Punk 57

“Penelope Douglas has this uncanny ability to create the most honest characters, plausible plot lines, and romantic connections that are out of this world. And she keeps doing it. Over and over again.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

1. PUNK 57 by Penelope Douglas

SYNOPSIS

"We were perfect together. Until we met."

Misha

I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed. It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever… And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us. Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it? Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her. I just don’t expect to hate what I find.

Ryen

He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch. Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should've gotten his number or picture or something. He could be gone forever. Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it.

BOOK REVIEW

Penelope Douglas did an amazing job writing an inspiring story about those bittersweet years of uncertainty and self-discovery, which, I’m pretty sure, is still relevant and relatable to readers regardless of their age. The most incredible thought stimulated by this book was: ‘Eventually we all have to weigh what we want more: wanting back what we had or wanting what could be. To stay or to risk everything to move forward.’

“He gets the version of me I want to be.”

In the very beginning, both Misha and Ryen were oblivious to the fact that words can oftentimes veil what’s preferred to be hidden, kind of similar to what glamorous pictures on Instagram only show the sides of things that are wanted to be exposed today. And that is exactly what Misha suddenly realized once he saw his childhood penpal/best friend for the very first time. Instead of a sweet and socially awkward girl who had been THE muse to all of his songs, he was facing a very disappointing reality.

“We’re all ugly, Ryen. The only difference is, some hide it and some wear it.”

The chemistry between Misha and Ryen set me on fire (the car scene was seriously HOT). The numerous twists and turns in the storyline broke my heart and captured my soul. But the most important aspect of Punk 57 was Ryen’s character as a conflicted quasi-villain, as well as her struggle toward not the better version of herself per se but the real identity behind a mask forced on her by the surroundings. I was absolutely fascinated by both the emotional vulnerabilities of Ryen embodied in her flaws and the artistic way her frustration with her own self was projected. Although I fell in love with Misha, I felt connected to Ryen. In her, I saw a desperate for acceptance and admiration girl who made certain decisions in life, which she may or may not regret in the future (aka ME).

OK! As you all know, I try really hard to write reviews without giving out any spoilers in order not to ruin the reading experience, especially when books are insanely good. That being said, do not let this hidden gem slip through your fingers!