A Prom to Remember [Book Review]

A PROM TO REMEMBER
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Author: Sandy Hall
Purchase info: On Sale April 24th, 2018
Ages 13-18

A Prom to Remember is a lighthearted, fun, teen angst romantic drama with a ton of relatable characters all intertwined. The story begins with the Prom Committee getting ready for the biggest night of their teen life: Prom. Here we are introduced to the key characters (and there are quite a bit, though all unique): Cora, Paisley,  Henry, Otis,  Lizzie, Cameron, Jacinta.

Through dedicated chapters, we follow each character’s life with his or her own perspective; friendships, choices, dating (and breakups), change and challenges, promposals and romance. It’s a vicarious look into the lives of 7 high school teens, as told by Author, Sandy Hall.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

This book was an easy read and proof that you’re never too old to appreciate a fun walk down memory lane. For someone who never attended her H.S. prom, this was like re-living a moment I never really had. I realized the teenage me would have actually cared if I could go back and do it again (knowing everything I know now, of course).

Reading this story through the eyes of each character felt very authentic, butterflies-in-the-tummy-worthy, and at times, a little cringe because I remember how awkward things could get in high school.

To be totally honest, I was so disinterested in High School, but mainly because I went through most of that time feeling like an outsider or an Extra in a big teen drama. In fact, I never even showed up for yearbook photos. I think there must have been something in me back then that just knew leaving my permanent Sharpie mark on the wall that said, “Ava was here” in the form of an awkward yearbook photo was a bad idea. I don’t exist anywhere in any yearbook. 

A Reminder Why Every Teen Should Go to Prom

This book really gave me the feels about prom, though. And it reiterated what I know now: Every teen should attend his or her High School prom, If there was an overarching takeaway from this book it is this: Make every moment count, cherish your friendships, show up, and just let life happen.

Relatable Teen Characters

Because of my high school ninja skills, the characters I found most relatable in A Prom to Remember were Paisley and Jacinta. Like Jacinta, I  was completely unmoved by the High School vibes. Not only did she feel invisible (as I did), but she seemed to prefer it. Although, what we discover about Jacinta is that she is far more than just a background actor.

Seeing life through the eyes of Paisley and Jacinta, and taking a journey with the books’ characters really took me back to High School. The story weaves the characters lives and interactions beautifully and ends with a pleasant surprise twist that proves the unexpected things in life become the most memorable! A Prom to Remember was a great modern day read for teens (and even adults), and the characters were so lovable it made me want to meet them IRL. 

The book is slated to release April 24th —-just in time for all of you prom lovers, tweens dreaming about prom someday or any teen getting ready for prom.

A Prom to Remember is Available on Amazon or on the publisher’s website