The Upside of Unrequited

February 20, 2017
Molly Peskin-Suso is the opposite of sexually precocious: now 17, she’s had “twenty-six crushes and exactly zero kisses.” When love finds her more confident twin sister, Cassie, a fissure develops that Molly reads as the inevitable first step toward twin division, “the part where we turn from we to she and me.” Cassie tries to hook Molly up with a pal of new girlfriend Mina, but Molly is drawn to Reid, a co-worker who Mina describes, derogatorily, as “one of those Ren Faire guys. Season pass, full costume.” Albertalli’s follow-up to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda features a diverse family (Molly’s mothers are different races and religions) living in Beltway Washington the year gay marriage is legalized. It’s as full of heart as Simon (Simon himself makes a cameo appearance) and is replete with humor and honestly drawn characters like Grandma Betty, who comments inappropriately about Molly’s weight and thinks all lesbians have short hair. The cheerful resolution has Molly finding her own path, concluding that, no matter how well-intentioned one’s wingman might be, you have to be your heart’s own goalie. Ages 14–up. Agent: Brooks Sherman, Bent Agency.

Arielle DeLisle clearly differentiates the large cast of characters in this audiobook and the rainbow of feelings inherent in adolescent love. Seventeen-year-old Molly is headed for Crush #27--and none have ended in so much as a kiss. DeLisle's narration adds to the story's natural dialogue and honest emotions. She captures Molly's angst, which contrasts with her twin sister, Cassie's, confidence. Molly wonders if being sperm-donor twins is the reason she's overweight and less datable. As Cassie enters a more serious relationship with the beautiful Mina, Molly feels herself drifting apart from her twin and away from family. She's more concerned about hiding her first promising crush than joining the celebration of their mothers' wedding. The diversity of characters and crushes and the many views of individuation are well integrated into the story. S.W. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine