I don’t know how to feel…

This book was really engaging just like all Brigid Kemmerer books, but it was kind of just sad and messy. Hardly anything felt tied up and there was so much going on that it all felt a little superficial.

"One choice doesn’t determine your whole future."

I feel like it's been too long since I read a really gripping YA book. And this one pulled me in and I read it in less than two days. It wasn't life-changing, but it was really an interesting read.

Another amazing book by Brigid Kemmerer! While I've found myself reading less YA books recently, I can always count on her books to still be some of my favorites.

One choice doesn't determine your whole future.

What happens when you put Robin Hood into high school?

Call It What You Want is about Rob, whose father has been caught embezzling money, and Meagan, who cheated on her SATs. Both hated by everyone at high school, they're partnered for a project, and begin to form a friendship. Rob and Meagan begin to uncover each other's secrets, as well as secrets they never thought existed.

This book really helps to show that not everything is black or white, and that one decision doesn't make you. It visits some very real situations and feelings, and shows that the person you least expect could be the person to help the most. The characters are all really well written, but my favourite is definitely Mr London. I'm sure you'll find out why when you read it. Which you should! Now!

Brigid Kemmerer has just become one of my auto-buy authors because of this book. You need to get your hands on it ASAP! If you need an excuse, which you shouldn't, it will make a really cute summer read.

Actually giving this a 4.5 stars. Also a huge thank you to Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of this book to review.

First up I love the Harry Potter mention right at the beginning of this book, I just love every time there's mentions or references to HP. I also love how much time Rob spends getting books out of the library, granted the reasons that led to him spending so much time reading weren't great but it's nice that he found an escape in books. 

I relate to Maegan a lot, having an older sister that your parents expect you to be as good as/better than. With Maegan, her sister was on a scholarship and doing brilliantly and she felt she had to work that much harder with her own grades to make her parents proud of her, with me my sister didn't do great academically so, even though my parents never said it, I always felt like I had to do twice as good to make up for it (I mean I passed all my GCSE's and finished college with a pretty good grade).

So Maegan's best friend isn't my favourite person, especially seeing as she doesn't stick up for Maegan and Rob when her boyfriend is being an a-hole. I appreciate she has her reasons which come out nearer the end of the book, but that doesn't excuse you being a bad friend. Owen on the other hand I liked, he sat with Rob when no one else wanted to know him and even though he did kind of encourage Rob to do not so great things, he had good intentions at heart (still not excusing him though, he was a good friend, not a great one for this reason alone).

Mr. London was a perfect example of a great teacher, and I hope every kid/teenager has a teacher like him, I was lucky enough to have two when I was in school. It's so important as a young adult to have an adult to talk to (that isn't necessarily family), so Rob having Mr. London to talk to was a great example of this.

Connor I have mixed feelings about and I don't know if I can really share much of my thoughts on him, he was a terrible friend when Rob needed him most and then tried to make excuses which would not fly with me. But I respect Rob so much for being there for him despite all that. Connor does not deserve him one bit.

This book flips from one MC's POV to the other's, but not distractingly so.
We begin with Rob, and his reaction to his father is callous and angry and raw, and made me blink several times. Was this the character I was supposed to root for?
Rob and Maegan are not perfect. Rob thought he was, but how are the mighty fallen. Maegan wants to be, but perfection is an illusion.
They're flawed, and trying so very, very hard to cope with the situations they find themselves in, situations they've created and that have been created by others. There's no escaping reality and this book delivers reality in spades. Our MCs don't always do and say the right things, get pushed into doing things they shouldn't and make bad, bad decisions, but don't we all? It just makes the whole mess more heart-wrenchingly familiar and I found myself on the edge of my seat wanting to pull them back from every stupid decision.
It isn't gilded; it isn't snowflake drama and it doesn't pull any punches.
I don't think I can read it again, but I'm glad it read it.

⭐️Arc provided by publisher ⭐️
Brigid has my heart! This was a fast and enjoyable read. If you're a character driven person like I am, this book is for you. I loved and was so invested in all the characters. Brigid always does an amazing job flushing out all the characters. Which helps you feel so connected to them. I didn't want the book to end, I wanted more!

Yes! I loved this book so much!

Easy read that kept me turning pages - finished in 1 day
Likable characters with the uncertain teen lack of confidence that I don’t love
Not super satisfied with the ending
Fun story to follow