📖 Overview
Julie Buxbaum is an American author known for writing both adult and young adult contemporary fiction. Her work frequently explores themes of grief, family relationships, and coming-of-age experiences.
Buxbaum's debut novel, The Opposite of Love (2008), earned critical attention and was optioned for film by Twentieth Century Fox. She followed this with After You (2009), solidifying her presence in adult contemporary fiction before transitioning to young adult literature with Tell Me Three Things (2016).
Her young adult novels, including What to Say Next (2017) and Hope and Other Punchlines (2019), have garnered particular recognition for their handling of complex emotional themes and authentic teenage voices. Tell Me Three Things became a national bestseller and established Buxbaum as a significant voice in YA literature.
Prior to her writing career, Buxbaum worked as a lawyer in New York City. She holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect strongly with Buxbaum's portrayal of grief and teenage experiences, particularly in her YA novels. Her authentic dialogue and handling of serious topics draws consistent praise.
What readers liked:
- Natural, realistic teen voices and text messages
- Balance of humor with heavier themes
- Complex family dynamics
- Romance subplots that don't overshadow main storylines
- Characters dealing with loss feel authentic
What readers disliked:
- Some find the plots predictable
- Adult novels received less enthusiasm than YA works
- Romance tropes feel formulaic to some readers
- Occasional criticism of pacing in middle sections
Ratings across platforms:
- Tell Me Three Things: 4.1/5 on Goodreads (86,000+ ratings)
- What to Say Next: 4.0/5 on Goodreads (12,000+ ratings)
- Hope and Other Punchlines: 3.9/5 on Amazon (150+ ratings)
Reader quote: "She captures the voice of teenagers without trying too hard or being condescending" - Goodreads reviewer
📚 Books by Julie Buxbaum
Tell Me Three Things (2016)
A 16-year-old girl navigates a new high school in Los Angeles while receiving anonymous messages from someone offering to guide her through the social landscape.
What to Say Next (2017) Two high school students—a socially awkward boy and a recently bereaved girl—form an unexpected connection while investigating the circumstances of her father's death.
Hope and Other Punch Lines (2019) Two teenagers, one who became an unwitting face of 9/11 tragedy as a baby, work together at a summer camp while confronting their connections to that historic day.
Admission (2020) A teenage girl's life unravels when her mother is arrested in connection with a college admissions scandal, forcing her to confront questions of privilege and identity.
After You (2009) A woman travels to London to become guardian of her best friend's daughter after a tragic accident, while dealing with grief and unexpected romance.
The Opposite of Love (2008) A Manhattan attorney abruptly ends her relationship and spirals into a personal crisis that forces her to confront her past and her relationship with her deceased mother.
What to Say Next (2017) Two high school students—a socially awkward boy and a recently bereaved girl—form an unexpected connection while investigating the circumstances of her father's death.
Hope and Other Punch Lines (2019) Two teenagers, one who became an unwitting face of 9/11 tragedy as a baby, work together at a summer camp while confronting their connections to that historic day.
Admission (2020) A teenage girl's life unravels when her mother is arrested in connection with a college admissions scandal, forcing her to confront questions of privilege and identity.
After You (2009) A woman travels to London to become guardian of her best friend's daughter after a tragic accident, while dealing with grief and unexpected romance.
The Opposite of Love (2008) A Manhattan attorney abruptly ends her relationship and spirals into a personal crisis that forces her to confront her past and her relationship with her deceased mother.
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Morgan Matson creates stories about friendship, summer adventures, and personal growth among teenage characters. Her narratives incorporate road trips, family businesses, and characters working through loss or major life changes.
Jenny Han develops coming-of-age stories centered on sisterhood, first relationships, and cultural identity. Her work features letter-writing, complex family relationships, and characters navigating their teen years.
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