Finished Between You and Me by Marisa Calin. I received a copy from the publisher on Netgalley.
Summary (from Goodreads):
“Phyre knows there is something life-changing about her new drama teacher, Mia, from the moment they meet. As Phyre rehearses for the school play, she comes to realize that the unrequited feelings she has for Mia go deeper than she’s ever experienced. Especially with a teacher. Or a woman. All the while, Phyre’s best friend—addressed throughout the story in the second person, as “you”—stands by, ready to help Phyre make sense of her feelings. But just as Mia doesn’t understand what Phyre feels, Phyre can’t fathom the depth of her best friend’s feelings . . . until it’s almost too late for a happy ending. Characters come to life through the innovative screenplay format of this dazzling debut, and unanswered questions—is “you” male or female?—will have readers talking.”
Oh wow, this book.
Between You and Me deals with the complete wretchedness-meets-euphoria that is your first all-consuming crush on someone. For Phyre, it’s made even worse because the object of that crush is a teacher. And, worse still, it’s a woman.
The most interesting thing about it is that Phyre doesn’t even really consider whether she’s gay or not. All she knows is that she’s in love with her teacher, Mia.
This is an unconventional love story, both because it’s about women and because it doesn’t take the paths you think it will. (Or at least the path I thought it would.)
(And it’s written screenplay-style, which I enjoyed a lot more than I expected.)
I really enjoyed this novel, even though (especially because?) I overidentified with Phyre.
I cannot wait to see what Marisa Calin writes next.
Highly recommended.
