This book ... wow. I'm speechless. Every middle schooler needs to read this book. I think it would be great to read as a whole class, or in book circles. The deep dive into the mentality of bullying and popularity is so, so thought provoking and real and necessary.

I loved Mal. I also hated Mal. That's how you know it's a real, breathing character--when you're gripped by fierce love and understanding--and also anger and even hatred. I hated her for what she did. I hated her for what I saw of herself in me. I loved her for how she tried, and who she was in that trying. I loved how the story ended, with things not exactly right, but resolved, and as right as they could be, given the circumstances.

Keller is a master of magical realism. This was a little less magical than her previous work, but it was still delightfully mysterious and fun. I don't know that I've actually read a book about aliens like this one before, where there's an honest to goodness alien hunt going on, and that was really fun. I would have adored this book growing up.

The whole book was very gripping, the plot flitting between two timelines--the present and the then--but it was never confusing. I was right with Mal and her story the whole time. The only reason it took me a while to read was because it was an e-arc on my phone, and I hate reading on my phone. But once I got past the 5th chapter, I was hooked and read it in one sitting. That's saying a lot for it being on my phone!

Thank you to netgalley for the free arc!

Yes, I did read this book twice in as many days. It's just that good.

Well, short disclaimer: I listened to it on audio. Which honestly says more about how good this book was, since I listened to the whole thing straight through twice.

This was such a delightful read. From chapter one, I was hooked. The satire and witty banter amongst the cast of characters had me rooting for everyone from the start. I didn't realize this was going to be a fantasy rom-com, but it was unlike any romcom I've ever read. It was cheesy and silly, but it was grounded in a depth and consideration that I hadn't expected. The MC, Arik, hatches a plan to woo his friends because he thinks his true love is out of reach--and as frustrating as that belief is, it makes complete and total sense why Arik doesn't spell things out and resolve the miscommunication that creates the train wreck of the "woo-ing" plan. How could Arik come clean about his feelings when he risked manipulating Matt to act on loyalty instead of love?

Overall, this book was frustrating but understandable and very believable. There was so much respect around and for everyone, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. That I may or may not be listening to again. Right now.