Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury YA for the ARC!

"Not Like Other Girls" by Meredith Adamo is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities faced by teenage girls in the realm of societal expectations. This book just felt so real and heart wrenching, especially with Jo’s inner monologue throughout the book, especially her revelation about an event that happened in her past. While I was at first a bit iffy with the fake-dating part of the book, I was immediately sucked in due to the development of the mystery, the character development, and the biting social commentary of the “not like other girls” culture.

Jo's character is a highlight, showcasing her intelligence, resilience, and vulnerability. She felt extremely authentic with her perceptions of others as well as her actions, especially when facing the biases those have against girls who are “not like other girls,” which is a perception many of those in Jo’s life have of her, including her parents. I really felt like I could connect with Jo on a deep level, and I think teenage readers will especially be able to make that connection. Those who have ever heard the term “not like other girls” associated with them, I believe, would connect with Jo’s story and hopefully learn a lot about that culture and how it doesn’t define them. The story challenges the toxic "not like other girls" culture, illustrating that even when this phrase is used as a compliment (if it can even really be considered one), it ultimately perpetuates harmful stereotypes and unrealistic expectations.

Adamo crafts a multifaceted tale that unveils the layers of Jo's past, providing a stinging social commentary on the judgments imposed by adults, teachers, and peers. There was a line in the novel about how all the adults in Jo’s life had failed her that really hit me hard after reading it, and I actually had to stop and just digest that line before continuing. Adamo also addresses sensitive topics such as sexual assault with raw honesty and a heartfelt prose that resonates with authenticity. I do want to provide a trigger warning for SA involving a minor character (told in a flashback).

The book skillfully blends Jo's personal journey with the larger mystery of Maddie's disappearance, revealing a conspiracy within the student body that explores cutthroat rivalry and complex social dynamics. The plot twists were unexpected throughout; there were just so many different layers to the mystery and who all was involved. I will admit that I found myself almost becoming overwhelmed with all these different layers, maybe because I was so absorbed in reading the book that I was going too fast towards the end, but I definitely wasn’t expecting some aspects of the mystery, which was very well-written and developed.

Despite tackling heavy themes, the book maintains a balance by incorporating elements of teenage life and light-hearted moments. The mature approach to difficult subjects is commendable, offering a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by young individuals. I really felt like the writing was realistic, especially in Hudson’s character and development. This book offers what I believe is a very realistic depiction of a teenage boy and his mistakes, showing that the love interest in a YA novel isn’t “perfect” and can still learn from his mistakes through open communication.

In essence, "Not Like Other Girls" is a powerful and thought-provoking read that transcends traditional YA boundaries. It not only entertains with its gripping mystery and romance but also serves as a poignant commentary on societal expectations, the impact of privacy invasion, and the resilience of individuals facing adversity. This book made me sympathize with Jo’s character throughout and cry for what she was going through; some of the lines and words of wisdom throughout are going to stick with me for a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC of this book!

Not Like Other Girls falls under the YA category, but I would honestly recommend this for women of any age who have strong feels about the phrase "not like other girls". This book follows Jo-Lynn through her young adult years and how she became an outcast after her nude photos were leaked. It deals with how society treats young women and girls, their trauma, and how boys and men get away with awful things. While reading through Jo-Lynn's story and her journey to find herself again, it healed a little part inside of me. It's a book I wish I had in my teen years.

Jo-Lynn Kirby has been an outcast at school since someone shared nude photographs of her. While before this happened, she didn't mind being thought of as not like other girls, now whenever someone says that to her, it affects her so deeply that she continues to withdraw from all parts of her life. Everything has changed for Jo-Lynn and now it looks like she may not graduate. While she is struggling to just survive, her former best friend (and across-the-street- neighbor) Maddie Price goes missing. The last day Maddie was seen at school, she asked Jo-Lynn to meet her because she was in trouble and didn't know what to do. The mystery of her disappearance sets Jo-Lynn off on a mission to try to find out what happened to her. With the help of Hudson Harper-Moore, who comes up with a plan to be her fake boyfriend, Jo-Lynn dives into an investigation that uncovers more than Jo-Lynn thought was possible. The investigation also shows Jo-Lynn that no girl is like the other girls either, and that that sentence is used by people to keep girls quiet and submissive.

This was such an immersive, gripping, page-turning thriller—it reminded me of Sadie in the best ways, with the tough look it takes at young womanhood through the lens of a missing girl. Will be recommending this to everyone.

WOW - what a strong and well-written lead character! As a strong-willed woman myself currently raising a young girl, this book was equally empowering and heartbreaking. This is a powerful read about how deeply rooted misogyny is within our society. Regardless of age, I know this story will hit home with many readers and I look forward to seeing it do so upon release. While better suited for older YA readers, I'll still be keeping this in my 7th grade class library as I know this will help so many people. Thanks so much for the ARC!

A sort of modern spin on Veronica Mars, but with more emphasis on trauma. The lead is likable and relatable, especially when she's so mad at what has happened to her. Her former best friend goes missing, and in the course of trying to figure out what happened to her, she comes to realize she's been gaslighting herself over certain things, and the effects have been echoing all this time without her knowledge. In a macrocosm, this is a book about how deeply misogyny has sunk in, to the point where you're even committing it against yourself. That too is also relatable. Well written, fairly well paced, this was a good read, although the subject matter does become heavy. It is no less enjoyable for that.

I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS by Meredith Adamo through the PW Grab A Galley giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

I started this book on a plane while on my way to a wedding and did not want to put it down, to the point where I almost pulled it out during the wedding reception. Adamo weaves a brilliant tale and I love how real this book felt while reading it and how I felt like I was in Jo's shoes throughout most of the book. Reading as Jo processed through her trauma felt so real and similar to how I processed my own trauma as a teenager, and I think it will truly resonate with so many people. I can't wait to for this book to be on shelves everywhere, especially so that I can add a physical copy to my library, and I'm excited to see what Adamo comes up with next.

This book was extremely engaging- I definitely felt like I just had to keep reading it, and it kept a great balance of ramping up the suspense and letting the reader breathe. I loved the main romance, both because the characters were adorable together and because the author demonstrated explicit consent in their relationship in a way that didn't come off as didactic. I also loved Jo's character growth over the course of the story, and the development of her friendship with the Birds. I think the book does an excellent job of delving into the idea of being "not like other girls" and of there being "types" of girls, as well as the themes of sexual assault, with a lot of depth, nuance, and empathy that's often missing from those conversations, especially when the "not like other girls" trope is brought into the discussion.

I did have two reservations that led me to leave off a star. While individually I thought both the mystery and the heavier themes were well-done and engaging, sometimes they didn't completely gel together, and the mystery plot occasionally suffered for it. (Although I do think the fact that the author chose to focus more on the heavier themes than than the mystery is a strong point in the book's favor). My second reservation was just that the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I really enjoyed how each of Jo's individual relationships were developed- with Hudson, with her family, with the Birds, with the antagonists- but I really wish we'd had a little more time with each of them.

A really great read. I found myself reading for hours non-stop, and looking forward to getting back to it when I wasn't reading. Meredith Adamo does a great job of creating this world and the characters. And the mystery was very tightly composed.

A likeable., relatable heroine wrestles with belonging, sexuality self esteem and friendships in this mystery as well as a coming 9f age story. Parts of it were moving, though at times all the characters/social dynamics were a little confusing, and took away from the heart of the book.

Wow. This book is absolutely captivating. I was hooked from the first page, the first chapter, into Jo's story. This book is so vivid and living/alive it is incredible. Each character has a purpose, but isn't one dimensional. No one is perfect in this book and that is a feat to behold. I will say, going in, I wasn't aware that the book dealt with sexual assault and more than usual graphic (but realistic! and funny! VERY teen!) consensual sex scenes. I'd hand this one to fans of Laurie Halse Anderson, Kathleen Glasgow, Kara Thomas and Karen McManus. Wow this book.....I will be thinking about this book for a long time

A searing and powerful debut! Jo-Lynn's voice is hilarious and haunting, and she's a character that won't leave my mind for awhile, I'm sure of it!

I loved this book! Jo was such a good character I couldn’t stop reading, I needed to see how her story ended. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

Books like these remind me why I love YA lit.

Jo deeply stressed me out at times, but I couldn't help but care and root for her (and deeply hate every adult in her life who failed her). This book had such a strong voice, and I haven't been so engrossed in a book in a long time. I wish I had this book in high school, and I'm so excited to add this book to my library's collection. I hope it finds someone who needs it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC, and to Meredith for sharing this with the world.

Shut up, Meredith!!! All of the harassing during the revising process was totally worth it because this book is incredible!! I desperately want to give Jo (and you) a hug. So. Many. HUGS!!! And knowing what I know now about the book, we were so mean as you wrote this, and this had to have been such a difficult book to write. But, damn was it worth it!!! I want to read it again with a fluffy pillow and hot chocolate, holding Jo's hand. And Maddie's hand. And Kathleen's hand. And just giving everyone a hug while helping them kick almost all the boys in the nuts. (And maybe slapping some of the adults.) Damn!! This was sooo good!!