Name: It Sounded Better in My Head
ISBN: 9781250219268

Nina Kenwood

From debut author Nina Kenwood comes a tender and funny novel about first love and its confusions, and all of the awkwardness of teen romance. When her parents announce their impending divorce, Natalie can’t understand why no one is fighting, or at least mildly upset. Then Zach and Lucy, her two best friends, hook up, leaving her feeling slightly miffed and decidedly awkward. She’d always imagined she would end up with Zach one day—in the version of her life that played out like a TV show, with just the right amount of banter, pining, and meaningful looks. Now everything has changed, and nothing is quite making sense. Until an unexpected romance comes along and shakes things up even further. It Sounded Better in My Head is a compulsively readable love letter to teenage romance in all of its awkward glory, perfect for fans of Booksmart, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and Emergency Contact.

It Sounded Better in My Head

Victoria

Joana da Silva

9th book of my Covid-19 isolation. So, this book was a highly anticipated one. The first thing I read about it was something along the lines of "To All The Boys I've Loved Before meets Normal People", and I instantly became anxious to read this one, because I loved the Lara Jean saga and Normal People was my favourite book in 2019. Given all that, I read this in one sitting. 

Did I like this book right away? No. The first pages disappointed me quite a lot. Natalie is a very dramatic protagonist and everything is a huge ball of "My Life Sucks - Why Did This Happen To Me - I'm The Most Miserable Person On Earth". But then, I started to relate to her. Although her struggle is mainly about her acne, she also has some issues with her body and I certainly know that pain. I realized that Natalie was getting on my nerves because she reminded a lot about my teenage self. The only difference being that I dove right in the stuff that frightened me and overthought it obsessively after doing them. 

I think this is a great book for everyone struggling with self-esteem. This book teaches a valuable lesson on that.

Jessica Lee

Definitely my new favourite book. This isn’t a book about a shy girl who suddenly becomes super woman after falling for some boy. It’s about a girl with insecurities who is trying to navigate life. She doesn’t magically learn to love herself after some boy. She still struggles with her insecurities and it’s my favourite part. The ending isn’t some perfect tied up ending, there are still questions unanswered. It’s the best kind of book.

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.

Charlotte 

I didnt expect to enjoy this as much as i did, yet this was a beautiful read, which had me laughing and crying . The story followed Natalie as she navigates the breakup of her parents marriage, reflecting on her time at school, her insecurities in life, her relationships and love, and the elements of uncertainty in her future. Natalies internal monoogue on her insecurities really examined them and definitely stuck a chord with me. She feels vulnerable and is able to express that vulnerability to the people she trusts in her life. 
it was an honest and beautiful representation of how it can feel in the limbo between finishing high school and moving into a new chapter of life.

Nina Keogh

This was an awesome book. I loved and hated the ending, i wanted to know more about their relationship, but i also loved how it left you thinking!

3.5

The thing I loved the most was how much I could relate with the main character. All the ugly thoughts she had, I have had them too at some point in my life. She feels uncomfortable in her own skin, doesn’t know how to act, overthinks a lot. But she’s always striving to be a better friend, a better daughter and a better person. All the awkwardness of growing up was so painfully realistic. The realization that life never goes the way you want it to and that’s quite a challenge for someone who likes control (like me). The fast pacing made the book more desirable and the gradual character development was very beautiful.

Sofie

But when people say you’ve got to love yourself first, they never explain how, exactly, you get past people screaming ‘gross bitch’, how you get past feeling like your best days are only your best days because you’re managing to hide the bad bits, how you feel desirable if no one has ever desired you.


Is this a romance? Sure. But more than anything, this is a poignant story about a girl with deep insecurities and self-doubt, navigating through her first kind-of-maybe relationship with her best friend's brother, all while her parents are going through a divorce.

I ugly cried. I don't think I've ever read a protagonist that felt so similar to myself. I understood Natalie so deeply, I cried for her, with her, and knew her pain and doubt and lack of self worth as surely as I've known my own. During the chapters with her parents, I was getting flashbacks to my own parents separation, which happened when I was 15. To be honest, it feels like Kenwood took a page out of my diary, as if she'd had a glimpse into my life and saw something there worth writing about. 

I loved every single character. Natalie, her parents, her friends, Alex. The relationships felt so authentic to me, and everyone was fleshed out, especially Natalie's parents. They reminded me so much of my own. Their chapters were probably the one's I got the most emotional at.

I know this book won't be for everyone. I only wish it had been around when I was in high school. Maybe I would felt a little less alone. (god, that's sappy and kinda sad. All this to say, it was a lovely novel and I will probably be thinking about it for a while.)

Aleena Korell

A fun, quick, relatable read about a perpetual third wheel dealing with the first relationship of her own. 

Natalie's insecurity of her acne scars permeates the entire story, because she has systematically planned her entire life around hiding them, to the point of socially isolating. This was my favorite part of the story-- exploring Natalie's emotional journey of letting go of her control and letting people into her life.

The story moves very fast, which I think is its biggest downfall. But it's fun and the dialogue is snappy and the friendships are lovely. Worth a read!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

When her parents announce their impending separation, Natalie can't understand why no one is fighting or at least mildly upset. Then Zach and Lucy, her two best friends, hook up, leaving her feeling slightly miffed and decidedly awkward. She'd always imagined she'd end up with Zach one day - in the version of her life that played out like a TV show, with just the right amount of banter, pining and meaningful looks. Now everything has changed and nothing is quite making sense. Until an unexpected romance comes along and shakes things up even further... It Sounded Better in My Head is a tender, funny and joyful novel about longing, confusion, feeling left out and finding what really matters - from an exciting new voice in Australian YA writing.

Christianna Foster

It Sounded Better In My Head was a cute coming of age story that was the perfect light-hearted read. Nina Kenwood knocked it out of the park. 

Amidst her parents impending divorce and her two best friends falling in love, Natalie feels lost. Constantly being the one on the outside can be hard, especially when you're also getting to graduate and have to figure out how to handle the new life that awaits you.

I immediately fell in love with every character in this book and constantly found myself laughing out loud at the awkwardness of the situations Natalie finds herself in. The unexpected relationship that forms had all of the cheesy cuteness that you look for in a rom-com. move over, "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" I have a new favorite teenage love story. 

(p.s.. to whom it concerns: please make this a movie)

Mehrin Rahman 

Original Rating: 3.75
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I received the arc of US edition of this book from NetGalley. This beautiful edition will be published today.
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As the blurb says, It Sounded Better In My Head is a funny and wholesome read about first love, friendship, and all the horrifying awkwardness of navigating young adulthood. It’s very realistic in regards to the young adult worlds, their fears, future plans and their problematic minds.
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“𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣, 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨. 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙭𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚. 𝘽𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚. 𝙉𝙚𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙣𝙡𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙄 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚“
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I feel like this story spoke to my once awkward-teen self. Natalie’s wry internal voice was very relatable and reminded me of my own insecurities that I used harbour in my teenage years.
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I loved all the characters: their challenges, their questioning minds, how honest, frank and charming they all were. And a special shout-out to Zach's wonderful, supportive family- they're adorable.
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Even though there was absolutely no plot of any kind in this book, it was a total delight. It made me laugh. It made my heart soar.

Alicia Haws

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 STARS

I thought this debut novel was super cute! The main character Natalie reminded me a lot of myself at her age, though I struggled with differing issues from her. I found the romance aspect of the book to be so lovely, deep and genuine, which I find uncommon in YA novels. 

The only reason I knocked it down a star is because at times, being inside Natalie’s head, with all her teen angst, got to be slightly repetitive which came across as annoying occasionally. Other than that, I really enjoyed this one!


  *Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing a review copy via NetGalley in exchange only for my honest thoughts and review.*




  


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** spoiler alert **
           It Sounded Better in my Head, a sweet story about a girl and her two best friends, trying to navigate the ins and outs of life after Graduation. What they thought their futures would look like and relationships, not just romantically, but the hard truths in their friendships as well. Also difficulties when it comes to parents divorcing, how ones appearance looks to their peers, anxiety and an obsessive amount of self sabotage! (High-key me!)

I found this story unbelievably relevant to my own life. The main character suffers from 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘤𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘺𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘦, really bad acne and anxiety. I felt everything she felt growing up. The difficulties with hiding things you don’t like about yourself, trying to figure out if you’re worthy of being desired by a crush—who is way out of your league—and going to parties where you lock yourself in the bathroom because you don’t know anyone and your anxiety is getting the better of you—been there don’t that!

I enjoyed the love interest for Natalie. I liked the storyline and I liked that it didn’t feel forced. It felt natural and something that would happen in real life. The inner monologue parts were pretty interesting, sometimes a little long, but I did enjoy the ramblings. It felt like I was getting to know Natalie on a very personal level and I got really attached to her character. I was rooting for her happy ending!

I honestly enjoyed this book, I highly recommend! It reminded me of a Freeform type tv show, I’d totally watch that! If this sounds like something you’d be interested in reading, this book will be available on Tuesday, April 7th!

I was sent a copy of “It Sounded Better in my Head” by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Grace

Before I started reading this book, I read a comment about it that said nothing really happens, but it's still really enjoyable. I think I agree with that sentiment. Nothing explosive or dramatic really happens, but it was still a nice ride. The characters really drove it forward. I'm not head over heels in love with them, but they were pretty cute.

Hayley 📖🌈💜🌸

Very cute and fun, super relatable and just plain wonderful, Australian YA.

Ana Couto

I loved this novel! It has everything you look for in a YA book: awkward (but adorable) first loves, relatable insecurities, strong friendships, and a dash of witty humor. Natalie, our female protagonist, is an incredibly introspective character. She struggled with severe acne for most of her teens, which has left scarred in more ways than one. Although my own physical insecurities as a teen were different, I have never related to a character more. Nina Kenwood captures exactly what it feels like to not trust your body, and how living with body dysmorphia and intense self-awareness feels like. 

Besides the excellent attention to this particular detail, the romance between Natalie and Alex was also very cute and believable. I feel like a lot of YA books tend to go the insta-love route, which is not my favorite. But IT SOUNDED BETTER IN MY HEAD takes a slow-burn approach, and I absolutely loved watching Natalie and Alex figure things out in a realistic (and often funny) way. Definitely a quality YA romance not to be missed! 

Thank you to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Ashlee

This book shattered my expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed it! If anything, I wish it were a little longer because I’d love to see more of what comes next for these characters!

But really, I just loved the wholesome normalcy of it. Especially right now when things are so weird and awful everyday, it was refreshing to read about going to a party and feeling awkward, hanging out at the beach, freaking out over a boy liking you, hoping your parents don’t embarrass the hell out of you and just typical life at eighteen. Sans masks and social distancing and the compulsive use of hand sanitizer.

One thing that really resonated with me was Natalie’s struggles with her body image. Oh boy if I didn’t struggle with stretch marks and terrible acne scars when I was a teen and it was refreshing to see this represented so accurately in a book. 

Alex and Natalie are so awkwardly pure together, I really love the way the romance was portrayed in this because it felt so realistic!

Bonus? This story is set in Australia, the author is Australian, as is the audiobook narrator!

Jessica 

Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.


  As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.


What a debut! It Sounded Better in My Head is truly a sweet little gem and a total must-read for you YA contemporary lovers out there. While it didn't necessarily wow me to favourite status, it certainly had me smiling and feeling the warm and fuzzies. And I'll definitely be keeping my eyes on Nina Kenwood!

First of all, this book totally captured the essence of youth and all the angst that comes with growing up. It was, at times, painfully awkward. Other times, it was delightfully eager and indulgent and full of light. It Sounded Better in My Head really goes all out on capturing those feelings that come with being a teenager and it makes the experience all the more fun.

Fun is the absolute best way to describe this novel. If you want to get simple, and have a one word review? It's FUN. Fun, fun, fun. Not necessarily sweet. Not overbearingly harsh. It's right smack in the middle; honest, fun, and sparkling with life. It Sounded Better in My Head plays out like a classic teenage flick--you can all but hear the upbeat indie-rock pulsing in the background.

In this times of great uncertainty and fear, we could all use any ounce of escapism we can get our paws on. It Sounded Better in My Head truly is one of those novels. Readers of all ages can flock to this sweetly written story and lose themselves to the world for a moment. Coming of age stories are almost always good on their promises of entertainment and Kenwood really succeeds at this.

It will likely be one of the first, truly genuine smiles for a lot of younger readers in a long time, and I can't stress how important that might be. Because at the end of the day, what they need most is a sense of happiness and entertainment; pure and simple. It Sounded Better in My Head truly delivers on this and then some.

William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist! From debut author Nina Kenwood comes a tender and funny love letter to coming of age, and first love and its confusions, perfect for fans of Booksmart and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. When her parents announce their impending divorce, Natalie can’t understand why no one is fighting, or at least mildly upset. Then Zach and Lucy, her two best friends, hook up, leaving her feeling slightly miffed and decidedly awkward. She’d always imagined she would end up with Zach one day—in the version of her life that played out like a TV show, with just the right amount of banter, pining, and meaningful looks. Now everything has changed, and nothing is quite making sense. And then, an unexpected romance with Zach’s older brother comes along and shakes things up even further...

Natalie Gallagher

Cute quick read. I liked that it had a detailed description of the severe acne that the main character deals with. This is such a huge part of many teenagers lives that I feel isn’t talked about as much.

Kate

This was an utter delight. JUST SO CUTE.

The Good:
- THERE WAS ONLY ONE BED.
- The romance was SO CUTE I literally found myself squealing at 2am but it was also messy and honest and imperfect and I loved that.
- It was incredibly easy to read, allowing me to fly through it in two sittings.
- YES TO PCOS REP!
- I adored the discussion of the deep, both physically and emotionally scarring effects puberty and acne can leave on a person. 
- Natalie wasn't perfect. She snipped and could be mean but this made her feel SO real. She wasn't a squeaky clean protagonist and I loved that.
- The discussions surrounding not know what you want to do after high school, despite the world telling you that you should have it all figured out were fab.

The not so great:
- Honestly? There's really not much I can put here. I guess, had it been slightly longer, I'd like to have seen Natalies relationship with her parents and her friendship with Zach and Lucy fleshed out a bit but it wasn't something that bothered me.

All in all, this was a perfectly adorable contemporary about learning to accept yourself, accept what you can't control, first love and growing up. It had a wonderful depth to it whilst also being light, funny and uplifting and it was a pleasure to read.