From a debut Melbourne writer comes the big-hearted romantic comedy of the year, an addictive and joyful celebration of the awkward teen in all of us. The winner of the 2018 Text Prize, with rights already sold in six territories.
Nina Kenwood is an award-winning author living in Melbourne. Her debut YA novel It Sounded Better in My Head won the Text Prize and was a finalist for the American Library Association’s William C. Morris Award, as well as being shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, Queensland Literary Awards, Russell Prize for Humour Writing, Indie Book Awards and Australian Book Industry Awards. It Sounded Better in My Head has been published in six languages and optioned to be adapted for the screen. Her second novel, Unnecessary Drama, will be published in October 2022.
‘I am all-caps OBSESSED with this achingly insightful, utterly
charming, beautiful heart-punch of a book. Instant favorite.’
*Becky Albertalli, bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens
Agenda*
‘I love, love, loved it.’
*Melina Marchetta, author of Jellicoe Road*
‘An adorably awkward and real romance. It was love at first chapter
for me.’
*Emily Gale*
‘This book is delicious—beautiful, funny, real and supremely
honest. I devoured it.’
*Claire Christian*
‘I loved this delightful, funny, big-hearted book. Natalie’s wry
internal voice really spoke to the awkward-teen me.’
*Melissa Keil*
‘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.’
*Books+Publishing (starred review)*
‘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!’
*Readings*
‘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.’
*Booktopia*
‘The most gorgeous, tender-hearted, funny and beautifully awkward
story I’ve read all year…I loved this book. Just inhaled it.’
*Rebecca Sparrow*
‘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.’
*Kill Your Darlings*
‘A sweet, funny and relatable account of the dramas of those
grappling with late adolescence…Kenwood masters with aplomb the
dialogue of her characters.’
*Age*
‘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.'
*Geelong Echo*
‘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.'
*Big Issue (starred review)*
'An appealing and clever exploration of teenage fears and
joys.’
*Magpies*
‘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.’
*InDaily*
‘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.’
*Age*
‘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.’
*Otago Daily Times*
‘A refreshingly realistic take on the hilarious and precarious
nature of first love, with superbly candid references to the
agonies of acne.’
*WA Today*
'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.’
*School Library Journal*
'Young people, especially those who know the pain of feeling
unattractive in an age of social media, will resonate with this
sympathetically told journey.’
*Kirkus*
‘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.’
*Publishers Weekly*
'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.’
*Booklist*
‘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.’
*BookPage*
‘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.’
*The Nerd Daily*
‘Kenwood’s comedic writing immediately charmed me, the characters
are truly such a delight.’
*Readings*
‘Both [It Sounded Better in My Head and Unnecessary Drama] are
sweet and funny and poignant…What’s not to love?’
*Kate Constable, author of The Singer of All Songs*
‘Natalie is an unforgettable character…Many students will identity
with and understand her journey.’
*English in Australia 57, no. 1*
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