Cancelled

by Farrah Penn

With its clever snark and searing perspective, Cancelled is a funny, fearless novel about the realistic pitfalls and unforgettable moments high school has to offer, perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Emma Lord.

Not to brag, but Brynn Whittaker is basically killing her senior year. She's got the looks, the grades, and a thriving "flirt coach" business that will help pay for her ultimate dream Stanford University. 

But when a highly incriminating video goes viral after the first rager of the year, Brynn finds herself at the center of a school-wide scandal of catastrophic proportions. She knows she's not the girl in the video hooking up with her former best friend's boyfriend (While wearing a banana costume, no less. Hey, points for style), but adding that to her reputation of being a serial dater, she quickly starts losing friends and customers. On top of that, the scorn she receives exposes the culture of misogyny that is rampant at her school . . . and Brynn and her three best friends are determined to take down all the haters. 

But as she gets closer to identifying the person in the video that got her cancelled, Brynn must decide—is exposing the girl worth losing everything she's worked so hard for?

This witty, unapologetic novel by Farrah Penn boldly tackles the problematic double standards that seek to bring girls down, and shines a light on the loving, uplifting friendships that can help them make it through those brutal four years.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, High School

368 pages, Hardcover

First published March 19, 2024

About the author

Farrah Penn is an author and writer based in Los Angeles. Her published works include her debut, Twelve Steps to Normal, and Cancelled (March 2024). She graduated from the University of North Texas. You can find her on Instagram @FarrahPenn.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Cancelled" is an enthralling and thought-provoking masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together wit, boldness, creativity, and uniqueness, establishing itself as a must-read smash hit. The author's impeccable attention to diversity representation, liberating approach to gender equality, and fearless exploration of issues such as misogyny, girl hate, cyberbullying, and fat/slut shaming contribute to the book's brilliance. Particularly commendable is the author's balanced and objective handling of religion, skillfully intertwined with the narrative's exploration of women's rights and their freedom to make life choices without succumbing to patriarchal traditions.

The slow-blooming Cyrano De Bergerac-inspired romance adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative, capturing the reader's heart and leaving them with a smile.

For enthusiasts of cinematic gems like "Mean Girls," "Easy A," "Juno," "Moxie," and "The DUFF," this book is an absolute recommendation.

Now, let's delve into the captivating main story. Meet Brynn Whittaker, a problem solver and text whisperer, adept at facilitating effective communication for others in the pursuit of romance. Despite her skill, she remains guarded in her own relationships to avoid heartbreak. Brynn's unique side job as a flirt coach, akin to a different version of Otis from "Sex Education," focuses on emotional intimacy and communication rather than the physical.

Her meticulous planning for a future at Stanford takes an unexpected turn at a Halloween party where a viral video surfaces, depicting a girl in a banana costume, identical to Brynn's, engaging in a scandalous act with her ex-best friend's boyfriend. Despite her face being obscured, Brynn becomes the target of malicious rumors and blame from her estranged best friend, Leonora. In the face of misogyny culture, cyberbullying, slut-shaming, and sexism, Brynn finds herself unjustly vilified.

As her situation worsens with a group petitioning to bar her from prom, Brynn discovers unexpected support from Cadence, a teen mom, and her artsy, quirky younger brother, Charlie. Despite the challenges, Brynn starts developing feelings for Charlie, adding a layer of complexity to her life.

The narrative unfolds intriguingly as Brynn grapples with the mystery of who is targeting her and why. As she faces the choice between her lucrative side job and matters of the heart, Brynn's resilience is put to the test. With the foundation laid by Cadence, a group of rebellious individuals emerges, challenging patriarchal traditions and misogyny within the school. The question arises: can these powerful girls reshape the narrative, creating an environment where students feel free to express themselves?

"Cancelled" is a riveting and intelligent read that has undeniably earned its five-star rating, firmly securing its place among my favorite YA fiction books of 2024.

Heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/Viking Books for Young Readers for providing me with this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:

medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter

[Niharika (severely inactive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If 20% of what this book depicts as the "American High School Experience" is true, you're all living in a crazy dystopia.

[gracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read. A perfect blend between the dramatics, craziness and the fun. I couldn't put it down and that's saying a lot considering I'm juggling 5 different books rn!

[Christopher Febles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brynn Whitaker seems like your typical high-achieving twelfth grader, but for a few things. For one, she’s a scholarship kid at an exclusive private school in a tony Los Angeles suburb. For another, she has a unique side hustle: helping her friends with their relationships through clever texts. The “service” helps pay some bills around the house, since her mom scrapes by as a Postmates driver and the water heater just died. But the whole thing goes pear-shaped when a compromising video shows up online, implicating her with someone else’s boyf. Now she’s on a quest to clear her name and reclaim her source of income, not to mention her reputation. Mixed in are a boy she likes, college expectations, and a rabid group of religious kids bent on saving her soul.

It’s a very good look into the day-to-day of a working-class kid in a super-rich setting. Anyone can appreciate the girl who must bum rides off classmates driving around in Lexuses and wearing the latest fashions. There are plenty of details of parties, clubs, classes, and neighborhood hangouts, all written with care and meticulousness. Brynn is a very observant narrator, infusing what she sees with both humor and well-earned skepticism. She’s smart as a whip, resilient, and self-reliant.



This book also brings to light some important issues related to sexuality and feminism. Poor Brynn gets raked over the coals for her alleged part in the offending video, while Duncan, clearly the cheater, seemingly strolls around on the moral high ground. Penn wants us to see the double standard, the unfairness, the injustice of how girls suffer for their sexual activity, while boys don’t. A feminist club gets started, and the movement picks up steam, and soon it’s not just clearing Brynn’s name that’s the goal anymore. It’s getting some justice for young women. That was inspiring.

Finally, there were sweet moments between Brynn and Charlie. They dance around their fondness for each other the entire novel, and I can imagine readers yelling, “Just get together already!” I’m not sure the romance was supposed to be the main theme here, but it was nice to see.

It’s a good look at modern teenage relationship, packaged into a creative little plot. High school students with their eyes on college should enjoy it.

Thank you to Viking Books and NetGalley for a free advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Cancelled by Farrah Penn will be released March 19, 2024.

[Zawszezaczytana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25/5✨

Dawno nie czytałam tak fajnej i wciągającej młodzieżówki!
Brynn jest trenerką flirtu, która podczas swojego ostatniego roku w szkole średniej musi walczyć ze skandalem i cancellowanjem jej osoby.

Historia Brynn mnie bardzo poruszyła i pokochałam tę bohaterkę i jej determinację. Autorka idealnie balansuje między problemami nastolatków, a poważnymi tematami, które dotykają społeczeństwo.

Ps jeśli lubicie Gossip Girl, Łatwą dziewczynę i Sex Education to ta książka Wam się napewno spodoba! ♥️

Współpraca reklamowa Wydawnictwo Muza

[Sherwood Smith]

Deliciously snarky style and a wickedly fast paced story covers a tale that resonates with some hard looks at the double standard still in play even in the twenty first century.

Brynn, who is building a rep for helping out her fellow high school students in the art of successful text courtship, finds herself totally cancelled when a video circulates depicting a sex act for which she gets blamed. She sets out to prove that it was not her in the vid, by discovering who the true culprit was--and on the search, she makes a lot of discoveries about herself as well as her fellow students.

It sounds like the setup for a seventies Problem Novel, but the snarky voice and the fast pace keep the story moving. It's entertaining rather than harrowing, and the way the girls come together to bring home the truth about the double standard had me mentally doing a fist pump. I really enjoyed this book a whole lot.

[Nati | koniecznieksiazki · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Współpraca reklamowa Wydawnictwo Muza] Kiedy dotrzymałam propozycje zrecenzowania „Cancelled” jedyne co wiedziałam o niej to opis. Bardzo zaciekawiło mnie to, że jest to reklamowane jako „dla fanów Gossip Girl”. Przeczytałam ją bardzo szybko, co jest dużym plusem. Jest napisana w bardzo prosto, używając dużo ironii.
Książka ma większy wydźwięk feministyczny niż się spodziewałam, co było fajne. Ale to w jaki sposób przedstawiona jest kultura „cancellingu” jest niemożliwa. Ludzie tak szybko uwierzyli, że to Brynn jest na filmiku, bo tak było łatwiej. Najgorsze, że nauczyciele w tej szkole brali w tym udział. Przy tym niestety nie polubiłam się z główną bohaterką. Niektóre jej zachowania były głupie i się ze sobą nie zgadzały. Ale Charlie i przyjaciółki Brynn byli świetni. Myślę, że książka jest warta przeczytania, dla wątku feministycznego.
Ode mnie ta książka dostaje 3.5/5⭐️

[isabella lucie ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

this was a highly entertaining read! the author visited my school recently, so we were given the first chapter in class. i was very intrigued, so of course i went out and got the book. i basically finished it in one sitting—the writing style was quick and easy to read, and there was enough happening that i wasn’t ever compelled to put it down. overall, it gave very strong easy a vibes (which is a movie i thoroughly enjoyed) and was a nice break from some of the heavier books i’ve been reading!

[Paige- TheBookandtheBoston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is why I still love YA, despite growing further and further away from the Y aspect of this genre. Cancelled reminded me of Moxie, but funnier. Also how is it that it’s 2024 and that shit is still going on? That feminist clubs to educate others are even still needed? But I digress.

I loved all the great points this book makes, similar to Moxie, but this addresses trans issues and more racial issues, as well. And like I said, it’s got great humor in it- the main character Brynn is super witty. She also is just a great person in general and is a wonderful role model for any actual young adults reading this.

Aside from all the important lessons this book has, it has a sweet romance blooming in it, too. I loved the slow-burn love story between Charlie and Brynn. And to keep the book extra interesting, there’s a mystery that needs solving, as well.

Overall, a fantastic book! Read if you like YA, especially ones with a little mystery and romance. And if you want to join the #femolution!

[Sadie]

I’m incredibly biased because I illustrated the cover, but I can’t wait to read the finished draft of this book!

[Chlo (Taylor's Version) · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was ok just really freaking long with a plot twist that wasn't that earth-shattering and characters and plot that where non-existent and cringe

[mimi (depression slump) · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this is the average High School experience, I’m glad I didn't fulfil my dream of studying in the States.

Teenagers have always been mean and borderline sociopathic - and I know a thing or two about bullying -, but this is totally unacceptable.
Where are the parents? Where are the people behind Bible-studying groups? Why no one call the police and make a proper investigation?
Also, the whole I-will-reverse-their-thinking-and-not-pointing -my-finger-back is such bullshit; the psychological damage that bullying does is gonna follow that person even after school or college, so it's pretty clear that *someone* didn't experience it in the first place.

I love a flawless-narrated story with a bunch of diverse characters and their problematics, even more so if the message behind it is “put down the patriarchy” or “don't be ashamed of having sex” or an even better “start thinking with your own head”.
Yet, one of the main topics is supposed to be bullying and how it affects people, but for some reason the focus is rarely on it.

↠ 2 stars (DFN @15%)

Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP - Penguin Young Readers Group, Vikings Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Kayne Spooner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brynn Whitaker is halfway through her senior year at Greenlough Academy an elite school where she is known as the Flirt Expert and this is the story of what happened when she got cancelled. This story has humor, depth and a mystery and I was quickly cheering for Brynn and her friends.

Brynn helps students write texts to their crushes - they Venmo her $20 for text help and $50 if they end up with a date. Students at her school are wealthy but Brynn’s family needs money. Her mom works as an assistant day-care manager and they live in an old home where there is always something that needs repair. She has an older brother Smith who has been in and out of drug rehab. Her father remarried and has a new family and quit paying child support when Brynn turned eighteen. Brynn works as a Flirt Expert to save money for college.

The trouble started when she wore a banana costume to a Halloween party and she was dancing with her two best friends, Tahlia who was dressed as Winifred Sanderson (from Hocus Pocus) with an orange hijab and Marlowe who is trans and went as Lady Gaga. The next day she woke up to find that she was cancelled by everyone except her two best friends. There’s a video making the rounds on Snapchat of what looks like Brynn, in a banana costume performing a sexual act with Duncan, her ex best friend Lenora’s boyfriend. She thinks it will all blow over and that Duncan will explain that it’s not her but he doesn’t -he says it was her (for his own reasons). She becomes the most hated person at school. The odd thing is that no one is upset with Duncan, not even Lenora-she forgives him! The next day, Brynn is crying in the girls bathroom at school when she befriends Cadence, a pregnant teen and one of my favorite characters in the book. Cadence has also been shunned by classmates while her baby daddy has had no repercussions!

It’s wonderful when Cadence and her twin brother Charlie join Brynn, Marlowe and Tahlia to discover who the actual girl was in the video in the banana suit. They uncover clues to the mystery and I couldn’t wait to find out who it was. But she and her friends are having trouble discovering the mystery banana girl’s identity and students are still ostracizing Brynn. Cadence comes up with a wonderful idea to start a club at their school to bring awareness to how guys are being treated differently than girls. There was a part where this dragged on a bit but the ending was great.

Brynn and Charlie become close as they work on the mystery and he gives her surfing lessons. Brynn admires the artwork he creates and they share some kisses.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy coming of age stories, especially when it covers tough issues and we see how good friends can help us through rough times. This was 4 and a half star for me but I rounded up to 5! My full review will be at All About Romance closer to the release date.

[Abigail Singrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl power anthem about how one girl took back her power after the teens at her school "cancelled" her, changing hearts and minds along the way.

When Brynn is accused of cheating with someone else's boyfriend (with a viral video to go along with it), the school quickly turns on her while the boy remains unscathed. Even though Brynn knows she's not the girl in the banana costume (for real!), no one believes her. Now a social outcast, Brynn doesn't waste too much time moping. Instead, she's determined to turn lemons into lemonade. She quickly befriends Cadence, shunned for being pregnant, along with a few other girls. Together, they start a #femolution to fight misogyny at their school. As the movement gains momentum, Brynn faces every challenge with sarcasm and a can-do attitude, except for the challenge of truly falling in love.

Despite the sarcasm, this book treats all its characters with grace, even those who stand in opposition to Brynn, as they learn and grow and share their different points of view with each other. A perfect time capsule of growing up in the age of social media.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kantorek90 · Rating 3 out of 5]

W młodości uwielbiałam serial „Plotkara”, więc po przeczytaniu opisu „Cancelled” autorstwa Farrah Penn miałam nadzieję, że będzie to książka w podobnym klimacie. Czy faktycznie tak było? Już spieszę z wyjaśnieniem.

Główna bohaterka historii — Brynn Whittaker to zdecydowanie najpopularniejsza dziewczyna w szkole. Poza świetnymi ocenami może również pochwalić się smykałką do biznesu, ponieważ dzięki swojemu dodatkowemu zajęciu, który polega na uczeniu flirtowania innych uczniów, codziennie zarabia pieniądze, które nie tylko wspomagają rodzinny budżet, ale również pozwolą w przyszłości utrzymać się jej na wymarzonych studiach. Niestety pewna Halloweenowa impreza i nieszczęsny strój banana sprawiają, że odtąd Brynn staje się personą non grata. Czy uda jej się przekonać opinię publiczną, że to nie ona jest na nagraniu, które obiegło całą szkołę? Tego oczywiście nie zdradzę, ponieważ nie chciałabym psuć innym czytelnikom przyjemności z czytania.

Nie zmienia to jednak faktu, że w mojej ocenie fabuła tej książki została źle poprowadzona. „Cancelled” porusza bardzo ważne tematy, takie jak hejt oraz spychanie kobiet na społeczny margines, jednak mam trochę wrażenie, że autorka nie poświeciła mu należytej uwagi, przez co nie miał właściwego wydźwięku.

Drugą wadą tej publikacji są powtórki. Podczas czytania miałam bowiem wrażenie, że cały czas kręcimy się w kółko, ciągle wracając do tych samych tematów i rozważań, przez co lektura straszliwie mi się dłużyła i w pewnym momencie stała się tak monotonna, że chciałam ją porzucić.

Wiele do życzenia pozostawiał również wątek romantyczny, który nie dość, że pojawił się praktycznie znikąd, to w dodatku zupełnie nie czułam chemii między bohaterami.

Chociaż początek książki dawał nadzieję na to, że „Cancelled” będzie świetną lekturą, w ostatecznym rozrachunku myślę, że jedynie zawarty w tej książce sarkazm nie sprawił, że oceniłam ją zdecydowanie niżej. Być może jestem już po prostu za stara na czytanie tego typu publikacji, dlatego zupełnie mnie nie zachwyciła. Niemniej jednak myślę, że może się ona spodobać czytelnikom, którzy wiekowo są bardziej zbliżeni do głównej bohaterki.

[books_in_the_cloud · Rating 3 out of 5]

„Cancelled” – Ferrah Penn~~

❌ Od początku tej historii, bardzo polubiłam bohaterów, szczególnie Charliego. Brynn, jak i jej przyjaciele, idealnie oddają problemy teraźniejszej młodzieży, nie tylko uczuciowe, ale także te z wpasowaniem się w społeczeństwo, a także ustalane przez nie normy, czy traktowanie kobiet gorzej od mężczyzn. Bohaterowie wydają się bardzo namacalni ze swoimi problemami, dlatego łatwo się do nich przywiązać i tak też stało się w moim przypadku.

❌ Cała otoczka książki, jaką jest zagadka, założenie klubu „femolucji”, pokazanie feminizmu i girl power, bardzo do mnie trafiła, każdy poruszany problemy wydawały się ważne, a to w jaki sposób były przedstawione, nie dyskryminowały nikogo.

❌ Wątek romantyczny, był naprawdę przyjemny i lekki, było widać, że osoba autorska stara się go lekko wpleść w fabułę, tak aby nie był zbyt nachalny. A za każdym razem, kiedy pojawiały się sceny z Brynn I Charliem, przebierałam nóżkami z ekscytacji.

❌ Mimo że samą historię czytało mi się bardzo przyjemnie, tak mam tutaj lekki zarzut do osoby autorskiej. Mianowicie momentami było widać, że książka próbuje być na siłę młodzieżowa, wplatając jakieś słówka, które niekoniecznie się nadawały. Tak samo, jeśli chodzi o przedstawienie bohaterów, miałam wrażenie, że czytam metryczkę z ich danymi, niżeli „naturalny” opis postaci.

Ocena: 3,5⭐

[Współpraca reklamowa]

[Meghan Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really empowering story to read.

I loved how all aspects of feminism were represented and how the people in this story truly ended up respecting each other’s choices, showing that one size does not fit all when it comes to empowerment. There was also an awesome amount of representation in this book.

Brynn, the main character, was mistakenly framed for a filmed act at a party and the story details how she takes back her power in the midst of this awful shaming.

Brynn is incredibly witty and strong and her narration was fantastic. I love how her character truly grew throughout the story and how she learned so much about herself, her friends, and how the world views women.

Also, Cadence rocks.

This was a great read. 4 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great YA story about a diverse group of girls tired of the sexism and double standards at their high school who form a "femiloution" club to help correct the power imbalance and fight for more equity and respect. Perfect for fans of Veronica Mars or Margot Mertz and good on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and @prhaudio for a complimentary digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Disability rep: vaginismus

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this book! So engaging, the level of “can’t put it down” is off the charts! The way the graduating seniors learn and grow and change is much less about SAT scores and more about life. The inclusivity depicted is both hard won (hello misogyny!) and a joy to behold. I look forward to more from this author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Adanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

High achieving, serial dater Brynn is having a great senior year. Until there’s a video that everyone assumes is Brynn with her former best friend’s boyfriend. Many of her classmates immediately turn against her after seeing the video on social media. Brynn must figure out how to repair her reputation and hopefully still get admitted to her dream school.

I really enjoyed Brynn and her friends taking on the double standards, sexist stereotypes, and misogyny at the school. This friend group is loving, supportive, and uplifting. They take a bad situation, learn from it, and help others.

Side note, I loved the diversity within this group. Each character was fully fleshed out and had their own concerns. Readers will learn something from each of them.

The romance between Brynn and Charlie was a secondary storyline, but it was so cute! The mutual pining had me cheering for them to figure things out!

Cancelled is a fast-paced, fun YA coming-of-age story in the age of social media with a great message.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for a copy of this book.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was offered a free advanced copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars

The story revolves around Brynn, who finds herself at the center of a school scandal. She becomes an outcast during her senior year for something she didn't even do. Also, the male at the center of the controversy won't come clean and the reactions to the incident make it apparent that there are different outcomes and expectations depending mostly on your gender.

I enjoyed this book which takes a deep dive into looking at inequalities in our culture. At first I was worried that despite having a good mix of representation it would vilify Christians but then as the book progresses this group is examined in a more nuanced light and I realized it was mainly one character who doesn't represent the group. I am always for books that make people question norms and whether they are fair. It also tackles the dynamics on families when there are addiction issues and how it can focus the attentions on that person and away from their other family members. It also shows the pressure for the non addicted family members to be perfect so as not to rock the boat any further. It delves into how to fight back against inequality and how to do it fairly.

All in all, the characters were well done and the pacing was good. Note- If you are a parent who monitors what their kids read this book does dive into issues around sex, teenage pregnancy, underage drinking, addiction, sexting and the like. Therefore if you have one of those advanced readers who isn't ready for conversations around mature content then maybe read it with them or have them wait a couple of years.

[Melody Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just so much fun, the twins were my favorite characters. Charlie would honestly be the kind of guy I'd want. With his alternative style, love for art is just so cute. While Cadence's energy is so good it does remind me of myself at times, I love how at the end she's chasing John Mark, which honestly made me giggle. This book does feel drama packed which honestly I love!

[Orka♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[ współpraca reklamowa @youandyabooks ]

Jestem pozytywnie zaskoczona 🤭. Miałam wrażenie, że książka nie przypadnie mi do gustu, a wyszło totalnie na odwrót! Bardzo przyjemna i ciekawa książka.

Rzeczywiście przez calusieńką książkę byłam ogromnie zainteresowana tym, co się stanie później i oczywiście tego, kto był na tym video. Z początku sama próbowałam w głowie rozgryźć tą intrygę, jednak nikt nie pasował mi do tej sytuacji 😭. Dlatego moja ciekawość rosła z każdą kolejną stroną i każdym nowym odkryciem. Naprawdę z wielkim napięciem wyczekiwałam rozwiązania sytuacji.

Muszę przyznać, że dosłownie każdy wątek mnie interesował i w ogóle nie odczułam, że jest coś niepotrzebne czy wepchnięte na siłę. Gdyby nie mój brak czasu, to z pewnością pochłonęłabym książkę w jeden dzień!

Oprócz intryg mamy też wątek romantyczny, który wywołał u mnie wiele skrajnych emocji. Nasza główna bohaterka jest raczej osobą skaczącą z kwiatka na kwiatek i nie jest zbytnio zainteresowana dłuższymi relacjami, do czasu 😉. Bardzo kibicowałam głównej bohaterce i jej nowemu obiektowi westchnień. Chemię między tamtą dwójką było czuć na kilometr, a chłopak wydawał się naprawdę w porządku i szczerze go polubiłam. W porównaniu do innych osób nie oceniał Brynn pod pryzmatem plotek i oskarżeń. Przy nim dziewczyna mogła być sobą i nie udawać nikogo, kim nie jest 🥹. Każdy zasługuje na taką osobę w swoim życiu, więc cieszyłam się, że mimo wszystkich okropności, które spotkały Brynn ma przy sobie taką osobę.

W książce również znajdziemy cudowny wątek przyjaźni, który zdecydowanie potwierdza przysłowie ,,prawdziwych przyjaciół poznaje się w biedzie". Mocno polubiłam Cadence, która w pewnym momencie zaprzyjaźnia się z główną bohaterką i stara się pomóc w rozwiązaniu bananowej zagadki 🤪. Również przyjaciele Brynn nie zostawili jej w tym trudnym dla niej czasie i nawet na sekunde nie uwierzyli w wymyśloną intrygę.

Styl pisania również jest bardzo przyjemny i prosty, co jest dużym plusem. Uważam, że autorka w świetny sposób przedstawiła nam wątek szkolny, w którym pokazała jak szybko można zniszczyć komuś życie, jak szybko ludzie wierzą w plotki, oceniają nas i nawet nie próbują dowiedzieć się prawdy. Jest to bardzo przykre, ale niestety - w większości szkół - na porządku dziennym 🥲.

Szczerze? Bardzo nie chciałam kończyć czytania, jednak musiało to nastąpić. Mimo wszystko jestem bardzo usatysfakcjonowana i pozytywnie zaskoczona! Bardzo wahałam się z oceną po skończeniu książki, ponieważ miałam wrażenie, że mimo wszystko nie zostanie w mojej głowie na długo, ale minęło już kilka dni, a ja wciąż nie mogę zapomnieć o tym, co tu się działo 🙈. Zmojej strony to wielka polecajka i zachęcam do sięgnięcia po tą książkę.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars -4.75 stars rounded up. Bryn is a high school senior who provides flirt coaching to her fellow students. Bryn is smart and funny. She is a problem solver with dreams of attending Stanford. Her home life is a bit complicated with a mom struggling to make ends meet and a brother who is in and out of rehab.
After a video of someone who looks like Bryn makes the rounds, Bryn finds herself cancelled. Bryn cycles through all of the emotions: anger, need for revenge, sense of loss, etc until she ultimately realizes that revealing the real person in the video would just shift what she is experiencing to that person. Thoughtful exploration of women’s rights and “slut-shaming”. Why is the female the only party in many situations that is vilified? Even though it wasn’t Bryn in the video, Bryn is the one who is shamed. The boy in the situation faces zero consequences. Sadly this is all too close to reality.
She faces bullying at school and on-line after the incident. The event even impacts her college decisions.
The novel is fast paced and funny but is able to tackle very complicated serious topics. The author explores misogyny and women’s rights including their freedom to make choices about sex, abstinence and reproduction. This would be an excellent contemporary addition to counter-balance classic high school reading such as The Scarlet Letter.

As Bryn is struggling with her newly changed world, she finds friendship in unexpected places.In her journey to solve the mystery of who was in the video and who sent it, she discovers a bigger need. THe need to challenge perceptions and traditions at school. A feminist club is started. This was a really smart book with lots to discuss. The characters were well developed but still made mistakes as most high school students do. Friendship and family dynamics were explored. THere was a lot going on in this novel but the author managed to put big social issues in a a very readable package. Highly recommend!

[Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Penguin Teen for the #gifted ARC and thank you PRH Audio for my #gifted listening copy of Cancelled! #PRHAInfluencer #PRHAudioPartner #PenguinTeenPartner

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

★★★★★

If you are a fan of Jenny Han or Emma Lord, you are going to LOVE Cancelled by Farrah Penn! I could not get enough of Brynn and this YA romance. I loved the focus on gender equality, cyberbullying, and friendship.

I found Brynn to be such a strong and likable character, and I love how she was portrayed. She is witty and overall a great role model. There is a mystery element to this book and I really enjoyed the added element.

🎧I alternated between the physical book, and the audiobook, narrated by Gail Shalan! This was my first time listening to a book performed by Shalan, and I can’t wait to experience more of her work! She was so dynamic and I just loved my listening experience! I highly recommend the Audiobook!

📱YA Romance
📱Flirt Coach
📱Easy A and Mean Girls Vibes
📱Slow Burn
📱Cinnamon Roll Love Interest
📱Friendship

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cancelled by Farrah Penn. Thanks to @penguinteen for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Brynn is finishing up her senior year making some extra cash as a flirt expert. She is well liked and respected at her school. Until she is accused to hooking up with her ex-best friend’s boyfriend and a video is sent around. She knows it’s not her but no one else does.

Fans of Moxie, here’s your next favorite read! This was a very empowering tale of taking back power from shame. I don’t enjoy a lot of young adult, unless it’s clever, mature, or witty; this one was all three. The main character was funny and despite all the drama she was going through, made me laugh out loud several times.

“The more we came together to break down double standards and unlearn the stupid spiral construct bullshit we’ve been fed all our lives, the more empowered we felt.”

Cancelled comes out 3/12.

[Bernadette Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the start of Brynn 's senior year a video circulates of someone who looks like her hooking up with her former best friend's boyfriend. Because she has a "reputation" of being a serial dater, she becomes the subject of cruel gossip both online, and in school. Fed up with it all she decides to push back against societal shame and at the same time, find out who's been lying about her.

YA novels are all about the pitfalls of social media. Realistic, yes but very sad that kids have that added layer of worry and pressure on them.

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was BUSS. I honestly read it in one day. I vibed with the writing style, I loved the voice of the main character and the messages, and I loved how there was a kernel of mystery and also a love plot going on at the same time??? It made me laugh and smile, and was just a silly, sappy little book.

[Michelle Goodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

At Greenlough Academy, Brynn is everyone's go-to person for help with texting their crushes; after all, she's a dating expert and self-proclaimed flirting coach. But when a viral video surfaces after a Halloween party, she's instantly on the outs. All her classmates believe she is the one in the video doing a dirty deed since she was the only one in a banana costume at the party. What makes things even worse is that the guy in the video is her ex-best friend's current boyfriend, Duncan Rowe. Her only hope now is that Duncan will clear the air and tell everyone it wasn't her so things can go back to normal. But when she returns to school and her peers throw all the banana references her way, she realizes it won't be that simple and becomes determined to reveal the real person wearing the banana costume. As the story unfolds, Brynn and her friends work to uncover the truth while also creating a feminist club at their school to start a "femolution" and change how their classmates think, as well as encourage acceptance.

I felt like this book really fell flat. I sensed that the author was trying to push an agenda, and while it was nice to see the main characters feel empowered to drive change at their school, it just felt over the top and like they were trying to take on every possible hot-topic issue. It would have been better if their club just focused on one or two issues instead. Each chapter began with blurbs of what Brynn's classmates were saying about her, and throughout the book, you could see how their opinions changed as the truth came out. At times, I found myself frustrated with Brynn. I realize all of these horrible things were happening to her, but I would have liked to have seen her rise above it better instead of trying to get even. I also never really felt like she had been "canceled." Sure, people at her school were judging her, but she still had her core group of friends and seemed to be doing okay. I was happy to see she was able to mend broken friendships and step outside of her comfort zone. I also enjoyed the little bit of romance that was included. Overall, I gave this 3 stars on Goodreads.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Ekta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like a standard YA novel for me. There were times where I kept thinking, "Why doesn't Brynn just do X?" For such a smart protagonist, it surprised me that she missed some obvious questions and clues that she could have been asking (like about who was wearing the banana costume in the video that goes viral.)

Also, I had a hard time buying into the fact that Brynn and her mother were really hurting for money. There are a couple of instances where things broke and there was an immediate need for cash. But other than that, I never really got the sense that there wasn't, say, enough food in the house or that Brynn and her mom had to give up on necessities in order to survive. Were their budgets tighter than the people around them? Yes, but everything is relative. Brynn and her mom live in a fancy town with fancy cars and uber-rich people. I got the sense that their "money troubles" were actually more what normal middle-class life is like. Again, this is just based on what the narration and Brynn herself share.

I was confused, too, about Brynn's personal philosophy. At one point, she talks about how she can't count on anyone but herself. About three pages later, she says she can count on her mom and herself. Which is it?

Lastly, I felt like this book was another one of those YA novels trying to solve all of society's problems all at once. The result is that all the of the issues in the story feel like watered-down versions of themselves. And even though the questions Brynn and her friends raise are good talking points, occasionally the way they dealt with those questions -- the actions they took to address them or to bring about change -- felt flippant. They felt, for lack of a better descriptor, very stereotypically "California."

This one wasn't for me, although I'm sure there are others who will enjoy it.