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Redefining Me #1
Dating My Best Friend
Peyton:
The kiss was perfect.
The accident that followed was tragic.
Eighteen months have passed and I haven’t seen Cameron since that night. My best friend kissed me and then ghosted me.
Fifty pounds later and I’m the F word. No, not that F word. This one has three letters that have haunted me my entire life.
Now, Cameron Tucker is back.
But who am I kidding? Peyton Callahan doesn’t get the guy.
Cameron:
The kiss was a huge mistake.
The accident ruined my life.
I kissed my best friend and then abandoned her. Now I’m back.
I don’t regret loving her. I only wish she’d forgotten me and that incredible kiss.
Because I know her. Peyton pushes buttons and pries into secrets.
And this secret I’ve returned with?
Let’s just say my label has a lot more than three letters.
Book 1 in the Redefining Me series, Dating My Best Friend is a YA romance with all the feels.
The kiss was perfect.
The accident that followed was tragic.
Eighteen months have passed and I haven’t seen Cameron since that night. My best friend kissed me and then ghosted me.
Fifty pounds later and I’m the F word. No, not that F word. This one has three letters that have haunted me my entire life.
Now, Cameron Tucker is back.
But who am I kidding? Peyton Callahan doesn’t get the guy.
Cameron:
The kiss was a huge mistake.
The accident ruined my life.
I kissed my best friend and then abandoned her. Now I’m back.
I don’t regret loving her. I only wish she’d forgotten me and that incredible kiss.
Because I know her. Peyton pushes buttons and pries into secrets.
And this secret I’ve returned with?
Let’s just say my label has a lot more than three letters.
Book 1 in the Redefining Me series, Dating My Best Friend is a YA romance with all the feels.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
302 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 17, 2019
As always Michelle MacQueen has managed to make me a fan of YA contemporary. I'm a fantasy girl through and through but the depth of her characters and the gripping storyline make me completely forget about the missing vampires ;) This is a beautifully crafted tale of friendship, love, loss, and the terrible truths of bullying. But despite it all, the main characters Peyton and Cameron come out better for it all in the end. This is a story that every teen should read, especially those struggling to fit in and find their place in the world. You definitely won't want to miss this little gem!
May 3, 2019
If you're looking for a fluffy read, then The F Word isn't for you. If you're looking for a book that really hits you with all the feels and deals with things that we sadly see in society these days, pick it up! This book is filled with grief, healing, finding out who you are, bullying and second chances.
An accident a year and a half ago changed Peyton's and Cameron's life for ever. They both suffered great losses and are dealing with the consequences and the grief surrounding it all. These two characters have always been best friends, but after the accident Cameron wasn't around for awhile. Fast forward to now and he is coming back to their small town and everyone is still dealing with that tragic night.
Peyton has gained some weight since losing her brother and her best friend going away and not talking to her anymore. Dealing with this grief hasn't been easy, but she's doing her best to pull herself out of it. For me Peyton is a really strong character. She fights for her healthy body, but isn't obsessed. Peyton learns to love her body in this book and that was amazing to see! She is also so smart! Creating a Body Positivity app for her classmates to share stories and help each other is an amazing idea! Everyone needs a safe spot to share what's bothering them.
Cameron was on track to become an athlete at the Olympics, but that night changed his life. Being away for a year and a half and not talking to Peyton has changed him, but he just didn't know how to face everything. In many ways he realized that running maybe wasn't what he wanted in life, but where does that leave him now? Cameron is also a character that comes to see himself differently and learn that the accident changed him, but doesn't mean he's only his disability. He becomes strong enough to go to his parents and finally say what he wants and that takes a lot of guts.
The romance in this book was really sweet and I loved how these characters got to know each other all over again. What happened changed both of them and I would've thought it was weird if they went back like nothing had happened. Dealing with their grief meant finding their new way with the other. There were many sweet moments and that was nice between all the emotions and healing!
Like I said Peyton makes a Body Positivity app, because after being bullied at school she knows that everyone needs a place to vent that's safe. She just never expected it to take off. I loved the little pieces we got to see of this. Society these days makes things like that necessary. Too many times kids are bullied, because they're a bit "different". I am a strong believer that everyone is great just the way they are. Teenagers don't realize what their words can do to someone and it's awful! I think teenagers need to read this book.
The F Word was a book that warmed my heart in the end, but was so heartbreaking to read. These authors made all of these characters feel so real that you just wanted to hug them! I loved that these characters weren't perfect and knew this and how much they grew in this book. Life isn't perfect and things happen that we won't like, but I think this book does show us that things can turn around. They may not be the same, but everyone can find their way!
An accident a year and a half ago changed Peyton's and Cameron's life for ever. They both suffered great losses and are dealing with the consequences and the grief surrounding it all. These two characters have always been best friends, but after the accident Cameron wasn't around for awhile. Fast forward to now and he is coming back to their small town and everyone is still dealing with that tragic night.
Peyton has gained some weight since losing her brother and her best friend going away and not talking to her anymore. Dealing with this grief hasn't been easy, but she's doing her best to pull herself out of it. For me Peyton is a really strong character. She fights for her healthy body, but isn't obsessed. Peyton learns to love her body in this book and that was amazing to see! She is also so smart! Creating a Body Positivity app for her classmates to share stories and help each other is an amazing idea! Everyone needs a safe spot to share what's bothering them.
Cameron was on track to become an athlete at the Olympics, but that night changed his life. Being away for a year and a half and not talking to Peyton has changed him, but he just didn't know how to face everything. In many ways he realized that running maybe wasn't what he wanted in life, but where does that leave him now? Cameron is also a character that comes to see himself differently and learn that the accident changed him, but doesn't mean he's only his disability. He becomes strong enough to go to his parents and finally say what he wants and that takes a lot of guts.
The romance in this book was really sweet and I loved how these characters got to know each other all over again. What happened changed both of them and I would've thought it was weird if they went back like nothing had happened. Dealing with their grief meant finding their new way with the other. There were many sweet moments and that was nice between all the emotions and healing!
Like I said Peyton makes a Body Positivity app, because after being bullied at school she knows that everyone needs a place to vent that's safe. She just never expected it to take off. I loved the little pieces we got to see of this. Society these days makes things like that necessary. Too many times kids are bullied, because they're a bit "different". I am a strong believer that everyone is great just the way they are. Teenagers don't realize what their words can do to someone and it's awful! I think teenagers need to read this book.
The F Word was a book that warmed my heart in the end, but was so heartbreaking to read. These authors made all of these characters feel so real that you just wanted to hug them! I loved that these characters weren't perfect and knew this and how much they grew in this book. Life isn't perfect and things happen that we won't like, but I think this book does show us that things can turn around. They may not be the same, but everyone can find their way!
April 13, 2022
Don’t be fooled by the cover. This is the deepest YA/chic lit story I’ve read in a while. The feeling is heavy and light at the same time.
December 19, 2024
3/5
This was a book I got at least a year ago on one of the Stuff- Your- Kindle days.
It was called "Curvy Girls Can Rule" and I loved that title! It seemed to stand for something more powerful than "Dating My Best Friend" or "The F Word". This book was a mix of grief, body positivity, friendship, high school drama, bullying, self acceptance, disability, and more.
Peyton lost her brother in a car crash 18 months prior. Also involved were her best friend, her brothers' best friend, and her other brother. The details of the night are still a bit of a secret so Peyton hasn't had closure over the last 18 months. Now her brother and best friend both move back to town, and Peyton is hoping for some answers.
I liked the app that Peyton created called No Body Shame. I will say that I wasn't a huge fan of Peyton assuming she needed to drop weight (38 lbs) for Cameron. There was a lot of high school bullying surrounding weight throughout the book so be mindful of that if it's a trigger!
This was a book I got at least a year ago on one of the Stuff- Your- Kindle days.
It was called "Curvy Girls Can Rule" and I loved that title! It seemed to stand for something more powerful than "Dating My Best Friend" or "The F Word". This book was a mix of grief, body positivity, friendship, high school drama, bullying, self acceptance, disability, and more.
Peyton lost her brother in a car crash 18 months prior. Also involved were her best friend, her brothers' best friend, and her other brother. The details of the night are still a bit of a secret so Peyton hasn't had closure over the last 18 months. Now her brother and best friend both move back to town, and Peyton is hoping for some answers.
I liked the app that Peyton created called No Body Shame. I will say that I wasn't a huge fan of Peyton assuming she needed to drop weight (38 lbs) for Cameron. There was a lot of high school bullying surrounding weight throughout the book so be mindful of that if it's a trigger!
June 11, 2019
*I received a free ARC from the authors for my honest review.*
I'm not going to lie, I was a bit skeptical when I started this book. As someone in a wheelchair, who struggles tremendously with weight and body image, I was very nervous. This book is everything, though. It's incredible.
The struggles both of the main characters face are so real, and the authors handled them perfectly. There were so many moments when I was reading that made me tear up because of how well it was done.
I wish I'd had this book about 10 years ago. I've been physically disabled my whole life. I was never able to crawl, let alone walk. This has always been my life, and one I've accepted, but there are still bad days. The body image issues are much more prominent in my life. It's something I'm still working on. So, to have this book fall into my lap that deals with both... it just about melted my heart.
The book is very well written. There's a good pace to it and nothing feels forced. I absolutely love the characters. Not even just Peyton and Cameron--I love Nari and Julian and the others! I cannot wait to read the other books about these other characters. I already have the next book, The N Word, and it's taking every bit of will power I have to not jump into it yet (darn school and responsibilities!).
I highly recommend this book. It deals with a lot of important subjects, but it's also a cute contemporary. It's funny in parts, adorable in others, and it made me very happy overall.
*Original review on Functionally Fictional.*
I'm not going to lie, I was a bit skeptical when I started this book. As someone in a wheelchair, who struggles tremendously with weight and body image, I was very nervous. This book is everything, though. It's incredible.
The struggles both of the main characters face are so real, and the authors handled them perfectly. There were so many moments when I was reading that made me tear up because of how well it was done.
I wish I'd had this book about 10 years ago. I've been physically disabled my whole life. I was never able to crawl, let alone walk. This has always been my life, and one I've accepted, but there are still bad days. The body image issues are much more prominent in my life. It's something I'm still working on. So, to have this book fall into my lap that deals with both... it just about melted my heart.
The book is very well written. There's a good pace to it and nothing feels forced. I absolutely love the characters. Not even just Peyton and Cameron--I love Nari and Julian and the others! I cannot wait to read the other books about these other characters. I already have the next book, The N Word, and it's taking every bit of will power I have to not jump into it yet (darn school and responsibilities!).
I highly recommend this book. It deals with a lot of important subjects, but it's also a cute contemporary. It's funny in parts, adorable in others, and it made me very happy overall.
*Original review on Functionally Fictional.*
May 1, 2019
From the first word to the last I was hooked to this story. After such a tragic accident and everything that followed, I was surprised Peyton still found a will to live. She would never get her brother back, but when Cameron and Julian came back to town, they could all finally start to heal. This story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The conflicting hurt and love between Cameron and Peyton is what made me cry more than once throughout this book. I felt a pang of pain at every mention of Cooper and let's not forget the faith Julian had to face. This book was such a powerful read. It's so well written that for the duration of the book I felt like I had been in that car on that faithful night 18 months ago. It felt like I had lost a friend, a brother and maybe even a leg. Such a gripping story, I couldn't put it down!
*I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
*I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2019
I received this book with a promise of an honest review.
I wish all middle graders- high school students (as well as adults) could read this story. The ONLY thing that keeps me from recommending it is the language. It seems like once the main character had had enough and blew, the language took on a more adult manner. Granted, I’m not sure when I was that age I would’ve waited that long, but in print for young readers, it was too much.
Now, for the actual review. The subject matter is very timely, and addresses fat shaming, bullying, friendships, family dynamics, work ethics, heartache of losing friends and family and more. Peyton is a genius to come up with the app idea, and handled herself well throughout the whole process.
All in all, I thought this was an incredible story, and Michelle McQueen is to be commended for crafting a book that should be discussed by schools everywhere.
I wish all middle graders- high school students (as well as adults) could read this story. The ONLY thing that keeps me from recommending it is the language. It seems like once the main character had had enough and blew, the language took on a more adult manner. Granted, I’m not sure when I was that age I would’ve waited that long, but in print for young readers, it was too much.
Now, for the actual review. The subject matter is very timely, and addresses fat shaming, bullying, friendships, family dynamics, work ethics, heartache of losing friends and family and more. Peyton is a genius to come up with the app idea, and handled herself well throughout the whole process.
All in all, I thought this was an incredible story, and Michelle McQueen is to be commended for crafting a book that should be discussed by schools everywhere.
April 25, 2019
The F Word had true potential. If you want engaging material, then look no further. It was a joy to read. I loved the overall concept and theme of the book. My only issue was it didn't feel like teens talking at times. Some of the conversations were a bit mature. I think it would have been helpful to have some immaturity of the MCs at the beginning and then have them mature in conversations throughout the book (the MCs did grow greatly throughout though). Also, Cara was a bit too mature for a ten-year-old. I envision her being a bit older. I understand she's been through a lot which can mature you a great deal. Just a little off the mark for me across the board as for maturity (too mature for teens).
April 8, 2019
4.5 stars
Wow, this was a tough read for me. So many mean girls (and guys) and I am not usually a fan of those. But this is just such a well written, important sort of book. Probably should be required reading in high school.
Tears for certain, but thankfully a happy ending. I expect a lot more ups and downs from future books in the series.
Wow, this was a tough read for me. So many mean girls (and guys) and I am not usually a fan of those. But this is just such a well written, important sort of book. Probably should be required reading in high school.
Tears for certain, but thankfully a happy ending. I expect a lot more ups and downs from future books in the series.
February 29, 2020
This is a very well written book that uses the romance genre to tell a very important story about what it means to be bullied and how it feels to be bullied. The “F” in, “The F Word” is for “Fat.” The main characters in this book and the focus of the romance in the book is, Peyton Callahan and Cameron “Cam” Tucker. There are several things going on in this book. First is the relationship between Peyton and Cam, secondly there is her personal struggle with managing her weight, thirdly is dealing with bullying targeting her weight, fourth is struggling with the loss of Peyton’s brother in an auto accident that involved Cam and a number of her friends, and fifth recognizing that others also are victims of bullying too and for a lot of other reasons besides weight. There are a lot of other important characters in this book besides Cam and Peyton that make the story being told so compelling. You will feel for the characters as the story progresses.
Peyton creates a website called, “No BS” that allow participants to post issues they are dealing with. She is surprised at the number of issues people are dealing with as well as the variety of those issues and the prevalence of bullying mainly for being different. Peyton has done everything she can to ensure the anonymity of the participants of the website and the website becomes very popular.
I feel the book was so well written and there are a number of notable passages in the book, but one at the end is most notable.
“Cam once thought leaving town, leaving the place where everything changed, would help him move on. But that was the thing with fear and pain. It magnified the more you try to hide from it. The only true way to rid yourself of the past is to face it head-on, to stare it down until it no longer stared back at you.”
I recommend this book to everyone. I think everyone needs to read this book. The things said in this book in my opinion are very important.
Peyton creates a website called, “No BS” that allow participants to post issues they are dealing with. She is surprised at the number of issues people are dealing with as well as the variety of those issues and the prevalence of bullying mainly for being different. Peyton has done everything she can to ensure the anonymity of the participants of the website and the website becomes very popular.
I feel the book was so well written and there are a number of notable passages in the book, but one at the end is most notable.
“Cam once thought leaving town, leaving the place where everything changed, would help him move on. But that was the thing with fear and pain. It magnified the more you try to hide from it. The only true way to rid yourself of the past is to face it head-on, to stare it down until it no longer stared back at you.”
I recommend this book to everyone. I think everyone needs to read this book. The things said in this book in my opinion are very important.
July 4, 2021
One party.
One accident.
Six lives changed forever.
Peyton Callahan: Peyton has refuses to let the F word define her. She has always remained body positive, never letting others’ perceptions color her view of herself. But after the accident that claimed her brother’s life, Peyton’s weight spirals out of control, and she succumbs to the label her peers forced on her years ago. The fat girl. In the aftermath of tragedy, Peyton’s world falls apart and worst of all, her best friend and almost-boyfriend, Cameron, leaves her behind, too damaged and heartbroken to ever see her the way he once had. And soon, Cameron returns and then things become difficult.
Cameron Tucker: Cam the jock and all around track god—believes he lost everything the night a car accident sent him and his friends plunging over Defiance Falls.
His friend Cooper: Dead.
Cameron’s Olympic dream: Gone.
And Peyton: Will never look at him the same way again.
So, he does what he once did best, he runs, escaping Twin Rivers and everyone in it, never expecting to return, never imagining he’d have to face the girl he left behind. Eighteen months later, he is no longer the boy any of them remember. Except Peyton. No matter how hard he tries to hide, she still sees him, still believes in him.
What will she say when she discovers just how broken he is? How will they face the problems they have together?
✴Great book to read, thank you both Michelle MacQueen, and Ann Maree Craven. This is funny, sad, and many other emotions.
One accident.
Six lives changed forever.
Peyton Callahan: Peyton has refuses to let the F word define her. She has always remained body positive, never letting others’ perceptions color her view of herself. But after the accident that claimed her brother’s life, Peyton’s weight spirals out of control, and she succumbs to the label her peers forced on her years ago. The fat girl. In the aftermath of tragedy, Peyton’s world falls apart and worst of all, her best friend and almost-boyfriend, Cameron, leaves her behind, too damaged and heartbroken to ever see her the way he once had. And soon, Cameron returns and then things become difficult.
Cameron Tucker: Cam the jock and all around track god—believes he lost everything the night a car accident sent him and his friends plunging over Defiance Falls.
His friend Cooper: Dead.
Cameron’s Olympic dream: Gone.
And Peyton: Will never look at him the same way again.
So, he does what he once did best, he runs, escaping Twin Rivers and everyone in it, never expecting to return, never imagining he’d have to face the girl he left behind. Eighteen months later, he is no longer the boy any of them remember. Except Peyton. No matter how hard he tries to hide, she still sees him, still believes in him.
What will she say when she discovers just how broken he is? How will they face the problems they have together?
✴Great book to read, thank you both Michelle MacQueen, and Ann Maree Craven. This is funny, sad, and many other emotions.
May 29, 2021
I just couldn't get into this story. I think the bullying in addition to the heartbreaking situation that the community was dealing with made this too downtrodden which was no where near what I was expecting. I could have moved pass it as a reflection but not as one of the main drives of the too heavy plot. There should've been more balance with happy moments entwined to keep me from disconnecting. After reading into Chapter 7, I skimmed to the end.
December 8, 2021
Lots going on in this story. Deals with death, loss, insecurity and bullying. It would be hard enough to go through the first two only to be bullied at school. The No BS app was amazing and something like that would help a lot of teenagers, possibly younger kids too. Nice ending, although I was hoping to learn more about the other incidents on the night of the accident.
January 10, 2022
Es un libro ligero, perfecto para leer entre lecturas, y habla de temas que adolescentes que siempre han estado y seguirán estando, uniéndolo un poco con las nuevas tecnologías.
Los temas están bastante bien tocados y se nota que hay algunos más que no explora pero parece que sí hará en los siguientes libros (es de una trilogía).
Me ha sorprendido, y me ha gustado.
Los temas están bastante bien tocados y se nota que hay algunos más que no explora pero parece que sí hará en los siguientes libros (es de una trilogía).
Me ha sorprendido, y me ha gustado.
January 7, 2023
True
It felt as if I was reading my own story as I read about Peyton. So much of how she feels throughout Curvy Girls Can Rule is exactly how I feel. It's sad, though, that I continue to feel like this as an adult. I've already ordered the rest of the books in this series. I can't wait to read them all.
It felt as if I was reading my own story as I read about Peyton. So much of how she feels throughout Curvy Girls Can Rule is exactly how I feel. It's sad, though, that I continue to feel like this as an adult. I've already ordered the rest of the books in this series. I can't wait to read them all.
September 19, 2023
Slow burn
FMM is a badass if I do say so. She knows who she is and who she wants to become and she jeans going to let anyone tell her any different. She’s a plus size thicc sister and proud of it. The back and forth, the will they won’t they, the friends to maybe more to not to definitely more, it all worked so well.
FMM is a badass if I do say so. She knows who she is and who she wants to become and she jeans going to let anyone tell her any different. She’s a plus size thicc sister and proud of it. The back and forth, the will they won’t they, the friends to maybe more to not to definitely more, it all worked so well.
January 11, 2020
Language: PG13+ (12+ swears, 0+ "f"); Mature Content: PG13+ (eating disorders, underage drinking); Violence: PG+ (car accident, drowning)
I read a quarter of the book and then realized I didn't feel connected with or invested in the characters, so I stopped to read something else.
I read a quarter of the book and then realized I didn't feel connected with or invested in the characters, so I stopped to read something else.
May 31, 2021
Nice Clean Romance
I enjoyed this clean romance. The characters, story line and setting were great. This is more for high school age readers and has a lesson to be learned between the lines.
I enjoyed this clean romance. The characters, story line and setting were great. This is more for high school age readers and has a lesson to be learned between the lines.
July 15, 2021
This had a good message and the story was actually very entertaining, but the characters felt a little underdeveloped. It was like the rough draft, where they have some personality, but they needed a little more work before becoming truly relatable and lovable characters, not flimsy shells of characters.
Ages 14+
Ages 14+
August 2, 2021
Yes it’s a predictable book. Yes you can guess how it’ll end. But it’s a easy time killing read. Not the most rememberable book ever written. But also by far not the worst. Not sure it’s enough to make me want to read the next two, considering this one was free.
July 31, 2024
I did really enjoy this book, but it was a lot sadder than I expected. There was also a lot of focus on Peyton's weight which I didn't love. But I did really enjoy the relationship between Cam and Peyton. I was very invested and really wanted to keep reading.
December 20, 2019
This book really helped me deal with me being fat. It helps put things into perspective, while giving you a great story.
July 25, 2021
Excellent
Well written, fully developed characters and an amazing storyline. An easy read. Can not wait to explore this new series well worth my time
Well written, fully developed characters and an amazing storyline. An easy read. Can not wait to explore this new series well worth my time
March 26, 2022
It was an OK read. I get it's trauma and there's alot of emotions to be dealt with... but infelt it alittle dragged out...
January 3, 2023
fun
fun read with a sweet lil hea to top it all off. Add a dash of who-done-what to the ending n I’m off search for the next book
fun read with a sweet lil hea to top it all off. Add a dash of who-done-what to the ending n I’m off search for the next book
January 6, 2023
New author for me
Young adult storyline
New genre for me
It was a compelling story
I was just a bit bored in spots
Young adult storyline
New genre for me
It was a compelling story
I was just a bit bored in spots
November 24, 2024
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel very much. ShelleyMa
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel very much. ShelleyMa
February 21, 2025
The story to me was hard to follow at times. The friendship between Peyton and Cameron just wasn't there for me. Their interactions were limited.
I didn't like either of the characters.
I didn't like either of the characters.
June 12, 2019
I first passed this book by when I saw it at my favorite book review site, but I was intrigued by the combination of cover and title because the cover told me that the book couldn't be about what the title suggested. I am so glad that I took a second look. This book is simply amazing and breathtaking in its honesty. As knowing but compassionate masters of words and emotions, the authors touch on so many difficult themes. What are some of these themes? As the “F” in the title stands for fat, one is body acceptance and the lengths that some will go to in order to avoid that shaming word. It touches on other kinds of self-acceptance as well, like accepting yourself and your new reality when a tragic event has altered you and your life. It looks at multiple aspects of peer pressure and bullying, dovetailing with the other themes in the book quite smoothly. We don't know the full extent of everything that's going on this book right away; everybody's story and backstory unfurl slowly (again, masterfully done). This book definitely puts you through the emotional wringer, moving you from anger to sadness to hope.
Peyton is super smart, but she is also controlled by society’s view of what we should all look like as exemplified by the mean girls at her school. It was sad to watch her at first try to starve and exercise so she could lose weight, she hopes, before her former best friend (who admitted to a more romantic inclination just before the accident) returned to town for school. She pushes herself until she is on the verge of collapse, and still they kept shaming and bullying her. The authors describe Peyton's eating and exercise habits in good detail; it is terrible to think that young girls do this to themselves. Believe me, I know. And once you start on that diet merry-go-round, it's hard to get off; years and years can go by. A lot of what the authors stated about society's views on fat people and fat women specifically was dead on. I love that Peyton was trying to gain a measure of control of this in at least one aspect, actually coding and creating a social media app that was meant to give those at her school a safe place to come to talk about bullying and other complicated issues.
Cam is a fantastic character as well. He is probably the one who was altered the most physically by the accident that happened 18 months ago. Unfortunately, it didn't just break his body but also his soul. He struggles with guilt as well as acceptance for the new way his life has to be. His sections were so heartrending and poignant. I loved Nari, the truth teller!
I actually started reading YA novels in my early teens, back when the genre was just getting started in the late 1970s and early 1980s. I sometimes wonder, at my now advanced age, if I should still be reading these kinds of books. After all, there are just regular adult books that would seem to be more age appropriate for me. But books like this remind me why I occasionally still read YA. I think it has a freedom to explore universal themes in a way that regular adult genre books cannot (or at least can't do without some difficulty in terms of audience acceptance or being thought as a “literary”—read, non-commercial—book). This beautifully written and heartfelt book exemplifies why I still do sometimes read YA.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
Peyton is super smart, but she is also controlled by society’s view of what we should all look like as exemplified by the mean girls at her school. It was sad to watch her at first try to starve and exercise so she could lose weight, she hopes, before her former best friend (who admitted to a more romantic inclination just before the accident) returned to town for school. She pushes herself until she is on the verge of collapse, and still they kept shaming and bullying her. The authors describe Peyton's eating and exercise habits in good detail; it is terrible to think that young girls do this to themselves. Believe me, I know. And once you start on that diet merry-go-round, it's hard to get off; years and years can go by. A lot of what the authors stated about society's views on fat people and fat women specifically was dead on. I love that Peyton was trying to gain a measure of control of this in at least one aspect, actually coding and creating a social media app that was meant to give those at her school a safe place to come to talk about bullying and other complicated issues.
Cam is a fantastic character as well. He is probably the one who was altered the most physically by the accident that happened 18 months ago. Unfortunately, it didn't just break his body but also his soul. He struggles with guilt as well as acceptance for the new way his life has to be. His sections were so heartrending and poignant. I loved Nari, the truth teller!
I actually started reading YA novels in my early teens, back when the genre was just getting started in the late 1970s and early 1980s. I sometimes wonder, at my now advanced age, if I should still be reading these kinds of books. After all, there are just regular adult books that would seem to be more age appropriate for me. But books like this remind me why I occasionally still read YA. I think it has a freedom to explore universal themes in a way that regular adult genre books cannot (or at least can't do without some difficulty in terms of audience acceptance or being thought as a “literary”—read, non-commercial—book). This beautifully written and heartfelt book exemplifies why I still do sometimes read YA.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
April 28, 2023
This was a heart-wrenching and heartwarming story of how two best friends suffered a loss, including each other, and learned to get to know one another again and deal with their grief. And it’s not just about Peyton and Cameron either, but their friend group that was torn apart after the accident that killed Cooper.
For the most part, I liked Peyton as a character. Not only was she dealing with the loss of one of her brothers, but also her best friend (who she’s in love with). In her grief, she gained a lot of weight and though she wasn’t exactly skinny before the accident, she finds herself ridiculed even more at school – even by some of her ex-friends. To help get her mind off of her grief, Peyton entered a STEM contest to create a social media app, and she came up with No Body Shame, based on the ridicule she gets for being overweight, and it becomes a hit with her school.
Now the reason I say I liked Peyton for the most part is because there’s one moment where she storms into Cameron’s house to tell off his mother, which I felt was uncalled for in a way. Peyton just starts shouting at this woman in her own home, and I just found it to be disrespectful. I know Cameron’s parents needed an eye-opening to how they treated their son, but that wasn’t the way it should’ve been done. If anything, Cameron should’ve been the one to have the outburst at his parents because at least that’s more normal.
Cameron was a sweetie, and you can feel his grief more than any other character. He was in the accident that killed Cooper, and nearly died himself. He did lose a part of himself though, and is no longer able to be the Olympic champion that everyone thought he’d be. Not that Cameron is overly upset about that. He is however, dealing with the emotional baggage of losing a limb, a friend, plus blaming himself for the accident. When he discovers the app, he uses it and it helps him come to terms with his disability.
As for other characters, I adored Julian and Nari. Julian was very closed off at first, but there comes a point where you see how much he loves his sister and how the accident and losing his twin affected him. Nari was the sweet, little nerd who as able to give her friends a kick in the butt when she needed to in order to get them to quit with their self-pity parties. Avery and Addison are jerks, but I see their potential to redeem themselves with their old friends, which will hopefully happen in one of the other books.
What I liked the most about this book was how the characters all learn to become friends again. Not all of them reconnected, but by the end of the novel you can feel their friendships starting to mend. I wanted to hug them all through the book, especially Peyton, Cameron, and Julian. The support they all give each other to overcome their emotional and body issues is truly heartwarming and makes this book a must-read!
I’m excited to read the two other books in this series to see the focus on the other characters who were also affected by the accident.
Rating: 4/5 stars
For the most part, I liked Peyton as a character. Not only was she dealing with the loss of one of her brothers, but also her best friend (who she’s in love with). In her grief, she gained a lot of weight and though she wasn’t exactly skinny before the accident, she finds herself ridiculed even more at school – even by some of her ex-friends. To help get her mind off of her grief, Peyton entered a STEM contest to create a social media app, and she came up with No Body Shame, based on the ridicule she gets for being overweight, and it becomes a hit with her school.
Now the reason I say I liked Peyton for the most part is because there’s one moment where she storms into Cameron’s house to tell off his mother, which I felt was uncalled for in a way. Peyton just starts shouting at this woman in her own home, and I just found it to be disrespectful. I know Cameron’s parents needed an eye-opening to how they treated their son, but that wasn’t the way it should’ve been done. If anything, Cameron should’ve been the one to have the outburst at his parents because at least that’s more normal.
Cameron was a sweetie, and you can feel his grief more than any other character. He was in the accident that killed Cooper, and nearly died himself. He did lose a part of himself though, and is no longer able to be the Olympic champion that everyone thought he’d be. Not that Cameron is overly upset about that. He is however, dealing with the emotional baggage of losing a limb, a friend, plus blaming himself for the accident. When he discovers the app, he uses it and it helps him come to terms with his disability.
As for other characters, I adored Julian and Nari. Julian was very closed off at first, but there comes a point where you see how much he loves his sister and how the accident and losing his twin affected him. Nari was the sweet, little nerd who as able to give her friends a kick in the butt when she needed to in order to get them to quit with their self-pity parties. Avery and Addison are jerks, but I see their potential to redeem themselves with their old friends, which will hopefully happen in one of the other books.
What I liked the most about this book was how the characters all learn to become friends again. Not all of them reconnected, but by the end of the novel you can feel their friendships starting to mend. I wanted to hug them all through the book, especially Peyton, Cameron, and Julian. The support they all give each other to overcome their emotional and body issues is truly heartwarming and makes this book a must-read!
I’m excited to read the two other books in this series to see the focus on the other characters who were also affected by the accident.
Rating: 4/5 stars
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