The Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie - HIGH

The Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie, 336 pages. Dutton Books for Young Readers 2023 $17 

Language: PG (6 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing) Violence: PG (bullying and peer pressure) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

18yo July finds herself alone in her hometown of Lithia. She’s a member of the track team and has a good relationship with her boyfriend Sam. When she finds herself without any other people around, she’s grateful for her cat Yolo that seems to be the only other being left. As the story alternates between once and the present now, July shares her conversations with her therapist and her experiences with her friends and family. July also sees clues and hints of someone else besides her and Yolo still present in Lithia and as she searches for that person, she gains insight into herself and her situation. 

The mysterious concept of the book is interesting. Mental health and loneliness are approached and explored in an unusual but relatable way. I feel for July and her struggles. Alex is Indian, the rest falls to white 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian