By Sarah Watson
This book is very YA, even for me, who loves a good romp in the genre of my youth. That being said, I wish I had read it when I was a senior in high school – it is just what I needed at that time!
This is a book about four best friends: what makes them an essential, identifiable unit, and what makes them strong, smart, individuals. I love all their differences, I love their journey of self-discovery, and I am incredibly jealous of the amazing support system they created from toddlerhood and carries them through adulthood.
The book starts with the inauguration of the first woman president, and the only clue we have to as which of the four women it is, is from her last, married name. The last name belongs to a boy they all went to high school with as well, so we are left guessing through the book who it could be that ends up with him and leads our country (importance in reverse order).
The book explores so many themes of adoption, disabilities, parents’ expectations, personal responsibility, mental health, race, sexuality, definition of success, and above all the love and loyalty of true friendship. Again, #jealous. If you know someone going through high school or middle, definitely get them this book!
Pros & Cons & Potential Spoilers
Pros
- Strong, relatable, female characters across the socio-economic classes
- No one gets “left behind” or dies – a common story trope
Cons
- The love interest sometimes overshadows the great female characters
- Every one ends up uber successful – which is great for a story, but maybe not realistic