A great start to a YA coming-of-age/romance
Firstly, I love the cover and tagline - I'd immediately pick this up in a bookshop. I like how the two contrasting colours on the cover, and the fact that the two characters are on opposite sides, suggest the divide Nikki clearly feels between her and her best friend at the beginning of the book, and the choice she has to make whether to leave him behind or stay in a place she hates.
The first few chapters are really engaging and give lots of insight into Nikki's personality, dreams, family and financial situation, as well as the characters who have the most influence on her life. The notes to self are a great way of breaking up the chapters, too.
I've read books by Joya Goffney before and love her perceptive, emotional and character-driven writing style. I'm really intrigued to read more of this one and find out how Nikki navigates future plans, family drama and budding feelings for her best friend.
The first few chapters are really engaging and give lots of insight into Nikki's personality, dreams, family and financial situation, as well as the characters who have the most influence on her life. The notes to self are a great way of breaking up the chapters, too.
I've read books by Joya Goffney before and love her perceptive, emotional and character-driven writing style. I'm really intrigued to read more of this one and find out how Nikki navigates future plans, family drama and budding feelings for her best friend.