Simon James Green—the expert in awkwardness, the geeky teen boy whisperer, and the writer of wonderfully second-hand-embarrassment comedies that also have a romance plot that make you believe in love again—has blessed us with another YA book.
In You’re the One That I Want, 16-year-old Freddie is done having life pass him by. After a life-changing confrontation with the star of his mother’s new hit TV show, Jasper, he decides that he has to change. Thus he starts The Freddie Project, which makes him say ‘yes’ to everything with the help of his friends Ruby and Sam. Where that leads him is saying yes to his high school’s production of Grease and into the arms of handsome and charming Zach. But not everything is as it seems, change is hard, high school is even harder, and sometimes the one you want turns out to be not the right one after all.
As is the norm with Simon James Green books, this story sends you through the motions. You will cringe with secondhand embarrassment, you will want to protect Freddie at every cost, you’ll swoon, you’ll laugh out loud (for someone who never laughs out loud during books, this was a novel experience for me back when I picked up Noah Can’t Even) and most importantly, you will absolutely fall in love with these characters. Freddie and his friends are utterly charming, so, so relatable and the chemistry and banter is just always, always, always off the charts. I only wish that we would’ve seen more of Ruby’s and Sam’s experiences, because it sometimes felt as though they started opening up and Freddie just went on about his own love life. But even despite some bouts of self-absorbedness, this friendship group is one that you wish you had (if you do have it: congratulations!).
What I thought was especially moving was the topic of growing up queer in an environment that might not always be kind to you and the effects that can have on a young person. Despite including some more serious topics, Green always writes his stories with such easiness that you fly through them in no time. In the end, you can’t help but feel tightly hugged by your favourite person afterwards. You’re The One That I Want is no exception. I will guarantee that it will put a smile on your face whether you’re a teenager and experiencing high school for yourself at the minute, or an adult who will wish that we could do it all over again.
But besides a heartwarming story and wonderful characters, this book is filled with so much fun! Sneaking around, stolen kisses, theatre, drama (I mean we are talking theatre kids), twists and turns that make you go “oooooh!”, friendship, so much food and of course one message that is loud and clear—always be yourself (although working towards being your best self is also okay).
You’re The One That I Want is a beautiful gay coming-of-age story that I can only recommend with all my heart to readers of all ages. I hope that you will fall as in love with Freddie and his friends as I have.
You’re The One That I Want is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
Will you be picking up You’re The One That I Want? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Freddie has a reputation as a ‘nice guy’ – inoffensive, sweet, kind – and therefore completely un-dateable.
As he starts sixth form, Freddie decides that this nice guy isn’t going to finish last any more. No more missing out on parties because he’s got to do his homework. No more saying no when he really wants to say yes. And most of all no more lusting after unobtainable straight boys who enjoy the attention but ultimately break his heart.
Freddie embarks on a series of changes designed to transform his social and romantic life, and suddenly he’s a drama darling, getting invited to all the popular kids’ parties, and hot new boy Zach is showing an interest. Life couldn’t be better!
But the path to love is never smooth – and Freddie’s about to learn that changing everything about yourself isn’t necessarily a foolproof way of finding the right person…
