Title: What I Like About You
Author: Marisa Kanter
First published April 7, 2020
416 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781534445772 (ISBN10: 1534445773)
Rating: 3.61
Overview
In Marisa Kanter’s debut novel What I Like About You, Halle Levitt is head-over-heels for her online best friend, Nash. They have everything in common, from their love of books to their mutual adoration for each other.
The only problem: Halle is hiding behind a secret identity, Kels, a wildly popular YA book blogger with a growing platform and tons of confidence. When Halle moves to Nash’s small town for senior year, she finds herself face-to-face with the real Nash and the possibility of taking their friendship to the next level.
But if she reveals her true identity, she risks ruining everything. Will Halle ever find the courage to tell Nash who she really is?
Or will she have to settle for being just friends forever?
About the Author
Meet Marisa Kanter, a talented young author who is passionate about more than just writing. With a love for baking and reality TV, she brings a unique perspective to her work.
Marisa has already published two novels, What I Like About You and As If On Cue. Originally from the suburbs of Boston, Marisa moved to New York City to pursue her love of books and worked in the publishing industry to help connect readers with their next favorite read.
Now, she resides in Los Angeles, spending her days writing love stories and her nights on a quest for the ultimate slice of pizza. You can stay updated on her latest projects by visiting marisakanter.com or following her on Twitter @marisakanter.
Editoral Review
Marisa Kanter’s debut novel, What I Like About You, is a heartwarming and relatable story that seamlessly blends together romance, friendship, and online community engagement. First published on April 7, 2020, this novel is a wonderful addition to the growing genre of young adult contemporary fiction that deals with the challenges and possibilities of digital media.
The novel follows the story of Halle Levitt, a high school student living in Washington, D.C., who runs a popular book blog under a pseudonym, Kels. Halle’s life becomes complicated when she moves to Connecticut and meets Nash, a boy at her new school who unknowingly becomes her online friend and a confidant, without realising that he is also Kels’ anonymous co-blogger.
Halle’s journey is sprinkled with online friends, secrets, and budding romance, ultimately posing the question: can a digital connection really turn into something real? Kanter’s writing style in What I Like About You is highly engaging and immersive, as she deftly explores the nuances of relationships, both offline and online.
Throughout the novel, the characters are well fleshed out and relatable. Halle, in particular, is a delightful protagonist who grapples with balancing her online persona with her real-life experiences.
This dichotomy leads to a string of intense yet enjoyable conflicts, including falling in love with Nash, keeping the secret of her online alter ego, and struggling to maintain a long-distance friendship. What I Like About You is a highly relevant and contemporary novel that examines what it means to exist in an online space.
This theme is particularly prescient in light of the ongoing pandemic and remote working trends, where many people are engaging with others primarily through social media sites. Kanter navigates this complex terrain with aplomb, bringing an insightful and refreshing perspective to the world of YA contemporary fiction.
Despite being a brilliant piece of young adult fiction, the novel has some flaws. The pacing of the story occasionally feels uneven, and some of the supporting characters’ stories could have been fleshed out more.
That being said, these flaws pale in comparison to the quality of the writing and the overall strength of the story. Overall, What I Like About You is a delightful, insightful, and entertaining novel that will appeal to all lovers of contemporary YA fiction.
It earns a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and its warmth and charm make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a well-written and rewarding read.
