i tried to like it but it just wasnt my cup of tea. pacing was great, story telling was nice too but i just couldnt get in to it!!

I enjoyed reading this book. The ending was beautiful, and the whole story was lovely. Maisie was a relatable character who grew on me, and I liked Eli a lot. On the other hand, I found Calum frustrating. If you’re looking for a nice coming-of-age story for young readers, I suggest giving this one a look.

A coming-of-age story about finding one's purpose and reason. Messy—but the good kind of messy, the kind that comes with self-discovery.

This book has a strong, captivating voice that instantly hooked me. The pacing was perfect, and the writing remained solid throughout, making it an engaging and immersive read. Just really well done and I applaud the ability to stay so consistent. While this was primarily a character-driven novel, there was enough story to create a well-balanced narrative.

Maisie Clark is a fantastic main character—bubbly, passionate, and layered with depth. Watching her grow and evolve was one of the highlights of this book. She’s someone you want to root for, and I loved how her relationships shaped her journey. Her dynamic with her friends—especially Eli—stood out, as well as the way her relationship with her family developed over time. The character growth felt authentic and rewarding.

This book is a perfect mix of lighthearted and meaningful. It had some unexpectedly funny moments that made me smile, while also tackling strong themes that give depth to the story. While Calum and Benji are the side characters in this book, I NEED more of them. Their chemistry was amazing and I’d absolutely read a book just about them.

Some might feel that Maisie’s actions don’t always match her age, but I think she’s a great representation of an 18-year-old trying to navigate school, life, and self-discovery. Her struggles and choices felt real, which made her story even more compelling.

Overall, The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is a heartfelt and well-written YA novel with a strong character arc, engaging relationships, and a cozy but meaningful narrative. If you love coming-of-age stories that blend humor, growth, and a touch of emotional depth, this is one to pick up.

Sabrina Kleckner’s The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that beautifully explores self-discovery, art, identity, and the ups and downs of family and relationships.

Synopsis
Maisie Clark, an 18-year-old artist, moves to London to study art and, more importantly, to find her own artistic voice. Growing up in a family of talented artists, she has always felt like a shadow of her parents' success. Determined to break free and establish her own identity, she embarks on a journey of self-exploration. But between struggling with her photography course, reconnecting with her estranged older brother Calum, and navigating an unexpected connection with Eli, a quiet yet intriguing classmate, Maisie soon realizes that finding herself may be more complicated than she thought.

What I Loved
✔ Maisie as a Protagonist
Maisie is chaotic, impulsive, and at times frustrating, but that’s exactly what makes her such a realistic and relatable character. Her journey of self-doubt and growth is compelling, and I found myself rooting for her even when she made questionable decisions. If you’ve ever struggled with finding your own voice—whether in art or life—you’ll likely see a bit of yourself in Maisie.

✔ Themes & Emotional Depth
This book touches on many meaningful themes, including:

Identity and self-expression – Maisie’s struggle to separate her art from her father’s influence is a great metaphor for the broader challenge of figuring out who you are.
Family relationships – Her dynamic with her older brother, Calum, is messy and emotional. I loved the way their past wounds and unresolved feelings were explored.
LGBTQ+ representation – The book features queer characters in a very natural, well-written way. Eli is a trans man, and Calum is gay. Their stories are seamlessly woven into the plot without feeling forced, which I appreciated.
✔ The Side Characters
Eli is a quiet, introspective character, and his chemistry with Maisie is subtly sweet. Their interactions are filled with tension and humor, making their slow-burn romance feel natural. Calum and his boyfriend, Benji, were another highlight—especially with Benji’s over-the-top but adorable proposal plans.

✔ Writing Style
Kleckner’s writing is fresh, engaging, and infused with humor. Maisie’s inner monologue is chaotic but entertaining, capturing the whirlwind of emotions that come with being a teenager moving to a new city. Some moments had me laughing out loud, while others hit unexpectedly deep.

What Could Have Been Better?
Maisie’s character development takes a while – At the beginning, she makes a lot of impulsive (sometimes frustrating) decisions, but thankfully, she matures throughout the book.
The ending felt a bit rushed – I wanted to see more of what happens after the final moments, especially regarding Maisie and Eli’s relationship. A short epilogue would have been perfect!
Final Thoughts
The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers who love character-driven narratives. With its mix of humor, heart, and artistic self-discovery, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys young adult fiction with depth. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more from Sabrina Kleckner! 💙

Thank you Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

3,5 stars

A good, solid coming of age story that i think many will enjoy and find relatable in things Maisie experiences through oi´út the book.

✨Thank you Netgalley and the author for the ARC. I’m always so grateful for receiving books to read and review.
The next thoughts and opinions are completely mine and honest .🫶🏼

This book would be something I’d liked at middle school.
Tho I’m in my 30’s it made me remember how confusing it is to be a teen and to add the complexity of Maisie family issues to her journey to finding her identity, it was well done and relatable.
All her emotions and her inner dialogue felt real for someone at their 19’s.
There was satisfactory character growth and the ending was cute.
I just want to add that the pacing was inconsistent some parts felt a little slow and some that where (in my opinion) more important to the character development felt rushed.
Overall I would recommend this book for someone between 12 to 17 yo. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3,75☆|5

This book is weird; it is messy, really funny somehow, and so not what I usually read and enjoy. And yet it was good and a nice read.

Here we follow Maisie Clark, an 18-year-old art student from New York who's starting college in London. Maisie, who wants to change who she is. So she goes out of her comfort room. Maybe too much. And we follow her and also her brother, who ran away when she was a child, and her strange roommate, who wants to drop drinks at people's heads from her window, and that one boy who somehow tripped on her as she was sitting on the stairs and who wanted to go to work so badly even though his ankle was definitely in bad shape. 

And let me tell you, I liked this book somehow way more than I was expecting. The characters felt lovable, the writing was funny, and the general book felt like a breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed the relationship between Maisie and Eli (the one guy who tripped), and I just adored Eli in general. That's my darling right there. And Benji!! He had such a unique style; I loved it very much. 

Despite the fact that I liked it, this book has flaws, even though they're mostly minor ones. First, the characters didn’t really feel like their age but mostly younger, which is okay. But I'd say that this book is undoubtedly on the youngest side of the YA genre, which is okay, just not what I was expecting. Second of all, I fear that this book was a bit too short; I would have really liked getting 100 more pages with the characters, as some elements felt resolved a bit fast and lacked development. 

So if you want a messy little coming of age with a little romance and art, this one could be great for you!! Thank you to Netgalley and North Star Editions for sending me an e-arc. This one goes out on June 10th :).

a very realistic teen story about the hardships of going into adulthood. everyone in their teenage years should read this as a support <3

**The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark** struggles to find its balance between a heartfelt coming-of-age story and an overload of pop culture references. While these can add charm, here they feel excessive, often pulling focus away from character development.

The novel leans heavily into its "teen" audience, which may explain the immaturity of its protagonist—but even so, Maisie's childishness makes it difficult to fully invest in her journey. This issue extends to the supporting cast, particularly her brother, whose behavior feels more fitting for a high schooler than a nearly 30-year-old adult.

The rushed ending and overall lack of polish leave the story feeling incomplete. Perhaps a younger audience will connect more with its energy, but for me, it failed to leave a lasting impression.

"So maybe people are more than they can see on their own, and that's why there's value in analyzing the differences between a self portrait and a portrait."
Maisie Clark, the daughter of a family full of artists, almost runs away from her family to find her identity, her voice as an artist. All she had ever known was her brilliantly talented parents, their art shop and that her brother had left a gaping wound when he had ran away from their home in New York. Clark finds herself in a tight spot when a fellow student, Eli had a broken ankle because of her. Well, she wasn't particularly having a blast because her roommates were sort of weird and she found her brother's boyfriend planning the most bizarre but thoughtful proposal ever and she had crashed it. She just went full persistent mode to help Eli by covering the art class which he was supposed to take as a side hustle.
I loved how the author chose to portray Maisie's character. She is chaotic, artistic, emotional and confused to say the least. While the story explores the aftermaths of the wounds from her childhood which were the result of his brother's running away, also because their parents chose not to support him because of his Sexual orientation, it also focuses on how she couldn't see how brilliant and unique she was in her own ways. It also explores very realistically how we often think that our friends might be living a better life and we often find ourselves to feel inferior and drift away from them. Another interesting aspect was Eli being a trans rep in the story and how his struggles were highlighted. Even though Eli is in majority of the story, his blossoming relationship with Clark doesn't consume the limelight from the main plot. Clark and her worries, her struggles, her journey remains the main focus throughout. We embark on a journey to discover how often times we see ourselves in a very different light than that of others.
"I know I can be a lot sometimes. But, your photo works because I'm a lot. If I wasn't lit so brightly, I wouldn't look as striking. So it's not always a bad thing. Being a lot. "

This one was lovely, very enjoyable to read and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys this kind of genre.

Thank you Netgalley and North Star Editions for the ARC!

⭐ 4.5/5

If I had to describe this book and Maisie in one word, it would be sunshine. This story didn’t just bring me joy—it made me feel warm and nostalgic, like reminiscing about my own college years. Maisie’s personality is so vibrant, and her journey of self-discovery was both relatable and heartwarming. While the plot itself isn’t overly complex, that’s exactly what makes it such a great read for young adults. It’s more about the characters—their growth, their relationships, and the small but meaningful moments that shape them. And, of course, I loved the little sprinkle of romance!

Maisie felt like a little sister to me. I was so invested in her story, watching her navigate friendships, identity, and the ups and downs of young adulthood. And now that I’ve discovered there’s a book about her younger years? You know I need to read it! The side characters—Eli, Calum, and Benji—also stood out in the best way. They weren’t just there to support Maisie, they each had their own arcs, making the story feel even more real!

As someone who’s into art and has studied it, this book hit differently. So many little moments made me feel deeply connected to Maisie—her struggles, her passion, and the way art was woven into her life. It felt so authentic. Honestly, my only tiny wish? An epilogue! I need to know more about Maisie and Eli’s relationship after everything.

If you love character-driven stories that make you feel something, this one is for you. It’s heartwarming, fun, and full of life. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it!

This book follows Maisie's attempt to define and discover herself all while dealing with entirely new environment with new, but not-so-new people in her life. I was just so-so with Maisie in the beginning, and I didn't really realize how much she really grew on me until the end! :] She is quite emotional and that influences her decision-making at times, I feel, but it feels intentional and appropriate to her character. I found some of her struggles to be somewhat relatable to mine ha ha... Eli is another character I really like! One thing though, I find Calum a bit frustrating throughout the story. The ending was really nice, and overall, I think this book is a lovely coming-of-age for young readers.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for providing me an ARC of this book! i enjoyed it a lot.

The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is a coming-of-age story that follows eighteen-year-old Maisie Clark and her journey of self-discovery.

Maisie’s family owns a portrait shop in Crescent Valley. Growing up in an artistic household and helping her father paint, it’s no surprise she fell in love with art and became skilled in portraiture. But as she got older, Maisie started doubting herself, feeling her work wasn’t her own and was too similar to her father’s. To find her own style, she moved to London to attend art college, exploring different mediums in search of something that felt uniquely hers.

Maisie's determination to find her own voice and her struggle with imposter syndrome was so relatable. I was so proud of her when she finally discovered herself and saw her own worth. Her character development was amazing to witness, and I loved following her journey.

I really liked this book. The pacing was good, though it felt a bit slow at times. The writing was simple, and I liked how it focused on Maisie's journey. I also appreciated how the author explored LGBTQ struggles and the impact of society and family on them.

3 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Flux for this arc in exchange for an honest review…

Firstly, I just gotta say… I feel attacked. Personally. (Not in a bad way)

There was something about this novel that felt so relatable and had more realism about transitioning into adulthood than other fiction novels that I’ve read before. It covered queer topics, struggles in one’s life we must overcome, and acceptance. I could see myself in Maisie Clark in some chapters; going to uni and enrolling into an art degree to find your own art style … relatable.

As good as this novel was, it was infuriating at times because of Maisie’s personality and how she has to butt in or try to be in her brother’s life. Her approach was bad but when the truth was all out in the open, it made sense. Also, what happened to Maisie and Eli afterwards? I need their romance to bloom. It was cute and their story needs to continue, please author!

If this novel was around when I was still in uni, this would’ve been a good book to consider for some of the questions asked. It definitely has me thinking about my own art approaches and art style.

The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark – A Heartfelt Journey of Self-Discovery
Review by Gheartie Kakashi.

📍 Publication outlet: Instagram – @gheartie
📆 Run date: January 17, 2025.

A more detailed review will be available in French for my followers on Instagram later today.

——————————

Some books grip you from the first page with their fluid and honest writing. The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark by Sabrina Kleckner is one of them. This novel is more than just a story—it’s an introspective journey, a reflection on art, identity, and the importance of embracing imperfection.

The Story

Maisie Clark, an 18-year-old, leaves her small town of Crescent Valley for London, determined to reinvent herself as an artist. After years of following in her father’s footsteps in their family portrait shop, she decides to step away from painting—especially portraits—and explore new disciplines, like photography.

But her journey is anything but easy. Between her eccentric roommates, a critical (but honest) project partner, and her own insecurities, Maisie realizes her quest isn’t just about art—it’s about figuring out who she is and what she wants to express.

Fluid Writing, Universal Themes

The strength of this novel lies in its simplicity and fluid writing style. Sabrina Kleckner immerses us in Maisie’s complex thoughts, as she navigates the challenges of self-discovery. Maisie is relatable, making mistakes like the rest of us, but learning and growing along the way.

Her story captures that pivotal moment in life when we try to step out of the shadows of those who inspire us, while grappling with the fear of not being “enough.” Like many artists (and even non-artists), Maisie doubts the authenticity of her work, fearing it’s just a soulless imitation. But as the novel progresses, she learns an invaluable lesson: what matters isn’t having unique techniques but having something meaningful to express.

Memorable Scenes

The novel is filled with powerful, emotional moments that convey universal truths:
1. The conversation with her father: When Maisie confesses that she can’t see the difference between their portraits, her father gently reminds her that art isn’t about technique but about self-expression. It’s a poignant reminder to let go of perfectionism and focus on what truly matters.
2. The photography project with Eli: Through an experiment combining self-portraits and artist-taken portraits, Maisie learns a profound truth: we can’t control how others see us—only how we choose to present ourselves. This project highlights the importance of embracing all facets of our identity, whether visible or hidden.
3. The discussion with her brother: When Maisie criticizes his efforts to restore vandalized works as “impossible to fix,” her brother passionately argues that art doesn’t have to be perfect or “pretty” to matter. What counts is caring enough to create it in the first place.

A Message Beyond Art

The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is not just about art—it’s about identity, self-acceptance, and the courage to embrace imperfection. This novel reminds us that we are not built in isolation: we are a mosaic of the people we’ve loved and the experiences that have shaped us.

The book also thoughtfully incorporates LGBTQ+ representation through the relationship between Maisie’s brother, Calum, and his partner, Benji.

Why You Should Read It

If you’re a young adult trying to find yourself or if you’ve ever felt the need to step away from a field or path because of the fear of living in someone else’s shadow, this novel will resonate deeply. Whether it’s art, education, or career choices, The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark reminds us that our voice matters—even if it’s imperfect.

The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark, published by North Star editions will be available on June 10, 2025. Add it to your reading list and immerse yourself in a story about art, identity, and the courage to be yourself.

it took me a while to read this, longer than needed but for some reason i just couldn't get through it.

i was really excited to read this as it sounded like something i would really enjoy, and i did enjoy it a bit!

maisie is a teenager who is very emotional. which honestly made me upset alot of the times throughout the book because she would only think of herself. and calum is frustrating, sooooo frustrating. it was definitely intended to be written that way but i just couldn't keep reading because i got TOO annoyed.

however my favourite characters are benji and eli. i loved eli and i loved the representation as it deeply resonated with me. i just wish we got to see more of both of them.

the ending was fast and felt incomplete. i mean it feels like the whole book was dragged and in the last 10% everything wrapped up. i think i would've given it 4 stars if it was a little longer because there was more to be said i feel like.

however i loved the overall vibe, it was artsy, it was cute and fun. everything that an YA needs!

This is such a good read, i wish i had read this when i was coming of age, so heartwarming and funny. This book was so so good and i honestly couldn’t have asked for it to be any better. It was wrote so well. I love there was also character development and it was definitely a book all young women should read.

I have not read a book that was about art like this one. Especially a YA book, but this one was really nice to read. I liked how different and complex each character was.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sabrina Kleckner for giving me a digital copy to review.

I loved the story of Maisie Clark. I related a lot to her struggles to find her own identity and feeling overshadowed by her dad’s identity. She kind of felt like she never existed without the one purpose of painting portraits the way her dad would do it and it is a struggle that I feel a lot of people can relate to. The struggle to have an identity of our own outside of who people want us to be. The pacing was good, the writing was compelling and the characters were relatable and likeable. Overall, a very interesting story that I will not hesitate to recommend.