Title: Friday I’m in Love
Author: Camryn Garrett
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date: January 10, 2023
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Summary
After going to her best friend’s Sweet Sixteen party, Mahalia decides that she wants to have a party of her own. Even though it’s too late for her own Sweet Sixteen, inspiration strikes her: what if she had a Coming Out Party? An overall celebration of her identity, allowing her to come out on her own terms.
In order to throw the party of her dreams, Mahalia has to save. It’s just her and her mom, and sometimes they struggle to make ends meet. To top it all off, Mahalia also has a crush on the new girl, secretly hoping that she likes her back. Balancing work, school, and her personal life might just get in the way of her getting to actually throw her Coming Out Party.
Review: Friday I’m in Love
Thanks to Knopf Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett to review! After seeing this cover, I knew I immediately had to read this. I am jealous of that rainbow dress! If you’re looking for a feel good, queer romance to start off your 2023 with, I definitely recommend this one.
Mahalia struggles with a variety of things in this book, from helping her mom with the finances to coming out to her potential first relationship to school work. There’s a lot that teens will relate to in this book, especially because it seems like teens are always balancing a million things on a daily basis. Garrett nails Mahalia’s voice, and you’re rooting for her throughout the entire book.
The idea of a Coming Out party is such a fun concept, and while it takes a back seat in the plot at times, the rest of the conflicts make up for it. Especially Mahalia’s burgeoning romance with Siobhan. It’s seriously adorable and I loved it. I think fans of Heartstopper will thoroughly enjoy this book as well.
All in all, from the characters to the plot to the voice, Garrett has a winner on her hands. Keep an eye out for it when it comes out in January!
4/5 stars