Book Review | You Should See Me In A Crown

“When you already feel like everything about you makes you stand out, it just makes more sense to find as many ways to blend in as you can.”

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Trigger Warnings: Hate crime, past death, homophobia, anxiety

Liz Lighty has always believed she’s too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it’s okay — Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor.

But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz’s plans come crashing down . . . until she’s reminded of her school’s scholarship for prom king and queen. There’s nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington.

The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She’s smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true? 

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• I can’t say personally if this is a book with good rep but from what I’ve heard it is amazing!
• Liz Lightly is such a fun character. I would honestly love to be her BFF.
• Liz and Jordans relationship was to die for. This is all I want in a platonic relationship. Jordan is such a fantastic friend. He made me smile every time he popped up in the story. What a fantastic guy.
• Mack? Mack was amazing. I’m usually not a huge fan of reading f/f because I don’t connect with the characters as much but boy did I ship Mack and Liz. They were freaking perfect for each other. UGH. They made my heart melt. Mack was just so precious.
• The story itself was fantastic. It was cute, fluffy, but also a book that said eff you, I’m going to be just who I am because I’m effing amazing. Just not in those words. It was a very empowering story.
• The writing was also great. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, A+.

• Liz had a friend named Gabi. I don’t like Gabi. She’s a jerk but she also doesn’t realize it. She doesn’t seem to apologize for any of the hurtful things she’s said and Liz never seems to expect her too. It’s kind of sad. I don’t want a friend treating me like that.
• I was not a fan of how fast the conflict seemed to resolve itself. For me, I thought the whole conflict was unacceptable and I wouldn’t have forgiven as easily as Liz.
• There wasn’t more of Robby. Robby was a fantastic character too ❤ I’m sad we didn’t get to know him better.

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Overall, I’m so so glad I picked up this on audiobook. It was so light and fun but also had a lot of deeper topics too. I might have to buy the hardcopy. It was sooo, soooooo good. Have you read it? Let me know down below!

Final Verdict: