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A review by magicalreads
If I'm Being Honest by Austin Siegemund-Broka, Emily Wibberley
4.0
read on my blog
I enjoyed Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka's debut, Always Never Yours, so I was already excited for their next book If I'm Being Honest, especially when I heard the comparison to 10 Things I Hate about You, which is one of my favorite movies! And what an apt comparison because this book did not disappoint. If I'm Being Honest was such a great read.
This is definitely very "90s teen flick"-esque, and I loved it, especially because they expanded on the tropes. Instead of a makeover montage (à la She's All That), Cameron makes a list of people to help as a way to make herself a better person. Similarly, she befriends the "weirdo" of the grade (Bring It On or Clueless), but she doesn't make her over (wow, why are so many movies that hinge on makeovers). And, of course, this book is based on The Taming of the Shrew just like 10 Things I Hate about You.
Cameron is definitely one of the best unlikable heroines in YA, if not the best (because honestly, we don't get a lot). I mean, yes, it was a bit hard to empathize with her at first because of all the dick-ish things she would say, but you grow to love her. That's good writing right there!!
The character developments were definitely some of the best and most realistic I've read in YA. I liked that Cameron called out her friend for being a bad friend, but she didn't immediately reflect over her actions and change. Some people are just like that; they place the blame on everybody else and ice you out when you say anything remotely negative about them, even if it's constructive. Also, it was nice to see her friend call Cameron out for ghosting her and their other friends because that's what somebody would actually do in this situation. Usually this is just glossed over in other books.
The romance was super cute! I stan one boy and one boy only, and that is Brendan. He and Cameron have a bit of a hate-to-love relationship because she was one of the kids who would make fun of him in elementary school. However, they bond over the video game he's creating. (Also! Cameron being into coding! As a CS gal myself, I really enjoyed reading another girl who's interested in it.) I did think that the last time she lashed out at him went a little too far, but again, unlikable heroine, so.
There may or may not be cameos from certain characters from Always Never Yours, and that's all I have to say on that [smirking face].
If I'm Being Honest was such a delightful read. If I'm being honest, I definitely recommend this one if you're looking for a fun, 90s-esque rom-com! You can pick it up on April 23.
original review:
cuteeee
But the truth is you're a bitch, Cameron Bright.
I enjoyed Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka's debut, Always Never Yours, so I was already excited for their next book If I'm Being Honest, especially when I heard the comparison to 10 Things I Hate about You, which is one of my favorite movies! And what an apt comparison because this book did not disappoint. If I'm Being Honest was such a great read.
This is definitely very "90s teen flick"-esque, and I loved it, especially because they expanded on the tropes. Instead of a makeover montage (à la She's All That), Cameron makes a list of people to help as a way to make herself a better person. Similarly, she befriends the "weirdo" of the grade (Bring It On or Clueless), but she doesn't make her over (wow, why are so many movies that hinge on makeovers). And, of course, this book is based on The Taming of the Shrew just like 10 Things I Hate about You.
Cameron is definitely one of the best unlikable heroines in YA, if not the best (because honestly, we don't get a lot). I mean, yes, it was a bit hard to empathize with her at first because of all the dick-ish things she would say, but you grow to love her. That's good writing right there!!
You know, being yourself isn't permission to be a terrible person.
The character developments were definitely some of the best and most realistic I've read in YA. I liked that Cameron called out her friend for being a bad friend, but she didn't immediately reflect over her actions and change. Some people are just like that; they place the blame on everybody else and ice you out when you say anything remotely negative about them, even if it's constructive. Also, it was nice to see her friend call Cameron out for ghosting her and their other friends because that's what somebody would actually do in this situation. Usually this is just glossed over in other books.
The romance was super cute! I stan one boy and one boy only, and that is Brendan. He and Cameron have a bit of a hate-to-love relationship because she was one of the kids who would make fun of him in elementary school. However, they bond over the video game he's creating. (Also! Cameron being into coding! As a CS gal myself, I really enjoyed reading another girl who's interested in it.) I did think that the last time she lashed out at him went a little too far, but again, unlikable heroine, so.
There may or may not be cameos from certain characters from Always Never Yours, and that's all I have to say on that [smirking face].
I think it might be literally impossible to be your friend and not be inspired to be yourself. Be real. Be brave.
If I'm Being Honest was such a delightful read. If I'm being honest, I definitely recommend this one if you're looking for a fun, 90s-esque rom-com! You can pick it up on April 23.
original review:
cuteeee