When her parents announce their impending separation, Natalie can't understand why no one is fighting or at least mildly upset. Then Zach and Lucy, her two best friends, hook up, leaving her feeling slightly miffed and decidedly awkward. She'd always imagined she would end up with Zach one day-in the version of her life that played out like a TV show, with just the right amount of banter, pining and meaningful looks. Now everything has changed and nothing is quite making sense.
Until an unexpected romance comes along and shakes things up even further.
It Sounded Better in My Head is a tender, funny and joyful novel about longing, confusion, feeling left out and finding out what really matters - from an exciting new voice in Australian YA writing.
Natalie just got her ATAR and is waiting for her uni placement when her world turns. Mum and Dad are separating - a fact they have hidden from her for ten months, all in the name of successful studying.
Natalie is an adorable and angsty teenager. Having suffered from severe acne since puberty, she hates her body, her scars and stretch marks, and generally being seen.
She has two best friends, Zach and Lucy, but this is now sometimes awkward since they became an item. And then Natalie and Zach’s older brother start having a thing. But what is this thing as Natalie has never had any sort of romantic relationship before?
Beautifully written, with real and utterly believable characters, I found this book so easy to get into. It handles first love and the insecurities of growing up today with humour and compassion.
With themes of crashing into adulthood, first love, real life family issues and complex friendships, this book will be cherished by readers aged 15+.
Reviewed by Rob