Review of "Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry" by Joya Goffney
Sometimes, a book jumps out at you and says, “Hey, you need this in your life!” That’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled upon Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney. With a title like that, how could I resist? If there’s anything I adore more than a good cup of tea, it’s a rom-com that promises drama, humor, and maybe even a few ugly cries of my own. And trust me, this book delivered all that and then some—so grab your blanket and maybe a snack, because you’re going to want to get comfy for this one!
The premise revolves around our charming protagonist, a high school senior who inadvertently spills her deepest, most embarrassing secrets into a notebook that—of course—gets into the wrong hands. Let’s just say, cue the drama! Despite the predictability of the plot, Goffney’s storytelling had me turning pages late into the night, completely disregarding my parents’ snores echoing in the background. Seriously, I was so invested that I briefly forgot about anything resembling adult responsibilities—truly a sign of a good read!
The writing style is where Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry shines. Goffney has a knack for creating witty dialogue and relatable moments. I found myself laughing, gasping, and even cringing at some of the protagonist’s choices. "Who gave you the right to attack me this way? Seriously, who?" became a sentiment I resonated with when navigating through her trials and tribulations. Goffney perfectly captures the chaotic messiness of teen life, which I found incredibly refreshing.
What truly made this story a delight were its characters. Our MC is beautifully flawed—a fact I appreciated because it made her all the more human and relatable. And can we talk about Carter? He’s the quintessential dreamy love interest, with just enough flaws to keep us guessing. Every time he spoke, my heart fluttered, making it clear that Goffney knows how to write swoon-worthy moments. But without giving too much away, I did find myself wishing the author had given a certain character, Matt, more spotlight. He felt overshadowed at times, and it’s a pity because he had all the makings of a memorable sidekick.
Then there’s Olivia, our MC’s best friend, whose sarcasm and loyalty were nothing short of delightful. The interactions within their friend group were laced with humor and solidarity, bringing out deeper layers of friendship that felt genuine. The pacing of the book was on-point, keeping the storyline engaging without unnecessary lulls—a crucial element in creating that binge-worthy vibe.
In the end, Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry does more than entertain; it touches on important social themes like racism and self-identity, making it a profound read for those who enjoy both light-hearted escapism and deeper discussions.
Now, if you’re someone who loves romance wrapped in humor, with a side of drama and loyal friendships, this book is definitely for you. It might even lead you to ugly-cry, and honestly, what’s wrong with that? What I took away from my time in this story was a warm reminder of the beauty in vulnerability and the chaotic messiness of teenage life. So, go ahead—pick it up, and let yourself be swept away! You never know, you may fall in love, too.
Trust me; it’ll be worth it. 🥰📚
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