This Witty & Deeply Emotional YA Novel Follows Up with Characters from an Acclaimed Adult Romance Novel

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Alison Doherty, a writing instructor and part-time assistant professor residing in Brooklyn, New York, holds an MFA in writing for children and teenagers from The New School. She enjoys sharing her thoughts on books online, listening to audiobooks during her subway rides, and delving into stories with intriguing plots or happy endings. View all of Alison Doherty’s posts here.

Although I don’t read as much young adult fiction as I used to, I was immediately drawn to Tia Williams’ latest book. Ever since I read “Seven Days in June,” I made a vow to read everything she writes – from her previous works to even her grocery lists (if I could get my hands on them). So, it was a no-brainer that I would pick up this book. And when I discovered that it featured Audre, a character from “Seven Days in June” and one of my favorites, I was absolutely thrilled. My excitement levels were through the roof. Despite my high expectations, I wondered if the novel would meet them.

Well, let me tell you, she exceeded them with flying colors. This book is a delightful blend of romance, humor, grief, and coming-of-age experiences. It offers profound depth while maintaining a distinctly teenage vibe in its characters and storyline. While this book works perfectly as a standalone, if you adored the witty and insightful Audre from “Seven Days in June,” you’ll undoubtedly want to dive into the continuation of her story right away.

Title: “Audre & Bash Are Just Friends” by Tia Williams
Audre was once a charmingly precocious middle schooler. However, as a 16-year-old high-achiever filled with anxiety, she feels like she’s lagging behind – in life experiences, romance, and the ability to have fun. On top of that, she’s grappling with her mother’s new husband and baby, as well as her father canceling their summer plans due to his wife’s pregnancy. Feeling abandoned and facing family issues, Audre is also dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic prom night that she hasn’t shared with anyone, not even her mom.

In an attempt to regain control over her life, she decides to write a self-help book for teenagers to enhance her college applications. However, her writing endeavors hit a snag as she realizes she lacks knowledge about typical teenage experiences. This is where Bash steps in. A newcomer to the Brooklyn private school scene, Bash is surrounded by rumors. He becomes Audre’s “fun consultant,” guiding her through the teenage world. As their connection deepens, both embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Reading “Audre & Bash Are Just Friends” was an enjoyable and introspective experience. I chuckled at the witty banter, swooned over the longing gazes and stolen kisses, and relished catching up on Eva and Shane’s relationship. Moreover, I appreciated the authentic depiction of trauma, mental health challenges, and the rough edges of adolescence. Bash embodies the quintessential laid-back, surfer book boyfriend, but after finishing this book, I’m unequivocally on Team Audre Zora Toni Mercy Moore (her full name is essential) for life.

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From the Editorial Desk:
This week, we’re featuring a guide to exploring short stories! If you’ve been curious about delving into the world of short fiction and incorporating it into your reading routine, learn about the form, discover where to find quality short stories, and kickstart your journey right away. Read an excerpt below and become an All Access member to access the complete article.

As May is Short Story month, what’s on your reading list this month? Short stories have become a personal favorite of mine to read. Amidst life’s busyness, short stories offer a way to enjoy fiction within a tight schedule. Instead of dedicating nights to a chapter from a novel, consider unwinding with a short story each evening.

Short stories captivate me because they are just as captivating, intricate, and beautiful as longer works of fiction while being more manageable to read in the midst of a busy schedule. I’ll confess: I once had a disdain for short stories. Perhaps “hate” is too strong a word. Let’s just say I was resistant to them. You might be wondering why I harbored such strong feelings against short stories.

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