Monday, May 16, 2016

An ABC Review of IF I WAS YOUR GIRL by Meredith Russo


When I was given an ARC of IF I WAS YOUR GIRL last month, I was super excited to read it. I'd already heard a ton of good things about it on social media, like it's an #OwnVoices story and the publisher features a trans model on the cover, so I started reading it almost immediately! The ARC has a lovely note from the editor, Sarah Dotts Barley, and I loved Meredith's book dedication and her author note/acknowledgments.


Book blurb:
Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school. Like anyone else, all she wants is to make friends and fit in. But Amanda is keeping a secret, and she’s determined not to get too close to anyone.

But when she meets sweet, easygoing Grant, Amanda can’t help but start to let him into her life. As they spend more time together, she realizes just how much she is losing by guarding her heart. She finds herself yearning to share with Grant everything about herself, including her past. But Amanda’s terrified that once she tells him the truth, he won't be able to see past it.

Because the secret that Amanda’s been keeping? It's that at her old school, she used to be Andrew. Will the truth cost Amanda her new life, and her new love?

Meredith Russo's If I Was Your Girl is a universal story about feeling different―and a love story that everyone will root for.

Thanks to Sarah Dotts Barley for the ARC! :D

You can find IF I WAS YOUR GIRL on Amazon, B&N, and the Book Depository.

ACTION


IF I WAS YOUR GIRL is more character-driven than plot-driven, and Meredith Russo really brings Amanda to life. There isn't a ton of action because the focus is mostly about the new relationships Amanda is forming, but there were a few instances while reading when I was really worried for her. My heart would beat and I'd have to put the book down for a minute when I thought someone would attack Amanda or be mean to her.

BACKDROP


The chapters alternated between past and present—at her new school in the south while living with her dad (present) and when she lived with her mom (past). As she did with Amanda, I thought Meredith really brought the south to life, like I could tell it wasn't taking place in New England or out west.

CHARACTERS


The main character is Amanda. She's sweet and a bit quiet and is a Star Wars fangirl, which I loved.

Grant is Amanda's love interest. He's nice, but seems to be hiding something. When it was revealed, I was a little surprised because I thought it was going to be something else, but it made sense!

Amanda makes a new group of friends, but the one who stood out the most to me was Bee. She's an outsider or "bad girl."


Overall, IF I WAS YOUR GIRL is a really sweet, important book, and I hope people read it. I think many people will connect with Amanda the way I did.

Have you read IF I WAS YOUR GIRL yet? Is it in your TBR?