Pros & Cons / The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne

Hello!

Long time, no see! Opening night of my school musical, Shrek, went wonderfully, and I’m looking forward to this weekend’s final few performances. Ciao Bella will return to a consistent posting schedule soon, but in the meantime, I’d thought I’d share a review of an outstanding YA debut.

Politics is an interesting subject, but I find the road to presidency just as fascinating. Perhaps my curiosity stems from the rare glimpses of the behind-the-scenes work on the campaign trail, or perhaps, it’s just the result of my West Wing watching, but either way, Jenn Marie Thorne’s novel, The Wrong Side of Right, had me excited. Marketed to fans of Sarah Dessen and Meg Cabot, this debut brings politics, family dynamics, and a hint of romance to the YA audience – and I loved every page of it. My full thoughts are below!

Kate Quinn’s mom died last year, leaving Kate parentless and reeling. So when the unexpected shows up in her living room, Kate must confront another reality she never thought possible—or thought of at all. Kate does have a father. He’s a powerful politician. And he’s running for U.S. President. Suddenly, Kate’s moving in with a family she never knew she had, joining a campaign in support of a man she hardly knows, and falling for a rebellious boy who may not have the purest motives. This is Kate’s new life. But who is Kate? When what she truly believes flies in the face of the campaign’s talking points, she must decide. Does she turn to the family she barely knows, the boy she knows but doesn’t necessarily trust, or face a third, even scarier option?

Set against a backdrop of politics, family, and first love, this is a story of personal responsibility, complicated romance, and trying to discover who you are even as everyone tells you who you should be. {Goodreads}

Around the Web: “I was unexpectedly taken aback by how consumed I was by this book, especially as Kate morphed into this new version of herself. What would happen when the stakes changed? For anyone looking to read a book with a bright, strong female character, here you go” {read the rest of the review at Rather Be Reading HERE}.

“The Wrong Side of Right is smart, funny, and deals with complex relationship dynamics and the intense {and sometimes ugly} sides of political campaigns. It’s a well-balanced look at politics and relationships, and focuses on so many aspects of the life of a teenager” {read the rest of the review at Girl in the Pages HERE}.

“I really did like the realism of Kate, as she never appeared to be too ‘perfect,’ and in fact, while on the surface she may seem calm and collected, the truth is that inside she is just a young vulnerable girl trying to handle an almost impossible situation” {read the rest of the review at Spines and Covers HERE}.

Let’s discuss! Have you seen, heard, or, hopefully, read The Wrong Side of Right? I can’t wait to check out Meg Cabot’s All-American Girl, a novel with a similar topic, sometime this summer. What’s in your reading pile for the weekend?

Have a terrific Friday!
Bella