#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #WhatILikeAboutMe by @JennaGuillaume via #partner @mediamastersbks who provided a #free #reviewcopy #BooksConnectUs

"Heartfelt and unexpectedly deep under its sparkling exterior, this novel features an authentic teen voice, a diverse cast of genuinely likeable characters...and a charming protagonist." —Readings

What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume (Peachtree Publishing; April 2020; ISBN: 978-1-68263-160-7; Hardcover $17.99; Ages 12+), hailed as “funny and heartfelt” by Melina Marchetta (author of On the Jellicoe Road).

From a former journalist covering pop culture, identity, feminism, body image and more, comes a humorous, romantic novel all about embracing your body and celebrating yourself.

The last thing 16-year-old Maisie thought she’d be doing over vacation is entering a local beauty pageant. Not when she’s spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone and masking her insecurities with self-deprecating humor. Not when her Dad is AWOL and her gorgeous older sister has returned to rock Maisie's already shaky confidence. And especially not when her best friend starts flirting with the boy she's always loved. But Maisie’s got something to prove.

As she writes down all the ways this vacation is going from bad to worse in her school-assignment journal, what starts as a homework torture-device might just end up being an account of how Maisie isn’t letting anything, or anyone, hold her back.

Jenna Guillaume’s American debut, What I Like About Me, features a relatable plus-size protagonist with a compelling, funny, and authentic narrative voice, and portrays a variety of complex, empathetic characters and relationships. Universal themes of friendship, bravery, and self-love will draw readers in as Maisie’s realistic emotional journey unveils the importance of embracing one’s body and finding the confidence to step into the spotlight and love one’s whole self.

What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ 3 things I discovered today:

I adored this book so much. I loved the characters and the rich dialogue, as well as the abundance of lessons about becoming who you were meant to be on your own terms. It is one of those books that grabs you by the heart and it doesn't let go. You cannot help but root for the characters. I highly recommend this book to those who want to be pulled into a delightful, funny and deeply moving book!

View all my reviews

About the Author: Jenna Guillaume was the editor-at-large for BuzzFeed Australia, where she wrote about pop culture, identity, feminism, social media, and, most importantly, Chris Hemsworth’s biceps. Previously, she worked in the features department of Girlfriend magazine in Australia, writing about everything from bullying and body image to bad kisses and boy bands. She also contributed to Girlfriend Life Hacks, an essential guide to navigating a girl’s completely-awkward-but-totally-awesome teen years. Guillaume lives in Australia. Visit her website at www.jennaguillaume.com.