Love and Other Tragedies

by Sophie Bernbaum, Jen Davidson (Cover Art)

Senior year is Rose’s last chance to land the lead in the school musical. Managing her ADHD makes it a challenge, but she’s determined to stay focused. Then her longtime crush—who also happens to be her best friend’s twin brother—starts paying her unexpected attention. Rose lets herself believe in the possibility of something real, but just as she’s falling for him, he makes it clear their relationship will end after graduation. She’s left her torn between savoring the present and dreading the inevitable goodbye.

Determined to make the most of their time together, Rose juggles rehearsals, college applications, and a romance with an expiration date. But when she becomes the victim of a hate crime on campus, everything shifts. What first seems like an isolated incident escalates into a series of targeted attacks, spreading fear through the school. As tensions rise and with graduation looming, Rose must find the courage to fight for her future—onstage, at school, and in love.

252 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Karen Brooks - TheTxLitChic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Other Tragedies – A YA Novel

~Sophie Bernbaum

Releases October 1, 2025 

Love and Other Tragedies by Sophie Bernbaum, wow, where to start. First, and foremost, BRAVO Ms. Bernbaum. I picked this book up without even reading the blurb, and I’m so glad I did. From the first chapter, I was pulled into Rose’s world and left with a swirl of emotions I’m still unpacking. Out of the 89 books I’ve read this year, this one stands out as the most moving and poignant - a true triumph.

Bernbaum has given us a YA story that should resonate within our souls, giving us that burn to connect with our youth and help them build a better future for themselves and theirs. Love and Other Tragedies is a heartfelt, layered coming-of-age story blending romance, heartache, resilience, and pursuing dreams with brutal honesty. 

At its core, the novel follows Rose, a high school senior navigating her most challenging year yet. She’s juggling ADHD, college applications, her dream of landing the lead role in the school musical, and a long-time crush on Beau - her best friend’s twin brother - who suddenly starts noticing her. Just as Rose dares to believe in romance, her life is upended when she and other students become victims of a hate crime at school. As the attacks escalate, Rose must decide whether she can simply enjoy her senior year - or whether she will stand up, fight back, and confront the prejudice and fear threatening her community. 

Bernbaum handles these weighty themes with sensitivity and honesty, grounding them in Rose’s emotional journey without losing her humor, heart, or determination. The portrayal of ADHD is especially commendable - presented with both care and accuracy, while also weaving in genuinely helpful insights that even I found personally valuable.

The cast of characters is vivid and realistic, each one fully realized with vulnerabilities and struggles that reflect the daily lives of teens. Supporting characters are strong enough to enrich the story but never overshadow Rose.

The pacing is impeccable, the transitions seamless. Joy and heartbreak are balanced beautifully, reminding us that tragedy doesn’t erase love - it reshapes it. Whether through the messy tenderness of first love, the relentless challenges of ADHD, or the sobering reality of hate and injustice, Bernbaum’s writing shines with strength and authenticity.

Love and Other Tragedies is far more than a YA romance - it’s a story about resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to keep singing your own song even when the world tries to silence you. It’s a novel that will resonate long after the curtain falls.

I highly recommend adding it to your TBR and getting it pre-ordered so it is ready when you are!

I would like to thank Sophie Bernbaum for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC Love and Other Tragedies. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.

[Camila Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tender Coming-of-Age with Courage at Its Core
Reading this felt deeply personal and achingly real. Rose’s voice, her ambition, her ADHD struggles, and her hope for both the stage and love, pulled me in immediately. The romance is sweet but bittersweet, made heavier by the ticking clock of graduation, and just when you think you know where the story is going, it takes a brave, painful turn. The way the book handles fear, resilience, and finding your voice after trauma is powerful without being overwhelming. Emotional, timely, and quietly inspiring, this is a story that stays with you long after the final curtain falls.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

And honestly, I find this book a little difficult to review. Sophie has a great imagination and understands her target audience, knows the components of a good YA book. But there were things I kept thinking as I was reading, trying to make into comprehensive thoughts. And I think this is the best I can put it:

There are two very strong narrative ideas in this story. The absolute devastation of falling in love with your best friend's brother, your long term crush turned reality. And the complex path to navigate when you are a minority targeted because of that identity. Add in the stresses of the final year of school where you're both ready to step forward and terrified of doing so, an ADHD diagnosis, a theatre kid with a real love of the craft, and a tight friendship, and I think maybe there were too many elements for one story. Each area was given a lot of attention, but I think I was still missing something. To hit a YA story length, there was a lot of summarising, and not enough experiencing the scenes with our lead character, Rose. And I felt like this sold the whole message(s) short.

And as I was reading, I felt like the antisemitism scenes were the stronger ones, and the scenes with Beau weren't as joyful as I was hoping for for Rose. I almost wish the romance element wasn't there, and that Rose's best friend June was instead one of her biggest defenders when she starts getting targeted for being a Jewish girl. It also feels like the far more topical element of the two main themes, and one that could really have an impact. It reminded me of a lot of Becki Albertalli's writing in those terms, though Sophie's voice has a different flavour.

I don't know, I think I would have read this story if it dealt only with the antisemitism, the way schools deal with it, really explored why the Principal was reticent to protect Rose, how her parents came to the decision to pull her from school. I would have LOVED to have seen the spoken word that Rose and Derek perform, and the statistics mentioned, and Rose's determination in the face of such adversity. I'd love to have had a conclusion too, where we might find the culprit for a satisfying ending (for a long time, I actually suspected June and Beau at different points). A story just featuring that, with a strong Jewish lead? Amazing.

But equally, I would have loved the sweet joy of finally getting with the boy you crush on, just to realise how reality and fantasy live in different realms, exploring the depths of those kinds of relationships, the minefield of being brave enough to speak your feelings and being that vulnerable with someone, even if they don't seem capable of doing the same to you. The complication of those feelings being for someone who you know through your favourite person, the impending timeline of college and the end of life as you currently know it, and will this last?

But together, I felt overwhelmed and breathless and a little frustrated that I'm told about Rose and Beau's relationship without seeing much of it, and a little whiplash keeping up with all the themes, and impressed that a girl with ADHD whose medication has run out can still keep an organised planner. And I think that does a disservice to all of the themes in this book. I would have narrowed it down, changed the timeline from the full year, and let one or the other of the themes just breathe through the story. But this is one of Bernbaum's first books, and I look forward to seeing how well she can grow as an author.

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and other tragedies by Sophie Bernbaum


It’s senior year and Rose is gunning for the lead in the school musical. Staying on top of her ADHD can be a challenge but she is focused and ready.. That is until her long term crush.. Her best friend's twin brother…. Reciprocates her feelings but their relationship comes with a timeline.. No continuing after grad and she has left to go to school..


Throwing herself into making the most of their time together, Rose is on cloud 9… That is until a spat of hate crimes rocks the school and she is feeling the negativity coming at her from all angles.


Wow there is so much to unpack with this book!


Firstly there was some pretty intense bullying against multiple groups in the school so check the triggers before you start to read but I found the heavy topic was researched really well and done with such care that I was strangely glad it happened because I got to see Rose really rise above it. She didn’t let fear run her off. She didn’t allow hate to minimize her and she really inspired me.


I really loved Rose and her moms! They had the best kind of banter and relationship. They were such fun! I also enjoyed the ADHD rep that was in the story. My daughter has it and this is exactly the kind of thing she deals with and I loved seeing her represented in a wonderful coming of age story.


The theater stuff was epic and I felt the book was well researched, amazingly well paced and a really solid young adult novel.


What can you expect from this incredible YA book?


A cute romance.. With a dash of heartache and the cherry on top… resilience.. PERFECTION!


Side bar! The cover is SPECTACULAR!!! It would look amazing on your shelf!


4.5 stars!!


Thank you to @sophieb.writes for my gifted copy and the amazing chat we had on my podcast!


Check the episode here!


https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sR7...

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Other Tragedies is a YA, coming of age novel, featuring Rose Finkel. Rose is your average high school student who spends most of her free time with her best friend June Moir. She loves the theatre, tries out for every school play, and she crushes on boys, or one boy in particular - June's twin brother, Beau. This year, her final year of high school, proves to be her most challenging yet. While Rose has learned tricks to help her navigate her ADHD diagnosis, there are some additional hurdles ahead including college applications and deciding where to start her future, learning lines for her multiple performances including one where she is thrilled to have been cast as the lead, and exploring a relationship with her long-term crush while balancing her friendship with June. On top of that, Rose's school is being plagued with racist and bigoted vandalism. As a young Jewish woman she is now faced with antisemitism in a space which should be safe. She tries to remain calm however she fears that the perpetrators will escalate and the possibility of gun violence. Rose finds the need to think about escape routes, hiding places, and proper footwear to allow her to flee.

Bernbaum's has written a highly moving book with, at least for this reader, a highly relatable protagonist. My heart ached not only for Rose but for her peers who were also targeted. No one should ever have to endure hate for who they are as a person. In an ideal world, every person would be accepted as they are, and not fear verbal or physical violence, especially young people in what should be a space they can be free to be their authentic selves. I appreciated how the author depicted Rose's situation which is representative of what many minorities are forced to endure, but also speaks to the persistent nature of antisemitism and how it continues to perpetually get worse.

I would definitely recommend this book. Even if YA is not your go to genre, there is much to be learned from Rose's high school experience and this novel presents readers with an opportunity to walk in another's shoes.

[Hooli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Love & Other Tragedies by Sophie Bernbaum

Rating: ★★★★☆

Sophie Bernbaum’s Love & Other Tragedies is a poignant exploration of the complexities of senior year in high school, blending themes of growth, anxiety, and young love into a compelling narrative. The author crafts a relatable coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with readers, making it feel as though they are right back in their own high school hallways.

The characters are well-developed, each facing their unique challenges that reflect real-life issues, especially in terms of neurodiversity. Bernbaum skillfully addresses this often-misunderstood topic, shining a light on the various ways individuals navigate their differences in a world that can be harsh and unwelcoming. The story doesn’t shy away from confronting the pervasive problems of racism, bigotry, and the struggles faced by minorities, adding layers of depth to the characters’ experiences.

What makes this book truly special is its emotional authenticity. The ups and downs of high school life, the anxiety that comes with impending adulthood, and the sweetness of first love are depicted with a delicate balance. This sense of realism allows readers to connect deeply with the characters, making their triumphs and failures feel personal.

Overall, Love & Other Tragedies is a touching and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression. Bernbaum has crafted a world that is both familiar and enlightening, making it a worthwhile read.

[Moon Sisters Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, this book drew me in. The main characters were compelling, and I loved watching their relationship develop in such an authentic and heartfelt way. Rose’s close connection with her parents was a highlight for me—it’s rare to see such a positive and supportive family dynamic in YA, and it gave her character even more depth. Her friendship with June was equally well done; their bond was genuine and uplifting, the kind of friendship readers can only aspire to. And, of course, June’s unwavering support for Rose’s relationship with her brother added a fun and endearing touch.

The book also isn’t afraid to explore difficult subjects, but Sophie does so with sensitivity and purpose. These themes were seamlessly woven into the narrative, never feeling heavy-handed, and they added richness and weight to the story while still keeping the pace brisk and engaging. When I first began I sat down intending to read only a few chapters at a time, but before I knew it, I had devoured a very sizeable portion—proof of just how immersive this story is.

This is the kind of YA novel that balances heart, depth, and readability perfectly. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you emotionally invested while also making you eager to turn the next page, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR.

[Lb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in right away I loved our leads and how their relationship grew over the course of the book, I loved how close Rose was with her parents and her friendship with June was true friendship goals (no one else was rooting for her brother and Rose to be together more than June).

The book deals with a lot of hard subjects but in a natural way that kept the story moving forward when I went to start the book I was going to just read the first few chapters... I ended up staying up later and reading 10.

If you are looking for your next YA read that will keep you turning pages wanting to find out what happens next put this on your TBR list.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to be part of your ARC team I really enjoyed the book!

Blog post: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...

*Young Adult *coming of age *best friends brother *romance *ADHD rep *Jewish Rep

*Social Justice themes *FMC Theater kid *MMC Baseball player *Indie Author *slow burn

*Age appropriate for Teen readers *sweet *ARC read

[Jami Briggs-Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie once again wrote a fabulous book. A young girl named Rose is just trying to make it through her senior year in high school. Her best friend June and her twin brother Beau have all been friends as long as they can remember. Applying for colleges, trying out for school plays, baseball, and senior projects they never saw it coming.

Opening night of the first play of the season racist tags are displayed all over the posters of those who do not fit the normal. Rose’s posters is one of them that is targeted. On top of all of this she finds herself falling for her best friend’s brother. Not like she needed one more thing to be added to her plate.

Find out what Rose, June, and Beau do to get through their final year of school. Do they ever catch those who are targeting Rose and others?

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this book, the characters were fascinating.
The racism aspect was such an interesting aspect, I haven’t read a book with this type of focus before.
The detail and emotion written into the storyline had me utterly mesmerised.
This is a YA book, which is not my usual genre. But I really enjoyed the platonic relationships.
Rose is a unique character, this book focuses on that period in high school where she struggles with her ADHD, her first relationship and many challenges teens go through.
Overall this was a great book that’s more than a simple YA romance. It touches many topics teens are going through in their high school years, it shows that it’s ok to be different and to embrace it.

[Gila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and Other Tragedies is the story of Rose, a senior in high school navigating what many teens are going through: academics, getting the lead role in school plays, college application and acceptances, and of course a burgeoning love life with the boy she has spent years dreaming about! AND there is much that makes Rose unique - and she has learned to not just cope with what makes her different, but she takes pride in it. On top of everything, a series of antisemitic incidents at her school, seemingly targeted toward her, shakes her to her core. I loved watching Rose go through her senior year - the highs, the lows, the challenges. It felt very real and I enjoyed seeing how Rose and her friends dealt with problems and celebrate success.

[Laura Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from page one. I loved how Love and Other Tragedies brought so much diversity to the forefront; neurodivergence, sexuality, religion was all woven in so naturally that it felt like real life, not a checklist. Rose and Beau’s slow-burn development was such a payoff; the “crush on my best friend’s twin” trope was done beautifully and felt both sweet and believable.

My only complaint? The ending. Not because it was bad, but because it left me wanting so much more. I need to know where Rose and Beau go from here!!!Sophie Bernbaum, if you’re listening, please give us more!

[Sarah Truscott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another ARC I am grateful to be chosen to receive.
This was a slow read for me. Something I struggled getting into if I am honest. Though I will say as the pages began to turn more frequently I found myself rooting for Rose and Beau.
Their love story was sweet and I admired the content’s subjects not easily written about.
I am glad I found this book, branching out again, something that drew me in with something I least expected.
I hope to soon have it on my bookshelf.

[Abby Bromwich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.
The characters were well developed with great chemistry. I loved the honesty of the relationships between the main characters.
The rawness of the emotions and portrayal of the true issues that high school students deal with every day kept me enthralled in the story. Definitely one I stayed up way to late reading start to finish!

[Shana WMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me right back to high school. I loved the relationship between Rose and June. When you have a bff relationship like that, it will get you through almost anything. I also loved the development of the characters by the end of the book. Beautifully written. I couldn’t put it down once I actually started reading it.

[Christina Carberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sucked me in. I will admit I did have to reread parts of the book to make sure I fully grasped the situation with characters. Rose is in her senior year of high school and she falls for her best friend’s brother. Rose has adhd and had to overcome the struggles with her studies and other problems I wish no one had to experience. Great book!

[Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this one and I loved it so much Rose and Beau were so cute I didn’t put this book down I read it in bed and even on the toilet too lol I know gross but it was so good that I didn’t want to miss any good bits I had a very good time reading it can’t wait to see what Sophie writes next

[Krissy Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. You feel like you’re in high school all over again. You can feel the emotions in the characters. Also you can vision yourself in that time of life. First love, drama, the unexpected, and college prep. It was perfectly executed!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!
(ARC provided by Author)

Cute little YA moment addressing real issues. ✔️
Character development ✔️
Likable characters ✔️
Falling for best friend’s brother ✔️

I absolutely loved this book.

[Johanna Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt YA story that balances love, friendship, and tough realities with honesty and warmth. Rose’s voice feels so real, and her bond with June makes the book unforgettable.

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book absolutely loved it

[Read_with_Beans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a pleasure to read. This book drew attention to so many important things that are parts of our world: representation of the queer and the neurodivergent (ADHD) communities, overt racism that plagues (even) our children, the fear of school shootings faced by children, and empowering those same children to stand up for what they believe in and refuse to be silenced by hate. This author handled each of these topics respectfully with the honesty and grace they require. There is mention of the fear of school shootings (which don’t actually take place), overt racism in the form of vandalism, and some foul language.

This young adult book follows Rose, her best friend June, and June’s twin brother (who happens to be Rose’s crush) as they navigate the trials and tribulations faced during their senior year of high school. This book takes place over the entire senior year and covers everything from homecoming, college applications, school plays, and more. In the midst of their promising and fun year, the school is plagued by overtly racist and bigoted vandalism and other heinous actions toward minority students. The students directly and indirectly affected by the actions join together to cause some “good trouble,” as the late civil rights activist John Lewis would say.

The only shortcomings I noticed, which prevented me from giving this a perfect 5-star rating, were that the book read extremely YOUNG adult at times, but not always. It is difficult to articulate, and the book was otherwise perfect, but that would be the only issue I noticed.

Overall, this is one of the better YA books I have read this year, and definitely the only one that offered the amount of representation that this book did. Highly recommend.

[Christine Fancher · Rating 4 out of 5]

this coming of age love story is about a girl in her senior year of high school that loves theater. it is a best friend's brother trope with high school drama, miscommunication, ADHD representation, Jewish and anti-semitism representation. this was not just a straight forward high school romance. there were a lot of serious topics throughout. the romance part literally gave me butterflies for them like I was in high school too! so cute and highly recommend!