Everyone has at least one thing they’re obsessed with, right? (*nervously looks around the room*) And as professional fans, we at THP know what it’s like to have something completely take over our lives. Whether it’s a new album, movie, or book, we’ve obsessed over it all. It’s our brand, and we couldn’t be more proud!
You can imagine our surprise when we got introduced to Cameron Carson, the main character of James Ramos’s new YA romance, The Wrong Kind of Weird. Cam’s a huge fan of anime and manga, making him a nerd and social outcast at his high school. (*gasp* We know!)
We all know Cam would fit right in at THP. So here are three reasons why you’ll love The Wrong Kind of Weird just as much as we do!
Book Overview
Content Warnings: bullying
Summary: Cameron Carson, member of the Geeks and Nerds United (GANU) club, has been secretly hooking up with student council president, cheerleader, theater enthusiast, and all-around queen bee Karla Ortega since the summer. The one problem—what was meant to be a summer fling between coffee shop coworkers has now evolved into a clandestine senior-year entanglement, where Karla isn’t intending on blending their friend groups anytime soon, or at all.
Enter Mackenzie Briggs, who isn’t afraid to be herself or wear her heart on her sleeve. When Cameron finds himself unexpectedly bonding with Mackenzie and repeatedly snubbed in public by Karla, he starts to wonder who he can truly consider a friend and who might have the potential to become more…
It’s Relatable And Easy To Read
We appreciate how well-paced James Ramos’s The Wrong Kind of Weird is. The chapters didn’t drag on, and we alternate between Cam’s point of view in the past and present. Not only did the narration make it feel more personal, but the diverse cast lets us easily connect with the story. And we love how thoughtful this novel is in how it refers to sensitive topics without drawing too much attention to them. It discusses how teens navigate anxiety, bullying, family trauma, social drama, communication in relationships, sex, and so much more.
The References To All Things Nerdy
As soon as we heard The Wrong Kind of Weird is a story that celebrates nerd and geek fandoms, we were sold! James Ramos does a brilliant job weaving references to anime, manga, science fiction, video games, and classic literature into the book. We even tag along with Cam and his friends to an anime convention! It’s ideal for fans of Dragon Ball, Studio Ghibli movies, and Jane Austen. (Especially fans of the hand flex scene in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. You know the one!)
The Conclusion Delivers
We won’t spoil the ending too much, don’t worry! But we will tell you that the author ties up loose ends perfectly. Cam might not have gotten the girl yet, but he finally finds acceptance for who he is. And we love how the story ends the way it starts: with Cam at a GANU club meeting, watching anime with his friends. Only this time, he has a new perspective and new club members. He’s at peace. He doesn’t hold grudges for the people who’ve judged and made fun of him. They can’t take him away from who he is; because no one can.
The Wrong Kind of Weird by James Ramos is out January 3rd and is available for preorder here!
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Need some new reads for the new year? Here’s what we recommend!
