Always Forever Maybe

Description

A powerful YA debut, told with astonishing insight and wit, about the depths and boundaries of true friendship and obsessive teenage love-perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, E. Lockhart, and Sara Zarr. When Betts meets Aiden at the candy store where she works, their connection is like a sugar rush to the heart. Betts already knows the two of them are infinite. Inevitable. Destined to become an us. Betts has only ever kept one secret from her best friend, Jo, but suddenly there's a long list of things she won't tell her, things Jo wouldn't understand. Because Jo doesn't see how good Aiden is for Betts. She finds him needy. Possessive. Controlling. She's wrong. With a love like this, nothing else matters.

Anica Mrose Rissi grew up on an island off the coast of Maine, where her penchant for telling and collecting stories began. After graduating from Yale University with a degree in American Studies, she moved to New York City, where she worked as a cheesemonger and book editor. When she isn't writing, Anica may be found fiddling in the electro-country band Owen Lake & the Tragic Loves or walking with her dog, Arugula, near their home in Princeton, New Jersey. Anica is the author of several books for younger readers, and her essays have been published by The Writer and the New York Times. This is her YA debut. Visit her online at anicarissi.com.

"Anica Mrose Rissi masterfully conveys the irresistible power of physical attraction and how that intoxication can unexpectedly turn toxic. I'm afraid too many readers will relate to this unflinchingly honest portrayal of an abusive first love, which is precisely why Always Forever Maybe is an essential book." - Megan McCafferty, New York Times bestselling author of the Jessica Darling series "Equal parts crackling tension and sparkling humor; the worst relationships have to offer and the best. It's the rarest book that manages to be so important, so emotionally resonant, and so utterly propulsive and compelling all at the same time. You won't be able to put it down." - Jeff Zentner, Morris Award-winning author of The Serpent King and Goodbye Days "Rissi's extraordinary YA debut wraps you up with beautiful writing and complicated, yet all too realistic characters. Both heartbreaking and stunning, Always Forever Maybe will stay with you long after turning the last page." - Elizabeth Eulberg, author of Better Off Friends "Relatable and realistic, hopeful and empowering, Always Forever Maybe adresses an important subject: when 'love' isn't what it seems." - Deb Caletti, author of National Book Award finalist Honey, Baby, Sweetheart "Anica Mrose Rissi's debut novel is a masterful mix of light and dark-sometimes tender, often funny, always brutally honest. Always terrifyingly real. This book will break your heart-then piece it back together, even stronger than before." - Robin Wasserman, author of Girls on Fire "Ricci's first YA novel gives an accurate but heartbreaking picture of an abusive relationship. The story has mature language and sexual scenes, as well as realistic situations, which older teens will appreciate." - School Library Journal "Rissi's tale is elegantly written with a keen insight into teen relationships... An absorbing tale of a fatal attraction and its consequences." - Kirkus Reviews "This emotionally resonant YA debut by Rissi meaningfully highlights known patterns of intimate-partner abuse and speaks to the joy and importance of enduring friendship." - Publishers Weekly