For Lewis, though, this is going to be his year. After a summer spent binging 80s movies, he’s ready to upgrade from the role of self-described fat, funny sidekick to leading man of his own life—including getting the girl. The only thing standing in his way is, well, himself. When the two are partnered up in class, neither is particularly thrilled. But then they start making mini documentaries about their classmates’ hidden talents, and suddenly Hayley is getting attention for something other than her breakdown, and Lewis isn’t just a background character anymore. It seems like they’re both finally getting what they want—except what happens when who you’ve become isn’t who you really are? First of all, this novel should win an award for best opening page ever. Talk about nailing a “voice.” And that’s just a hint of what’s to come. Or not. Because while this author’s strongest point is the humor that suffuses the story, there are also scenes with sadness, angst and confusion -- tumultuous emotions he’s equally deft at handling.

Although the writing occasionally gets hung up on too much humorous dialogue for the sake of humorous dialogue (okay already, let’s move this plot onward…), in general, this debut novel flows from start to finish. It is told in first person, with alternate chapters by the girl and boy. Sometimes their sense of humor and trains of thought are so similar you don’t know whose head you’re in until you doublecheck the chapter title, but that’s a minor quibble.

The novel touches on a number of important topics: mental health, the stress of being an overachiever, body image and confidence. There are no slow bits, there’s good tension and character arc, and superb sidekick characters. On a scale of lame to good, the humor is pretty much brilliant. The characters are complex and their coming-of-age shenanigans are relatable.

There are arguments, fights, hugs, tender moments, intimidation, mooning, hangovers, first kisses, graffiti, detention and a police chase or two. There’s a party dare to jump from a balcony into a swimming pool, and a busy evening of toilet-papering the local bully’s car. There are parents who don’t get it, a therapist who kind of sort of does, and a love interest and an ex who aren’t playing the roles the two protagonists would like them to. In other words, it’s messed-up adolescence in all its glory. Authentic, hilarious, heart-tugging and a must-read.

“See YAdudebooks.com’s interview with Spencer Hall: https://yadudebooks.ca/spencer-hall/”

-P.W.