Think Netflix show 13 Reasons Why meets book-turned-movie Gone Girl. That’s how I’d describe Mindy Mejia’s novel, Everything You Want Me to Be.
While the novel focuses on a high-schooler, it’s anything but light. We learn right off the bat that the protagonist, Hattie, has been brutally murdered. What we don’t know is who did it—or why.
The story is told from three different points-of-view. If you’ve read my book reviews before, you know that I love this writing style…it keeps you on your toes! In this case, you get to follow along as the murder is investigated, but you also get to hear from Hattie before her death.
Everything You Want Me to Be has flashbacks, double lives, and a murder-mystery. What more could you ask for? (Or, am I just super dark? Actually, don’t answer that.)
“Evil is simple. It’s a child’s explanation for why people do bad things. The truth is always more complicated and worth pursuing.” – Mindy Mejia, Everything You Want Me to Be
I really loved it. It’d be worth reading for the plot, the characters or the writing, separately; but this one’s strong in all three aspects.
Give it a read and let me know what you think!
Colorfully Yours,
Haley
