Well, civic responsibility seems to (unsurprisingly) already be a theme in 2020, and while I enjoyed a good deal of this, I didn't like the writing style. In particular, the sections that were backstory on specific parts of each character's story really disrupted the flow of the narrative. While I do think that this is a meet-cute that feels slightly more natural than, say, The Sun is Also a Star, it also really feels like a problem novel, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. It addresses really important and timely issues, and this is certainly a book that will resonate with and be appreciated by teens. I will definitely be recommending it.

A new Brandy Colbert book + fighting voter fraud + teens determined to make a difference in the world? YESSSSSS PLEASE!!!!!

I'll admit that even though I LOVED seeing an upcoming book about teens fighting voter fraud, I was also concerned that the subject matter would feel too heavy for my current reading mood. (I really appreciate when contemporary YA tackles big issues, but have to space out the reads as too many can start to feel emotionally draining for me.) BUT, it's Brandy Colbert (!!!), which was enough reason for me to request the book.

I ended up being really pleasantly surprised (I shouldn't have been, having read two of her previous books) to find that it was wonderfully balanced! Yes, it's a story that touches upon big issues. But there are also plenty of light moments, and the overall tone is hopeful (my favorite!). Sure, there's a lot going on, but more than anything else, it's a story of characters. And if you're going to follow around two characters for a day, Marva and Duke are excellent choices.

Like everything I've read of Colbert's, The Voting Booth is nuanced and layered, with characters that feel very whole and real. Are the characters imperfect and a little lost? Yes. But they're also trying their damned best. I loved Marva's dreams and determination to change the world. I love her willingness to put in the work. I loved learning about Duke's past and the ways it's shaped who he became.

The whole story is set in a day. It's a fairly short novel, but there's a lot packed into their day together, and there's a lot of background revealed throughout that helps the story feel rich (despite less actually happening in the present). I loved how it ended! Highly, highly recommend this one -- especially for teens who will soon be voting for the first time, or those looking to play a bigger role in the upcoming US presidential election!

Advanced copy received from Disney-Hyperion via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet and relevant story, especially now. Duke and Marva are two very different teens who are getting ready to vote in their first election. When they get to their polling place and Duke is unavailable to vote, the two, after just meeting, spend the next 12 hours trying to get Duke to vote.

There were so many hard hitting topics in this book that were handled so well. I think it's important that young people understand how important voting is. It tackled tough topics like activism, racism, gang violence, and grief so well. I also loved the romance between the two main characters. I loved their natural chemistry. This was a very eye opening read and I think it is great for those who want to learn more about activism. I have never read a book by Brandy Colbert before, but I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

First off, I am HERE for books with messages and the importance of teen voting is one I haven't read a lot of before. Full disclosure, I'm not American so this book wasn't about a voting system I actively participate in, but it was still easy to read and enjoy and the message was still well received.

I loved how the book never got super preachy. While there are obviously political discussions, they still felt like characters voicing opinions. The one time I can remember a political opinion being called out was a call out for the character to do more research, not a cal lout telling them they were monstrous for holding that opinion. The characters are liberal so obviously the views discussed are mainly leftist, but the core message is the importance of making your impact.

The voting booth also deals with familial structures, financial and racial stigma, grief, and of course, teen love. A super fun read with a super important message.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. First off I need to say how glad I am that YA novels are becoming more political and talking about real issues that matter. While books like this have always been around they are definitely becoming more common and easier to find. And just as important they arent simply preachy. It's just as important that these books are being written by women and people of color. The voting booth has a simple premise and takes place all in one day but the impact and story are great. Marva is an activist and has been working on getting people registered to vote on election day she is one of the first to vote before going to school when Duke is unable to vote it starts them on quest to make sure that Duke's voice counts. The story runs through a lot of the issues voters face and issues people of color face on a normal day. This book is worth reading both for teens and adults. As more and more kids are becoming politically active in the US and around the world the number of young people registering and actually voting still hasn't increased in the US yet. Hopefully this book and books like it will help show kids why voting matters. I won't be teaching history next year but this book will be one I recommend the librarian buy for my campus.

As a US History teacher I loved this; as a human being I loved this book. The book’s meet cute happens in a voting booth on Election Day. From there we follow two characters who perform their civil duty while battling modern day issues of racism and discrimination. Young adults today will connect with the lives of Marva and Duke because they are issues that students across our country face on a daily basis; racism, discrimination, finding out who you are, using your voice to make change, and navigating the world of relationships. Read this. It will have you feel all the feels and make you think about the critical decision to vote!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a dual perspective that follows Marva and Duke over the course of a day. When Duke gets turned away from their polling place, Marva makes it her mission to make sure his vote is counted. That’s how their whirlwind day begins, and they go from complete strangers to realizing that there is a special connection between them.

I really loved Marva and Duke’s dynamic together and it was special to see how their relationship developed in such a short amount of time.

This book has been compared to The Sun is Also a Star, which I adored. I don’t think this book hit the same level, but I still really enjoyed it.

This is the first book by Brandy Colbert that I’ve read, and I will definitely be picking up her other books very soon!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This YA book is super cute and politically active, so it would have been perfect for the teenage version of me! I really related to the main character and I enjoyed how the book bounced back between her perspective and Duke's. This book is obviously geared towards teens, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult reader, and if I taught high school I would absolutely feature this in my classroom library!

Review posted on Goodreads on 4/25/20.

First of all, The Voting Booth was so easy to get through. It's a fast paced book that takes place throughout one day (done beautifully btw).
Second of all, this talks about a lot of struggles that black people still go through these days and the importance and impact you have when you vote to make your country a better place for everyone / a place where you are able to feel safe whether you're at home or outside or just DRIVING. I was so happy to read this and I did learn about things in black culture that I wasn't aware of and I am grateful that I know about now. Books can help people learn and change their perspectives on things and that's one reason why they are so important. Why this book is so important.

I'm absolutely loving the recent trend of politics in YA, which is due to 2020 being an election year in the US. I've already read The State of Us and Yes No Maybe So, and if you're, like me, interested in these types of books, I would say that The Voting Booth is pretty much required reading as well.

The Voting Booth reminded me a lot of The Sun Is Also a Star as well, since it also all happens in one day. This makes the book perfect to read in one sitting, and I found it a very fast and engaging read.

I think this book will appeal to a large audience. It handles subjects like racial injustice and gun violence, and the privilege of being able to opt out of activism because things don't have a direct impact on your life. And while all of this feels poignant and relevant, the book still manages to stay light and mostly fluffy, which I think is no small feat.

CWs: gun violence, past death of a sibling, racism

3.75 stars

There are a lot of things happening in this book, which takes place within 24 hours, but I felt like it was too much at times. Some of what happens is ridiculous, but the characters are enjoyable. The relationship feels SUPER rushed and I did not care for that. I would have preferred a fade to black type but it wasn’t horrendous. I’d recommend but it’s not my favorite of hers.

Love the characters, especially the adults who have nuance and their own motivations. It’s fun to have a fun political book out this election year—with friendship, romance and the importance of voting.

That said, the story wasn’t that strong for me. You could definitely predict some of the twists and turns, especially the interpersonal ones. But still a good, topical 2020 read

I ADORES this book!! It got me out of my reading slump and gave me a good distraction from what's going on in the world right now, while still relating to some of the very important issues happening in the world right now also. It's a cute romance for those looking for that "one day" type of connection, and also a great story on friendship, finding yourself, and having a purpose. It is timely and, hopefully, will also help get out the vote with teenagers.

Today is the big day. Marva has been waiting for this day for years. She finally gets to vote for the first time. If only her boyfriend Alec hadn’t put a damper on the day when he said he wasn’t voting.
Duke is getting to vote for the first time today as well. Problem is they don’t have him registered to vote at the polling place. Marva overhears and offers to help out.
Between a series of issues related to voting and life in general, Marva and Duke embark on this momentous journey some can vote. Along the way, they find things out about each other and themselves. They find a new friendship in each other and maybe more.
Opinion
This is my first book by Brandy Colbert and I am impressed. When I looked her up, I was amazed to see the titles to all of her other books. How have I never heard of her before? If this book is indicative of her other books, what she writes is pure gold.
I absolutely loved the self discovery that Marva and Duke went through. The situations they were put through in the book were perfect. The characters were well defined.
I loved Marva’s drive to get people to vote. Duke’s admiration of her for this is endearing. Getting in trouble with their parents for skipping school? Realistic.
Great book altogether.
Spoiler Alert Here
The only problem I had with the book revolves around the search for the cat, Selma. If people go to help someone search for their cat, they will expect that person to be there as well. They also wouldn’t show up to search and then agree to change direction and help get people to a polling place.

I just love everything brandy Colbert writes. Her characters are so interesting and the stories are intriguing, I can't get enough of them

A BIG Thank You to Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of “The Voting Booth” for my review.

I really loved reading this book! It is always a treat reading such stories where someone’s life changes over the span of a day. I loved how the story alternates between Duke and Marva. This made it interesting to see how the story progresses from different perspectives. The author has written the story in such a fun and engaging way that you never feel bored for even minute. I finished reading this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Marva and Duke are so charming and cute together! As individuals, both characters seem to face different issues. Duke faces emotional family challenges over his brother Julian, whereas Marva is more career focused and wants to achieve all her goals. Though they have their insecurities, they support and compliment each other so nicely. The book also has a lot of diversity written in a subtle yet engaging manner. On a side note, I also loved the supporting characters like Ida and even the cat!

Probably the only minor flaw in the story is how Marva meets Duke in the beginning. It was a bit unbelievable how Marva went out of her way and sets herself to help a stranger initially. But I enjoyed this book so much past that moment that I don’t really mind how they met.

I also think this book released in a very apt time with the upcoming elections. Hopefully, this would encourage people to take the voting process more seriously. The book also touches on some important issues like women’s rights, rape, abortion and gang violence. Overall, The Voting Booth is a great read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good YA contemporary read.

Set over the course of Election Day 2020, this delightful two-hander starts when activist Marva and laidback musician Duke, both 18, meet cute at a polling station.

Over the course of the day, as Marva helps Duke get to vote and they look for Marva’s lost cat, social media celebrity Eartha Kitty, the author skillfully builds her characters, often using sidebar “About” chapters to fill in background information about other people important to them.

Though this presents as a smooth and easy romance, it’s something of a Trojan horse (in a good way!) Inside the charming exterior, the author doesn’t let the reader off the hook: the injustices against people of color and women are central to her characters’ passionate belief in the crucial need to vote to get change.

Alternating narration, the two lead characters, controlling Marva and laidback Duke come from ostensibly different backgrounds. Marva come from a comfortable middle class home, is one of only 8 black students at her fancy independent school and dates the charismatic (but ultimately villainous) white Alec. Duke’s family was shattered when his older brother, activist Julian, was killed and Duke has been learning how to deal with that loss ever since. But they are an attractive couple and it’s no surprise that after their initial decision to help Duke vote, their political dedication and commitment leads their relationship to develops quick.

The novel is apolitical in the sense that names and parties are not named, though I’m not sure how you could read this and vote Republican. Will it be enough to get Bernie elected? Likely not, but it might encourage a few readers to get out there and take their place in the democratic process.

Thanks to Disney-Hyperion and Netgalley for the digital review copy.

I loved this book and I think it’s extremely timely. I like that it addresses the issues of voter suppression and voter apathy - both are complex issues that should be addressed when considering civic engagement. It also addressed racial issues through a multitude of lenses and experiences, the same topic through different eyes looks completely different. For example, both Marva and Duke got ‘the talk’ about police brutality from their parents so it’s a shared experience but also unique to both of them. I also like the exploration of interracial relationships, what it means to be the child of such a relationship and what it means to be in one. I will definitely be recommending this book.

Marva and Duke are both 18 and ready to vote in their first election, but when Marva sees Duke getting turned away to vote, she makes it her mission to help this stranger guarantee that his vote counts.

Both Marva and Duke are so likable, which made this a really quick and enjoyable read. It was cute and light when it needed to be, but still it had its powerful moments that showcased the importance of voting and paying attention to the world and what your part is in making it a better place for everyone.

This book is perfect for young readers who are passionate about voting and social issues, and I could see it being one of the favorites in my classroom library. The book switches back and forth between Marva and Duke’s point of view, with occasional flashbacks about important figures in their lives, which helped make this a quick and easy read.

Thank you to NetGalley for offering me this book in advanced for an honest review.

I very much enjoyed this - it’s so timely and so applicable to right here and now. I also loved the characters. They were very relatable and believable. I’m sure it’ll remind some of us of The Sun Is Also a Star. The only drawback for me is the cop thing at the end. It really mussed the plot up for me - was Colbert trying to make literally everything go wrong for these two in the course of their day? After that point, it felt like she was just trying to do too much, add too many components to the conversation for a 300 pg book, and it felt forced.