“Recommended Reading is swoon-worthy in every possible way! Bobby’s story is a sheer delight and an ode to book lovers everywhere who believe that the magic of stories reaches beyond the page.”
- Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author, Zando Young Readers
In this opposites-attract YA rom-com inspired by Emma, a failed romantic gesture puts a damper on a queer teen bookseller’s summer of book matching and matchmaking until a handsome lifeguard and romance skeptic waltzes into his bookstore. Sometimes you get a second chance at happily ever after when you least expect it . . .
ISBN
9781638931492
Language
English
Page count
320
Edition
Hardcover
Sale date
January 28, 2025
Dimensions
8.3 x 5.5
About the Book
Curvaceous, clever, and an avid reader, seventeen-year-old Bobby Ashton never misses a main character moment. So when it comes to asking out his crush, he plans a romantic gesture grand enough to go down in local history. Unfortunately, though, his extensive knowledge of every rom-com trope ever doesn’t prepare him for how tragically he misreads the situation. Suddenly Bobby’s very public romantic gesture turns into an ordeal so embarrassing it could be a villain origin story.
Having masterfully shattered every plan for his perfect summer before college, Bobby’s last resort is working at his uncle’s sleepy bookstore. Soon, Bobby is expertly recommending books for customers to perfectly cure what ails them. Attempting to rebound after a breakup? There’s a book for that. Trying to tame your crochety coworker? There’s a book for that too. Then a plot twist Bobby never saw coming walks through the door in the form of Luke, an unfairly attractive and staunchly anti-romantic lifeguard.
Bobby’s blossoming connection with Luke reminds him of some of his favorite tropes: grumpy-sunshine, quippy banter, and even forced proximity. But after his last romantic disaster, should Bobby use all the tricks in his arsenal to turn Luke’s head? Or is he misreading all the signs again? Do grand gestures really need to be so . . . grand?
Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, Kacen Callender, and Jason June, Recommended Reading is a bighearted rom-com about discovering love beyond what’s in the books . . . but hey, the perfect recommendation can get you pretty far!
Reviews
“This fun read is ideal for romantics, pragmatists, book lovers, and underdogs alike. The appealing characters’ clever, sometimes snarky dialogue supplies readers with plenty of laughs. Bobby describes himself as ‘extra,’ but he just wants to be appreciated for who he is: plus-size and gay . . . 10/10 would recommend!”
“Teens who love retellings of Emma will devour this story; it is full of smart banter and lovely romantic moments throughout.”
“Sharp dialogue and steady narration by Coccia highlight the complicated insecurity of budding adulthood, and Bobby’s empathetic characterization as a fat gay teen trying to salvage his tumultuous final summer before college makes for a warm and delightful rom-com.”
“With lived-in, realistic secondary characters and robust familial relationships, Coccia aptly explores the many ways that love in all forms can surprise us.”
“Funny, romantic, and ridiculously charming, with a full ensemble of characters who feel like new best friends. Bookworms, rejoice: Paul Coccia has written the ultimate ode to self-love and shelf love.”
“Readers will fall in love with Recommended Reading! It has everything romance readers enjoy—small town vibes, dramatic declarations, witty banter, a swoony love interest, and a protagonist to root for. It’s hilarious, fun, and entertaining.”
“A winning will they / won’t they romance for anyone who’s ever dreamed of having a meet-cute in a bookstore. Readers will be rooting for Bobby as he matchmakes and book-talks his way to a true, well-earned main character moment.”
“Equal parts sweet and dramatic, full of pop culture references and body positivity, Recommended Reading is for all the booklovers who know that sometimes getting to your own happy ending means having the courage to rewrite your own story. Simply delightful.”
Paul Coccia
Paul Coccia is the award-winning author of several acclaimed titles for young readers. Paul has a specialist in English Literature from the University of Toronto and a master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of British Columbia. He lives in Toronto with his nephew, three dogs, and a small grey parrot. When not writing glitterature, he’s often found cooking but prefers baking. You can find out more at paulcoccia.com or on Instagram and Twitter: @pauljcoccia.
