Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Heartwarming, Sweet, Humorous, Relatable
- Read it if
- You enjoy sweet, character-driven YA romance with themes of self-acceptance and first love, and appreciate diverse representation.
- Skip it if
- You prefer high-stakes plot-driven stories, or are looking for a romance without any 'love triangle' elements.
The Upside of Unrequited Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Molly's Unrequited Obsession and Cassie's New Love
Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso is an expert in unrequited crushes, having had twenty-six of them without ever confessing her feelings. She carefully writes about these crushes in a notebook, preferring the safety of fantasy over the risk of rejection, especially as a plus-sized girl. Her twin sister, Cassie, a confident and outgoing lesbian, constantly tells Molly to be more assertive. The sisters' close bond changes when Cassie meets and quickly falls for Mina, a charming new girl in town. Cassie becomes completely absorbed in her new relationship, leaving Molly feeling increasingly sidelined and lonely, a new and unsettling experience for her as Cassie's main confidante and best friend.
Enter Will and the Plan for a First Kiss
Mina's arrival in Cassie's life also brings Will, Mina's best friend from their previous town. Will is an attractive, easygoing, and seemingly perfect hipster boy who immediately catches Molly's eye. Seeing a chance to not only experience her first kiss but also possibly get Cassie back into their usual twin dynamic, Molly decides to pursue Will. She believes that if she can successfully date Will, she'll achieve a personal milestone and restore balance in her relationship with Cassie, who is currently focused on Mina. This plan becomes Molly's new goal, giving her a sense of purpose amid her feelings of displacement.
The Awkward Coworker: Reid
Molly gets a summer job at a local art supply store, a new environment that pushes her out of her comfort zone. There, she meets Reid, a coworker who is the opposite of her usual crush type. Reid is socially awkward, a devoted Tolkien fan, and passionate about the Renaissance Faire, which Molly first finds endearing but also a bit odd. Despite his quirks, Reid is kind and observant, often making insightful comments that surprise Molly. She initially dismisses him as a possible romantic interest, convinced he's too different from her ideal, focusing instead on her pursuit of Will.
Dating Will and Growing Doubts
Molly begins to spend time with Will, and their interactions are generally pleasant. They go on several casual dates, which Molly carefully examines for signs of a real connection. While Will is charming and makes her feel comfortable, Molly questions whether the dates truly meet her expectations. The 'spark' she always imagined for her first serious relationship seems to be missing, despite Will being attractive and kind. She struggles to match her long-held fantasies about a perfect first love with the reality of her experiences with Will, leading to growing doubts.
The Renaissance Faire and Unexpected Connections
Reid invites Molly to the Renaissance Faire, an event she first dismisses as nerdy and not her style. However, she agrees to go, partly out of curiosity and partly because Reid's enthusiasm is infectious. To her surprise, Molly has a genuinely good time. She sees a different, more confident side of Reid as he enjoys the Faire's culture. More importantly, she feels a comfortable ease and a surprising sense of belonging with him. This experience begins to subtly change her view of Reid, making her question her strict ideal of a romantic partner and what she truly values in a connection.
Cassie's Relationship Troubles and Molly's Support
As Cassie and Mina's relationship deepens, it also faces its first challenges. Cassie experiences the complexities and anxieties of a serious romance, something Molly has only seen from afar. Despite her earlier feelings of being neglected, Molly returns to her role as a supportive sister, offering advice and listening to Cassie. Seeing Cassie's emotional struggles helps Molly gain perspective on her own idealized views of love. It also reminds her of the strength and importance of their twin bond, which, despite the changes, remains a central part of her life.
Conflicting Feelings and the Journal
Molly finds herself increasingly confused by her emotions. While she continues to date Will, her thoughts often turn to Reid, whose quirky charm and genuine kindness are slowly winning her over. She begins to compare her interactions with the two boys, finding a comfortable authenticity with Reid that is sometimes missing with Will. To understand her conflicting feelings, Molly looks at her old crush journal, where she kept notes on her twenty-six unrequited loves. She realizes that her past crushes were largely based on superficial ideals and fantasies, a stark contrast to the real, though unexpected, connection she feels with Reid.
The Realization About Will
After much thought, Molly finally admits that her pursuit of Will was driven more by a desire for a 'first kiss' and a specific ideal than by real romantic affection. She realizes that while Will is a good person, he isn't the right person for her. Gathering her courage, Molly decides to be honest with Will and gently ends their new relationship. This act of self-assertion is a significant step for Molly, marking a change from her pattern of passive crushes and showing a new confidence in expressing her needs and desires, even if it means facing discomfort.
A New Kind of Connection
With her relationship with Will ended, Molly spends more time with Reid, both at work and casually. Their conversations become deeper and more personal, and Molly finds herself effortlessly being her true self around him. She discovers that Reid sees and appreciates her in a way no one else has, valuing her intelligence, humor, and even her quirks. This growing comfort and genuine connection make her rethink everything she thought she wanted in a partner. She realizes that the easy, authentic bond she shares with Reid is far more meaningful than any idealized fantasy.
The First Kiss and Beyond
Molly finally acknowledges her growing feelings for Reid. In a moment of mutual understanding and affection, Molly and Reid share their first kiss. This kiss is not the grand, cinematic event she had always fantasized about with her previous crushes, but it is deeply meaningful and real. It shows a deep change in Molly's understanding of love and self-acceptance. It's a kiss born of genuine connection and mutual appreciation, marking the start of a new, unexpected, and truly fulfilling romantic chapter for Molly, one where she feels seen and loved for exactly who she is.
Principal Figures
Molly Peskin-Suso
Protagonist
A shy, plus-sized teenager obsessed with unrequited crushes, seeking her first kiss and true love.
Molly is a seventeen-year-old high school student who secretly harbors twenty-six unrequited crushes, meticulously documented in a journal. She is intelligent, observant, and possesses a dry wit, but struggles with self-confidence, particularly regarding her body image. Molly is deeply attached to her twin sister, Cassie, and often feels overshadowed by Cassie's outgoing personality. Her greatest desire is to experience her first kiss and a genuine romantic connection, but her fear of rejection keeps her from pursuing her feelings openly.
Relationships: Cassie Peskin-Suso (Identical twin sister, best friend, primary confidante, sometimes feels overshadowed by Cassie); Reid Hardy (Coworker, friend, eventual boyfriend, genuine romantic interest); Will (Mina's friend, initial romantic interest, first attempt at a 'real' relationship); Mina (Cassie's girlfriend, Will's best friend)
Cassie Peskin-Suso
Supporting
Molly's outgoing, confident identical twin sister, navigating her first serious relationship.
Cassie is Molly's identical twin sister, but their personalities are vastly different. She is confident, charismatic, and openly lesbian, often encouraging Molly to be more assertive and take risks. Cassie is fiercely loyal to Molly but sometimes gets caught up in her own life, particularly when she falls for Mina. She serves as a foil to Molly's shyness and often pushes Molly out of her comfort zone, though sometimes inadvertently making Molly feel more insecure. Cassie's own journey through her first serious relationship provides a parallel narrative about the complexities of love.
Relationships: Molly Peskin-Suso (Identical twin sister, best friend, confidante); Mina (Girlfriend, serious romantic interest)
Reid Hardy
Love Interest
Molly's quirky, genuine coworker who becomes an unexpected romantic interest.
Reid is Molly's coworker at the art supply store. He is initially perceived as awkward, a devoted fan of Tolkien and the Renaissance Faire, and generally outside Molly's 'type.' However, Reid is incredibly kind, observant, and possesses a quiet confidence in his passions. He sees and appreciates Molly for who she truly is, without judgment, and his genuine nature slowly breaks down Molly's preconceived notions about romance. He offers a comfortable, authentic connection that stands in stark contrast to Molly's idealized crushes.
Relationships: Molly Peskin-Suso (Coworker, friend, eventual boyfriend, genuine romantic interest)
Will
Initial Love Interest
Mina's charming best friend, who becomes Molly's first attempt at a 'real' relationship.
Will is Mina's best friend from her previous town and a seemingly perfect 'hipster boy' who catches Molly's eye. He is attractive, friendly, and easygoing, fulfilling many of Molly's superficial criteria for a first boyfriend. Molly pursues Will as a means to achieve her first kiss and to draw Cassie's attention back to her. While he is a pleasant companion, the relationship ultimately lacks the deep emotional connection Molly truly craves, serving as a stepping stone in her journey of self-discovery rather than her true love interest.
Relationships: Mina (Best friend); Molly Peskin-Suso (Brief romantic interest)
Mina
Supporting
Cassie's new girlfriend, whose arrival disrupts the twin's dynamic.
Mina is the charming new girl in town who quickly captures Cassie's heart. Her presence in Cassie's life initially makes Molly feel sidelined and lonely, as Cassie dedicates most of her time and attention to their burgeoning relationship. Mina is kind and sweet, and her relationship with Cassie allows Molly to observe the realities and complexities of a serious romance firsthand, providing a mirror to Molly's own idealized views of love.
Relationships: Cassie Peskin-Suso (Girlfriend, serious romantic interest); Will (Best friend)
Olivia
Supporting
Molly's friend and fellow member of the 'Fat Girls Club'.
Olivia is one of Molly's close friends and a member of their self-proclaimed 'Fat Girls Club'. She is supportive and understanding, offering Molly a safe space to discuss body image concerns and dating anxieties. Olivia's perspective often reinforces Molly's feelings about being plus-sized in a world that often prioritizes thinness, but she also encourages Molly to embrace her worth and seek happiness.
Relationships: Molly Peskin-Suso (Close friend)
Abby
Supporting
Molly's friend and fellow member of the 'Fat Girls Club'.
Abby is another of Molly's close friends and a member of the 'Fat Girls Club'. She contributes to the supportive network Molly has, providing camaraderie and understanding regarding their shared experiences as plus-sized teenagers. Abby's presence helps ground Molly and reminds her that she is not alone in her struggles with self-acceptance and navigating the dating world.
Relationships: Molly Peskin-Suso (Close friend)
Themes & Insights
Self-Acceptance and Body Image
Molly's journey is deeply connected to her struggles with body image and self-acceptance. As a plus-sized girl, she constantly feels the need to be 'careful' and believes rejection is unavoidable, leading her to hide her crushes. Her internal thoughts often reflect societal pressures and her own insecurities about her weight. Through her experiences with Will and Reid, and especially through Reid's genuine appreciation of her, Molly begins to understand that her worth and lovability are not tied to her size. This theme is central to her change from hiding to embracing her true self, ending with her feeling truly seen and loved for who she is.
“Fat girls always have to be careful.”
The Reality vs. Fantasy of Love
A main theme explores the clear difference between Molly's idealized, fantasy-driven crushes and the messy, real nature of romantic relationships. Molly's journal of twenty-six unrequited loves represents her comfort zone of imagining perfect scenarios without the risk of real-world interaction. Her initial pursuit of Will is driven by a desire to complete a checklist (first kiss, 'perfect' boyfriend) rather than genuine connection. Only through her unexpected bond with Reid, which is built on shared interests, humor, and mutual respect, does Molly learn that true love is often found in the unexpected, in comfortable silences, and in being fully accepted, rather than in grand, cinematic gestures.
“I’d been so focused on getting my first kiss, I hadn’t thought about what came after.”
Sisterhood and Changing Dynamics
The bond between Molly and Cassie is a fundamental part of the novel. Initially, their twin relationship is Molly's main source of comfort and identity. However, Cassie's new relationship with Mina disrupts this dynamic, causing Molly to feel neglected and forcing her to face her own loneliness. This shift, while painful, ultimately pushes Molly to seek her own experiences and define herself outside of her sister's shadow. The sisters' journey highlights how relationships change, how to handle feelings of jealousy and displacement, and ultimately, how to strengthen a deep bond even as individual lives change and grow.
“I’d always assumed Cassie and I would be in this together. But maybe that was the problem. Maybe I’d assumed too much.”
Vulnerability and Courage
Molly's entire character arc shows the theme of vulnerability and the courage it takes to embrace it. For years, she avoids rejection by keeping her crushes secret, choosing the safety of unrequited love. Her decision to pursue Will is a hesitant step, but her true courage appears when she admits that Will isn't right for her and, more importantly, when she allows herself to feel and act on her genuine feelings for Reid. This involves stepping outside her comfort zone, risking her heart, and expressing her true self, leading to a more fulfilling and honest connection.
“It was terrifying, admitting what I wanted, what I really felt.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Crush Journal
Molly's secret notebook documenting her 26 unrequited crushes.
The crush journal serves as a tangible representation of Molly's internal world and her avoidance of vulnerability. It symbolizes her comfort in fantasy and her fear of rejection. By meticulously documenting her crushes without ever acting on them, Molly creates a safe space where she controls the narrative. As the story progresses, the journal becomes a tool for reflection, allowing Molly to recognize the superficiality of her past crushes compared to the genuine connection she develops with Reid, ultimately leading her to close that chapter of her life.
The Renaissance Faire
A quirky annual event that becomes a setting for unexpected connection.
The Renaissance Faire functions as a symbolic space where Molly can shed her preconceived notions and experience genuine connection. Initially, Molly dismisses the Faire as 'nerdy' and outside her comfort zone, reflecting her judgmental tendencies and adherence to societal norms. However, by attending with Reid, she not only sees a different, more confident side of him but also finds herself enjoying the immersive experience. It represents a place where people can embrace their unique interests without judgment, mirroring the acceptance Molly eventually finds for herself and in her relationship with Reid.
The 'Fat Girls Club'
Molly's supportive friend group who share experiences of being plus-sized.
The 'Fat Girls Club' provides Molly with a crucial support system and a sense of shared identity regarding her body image. It highlights the collective experience of navigating a world that often stigmatizes plus-sized individuals, offering a safe space for Molly to voice her insecurities and anxieties. While it reinforces some of Molly's fears about being a 'fat girl,' it also provides comfort and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of friendship and shared understanding in building self-esteem and confidence.
The Upside of Unrequited Quotes
“Maybe it’s not about finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Maybe it’s about finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life *figuring things out* with.”
“It’s weird, how you can spend your whole life being one way, and then suddenly, you’re not.”
“I’m not a fan of the word ‘normal.’ I think it’s a trap.”
“The thing about having a twin is that you always have a witness. Someone who knows exactly what you mean, even when you don’t say it.”
“It’s like, how do you know if you like someone, or if you just like the idea of liking someone?”
“Sometimes the most overwhelming feelings are the ones you don’t expect.”
“Being brave isn’t about not being scared. It’s about being scared and doing it anyway.”
“Unrequited love is kind of my brand. My specialty.”
“It’s strange, how you can be so close to someone, and still feel miles apart.”
“Maybe it’s okay to not have all the answers. Maybe it’s okay to be a little messy.”
“The world is full of people who are going to try to tell you who you are. The only person you should listen to is yourself.”
“Sometimes the biggest adventures are the ones that happen inside your own head.”
“It's a weird thing, to want something so bad, and then to get it, and realize it's not exactly what you thought.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
How many times has Molly experienced unrequited love before the events of the book?
- Seventeen times
- Twenty-six times
- Thirteen times
- Only a few times, but intensely
Show answer
B. Twenty-six times The book description explicitly states that Molly has lived through unrequited love twenty-six times.
Question 2
What is the primary reason Molly gives for keeping her crushes a secret?
- She enjoys the fantasy more than reality.
- She can't stomach the idea of rejection, especially as a 'fat girl'.
- Her sister, Cassie, forbids her from dating.
- She believes her crushes are always already taken.
Show answer
B. She can't stomach the idea of rejection, especially as a 'fat girl'. Molly's fear of rejection and her self-perception as a 'fat girl' drive her to keep her crushes secret.
Question 3
Who is the 'cute new girl' that enters Cassie's orbit, causing Cassie to become a 'lovesick mess'?
- Molly's coworker, Reid
- Will, the hipster-boy sidekick
- The description doesn't name her, but she's Cassie's new girlfriend.
- A girl Molly knows from school.
Show answer
C. The description doesn't name her, but she's Cassie's new girlfriend. The description mentions 'a cute new girl enters Cassie’s orbit' and later refers to her as 'Cassie's new girlfriend,' but her specific name is not provided in the synopsis.
Question 4
What is Molly's initial goal regarding Will, Cassie's new girlfriend's sidekick?
- To make Cassie jealous.
- To get her first kiss and get her twin back.
- To set him up with another friend.
- To prove to Cassie that she can also find love easily.
Show answer
B. To get her first kiss and get her twin back. Molly hopes that by winning Will over, she will achieve her first kiss and, consequently, feel like her twin sister, Cassie, is 'back' to their usual dynamic.
Question 5
What is Cassie's typical advice to Molly regarding her secret crushes?
- To write them letters.
- To 'woman up' and confess her feelings.
- To move on quickly.
- To only crush on fictional characters.
Show answer
B. To 'woman up' and confess her feelings. The text states, 'no matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can’t stomach the idea of rejection.'
Question 6
What is a defining characteristic of Molly's coworker, Reid?
- He is a serious and quiet individual.
- He is an awkward Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire.
- He is a charming and popular athlete.
- He is Molly's best friend from childhood.
Show answer
B. He is an awkward Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire. The description clearly states, 'He’s an awkward Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire.'
Question 7
What initial assumption does Molly make about Reid?
- That he will become her closest friend.
- That he is already in a relationship.
- That there's absolutely no way she could fall for him.
- That he is secretly in love with Cassie.
Show answer
C. That there's absolutely no way she could fall for him. The last sentence of the synopsis is, 'And there’s absolutely no way Molly could fall for him. Right?' indicating her strong initial dismissal of him as romantic interest.
Question 8
The book description highlights Molly's self-perception as a 'fat girl' influencing her cautious approach to love. What theme does this detail most directly introduce?
- The importance of physical fitness.
- Internalized fatphobia and body image issues in romance.
- The challenges of maintaining a healthy diet.
- The need for self-defense.
Show answer
B. Internalized fatphobia and body image issues in romance. Molly's statement 'Fat girls always have to be careful' directly points to how her body image affects her romantic decisions and self-worth, introducing the theme of internalized fatphobia.
Question 9
Molly's desire to 'get her twin back' after Cassie falls in love suggests a shift in their dynamic. What underlying fear might this reveal in Molly?
- Fear that Cassie will move away.
- Fear of being left behind or losing her sister's attention/connection.
- Fear that Cassie will stop doing their shared hobbies.
- Fear that Cassie's new girlfriend will dislike Molly.
Show answer
B. Fear of being left behind or losing her sister's attention/connection. Molly's feeling of 'dying of loneliness' and wanting to 'get her twin back' implies a fear of being supplanted or losing the close bond she shares with Cassie now that Cassie has a romantic partner.
Question 10
What is the primary conflict established for Molly in the latter part of the synopsis?
- Balancing her job with her schoolwork.
- Overcoming her initial dismissal of Reid and potentially falling for someone unexpected.
- Convincing Cassie to break up with her new girlfriend.
- Competing with Cassie for Will's attention.
Show answer
B. Overcoming her initial dismissal of Reid and potentially falling for someone unexpected. The synopsis sets up Will as ideal crush material, but then introduces Reid, whom Molly dismisses. The question 'And there’s absolutely no way Molly could fall for him. Right?' strongly hints at an internal conflict where she might develop feelings for the 'unlikely' choice.
The Upside of Unrequited FAQ
What is Molly Peskin-Suso's main internal conflict at the beginning of the story?
Molly's primary internal conflict stems from her fear of rejection, which prevents her from acting on her numerous crushes. Despite having experienced unrequited love twenty-six times, she secretly harbors feelings because she believes 'fat girls always have to be careful,' making her hesitant to put herself out there.
How does Cassie's new relationship impact Molly's life and her quest for love?
Cassie's new girlfriend, Mina, disrupts the twins' established dynamic, leaving Molly feeling lonely and sidelined. This shift indirectly pushes Molly to seek her own romantic connection, specifically with Mina's friend Will, hoping that a relationship with him will not only provide her first kiss but also 'get her twin back.'
Who is Will and what role does he play in Molly's initial romantic pursuits?
Will is Mina's 'cute hipster-boy sidekick' and quickly becomes Molly's primary crush target. He is presented as funny and flirtatious, embodying the ideal 'crush material' Molly believes she's looking for, and represents her initial attempt to break her cycle of secret crushes and unrequited love.
Describe Reid and why Molly initially dismisses him as a romantic interest.
Reid is Molly's coworker, characterized as an 'awkward Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire.' Molly initially dismisses him because he doesn't fit her preconceived notions of an ideal romantic partner, making her believe there's 'absolutely no way Molly could fall for him.'
What is the significance of the 'twenty-six times' Molly has experienced unrequited love?
The number twenty-six emphasizes the depth and frequency of Molly's internal struggle with unrequited love and her fear of rejection. It highlights her long-standing pattern of crushing in secret and her reluctance to pursue genuine romantic connections due to her self-perceived vulnerability.
How does Molly's perception of herself as a 'fat girl' influence her romantic decisions?
Molly explicitly states, 'Fat girls always have to be careful,' which reveals her belief that her body size makes her more susceptible to rejection and judgment. This internalized societal pressure makes her hesitant to pursue crushes openly and contributes to her preference for secret, unrequited affections.
What underlying psychological need is Molly trying to fulfill by pursuing Will?
Beyond a first kiss, Molly is attempting to fulfill a need for validation and normalcy, especially as her twin Cassie finds love. Winning Will over represents a tangible achievement against her fear of rejection and a way to re-establish her place alongside her now-lovesick sister.
How does Cassie's transformation into a 'lovesick mess' challenge Molly's understanding of her sister?
Cassie's uncharacteristic 'lovesick mess' behavior challenges Molly's perception of her cynical twin, highlighting that even Cassie, who usually urges Molly to 'woman up,' is vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of love. This subtly shifts Molly's perspective on what it means to be open to romance.
In what ways does Reid represent a departure from Molly's typical 'crush material'?
Reid is a significant departure because he embodies traits Molly initially finds unappealing or 'awkward,' such as his Tolkien fandom and Ren Faire enthusiasm. This forces Molly to look beyond superficial compatibility and challenges her preconceived notions of what a desirable partner should be.
How does the author use the concept of 'unrequited love' to explore broader themes of self-acceptance?
The author uses Molly's twenty-six experiences with unrequited love to illustrate how her fear of rejection is deeply tied to her self-perception and lack of self-acceptance. Her journey moves beyond simply finding someone to love her, towards learning to love and accept herself first, regardless of external validation.
What is the role of friendship in Molly's journey, particularly with Cassie and Mina?
Friendship, especially with Cassie and Mina, acts as a catalyst for Molly's growth. Cassie's new relationship, while initially isolating, pushes Molly out of her comfort zone, while Mina's connection to Will and her presence in their lives provide new social dynamics that Molly must navigate, fostering her personal development.
How does Molly's initial goal of 'getting her twin back' evolve throughout the story?
Molly's initial desire to 'get her twin back' by dating Will gradually evolves as she recognizes Cassie's right to her own happiness and new relationships. This shift signifies Molly's growing maturity and her understanding that her own self-worth isn't dependent on her twin's constant attention or presence.
What subtle hints might the narrative provide that Reid is a better match for Molly than Will?
The narrative subtly hints at Reid's suitability by showcasing his genuine interest in Molly, his kindness, and their shared, albeit initially hidden, quirks. Unlike Will, who fits Molly's 'ideal' but might lack deeper connection, Reid's awkwardness allows for a more authentic and less performative relationship to develop.
How does Molly's internal monologue about 'fat girls' represent a wider societal pressure?
Molly's internal monologue about 'fat girls always having to be careful' reflects broader societal pressures and beauty standards that disproportionately affect plus-sized individuals. Her fear of rejection is not just personal but also a manifestation of internalized societal biases about attractiveness and desirability.
What is the significance of Molly's first kiss, regardless of who it's with?
Molly's first kiss is a significant milestone representing her breaking free from her cycle of secret crushes and fear of physical intimacy. It symbolizes her willingness to be vulnerable and experience a genuine romantic connection, regardless of whether it's with her initially desired partner.
How does the setting of the Ren Faire or other shared interests contribute to Molly and Reid's developing relationship?
The Ren Faire, a place Molly initially dismisses as 'awkward,' becomes a setting where Molly can see Reid in his element and appreciate his genuine passions. Shared interests, even those initially unappealing to Molly, provide common ground and opportunities for them to connect authentically, rather than through Molly's pre-conceived romantic ideals.
What role does humor play in Molly's coping mechanisms and her interactions with others?
Humor serves as both a coping mechanism for Molly, allowing her to deflect from her insecurities, and a way she connects with others. Her internal witty observations and playful banter, especially as she becomes more comfortable, highlight her personality and her growing confidence in expressing herself.
How does the book challenge the conventional 'ugly duckling' or 'makeover' trope often found in YA romance?
The book challenges these tropes by focusing on Molly's internal transformation rather than a physical makeover. Molly's journey is about accepting her body and her personality as they are, and finding love not by changing herself, but by overcoming her fears and allowing someone to see and appreciate the real her.
About the author
Becky Albertalli is a New York Times bestselling author known for her heartwarming and humorous young adult novels. Her most famous work, "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda," was adapted into the critically acclaimed film "Love, Simon." Albertalli's writing often explores themes of identity, friendship, and romance with relatable characters and authentic dialogue.
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