If I Was Your Girl is about an eighteen-year-old girl named Amanda Hardy who transferred to a school in Lambertville, Tennessee. But there’s a reason why she transferred, a secret that she is keeping, and why she’s determined not to get too close to anyone. During her time there she meets Grant Everett, an open, honest, kind boy who she finds herself yearning to share everything about herself. But if she tells him the truth she’s terrified that he won’t see past it.

Meredith Russo, the author of If I Was Your Girl, is a novelist and public speaker from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she was born. She received a degree in creative writing and Women’s Studies from the University of Tennessee. The best place to keep up to date on her current work is Patreon, where she publishes one short story, one novel chapter, and small multimedia side projects every month. Her debut novel, If I Was Your Girl, won the Stonewall Award in 2016, as well as honors for the Walter Dean Myers Diversity Award and the Lambda Literary Award. Her next major novel, Birthday, is set for release in April 2019.

If I Was Your Girl is the type of book you read and want to immediately share because it’s too important to keep to yourself. This book is real and raw. It will open hearts and change minds. When reading the book I was shocked by the secret that Amanda Hardy kept, but once I found out, I was intrigued. It is definitely a cute, sweet book that finds an equal balance with some intense subject matter. It was a lovely reading experience to be able to smile with giddiness one moment, but feeling heartbroken and wanting to cry the next. It’s definitely a book with a whirlwind of emotions! I recommend this book to everyone because it’s an eye-opening experience.

I give this book a five-star rating, and if you are interested in reading it, you can find it at the Taft High Library. Hope you enjoy!