3,75☆|5

This book is weird; it is messy, really funny somehow, and so not what I usually read and enjoy. And yet it was good and a nice read.

Here we follow Maisie Clark, an 18-year-old art student from New York who's starting college in London. Maisie, who wants to change who she is. So she goes out of her comfort zone. Maybe too much. And we follow her and also her brother, who ran away when she was a child, and her strange roommate, who wants to drop drinks at people's heads from her window, and that one boy who somehow tripped on her as she was sitting on the stairs and who wanted to go to work so badly even though his ankle was definitely in bad shape.

And let me tell you, I liked this book somehow way more than I was expecting. The characters felt lovable, the writing was funny, and the general book felt like a breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed the relationship between Maisie and Eli (the one guy who tripped), and I just adored Eli in general. That's my darling right there. And Benji!! He had such a unique style; I loved it very much.

Although I liked it, this book has flaws, even though they're mostly minor ones. First, the characters didn’t really feel like their age, but mostly younger, which is okay. But I'd say that this book is undoubtedly on the youngest side of the YA genre, which is okay, just not what I was expecting. Secondly, I fear that this book was a bit too short; I would have really liked getting 100 more pages with the characters, as some elements felt resolved a bit fast and lacked development.

So if you want a messy little coming of age with a little romance and art, this one could be great for you!! Thank you to Netgalley and North Star Editions for sending me an e-arc. This one goes out on June 10th :).

Reading "The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark" became an absolutely wonderful experience for me. This novel offers a universal story of self-discovery that connects with both artists and photographers and people dealing with life's complexities.

Maisie embarks on a bold journey from New York to London where she challenges herself to discover her personal artistic identity instead of repeating her family's artistic path. The story follows her journey toward self-knowledge while she faces the double challenge of chasing her friend Alicia's success. Throughout the book, the author demonstrates how Maisie resists the urge to revert to familiar territory which enhances the impact of her personal development.

The book's examination of friendship dynamics stands as one of its most valuable elements. Among the characters, Benji stands out as my favorite person. The book provides a comfortable reading experience through its relatable content that left me with a smile while inspiring my creative self. The story stands as a heartfelt YA book that readers should definitely explore to experience its emotional depth.

Publication Details:
- Name of Publication: _minireads_ (my Bookstagram)
- Run Date: may 12, 2025
- Link to Review: https://www.instagram.com/_minireads_?igsh=cjI2MzRtZzAxdmZo&utm_source=qr

This book was such a refreshing read. Maisie’s voice felt super real—awkward, funny, and honest in that way that makes you instantly connect with her. I loved how it explored friendships and the weird in-between stage of figuring out who you are. One of my favorite parts was the relationship between Calum and Benji—it was soft, sweet, and added a lot of heart to the story without being overdone.

The pacing dipped a little in the middle, but overall, it was emotional, relatable, and full of moments that made me smile. A great read if you're into character-driven stories with a lot of heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and North Star Editions / Flux for the e-ARC of this title to read and review. I don't know if this is *quite* a full 4-star for me, but I'm rounding up because I really enjoyed my reading experience. I own the middle grade book "The Art of Running Away," by Sabrina Kleckner, and I didn't realize that story follows the younger version of these characters. That's SUCH an interesting premise, because "The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark," isn't exactly a *sequel*, but it's a look at these aged-up characters at a different stage of their life, for a totally different reading audience. (Though, I think anyone at all with the interest could read either or both of these books!)

Just-entering-college is such a specific time and theme for YA, because it's really bridging a genre gap, but the themes are super relatable for anyone who's been this age (college or not.) Maisie's trying to find her own style, both in the art she creates and her fashion sense/style/how she presents herself to the world. Her family dynamics are loving but complicated, and she feels like she may be limited by the art world she's been in for her whole life, so she wants to go big and push herself out of every comfort zone at once. I love that she's trying to move to a new country, make all new friends, wear bizarre hair/makeup/clothes, and take classes in subjects she's terrible at. It's both fun to read, and also a great way to see her learning-by-failing (and deciding which parts of her "old" self area actually worth keeping around!)

I do think there are several meandering lulls in the story, where the plot could really pick up steam and then just... doesn't? I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll be vague there. Throughout, I feel like enough conflicts and diversions are introduced to keep the reading exciting, but they don't really advance the plot significantly or result in any specific growth/change (beyond being part of Maisie's own growth journey, if that makes sense.) Not even in the cliffhanger sense, just a lingering kind of unfinished issue. But I also feel this way about the ending overall - there are a lot of moments throughout the book, including nearing the end, that could really explode into a dynamic ending, and I did feel like the last chapter rushes and just suddenly ends.

DNF at 8%

Something about this book just doesn't vibe with the mood I'm in. Plus, found out this is a sequel to a Middle Grade book which I hadn't read, so it kind of felt like I was missing something. It seems like a fun, quirky read. Just not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

This was a beautiful coming of age novel that revolves around the diversity and vibrancy of life in London, and the complicated, complex inner workings of one teen girl's mind following the aftermath of a big trauma, going into a new chapter in her life. Maisie is less than perfect, but who is as a teen? Only 18, at that. The complexities of figuring out who you want to be, and the pressure of doing that while you're young is very real, and very much delved into, and I think it's a very important topic to take note of. There's themes of finding yourself, of struggling with abandonment, of trying to be your true authentic self even when you feel like you have no one else who wants you for that authentic self. It's obvious there's a story to Maisie's past, especially revolving around her brother who is 10 years her senior. I found out there was actually another book that precedes this one, but I feel like the story explored enough of her past and the feelings she still carries that I didn't feel lost while reading. The characters felt fleshed out and real. Flawed, surely, but real. It felt like the side characters had enough time and space to not feel like they were taking up the spotlight but also to not feel as if they were stagnant and unimportant to the story, or for them to have just showed up once only to be seen never again.

A very bittersweet book, but one id happily recommend and read again.

A sweet and heartfelt YA. This book is full of good kids trying to do their best and in that regard it reminded me a bit of heart stopper in that way. I genuinely felt deeply moved at different places and I was rooting really really hard for the heroine.

Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Sabrina Kleckner’s The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark offers a thoughtful and heartfelt exploration of identity, creativity, and the complexities of growing up. ✨ Set against the vibrant backdrop of London , the novel follows 18-year-old Maisie as she strives to carve out her own artistic path, distinct from her family’s expectations.

Kleckner captures the emotional challenges of emerging adulthood with honesty and care. Maisie’s relationships — particularly her evolving bond with Eli, and the healing journey with her brother Calum and his boyfriend Benji — add both tension and warmth to her story. ❤️‍🩹 The representation of LGBTQ+ themes is handled with authenticity and sensitivity, enriching the novel’s themes of acceptance and self-expression.

While the emotional moments are strong, the pacing occasionally felt uneven , and some side characters could have been more fully fleshed out. Still, Maisie’s journey toward embracing her own artistic identity is inspiring, honest, and deeply relatable.

Thank you to Sabrina Kleckner and Flux Books for providing an early copy of this novel! I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review it.

I thought this was a cute little YA STORY , I never read anything like it but Maise Clark has some decisions she wanted to make by leaving her home time but unfortunately she was push out of her uncomfortable zone and struggles to connect with her best friend that hated everything she did . Her best friend wasnt afraid to point out her mistake as she try to follow through ever thing. She do

This was a very cute and nice read. Perfect for teenagers who want to explore arts and a coming of age story

i tried to like it but it just wasnt my cup of tea. pacing was great, story telling was nice too but i just couldnt get in to it!!

I enjoyed reading this book. The ending was beautiful, and the whole story was lovely. Maisie was a relatable character who grew on me, and I liked Eli a lot. On the other hand, I found Calum frustrating. If you’re looking for a nice coming-of-age story for young readers, I suggest giving this one a look.

A coming-of-age story about finding one's purpose and reason. Messy—but the good kind of messy, the kind that comes with self-discovery.

This book has a strong, captivating voice that instantly hooked me. The pacing was perfect, and the writing remained solid throughout, making it an engaging and immersive read. Just really well done and I applaud the ability to stay so consistent. While this was primarily a character-driven novel, there was enough story to create a well-balanced narrative.

Maisie Clark is a fantastic main character—bubbly, passionate, and layered with depth. Watching her grow and evolve was one of the highlights of this book. She’s someone you want to root for, and I loved how her relationships shaped her journey. Her dynamic with her friends—especially Eli—stood out, as well as the way her relationship with her family developed over time. The character growth felt authentic and rewarding.

This book is a perfect mix of lighthearted and meaningful. It had some unexpectedly funny moments that made me smile, while also tackling strong themes that give depth to the story. While Calum and Benji are the side characters in this book, I NEED more of them. Their chemistry was amazing and I’d absolutely read a book just about them.

Some might feel that Maisie’s actions don’t always match her age, but I think she’s a great representation of an 18-year-old trying to navigate school, life, and self-discovery. Her struggles and choices felt real, which made her story even more compelling.

Overall, The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is a heartfelt and well-written YA novel with a strong character arc, engaging relationships, and a cozy but meaningful narrative. If you love coming-of-age stories that blend humor, growth, and a touch of emotional depth, this is one to pick up.

Sabrina Kleckner’s The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that beautifully explores self-discovery, art, identity, and the ups and downs of family and relationships.

Synopsis
Maisie Clark, an 18-year-old artist, moves to London to study art and, more importantly, to find her own artistic voice. Growing up in a family of talented artists, she has always felt like a shadow of her parents' success. Determined to break free and establish her own identity, she embarks on a journey of self-exploration. But between struggling with her photography course, reconnecting with her estranged older brother Calum, and navigating an unexpected connection with Eli, a quiet yet intriguing classmate, Maisie soon realizes that finding herself may be more complicated than she thought.

What I Loved
✔ Maisie as a Protagonist
Maisie is chaotic, impulsive, and at times frustrating, but that’s exactly what makes her such a realistic and relatable character. Her journey of self-doubt and growth is compelling, and I found myself rooting for her even when she made questionable decisions. If you’ve ever struggled with finding your own voice—whether in art or life—you’ll likely see a bit of yourself in Maisie.

✔ Themes & Emotional Depth
This book touches on many meaningful themes, including:

Identity and self-expression – Maisie’s struggle to separate her art from her father’s influence is a great metaphor for the broader challenge of figuring out who you are.
Family relationships – Her dynamic with her older brother, Calum, is messy and emotional. I loved the way their past wounds and unresolved feelings were explored.
LGBTQ+ representation – The book features queer characters in a very natural, well-written way. Eli is a trans man, and Calum is gay. Their stories are seamlessly woven into the plot without feeling forced, which I appreciated.
✔ The Side Characters
Eli is a quiet, introspective character, and his chemistry with Maisie is subtly sweet. Their interactions are filled with tension and humor, making their slow-burn romance feel natural. Calum and his boyfriend, Benji, were another highlight—especially with Benji’s over-the-top but adorable proposal plans.

✔ Writing Style
Kleckner’s writing is fresh, engaging, and infused with humor. Maisie’s inner monologue is chaotic but entertaining, capturing the whirlwind of emotions that come with being a teenager moving to a new city. Some moments had me laughing out loud, while others hit unexpectedly deep.

What Could Have Been Better?
Maisie’s character development takes a while – At the beginning, she makes a lot of impulsive (sometimes frustrating) decisions, but thankfully, she matures throughout the book.
The ending felt a bit rushed – I wanted to see more of what happens after the final moments, especially regarding Maisie and Eli’s relationship. A short epilogue would have been perfect!
Final Thoughts
The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers who love character-driven narratives. With its mix of humor, heart, and artistic self-discovery, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys young adult fiction with depth. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more from Sabrina Kleckner! 💙

Thank you Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

3,5 stars

A good, solid coming of age story that i think many will enjoy and find relatable in things Maisie experiences through oi´út the book.

✨Thank you Netgalley and the author for the ARC. I’m always so grateful for receiving books to read and review.
The next thoughts and opinions are completely mine and honest .🫶🏼

This book would be something I’d liked at middle school.
Tho I’m in my 30’s it made me remember how confusing it is to be a teen and to add the complexity of Maisie family issues to her journey to finding her identity, it was well done and relatable.
All her emotions and her inner dialogue felt real for someone at their 19’s.
There was satisfactory character growth and the ending was cute.
I just want to add that the pacing was inconsistent some parts felt a little slow and some that where (in my opinion) more important to the character development felt rushed.
Overall I would recommend this book for someone between 12 to 17 yo. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

a very realistic teen story about the hardships of going into adulthood. everyone in their teenage years should read this as a support <3

**The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark** struggles to find its balance between a heartfelt coming-of-age story and an overload of pop culture references. While these can add charm, here they feel excessive, often pulling focus away from character development.

The novel leans heavily into its "teen" audience, which may explain the immaturity of its protagonist—but even so, Maisie's childishness makes it difficult to fully invest in her journey. This issue extends to the supporting cast, particularly her brother, whose behavior feels more fitting for a high schooler than a nearly 30-year-old adult.

The rushed ending and overall lack of polish leave the story feeling incomplete. Perhaps a younger audience will connect more with its energy, but for me, it failed to leave a lasting impression.

"So maybe people are more than they can see on their own, and that's why there's value in analyzing the differences between a self portrait and a portrait."
Maisie Clark, the daughter of a family full of artists, almost runs away from her family to find her identity, her voice as an artist. All she had ever known was her brilliantly talented parents, their art shop and that her brother had left a gaping wound when he had ran away from their home in New York. Clark finds herself in a tight spot when a fellow student, Eli had a broken ankle because of her. Well, she wasn't particularly having a blast because her roommates were sort of weird and she found her brother's boyfriend planning the most bizarre but thoughtful proposal ever and she had crashed it. She just went full persistent mode to help Eli by covering the art class which he was supposed to take as a side hustle.
I loved how the author chose to portray Maisie's character. She is chaotic, artistic, emotional and confused to say the least. While the story explores the aftermaths of the wounds from her childhood which were the result of his brother's running away, also because their parents chose not to support him because of his Sexual orientation, it also focuses on how she couldn't see how brilliant and unique she was in her own ways. It also explores very realistically how we often think that our friends might be living a better life and we often find ourselves to feel inferior and drift away from them. Another interesting aspect was Eli being a trans rep in the story and how his struggles were highlighted. Even though Eli is in majority of the story, his blossoming relationship with Clark doesn't consume the limelight from the main plot. Clark and her worries, her struggles, her journey remains the main focus throughout. We embark on a journey to discover how often times we see ourselves in a very different light than that of others.
"I know I can be a lot sometimes. But, your photo works because I'm a lot. If I wasn't lit so brightly, I wouldn't look as striking. So it's not always a bad thing. Being a lot. "

This one was lovely, very enjoyable to read and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys this kind of genre.