‘I am all-caps OBSESSED with this achingly insightful, utterly charming, beautiful heart-punch of a book. Instant favorite.’

‘I love, love, loved it.’

‘An adorably awkward and real romance. It was love at first chapter for me.’

‘This book is delicious—beautiful, funny, real and supremely honest. I devoured it.’

‘I loved this delightful, funny, big-hearted book. Natalie’s wry internal voice really spoke to the awkward-teen me.’

‘Nina Kenwood has created nuanced and authentic characters, each caught up in their trajectory towards adulthood…a gorgeous and funny coming-of-age novel that perfectly captures the awkward, liminal nature of adolescence.’

‘This book is a rare gem; a simple story told with an utterly authentic and humorous voice that portrays with great empathy the insecurities and confusion of young adulthood…an absolute knockout of a novel [that] will win over hearts and minds everywhere!’

‘A deeply tender coming-of-age story about first love, friendship, and all the horrifying awkwardness of navigating young adulthood. Thrumming with wonderfully nuanced and vividly depicted emotion, this book will make your heart soar, while also making you laugh.’

‘The most gorgeous, tender-hearted, funny and beautifully awkward story I’ve read all year…I loved this book. Just inhaled it.’

‘I loved every word of it…Kenwood captures so many late-teenage feelings so perfectly…I really couldn’t stop thinking of Sally Rooney’s work while I read this book—the clear, conversational prose is absolutely spot on, and every scene is keenly observed…If you only read one YA book this year, make it this one.’

‘A sweet, funny and relatable account of the dramas of those grappling with late adolescence…Kenwood masters with aplomb the dialogue of her characters.’

‘Hilarious and heartbreaking, It Sounded Better in My Head is a glistening dive into adolescent romance and burgeoning independence…This book is a must-read for every Australian teen.‘

‘Peppered with sparkling humour and electric dialogue, the portrayal of Natalie’s struggles with self-image, future worries and accidental love is heartwarming to read. Kenwood has achieved the almost impossible: the quintessential YA voice.‘

‘An appealing and clever exploration of teenage fears and joys.’

‘Compared to Sally Rooney and Judy Blume, Kenwood is a major talent and this charismatic, booknerdishly cool novel is an absolute delight. Give it to your favourite teenager or keep it for yourself.’

‘Kenwood does “awkward” beautifully, and captures so many funny, tender and painfully excruciating moments…Smart, entertaining and painfully real, Kenwood’s prize-winning novel delivers on all fronts.’

‘Kenwood’s book is a fantastically fun read. You will find yourself laughing, rolling your eyes and cheering for Natalie, all at the same time.’

‘A refreshingly realistic take on the hilarious and precarious nature of first love, with superbly candid references to the agonies of acne.’

‘An authentic coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the awkwardness and self-doubt many young adults feel. Teens will see aspects of themselves mirrored in Kenwood’s debut.’

‘Young people, especially those who know the pain of feeling unattractive in an age of social media, will resonate with this sympathetically told journey.’

‘Natalie conveys the difficulties not only of puberty but of moving past internalized negativity in a voice that’s sharp, funny, and self-aware, making it even more satisfying for readers to see her realize that she can be the star of her life, not just the sidekick.’

‘The novel perfectly captures the terror of being in-between, caught both in the liminal space between adolescence and adulthood, and in that befuddling period where a friendship might be turning into something more. A perfect pick for fans of Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2014) who are looking for their next quirky romantic heroine.’

‘With candor and affection, It Sounded Better in My Head captures a teenager navigating the final moments of one stage of life and the first moments of the next.’

‘An extraordinary coming-of-age story. Kenwood manages to capture the intensity of disagreement between friends, the unavoidable self-doubts that most teenagers can’t help, and the annoying yet silly family banter. A compelling, genuine coming-of-age story that does not hold back from representing multiple issues that teenagers face.’

‘Kenwood’s comedic writing immediately charmed me, the characters are truly such a delight.’

‘Both [It Sounded Better in My Head and Unnecessary Drama] are sweet and funny and poignant…What’s not to love?’

‘Natalie is an unforgettable character…Many students will identity with and understand her journey.’