Ada Holloway just needs to survive her final semester as a high school senior, but nothing's going her way.
Star quarterback Beckett Forsythe relies on Ada to do his homework for him, her rebellious cousin Molly has no where else to go but the Holloway's house, and to top it all off, Ada doesn't really know what she wants to do with her life—even though her parents already decided for her.
The one thing she does know is the topic for her senior the life of Freeport's founder, Everett J. Washington. But the Mayor of Freeport has pulled Washington's biography from library shelves among a massive book ban. Ada needs that book, she needs to write her essay, and her best friend David has a perfect a banned book club run by the public library. What could go wrong?
Ada Holloway’s Had Enough is a timely, heartfelt coming-of-age novel that captures the quiet pressure of being a young woman expected to carry everyone else’s expectations. Ada’s voice is authentic and relatable, grounded in the everyday frustrations of school, family obligation, and an uncertain future, yet elevated by the larger moral questions surrounding censorship, history, and who gets to decide what stories are worth telling.
The tension around the banned biography is particularly well handled, transforming a senior essay into a powerful act of resistance. Smith skillfully balances humor, frustration, and emotional growth, making Ada’s journey feel both personal and socially relevant. The relationships, especially with her best friend and her rebellious cousin, add warmth and complexity, reflecting the messy reality of adolescence.
What makes this novel stand out is how naturally it weaves big themes into a character-driven story. Ada Holloway’s Had Enough doesn’t lecture; it invites readers to think, empathize, and root for a young woman finding her voice in a world determined to silence it. This is an engaging and important YA novel that will resonate strongly with teens and educators alike.
As a high school English teacher, I would love to put this book in the hands of my students. Writer Randi Smith has developed a relatable teenage character in Ada, a young woman finding her voice while navigating the pressures of family expectations. In order to graduate, Ada must write an essay centered on her hometown of Freeport, and she has an idea that has been percolating for a while: an essay on founder Everett J. Washington. When a book ban stands in the way of this graduation requirement, Ada learns not only how to speak out but also how to express her values and beliefs to some important people who don’t fully understand her.
First and foremost: fabulous title. Second, the supporting characters confirm what we all know: bookish people make the best friends. Finally, Smith has tackled a topic (book banning and library censorship) that needs our attention, and she does it in such an intelligent and authentic way.
After receiving my ARC from the author, I’m happy to recommend this to anyone—adult, teen, or child—who needs the encouragement that the things that matter are worth fighting for.
Ada Holloway’s Had Enough is a sharp, emotionally grounded coming of age story that captures the quiet pressure of expectation, responsibility, and self-discovery. Ada is a deeply relatable protagonist overworked, uncertain, and carrying the weight of other people’s choices while trying to survive her final semester of high school. The author skillfully weaves humor, tension, and vulnerability into Ada’s everyday struggles, making her journey feel authentic and compelling.
What elevates this novel is how it tackles timely themes such as censorship, intellectual freedom, and identity without losing its heart. The banned book storyline adds urgency and relevance, while the supporting cast particularly Beckett, Molly, and David bring texture and contrast to Ada’s world. Randi Smith’s writing is engaging and thoughtful, offering readers a story that feels both personal and socially resonant. Had Enough is a meaningful, well paced novel that lingers long after the final page
I wish I’d had this book when I was a young teenager!!
Randi does an incredible job of breaking down the importance of libraries—and the dangers of controlling access to information—in a way that people of all ages can easily understand. But this book isn’t just about censorship: It’s also about standing up for yourself and using your voice, and how that’s something you can do even when you’re the “quiet kid.” It was really nice (as an adult who had a lot in common with Ada when I was a teen) to see her learn to do what she wants instead of what is expected of her. Ada is such a fun and easy character to root for!
Thank you to Netgalley and Betty Fay Publishing for an early copy of this book.
Ada Holloway's Had Enough follows Ada, an anxious high school senior tasked with writing her senior essay about her small town of Freeport. For years, she was dead set on writing about Everett J. Washington, a formally enslaved man that founded her town over a century ago. However, just as time rolls around for her to pull out Washington’s biography and get to work, the Freeport mayor bans multiple books from the public library, including Washington’s biography. Lost and crushed by the news, Ada decides to stay true to her essay topic, opening a secret book club in the Freeport library to learn about Freeport’s founder and eventually work up the courage to challenge the book ban directly.
TW: Mentions of verbal abuse There was a major part of this book that I vehemently disliked. Ada is an anxious girl that absolutely abhors confrontation. This trait, we come to learn, came to be due to heavy conditioning in her childhood, specifically from Ada’s mother, Adeline Holloway. Mrs. Holloway is a controlling, egotistical, and abusive mother, to the point that it became nearly impossible for me to read this book in full without being triggered by her words. Mrs. Holloway constantly criticizes, micromanages, guilt-trips, and otherwise abuses and manipulates Ada in multiple ways. Had I known beforehand what type of character Mrs. Holloway was, I would not have approached this book. I of course think that topics such as verbal abuse absolutely should be discussed in books, but this was handled very poorly, coming from a child of abuse. Despite Ada being—by all definitions—a victim, the book seems to downplay this. Ada describes her relationship with her family as “complicated”. It’s not. It’s abusive. Near the end of the book (MINOR SPOILERS), Ada and Mrs. Holloway have a sit-down where Mrs. Holloway says that she will try to work on her abusive behaviour. Ada feels very hopeful about this, but as someone with an abusive mother, this does not feel earned. Mrs. Holloway has done nothing to change until this point in the book, and the only scene the reader sees after this confrontation describes Mrs. Holloway as “forced” when attempting to praise her daughter. I spent the entire book getting to know this character, so all this scene tells me is that Mrs. Holloway is bottling up her emotions, turning her into a bomb waiting to go off instead of rattling off micro-attacks. That’s not trustworthy behaviour.
I think Ada Holloway’s Had Enough is very timely, as book bans have become an incessant plague in recent times. Forcing an innocent girl to face that plague humanizes the effects that bans have on common people. I think that overall, the plot is straightforward and easy to follow since it’s realistic fiction, and I would categorize this book for middle-school to high-school readers. That being said, I would not recommend AHHE to anyone I know.
Ada Halloway’s Had Enough follows Ada, a quiet and intelligent high school senior navigating the tension between respecting authority and advocating for what’s important to her. After the mayor makes a decision that directly impacts her academic journey, Ada begins to discover passions within herself that she never noticed before. As she learns more about what she values, she practices speaking up and standing up for what she believes in.
This was such an insightful read. It was easily digestible in terms of size and pacing without sacrificing precision or care. You can tell that Randi Smith put a lot of thought into each character and scene because of how much growth is embedded throughout the story. Everything feels intentional and necessary. I especially appreciated that the book stayed away from romance. I think authors can sometimes spread themselves thin trying to tell too many stories at once, but here, each character supports Ada’s journey without taking away from her spotlight.
One aspect felt slightly unrealistic. Ada’s hesitation to ask her parents to go to the library stood out to me. While I understand that being part of a banned books club is controversial, their lack of support for her academic aspirations in general felt a bit extreme. At the same time, I recognize that this tension was important to the story and helped raise the stakes. But if they wanted her to go to college and were planning on supporting her through that next step in her academic career, wouldn't they realistically show the same support for her going to the library to conduct research for a project?
As a former overachieving high school student, this book impacted me on a deeper level. There are so many students who genuinely want to work hard and do their best, and watching Ada be stripped of her resources created a real sense of unfairness. I really resonated with her determination to overcome the obstacles placed in her way.
I had the privilege of hearing Randi Smith speak at Belmont University, which added another layer to my experience and perception of Ada's story. Hearing about how this story developed ( how it grew from a small assignment into a full manuscript ) made me appreciate the book even more.
This story made me reflect on my own life and ask: how far would I go to stand up for what I believe in? Ada’s passion made me more aware of how easy it is to stay passive, and it challenged me to think differently.
I would recommend this book especially for middle and high school students, but it can resonate beyond that. It has the potential to inspire younger readers to form their own beliefs and stand by them, which makes it a really meaningful read.
Ada Holloway's Had Enough is a Y/A fictional novel that follows Ada, a passionate but timid high school senior, as she tries to stand up for her rights as a reader, attempting to stop book bans at her local public library. As Ada realizes that the book she wants to write her senior English paper on is being banned, along with many others, she decides to get her friends together to start a banned books after-school club. The readers see Ada begin to grow in her character as she stands up for what she believes in, as well as navigating her complicated relationship with her parents.
I think Randi Smith did a great job of giving a voice to the voiceless in this book. Every character had their own quirks and distinct personalities, especially Ada. The teenage nature of the book's main character was something I can easily find myself relating to when thinking about my time in high school. I also appreciate that while the novel did have a touch of romance, it did not stray from following Ada's goals and dreams as a character. Having her storyline stand alone was really impactful and important for the strength of her character.
As for Ada's relationship with her parents, I think it seemed a bit extreme at times. I feel like Ada's parents, especially her mother, could have been more supportive of her throughout the novel. It seemed a little unrealistic to see Ada have to cover up and lie about her plans with the club just because she thought her mother would disapprove. If her parents were wanting her to have a college education, wouldn't they be supportive of her dreams to advocate for her rights as a student and reader?
Reading this book left me with even more appreciation for banned books than before. As a writer myself, I found it really inspiring to hear Randi's story and how this novel came to be. I liked Ada's character and seeing her storyline progress was really awesome. I think Randi did a good job of using the characters of high schoolers to show the impact that banned books has specifically on students and readers.
I would recommend this book to middle and high school students. At times, it did feel a little juvenile, but I think that this book is perfect for younger audiences. The message itself could apply to those older, however.
Ada Holloways Had Enough by Randi Smith is the perfect book for middle-scholers and teens to teach them about the effects of book bans. The book features our main character, Ada Holloway and tells the tale of her struggle to protect books that the people in her town want to ban. The book starts with Ada being assigned an essay in her senior English class. However, when she starts to research for her paper on the founder of her town, Everett J. Washington (a formerly enslaved man), she finds that his biography has been taken off the shelves. This book and many others have been removed as part of a book ban by the mayor of their small town, Freeport. This lights a fire in Ada and causes her to start a secret book club reading banned books in the library. Throughout the book, Ada grows as a character and gains the confidence she needs to stand up for what is right against the people who support the book bans.
I think this book is a great way to teach teens and middle schoolers about book bans and what they can do to help stop them. This book was really engaging from start to finish, and there was never a dull moment. It was fast-paced, but it also took the time for well-needed emotional moments between characters. I loved the relationship between Ada and her cousin Molly the most; they both had a lot to learn from each other. I attribute a lot of Ada’s growth to Molly.
This book surprisingly made me take a look at myself and how I think I would react in the face of what Ada has to stand up to. As someone who struggles a lot during confrontation and who wants to make my parents proud, it was nice to see a character who feels the same as I do. It was also nice to see Ada’s growth and watch as she stands up for what she believes in. I hope someday I will have the courage to as well.
If I were to recommend this book to someone, I would recommend it to teens and jr high kids to read. This book tackles important issues going on in the world today that the younger generations need to know about. However, I also feel like this book is for a very specific age group, and adults would not connect with it as much as teens do.
Ada is kept quiet for all her life - her brothers also need to obey their mother, but Sam can get away with watching television the entire day and lying about applying to jobs and Theo is the eldest and does not face repercussions if/when he decides it's time to go outside/away. Ada's most used phrased at home seems to be "Sorry" even though she's an absolute angel, doing her homework diligently, loving school as much as the next teenager who doesn't hate school loves school. Her parents have saved money for her to go to college, become an accountant and work in the family firm - Ada's been accepted here and there but she does NOT like Maths and DOES like English.
She needs to write an essay and she wants it to be good, and different and in the library she finds a book on the founder of Freeport. To her dismay the book is banned, before she can read it - alongside other books, it really makes no sense- and obedient, quiet (and usually unheard anyway) Ada finds herself in a bookclub reading banned books, and with help of a cousin who's thrown her way (they literally have to share Ada's room, Ada's not asked for her opinion, of course) in hopes of finding the right path again Ada finds her voice, slowly, but surely.
The book does a good job in showing how wild "banning books" is - as I said: it makes no sense (I live in a country where the only banned book is Hitler's Mein Kampf, so topic wise banning books is far from my lived and cultural experience). I like how the book stays away from picking one particular topic as to why a mayor (or government) would ban a book, leaving "banning books" as a problem, and not, say, "books about slavery" or whatever other topic might apparently have books banned. IN that sense it's a brilliant book for class discussions, I think. While there's a classmate she fancies, and while he has his own little story arch, there's no romance in this book, and it's all the better because of it.
expected April 21 I received an eARC of NetGalley in return for my honest opinion
** Thank you to NetGalley and Betty Fay Publishing for providing me a copy of this book to review
I love books, as do many people on this app. Book banning is a topic that comes up often in bookish communities, and it’s a very important topic we can’t forget about. Randi Smith decided to take this topic and make it into a novel, and it was a fantastic choice.
Ada Holloway doesn’t make too many ripples. She lets the jock copy her homework, because what would happen if she tells him no? She doesn’t speak up much to her parents, because what would happen if they got upset? Ada is content enough to move through life and go away to college before coming back home and working at her father’s business. And, of course, write the best essay on Freeport’s founder, Everett J. Washington. However, the only resource available on the founder is suddenly target by a book ban, ruining Ada’s chance at writing an essay. Unless, she, her best friend, her handful of a cousin, and the local library staff members form a secret book club to read the book? What could go wrong!
This book was a really fun read for me. It does read at an age level younger than me, which was a struggle at first. I’d definitely aim this book towards middle schoolers and high schoolers. Luckily, the message is still evident despite this. I enjoyed following Ada’s journey as she realizes she does want to make ripples, maybe even waves, because she finally has something she cares so deeply about. Reading this reminded me of my own passion for books, and it fired me up over book bans as well.
The character dynamics are well-written and interesting to dive into, and the development between Ada and several others is done well and worth it in the end. While there are some things that bother me a bit, the end of this book is more than worth it.
Thank you again to NetGalley and Betty Fay Books for providing me with a copy of this book to read! It was a great experience and something I think every student (or anyone!) should read.
Ada Holloway Had Enough follows the young Ada Holloway during her senior year as she sets out to write a paper on her town's founder, Everett J Washington, when she runs into a big problem. The town's mayor has put the book, along with others, on a list to be reviewed for banned books. Ada, along with her friends, starts a secret book club so she can finish her paper and continue being the amazing student she is.
Ada is a main character I wish I had growing up. Being a rule-following kid myself, I found reading about her journey very real and inspiring. We, the readers, follow her as she begins her journey to become an adult, with her own opinions and beliefs that differ from her parents'. This book does a very good job of setting this situation in reality. Ada, who has not previously pushed back against her parents, has to learn how to do that, which she does not do well at first. Ada runs away, disobeys her parents, and lies, but doesn’t get away with any of it. She learns valuable lessons throughout, making her a great role model for YA readers.
Another great aspect of this book is that, while it is a strong topic in political discourse, it’s not political. Instead, it is a book that invites conversation and offers good ways to approach conversations with people, specifically parents, when you don’t agree with them.
Something I also appreciated throughout the book is the idea that goals change and evolve. This is never outright stated in the book or spelled out for the reader, but it is a strong developmental aspect of Ada’s character. She starts off doing the book club for a paper, but then starts developing her own stance on book bans.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore the issue of book banning further. While this is definitely a book I believe I would have enjoyed more as a sophomore in high school, even as a college student, I can see great themes and had a good time reading this.
Ada Holloway's Had enough is the story of a young woman trying to figure out what she wants out of life. And in the process of that, has to deal with a book ban jeapordizing her final essay. The book features conflict as Ada's parents don't want her to read a banned book, which creates tension in their household.
The thing that I liked the most about this book are the characters. I loved seeing Ada grow into someone that she wants to be, while making a lot of mistakes along the way. I also like the fact that none of the characters are one sided. There are pieces to them that make them more complex that we get to see as the story progresses. While Ada's mom is opposed to her, she isn't some generic villain out to stop Ada from learning. By the end we get to understand her, and the two manage to communicate about their differences. We get to see this in other characters such as how her brothers or her dad aren't quite who she thought they were in the beginning of the book. Even a character you would assume to be just a stereotypical jock copying homework has a different side to them that we get to see.
I think one thing I took away from this book is how to deal with conflict in a family. This book shows that even when family members disagree, they can still understand each other and come to common ground. It shows that conflict isn't just about proving which side is "right."
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It's a young adult book, but I think it's accessible to pretty much anyone. The book is complex enough for adults to enjoy, and it doesn't have any content that wouldn't be appropriate to younger readers. The story explores the topic of book banning, but it doesn't go into depth on the actual content of the banned book. It instead spends time exploring how the characters feel about it and what they want to do to prevent it. It explores the topic in a way that I think is very approachable.
Randi Smith's debut novel "Ada Holloway's Had Enough" is a charming and thought-provoking YA adjacent work centered around high school senior Ada Holloway (as the title implies), a bright student who gets thrusted into a position of activism in her community when the city threatens to enact a large sweeping book ban, including the book she needs to write her essay on the town's founder. In the process, Ada forms a banned book club, challenges the city, and develops a greater personal strength in expressing herself and her morals, particularly with her tense relationship with her mother. The book has a great heart to it and YA story surrounding book bans and taking action, and how our protagonist grows and connects with others in the process of this, was very effective. The introspective and very authentic-feeling POV of Ada and her growth is nice. There are times where the plot feels a bit lackluster in stakes or scope (many chapters with conversations feel slightly redundant or almost aimless) and some of the choice of language feeling generic in some legs. For readers who find YA novels to be their speed, this isn't anything too elevating. But the overall reading experience comes together and has many valuable qualities to it; it would be a good middle school or early high school read, for a young person wanting to get more into reading and discovering the love of books and self-expression. Anyone who would like to have a story centered on young people pushing for positive change in their community and very heartfelt interpersonal character arcs in a nice straightforward little novel can also absolutely take the time to give this a read.
I love this book. I'm pretty biased because it was born in my classroom—first as a short story, then as the first 1/3 draft of a novel, and finally, after the author Randi Smith graduated college, I began working with her to complete writing, publish, and now market ADA HOLLOWAY'S HAD ENOUGH.
I care about libraries and families, and to me the library has always been a symbol of love, safety, and education. I went weekly as a child with my family, and my love of reading really bloomed under the care of librarians and their stacks. Seeing them defunded is a travesty, and celebrating the "freedom to read" is something I hope people from all political bents can agree on one day— censorship hurts everyone, and it doesn't help anybody.
Not only does Smiths' debut novel help teens understand what censorship, first amendment rights, and book challenges are, but it does so in a fun way with kids who are just trying to solve their everyday problems. A great younger YA/teen read.
An additional layer is the tension between generations, and seeing how Randi Smith resolves that (treating parents with empathy and showing how teens and their "old people" can communicate and share, without it at all being cheesy) so that the Holloway family can agree to disagree. We need more books that educate without alienating, and one with a secret library book club is my new favorite way to do that!
I really enjoyed reading Ada Holloway's Had Enough. As Ada Holloway navigates all of the typical teenage challenges (school stress, parental pressure, lack of knowledge on career path) it feels like you're literally reading your friend's diary entries.
What I find most unique in this story is how these normal, everyday adolescent problems are connected to larger concerns such as censorship and who has control over history. The entire banned biography plot is incredibly well-written. Who would have thought a senior thesis could evolve into such a powerful voice against the status quo?
Randi Smith also does a fantastic job of incorporating humor, frustration, and heartfelt emotion into Ada's journey, which made me both laugh at her misadventures, and cheer for her growth.
The friendships within the story are authentic and realistic as well. The friendship with her best friend and the chaos associated with her rebellious cousin add warmth and messiness to the story that accurately represent what it is to be a teenager.
My favorite aspect of the story was that it never felt like the author was lecturing me, rather it drew me into Ada's world, allowing me to reflect upon why certain stories are censored and why it is important to fight for the telling of those stories.
If you are either a teenager struggling with all of the challenges that come with being an adolescent or an educator searching for a meaningful story to share with students, I highly recommend this book!
Ada Holloway Had Enough was something I had not read before when it comes to book banning. I have never experienced books being banned, so this story brought me into a world of what it was like to try to save books just because some people disagree on some books. Throughout the book, there were some surprising moments that I did not expect, as they did not relate to my personal experience. Some parts were the intense conversations, especially between Ada and her mom, because they really brought my attention towards a real-world problematic situation about book banning. I wish there were more conversations like that between other people throughout the book because it shows different perspectives on what books should or should not be read for different age groups, and makes the reader think about every viewpoint, since it can be so black and white. I can see middle schoolers reading this book for a class because there’s no foul language or inappropriate scenes, and the level of reading does not seem difficult. Kids who read this in school could relate to Ada because she is also a student trying to get through her school year with an important assignment to do. For kids who dislike reading, this book could get their attention because the kids I have worked with as a teacher do not like what they are reading. If they like what is banned, then they should be allowed to read them (only if it’s okay with their parents).
I was privileged to receive an ARC of this incredible book. Ada Holloway is a good girl. She's always followed the rules, always done her homework, has always been respectful. The problem is, she doesn't know how to speak her mind or stand up for herself, even when others take advantage of her passive nature. But when a proposed ban on books at the local library threatens to derail plans for her senior essay, she connects with a cousin and some special friends who help her finally find her voice. Ada is a character that I feel is underrepresented in today's YA fiction. She doesn't possess magical powers, and she's not a survivor of some severe childhood trauma. Instead, she provides a very relatable model for teens (and everyone, for that matter) on how to stand up for what you believe in without alienating those who may disagree. She's the perfect example of a teen struggling to figure out who they are and how to take a stand while caught in that no man's land between childhood and young adulthood. The way Ada handles conflict with those around her (especially her mother) is a realistic example of how teens can make mistakes, disagree, and still maintain connections with the people they care about. This book teaches teens that it's important to stand up for what you believe in, but you don't have to have super powers (or be a villain) to do it.
Ada Holloway’s Had Enough is a timely and important book for our time. Written as a Young Adult novel, the book covers many important topics for young readers. However, beyond its intended audience, it is also widely relevant and suitable for all ages. Book banning in the US affects thousands of books every year. With low thresholds and barriers for book challenges, individuals and organized groups can challenge books for almost any reason, leading to committees reviewing them and potentially removing them from library and retail shelves. This is a serious threat to readers’, authors’ and publishers’ first amendment rights. In AHHE, Randi Smith utilizes a story of a teenager who needs to write an essay but can’t access the books and materials she needs for it, in order o shed light on this important issue. The book allows readers to understand the circumstances of book banning in a digestible and accessible way. She also sheds light on personal growth and development as Ada navigates standing up and speaking up for herself as she matures into adulthood. While the book addresses issues that are relevant to all ages, I personally would’ve loved for it to be written for a more mature audience (since I am personally outside the YA demographic), though I understand it was intended to be a YA novel!
A high school senior finds herself personally affected by book banning in ADA HOLLOWAY’S HAD ENOUGH. The titular heroine of the book decides to write her Senior Essay, about a former slave who went on to become her hometown’s founder, with the aid of a biography that, to her surprise and dismay, is on a list of books banned by the town’s mayor for being too controversial. Ada doesn’t like to make waves, but she does not accept that books should be banned for being uncomfortable reading. With her cousin Molly, best friend David, and the town’s librarians, she founds a book club to read the biography and other banned books. I liked this book. It’s certainly topical as the palatability of history is a hot button, and the ALA and other organizations are mobilizing people to resist book banning. The subject is presented in a way that is suitable for readers ages 12 and up, with likable characters with relatable problems. One of the things I like to see in YA is character development, and Ada certainly grows as a person through the course of the story. There is no romance and the language is appropriate for teen readers, I would feel comfortable encouraging a teen to read this book.
Ada Holloway's Had Enough is a fantastic young adult contemporary novel and coming-of-age story about a small-town high school senior's attempt to stop book bans at her local library. Ada Holloway is tired of being a passive character in her own story. As the novel progresses, she gains the confidence to stand up for herself and advocate for what she believes in, highlighting the power that young voices have by taking collective action in the fight for intellectual freedom. This is a community and family-focused story as one of the challenges Ada faces is navigating her complex relationship with both of her parents, who have set expectations for her that her activism does not conform to. The Holloway family must struggle to find common ground built on mutual love and respect, and grapple to understand Ada's cause, a theme that spreads awareness and promotes conversation across generational divides. Written for a broader audience, the novel helps teens gain access to messages about censorship, while also dealing with book banning in a way all readers can relate to and agree with.
Ada Holloway’s Had Enough by Randi Smith is a sharp, character-driven young adult novel that captures the tension between expectation and self-discovery with clarity and authenticity. Ada’s struggle to navigate academic pressure, family dynamics, and uncertain ambition feels grounded and highly relatable, making her a compelling anchor for the story.
What distinguishes the book is its timely engagement with censorship and intellectual freedom. The banned book subplot adds real narrative weight, transforming what could have been a standard coming-of-age story into something more socially resonant. The stakes are not just personal, they extend into questions of voice, access to knowledge, and the power structures that shape both.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, accessible, and culturally relevant YA novel with strong appeal to contemporary readers. Its blend of personal conflict and broader societal themes positions it well for discussion-driven audiences, book clubs, and readers drawn to stories that reflect real-world tensions through an engaging narrative lens.
Ada is a High School senior who just wants to hang out with her best friend David and somehow get through this last year before college. Though she is increasingly beginning to feel unenthusiastic about her parents' insistence that she study accountancy if they pay for her to go to college!
The one thing Ada does know is that she wants to write her senior essay on the founder of their town, Freeport. But when his autobiography is suddenly put on a newly curated list of banned books by the mayor, the conflict-averse teen unexpectedly finds herself caught up in a protest movement - to the horror of her domineering mother...
This is a coming of age story about a highly topical issue and it's a really enjoyable and easy read. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
"Libraries are one of the few places left in this world where anyone can go. To learn, work--exist without needing a reason. And it's our job to make sure that libraries stay that way..."
Knowledge is power. And, Ada Holloway won't allow it to be stolen from her. A high-school senior caught between personal convictions and a threatening call to ban a list of books ignites a storm of possibility. As Ada fights to become more of herself, she finds that many of the answers she is looking for comes in advocating for what she believes in most: community, freedom, and knowledge. An inspiring coming-of-age that highlights the struggles between self and family, courage and complacency, this story brings to life the realities and impacts of censorship while emphasizing the simple power that each of us hold-the daily decisions to stand up and to stand out.
This felt like reading a teenager’s diary in the best way. Ada is navigating senior year, friendship, parental pressure, and an uncertain future—all while being pushed toward a path she doesn’t want. What starts as a typical coming-of-age story quickly deepens with a strong censorship storyline centered around a banned biography and her senior thesis. I loved how relevant it felt, especially with the parallels to real-world school and library debates. The friendships are messy, warm, and realistic, and the characters feel like people you actually know. No true villains just growth, mistakes, and learning how to stand your ground while still understanding others. Such a solid, thoughtful read. Thank you Netgalley and Randi Smith.
Ada Holloway’s Had Enough is an excellent representation of how important it is to advocate for what you think is right. It might not seem like your voice could make a difference, but—at the very least—it could help other people better understand the issue. Someone listening might be the person who has the power to make big changes. Having free access to information is a right that should not be controlled. It also helps discuss the issues with people pleasing. As a people pleaser myself it was nice to see a character who starts to realize that only make others happy means that you won’t be satisfied in life. It is a hard lesson to learn, and I think it is something that teenagers really need to hear.
I went into "Ada Holloway's Had Enough" expecting a lighter story, but it had more depth than I anticipated. Ada is messy, flawed, and very real. She is not always likable, but that is what makes her so compelling. Watching her reach her breaking point and figure out what comes next felt both satisfying and honest. I loved the balance of humor and heavier themes. It captures that slow build of frustration and the courage it takes to finally choose yourself. Some moments linger a bit, but overall it adds to the emotional impact. If you enjoy character driven stories with depth and a strong emotional core, this is absolutely worth the read.
“no one really knows what they want to do at eighteen.”
I received this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this! Bits and pieces of Ada were relatable to me as a high school senior. Now I wish I had a cool older cousin to teach me about saying whatever I feel. (Technically I do have a cool older cousin, but she’s fifteen years older than me. So.)
Book bans haven’t really been a problem around where I’m from (that I’ve noticed, anyway) but I know the events of this book are almost exactly what I would do if there was one.
I love a good coming-of-age novel, and this one hit the spot just right. Studious Ada is just trying to do her senior report on the founder of the town when book banning bars her way. With the help of her friend David, she faces down an intergenerational problem that will embolden and change her in ways that are both serious and defined. I enjoyed the conflict with Beckett, the slacker jock. I felt like there was a good sense of growth in the main character. Most of all, I really liked the message of this book. I'll be on the lookout for other books from this author!
For anyone who has ever thought, “Why on Earth was this book banned?”… Ada has finally made it to High School Senior Status. Just a few months left, and she hopes to leave *cough* escape her small town and very controlling mother. There’s a wrench in the gears, however; a book that Ada must use for her final school project has been banned, along with many others. There is no satisfactory explanation for the removal and “incarceration” of the books, so Ada, her best friend David, and some similarly concerned citizens form an after-hours book club at the library. And this group is determined to exercise their Constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful protests…
* I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*