Book Review — Being Sixteen

Being Sixteen is Allyson Braithwaite Condie’s newest, and in my opinion, greatest book! It is a story of a high school girl named Juliet whose life seems ideal and perfect as she embarks on her sixteenth birthday. But like many other teenagers, Juliet is in for an awaking as life throws her a curve ball.

Condie’s character Juliet is extremely well written. She is lovable and relateable and someone you just can’t help but root for. She is an example of so many young LDS girls who do what is right, not because they are told to, but because they genuinely want to. And when life doesn’t go just as Juliet plans, she is forced to make that all too important decision of what it is she truly believes.

If boys, school, and being on the varsity basketball team weren’t enough challenges for Juliet to face her sixteenth year, Condie throws in yet another twist with Juliet’s free spirited younger sister Carly. Carly’s struggles are heartbreaking and all too common among today’s teenagers. She knows what is right, but wants to be different from the pack. But her poor decisions not only affect her, they also affect her family and friends. And they really throw her sister Juliet off her perfect game.

Being Sixteen is such an amazing book! It has all the fun, and excitement, and even romance of a perfect high school book. Yet it is also incredibly insightful, touching, and takes on serious topics that all of today’s teenagers should be aware of. Being Sixteen is a must have in your home. And it is sure to keep you and your teenager anxiously reading until the very end!

We would love to hear about your favorite YA book.

Allyson Braithwaite Condie taught high school English in Utah and in upstate New York. Currently, she is both a stay-at-home and a successful author. You can check out her other books Freshman for President, and the Yearbook Trilogy. Her upcoming novel Matched is set for release this November. Allyson is also a native of Southern Utah, although she currently lives in Northern Utah with her three boys and husband, Scott.