If I’m Being Honest by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Published by: Viking Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: April 23, 2019
Pages: 362
Format: hardcover | Source: library
Genres: young adult, contemporary
Rating:

High school senior Cameron Bright’s reputation can be summed up in one word: bitch. It’s no surprise she’s queen bee at her private L.A. high school—she’s beautiful, talented, and notorious for her cutting and brutal honesty. So when she puts her foot in her mouth in front of her crush, Andrew, she fears she may have lost him for good.

In an attempt to win him over, Cameron resolves to “tame” herself, much like Katherine in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. First, she’ll have to make amends with those she’s wronged, which leads her to Brendan, the guy she labelled with an unfortunate nickname back in the sixth grade. At first, Brendan isn’t all that receptive to Cameron’s ploy. But slowly, he warms up to her when they connect over the computer game he’s developing. Now if only Andrew would notice…

But the closer Cameron gets to Brendan, the more she sees he appreciates her personality—honesty and all—and wonders if she’s compromising who she is for the guy she doesn’t even want.

I am SO GLAD I decided to give this a chance after DNFing Always Never Yours- I read it in one sitting and really loved it. Cameron is such a complicated, likeable unlikeable character. I also appreciated that while she was able to fix some relationships, others took a hit in the process- it felt realistic. Maybe some people won’t but I liked Cameron SO much and I loved Brendan. They had really good banter. And Paige! She was such a great character that I didn’t expect; I love when there’s an unexpected friendship element in addition to the central romance.
There was also a lot about forgiveness and second chances and apologizing when you need to- it spoke to me. I also loved that they visited Grand Central Market because I love it there, it’s so charming! I do find it extremely odd that they never once mention 10 Things I Hate About You, though. I know it’s a 90s movie but they spend the whole book studying Taming of the Shrew! Seemed like a natural thing a teenage girl would watch, or at least mention. But that is a minor personal quibble. This was such an enjoyable contemp with a very good ship!

Have you ever DNFed an author’s book and then loved their next? I also feel like I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary books lately, what about you? Let me know!