The [Un]Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez--Starting July 3rd, 2021

[Dr. Andy]

Vaseline on the teeth makes a smile shine. It’s a cheap stunt, but Mark Adams knows it’s optics that can win or ruin an election.

Everything Mark learned about politics, he learned from his father, the congressman who still pretends he has a daughter and not a son. To protect his father’s image, Mark promises to keep his past hidden and pretend to be the cis guy everyone assumes he is. But when he sees a manipulatively charming candidate for student body president inflame dangerous rhetoric, Mark decides to risk the low profile he assured his father and insert himself as a political challenger.

One big problem? No one really knows Mark. He didn’t grow up in this town, and he has few friends; plus, the ones he does have aren’t exactly with the in-crowd. Still, thanks to countless seasons of Scandal and The West Wing, these nerds know where to start: from campaign stops to voter polling to a fashion makeover. Soon Mark feels emboldened to get in front of and engage with voters—and even start a new romance. But with an investigative journalist digging into his past, a father trying to silence him, and a bully front-runner who stands in his way, Mark will have to decide which matters most: perception or truth, when both are just as dangerous.

[Dr. Andy]

10% (view spoiler)[ I'm so angry that Benji didn't have a good option. This is so NOT fair. Fuck this school (hide spoiler)]

25%(view spoiler)[ I'm really loving getting to know more about Mark and his friends! I love that there's an asexual alloromantic character and an aromantic allosexual character!! I'm just living for this. Also could there be the beginnings of a romance between Mark and Ralph!?! (hide spoiler)]

50%(view spoiler)[ THIS IS TOO CUTE IM LOVING IT. There is just so much rep in this. I love it all. I'm hardcore shipping Mark and Ralph. I really want Mark to win the school election to. Also his father is the worst. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

80% (view spoiler)[ Mark implying that his dad was dead and not correcting Ralph about what he meant is gonna blow up in his face. (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I was so stressed during the election results! I was like he's not going win *sweats* AND THEN HE DID THANK GOD. I hated how Henry tried to intimidate him. While yes Mark did some things wrong, I still think he was the best candidate. I loved his speech at the assembly when he finally understood his moms advice. I'm so glad he also apologized to Ralph and is going to make it right. I HAVE ALL THE FEELS (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Andy wrote: "10% [spoilers removed]
(view spoiler)[ YES it makes me so angry!!! (hide spoiler)]

25%[spoilers removed]

(view spoiler)[OMG I had the same thought! Honestly all the characters are really great and I'm loving the book! (hide spoiler)]
50%[spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ It's so good but I hae Mark's dad so much!!!! (hide spoiler)]

Finished(view spoiler)[ I really loved this book. It was so good and I loved Ralph and Jenny and Mark! Everyone was so great. I really loved that Amber knew Mark was trans and didn't out him! Makes me so happy. His dad was such a jerk and deserves all the bad things. Great book! (hide spoiler)]