What a wonderful debut novel!

This was chock full of angst that kept me turning the page. I was rooting for Ethan to be nosy and read Natalia's letter almost from the beginning, just so those poor kids could be put out of their misery. I needed to see Natalia and Ethan realize the other loved them and just confess their feelings. As a result, I sped through this in almost one sitting.

I think fans of Jandy Nelson will really like this. It's got the coastal Norcal setting, the artistic protagonist, and a good dose of family drama.

3.75⭐️

There's really nothing better than the drama and angst of a YA novel. This book follows best friends Natalia and Ethan, who after almost crossing the line at junior prom and not speaking to each other all summer, have to confront their issues after confession letters go missing at a senior class overnight trip.

Both characters are struggling with family issues and with themselves. Ethan is suddenly popular after being bullied for most of his life. He is struggling with his relationship with his famous father. Natalia is striving hard to be perfect and be good enough for everyone else. She's struggling with her parent's marital issues and with wanting to do art instead of what her father wants her to do. They could be frustrating (between some miscommunication about prom night and them both keeping secrets), but they were likable.

This was an angsty, but sweet first love story.

I started and finished this book in one day. I could not put it down. This story and these characters are undeniably special, about such a meaningful time in a person’s life - when you discover who you are, and even more than that, that YOU get to decide who you are. Multiple lines brought me to tears and I know this is a book I will reread for the feels. A wonderful, magical debut.

I WISH YOU WOULD tells the story of high school seniors-to-be, Natalia and Ethan, who were best friends until something happened the night of their junior prom. They haven't spoken in months, ghosted each other, and are now reunited when their senior class comes together before school starts. This novel was so well written I was not surprised it sold *at auction*. Told in dual perspectives, the characters (not just Natalia and Ethan) felt real, solid, and alive. That's hard to do! Bravo to Des Lauriers for that! The aching romantic tension was a flame lit high. I could not put this one down and can see fans of Kristin Dwyer, Sarah Dessen, Rachel Lynn Solomon and Jenny Han being into this one. I can't wait to shove into the hands of teens-reading-romance at the library in May. :)