Quick Summary: Call It What You Want is a story about love, identity, and navigating the complexities of life as two teenagers face seemingly insurmountable obstacles and learn to redefine what matters most in their lives.
Call It What You Want Book Summary
Call It What You Want, written by Brigid Kemmerer, is a captivating young adult novel that blends romance and drama against a backdrop of family challenges and self-discovery. The story primarily follows two main characters: Rob and Maegan. Each of them comes from distinct backgrounds, facing their own issues that seem to define their identities. The plot is set in a small town, where everything feels magnified, such as reputation, love, and social standing.
Rob is the star of the soccer team but faces a shocking turn of events that challenges his reputation. He once had it all – being the popular guy with a perfect life. But when his family’s wealth disappears due to a shady investment scheme, he becomes the target of scorn from his peers. They shun him just as quickly as they embraced him, revealing the fickle nature of popularity. This dramatically affects his self-esteem and leaves him searching for the real Rob beyond the façade he once wore.
On the other hand, Maegan is a bright girl with high academic aspirations. However, she faces her own struggles, chiefly connected to her father’s criminal activities, which lead her to be viewed with suspicion. After a tragic event involving her family, Maegan feels lost. She is no longer the girl people thought they knew; instead, she lives under heavy scrutiny. This societal judgment makes it hard for her to trust people, pushing her further into isolation.
The story weaves the lives of Rob and Maegan together when they bond over shared pain and misunderstanding. Both characters offer a perspective on how others perceive them, and they must learn to embrace their realities as they navigate this complex maze of high school dynamics. Their relationship begins as just a friendship, but with time, it develops into a romance filled with tenderness as they discover an understanding of each other’s true selves.
As they face the pressures of the outside world, both characters begin to realize that their worth is not tied to their social standings or familial reputations but rather to the people they choose to be and the decisions they make moving forward. They learn that love can blossom even in times of struggle and pain.
The book also touches on larger themes concerning social dynamics, mental health, and the consequences of family actions. Through the eyes of these two teenagers, readers investigate the importance of kindness and understanding, especially toward those who may appear different on the surface. The narrative urges readers to look beyond social labels and see the humanity in every individual.
In the end, Call It What You Want is not just a regular romance story; it is about finding one’s identity and who we are beyond what others think of us. Rob and Maegan grow tremendously through their experiences and realize that true strength comes from vulnerability and genuine connections with others.
Call It What You Want Book Review
Call It What You Want has received positive reviews highlighting the layered storytelling and character development. Readers and critics alike praise Kemmerer for her ability to create multifaceted characters who resonate with real-life struggles. The emotional depth of the characters invites readers into their journeys, making them feel invested in their outcomes.
The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions that draw readers into the fictional world crafted by Kemmerer. The author frequently uses a dual perspective, alternating between Rob and Maegan’s points of view with each chapter. This narrative technique allows for a well-rounded understanding of both characters’ thoughts and feelings, enhancing the emotional resonance of the story.
Moreover, the pacing of the narrative is handled well, allowing readers to gradually connect with characters while maintaining an engaging story flow. Each twist and turn in the plot feels authentic to the characters’ experiences, making it easy for readers to empathize with their struggles. There are moments of suspense and surprise, especially concerning how relationships evolve and how characters face their challenges.
However, some readers felt that the story occasionally leaned towards typical high school drama, with familiar tropes present. Yet, the authenticity of Rob and Maegan’s journey, and how they navigate their complicated feelings, elevates the narrative beyond mere clichés.
Thus, Call It What You Want has garnered a commendable spot within the young adult genre. It addresses essential themes like redemption, friendship, and love while emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance. This makes the book not only entertaining but also thought-provoking for readers aged twelve and up.
Lessons From Call It What You Want
Lesson 1: The Importance of Authenticity
One of the central lessons from Call It What You Want is the significance of being authentic. Rob and Maegan both go through considerable turmoil learning to express their true selves rather than living in the shadows of other’s expectations. Their journey encourages readers to embrace their identities, regardless of external perceptions or societal judgments.
Authenticity can take courage, as it often means revealing vulnerability. Rob had to come to terms with his family’s financial collapse and face the ridicule of his peers, while Maegan had to confront her father’s actions affecting her reputation. Through these struggles, they become more genuine individuals, relating to each other on deeper emotional levels.
This lesson resonates with young readers, who often face peer pressure and the desire to fit in. Reading Rob and Maegan’s story may inspire them to stay true to who they are and recognize that it’s acceptable to be imperfect.
Lesson 2: The Power of Kindness
Another crucial lesson from the book revolves around kindness. Throughout the story, Rob and Maegan discover that small acts of kindness can significantly impact their lives. Even when faced with adversity and judgment, they manage to extend kindness to each other and others around them.
This theme emphasizes understanding and compassion, illustrating that everyone struggles with their unique challenges. When Rob decides to stand up for Maegan when she’s being mistreated, it solidifies their bond and demonstrates that friendships formed from authentic kindness can help both individuals heal.
For readers, kindness serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and how positively it affects relationships. By highlighting this principle, the book promotes the idea that no matter one’s social situation, showing kindness can uplift those who are struggling.
Lesson 3: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Resilience is a prominent theme in Call It What You Want. Both Rob and Maegan encounter significant challenges throughout the narrative, yet they demonstrate strength and perseverance. They represent the idea that it is possible to bounce back from hardships, whether they stem from family issues, social isolation, or personal failures.
Readers learn that resilience is not about ignoring one’s difficulties but rather acknowledging and working through them despite feeling overwhelmed. It is the determination to fight against the odds and seek hope even in the darkest of times. Their journeys teach the importance of facing difficulties head-on and support the notion that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Who Would I Recommend Call It What You Want To?
I would primarily recommend Call It What You Want to young adults and teenagers, especially those who appreciate romance blended with a poignant tale of self-discovery. Readers who have experienced family struggles or felt at odds with their peers will find solace and understanding through Rob and Maegan’s story.
This book is suitable for anyone who enjoys emotionally driven narratives that explore themes of identity, friendship, and redemption. Parents and educators may also value this novel as it presents valuable lessons regarding kindness, authenticity, and resilience that can open discussions among young readers.
In addition, fans of other young adult novels highlighting complex relationships will likely appreciate this book. If readers enjoyed stories like “Everything, Everything” or “The Fault in Our Stars,” they will find themselves captivated by Call It What You Want.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Call It What You Want is a beautifully crafted novel that delves into the lives of two teenagers navigating their identities amid family crises and social challenges. The intertwining narratives of Rob and Maegan present a raw and realistic portrayal of youth, filled with relatable moments that evoke empathy and understanding.
The lessons about authenticity, kindness, and resilience serve as guiding principles that resonate well beyond the confines of their story, inviting readers to reflect on their connections with others. Overall, Brigid Kemmerer has delivered a compelling read, perfect for those looking to explore the emotional depths of young adulthood while rooting for love and connection.
For those inspired by similar themes, consider exploring Everything Everything or A Discovery of Witches. These stories also touch on personal growth and the complexities of love.