Emergency Contact is not the book I was expecting when I picked it up! That may have something to do with the powder pink cover, but I assumed it’s a lighter YA Contemporary. While humor and sarcasm are littered throughout, it’s grittier!

My favorite thing about this book is how relatable it is. Honestly, that’s usually why I enjoy Contemporaries, be it YA or not — I read them and find myself in the character’s shoes because at some point in my life, I felt or acted or witnessed something similar. In this case, the relatability came from the characters who are not all sunshine and rainbows, just as most of us aren’t! Penny and Sam are prickly and judgmental. Their lives are overwhelming, their relationships are flawed, and that’s what makes this such a great read!

I liked the premise for Emergency Contact which allowed for dual POVs and some really great text conversations to be added to the narrative. It is also sprinkled with fun pop culture references, which I loved! The story arch fell a little flat, though. Yes things happen, but from beginning to end, the plot really doesn’t go far.

Overall, I’d recommend this book, especially to YA Contemporary fans who like humor and drama to be well intertwined.