From past experience, I stay away from YA novels that have a sex-centered theme, but this was more than that and after reading the first couple of chapters, I found the protagonist's voice and overall writing compelling and couldn't stop reading.
The story is strong from the start and the heroine has an authentic voice when it comes to the insecurities and vulnerabilities of a high school girl who’s lost her dad and feels a pull toward male friendships. I had so much empathy for this girl and it brought me straight back to those overwhelming feelings from high school. When the heroine discovers that she’s referred to as the "Practice Girl" by some boys on the wrestling team, I hurt for her but also felt bolstered by her intelligent and indignant reaction. At only 20%, I’d already decided this would be one of the better YA novels of the year.
The main characters were well-developed with authentic dialogue and relationships. Also, the story's message was clear. Overall, this was a genuine and empowering story for young adults about a young woman who has realized her worth and what it means to have agency and self-respect.
As a side note, I want to mention an aspect of the story that was especially moving to me. So often, step-fathers are portrayed in novels as vile or simply oblivious. I love reading a book that depicts something different and special. A couple of my favorite examples are in the books Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes and Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. I also found this in Practice Girl. I loved the portrayal of Jo’s step-father who sweetly and authentically tried to connect with his step-daughter, as well as setting an example of a man who chooses every day to love and support his partner. This author writes great depictions of adults but also has a pulse on what it means to be a young adult today.
The story is strong from the start and the heroine has an authentic voice when it comes to the insecurities and vulnerabilities of a high school girl who’s lost her dad and feels a pull toward male friendships. I had so much empathy for this girl and it brought me straight back to those overwhelming feelings from high school. When the heroine discovers that she’s referred to as the "Practice Girl" by some boys on the wrestling team, I hurt for her but also felt bolstered by her intelligent and indignant reaction. At only 20%, I’d already decided this would be one of the better YA novels of the year.
The main characters were well-developed with authentic dialogue and relationships. Also, the story's message was clear. Overall, this was a genuine and empowering story for young adults about a young woman who has realized her worth and what it means to have agency and self-respect.
As a side note, I want to mention an aspect of the story that was especially moving to me. So often, step-fathers are portrayed in novels as vile or simply oblivious. I love reading a book that depicts something different and special. A couple of my favorite examples are in the books Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes and Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. I also found this in Practice Girl. I loved the portrayal of Jo’s step-father who sweetly and authentically tried to connect with his step-daughter, as well as setting an example of a man who chooses every day to love and support his partner. This author writes great depictions of adults but also has a pulse on what it means to be a young adult today.