Nala and her cousin Imani have been best friends and practically sisters their entire lives, especially after Nala moved in with her aunt and uncle after it became clear she couldn't live with her mom anymore. But lately, things have become strained between the two girls. Ever since Imani joined Inspire Harlem, it seems like she doesn't care about anything else, including Nala. She feels abandoned all over again, and she can't control the jealousy she feels when her cousin seems to prefer her new friends.
Nala tags along to meetings sometimes, but she just doesn't feel the same devotion to community organizing and activism Imani does. It's at one of those meetings where she first meets Tye, and he is the best-looking guy she's ever seen. He's also super involved with Inspire Harlem. That's how a little lie to keep the conversation going quickly spirals out of control until she is lying about pretty much everything.
Her regular visits to the retirement community to visit her grandmother are suddenly a job where she has a major project. It's also why Tye thinks she's a vegetarian and she has to forego burgers when she's with him. The one true part of herself she's shared is how difficult her relationship is with her mother, but is that enough truth for a stable foundation?
I am of two minds about this book. There is something to be said for realistically flawed characters, but all the female teens in this book are pretty annoying and generally judgemental. It takes a long time to get to the lesson of self-acceptance, and even longer for Nala to be honest with Tye. I've ranted before about how much I hate the lying-to-get-the-girl/guy trope. While I appreciate the fact that Tye seemed more comfortable once Nala told the truth, I think the end was completely ridiculous. No one with any kind of self-respect would want to be with someone who lied about her entire personality.
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