Navigating Friendship’s Complexities: A Captivating Journey in ‘Not the Worst Friend in the World’

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the NOT THE WORST FRIEND IN THE WORLD by Anne Rellihan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: NOT THE WORST FRIEND IN THE WORLD

Author: Anne Rellihan

Pub. Date: February 6, 2024

Publisher: Holiday House

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 272

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/NOT-THE-WORST-FRIEND-IN-THE-WORLD

Can Lou Bennett keep a secret? She’ll do just about anything to prove herself to her new friend—and the best friend she betrayed—in this debut novel that is a modern-day Harriet the Spy with high emotional stakes.

It’s the thirty-fourth day of sixth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Missouri, and eleven-year-old Lou wishes she could rewind time.

Lou wants to go back to the ninth day of sixth grade—the day before she fought with her best friend Francie and said the terrible, horrible things she can’t unsay. Or better yet, she would go back to fifth grade when Francie was still the Old Francie.

Then the new girl, Cece Clark-Duncan, passes Lou a mysterious note. It says she was kidnapped. (!) If Lou can help Cece, maybe she can prove she’s not the world’s worst friend.

But as observant Lou uncovers the complicated truth about Cece’s family, she starts to panic. Can she help Cece without hurting her? Or will Lou end up losing another friend instead?

Anchored by an outstanding voice and a page-turning mystery, this remarkable debut novel honors the powerful middle school friendships that can both break and heal a tender eleven-year-old heart. Perfect for fans of Fish in a Tree and My Jasper June.

 

Why Should You Read This?

“Not the Worst Friend in the World” by Anne Rellihan is an emotionally charged debut novel that captures the complexities of friendship and the challenges of navigating middle school dynamics. Lou Bennett, the protagonist, finds herself caught between loyalty to her best friend Francie and the opportunity to prove herself to a new friend, Cece Clark-Duncan. Rellihan skillfully explores themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption against the backdrop of sixth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Missouri.

The narrative unfolds with palpable tension as Lou grapples with the consequences of her actions and wrestles with the desire to right her wrongs. The character development is rich and authentic, with Lou’s internal struggles portrayed with raw honesty. Readers will find themselves empathizing with Lou as she navigates the complexities of friendship and the moral dilemmas she faces.

The plot is engaging and filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages. Rellihan seamlessly weaves together themes of friendship, identity, and family, creating a story that is both poignant and thought-provoking. The addition of Cece’s mysterious note adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency and suspense.

What sets “Not the Worst Friend in the World” apart is its exploration of moral ambiguity and the gray areas of human relationships. Rellihan does not shy away from portraying the complexities of friendship, reminding readers that people are not always perfect and mistakes are an inevitable part of growing up. Through Lou’s journey of self-discovery and redemption, readers are reminded of the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and second chances.

Overall, “Not the Worst Friend in the World” is a compelling and heartfelt novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Anne Rellihan’s debut is a modern-day Harriet the Spy with a fresh and contemporary twist, earning it a well-deserved four stars.

 

About Anne Rellihan:

Anne Rellihan is a former elementary school teacher and an alumna of Teach for America with a master’s degree in education from Columbia University. She lives in Kansas with her husband and four children. When she’s not writing, Anne volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. This is her debut novel. Find her online @AnneRellihan and annerellihan.com.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of NOT THE WORST FRIEND IN THE WORLD, US Only.

Ends February 20th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway