Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo is an important book that should be required reading for girls in junior and senior high school. It deals with heavy topics including sexual assault. At its’ heart though, the main story is a breakdown of a friendship. What happens when your ex-best friend asks for your help and then disappears. For the majority of the book, Jo tries to solve the disappearance of her friend Maddie. The end felt rushed to me but that’s my opinion. The audiobook narrator was best with the female characters and weaker with the male characters. ALC was provided by Bloomsbury Audio via NetGalley. I received an advance listening copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The story captured me from the title, I thought I knew what to expect but it continued to surprise me. We follow Jo who is dealing with ending of her friendship with her best friend while also dealing with the violation of having her private photos leaked to her whole school by someone she thought was her friend, someone she trusted, while she is also coming to terms with past trauma. Oh and her ex best friend goes missing. AND The book also managed to have a cute fake dating romance. There was so much going on in this story, but it somehow worked and meshed together perfectly. I loved this book, and the ending author's note had me sobbing. As an SA survivor, this book broke me and made me feel seen. I listened to the audiobook and loved the heart and emotion the narrator infused into the performance.

"Not Like Other Girls" by Meredith Adamo is a gripping and thought-provoking debut novel that explores the complexities of friendship, trauma, and the search for identity.. Adamo skillfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, drawing readers into a compelling mystery while also exploring deeper themes. The novel's nuanced portrayal of teenage relationships and the impact of trauma on young women is both heartbreaking and illuminating. Additionally, Adamo's writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the raw emotions and tangled dynamics of teenage life with honesty and authenticity. Overall, "Not Like Other Girls" is a powerful and timely novel that tackles important issues with sensitivity and grace. Adamo's insightful storytelling and compelling characters make this a must-read for fans of contemporary YA fiction.

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be: WILD… but in a good way, defiantly in a good way.

Before even starting this book, my first impressions were that it was gonna be cringy. I’m mean I’m NoT LiKe OtHeR gIrLs? What more could I expect?

But right off the bat, I feel in love.
The fmc Jo is so relatable and is one of the best characters I’ve read about in a long time. I love the feeling how she’s not telling the story, but is really talking to you.

I was not expecting there to be a fake dating trope in the book, but I loved it. Jo and Hudson are so cute even as friends.

I loved all the characters so much. Even the ones you’re supposed to hate, I loved hating them.

The message in this book was amazing and I hope it brings awareness to the problems discussed in the book.

I love how this was a mystery, but it wasn’t the MAIN focus and there were other things that drove the book, it made it a lot more enjoyable.

The ending was crazy and underwhelming at the same time… but in a good way?? I don’t know how to explain it but everything in this book was just done right. The small hints you get, the romance (there was a bit too much for my liking tho) the mystery. I really REALLY enjoyed it and I’m so sad to leave these characters behind.

This YA mystery had me from the beginning! Jo is a funny smart teen who had me laughing and also invested in her life and what would happen and what she would discover. I listened to the audio and being able to hear Jo's inner dialogue added to the experience, as a mom to a teenage daughter I imagine she may be similarly humorous and thoughtful. Be sure to listen to / read the authors note at the end.

This book feels to me like a very important read for women. The story follows Jo, a now senior in high school, as she sets out to figure out what has happened to her ex-best friend Maddie who has gone missing. The book shows that Jo has been very isolated from other students her age, as well as went from a high achiever to a student with failing grades, after a guy at her school sent out explicit pictures of her without her permission to the whole school. Jo really has to wrestle with no any this, but a few instances of SA and sexual harassment that have happened to her. Initially, she believes she is to blame or at least responsible for these, but comes to recognize the reality and gravity of those things, even as she tries to cope with it. This book does a great job of showing the ways that women, even young women, are often mislabeled horrific things, and blamed at worst, and the very least not believed for the violent acts of men. This story was really and honest in its exposition of these truths, while also doing a great job of demonstrating Jo's inner thoughts and feelings, as well as showing her growth. This story is part mystery, part romance, and fully a story of reclamation - of her body, her own choices and consent, and her story. I loved the emphasis on being able to tell your own story. I also loved all of the twists and turns, and the connections and little details throughout the book!

**Thank you to Bloomsbury YA for sending me an ARC**

I loved the first half of this audiobook but the second part felt a bit jumbled. The narrator was excellent. The characters were believable and the story did intrigue me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

There was A LOT going on in this book. It was a mystery for sure, but there were also entire chapters that didn't address the mystery at all, because there were all these other story threads. There are definitely some major trigger warnings for this book, so please be aware of those before deciding to pick this book up. Outside of the mystery, there are some complicated dynamics going on - in friend groups, in families, in relationships. While there is fake dating and some funny moments in this book, a lot of it is serious and heavy too. It's hard to really classify this book because of all the different layers, but overall by the end they really do tie up - some a little too well and some not satisfying enough, which I guess means it's realistic.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Audio for the advanced copy!

Wow, what an outstanding debut novel. I truly never wanted to put this book down, it was phenomenal. There were so many levels to this story and so many places it went that I wasn’t expecting.
We follow Jo-Lynn Kirby who is dealing with friendship loss, becoming an outcast after pictures were leaked of her, and just trying to find her way in high school.
One day her former best friend Maddie Price says she’s in trouble and needs Jo’s help. Jo goes to meet up with her and Maddie has disappeared. In order to figure out what happened to Maddie, Jo teams up with Hudson, an old fling to try and solve this mystery together. This is just the kick off to one incredible and moving story.
Jo is one of my favorite main characters I have read in a long time. She was so real and going through so much and it was all told in such a true way.
I have such a love for YA books and this made me remember why. Young people dealing with real issues with the drama and highs and lows of high school.
I adored Hudson; the main love interest. His relationship/friendship with Jo felt really honest and like typical 17/18 year olds.
There’s so much more I want to say but I don’t want to spoiler - truly go in not knowing much. The story unfolds in such an important way with so much growth and things learned along the way.
I cannot recommend this one enough!
Thanks again to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Audio for the advanced copy of the audiobook!

This was a really great YA debut with multidimensional characters that tackled tough topics including the pressure to perform and get into a good college, bullying, sexual assault/rape and more. At the core a mystery story but also a very real and relatable coming of age story about a girl navigating friendship, first love and trauma. Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like A good girl's guide to murder. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review! I look forward to reading more by this author in the future!

CW: rape

Jo lost all of her friends when her nude photos were stolen off her phone and sent to her classmates. She can't hang with the boys because they all want something from her that she isn't offering and the girls all gossip about her. Even her former best friend Maddie shuns her because she's a "bad influence." When Maddie seeks Jo out and tells her in trouble, Jo doesn't know if she can trust her or not. But when Maddie goes missing, Jo must spend time with her classmates to see who might know what happened to Maddie.

This missing girl mystery read more like a realistic fiction story about Jo and her development over the course of the story. Somewhat engaging, but definitely not my favorite missing girl story.

This book sounded like it would be right up my alley. Unfortunately I just did not end up loving it. The narrator was good, I just didn’t get sucked into the story at any point. I can absolutely see how this book would be a winner for so many people, and I’m bummed it didn’t hit for me. The plot felt a bit disjointed in the first portion, resulting in me being confused about the timeline of the story. It’s always possible that my not enjoying this book was a “me problem.”

The kind of story you shouldn't turn away from, even when you want to, even when you really want to. The narrator made all of the boy voices kind of skeezy.

Jo-Lynn used to be one of the popular girls who could do no wrong until an online betrayal of nude photos gone viral. When her former friend, now nemesis Maddy reaches out for help and then disappears, Jo-Lynn doesn't know what to believe, even wondering if Maddy has been murdered. She knows something is off and a great deal more is going on than what the authorities say, so she finds a way to work her way back into Maddy's group and start asking questions.

There is so much more than this to the novel. Jo-Lynn is one of the most real characters I have met. She is smart but deeply wounded and distrustful, and has become her own worst enemy. While looking for what happened to Maddy, she begins to discover more about her own past while learning more about herself, and being able to once again trust. It is a very complex psychological and emotional story, with very authentic characters who leap off the page. Once you start, you won't be able to stop.

The audiobook narration was also excellent!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My favorite aspect is Jo. She is funny, and witty and overall, I just love her personality. I love her off the wall comments the most! I would love a 2nd book with Jo as a young adult, her funny antics but with adult situations. I did find some of the "puzzle pieces" didn't fit quite together and a few things confusing which is why I rated it a 4 instead of 5 stars. Highly recommend and I look forward to future books by this author.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6451066627

Thank you to Meredith Adamo, NetGalley and Bloomsbury Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Not Like Other Girls" by Meredith Adamo is a compelling young adult mystery that explores themes of trauma, friendship, and identity. The story follows Jo-Lynn Kirby, an outcast who is haunted by her past after nude photos of her were leaked, causing her to be ostracized by her peers. As Jo delves deeper into Maddie's disappearance, she must navigate the complexities of teenage cliques and confront the painful truths that have shaped her life.

The narrative is gripping, with twists that keep the reader engaged until the final page. If you enjoyed Holly Jackson's "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder", you will like this novel as well. I personally preferred Adamo's writing style and could not put this book down. Adamo skillfully explores the impact of trauma on young women and the societal pressures they face, delivering a thought-provoking story that resonates long after the audiobook ends.

In terms of the audiobook component, the narration enhances the storytelling experience. Georgina Sadler brings greater emotional depth to Jo-Lynn and her voice was perfect, in my opinion, for this story's age-range. Her pacing and delivery keep the listener engaged, maintaining suspense and tension throughout the narrative. Whether it's the introspective moments of Jo grappling with her past or the adrenaline-fueled scenes of her unraveling the mystery, the audiobook immerses the listener in Jo's world, making for an unforgettable listening experience.

Overall, "Not Like Other Girls" is a captivating audiobook that seamlessly blends a gripping mystery with poignant themes, making it a must-listen for fans of young adult fiction. Adamo's debut novel is a powerful exploration of trauma and resilience, leaving listeners eagerly awaiting her next work. I would truthfully give this book 4.5 stars and the author's note really hit home with me.

The narrator for this book was perfect! Fit the character really well. This was a great debut!

Jo Hyphen Lynn is NOT like other girls. Usually when you hear people say that it's lame and annoying, but you know what - Jo Hyphen Lynn really isn't like other girls.

This really kept my attention the whole time. I would check out the content warnings before you dive into this one.

Just because these characters are young doesn't mean that their problems are nothing or that they can't go through difficult things in their life. The dismissiveness that Jo has to deal with is so frustrating, but so real.

This book really reminded me of I kissed Shara Wheeler & Good girls guide to murder, and I wasn't obsessed with those books either. I feel like this book really covered some important issues (for example, SA) and the impact it can have. I really liked how Jo grew throughout this book.

I found it dragged on at times and I found it a bit unrealistic (but this is concerns I had with the two books mentioned above). TBH how do high school students have all this free time??? I am on the fence with a 3 or 4 for this book, and I think it might just not be for me but totally can see it doing well with the right audience and I would recommend it to others! Thanks NetGalley & Bloomsbury for this ARC!

Audiobook Review - Not Like Other Girls is a great addition to the popular YA Thriller genre! The narrator does a fantastic job of pacing the story and keeping the listener interested. Hand this to fans of Karen McManus and Jennifer Lynne Barnes.

So at the beginning I was not sure why the main character had to point out and explain her whole setting. It felt weird. It didn’t take long after to get to the mystery part, which was interesting given our mains character involvement. The narrator was great. I just feel bad because the characters felt underdeveloped. Except for Jo who was defiantly thinking just like most teenage girls and how it gets exploted by society especially males. I did liked how the themes of being a teen girl and how you are suddenly perceived as prey. How girls can’t win no matter what they do even if they are pushed an agenda to be sexual, that at the end it doesn’t make her feel better, especially cuz it feeds others mysogonistic agenda.this theme is what I loved about this book, because clearly girls should allow to be girls as long as they can and never be in horrible situations. The authors note was chef kisses.