Thanks for Listening

Good intentions go awry in this touching novel by Horan (Epically Earnest). As the stage manager for the drama club, 18-year-old Mia is the go-to person for advice, particularly for her best friends Tally and Essie. Despite their seeking her out, however, everyone seems to ignore her good counsel. Frustrated that no one ever listens to her suggestions, Mia turns to social media, starting an anonymous advice channel. Simultaneously, Mia, who has never had a romantic relationship (“Just your friendly neighborhood asexual over here, not hooking up with anyone”), finds herself in desperate need of some advice when she meets piano prodigy transfer student Sadie. And as the year progresses, a serious event forces Mia to reflect on the wisdom of and motivations behind her advice. Horan sensitively and astutely examines the asexuality spectrum by juxtaposing Mia’s inner monologue with her interactions with Sadie as their relationship develops. The girls’ organic feeling and respectfully rendered romance will have readers swooning, while complex friendship dynamics are explored with emotional maturity. Major characters read as white. Ages 13–up. Agent: Laura Crockett, Triada US. (Nov.)