As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl - HIGH

As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl, 432 pages. Dial Books (Penguin), 2019. $18                   

Language: R (22 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (Sex off the page, other sexual acts, drug use, teen pregnancy); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS  - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Scarlett is ready to graduate high school and move on from her small-town in Graceville, Colorado.  As the class Valedictorian, Scarlett is more than prepared to attend school at Colwyn College in the fall.  After crying on the shoulder of her ex-boyfriend's best friend, Scarlett finds herself falling for him.  Uncharacteristically, Scarlett sets off on an epic road trip with her new crush, David. 

Moving between the past and present Scarlett reflects on choices both right and wrong, past and present love and the desire to simply do what's right.  Scarlett is soon faced with a choice nobody at her age should have to make, that will shape her future forever.   

Shana Youngdahl nailed it in her debut novel, As Many Nows as I can Get.  Students will love the whirlwind romance between Scarlett and David and will be shocked to find out what happens to both of them.  They will also understand the power of friendship through Scarlett's roommate Mina.  Everyone needs to have a Mina in their life.  I liked how this book provided pivotal information early on so the reader could read the remainder of the book knowing this information.  Youngdahl's writing is intended for a more mature audience with the frequent use of drugs, language and a few sexual encounters. This story is sure to stir your emotions and captive your heart.    

Jessica Nelson, Librarian