Series: None
Author: Camryn Garrett
Published February 2nd 2023 by Penguin
Goodreads Synopsis
It's too late for a Sweet Sixteen but what if Mahalia had a Coming Out Party? A love letter to romantic comedies, sweet sixteen blowouts, black joy and queer pride.
Mahalia Harris wants.
She wants a big Sweet Sixteen like her best friend Naomi.
She wants the super cute new girl Siobhan to like her back.
She wants a break from worrying--about money, snide remarks from white classmates, pitying looks from church ladies . . . all of it.
Then inspiration strikes: It's too late for a Sweet Sixteen, but what if she had a Coming Out Party? A singing, dancing, rainbow-cake-eating celebration of queerness on her own terms.
The idea lights a fire in her, and soon Mahalia is scrimping and saving, taking on extra hours at her afterschool job, trying on dresses, and awkwardly flirting with Siobhan, all in preparation for the Coming Out of her dreams. But it's not long before she's buried in a mountain of bills, unfinished schoolwork, and enough drama to make her English Lit teacher blush. With all the responsibility on her shoulders, will Mahalia's party be over before it's even begun?
A novel about finding yourself, falling in love, and celebrating what makes you you.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Mahalia Harris never had a Sweet Sixteenth, and she knows it's too late to have one, but after going to her best friend's party, she starts to think about having a Coming Out Party instead. The only issue is that not many people actually know she's bisexual, and money is tight. Convincing her mam to pay half of the party, it's all she can think of, other than the cute new girl at school, Siobhan. But as the bills mount up, and there's pressure coming at her from all directions, will Mahalia be able to have the party of her dreams?
I loved the idea of this book so much, and was so happy to get my hands on a copy of it. Mahalia's idea of a Coming Out party was great, and I was so happy she was able to get a party of her dreams. Hers and Siobhan's relationship wasn't the easiest, but it was worth the wait, at least in my opinion. My only real hang up with the book was how immature Mahalia could be at times. I know she is a teenager, but she's 16, working, and helping her mam out, and yet still acts extremely childish at times, particularly when it came to money. That aspect of the story, when compared with some of the really hard hitting themes that ran throughout, were so different, that it made it strange to read a bit. That being said, it was still a really enjoyable book, and one I'm recommending my school library buy for our students.
Dates Read:
April 30-May 1, 2023
Rating
4 Stars
