Do you ever finish a book and want to immediately be friends with the author? That’s how I feel about Justin A. Reynolds. He wrote this novel with so much heart and humor that it’s hard not to feel fondly about the book.

The protagonist Jack has a really fun narrative voice. He’s a really likable characters, who is flawed and sometimes a train-wreck, but endearingly so. His friendships are so realistic, which I really enjoyed. And ah Kate- she’s adorable and entertaining and strong. I loved her. Honestly, the cast of characters are so warm and fuzzy. And Jack’s parents are seriously the most loving, forgiving, yet real parents.

I really love the that Reynolds captured the excitement of senior year. The time of college visits, prom, and graduation really take the spotlight in this book. He does a great of integrating that buzzy energy into the storyline. Even though Jack lives it over and over, he still has so much enthusiasm and happiness about the milestones each time. I think many of us still think fondly about that happy, secure time in life when you know everything is about to change.

At some points the dialogue felt a little off and not totally realistic to me. Granted, Jack is self-proclaimed “cheesy” so that might be part of it. It also got a little tiring to read the same storyline over and over again. However, I really liked how Reynolds tied in a lot of important issues like incarceration rates and shootings of young males of color into the storyline. The students lives were connected to big life issues.

This book is a quick read, hilarious and tear-jerking. It’s worthwhile and warm-hearted.