Things We Have in Common

Things We Have in Common follows fifteen-year-old Yasmin Doner, an overweight, socially isolated student who becomes fixated on a classmate named Alice Taylor. Yasmin spends her school days watching Alice from afar, cataloging her movements and habits. When Yasmin notices a man watching Alice with similar intensity, she becomes convinced he intends to harm her classmate. Instead of alerting authorities, Yasmin begins monitoring the man, gradually inserting herself into a dangerous situation. The story progresses through Yasmin's first-person narration as she navigates the boundaries between protection and obsession, reality and imagination. Her unreliable perspective shapes every aspect of the unfolding narrative. The novel examines themes of loneliness, teenage alienation, and the thin line between love and surveillance in an era of heightened awareness about predatory behavior. Through Yasmin's complex character, the story raises questions about truth, perspective, and the stories we tell ourselves to justify our actions.

Readers describe this book as an unsettling psychological thriller told through the perspective of a 15-year-old unreliable narrator. Many note the slow-burning tension and the complex characterization of Yasmin, calling her observations both compelling and disturbing. Positives: - Unique narrative voice and point of view - Building sense of dread throughout - Authentic portrayal of teenage obsession - Unpredictable ending Negatives: - Pace too slow for some readers - Uncomfortable subject matter - Some found Yasmin too difficult to empathize with - Resolution left questions unanswered Average Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (240+ ratings) "Like watching a car crash in slow motion" - Goodreads reviewer "Creepy and compelling but not for everyone" - Amazon reviewer "The narrator's voice gets under your skin" - LibraryThing reviewer

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📖 The book's protagonist, Yasmin, is a 15-year-old girl who is overweight, lonely, and obsessed with a classmate—reflecting complex themes of teenage isolation and identity. 🏆 Things We Have in Common was shortlisted for the 2016 Costa First Novel Award, marking an impressive debut for Tasha Kavanagh. 🎨 Before turning to novel writing, author Tasha Kavanagh worked as a film editor, contributing to several award-winning films including "The Talented Mr. Ripley." 🔍 The novel plays with unreliable narration throughout, leading readers to question their assumptions about predator and prey relationships. 🌟 The book has drawn comparisons to Patricia Highsmith's work, particularly in its psychological complexity and exploration of obsession.