Here Goes Nothing

Readers will root for high schooler Beatrice to get out of her own way and find happiness in this entertaining reimagining of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing by Ohland (Funeral Girl). Longtime neighbors Beatrice and Bennie, both high school seniors, have never been friends. But when Beatrice’s younger sister Hero—the person she loves most in the world—begins dating one of Bennie’s close friends, the obstinate teens are forced into each other’s orbit. As they grow closer, Beatrice finds herself crushing on pansexual Bennie, prompting Beatrice to embark on a quest to define her sexuality (“I am literally sitting in my garage questioning my sexuality. Oh my god”). Many inspiration-material elements take center stage: misunderstandings damage Beatrice and Bennie’s blossoming friendship, and Beatrice’s efforts to squash ugly rumors about Hero complicate the siblings’ close relationship. Knowledge of Shakespeare isn’t necessary to appreciate this drama-filled enemies-to-lovers plot that tackles themes of girl power, sisterhood, and confronting abusive romantic partners, and includes discussions surrounding the broad spectrum of sexuality and post-high school life. Main characters read as white. Ages 13–up. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Nov.)