A review by nmcannon
Friday I'm in Love by Camryn Garrett

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-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

My friends and I have a sapphic book club, and Friday I’m in Love seemed a perfect choice for summer’s end. After reading and discussing, we decided it’s absolutely solid!

Mahalia Harris wants what every high schooler wants: to have a heckin’ great time. If worries about school work, her mom, the hot new girl Siobhan, her part-time job, and her future could sort themselves out, that would be great. When Mahalia has a rocking good time at her best friend Naomi’s birthday party, she decides to seize joy with two hands. She’ll organize a coming out party to celebrate her queerness, just like the sweet sixteen parties she’s seen in ‘80s romantic comedies. The only problem is reality refuses to cooperate.

Friday I’m in Love is one of the most realistic depictions of a teenager I’ve read. That’s high praise from me, someone who constantly doesn’t see their teenagerhood on page. Mahalia grows immensely over the course of the novel, her self-centeredness transforming to empathy for fellow people. By the novel’s end, Mahalia isn’t done growing, and that felt like a gift. Forever learning means learning forever. Garrett also does a great job exploring the reality of poverty–it’s relentless trudge and how there’s always something in the way of true security. The authenticity of the character’s journey and class experience contrasted highly with how generic the setting was. Ostensibly Mahalia lives in San Diego, California but nothing described felt San Diego-y. Several of our book club members are from and live in San Diego, so the bland setting was disappointing.