All Of The Above by James Dawson

When I was little, a year seemed like the longest thing in the world. Do you know what I mean? Winters, in my head were snowier than they actually were, while summers were all paddling pools and bubblegum ice pops. And then, as I got older, time almost ground to a halt - staring out of window; one Netflix episode rolling right into the next; waiting for my friends in America to come online. 

Published by Hot Key Books in September 2015

Pages - 319

Summary

This is a funny and moving love story about friends, first loves and self-discovery by Queen of Teen 2014. When sixteen-year-old Toria Bland arrives at her new school she needs to work out who her friends are in a crazy whirl of worry, exam pressure and anxiety over fitting in. Things start looking up when Toria meets the funny and foul-mouthed Polly, who's the coolest girl that Toria has ever seen. Polly and the rest of the 'alternative' kids take Toria under their wing. And that's when she meets the irresistible Nico Mancini, lead singer of a local band - and it's instalove at first sight! Toria likes Nico, Nico likes Toria, but then there's Polly...love and friendship have a funny way of going round in circles.

*****

This is officially my new favourite book. I loved this book so much! It made me feel all the feels! From happiness to sadness, I've been on an emotional rollercoaster.  A touch of The Breakfast Club meets Pretty in Pink - definitely a book I want to add to my John Hughes collection.  OK, so it really isn't a secret that I love all of James Dawson's books, but I love seeing how each book just gets better and better. James  has such a distinct voice  that you can actually hear it in the words that he writes. 

The characters in the novel quickly became like old friends and I was sad to say goodbye to them. These are the type of friends you would be damn grateful to have in your life.  They may be a diverse group of teenagers, but they simply represent the YA community of today. Polly is my favourite character. She is like a firework! And Daisy! *hugs self tightly* 

The story revolves around the demise of a crazy golf course, clearly showing that change is the only constant we can rely on in life. What is the point in dwelling on the past or worrying about the future? Live and love in the now. 

This book shows that you can love anyone you want regardless of their gender. There should be barriers in love. Society no longer gets a say about who is the appropriate person you should love. 

This book will raise questions. This book will change people's perceptions. Love is genderless. Deal with it. 

This really is a beautifully perfect book. The question now is - can James Dawson improve on perfection for his next novel?