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If he had been with me

 

The book we will be reviewing today is If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin. It is a contemporary young adult novel that explores themes of love, loss, and coming-of-age.


Laura Nowlin holds a BA in English with an emphasis in creative writing from Missouri State University. If He Had Been With Me is a New York Times bestseller and has gained significant popularity as a TikTok sensation around the globe.




The plot unfolds from Autumn's perspective as she navigates the challenges of high school while also grappling with her internal conflicts. Autumn and Finny were once inseparable childhood friends, but as time passed, they grew apart. The novel delves into themes of missed opportunities, the complexities of growing up, and the emotional turbulence that comes with transitioning from childhood to adolescence.


"Just because something seems impossible doesn't mean you shouldn't try," is a quote from the book that reminds us to seize opportunities, even when the odds seem stacked against us. After all, isn't it better to try and fail than to never try at all, forever wondering if it might have worked out if we'd just taken the chance?


"Try to marry your first love. For the rest of your life, no one will ever treat you as well," is a quote from the book that says that we always try to find pieces of our first love in all the others that we meet, which would ruin things because no people are alike and would only lead to disappointment and heartbreak.


"There will always be something I cannot protect him from," is a quote that highlights the uncertainty of the future, suggesting that no matter how much we want to shield someone, there will always be things beyond our control.


If you enjoy reading YA contemporary fiction that explores themes of love, friendship, loss, and coping with life's challenges, this book is for you.

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