Never Say Never is a powerful story about love, loss, and hope. After the death of her father, seventeen-year-old Justine Manzano is determined to follow in his footsteps and become a successful musician. But when she discovers her mother’s hidden stash of pregnancy tests, she realizes that her future may be completely different from what she imagined. As Justine struggles with newfound independence and the challenges of teenage life, she must also confront the possibility that she might be gay—a revelation that could cost her everything. With honesty and humor, this debut novel explores one girl’s journey through grief, sexuality, and self-discovery.
For who is this book for ?
This book is meant for young adults, around the age of 17-20 who are just starting to find themselves. It tells a story of discovery and self-acceptance that many readers can relate too.
Pros :
- The story is powerful and moving.
- The author explores difficult topics with honesty and humor.
- The characters are well developed and relatable.
Cons :
- The author takes a while to develop the characters.
- The dialogue can be stilted at times.
- The ending is a bit rushed and incomplete
Learn more about the author
Justine Manzano is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She has worked as an actor, director, and writer in theater, film, and television. Never Say Never is her first novel.
Reader Reviews
“Heartbreaking and beautiful . . .”
“Justine Manzano has written a raw, powerful debut novel about a girl who is grieving the death of her father and discovering her sexuality. NEVER SAY NEVER is full of heartache, humor, and hope.”
“This beautifully written novel had me hooked from the first chapter. Justine’s story is one that will stay with me for a long time.”
“This book was amazing! It was so well written and I felt like I knew the characters.”
