Scan barcode
A review by lauren_soderberg
The Mall by Megan McCafferty
5.0
Megan McCafferty’s The Mall is a perfect throwback coming-of-age story that will resonate just as well with Generation X as it will with Generation Z. (Millennials will love it too.) Set in the summer of 1991, mostly within the confines of a New Jersey mall, the aptly titled The Mall follows Cassie Worthy as she tries to navigate through the summer before she leaves for college. When all of her best-laid plans seem to fall apart, she’ll have to rely on herself to figure out who she really is and who she wants to become. Also, there may be a little bit of a treasure hunt involved…
To me, this book embodies all of the things I crave for in YA, and in fiction in general. There’s a compelling protagonist who is profoundly human… flaws, insecurities, and all. There’s a beautiful female friendship that in many ways anchors the story. There’s a little bit of love, a little bit of loss, and a whole lot of personal growth. Add in hilariously crafted scenarios and sharp, witty dialogue? I’m so sold. The fact that it’s set in a mall during a time when malls were at their pinnacle? Perfection. McCafferty adeptly creates a story that is simultaneously of its era and is also timeless, which is a tough balance to achieve.
For me, this is an absolute must-read, whether you typically read YA or not. And I wouldn’t be sad if this got made into a movie. The soundtrack alone would be amazing.
**Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
To me, this book embodies all of the things I crave for in YA, and in fiction in general. There’s a compelling protagonist who is profoundly human… flaws, insecurities, and all. There’s a beautiful female friendship that in many ways anchors the story. There’s a little bit of love, a little bit of loss, and a whole lot of personal growth. Add in hilariously crafted scenarios and sharp, witty dialogue? I’m so sold. The fact that it’s set in a mall during a time when malls were at their pinnacle? Perfection. McCafferty adeptly creates a story that is simultaneously of its era and is also timeless, which is a tough balance to achieve.
For me, this is an absolute must-read, whether you typically read YA or not. And I wouldn’t be sad if this got made into a movie. The soundtrack alone would be amazing.
**Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**