What’s the name of the book and author you are recommending?

“Whoever you are, Honey,” by Olivia Gatwood

What made you want to pick up this book in the first place?

Margot Robbie’s production company, Luckychap Entertainment, posted the book on Instagram and that’s how I found it. Luckychap is known for producing female-focused entertainment, such as I, Tonya, Saltburn and Barbie. The author also has written two poetry books which I devoured. This is her debut novel.

Once you got into the book, what made you want to keep reading it?

I was drawn to the complex and dynamic female characters in the book. The prose is beautiful, and the storyline is gripping with a special modern twist.

Once you finished the book, what did you like about it?

I felt so many emotions throughout the book. It made me laugh, it made me cringe, it made me stressed, it made me cry. The book touches on themes of friendship, coming-of-age, loneliness, desirability and shame. I thought the book was fresh and wonderfully well rounded. It was one of the best books I’ve read all year.

What is the book about?

Mitty and her elderly roommate, Bethel, make an oddball pair in their Santa Cruz waterfront neighborhood that is being taken over by the Tech elite. Their life gets upended when a new and interesting couple move in next door, Sebastian and Lena. Lena and Mitty form a friendship despite all their differences and it changes both of their lives.

Why would you recommend this book to others?

I would recommend this book to others if you want to try something new and fresh. And you can brag to your friends and say that you read the book way before the movie came out. The book is available to checkout at the library and it is also available on Libby as an ebook or an audiobook.