A stack of books with Review in a box

A stack of books with Review in a box

Title: How Could You

Author: Ren Strapp

Publisher: Oni Press

Publication date: December 17, 2024

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Summary

Molly Song’s only goal this semester is to get over her ex-girlfriend. As a part of her plan, she convinces her best friend, Lou, to go out to try to find rebound dates. But when Molly falls for someone she’s not sure feels the same way, things start to get a little messy.

Meanwhile, Molly and Lou’s exes are having a great time in Paris, and maybe even developing feelings for each other. Will their own journeys of discovery lead them together or apart?

Review: How Could You

Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for an advanced copy of How Could You by Ren Strapp to review! I was initially drawn to the cover of this one, and the art overall really impressed me. Strapp captured all the characters as well as their emotions in a very realistic way.

I’m glad that this isn’t classified as YA because it seems like these kinds of college stories are often pushed into the YA sphere. These more college age stories, though sometimes about teenagers, feel like they fit better in the adult market. Especially because a lot of the things that Molly and Lou go through feel like more adult problems.

Flipping between the two settings and seeing how differently everyone was dealing with the breakup also felt realistic and true to a college experience. I’m glad this book exists, and if you like queer graphic novels, definitely check this one out when it comes out in December!

4/5 stars

By Amanda

An avid young adult reader and reviewer, I'm also a coffee connoisseur and a playlist curator. Current teen librarian-in-training.