Follow My Voice

by Ariana Godoy

This spellbinding #BookTok sensation from internationally bestselling author Ariana Godoy follows a nineteen-year-old battling agoraphobia as she forms an unexpected connection with the host of her favorite college radio show.

Klara Rodríguez has barely left her house in eight agonizing months. Imprisoned by agoraphobia and anxiety, her world has shrunk to the walls of her bedroom where, night after night, one voice pierces through her isolation: Kang, the soothing, thoughtful host of her favorite late-night college radio program.

Then, an unexpected text message changes everything.

The voice that has been her invisible companion suddenly has a life beyond the airwaves. As their connection deepens, it becomes the fragile thread Klara clings to while fighting to reclaim pieces of herself.

Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never seen? Can a voice become your anchor in the storm? And is Klara strong enough to face not only the outside world but the person she loves?

In a moment of desperate courage, Klara enrolls in community college. But the universe has a sense of humor when she discovers that Kang’s schedule overlaps with her only in-person class.

Now, Klara’s greatest battle isn't just against the pull of her bedroom walls. It’s facing the person she might already love.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Mental Health, Young Adult Romance

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2025

About the author

Autora de romance y misterio
(Romance/Mystery Author.)
Traditionally published novel/ Mis libros:
"Mi amor de Wattpad."
"A través de mi ventana."

Reviews

[Ishraq محبت {hiatus} · Rating 3 out of 5]

💐⊹ ࣪ ˖ 3 stars
⤿ review contains cussing and mentions of sex
⤿ Content warnings: depressions, anxiety, sucide, panic attacks, cancer, and etc

Tropes
# School love
# Grief and Lost
# She falls first he falls harder
# Age I recommend: 13+

When I saw this on netgalley I just knew I needed an arc of this book.

This was so so so sweet. The writing style was full of emotion. This book gave the exact same vibes as You’ve Reached Sam but instead it had a happy ending.

The main character, Klara, is my whole world she’s so inspiring. Even watching her mother die from cancer and then going through cancer herself she still decided to continue living on. Even when her suicidal thoughts almost got the best of her. Please protect this girl at all costs omg🙏. OH AND KANG? THE MAN!! While she wasn’t looking he stared at her for ten minutes straight, just admiring her. Guys, where can I buy a man like this? Please tell me.

The ending definitely felt rushed, and I wished Kang and Klara confessed love to each directly instead of using words that are similar to love. But the main reason why I gave this book 3 stars was because it was slightly boring. The romance was sweet and the main character faced her depression and anxiety but I feel like those were the only good aspects of the book.

Anyway my fans of you’ve reached Sam will love this one xx

So yeah, that’s all. Peace out, love y’all, and please do feel free to hate on this review in the comments or hate on me. I love arguing💐

“I promise to cherish every layer you reveal to me Klara, to be in awe of you as much as your beauty. So stop hiding from me, Klara ”

🎧⊹ ࣪ ˖ preread
Forgot I had an arc of this book. But anyway it looks so freaking cute I can’t wait to read this

۶ৎ thank you netgalley and the publisher(s) for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review <3

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I had my doubts, this book was so amazing. I really was afraid this was going to read like 'true love can overcome anything, even agoraphobia'. The blurb talks about her struggles with agoraphobia but suddenly decides to enroll in college because of a boy? I really was afraid that is what it was going to be. Not at all like that at all.

When the book opens, Klara is to the point where she can get all the way to the park and back. Her sister has been talking to her about the possibility of enrolling in college. She can leave the house to go to see her psychiatrist occasionally. So, she has been making progress. Not straight jumping from never leaving the house to college.

I really love how well mental health issues were dealt with in the book. That her panic attacks wouldn't ever go away but that she could learn the tools to help. To celebrate the little victories. How exciting it was that she was able to manage a panic attack by herself. The guilt a therapist feels when a patient commits suicide. The family blaming the therapist. Thinking your mental health issues are holding back your partner from having a full life.

Hate when books make me cry, so can I give angry stars for making me cry? So rude.

Seriously, though, if you are feeling depressed or having suicidal thoughts, please reach out and get help. There are tons of help lines to call. Reach out to a therapist or talk to a friend. You are important ❤️

[Jessica Milliner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Klara who has gone through so much. Her mother died from cancer. She herself has to go through cancer. Klara has spent eight months in isolation due to her condition as well as anxiety. The only thing that helps her is her favorite college radio show. Klara has her sister and brother-in-law to support her and encourage her to get out of isolation. She also has her therapist to help.
Everything changes when Klara is listening to the radio made by a guy named Kang. Klara sent a message to Kang and they met. She enrolled in a community college and started to break out of her isolation.

‘Finding My Voice’ is a good read. I can’t put it down. It shows when you have to deal with something you have to find a way to get out of it. Also, other things like escaping isolation, coping with what you have, and knowing that something you like will help you.

[brewdy_reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you @atriabooks + @primerosuenopress for the ARC and @simon.audio for the audiobook 🎧 I enjoyed #buddyreading this with @amazingtepi ♡

This had its swoony moments. It was a sweet romance — it would be perfect for a 13 yo..! including a first kiss for her moment between the host of a radio talk show called “Follow my voice” and one of his listeners.

What I liked: very challenging topics handled with sensitivity, with representation I’d have liked to have seen at that age — depression, suicide, cancer, death of parent, agoraphobia. I also liked the radio call in show format — this always inspires nostalgia in me!

What didn’t work for me: instalove infatuation, miscommunication or non-communication (both of these are consistent with their ages and levels of maturity). A more simplistic plot and writing style.

This is very much a book that I will recommend to my 12 yo daughter. It’s also being made into a tv series and the preview looks really cute! 🥰 I think this will translate well to that format.

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။‌‌‌‌‌|• 🎧 I enjoyed the dual narration for the voices of both sweet, shy Klara and supportive, friend-to-everyone Kang.

[Mija Kha · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We should all live as if we were going to die tomorrow; we would have much fuller lives if we didn't assume we had all the time in the world."

100000% must read!
I loveddddd Follow My Voice so much. It was so sweet and so deep! It was complex and so simple and sweet all at the same time!
This book follows Klara, and the affect of her mother's passing and how that has shaped her. She ends up getting agoraphobia and basically has to figure out how to overcome this. One of the ways she ends up overcoming her fear of leaving the house, is she starts listening to this radio show with the cute and swoon worthy radio host Kang.
Follow My Voice is written so freaking well! The way Ariana has written all of the character's emotions just makes me feel for them and goshhhh, my heart. I can't even, it was too good and so heartbreaking and ughhhh. Just read it!
Overall, you REALLY don't want to miss out on this one. It's sure to leave you in tears (both sad and happy). Amazingly written and the characters are too cute!

"And finally, I hope that you will always know that you can be a guiding light in the midst of so much darkness and that you can help make someone else's light brighter by saying something nice or doing something for them without expecting anything in return. Help spread love, warmth, and light, because this world already has so much hate, darkness, and negativity."

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not positive if this is a YA book or not(the characters are technically adults), but I would definitely recommend it as one. It kept me hooked, I was loving the characters and seeing their journey unravel was such a nice read. I do think the Kang chapters thrown in now and then didn’t need to be there, it wasn’t enough to make me feel like I really got inside his head as a character. So either I wanted more of his POV, or none. But the story is definitely worth the read!

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow My Voice - Ariana Godoy
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

I enjoyed this one! I was not expecting such heavy topics but really liked how the author approached and navigated them through our two main characters Kara and Kang. I thought their friendship/relationship was sweet and it’s obvious Kang played a part in helping Kara step more out of her comfort zone.
Would recommend if you’re looking for a heartfelt story about friendship, overcoming your fears and forging a new path.

Thank You to Atria books for the gifted book!

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate this 4.5⭐️. This book is about a girl named Klara who lost her mom to cancer and ended up suffering with agoraphobia and severe depression. The way the author wrote about Klara’s struggles and the way she overcame those obstacles was so captivating and I just couldn’t put the book down. I related to this book on so many levels and I’m so glad that I was able to get an advanced copy. I went through all of the emotions I could possible have while reading this!! There was a couple moments where I didn’t necessarily love the way she wrote some of the scenes but overall this is an amazing book and I’m so great full that I got the chance to read it.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I found myself drawn to the characters, and especially had sympathy for the main character. I have a particular preference for young adult books, in part because of their cleaner plots compared to some of books that are targeted at older audiences.

Trigger warnings: small amount of profanity in a few chapters. I did not expect it. I found it offensive and unnecessary. I can include the page numbers from my notes if anyone is interested.

Anyway, once I complete some other tasks, I should be able to add more comments, which are almost all positive. As I read through portions of the original "Sigue mi voz" in Spanish and compared it with the translated book in English, I found some portions that I might have phrased differently, but I thought the translation was done well, so I offer compliments to Frances Riddle for doing a fine job.

I am grateful to have received an advance copy of this book. Peace be with you.

[Elexis Zapata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC.

The first ten or so chapters were a bit slow and took me some time to really get into but after finishing the entire story I think that build up was necessary to really understand Klara’s struggles and appreciate her growth and the relationships she builds.
Once Klara met Kang in person I couldn’t put this book down. I was hooked and so invested in every moment they shared.
Ariana Godoy did a wonderful job portraying all the different ways people experience and react to grief, depression, and anxiety.
Overall, this might be one of my favorite reads of 2025.

[bookishreadswithv · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

the way this book made me blush, laugh, cry, and every emotion under the sun should be studied!!!! this is how you write a book and this being a YA book is what the young adults of our generation need!! i loved every second of awareness toward mental health, of friendship/family & love.

this book was truly everything!!!! the way love, grief, anxiety, and depression interwined within the narrative really allowed me to take a step back and connect with the novel as more than a reader. i connected with these characters on so many different levels as a college student that has experienced all these conflicting emotions and battling anxiety and depression as well.

i loved klara she was so multifaceted and i connected with her self-awareness on so many levels she was so smart and intelligent but afraid just like any individual can be when enduring hardships. she must be protected at all costs!!!! i love her too much and how she fought so hard against her internal battles but also leaned on her family and friends to uplift her in difficult moments. the way panic attacks, anxiety, and depression were described in the novel were handled with so much care and awareness it made me appreciate this book so much more!! i loved that this story is much more than a romance novel but a love letter to all readers on finding your voice and never being afraid of failure or having real and raw emotions.

kang my sweet boy!!! he deserves everything good in the world, he cared so deeply and i just felt so sad when we got to truly know his story it made me feel proud of how he's constantly overcoming hardships and looking at the positive side of hardship (like we all should!!!) he was so funny, flirty, and caring i truly appreciated how he was so soft and sweet towards klara and really found his voice through advocation in his radio show. i loved klara and kang as a couple but also rooted for them as individual characters that were growing and experiencing all that life has to offer.

the family & friends relationship was so cute my favorite characters were definitely andy & diego because they were truly so unapologetically themselves and said exactly what they felt when they felt it. so refereshing to see klara experience these individuals in her life since they also calmed her when she was struggling or lacked to belief in her internal voice/power.

thank you atria for the arc!!! i had such an amazing time with this novel and i will forever recommend this book to all my besties, one of the best YA books i've ever read.

[Klara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Net gallery for this ARC

4.25⭐

This read was one of the unexpected but also expected reads. It follows Klara and Kong, who are trying to live and survive while having to deal with grief, depression and anxiety.

The trop, concept and how they met is really unique.It reminded me of a lot of K Dramas. I wish that the end wasn't so rushed and forced. But every one of there interaction had me giggling.

[Quilted.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completely swept me away. Follow My Voice follows Klara, a nineteen year old living with agoraphobia, whose world changes when she connects with Kang, the soothing voice of her favorite late night radio show. What starts as an invisible companionship turns into something deeper, more fragile, and achingly beautiful. It’s a tender, romantic story about love, courage, and finding your way back to yourself. I adored every page such a heartfelt and hopeful read.

[MiMi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nineteen year old Klara with a K hasn’t left her house in the past 8 months. After her mother lost her battle to cancer and dealing with her own medical issues she’s become a shell of herself. She’s extremely anxious, sad all the time, and the thought of leaving the safety of her house absolutely terrifies herself. It’s a never ending cycle. When she tries to take baby steps in conquering her fears, a panic attack ensues, and she’s back at being depressed. How is she incapable of simply doing something “so easy” as taking a walk to the park; something she’s done plenty of times before. Before the pain, the hurt, the loss of her dear mother. The sickness that ravaged her body, she was living her best life. Now… she doesn’t see the point.

This book was sooo good, so sweet. The plot, the characters, the growth and mannerisms of these young adults. The nostalgia of being a young 19/20 year old and figuring out life after high school. There was so many emotions. I absolutely enjoyed reading it and seeing how each character (not only the FMC & MMC) found solace with each other. I think it read very well and I didn’t find it boring whatsoever. I was interested to see how where the romance would eventually land.

Her sister was giving off annoying big sister vibes at first but all for good reason. Loved Andy & Kamila. Diego, Perla, and Ellie. Of course Kang!

“Happiness is not the only emotion in the world, so why does sadness have to be justified?”

“For its better to feel any emotion than to keep it locked inside.”

“Our challenges shape who we are, sure, but they don’t define us”


Thank you Atria Books for gifting me with an ARC!

[Beary Into Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the premise of this one sounded good and I was ready with tissues nearby. Sadly, I really struggled to get through this one. I think my main issue was with the writing style. I felt the pacing was off at times and the tone didn't always match what was being conveyed. I will say, the author handled the challenging topics with grace and even spent maybe too much time going into detail about the disorder, etc. Some passages felt a little like a self-help book but I appreciate them taking that time to inform the reader so they could better relate to the main character. Overall, this book was okay. It definitely felt like a YA novel that I would have loved if I read it in my teens. So, I might just not be the age group or my mindset might have shifted. While I found some things problematic and the writing wasn't my favorite I would still recommend this book to others.

Thank you so much @atriabooks for my gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

[ji · Rating 1 out of 5]

i was honestly rooting for this one. everything about the premise was promising. but then came reading the book itself, and i was disappointed with how things... were? unfolded?

to start off, it was difficult to immerse myself in the story because the writing style bothered me. i'd be reading, catching myself self editing what i was reading; i'd think, "why didn't she break this into multiple paragraphs if she was going to transition from this subject to this subject so much?" and other stuff. a lot of times, i felt like i was sort of just reading a self help book, or like i was in a 1 on 1 session with my Better Help therapist; neither of which, would be bad per se but i'm supposed to be reading a story you know?

the author also inserts a fuck ton of flashbacks in italics. and don't get me wrong, i love myself a good flashback, i've read books with a good amount of them but i just didn't like the way she went about it. the flashback was just randomly slapped in the middle of whatever you were reading, and you came across one like, every two pages. i understood the point was to communicate that she saw the world through her mom, and that's how much her death affected her, but it was written in so abruptly and awkwardly. i might as well have been reading two different books in one, one about klara and her mom and the original story.

next, and i genuinely hate to say it, but kang was one of the least attractive MMCs i have ever read. i think a part of it has to do with another problem i have, which is the characters feeling inconsistent. kang in particular, would feel like two different people at times when he did certain things; it made me so confused. in klara's vision, kang is soft and sweet and gentle, but within their first two interactions, he comes off pushy and immature. i'm not saying he can't be both, but the switch felt like night and day. like when she ran away because she was having a panic attack, and he was sooo offended that she didn't wanna talk to him... then proceeeds to say, "i'm over this bullshit" right where she can hear you like a little bitch. are you an idiot?? my brother in christ, you went after her in a way that SCARED her.

then lines that, i guess i was supposed to swoon over made me cringe so badly. partially because, i also felt like there was a lack of romantic buildup. klara and kang's romance felt like i skipped 10 chapters because how even. kang barely met klara for the first time after throwing a fit, then says "you don't have to hide, klara- you're very... hot." in my notes, i literally wrote: "THREW UP."

this review is getting long and i'm getting lazy so i'll just throw the rest of my thoughts in bullet points:

- the dialogue did not feel real
- klara's monologue doesn't even feel like a voice of a 19 year old
- on certain paragraphs i annotated deeply: "what"
- kang saying he wish yana would get the hint that he didn't like her?? just tell her that?????? stop stringing her along????
- no tension. i felt like i was just being thrown things in hopes that i'd swoon over it
- random f slur drop was so???
- klara's character development just confused me
- klara being incredibly dense while kang is being incredibly OVERT to an uncomfortable point is insanely frustrating
- certain plot lines just never get resolved or addressed like kang never finds out that klara used to have cancer??????
- other annotations: "was i supposed to be attracted to this"
- if i have to read "klara, klara with a k" for the nth time i might blow up someone or something

anyways. um. i did appreciate the exploration of mental health but i didn't really like anything else about this book i fear.

~

thank you atria books and netgalley for the arc!

[Andrea Romero · Rating 2 out of 5]

FOLLOW MY VOICE REVIEW
rating: 2.75

My thoughts: The premise of the book drew me in but I will have to say that I struggled a bit with the writing style. Since it is YA, there were times the writing could be a bit cliche. Lines that, I guess I was supposed to swoon over made me cringe so badly. I also had mixed feelings about Klara and Kang. Klara was a bit obsessive over Kang without ever meeting him. So at times she would read more as an obsessed fan than anything. When they finally meet in person I would say it was insta love. But since they wouldn’t act on their feelings it wasn’t until about 70% of the book where they shared a kiss. Another thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the name they gave the MMC. Kang is a Korean Surname so I was confused as to why they were referring to him as his last name then to make matters worse his brother’s name is Jung. That’s also a Korean surname. I think the author should have done more research on Korean culture if she was going to make one of her leads Korean. It reminded me of how Rainbow Rowell named her MMC Park when that is a Korean surname.
What I did love was how mental health was presented. The novel delves deeply into the complexities of grief and trauma. Healing is non-linear, there are messy days and ups and downs and I loved how this book handled that. I loved learning about Klara and her journey towards healing. She went through so much I think I preferred reading more about her than the romance.

Even though the story had its flaws and was a bit cliche that kinda added to its charm. The story is easy to follow and I also loved how the side characters had depth and their own stories. Especially Diego! Ended up begin one of my favorite characters.

Overall I might recommend to a friend who is younger than me due to the writing.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[lovelifeandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within a couple of pages I understood how so many Latinx readers connected to the story. It does a great job of walking folk through steps that can be used for those experiencing anxiety/depression. I do advise caution when reading because it discusses difficult topics that may be triggering for some folk.

Thank you NetGalley and Primero Sueño

[Biz Leathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and Atria Books for this ARC

When does the movie come out because oh my goodness the swoon!

This was a simple read. Klara was easy to like and so was Kang. I was immediately fawning over their budding romance and despite all the small and immature drama surrounding the background of their love story, the healing aspect was sweet. I am excited to watch the movie. This was a cute page turner.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @atriabooks for the free arc 💖.

🗓️Out September 23, 2025

✨What it is about:
Klara hasn’t left her house in months, stuck in a cycle of anxiety and fear, until a late night radio host named Kang becomes the voice she looks forward to every night. When a surprise text brings them into each other’s real lives, Klara starts to find the courage to step back into the world. When she enrolls in a class and finds out Kang is in it, too… things get real. ✨

💭My thoughts:
This was a sweet young adult story with characters dealing with real issues and struggles. It touches on many topics deeply and had more substance than I expected. It was emotional and handled mental health with care. I would have loved for the characters to communicate a bit better to avoid some of the conflicts, but I felt their dynamic reflected their youth well. Both Klara and Kang had a lot to deal with and overcome, and I was happy they found each other. The story was easy to follow, and the writing style, though in need of some tweaks, seemed appropriate for a young adult audience. I believe this story was first written in Spanish, so that might have something to do with the way certain things in the writing felt a little off. I would recommend you look at the trigger warnings as there are many, which could be very triggering for some.

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
📻Radio shows
📻College age characters
📻Emotional reads
📻Young love
📻Mental health rep

⚠️CW: Panic attacks, depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, death of a parent, cancer.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Follow My Voice portrays Klara’s struggles with her mental health very realistically and is one of the better examples of mental health I’ve seen. I do think this book needs to be marketed as YA and have trigger warnings in the beginning. At times this writing felt juvenile, but I did feel like I was reading it on Wattpad in middle school and waiting for the next chapter to be posted, which was exciting to be thrown back to. Sometimes the story seems to go too well for Kiara - she moves through her mental health issues at a very fast pace, but I respect that the author wants to show progress and also included setbacks to keep it realistic.

Spice: 0/5
Trigger warnings in: suicide, suicidal thoughts, anxiety
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

I really liked the characters and was inclined to rate the book four stars on the basis of that, but FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHY DO THESE PEOPLE NEVER JUST HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS? Every conflict in the book from start to finish could have been resolved if the characters had just had an open conversation. I think that is the thing that irritates me most about the romance genre as a whole, and this book was rife with it. It was a cute story, and I didn't dislike it by any means, but could we please, just once, have a book with romantic themes where the characters are capable of talking to each other?

Anyway, this was enjoyable for what it was and while I did bump it down a star on the basis of my irritation, I did feel it was a worthwhile read and I liked the emotional aspect of it. I just wish the characters had been less immature when it came to learning about each other and communicating.

[LaPrea]

DNFd it was very triggering for me and just couldn’t get through it! I found the story super sweet though <3

[Maddee Carnathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley and Atria Books for this eARC!

This book was emotional and heartbreaking, but also has a great romance and main characters that you wanted to cheer for. Klara and Kang went through so much and their story was inspiring. I couldn't put this one down!

[Arcanum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this as an ARC through Goodreads. Will update once I receive the book.

[Megann Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was a little cringe but I think it added to the charm. it was super interesting to see klaras life and what she went through, including how she was able to get over her fears.

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply emotional read about a young woman dealing with agoraphobia and how her connection to a college radio show provides comfort and encouragement. I was blown away, left in tears, and so connected to these characters, especially Klara. Ariana Godoy gives an honest take on living with anxiety, depression, and prioritizing one's mental health. I think this book is a 10 out of 10!

Klara is a nineteen-year-old who has been dealing with agoraphobia, staying in the comfort of her room/home for the past 8 months. On top of the anxiety and depression, she feels like she is losing herself day by day. And after losing her mother to cancer and also dealing with her own case of cancer, it is totally understandable. Good thing she has a great support system in her sister, Kamilla, and her brother-in-law, Andy. Her therapist has been helping her achieve small wins every day, and hopefully, with the tools she has learned along the way, she can continue to make more steps to living the life she always wanted. She also finds comfort in a college radio show called Follow My Voice and the host Kang. He is so different yet understanding. Something about his voice just puts Klara at ease. How can she feel so connected to someone she has never met?

Things take an unexpected twist when Klara receives a text from the host Kang. How did he get her number, and why is he so interested in texting her? Well, he admits that he got her number from the station, as it was stored when she messaged about her thoughts on the show. They begin texting almost every day and connect even more. Klara also begins to make more progress personally and even enrolls in community college. The same one where Kang hosts his radio show. While she does try to avoid him at first, thinking that meeting him will change their relationship, once they meet their bond is instant. She has never had a crush, but he is it for Klara. He puts her at ease, comforts her during panic attacks, and is just supportive. Both find it easier to let down their walls the more they talk. Ultimately, feelings are expressed, and navigating a romantic relationship is a journey they are willing to explore.

I loved this book so much because I felt like Klara. It's wild to think how we all go through things in life that change us forever. But the author shows the importance of knowing that you are not alone and that there are always people who genuinely want to help and be there for you. I love that Klara got to experience friends like Perla, Diego, and Ellie. And experience love with Kang. My favorite thing about this book is how honest this book is about struggling with mental health. The author doesn't take it lightly and expresses it in a delicate way. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and felt like Klara, I can attest that these are the hard truths about mental illness. You go through ups and downs and it's so easy to get lost in it. I had a great support system, like Klar,a and it makes a difference. If you take away anything away from this book, just remember to be kind to one another because you never know what someone is going through and one compliment or a simple hello can change someone.

[Akira · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I would enjoy this book, but as an Asian American reader, I found many aspects of it problematic in terms of representation. But first, I'll let you in on my general thoughts on the novel and the writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of this book, as it was quick and often direct. While it took me almost a month to read it, the reason lies substantially in the fact that I had to prioritize other college readings over this book.

The way Godoy shaped Klara and Kang's story was comprehensible and straightforward, which I personally liked. I often feel that in romance books, that idea can fall short, but not in this novel. There was a thorough balance of conversation between Klara's inner dialogue, the plot unfolding, Klara's experiences, and discussions regarding mental health awareness. While cancer is a significant aspect of this novel, it wasn't quite at the forefront; instead, the idea of death (both internally and externally) and the concept of revival within oneself took precedence. I appreciated that we focused on that specific theme, rather than multiple, as that helped sustain a focus on Klara and Kang's relationship. Overall, it was an admirable read.

Still, I found that some areas of this book fall short. While labeled as a new adult, it definitely felt like a YA book. The writing itself evokes a Wattpad feel, which isn't necessarily bad, as this was first published on Wattpad (rightfully so, to maintain a similar feeling in the English translation); however, it's something I felt didn't quite fit right with me. Now, as a traditionally published book, I expected a different feel.

My main critique stems from the author's portrayal of Kang's Korean identity. I think that Godoy did not accurately represent Korean culture and often subjectively uses K-drama to justify the choice of Kang's identity in the novel. I'm not sure if this is because Godoy likes Korean dramas and decided to incorporate that in this book, but it just feels like a tool for romanticization. It echoes many of the themes that Rainbow Rowell explored in Eleanor & Park, particularly in terms of misrepresenting the Korean community. Also, Kang is a Korean last name, so I am confused why it was used as his first name. I consulted my husband on this, who is Korean, and he shared my feelings as a Filipina reader. I believe that authors have a responsibility to accurately represent the community they are writing about as secondary characters, and this responsibility was not met here, which led to my 1-star rating. I'm hesitant to rate it higher due to this, so please consider that when considering my rating!

--

I read this as an ARC sent by Primero Sueño Press.

[Indra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Atria Books for the early copy of this heartfelt and healing story. I’m so grateful I got to read it early!

This book surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a sweet romance—and it is—but Follow My Voice is also a beautifully nuanced depiction of anxiety, grief, recovery, and the strength it takes to keep going. Klara’s story isn’t one of magical healing or love fixing everything. It’s about learning how to live with fear, and still choose to try.

Klara is nineteen, grieving her mother, recovering from her own cancer diagnosis, and living with debilitating agoraphobia. Her world has shrunk to her bedroom and the sound of Kang’s voice on the radio. What starts as a small comfort turns into something deeper—a connection that gives her hope, perspective, and a reason to keep stretching the edges of her world.

What made this book shine was how real the progress felt. It wasn’t sudden. It wasn’t easy. Klara has panic attacks, setbacks, and guilt. But she also has her sister, her therapist, small victories, and eventually, herself. And Kang? His presence is steady and kind, but not savior-like. He doesn’t fix her. He simply sees her—and that’s everything.

What I Loved:
• Sensitive, respectful portrayal of anxiety and panic disorders
• Klara’s growth was slow, earned, and so satisfying
• The sister relationship made me cry more than once
• Kang is soft, patient, and imperfect in the best way
• Their connection feels intimate without being rushed
• The theme of “small steps matter” is woven in beautifully

What Didn’t Work for Me:
• Kang’s POV chapters felt a little thin—I wanted either more or none
• The ending felt slightly rushed—I could’ve used one more chapter
• A few side characters could’ve been developed a bit more
• Some scenes leaned a little heavy on exposition, especially internal dialogue
• If you’re expecting a traditional romance arc, this one’s quieter, slower

“Maybe healing doesn’t look like running. Maybe it looks like standing still and breathing without fear.”

This book isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being brave despite the fear. It’s a soft, vulnerable, and quietly powerful read that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
📻💌🪴🫶

[Maggie Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smooth prose and excellent pacing make Follow My Voice, a Booktok and Wattpad viral sensation that will soon be an Amazon Prime Video, an easy to read YA love story/coming-of-age story. A hopeful look at a young woman rebuilding after everything has been broken, this gentle tale covers some harsh subjects, including fat shaming, suicide, death, cancer, mental illness, and depictions of bullying.

There is only one bright spot in Klara Rodríguez’s life – the college radio program DJed by Kang every other night. Klara’s agoraphobia and anxiety have kept her a prisoner in her sister’s home for the past eight months, and Kang’s soothing voice, interesting take on the world, and killer song selections are her lifeline to the universe outside her windows. She has never reached out to him, despite the numerous invitations he gives listeners to send requests or comments via text. It’s enough for her to be the silent partner in this relationship, to let his voice lead her into a happier, healthier space.

All that changes on the day her sister Kamila and brother-in-law Andy get her to visit the park down the street. It’s a triumphant moment for Klara. Giddy from her own success and all that vitamin D from some direct sunlight, she shoots off a text to Kang.

“Dear Kang, your voice is a comfort for people who are having a hard time like me; you brighten my day and calm my nights. I will always follow your voice. With gratitude, K.”

Kang uses that text as his closer for the evening, thanking her and all his listeners for making him a part of their lives. He’s the only person outside of Kamila and Andy Klara has talked to in months. The fact that he’s willing to engage with her, even in this remote manner, gives her the added impetus to try new things. Slowly and cautiously, she starts puppy sitting for a neighbor and signs up for classes at the local community college. She’s nowhere near being the outgoing, vivacious person she was before tragedy sucked all the life and joy out of her, but she feels like she is starting to come back to herself. She continues to reach out to Kang at his radio program, connecting over the music and books they both know and love. And then he reaches out to her.
https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...