Book Review – You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Liz Lighty has always believed she’s too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it’s okay – Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor.
But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz’s plans come crashing down… until she’s reminded of her school’s scholarship for prom king and queen. There’s nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington.
The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She’s smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams… or make them come true?
My rating:
I enjoyed this book a lot – as much as I will never understand the prom madness in America (let alone the additional pressure at this school!), it’s an interesting look at the phenomenon for an outsider! It’s also a good look at conservative America, in terms of homophobia and racism. In ways though, I expected that to be stronger.
I loved Liz as a main character – it was easy to understand her viewpoint, and engage with her. I especially loved her discussing people touching her hair (OMG DON’T) and haircare, she even mentioned Cantu which I use hehe. I always love discussions of Black or curly hair care because it is different to straight hair, and I want more people to know this 😀 I loved her family too, and the storyline around her brother made my heart hurt! They were so sweet together. And I think it’s great to talk about Sickle Cell, as it’s not something I think I’ve seen in a book.
I also liked Liz’s relationships with people changing through the book – I liked her reconnecting with Jordan, and making friends with other people in the running for Prom court. And obviously I loved her relationship with Amanda. They are so sweet, if cringeworthy (in the good way) in places! I did struggle with her friendship with Gabby though – especially towards the end. I understand wanting to forgive someone you’ve been close with, but to not hear apologies, and to keep hearing that possessiveness or homophobia really didn’t sit well with me. I think I wanted them to work a little more for it, Gabby didn’t deserve to be forgiven so fast.
Also, I wanted more with Rachel, and the racism she was touting, I didn’t feel like it was challenged enough, even if just by Liz. Liz seemed to take everything a little too easily for someone who has anxiety issues.
Overall I found it fairly uplifting and very enjoyable, I just wanted a little more challenge on some of the elements around problematic friendships or the racism. 3.5 stars.
TW: family illness, racism, homophobia, outing, gaslighting
Buy You Should See Me in a Crown from Waterstones.
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