What to Say Next

by Julie Buxbaum
What to Say Next cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Young Adult (YA)
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  • ID: 10028
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781524764753
  • Published: 2017-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

What to Say Next is a poignant exploration of friendship and healing. Kit Lowell, a popular girl, and David Drucker, a socially isolated teen, form an unlikely bond as Kit seeks David's help to understand her father's tragic car accident. Their friendship becomes a beacon of hope and understanding in the midst of their personal struggles. /n/n The novel delves into themes of loss, identity, and the power of human connection. It's a story that will resonate with readers who have experienced grief or felt like an outsider, offering a message of hope and the transformative power of friendship.

Reviews
Young Adult Lit Reviews · 2024-04-28
mixed 3.50

The narrators, Kit and David, are well-developed with unique personalities and conflicts. The romance is enjoyable, but the plot could have been more engaging.

The reviewer enjoyed the unique personalities of Kit and David, finding their conflicts and the romance between them compelling. They appreciated the depth of the characters and the way their individual struggles were portrayed. However, they felt that the plot could have been more engaging and perhaps a bit more tightly woven to keep the reader more invested throughout.

Quick quotes

    Aside from the romance, I enjoyed both of the narrators, Kit and David.

    They each had their own unique personalities and conflicts beyond their romance.

    The plot could have been more engaging.

Meghan M Blogs · 2022-11-09
disappointing 3.00

The novel starts strong with engaging characters and a promising plot, but it loses momentum as the story progresses.

The reviewer initially loved the book, finding the characters and the story very engaging. However, as the plot continued, they felt it lost some of its initial momentum. The reviewer appreciated the unique perspectives of the characters but felt that the plot could have been more tightly woven to maintain the reader's interest throughout.

Quick quotes

    This novel started out really well; the reader was invested and really liking the story and the characters.

    But as the plot continued things started to fall apart.

    The plot could have been more tightly woven.

Pop-Culturalist · 2017-09-08
insightful 4.00

The book offers an insightful look into autism and the importance of accepting differences, making it a valuable read.

The reviewer found the book to be a valuable read, offering an insightful glimpse into autism and the importance of accepting and embracing differences. They appreciated the educational aspect of the story and the way it handled the complexities of high school life. The reviewer felt that the book successfully balanced the pangs and joys of high school, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    What to Say Next is many things: an educating glimpse into autism, a lesson on accepting and embracing differences.

    The pangs and joys of high school.

    It's a valuable read.

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