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The New Guy by Amy Spalding is one of the most original and creative books I’ve read so far this year. It is all about a school newspaper, rivalry, and a character who used to be in a popular boy band. To top it all off, the main character has two moms, which is definitely uncommon in YA. This whole book is just a massive rollercoaster!
Title: The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions)Author: Amy Spalding
Also by this author: The Summer of Jordi Perez (And the Best Burger in Los Angeles)
Publisher: Poppy
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 5, 2016
Rating:
A ridiculously cute, formerly famous, new guy dropping into your life? It’s practically every girl’s dream.
But not Jules McCallister-Morgan’s.
I realize that on paper I look like your standard type-A, neurotic, overachiever. And maybe I am. But I didn’t get to be the editor of my school’s long-revered newspaper by just showing up*. I have one main goal for my senior year — early acceptance into my first choice Ivy League college — and I will not be deterred by best friends, moms who think I could stand to “live a little,” or boys.
At least, that was the plan before I knew about Alex Powell**.
And before Alex Powell betrayed me***.
I know what you’re thinking: Calm down, Jules. But you don’t understand. This stuff matters. This is my life. And I’m not going down without a fight.
* Okay, I sort of did. But it’s a sore subject.
** I mean, I guess everyone knows about Alex Powell? Two years ago, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about viral video boy band sensation Chaos 4 All. Two years ago, Alex Powell was famous.
*** Some people think I’m overreacting. But this. Means. War.
Filled with tons of romance, rivalry, and passive-aggressive dog walking, Amy Spalding delivers a hilariously relatable high school story that’s sure to have you falling for The New Guy.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The New Guy by Amy Spalding
❀ Interesting and Unique
The New Guy is such an interesting and unique book! It tells the story of a school newspaper. There are so many things that I loved about this, especially since YA books don’t typically focus entirely on a school newspaper. But not only does this book touch on newspapers, one of the main characters is also an ex- boyband member. This is an interesting twist because it shows what happens to one hit wonders after their success.Everything about this book is just so original!
❀ A Revenge Book
If you’re like me and are a fan of revenge books, The New Guy is definitely a book you should pick up. There is a massive rivalry between the school newspaper and the new and high tech news show, TALON. The two groups do everything they can to destroy the other and it’s very entertaining to read about. Sabotage and embarrassing footage are definitely present in this novel.
❀ A Diverse Read
Another element of The New Guy that also blew my mind is the fact that the main character has two moms. A lot of the time in books, parents don’t even exist, especially not a family with two moms. What I really enjoyed about this is how realistically these characters are portrayed. The questions that the main character is asked about them are questions that could definitely be asked. I really appreciated this diversity when I was reading the book.
❀ An Original Story
The New Guy by Amy Spalding is a very original revenge story that is enlightening to read. The fact that the main character has two moms made me appreciate the book even more. This is the perfect book to unwind with for spring!
Book Quotes: The New Guy by Amy Spalding
“I thought it would feel exciting and powerful, but it just feels like writing things down on the whiteboard. I feel like myself.”
About Amy Spalding
Amy Spalding grew up in St. Louis, but now lives in the better weather of Los Angeles. She has a B.A. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from Webster University, and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School. Amy studied longform improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
By day, she manages the digital media team for an indie film advertising agency. By later day and night, Amy writes, performs, and pets as many cats as she can.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
This book sounds interesting! I am a sucker for these kind of books… Hollywood meets your everyday girl! LOVE!
I love them too! It was a really nice break from some of the other books that I have read lately. It is great to read a little bit of fluff every now and then! <3
Yay! I am so glad that you liked it. I thought you would!
This sounds fascinating! I love rivalry stories and this sounds like an adorable take on that.
This totally sounds my kinda book! I’ll definitely check this out! Great Review! 😀
I hope that you enjoy it! <3
This sounds like a book I need to read immediately! Thanks for the great review!
I think that you will really enjoy it, Jamie! <3
This sounds like a fun book! I love revenge stories, and the ex-boyband character sounds interesting too. Glad you enjoyed this book!