Somebody That I Used to Know by Dana Davis is a heartfelt read about second chances. Following ex-best friends who reunite, this one contains a childhood bucket list, plenty of descriptions of music, and two main characters who transform throughout the story. While I thought that some of the dialogue feels a bit outdated, this is still an entertaining read, and fans of realistic contemporaries with complex relationships will enjoy this one.
Title: Somebody That I Used to KnowAuthor: Dana Davis
Publisher: Skyscape
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: October 18, 2022
Rating:
In this fresh, addictive novel from the author of Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now, an aspiring musician is forced to reunite with her ex–best friend—who just happens to be the world’s biggest teen star.
Dylan Woods hasn’t seen her best friend, Langston, in years. After he moved to Los Angeles, he ghosted her. Then he became Legendary, the biggest teen R & B artist on the planet.
For the most part, Dylan has moved on, with her sights set on Juilliard. But when her parents announce that Langston is coming for a short stay with them, the entire family is thrilled. Except for Dylan. The idea of sharing a house with music’s biggest bad boy makes her stomach churn.
But maybe Langston hasn’t changed as much as Dylan thought—he’s kept the bucket list they made together years ago. As they start checking off items on the list, Dylan starts to remember old times, her previous self, and their shared love of music.
And there’s something else. As Dylan considers giving Langston another chance, she starts to realize that maybe her feelings for him go beyond friendship.
Maybe, just maybe, she’s falling for her ex–best friend.
❃ 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: Somebody That I Used to Know by Dana Davis
After Dylan’s best friend moved to Los Angeles to become a successful R&B artist, she hasn’t heard from him since. Years later, she has moved on with big dreams of going to Juilliard, but when she learns that Langston will be coming to stay with her family, Dylan is less than thrilled. However, as the two start to reconnect and check off items from their childhood bucket list, Dylan starts to realize that Langston might not be as different as she once believed, and she might even be falling for him.
❀ Interesting Characters
Dylan and Langston are interesting characters, and they both grow throughout the book. Dylan is a talented violinist, and she is extremely dedicated to her practice in hopes of getting in to Juilliard. I loved the way her relationship with music is explored and I enjoyed the way the author delves into her feelings of being forced to change or hide certain parts of herself in order to fit in. Langston focuses on a different style of music as an R&B artist, and I liked the way his character complements Dylan’s. They are both able to learn from each other, and it is satisfying to see how their relationship evolves throughout the book.
❀ Feels Outdated
The one aspect of this book that I had some trouble with is the fact that some of it feels outdated. As I was reading the descriptions of certain characters’ outfits or the conversations between Dylan and some of her classmates using phrases like “totes,” it felt more like 2010. I couldn’t tell if this was intentional, and I found that it took away from the realism for me as other details in the book position it in the present.
❀ A Heartfelt Story
Somebody That I Used to Know by Dana Davis is a heartfelt story about second chances and chasing your dreams. I enjoyed the idea of ex-best friends mending their relationship, and the main characters complement each other well. While I had some issues with the outdated dialogue, I enjoyed this one and would recommend it to music fans.
About Dana Davis
Dana L. Davis is an author, actress, and voice-over artist who lives and works in Los Angeles. She has starred in Heroes, Coach Carter, Franklin & Bash, Veronica Mars, and countless other film and TV productions. A few of her animation credits include Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Craig of the Creek, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Dana is a classically trained violist and the founder of the LA-based nonprofit Culture for Kids, LA, which provides inner-city children with free tickets and transportation to attend performing arts shows around LA County.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
The outdated section was interesting. I think that would have bothered me. Sometimes it’s better not to use slang or pop culture references. Great review.
I totally agree! 🙂
It sounds like this book has a fun concept. The dialogue does sound like it might be a bit weird, but I will keep it in mind.
It is definitely a fun read! 🙂
I like the sound of this book!
I hope that you enjoy it if you give it a try! 🙂
I love the idea of the book; but I think it would bother me too with the outdated lingo and such
It’s something to be aware of, for sure! 😉
This is a new one to me, but it sounds like one I might have to get for my school library. Thanks for sharing! Great review!
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This sounds like a very good read.
Too bad it felt outdated for you! Great review as usual!
This sounds like one that I must read sounds great.
Sounds like a beautiful story!
Sounds like a great read.
thanks for your review. this sounds interesting