I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS by Meredith Adamo through the PW Grab A Galley giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

I started this book on a plane while on my way to a wedding and did not want to put it down, to the point where I almost pulled it out during the wedding reception. Adamo weaves a brilliant tale and I love how real this book felt while reading it and how I felt like I was in Jo's shoes throughout most of the book. Reading as Jo processed through her trauma felt so real and similar to how I processed my own trauma as a teenager, and I think it will truly resonate with so many people. I can't wait to for this book to be on shelves everywhere, especially so that I can add a physical copy to my library, and I'm excited to see what Adamo comes up with next.

This book was extremely engaging- I definitely felt like I just had to keep reading it, and it kept a great balance of ramping up the suspense and letting the reader breathe. I loved the main romance, both because the characters were adorable together and because the author demonstrated explicit consent in their relationship in a way that didn't come off as didactic. I also loved Jo's character growth over the course of the story, and the development of her friendship with the Birds. I think the book does an excellent job of delving into the idea of being "not like other girls" and of there being "types" of girls, as well as the themes of sexual assault, with a lot of depth, nuance, and empathy that's often missing from those conversations, especially when the "not like other girls" trope is brought into the discussion.

I did have two reservations that led me to leave off a star. While individually I thought both the mystery and the heavier themes were well-done and engaging, sometimes they didn't completely gel together, and the mystery plot occasionally suffered for it. (Although I do think the fact that the author chose to focus more on the heavier themes than than the mystery is a strong point in the book's favor). My second reservation was just that the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I really enjoyed how each of Jo's individual relationships were developed- with Hudson, with her family, with the Birds, with the antagonists- but I really wish we'd had a little more time with each of them.

A really great read. I found myself reading for hours non-stop, and looking forward to getting back to it when I wasn't reading. Meredith Adamo does a great job of creating this world and the characters. And the mystery was very tightly composed.

A likeable., relatable heroine wrestles with belonging, sexuality self esteem and friendships in this mystery as well as a coming 9f age story. Parts of it were moving, though at times all the characters/social dynamics were a little confusing, and took away from the heart of the book.

Wow. This book is absolutely captivating. I was hooked from the first page, the first chapter, into Jo's story. This book is so vivid and living/alive it is incredible. Each character has a purpose, but isn't one dimensional. No one is perfect in this book and that is a feat to behold. I will say, going in, I wasn't aware that the book dealt with sexual assault and more than usual graphic (but realistic! and funny! VERY teen!) consensual sex scenes. I'd hand this one to fans of Laurie Halse Anderson, Kathleen Glasgow, Kara Thomas and Karen McManus. Wow this book.....I will be thinking about this book for a long time

A searing and powerful debut! Jo-Lynn's voice is hilarious and haunting, and she's a character that won't leave my mind for awhile, I'm sure of it!

I loved this book! Jo was such a good character I couldn’t stop reading, I needed to see how her story ended. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

Books like these remind me why I love YA lit.

Jo deeply stressed me out at times, but I couldn't help but care and root for her (and deeply hate every adult in her life who failed her). This book had such a strong voice, and I haven't been so engrossed in a book in a long time. I wish I had this book in high school, and I'm so excited to add this book to my library's collection. I hope it finds someone who needs it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC, and to Meredith for sharing this with the world.

Shut up, Meredith!!! All of the harassing during the revising process was totally worth it because this book is incredible!! I desperately want to give Jo (and you) a hug. So. Many. HUGS!!! And knowing what I know now about the book, we were so mean as you wrote this, and this had to have been such a difficult book to write. But, damn was it worth it!!! I want to read it again with a fluffy pillow and hot chocolate, holding Jo's hand. And Maddie's hand. And Kathleen's hand. And just giving everyone a hug while helping them kick almost all the boys in the nuts. (And maybe slapping some of the adults.) Damn!! This was sooo good!!