This book is very much a character-driven story, mostly about the ways that teenagers lives can get messy. And the fact that they make mistakes, and it's okay. It's not world ending. This is Turner's debut novel, but she's got a talent for writing authentic teenage voices. I will happily read another book by her, if and when it happens.

So many teenagers will likely to relate to Aaliyah's story, whether they're struggling with similar things at home, trying to figure out dating/their sexuality, and still trying to maintain friendships when everything else seems like it's falling apart. Aaliyah is a strong protagonist for this book, with an authentic voice, surrounded by characters who are just as fleshed out as her. It's one of the main reasons I was so drawn into the story. Character-driven books are my jam.

Overall, this is definitely a strong debut, and I can't wait to see what Erika Turner comes up with next.