Brynn Whitaker is known for her skills in flirting--she's made a business in it, after all. Relationship issues, crush conundrums, who ya gonna call? Brynn. That is, until a video from a party gets spread around of a guy cheating on her ex-best friend. The problem is, it looks to be Brynn in the video, but it's not her. Surrounded by her best friends and facing the social backlash of a lifetime, can Brynn find the culprit and change the societal views at her school?

This is a very mixed bag. It's definitely outright feminist, but it still feels slightly off. For context, I have been a feminist for 8 years now, took classes on gender in college (enough to nearly qualify for a third minor if my school allowed that), and wrote my senior honors thesis on feminism in South Korea. Does that make me an expert? No. But I do consider myself relatively knowledgeable on feminism and its related issues.

Let's start with the good:
Characters! Very diverse and respectfully handled, the main and side characters are all detailed and inclusive. They all are not relegated to "Black/POC best friend" tropes wherein they only exist to aid the cis, straight, white female main character, they had their own lives and motivations. I definitely think Tahlia could have used some more development out of the three best friend characters though. The cute romance subplot is definitely a huge plus, too.

Cadence is probably the most interesting character because she's a pregnant teenager--this isn't often in contemporary young adult books. I think a lot of authors potentially shy away from it because of fears it could lead to the "promotion" of teen pregnancy. But it was a very nuanced situation and Penn really dug in to societal issues with Cadence and her situation.

The plot is engaging. It's easy to follow and makes the reader want to know what happens.

Brynn's emotional struggles are really relatable and understandable. I wish more focus had been on these instead of the "suddenly realizing therapy is helpful" trope at the end. It's a conflict that doesn't really go anywhere.

The book tackles a variety of intersectional societal issues stemming from the patriarchal system under which the US was formed and addresses them in a feminist way while being respectful of a variety of viewpoints--even those initially opposed to the feminist movement.

Issues:

Brynn starts a feminist club. Great! She also gets asked by two minor characters of color if the club will be intersectional and not white feminism. Again, great! We want intersectionality! But for readers who aren't well versed in feminism, they may not know what this is, and Brynn even says she's not 100% sure what it is. That's not a person you want leading the feminist club. Brynn also says that she has a long way to go in regards to feminism. Yes, feminism is a constant journey, but why is she being put in charge of the club when she seems to be not super educated on the subject? While yes, the four friends are the founders, it was founded partially for Brynn's gain and she does the majority of the eye-catching, public speaking events. It should be more evenly spread out.

Overall, this is a good book for feminist YA readers and those who wish to know more about feminism through the lens of the modern high school senior experience!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!:)

I think this was a very successful read from Farrah Penn! I am familiar with her background and I think it lended well to creating a very entertaining story and a great arc for Brynn. I think the comps of fans for Emma Lord and Jenny Han is very accurate -- I would love this as a high schooler in today's environment. I'll definitely be recommending this as a true YA!

What a great read. I definitely see this being a very popular book when it is published. My patrons will definitely love this one too.

I can not give an honest review on this book and I really wanted to read it. I have been unsuccessful in downloading this book. I have tried repeatedly to download but this one just refuses. It sounds like a great story and i do like the cover.

I really enjoyed this book. The main character was sassy and funny. The deep dive into slut-shaming girls while boys have no consequences was well-written and did not come across as preachy. I also really enjoyed the supportive friend group.

Cancelled is an empowering book about feminism. It reminded me a bit of Moxie, but more grown up.
The message in this book is great. What I particularly liked though, were all of the relationships Brynn is navigating and their growth throughout the story. Old friendships and new, romantic relationships or lack thereof, family, and most importantly- her relationship with herself.
What started off seeming like a surface level story about high school and social media went deeper than I would have expected.

Great read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review!

This is a great look into the world of high school and double standards for girls. And finding loyal friends who stick by you. This is a book about loss of what you thought you needed and finding who you really are meant to be.
This was a fun read, that I think many teens will like and relate to.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

*I received a digital review copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review. This was probably a 4 1/2 but I decided to round up.

Cancelled is a timely story reminiscent in some ways to Moxie, perhaps in that snarky, pro-feminist manner. Brynne is a scholarship student at an expensive private school just barely making it thanks to her special services as a texting flirt coach. She has dreams of Stanford and has the grades to prove it, but her life comes tumbling down when a social media post paints her as a vilan making a conquest of her former best friend's boyfriend, the entire school turns against her, as cancel culture will.

With a small group of people who are still on her side, Brynne sets out to discover who was really behind the video and to clear her name. But at the same time, she has to confront the double standards that impact high school girls and the dangerous nature of social media. An excellent high school read.

Great writing and cast of characters! At times I felt that the story fell flat, but I think that has more to do with my personal preferences than anything. Overall, would recommend it to anyone who loves a good YA read!

I love this. The cover really drew in, but it was the characters that kept me there from the first page. Can’t wait to read what’s next from this author.

I couldn't get into this one. The description seemed sort of basic, but I thought there was potential. It didn't get my attention, but I can see the target audience liking this. I think the cover is decent and the title is fine, but may deter some readers (which maybe that's the point).

4.6 rounded up to 5/5

"Cancelled" by Farrah Penn is an empowering and thought-provoking read that navigates the complexities of high school culture, cancel culture, and feminism. Brynn Whittaker, the protagonist, not only grapples with a school-wide scandal but also takes on the pervasive misogyny in her school.

One of the standout elements of the book is Brynn's compelling narration. Her voice is authentic and engaging, allowing readers to connect with her on a personal level. The story doesn't unfold in the predictable way, providing a refreshing perspective on the theme.

The novel successfully incorporates various aspects of feminism, offering a well-rounded representation. Additionally, the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ representation adds depth to the narrative, contributing to the book's overall inclusivity.

The 'who-done-it' aspect of the story adds an intriguing layer, keeping readers engaged and invested in uncovering the truth. The narrative covers tough issues, addressing cancel culture and its impact on individuals while also portraying the resilience of friendships and personal growth.

While the book is commendable for its exploration of relevant themes and its authentic portrayal of characters, the ending does feel somewhat rushed.

In summary, "Cancelled" stands out as a powerful coming-of-age story that addresses important issues in today's society. Farrah Penn's skillful storytelling and Brynn's compelling narrative make it a worthwhile read, offering a blend of empowerment, friendship, and social commentary.

This was a really empowering story to read.

I loved how all aspects of feminism were represented and how the people in this story truly ended up respecting each other’s choices, showing that one size does not fit all when it comes to empowerment. There was also an awesome amount of representation in this book.

Brynn, the main character, was mistakenly framed for a filmed act at a party and the story details how she takes back her power in the midst of this awful shaming.

Brynn is incredibly witty and strong and her narration was fantastic. I love how her character truly grew throughout the story and how she learned so much about herself, her friends, and how the world views women.

Also, Cadence rocks.

This was a great read. 4 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I didn't really love this one. I didn't hate it either, so there's that. I think I will have trouble with remembering I even read it by next week.

**Thanks Penguin Group via NetGalley for the opportunity to read prior to publishing.

This story was charming, infuriating, breathtaking, inspiring, rage-inducing, and frustrating all in one swoop! The character seemed so real to me, like they would be in my next class. I adored the main characters and routed for them the entire time. This author made me care. That’s no small feat. I was thoroughly invested and really loved this story, even though I am well past the target age range!

I am honestly and pleasantly surprised by this book! It wasn’t entirely what I thought it was going to be and didn’t play out how I expected, and honestly it was better that way! The discussion and exploration into cancel culture shows how it affects someone and how one must thoroughly consider their actions with social media. I appreciated the representation of the LGBTQIA+ and discussion of teen pregnancy as well.
For any young adults, I definitely recommend this book, especially if you grew up with social media as a constant in your life. I feel like I can relate to this in some aspects because of being only 24, but I know that those in middle and high school will have a better time finding the deeper meaning behind this novel.
If I had to have one concise critique it’s that the ending of the novel (especially the last 20-30 pages) felt rushed. I wish it would have been thought out more to give the reader more content, but also think the story would have dragged on.
Such a good, witty read for all!
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me access to this novel!

♡ 𝐺𝑖𝑟𝑙 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟
♡︎ 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝑔𝑒
♡︎ 𝐶𝑦𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑅𝑒𝑝
♡ 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦
♡︎ 𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
♡︎ 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝐵𝑢𝑟𝑛

Cancelled" is a captivating and clever story that blends humor, boldness, and originality, making it a must-read hit. The author skillfully tackles diversity, gender equality, and societal issues with a fearless approach. The slow-burning romance adds an extra touch of charm that will leave you smiling.

Meet Brynn Whittaker, a text whisperer navigating the tricky waters of love for others while guarding her own heart. When a Halloween party video goes viral, Brynn faces cyberbullying and slut-shaming, unfairly blamed by her estranged best friend. Amidst the chaos, unexpected allies like teen mom Cadence and her artsy brother Charlie offer support, complicating Brynn's life in the most delightful way.
As Brynn unravels the mystery behind the attacks, the story unfolds with wit and intrigue. Balancing her flirt coach job with matters of the heart, Brynn's resilience is tested. With a rebellious group challenging school traditions, "Cancelled" is a delightful journey reminiscent of cinematic gems like "Mean Girls", “Saved”, and Easy A."

Gosh, if this doesn’t remind you of some instance of your high school life you had a good high school experience.
Friendships, rumors, college acceptance letters- all the stressful stuff of your senior year wrapped in to a quick read.
I liked the characters, the story development and even the ‘who done it’ of the story. I’d check it out when it releases if I were you.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

"Cancelled" is an enthralling and thought-provoking masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together wit, boldness, creativity, and uniqueness, establishing itself as a must-read smash hit. The author's impeccable attention to diversity representation, liberating approach to gender equality, and fearless exploration of issues such as misogyny, girl hate, cyberbullying, and fat/slut shaming contribute to the book's brilliance. Particularly commendable is the author's balanced and objective handling of religion, skillfully intertwined with the narrative's exploration of women's rights and their freedom to make life choices without succumbing to patriarchal traditions.

The slow-blooming Cyrano De Bergerac-inspired romance adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative, capturing the reader's heart and leaving them with a smile.

For enthusiasts of cinematic gems like "Mean Girls," "Easy A," "Juno," "Moxie," and "The DUFF," this book is an absolute recommendation.

Now, let's delve into the captivating main story. Meet Brynn Whittaker, a problem solver and text whisperer, adept at facilitating effective communication for others in the pursuit of romance. Despite her skill, she remains guarded in her own relationships to avoid heartbreak. Brynn's unique side job as a flirt coach, akin to a different version of Otis from "Sex Education," focuses on emotional intimacy and communication rather than the physical.

Her meticulous planning for a future at Stanford takes an unexpected turn at a Halloween party where a viral video surfaces, depicting a girl in a banana costume, identical to Brynn's, engaging in a scandalous act with her ex-best friend's boyfriend. Despite her face being obscured, Brynn becomes the target of malicious rumors and blame from her estranged best friend, Leonora. In the face of misogyny culture, cyberbullying, slut-shaming, and sexism, Brynn finds herself unjustly vilified.

As her situation worsens with a group petitioning to bar her from prom, Brynn discovers unexpected support from Cadence, a teen mom, and her artsy, quirky younger brother, Charlie. Despite the challenges, Brynn starts developing feelings for Charlie, adding a layer of complexity to her life.

The narrative unfolds intriguingly as Brynn grapples with the mystery of who is targeting her and why. As she faces the choice between her lucrative side job and matters of the heart, Brynn's resilience is put to the test. With the foundation laid by Cadence, a group of rebellious individuals emerges, challenging patriarchal traditions and misogyny within the school. The question arises: can these powerful girls reshape the narrative, creating an environment where students feel free to express themselves?

"Cancelled" is a riveting and intelligent read that has undeniably earned its five-star rating, firmly securing its place among my favorite YA fiction books of 2024.

Heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/Viking Books for Young Readers for providing me with this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Brynn Whitaker is halfway through her senior year at Greenlough Academy an elite school where she is known as the Flirt Expert and this is the story of what happened when she got cancelled. This story has humor, depth and a mystery and I was quickly cheering for Brynn and her friends.

Brynn helps students write texts to their crushes - they Venmo her $20 for text help and $50 if they end up with a date. Students at her school are wealthy but Brynn’s family needs money. Her mom works as an assistant day-care manager and they live in an old home where there is always something that needs repair. She has an older brother Smith who has been in and out of expensive rehab for drugs. Her father remarried and has a new family and quit paying child support when Brynn turned eighteen. Brynn works as a Flirt Expert to save money for college.

The trouble started when she wore a banana costume to a Halloween party and then she broke up with her boyfriend when she realized he just wasn’t that into her. She ended up dancing with her two best friends, Tahlia who was dressed as Winifred Sanderson (from Hocus Pocus) with an orange hijab and Marlowe who is trans and went as Lady Gaga. The next day she woke up to find that she was cancelled by everyone except her two best friends. There’s a video making the rounds on Snapchat of what looks like Brynn, in a banana costume performing a sexual act with Duncan, her ex best friend Lenora’s boyfriend. She thinks it will all blow over and that Duncan will explain that it’s not her but he doesn’t -he says it was her (for his own reasons). She becomes the most hated person at school. The odd thing is that no one is upset with Duncan, not even Lenora-she forgives him! The next day, Brynn is crying in the girls bathroom at school when she befriends Cadence, a pregnant teen and one of my favorite characters in the book. Cadence has also been shunned by classmates while her baby daddy has had no repercussions!

It’s wonderful when Cadence and her twin brother Charlie join Brynn, Marlowe and Tahlia to discover who the actual girl was in the video in the banana suit. They uncover clues to the mystery and I couldn’t wait to find out how it would be. But she and her friends are having trouble discovering the mystery banana girl’s identity and students are still ostracizing Brynn.. Cadence comes up with a wonderful idea to start a femolotion club. They hope to bring awareness to how guys are being treated differently than girls - so others can see there's a double standard. Tahlia, Marlowe and others join in and share how hard it’s been for them too. There was a part where this dragged on a bit but the ending was great.

Brynn and Charlie become close as they work on the mystery and he gives her surfing lessons. Brynn admires the artwork he creates and they share some kisses. He is genuine, down to earth and trying to help his sister during her pregnancy. It's sweet when he makes a special gift for Brynn and tells her he thinks she’s smart, loyal and funny.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy coming of age stories, especially when it covers tough issues and we see how good friends can help us through tough times. This was 4 and a half stars for me but I rounded up to 5!