It’s Not Me, It’s You by Stephanie Kate Strohm (Reread Review)

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One high school girl’s comedic examination of her dating past as told by the friends, family, and boys who were involved!

Avery Dennis is a high school senior and one of the most popular girls in her class. But a majorly public breakup with the guy she’s been dating causes some disastrous waves. It is right before prom and Avery no longer has the perfect date. She runs the prom committee, how could she not show up with somebody?

Post-breakup, Avery gets to thinking about all of the guys that she has ever dated. How come none of those relationships ever worked out? Could it be her fault? Avery decides to investigate. In history class she’s learning about this method of record-keeping called “oral history” and she has a report due. So Avery decides to go directly to the source. Avery tracks down all of the guys she’s ever dated, and uses that information, along with thoughts from her friends, family, and teachers, to compile a total account of her dating history.

Avery discovers some surprises about herself and the guys she’s spent time with — just in time for prom night!

Reread thoughts:

Oh my gosh, I forgot how much fun and delightful this book is. If you are ever looking for something so full of heart and light, this book is it. I made a quick impulsive decision to do a reread in an audiobook version, and one of the best reading decisions I’ve ever made.

What epic things do you get with the audiobook? You get a fantastic full cast of characters/voices with just amazing voices. There were certain voices that my ears just lovedddddd. Hutch, Coco, Cressida, and Alex just had such pleasing voices. I also thought everyone else’s voices repped their character so well. Everyone talks about Illuminae having a super cool cast – trust me, this was like the epic contemporary version of it.

Now I’m super torn about whether or not the actual book or the audiobook is my favorite. Both bring so much heart and soul and just fun. Please just read this adorable, fluffy, sunny book. The end.

Original Thoughts:

Okay, another book I totally bought because I was obsessed with the cover – will actually not the cover but what was under the cover. It has this brilliant pink and purple underneath and those two under covers always get me. I LOVE THEM DEARLY, and the moment I saw it at Barnes and Noble in the wild, I knew I would have to own it – and I mean, it does sound epic.

“I was a frosty, unlovable ice queen, incapable of love. I should just build a giant snowman and lock myself in an ice castle and let Coco go off and marry Kristoff.” –> DO I SPY AN EPIC DISNEY REFERENCE??????? YES, THE ANSWER IS YES.

Can we talk about how hilarious it was? It was FUNNY and so witty. If I wasn’t actually laughing out loud, I was mentally snickering. It fully did remind me of Oscar Wilde’s quiet wit that makes fun of cliches and tropes in this way that seems secretive and like you’re the only one picking up on the joke. It was totally messing with the mean girl trope, and in between was all kinds of adorableness and cuteness.

Avery was fantastic. She really has a brilliant emotional and mental transformation, and it is the perfect coming of age story. There was some brilliant girl power as well. The rest of the characters were amazing as well. Hutch was ADORABLE, and Coco was a brilliant supporting character. I even was in love with Bizzy who was totally evil. They were just these fun little characters that had me forever giggling.

Tiana is all about Avery’s dedicaton.

And here’s the thing – this isn’t formatted at all like a book. It’s more like a play with no setting the stage and just added in thoughts from Avery. It’s a transcript of her dating history, and while I was worried about how I would deal without descriptions, the worry ended up being for nothing, because IT WAS BRILLIANT. It made it even more fun, if possible.

I’m going to end with another brilliant quote, but here’s the truth: this is a ridiculously easy 5 crown read and it would totally be a favorite if I could remember everything fully. I forgot a good deal, so I don’t think that’s quite a good sign, so it’s a Tiana for now. But it will so be moving up to favorite status when I do a reread – which I totally want to do super soon, much like the next book.

“Then again, it is inconceivable that anyone wouldn’t like Princess Bride. Except maybe someone like Bizzy Stanhope, who has no soul. Bizzy Stanhope would probably love to marry Prince Humperdink.” –> AND A PRINCESS BRIDE REFERENCE? *forever screaming*

What do you think? Have you ever been torn on whether you love the audiobook or regular book more? Do you usually enjoy the book as much on a reread? Let’s discuss in the comments below!