Love is more complicated than “boy meets boy” in bestselling author Adib Khorram’s sharply funny new romantic comedy, set in the sordid world of high school theaterJackson Ghasnavi is a lot of things—a techie, a smoothie afficionado, a totally not obsessive list-maker—but one thing he’s not is a romantic. And why would he be? He’s already had a front row seat to his parents’ divorce and picked up the pieces of his sister Jasmine’s broken heart one too many times.
No, Jackson is perfectly happy living life behind the scenes—he is a stage manager, after all—and keeping his romantic exploits limited to the breakup lists he makes for Jasmine, which chronicle every flaw (real or imagined) of her various and sundry exes.
Enter Liam: the senior swim captain turned leading man that neither of the Ghasnavi siblings stop thinking about. Not that Jackson has a crush, of course. Jasmine is already setting her sights on him and he’s probably—no, definitely—straight anyway.
So why does the idea of eventually writing a breakup list for him feel so impossible?
On sale: April 2, 2024
Age: 14 and up
Grade: Grade 9 & Up
Page count: 336 Pages
ISBN: 9780593616390
Reading level: Lexile: HL650L
Adib Khorram lives in Kansas City, Missouri. When he isn't writing, you can probably find him trying to get his hundred-yard freestyle under a minute, learning to do a Lutz jump, or steeping a cup of oolong. His debut novel,
Darius the Great Is Not Okay, earned several awards, including the William C. Morris Debut Award, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature, and a
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. He is also the author of
Darius the Great Deserves Better, Kiss and Tell, and the picture book
Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story.
★ "Khorram nails it once again with this page-turning romance about giving oneself a chance to celebrate one’s true identity. In a nod to the theatre kids, especially the techies, this story comes to life...Jackson realistically models a person who’s part of the Deaf and hard of hearing community...Liam’s taking on the learning of ASL will melt hearts, as well as show what true intention looks like in building connections...A heartwarming romance where creating authentic connections takes center stage." —
School Library Journal, starred review
★ “An
irresistibly readable novel that builds on the tropes of a traditional rom-com. It has a carefully constructed…empathetic and fully realized characters…and sensitive treatment of Jackson’s disability.
We're already putting this on the list of the year’s finer novels.” —
Booklist, starred review
★ “This sweet, slow-burn sibling love triangle with an added sprinkling of family drama
rivals Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper in its cuteness and appeal…Love deserves a standing ovation in this multilayered exploration of what it truly means to feel seen.” —
Kirkus, starred review
“In this emotionally complex rom-com, Khorram (
Kiss & Tell) winningly captures Jackson’s struggle finding himself amid the chaos of high school theater. Jackson’s first-person POV recounting his growing crush and his frustration with those around him is both sharp and sincere, making this a wholesome and hilarious tale.” —
PW
