, and self-discovery through a non-linear narrative structure that moves seamlessly between past and present. The book captures the complexities of adolescence, showcasing flawed but realistic characters who grapple with the challenges of growing up and making difficult choices.

Youngdahl's writing style in As Many Nows as I Can Get is praised for its maturity, emotional depth, and captivating storytelling. Readers appreciate the author's ability to create a multi-dimensional main character in Scarlett, who embodies a mix of strength and vulnerability. The novel tackles heavy themes such as substance use, love, and the unpredictability of life, presenting a thought-provoking exploration of youth, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.

'Meant to Be' by Lauren Morrill is a contemporary romance novel that follows Julia, a high school student on a class trip to London. Julia is uptight and believes in the concept of "Meant to Be" love, based on her childhood crush Mark. However, she gets paired with Jason, a charming and carefree classmate, as her buddy on the trip. Together, they embark on a journey across London in search of a mystery guy, leading Julia to question her beliefs about love and relationships. The story is told from Julia's perspective, showcasing her growth from a judgmental and rule-following individual to someone more open-minded and understanding.

The writing style of 'Meant to Be' has been described as hilarious, witty, and relatable. The author, Lauren Morrill, incorporates references to classic literature like Pride and Prejudice and Shakespeare, adding depth to the storyline. The setting in London adds a sense of adventure and exploration to the plot, making readers feel like they are traveling alongside the characters.

Michigan vs. the Boys is a gripping novel that follows Michigan, a talented young athlete, as she navigates the challenges of fighting sexism, harassment, and more in her pursuit to excel in hockey. The book delves deep into the concrete details of youth team sports, immersing readers in the setting and dynamics of both boys' and girls' teams. Michigan's character is portrayed as gritty, strong, imperfect, and vulnerable, making readers root for her as she faces a brutally unfair situation despite her talent, integrity, and resourcefulness. The plot revolves around Michigan joining the boys' varsity hockey team after the girls' team is dissolved due to budget cuts, where she encounters hazing incidents and struggles to speak up due to fear of losing her opportunity to play.

Michigan vs. the Boys is praised for its well-developed characters, realistic situations, and nuanced observations about the differences between boys' and girls' teams. The book is described as intense and riveting, with readers unable to put it down once they start reading. It tackles important themes such as speaking up against injustice, the struggles faced by young athletes, and the complexities of sexism and abuse in sports, all while honoring the legacy of trailblazing athletes who fought through similar challenges.

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar follows Carly, a 19-year-old university dropout, who escapes her troubled past by embracing a life focused on surfing. The story delves into her struggles with trauma after being raped and her efforts to cope with her emotional scars. As she works night shifts at a diner to support herself, her days revolve around surfing, the one joy that brings her peace. Carly's life changes when she meets Ryan, a fellow surfer with his own complicated history. Their developing relationship serves as a crucial part of Carly's journey toward healing and self-acceptance, though it doesn’t magically solve all her problems.

The writing style in Raw Blue is described as beautiful and poignant, capturing the nuances of emotional turmoil with realism. Eagar's slow, methodical pacing allows for deep character development, making readers feel connected to Carly's inner life. The secondary characters also have their own issues, providing a rich tapestry of struggles and coping mechanisms. The novel doesn’t offer neat resolutions but instead presents a raw, honest portrayal of life, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and self-reliance.

"This Is Not the Jess Show" by Anna Carey follows the story of Jess Flynn, a high school student who starts to notice strange occurrences in her life that no one else acknowledges. As she delves deeper into these mysteries, she uncovers a reality that challenges everything she thought she knew. With elements of suspense, action, and dystopian themes, the book explores the impact of technology, entertainment, and reality on Jess's life, leading to a shocking twist that changes everything. Written in a fast-paced and engaging style, the book draws readers in with its intriguing plot and relatable protagonist, offering a unique take on the concept of reality and authenticity.

Eliza and Her Monsters follows the story of Eliza Mirk, a high school senior who leads a double life - as a shy and invisible student in real life, and as LadyConstellation, the anonymous creator of a popular webcomic called Monstrous Sea online. When Eliza meets Wallace, a new student who happens to be a fan of her webcomic, her carefully separated worlds collide, leading to a journey of self-discovery, first love, and the challenges of balancing creativity with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The book explores themes of fandom, creativity, relationships, identity, and the struggles of navigating teenage life in the digital age.

"The Game Can't Love You Back" by Karole Cozzo follows the story of Eve and Jamie, two competitive baseball players whose rivalry turns into a deepening romance as they both vie for the Cy Young award. Eve, a determined and tough protagonist, faces challenges as the only girl playing on the boys' baseball team, particularly from Jamie, her rival pitcher. The story delves into their evolving relationship on and off the field, filled with moments of humor, tension, and emotional depth, all while navigating the complexities of high school life and sports competition.

The writing style of Karole Cozzo in "The Game Can't Love You Back" is praised for its sizzling dialogue, witty banter between characters, and the perfect balance between showcasing the characters' vulnerabilities and strengths. The plot revolves around themes of girl empowerment, young love, and the struggles of balancing personal desires with societal expectations, creating an immersive and engaging reading experience for fans of young adult sports romance.

The Guilt We Carry by Samuel W Gailey is a gripping novel that tells the story of Alice, a young woman who finds herself on the run after a tragic accident. The book delves into themes of redemption, growth, and the human spirit as Alice navigates through dangerous situations while trying to save herself and those she loves. Gailey's natural writing style and character development, particularly with Alice and her relationships, create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged and invested in the story.

'Violent Ends' by Shaun David Hutchinson is a powerful anthology that delves into the complexities surrounding a high school shooting. Through multiple perspectives provided by talented writers, the book pieces together the life of Kirby Matheson, exploring what could have driven him to commit such a tragic act. Each story contributes to building a comprehensive picture of Kirby, his relationships, and the events leading up to the violent end.

The writing style of 'Violent Ends' is unique and impactful, with each chapter offering a different viewpoint on the tragedy. The stories are interconnected, starting in the middle and ending ambiguously, creating a mosaic of emotions and experiences that capture the intensity and confusion of such an event. skillfully navigates sensitive topics without glorifying the shooter, focusing instead on the human aspects and the impact on those involved.