Kiss Number 8

4 1/2 stars* Mads, a.k.a Amanda, is learning who she is one awkward kiss at a time, while also trying to figure out a mystery her dad, (her best friend,) is hiding. A secret that might be startling to find out at first, (and hurt her grandpa's good-ole-boy thinking,) but is actually one of the most beautiful things. She gets to know a family member who lived their truth, and in turn, helps Mads live hers. This book is amazing! It has a time loop feel to it that takes you back to 2004 with the bloom of IM'ing and Livejournal, while still feeling very fresh and current. Partially due to the awesome cartoon art style that brings the years of awkward teenage adolescence home. I felt very connected to Mad's character, not because of her rebellious act and plethora of kisses, but of her knowing she's different, yet not knowing enough of the world to understand how. I like how there was a religious backdrop to the story, with Mads in a Catholic school and going to church every Sunday, and yet the bias that she faced was not from the clergy, but from its congregants. Her dad didn't quite understand what was going with his daughter, eventually both sides made compromises to see where the other was coming from and open their minds, the way a family should. More folks should be that lucky. A good lesson, not necessarily talked about a lot that I believe this book teaches, you may think your friends will stay with you forever, but as you grow and change as a person, so do your friends. You may be lucky and have some that grow with you, but other times you'll find new best friends, you just have to keep your mind open to the possibilities. Also, no issue was settled without some resistance, making everything very realistic, which I loved. All-in-all, I loved the entirety of this book, it's a perfect coming into yourself story that makes me need to hear more of Mads life. Maybe a sequel to how she met number kiss 14? (Please?)