May 15, 2023
Jakobson’s astute debut chronicles a young woman’s exploration of her trauma and sexuality. After an unsteady coming-of-age in high school, college sophomore Savannah “Sav” Henry has come out as bisexual and made a group of queer friends. When Sav’s childhood best friend, Izzie, announces her engagement, Sav flashes back to painful and unprocessed memories involving Izzie’s unnamed older brother, who raped her when she was 16 and he was 20. Though Sav is drawn back into Izzie’s orbit, she’s passed over as maid of honor because Izzie, who didn’t understand what Sav went through with her brother and blamed Sav, doesn’t want things to be “awkward.” As Sav prepares for the wedding, she risks her friendship with a classmate named Candace, the first to introduce her to the other queer people in their dorm, by secretly fooling around with Nova, a polyamorous woman who broke up Candace’s relationship. Jakobson lands the intensity of college friendships and sexual relationships with exquisite depictions of Sav and her cohort. Though the trauma plot threatens to become heavy-handed, Jakobson lends a gentle touch, showing how Sav works through her conflicted feelings about her rape. This writer shows plenty of promise. Agent: Ayla Zuraw-Friedland, Frances Goldin Literary Agency.
June 10, 2024
Second-semester college sophomore Savannah, "Sav," is well on her way to finding herself. Cautiously optimistic since coming out as bisexual, connecting with a group of queer students in her dorm, and surviving a "situationship," she is ready to take on the world. But when her best friend Izzie announces her engagement, Sav gets nervous, especially about facing the reality of what happened between her and Izzie's older brother. To top it all off, she might be falling for Wes, a fellow student in her gender studies class, who seems perfect and sees Sav for who she really is. Jakobson's affecting debut is a heartfelt, queer coming-of-age novel. Jenna Kray portrays the brave but hurting Sav as she contends with past hurts and navigates a path forward. Playful banter among the ragtag group of queer students adds levity to sometimes thorny topics. Listeners will likely appreciate Jakobson's self-narrated author's note, urging the audience to enjoy the novel while taking care of their tender hearts. VERDICT Balancing humor and hope with the grittiness of becoming an adult, this poignant work satisfies. A potential crossover title for older teens and a solid recommendation for fans of Nina LaCour's Yerba Buena.--Elyssa Everling
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