The Upside of Unrequited

Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso has experienced 26 crushes but zero kisses. Her twin sister Cassie navigates romance with ease, while Molly watches from the sidelines and channels her creativity into crafting projects. The summer brings change as Cassie begins dating Mina, and Molly's mothers prepare for their wedding in the wake of marriage equality. Two potential romantic interests emerge for Molly: Will, a hipster who's friends with Mina, and Reid, her endearingly nerdy coworker at the local craft store. Molly must navigate her crush dilemma while managing her changing relationship with Cassie and her own self-doubt. Her situation becomes more complex as she tries to balance her sister's matchmaking attempts with her growing feelings. This contemporary YA novel explores themes of self-acceptance, family bonds, and the courage required to pursue authentic connections. The story positions universal teenage experiences within the context of diverse family structures and identities.

Readers connect with the authentic portrayal of teen anxiety, body image concerns, and first love experiences. Many reviews highlight the diverse representation and relatable family dynamics. What readers liked: - Natural dialogue and text message exchanges - Jewish and LGBTQ+ representation - Complex sibling relationships - Realistic portrayal of social anxiety - Strong parent characters who feel like real people What readers disliked: - Some found the protagonist's internal monologue repetitive - Romance plot follows predictable patterns - Side characters could be underdeveloped - Several mentions of the story moving slowly in the middle Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (84,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (580+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (130+ ratings) Common reader quote: "Finally a YA book that captures what it actually feels like to be an anxious teenager." Critical quote: "The constant focus on romance and dating status becomes tiresome by the halfway point."

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★ The book exists in the same universe as "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda," which was adapted into the popular film "Love, Simon" - characters from both stories briefly overlap ★ Author Becky Albertalli worked as a clinical psychologist specializing in gender nonconforming children and LGBTQ+ youth before becoming a writer, bringing authenticity to her portrayal of teen experiences ★ The story was partially inspired by Albertalli's own experiences growing up with a twin sister, though their relationship differed significantly from Molly and Cassie's ★ The book's release coincided with the U.S. Supreme Court's legalization of same-sex marriage, which is reflected in the plot through Molly's mothers' wedding ★ Reid, one of Molly's love interests, works at a store called "Target-esque," a fictional establishment that showcases Albertalli's trademark way of incorporating familiar contemporary settings while avoiding real brand names