My name is Romy, and I am 14 years old. Me in a bookstore is like a kid in a candy shop—I adore reading. (I might even want to become an author later on…) I’m really into dancing, fashion and playing the saxophone, and I love cats. My favorite genres are romance, literary fiction, coming-of-age and fantasy, although I’m always up for something new. I started writing reviews for the ABC because I noticed that the reviews for YA novels aren’t even written by “young adults.” I thought it might be a good idea for me to give fellow readers my honest opinion about books from a true YA perspective!
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood:
When I first saw this book, I was very doubtful. Chess + Romance = not a good combo, I thought.
But Ali Hazelwood’s first YA novel completely proved me wrong.
Although I know absolutely nothing about chess, and I mean nothing, I followed the story perfectly. The competitive energy between the two main characters, Mallory and Nolan (cuteness level 1000%), had me binge reading. I noticed the great precision that went into the curation of the story and the characters.
It discusses the gender gap in the brain sport, and it was bewildering to learn just how big the problem is.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton:
Lovely trips to Paris, perfect nights with your two best friends, an amazing shared apartment with the girlfriend you’re in love with—then suddenly, it’s all over. And Andy can’t seem to figure out why.
When his ex-girlfriend Jen breaks up with him, Andy is devastated. While navigating through these tough times, he experiences it all: from 80-year-old housemates and a visit to a psychic to obsessively stalking his ex. But maybe it’s for the better?
Good Material unfolds a whole new perspective on the ending of a relationship. Usually, a love story starts with someone being lost and then finding their “happily ever after.” Well, not here. Alderton offers a showcase example of “all vibe, barely plot.” You’re living in Andy’s world, not simply visiting.
I could not stop reading this book. Something about all the hilarious, self-satirical (but still realistic) details and the incredibly thought-out plot make this an amazing read. If you’ve just gotten into a relationship, you’re in one, you’ve just broken up, or you’re simply looking for your next favorite book—this is for you.
