About a Girl by William Michael Stephens is a coming-of-age novel set in Visalia, California in the 1990s. The nostalgic story centers around Will playing in a garage band with two friends, Rob and Chris. During the summer before their sophomore year, Hannah moves into town and quickly catches Will’s interest unexpectedly. As emotions run high, Hannah’s effect on Will changes his life, including his friendship and family relationships. As the new school year begins, Will must decide if the nature of his romance with Hannah must be kept a secret because of her disapproving parents. How will the lies and misunderstandings impact the couple and everyone else in their lives?

I found this book to be an exciting read, especially the author’s writing style and the portrayal of Will’s character. The story is narrated from Will’s point of view, which includes realistic emotions and reactions to different situations, such as interactions between his best friends, Chris and Rob, humorous moments, the future of their band, and Will’s snarky internal dialogue, which differs from what he says out loud.

The author offers some surprising developments and twists throughout the story, including a few unexpected shifts in the plot. As you become more invested in the characters, with certain exceptions, you’ll encounter a few surprises, which will only keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen next for Will. A few flashbacks and backstories paint a vivid idea of Will and his past. While some of these scenes may not appear particularly relevant, but they offer a peek inside Will’s character development, which strengthens the overall direction of the book.

Overall, I found the unpredictable nature of About a Girl by William Michael Stephens an enjoyable read and rate this book a solid four out of five stars. It’s a fun read that’s romantic, funny, and entertaining, with lots of unexpected turns that keep you guessing.

Pages: 355 | ASIN: B0B4C6G6CK