Reviews

I've read a LOT of YA novels, and a lot of them have very similar plots. The main character is a high school senior who's been mostly a wall-flower throughout their high school career with the exception of maybe one or two special hobbies or classes. They (usually a she, if I'm being honest) are forced out of their comfort zone in order to do something that will help them secure their future, often times a way out of their small town. I've even read YA books where that "something" is a competition, complete with winning a crown! And there's nothing wrong with a standard YA plot. As anyone who's been forced to study literature knows, all stories are the same story. That said, I'm not sure I loved any of those other standard plot YA novels as much as this book. Leah Johnson takes this very standard plot and keeps it fresh and funny. I love the addition of the Campbell Confidential and how that adds a better look at how being a young adult nowadays truly is. I love being able to watch Liz grow out of her shell and realize who she is and wants to be. The romance in the story is super adorable, and I love

Spoiler

that Liz and Jordan are able to make amends

. I truly feel that a lesser writer would've taken Johnson's concept and made it "okay" while Johnson knocked it out of the park. I can't wait to read more from her in the future!

mattieray22's review

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

carladelgado's review against another edition

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5.0

“I didn’t consider that, despite everything, my hard work might not ever be enough.”

“You Should See Me In A Crown” is a great read and I absolutely loved it! It was just the right length and it never felt dragging. This might be one of my top reads for the year. It’s amazing! The pace is good, the plot is realistic, it’s easy to empathize with the main character, and the secondary characters are fleshed-out as well. High school is definitely messy and I found the book to be very believable (okay, maybe except for like one or two bits).

I loved my reading experience with this book. I never had to force myself to keep reading. If I had a lot of time, I probably would have finished it in one sitting. I just— I can’t get over how well-written it is. Some authors have great ideas but the pacing is terrible. Meanwhile, this book is showing them how it’s done!

I’m grateful that I came across this book. I highly recommend it! (Be prepared for Chapter 35.)

“I’ve never felt quite like this though. Like I don’t know if I’m running away from something or to it. All I know is that I’m tired, so incredibly tired, of having to run at all.”

myriadreads's review against another edition

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4.0

One of my favorite books of 2020, so far! I loved this story of a girl who is drawn out of her comfort zone to compete for the honor of becoming Homecoming Queen...and collecting the scholarship money that goes with the crown. An exploration of friendship and authenticity, with a tenacious and smart lead character that you'll be rooting for all the way. Bonus: a great narrator on audiobook.

stacyaj's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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