The title here is not a lie. Certainly not a book about a girl obsessing over a boy. Frankly, I'm not sure this book knows what it is about. There are many diverse elements and the plot swings wildly between them. With an odd sense of unreality and a narrative style that is introspective without really drawing conclusions it's hard to engage.

This was definitely a heartfelt story but it does cover some pretty intense topics such as grief, loss, and addiction. I feel like this story did remind me a bit of euphoria but in a much tasteful way. I think it was nicely written even though I do think there were some moments where I feel like the story might’ve dragged a bit but this was a stress outside of my comfort zone.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5/5

“Not About a Boy” by Myah Hollis is a raw and emotionally charged coming-of-age story that delves into the complex intersection of mental health, trauma, and identity, particularly through the lens of a Black teenage girl. The novel follows Amélie Cœur, a seventeen-year-old grappling with grief, addiction, and the sudden discovery of a long-lost sister, all while trying to navigate the precarious path of life under the care of a foster system.

The book is often compared to Euphoria and Girl in Pieces, and it certainly carries those vibes with its intense, almost visceral portrayal of a young woman’s struggles. The story is layered with mature themes, from addiction and mental illness to the challenges of being a Black girl in a world that often overlooks or romanticizes her pain. Hollis does a commendable job in portraying these hardships authentically, making it a story that will resonate with many readers, especially those who crave more than just fluffy high school drama.

However, while the novel shines in its depiction of real-life struggles, it also tries to juggle a lot at once—perhaps too much. The narrative attempts to tackle drug addiction, trauma, adoption, a new romance, and the surprise appearance of a twin sister all within a single storyline. This makes the plot feel somewhat disjointed, and the pacing suffers as a result. There are moments where the story drags, especially if you’re not a fan of the descriptive, poetic style that Hollis employs. While beautifully written, it sometimes feels like the dialogue is more about being quotable than realistic, which can detract from the characters’ authenticity.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ending, which poignantly illustrates the complexities of mental illness and the impact it can have on relationships. It’s a powerful conclusion that underscores the need for healing before entering into romantic relationships, a message that is both necessary and timely.

That said, “Not About a Boy” is not without its flaws. The book edges dangerously close to romanticizing mental illness, falling into what some might call “sad girl lit.” This genre often glamorizes the pain and struggles of its female characters, turning serious issues into something that feels more like a trend than a genuine exploration of mental health. This aspect of the book might be a red flag for some readers, particularly those wary of how mental illness is portrayed in media.

Despite these issues, there’s still a lot to appreciate in “Not About a Boy.” Hollis’s debut novel is a bold attempt to bring attention to the struggles many young people face, especially those who feel unseen or misunderstood. The emotional depth and the complexity of Amélie’s character make this a book worth reading, even if it doesn’t fully hit the mark.

Final thoughts: “Not About a Boy” is a gritty, heartfelt story that tackles some heavy themes with care and compassion. While it may not be for everyone, particularly those sensitive to the romanticization of mental illness, it offers a poignant look at the realities of growing up under difficult circumstances. If you’re in the mood for an emotionally intense read with a lot of heart, this one is worth picking up—but be prepared for a few bumps along the way.

This book definitely felt like a warm hug and I hope other Black girls, like myself, have felt seen by this book. I was lucky enough to receive a PR package and one thing that came in it was grippy socks. Iykyk. I highly recommend this!

I had high expectations of this book, however from the top the story is very slow. I hoped the pace would go up, but it didn't. There are lots of names and things going on, making it hard to define a red line in the story.
I did like the realization part in part two the best, but overall I felt like the storyline was too slow paced and blunt. Therefore I give this a 2 star rating

Not About a Boy is an impactful contemporary YA about Amélie, a 17 year old who has been through a lot. Hollis writes with care about mental illness, substance abuse, and adoption. I really appreciated that Hollis stayed true to the title of the book - there are boys involved in Amélie's story and romantic relationships are a large part of what she's trying to work through, but none of her "stuff" is really about a boy. I can't personally speak to the representation of mental illness in this work.

NOT ABOUT A BOY truly lives up to its name —it's definetely 'Euphoria' meets 'Girl in Pieces' with a big dose of messy. Seriously, I wanted to shake some sense into the main character every time she was about to make another bad call. But you know what? Despite all the chaos, I ended up really liking this book. It dives deep into like drug abuse, losing people you love, adoption struggles, and even finding a long-lost twin. It's messy as heck, but that's what makes it so real and gripping. If you're into stories about flawed characters trying to figure things out, this one is definitely worth the read.

A gritty teen drama with some hard hitting topics covered but done so in the most mature and sensitive way, with beautiful writing throughout.

This book is not a summer vacation book. And yet, I inhaled it on my summer vacation. I’m drowning in feels but, hey at least it’s I’m in a summer cabin, right?

But on a more serious note, this book has no flaws; the character work is extremely and thoroughly thought-out, I don’t think there was ever a time when I felt dislike for ANY of Myah Hollis’ characters, the plot is completely devastating yet written so well that I simply could not put the book down despite my tears, but neither of these compare to the emotional turmoil of grief, PTSD, and mental illness this book touches upon.

There are so many dark and twisted ways in which Amelie’s life has mirrored my own and I found solace and a strange comfort in the ways she struggles to come to terms with the person she we see in the book. And through it all, I loved how the story shows how the path toward deciding to start healing is paved with upending turbulence that will never be easy, that will never have a clear path, that will never promise a best possible outcome.

“Not About a Boy” has dismantled my psyche and though it’s far too early for me to reread anytime soon, best believe I will be returning in the future, especially to highlight and annotate.

NOT ABOUT A BOY follows grieving teenager Mel as she discovers the twin sister she never knew she had. Her story is sensitive and hilarious, heartbreaking and affirming. This book also has one of the strongest voices I've read in YA fiction in years. Hollis deftly weaves between dry humor and devastating prose, sometimes within the same paragraph. And, even though not everything is tied up with a bow at the end, reading this book left me hopeful, and it made me want to turn back to the first page and dive in all over again. Highly recommend reading while listening to either Lana Del Rey or Gracie Abrams' first album.

It’s truly not about a boy.

This book is so important. It has the vibes of the Euphoria but without the sensationalism. It’s real.

Not About a Boy is a beautifully crafted story that resonates with readers through its honest portrayal of Substance abuse, mental health, and life within the foster system.

I see myself so deeply in Mel. Struggling with her mental health, Not believing that people care for your wellbeing, and want to genuinely see your happiness. Having people who clock your behavior, when you’re obviously not okay, and confront you with it. It’s absolutely important to have those people in your life.

There’s a session between Mel and her psychiatrist Richards where he suggested for her to go back on her antidepressants just based on the behaviors he sees that she’s ignoring. I started to boohoo cry because I literally just met with a new psychiatrist and started my antidepressants again. I’ve never had a book speak so closely to my reality like this. You would thought Myah Hollis knew my life 🤣.

Not About a Boy has truly became one of my favorite books I’ve read this year, and a book I will keep very close to my heart.

Not About A Boy is probably one of my favourite reads of the year. The writing is beautiful and flowing yet easy to read. The story is tightly plotted and feels authentic to someone struggling with mental illness. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Kathleen Glasgow and stories about mental illness, the foster system and grief. I cannot explain just how much everyone needs to read this book.

Not About A Boy is a raw, heavy, and necessary read. Before I start, there are lots of trigger warnings (depression, suicide, drug use, overdose, death of a parent, trauma) with this one so please take care of yourself prior to reading. Amélie is only 17 but has experienced so much that has contributed to her depression and her world view. What felt special and unique about this book is that the author doesn't shy away from the darkness that surrounds depression. Hollis describes depression in a way that is so accurate it makes your heart drop multiple times.

I also loved the therapy representation in this book. Amélie's second therapist is so hopeful, endearing, and reassuring in all of the ways that Amélie needed her to be.

Lastly, the friendship in this book made me feel hopeful in ways that I didn't anticipate. It reminded me of the healing that can occur within the arms of our found family.
Not About A Boy is one of my most impactful reads of this year, I highly recommend!

Incredible story telling by Myah Hollis. This is a stunning coming of age story which is not "about a boy," but instead about the complexities of being a teenager who is aging out of the foster system, contending with hard truths about growing up, and substance abuse. I highly recommend.

When I was 19, I went through a breakup that nearly destroyed me. I stopped eating, I stopped engaging, I was so sad all the time that even just going through the motions was more energy than I could muster. The thing was, it wasn’t about my breakup, not really. That was just the final straw, the catalyst of dealing with all the emotions and thoughts that had always been present. It was this moment that forced me to deal with everything I felt, to know that change was necessary, to acknowledge those thoughts and to learn how to manage them.

In Not About a Boy, Hollis pulls back the curtain on all those thoughts and raw emotions. Because it’s “not about a boy.” It’s about being okay existing, about feeling right in your own skin, about being willing to try knowing failure is an option.

This story was so beautifully and devastatingly written. There’s experiences everyone can relate to and some that will resonate with only a select few. I wish I’d had stories like this during that time in my life, so I could know I was not alone, and I hope it finds the readers who need to hear that everything will be okay.

Thank you to Myah Hollis for putting words to all those nameless feelings and emotions. For sharing Mel’s story with all of us. I cannot recommend this remarkable debut enough!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Teen for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent coming-of-age book about Melie trying to cope with a loss, a boyfriend she keeps at a distance, and aging out of the foster care system soon. When she finds out she has an identical twin sister it’s too much for her, and Melie starts spiraling taking drugs again and keeping everyone away. When she goes to a treatment center, she wonders if she will ever find a way to be herself. Does she even want to?