Disclaimer: While we’re young was sent to me for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to The Write Reads for having me on this tour.

Summary

Grace, Isa, and Everett used to be an inseparable trio before their love lives became a tangled mess. For starters, Grace is secretly in love with Everett, who used to go out with Isa before breaking her heart in the infamous Freshman Year Fracture. And, oh yeah, no one knows that Isa has been hanging out with James, Grace’s brother—and if Grace finds out, it could ruin their friendship.

With graduation fast approaching, Grace decides an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia might be just what they need to fix things. All she has to do is convince Isa to help her kidnap Everett and outmaneuver James, who’s certain his sister is up to something.

In an epic day that includes racing up the famous Rocky steps, taste-testing Philly’s finest cheesesteaks, and even crashing a wedding, their secrets are bound to collide. But can their hearts withstand the wreckage?

Review

Three high school seniors embark on a daring and thrilling road trip to enjoy one day of freedom from the stress of their final year! However, when secrets start to be revealed, will their friendships heal or will the rift between them become bigger?

While We’re Young is listed as a contemporary young adult novel, but it felt more geared toward a younger audience (outside of more intimate scenes later in the book). It was an enjoyable read even if I fall outside of the age range it is intended for. Each chapter’s changing narratives (Grace, Isa, Everett, and James) kept the read fast-paced and interesting. You’re left with subtle cliffhangers at each chapter’s end which keeps you wanting to read more.

Grace and Isa have the typical best-friend sisterhood bond that’s often found in girls at that age. Their friendship is truly lovely and supportive. However, their lack of honesty at points felt frustrating. I understand at that age expressing feelings, especially potentially divisive ones, can be scary but they come across as strong-willed and strong-minded. Their friendship is so solid that it didn’t make sense to me that they wouldn’t tell each other the truth. Although this could be due to reading it from an older person’s perspective, I likely won’t have the same response to their actions as someone their age would.

They also collectively struggle to deal with bigger emotions towards each other as the book develops. James (Grace’s brother) being left out of the loop seemed borderline unkind – but also made some sense as he wasn’t necessarily part of the original trio (Grace, Isa & Everett). Plus, it would’ve made it more difficult for Grace to carry out her cunning plan of pulling a sick day if James was also involved. For those parts of the book, I did wonder how his involvement in the trip might’ve helped with the teenage angst element of the book as that did fall flat. As much as James and Everett weren’t best of friends, it would’ve also been interesting to see how their bond could’ve developed had James been on the trip.

Overall, it was an easy, humorous, and at times, heart-warming read about a group of friends rekindling their platonic love for each other. It also addressed themes of grief, loss, and mentions of cancer so take heed of trigger warnings before reading this one if you find those themes distressing.