ThirstyReview posted July 22, 2024
Macmillan Young Listeners, 2024. 8 hours, 10 minutes.
Review written June 25, 2024, from a library eaudiobook.
Starred Review
You love to see it when a debut author wins an award for their first novel (in this case, the John Steptoe Award for New Talent for We Deserve Monuments) and then goes on to write a second book that's even better. For both books, Jas Hammonds has shown great skill in creating characters, but this one found its way deeper into my heart.
In the summer after high school, Blake and her beautiful girlfriend Ella want nothing more than to get into the secret Serena Society for accomplished Black women. Ella's mother is even still the advisor for undergraduates in the society, so she's a sure thing. But Blake doesn't have the connections, the clout, or the money of Ella's family.
But Blake finds that she can be the life of the party - and impress the president of the Serena Society - when she drinks. She transforms into Big, Bad Bee, and she's not afraid to be somebody.
When her best friend expresses concern about Blake's drinking, her reaction is anger and defensiveness. But as the pledging process gets more intense, Blake ends up having a lot to grapple with.
I didn't see myself in Blake. I went to a Christian high school and college and, believe it or not, we didn't drink at parties. But Jas Hammonds skillfully pulls us into Blake's perspective and we're completely with her, understanding her pull to alcohol and her need to impress the richer kids around her. The author paints a picture of addiction that is sympathetic to Blake's plight rather than condemning her. And not to give anything away, but I do like the way it resolves, both realistic and hopeful.