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RATING: 4.5 “Love the way you lie�� Hearts

Punk 57 is written in true Penelope Douglas fashion, its entertainment value shining through in all its angst-filled and seductive glory, making us hot-and-bothered on more than one occasion, yet leaving us smiling and content.

“We’re all ugly, Ryen. The only difference is, some hide it and some wear it.��

Ryen is a heroine who is a bit of a challenge, her likability initially cloaked in uncertainty due to her popular-girl façade and disregard for the bullying of those deemed beneath her circle of “friends��. So much time is spent blinking in bafflement at her unconventional character, her seemingly selfish and at times stupid actions forcing us to remain emotionally detached. When Misha finally calls her on her behaviour—and the note from the author at the end providing an explanation for her behaviour—Ryen becomes someone we can support and understand, her need for acceptance, her loneliness, and twisted ideals about social hierarchy in high school moving beyond elements of ire, instead manifesting as imperfections that only mark her as a human with a vulnerable heart.

You’re not alone. It gets better.
You are important, and you can’t be replaced.
Hang on.

Misha and Ryen start off as pen pals, developing a soul-deep friendship, which morphs into an enemies-to-lovers romance when Misha finds an imitation of the girl he knows from their letters. Misha is ruthless in exploiting Ryen’s sore spots in the beginning, earning a narrowed gaze from us time and again, but he also knows how to make up for harsh words both intentional and careless. He’s therefore incredibly hard to stay mad at for too long, especially when Ryen handles herself so beautifully, refusing to shrink away when his sharp words hit their mark, instead volleying a retort or two back at him and letting him see that she’s not defenseless. What follows is a romance full of sexual tension, emotional pain, and utter joy, and we find ourselves experiencing the gamut of those emotions with them every step of the way.

“You’re my best friend. So don’t ever change. This is a big as world, and when we leave our small towns, we’re going to find our tribe. If we don’t stay true to ourselves, how will they recognize us? And even if it’s just the two of us, it will be the best.��

Overall, Punk 57 is a highly enjoyable read, cutting the right kind of teenage angst with that dash of cruelty; perfect for those old and new to Penelope Douglas�� work.



Posted: January 8, 2017