What do you think?
Rate this book
The Most Important Part
Beatrice Norris is invisible. And she likes it that way.
Ever since a car accident wrecked her life and her leg a year ago, she’s retreated from everyone and everything. It’s easier to be alone than to try to figure out how she fits into what is left of her life.
Until one night at a party, someone sees her. She’s not sure how, but to him, Bea is not only visible, but worth looking at.
Mick Matthews. Cute and athletic, popular and kind. Unexpected. Extremely visible. And fighting his own demons after an injury on the baseball field has left his life in limbo.
Mick needs help with a simple pick up a car and deliver it for his uncle. So he asks Bea.
Bea knows the risks. She and Katherine, her therapist, have talked about what it will mean to become more visible, to let people see her, and despite how scary it seems, Bea is curious. Maybe she’s ready to be seen again.
And so Bea takes a leap of faith.
But being visible will mean facing things she’s been able to ignore for the past year.
Flanked by the driver’s ed teacher, a borrowed badass mom, her best friend from first grade, and the octopus valentine from her past, Bea is about to realize that she’s her own most important part
Ever since a car accident wrecked her life and her leg a year ago, she’s retreated from everyone and everything. It’s easier to be alone than to try to figure out how she fits into what is left of her life.
Until one night at a party, someone sees her. She’s not sure how, but to him, Bea is not only visible, but worth looking at.
Mick Matthews. Cute and athletic, popular and kind. Unexpected. Extremely visible. And fighting his own demons after an injury on the baseball field has left his life in limbo.
Mick needs help with a simple pick up a car and deliver it for his uncle. So he asks Bea.
Bea knows the risks. She and Katherine, her therapist, have talked about what it will mean to become more visible, to let people see her, and despite how scary it seems, Bea is curious. Maybe she’s ready to be seen again.
And so Bea takes a leap of faith.
But being visible will mean facing things she’s been able to ignore for the past year.
Flanked by the driver’s ed teacher, a borrowed badass mom, her best friend from first grade, and the octopus valentine from her past, Bea is about to realize that she’s her own most important part
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 23, 2026
Bea is a high school senior with some significant scars. There are the literal scars that cover most of her leg, she’s undergone significant therapy to regain use of it after a terrible car accident. And then there are the metaphorical scars…. She lost her mother, who was her best friend. Her stepfather Sean has become somewhat of a hermit and doesn’t leave the house. And yet, Bea is determined to do the work. She has a great therapist, Katherine, and a drivers ed teacher who are both helping her figure out how to deal with life on life’s terms.
Mick is her classmate and best friend from first grade. He is also experiencing a different kind of grief after undergoing shoulder surgery. That’s the end of baseball, no scholarship to Penn State, his identity shattered.
And this is how they connect to each other. This is not a trauma bond, they are separately working through their issues and mental health rep and find each other whole. I absolutely loved Mick’s younger sisters and all of the minor characters. What stands out to me is the transparency, the humor despite some deeper themes, and the amazing dialogue.
Themes;
😔Grief
Identity
🧑🧑🧒🧒 found family
🧠Therapy rep
🎃Holiday scenes
I was rooting for Mick and Bea the whole time. I genuinely liked both of them. They truly deserve and support each other. Even though they are only kids, their love is based on friendship and mutual respect which is so refreshing. The vibes on this one are IMMACULATE. Also; they buy a Honda CRX which was my first car. I bought it with 30,000 miles and drove it until it had 200.000 miles. Best car ever made!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. I am proud to be on your ARC team! Opinions are my own. Book available now! Don’t miss this one!
Mick is her classmate and best friend from first grade. He is also experiencing a different kind of grief after undergoing shoulder surgery. That’s the end of baseball, no scholarship to Penn State, his identity shattered.
And this is how they connect to each other. This is not a trauma bond, they are separately working through their issues and mental health rep and find each other whole. I absolutely loved Mick’s younger sisters and all of the minor characters. What stands out to me is the transparency, the humor despite some deeper themes, and the amazing dialogue.
Themes;
😔Grief
Identity
🧑🧑🧒🧒 found family
🧠Therapy rep
🎃Holiday scenes
I was rooting for Mick and Bea the whole time. I genuinely liked both of them. They truly deserve and support each other. Even though they are only kids, their love is based on friendship and mutual respect which is so refreshing. The vibes on this one are IMMACULATE. Also; they buy a Honda CRX which was my first car. I bought it with 30,000 miles and drove it until it had 200.000 miles. Best car ever made!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. I am proud to be on your ARC team! Opinions are my own. Book available now! Don’t miss this one!
April 14, 2026
Full disclosure: The author is my friend. Reading my first Sherry Mann book was stressful. What if I didn’t like it? I shouldn’t have worried. The writing, the characters, the storyline—all were exceptional. UNDECLARED was an easy five stars. Second book (FAMILY FOTO) … same. So I had no concerns when I turned to the first page of THE MOST IMPORTANT PART.
Now my concern is how do I write a review that others will see as impartial because this book, THIS BOOK, is magnificent. FIVE STARS. ALL THE STARS. Let me tell you why.
Ms. Mann breathes literal life into her characters. They are fully formed, highly nuanced, multi-dimensional, and relatable. She writes teenagers that sound like teenagers, act like teenagers, and could easily be real teenagers. She does the same with children. And adults. Every word of dialogue, every emotional response, every decision is wholly authentic. Nothing seems out of place. Nothing is incongruous. The reader is never taken out of the story; making it flow seamlessly.
There is so much done well in THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. The therapy representation is REAL. How do I know? I discussed sections with my therapist daughter who counsels children and adolescents and she affirmed their accuracy. That’s high praise.
But, the biggest thing Sherry Mann gets right is grief; in all its messy, complicated iterations. Grief is an impossible mountain to climb for adults. It’s complex. Uncomfortable. Highly personal. We struggle when we are the ones grieving and we struggle when we are asked to provide comfort. Now, imagine navigating that minefield as an adolescent. It is exponentially harder. And Ms. Mann handles it here with uncanny insight. How do I know? I was Bea; having lost my dad unexpectedly when I was 13 years old. And Bea’s overwhelming sense of loss and inability to move forward are feelings still fresh decades later.
And here’s where Mann’s writing shines … As she gave Bea the space and tools and supports to start healing, I felt something start to mend in me as well. That is a gift.
Please read this book. Not because Sherry Mann is my friend, but because she is a phenomenally talented author.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of this outstanding book. All opinions are my own.
Now my concern is how do I write a review that others will see as impartial because this book, THIS BOOK, is magnificent. FIVE STARS. ALL THE STARS. Let me tell you why.
Ms. Mann breathes literal life into her characters. They are fully formed, highly nuanced, multi-dimensional, and relatable. She writes teenagers that sound like teenagers, act like teenagers, and could easily be real teenagers. She does the same with children. And adults. Every word of dialogue, every emotional response, every decision is wholly authentic. Nothing seems out of place. Nothing is incongruous. The reader is never taken out of the story; making it flow seamlessly.
There is so much done well in THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. The therapy representation is REAL. How do I know? I discussed sections with my therapist daughter who counsels children and adolescents and she affirmed their accuracy. That’s high praise.
But, the biggest thing Sherry Mann gets right is grief; in all its messy, complicated iterations. Grief is an impossible mountain to climb for adults. It’s complex. Uncomfortable. Highly personal. We struggle when we are the ones grieving and we struggle when we are asked to provide comfort. Now, imagine navigating that minefield as an adolescent. It is exponentially harder. And Ms. Mann handles it here with uncanny insight. How do I know? I was Bea; having lost my dad unexpectedly when I was 13 years old. And Bea’s overwhelming sense of loss and inability to move forward are feelings still fresh decades later.
And here’s where Mann’s writing shines … As she gave Bea the space and tools and supports to start healing, I felt something start to mend in me as well. That is a gift.
Please read this book. Not because Sherry Mann is my friend, but because she is a phenomenally talented author.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of this outstanding book. All opinions are my own.
April 14, 2026
The hardest part of this book is for you to choose a character that you love the most. Bea and Mick the two teenagers who have reconnected after a tragic accident, the high school driver’s ed teacher Barnes, her therapist, Mick’s adorable little sisters, or his badass Mom. It’s a great problem to have to pick and choose which found family members are the most endearing and supportive to our gal Bea. You need all the warm fuzzy feelings this book will give you, but bring your tissues too, it packs an emotional punch.
April 28, 2026
Thank you, Sherry Mann, for the gifted copy for my honest review!
Bea is recovering from a car accident that took her mom, leaving her at 18 with a mangled leg and a stepdad whose only tie to her was her mom. She’s hiding, convincing herself she’s invisible until a party where Mick, a childhood friend, notices her and throws her a lifeline she doesn’t even realize she needs.
Sherry has already proven she can write grief (we saw it in Undeclared), and she excels at it again here. This time, it’s through two teenagers navigating very different versions of it. The Most Important Part handles grief and therapy with teens with authenticity and care. And, while yes, the storyline isn’t light, my freaking goodness, Bea is witty and brings the perfect amount of humor to the story!
Not a single character is wasted. Of course, we expect Bea and Mick to be central, but it’s the surrounding characters who deepen the story. Bea’s driver’s ed teacher’s compassion becomes meaningful to both of them. Mick’s mom is significant not just to Mick, but also in how she advocates for Bea and even supports Bea’s stepdad, Sean. Watching Sean and Bea navigate their shared grief, the loss of the person who was everything to each of them and their only connection to one another, feels so realistic and poignant.
Mick’s sisters offer Bea the chaotic, loving family she’s never had, and even the sisters’ babysitter matters (iykyk). Then there is Hunter, the kid making Bea’s life miserable at school. It would have been easy to leave him as a flat, one-sided antagonist, but even he is given humanity. That’s exactly what I want from antagonists: let me despise them, but make them layered and complex.
And speaking of complex and layered: “I hung back, not sure of my place in all of this, but also maybe inappropriately and completely entranced by what it looked like to be part of a big, messy family dealing with a big, messy situation.” This moment struck me immediately. Bea’s admiration for Mick’s family wasn’t contingent on their being perfect. They are far from it (Mick’s mom has had her own share of grief!).
Beauty in the mess? Realistic.
Overall messy, heartfelt, and deeply human- yes, please! Highly recommend!
Bea is recovering from a car accident that took her mom, leaving her at 18 with a mangled leg and a stepdad whose only tie to her was her mom. She’s hiding, convincing herself she’s invisible until a party where Mick, a childhood friend, notices her and throws her a lifeline she doesn’t even realize she needs.
Sherry has already proven she can write grief (we saw it in Undeclared), and she excels at it again here. This time, it’s through two teenagers navigating very different versions of it. The Most Important Part handles grief and therapy with teens with authenticity and care. And, while yes, the storyline isn’t light, my freaking goodness, Bea is witty and brings the perfect amount of humor to the story!
Not a single character is wasted. Of course, we expect Bea and Mick to be central, but it’s the surrounding characters who deepen the story. Bea’s driver’s ed teacher’s compassion becomes meaningful to both of them. Mick’s mom is significant not just to Mick, but also in how she advocates for Bea and even supports Bea’s stepdad, Sean. Watching Sean and Bea navigate their shared grief, the loss of the person who was everything to each of them and their only connection to one another, feels so realistic and poignant.
Mick’s sisters offer Bea the chaotic, loving family she’s never had, and even the sisters’ babysitter matters (iykyk). Then there is Hunter, the kid making Bea’s life miserable at school. It would have been easy to leave him as a flat, one-sided antagonist, but even he is given humanity. That’s exactly what I want from antagonists: let me despise them, but make them layered and complex.
And speaking of complex and layered: “I hung back, not sure of my place in all of this, but also maybe inappropriately and completely entranced by what it looked like to be part of a big, messy family dealing with a big, messy situation.” This moment struck me immediately. Bea’s admiration for Mick’s family wasn’t contingent on their being perfect. They are far from it (Mick’s mom has had her own share of grief!).
Beauty in the mess? Realistic.
Overall messy, heartfelt, and deeply human- yes, please! Highly recommend!
April 16, 2026
This is a long one, so buckle up (Pun intended)
I really loved this story from the very start; I loved the introduction to Mick and Bea- her thoughts and emotions and his as well, but also Bea’s introduction to Mick’s life and family.
I really enjoyed all of the humor in this book to break up the deep/ dark bits- especially Bea’s initial tendency to deflect the hard topics. Bea thinks and speaks about her trauma throughout the story and her thoughts feel so real and vulnerable, especially when she starts to open up to people.
The relationship portrayed between Bea and Barnes feels so deep and so beautiful- the same with her therapist (Katherine). The scenes of when Bea is talking to her therapist just adds so much depth and background to the story and it’s honestly written perfectly.
I loved the back and forth between memories and real time- mostly at the beginning- it also added a lot of depth and anticipation.
I like the progression of Bea’s thoughts of her being “invisible” to everyone but also the feelings of wanting to be seen; the character development Bea went through was so perfect; by the end she realizes so much about her trauma and emotions. She started understanding and communicating her feelings and emotions to the people closest to her… I’ve never been so proud of a fictional character before.
The portrayal of grief and trauma is so well written- the emotions, feelings, and actions that go with it, too- just so beautifully written!
I would also like to mention how the dialogue sounds IDENTICAL to teenagers; it’s written SO WELL! I found so much of the banter and scenes hilarious in the middle of all the harder topics. I also learned a couple new words too, which I enjoyed- I love learning new things from books!
And the found family (which might I add, is my FAVORITE trope) was portrayed beautifully! *chefs kiss 🤌*
The interactions with Bea between Mick’s mom is so heartbreaking but also beautiful and strong, and also between his sisters which are adorable.
The struggles/ arguments/ feelings between her and Sean were heartbreaking to read about, especially towards the ending, but it was so necessary for the development and plot (I might have shed a tear.. or few… maybe 😭)
Overall, it’s an amazing book, and if you couldn’t tell by this review, I 100% recommend reading it!!
I really loved this story from the very start; I loved the introduction to Mick and Bea- her thoughts and emotions and his as well, but also Bea’s introduction to Mick’s life and family.
I really enjoyed all of the humor in this book to break up the deep/ dark bits- especially Bea’s initial tendency to deflect the hard topics. Bea thinks and speaks about her trauma throughout the story and her thoughts feel so real and vulnerable, especially when she starts to open up to people.
The relationship portrayed between Bea and Barnes feels so deep and so beautiful- the same with her therapist (Katherine). The scenes of when Bea is talking to her therapist just adds so much depth and background to the story and it’s honestly written perfectly.
I loved the back and forth between memories and real time- mostly at the beginning- it also added a lot of depth and anticipation.
I like the progression of Bea’s thoughts of her being “invisible” to everyone but also the feelings of wanting to be seen; the character development Bea went through was so perfect; by the end she realizes so much about her trauma and emotions. She started understanding and communicating her feelings and emotions to the people closest to her… I’ve never been so proud of a fictional character before.
The portrayal of grief and trauma is so well written- the emotions, feelings, and actions that go with it, too- just so beautifully written!
I would also like to mention how the dialogue sounds IDENTICAL to teenagers; it’s written SO WELL! I found so much of the banter and scenes hilarious in the middle of all the harder topics. I also learned a couple new words too, which I enjoyed- I love learning new things from books!
And the found family (which might I add, is my FAVORITE trope) was portrayed beautifully! *chefs kiss 🤌*
The interactions with Bea between Mick’s mom is so heartbreaking but also beautiful and strong, and also between his sisters which are adorable.
The struggles/ arguments/ feelings between her and Sean were heartbreaking to read about, especially towards the ending, but it was so necessary for the development and plot (I might have shed a tear.. or few… maybe 😭)
Overall, it’s an amazing book, and if you couldn’t tell by this review, I 100% recommend reading it!!
April 20, 2026
♾️⭐️
“𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩.” “𝙊𝙤𝙛.”
I will start by saying that I consider Sherry a friend, but trust me when I say that my opinions are honest and my own, I absolutely adored this book. I made 194 highlights as I read because each line was more beautiful than the next. This young adult novel tackles grief and loss so beautifully.
Bea and Mick are on their last year of high school. Both having their own losses to process. Bea lost her mom in a tragic car accident she was also in and now lives with debilitating chronic leg pain. She’s been coping the only way she knows how by being invisible at school.
Mick, also processing his own loss, the end of his baseball dreams, sees her. He not only sees her but helps her out of her darkness. Mick is the son every mother dreams of, I could write a book about how much I loved him.
“I see. In the best stories, there’s always a girl, isn’t there?” “I don’t know about that, but there is in mine.”
This book is tender and beautiful. As Bea expands her circle my heart grew in size. Bea was never invisible.
“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧.” 𝙃𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙙, 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚, 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨, 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩. “𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙣. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
I adored Katherine her therapist and the overall therapy rep in this book. I couldn’t love Barnes more. The driver’s ed teacher with the big heart who is there for her in such a meaningful way, teachers do not get enough recognition. But it was mama bear Sarah, Mick’s mom that had me pumping my fist in joy. I love her and Mick’s adorable sisters.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬. 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚.”
Please check your triggers (car accident resulting in death, loss of a parent, bullying) but trust that Sherry will leave your heart feeling full and safe.
“𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩.” “𝙊𝙤𝙛.”
I will start by saying that I consider Sherry a friend, but trust me when I say that my opinions are honest and my own, I absolutely adored this book. I made 194 highlights as I read because each line was more beautiful than the next. This young adult novel tackles grief and loss so beautifully.
Bea and Mick are on their last year of high school. Both having their own losses to process. Bea lost her mom in a tragic car accident she was also in and now lives with debilitating chronic leg pain. She’s been coping the only way she knows how by being invisible at school.
Mick, also processing his own loss, the end of his baseball dreams, sees her. He not only sees her but helps her out of her darkness. Mick is the son every mother dreams of, I could write a book about how much I loved him.
“I see. In the best stories, there’s always a girl, isn’t there?” “I don’t know about that, but there is in mine.”
This book is tender and beautiful. As Bea expands her circle my heart grew in size. Bea was never invisible.
“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧.” 𝙃𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙙, 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚, 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨, 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩. “𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙣. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
I adored Katherine her therapist and the overall therapy rep in this book. I couldn’t love Barnes more. The driver’s ed teacher with the big heart who is there for her in such a meaningful way, teachers do not get enough recognition. But it was mama bear Sarah, Mick’s mom that had me pumping my fist in joy. I love her and Mick’s adorable sisters.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬. 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚.”
Please check your triggers (car accident resulting in death, loss of a parent, bullying) but trust that Sherry will leave your heart feeling full and safe.
April 16, 2026
I really love supporting Indie authors, this book is incredible ~ highly recommend. The author is a teacher so she really gets the YA part it’s just so perfect! Coming of age story that will put a smile along with a few other expressions, on your face. It’s on KU
April 16, 2026
Thank you to the author for sending me a finished copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. All thoughts are my own!
CW: car accident resulting in death and injury, bullying, grief and loss
Quick intro:
Bea is invisibile and she likes it that way. Ever since losing her mom and largely the mobility in her leg in an accident close to a year prior she’s shrunk her social circle to practically zero (with the exception of her Drivers Ed teacher and her therapist), but oh buddy does Mick see her.
Quick thoughts:
Listen, Sherry is my friend. But you know me. I am an honest reviewer to a fault. And I love this book!!! I don’t know how many different ways I can praise Sherry’s writing now that I’ve given all of her books five stars, but I guess I’ll try. Sherry is an incredible writer. Her scenes and dialogue flow so naturally. Her descriptions are rich and realistic. She’s funny. It’s honest. It’s heartfelt. It’s tender. It’s no no-sense. Everything about her writing works for me.
You will fall in love with the entire cast of characters (except for Hunter - respectfully, screw him!) Barnes - what a guy! We love an adult who stays. Mick - A DEAR. A sweet brother, sacrificial son, dependable friend, and a boy who is sweet on a girl. Katherine - a therapist I wanted to reach through the computer screen and give a hug to. Alice and Talia - believable and full characters (children!). Sarah MF Matthews - The mom everyone wants on their side. And of course our Bea (Bean) - our sweet broken girl who we get to journey with on the way toward healing (who deflects with humor and is quite the klepto).
Read this book if you like dual first person POV, books with good therapy representation, teenagers who use big words, banter, coming of age stories, kisses on the top of the head and forehead, books that delicately handle themes of grief and loss, supporting indie authors, and Rainbow Rowell/John Green vibes.
CW: car accident resulting in death and injury, bullying, grief and loss
Quick intro:
Bea is invisibile and she likes it that way. Ever since losing her mom and largely the mobility in her leg in an accident close to a year prior she’s shrunk her social circle to practically zero (with the exception of her Drivers Ed teacher and her therapist), but oh buddy does Mick see her.
Quick thoughts:
Listen, Sherry is my friend. But you know me. I am an honest reviewer to a fault. And I love this book!!! I don’t know how many different ways I can praise Sherry’s writing now that I’ve given all of her books five stars, but I guess I’ll try. Sherry is an incredible writer. Her scenes and dialogue flow so naturally. Her descriptions are rich and realistic. She’s funny. It’s honest. It’s heartfelt. It’s tender. It’s no no-sense. Everything about her writing works for me.
You will fall in love with the entire cast of characters (except for Hunter - respectfully, screw him!) Barnes - what a guy! We love an adult who stays. Mick - A DEAR. A sweet brother, sacrificial son, dependable friend, and a boy who is sweet on a girl. Katherine - a therapist I wanted to reach through the computer screen and give a hug to. Alice and Talia - believable and full characters (children!). Sarah MF Matthews - The mom everyone wants on their side. And of course our Bea (Bean) - our sweet broken girl who we get to journey with on the way toward healing (who deflects with humor and is quite the klepto).
Read this book if you like dual first person POV, books with good therapy representation, teenagers who use big words, banter, coming of age stories, kisses on the top of the head and forehead, books that delicately handle themes of grief and loss, supporting indie authors, and Rainbow Rowell/John Green vibes.
May 20, 2026
A book that will make you nostalgic, but prepare for some tears:
The Most Important Part by Sherry Mann
ABOUT:
After being the only survivor of a horrific car crash, Bea is struggling with both her newfound physical limitations and grief. Enter Mick, her once first-grade bestie, a former baseball star now unable to play. They find themselves forging a connection over heartache and the turbulent experience of being a high school senior.
MY THOUGHTS:
It is always nerve-racking to read a book by someone you know personally; however, I should’ve known that Sherry would keep blowing my expectations out of the water.
From the opening lines, you can feel the visceral way Bea is both anxious and in pain after the loss of her mom. And Mick, kind and patient, is navigating the loss of his plans.
The writing will have you both frustrated (for the kids) and sad (for their circumstances), while also wanting to give these two teenagers a hug. I felt that Sherry did an excellent job of capturing how overwhelming yet joy filled the teenage experience can be.
And before you say you don’t do YA, there are three adults who really shine at supporting teens, and incredible therapy rep!
From the stunning cover to the endearing prose, this book is not to be missed!
READ IF:
If you are looking an YA novel with excellent character growth, positive adult representation, and an important message about learning to survive after hard things then pick this one up! I cannot help but recommend with my full heart!
The Most Important Part by Sherry Mann
ABOUT:
After being the only survivor of a horrific car crash, Bea is struggling with both her newfound physical limitations and grief. Enter Mick, her once first-grade bestie, a former baseball star now unable to play. They find themselves forging a connection over heartache and the turbulent experience of being a high school senior.
MY THOUGHTS:
It is always nerve-racking to read a book by someone you know personally; however, I should’ve known that Sherry would keep blowing my expectations out of the water.
From the opening lines, you can feel the visceral way Bea is both anxious and in pain after the loss of her mom. And Mick, kind and patient, is navigating the loss of his plans.
The writing will have you both frustrated (for the kids) and sad (for their circumstances), while also wanting to give these two teenagers a hug. I felt that Sherry did an excellent job of capturing how overwhelming yet joy filled the teenage experience can be.
And before you say you don’t do YA, there are three adults who really shine at supporting teens, and incredible therapy rep!
From the stunning cover to the endearing prose, this book is not to be missed!
READ IF:
If you are looking an YA novel with excellent character growth, positive adult representation, and an important message about learning to survive after hard things then pick this one up! I cannot help but recommend with my full heart!
April 25, 2026
I am beside myself with how much I adored these characters and this story. Bea, Mick, Mrs. Matthews, Barnes, Katherine - UGHHHHHH!
"You're going to be okay, you know. I can see it in you. The most important parts are all still there." <---one of the many times I just SOBBED.
The way Sherry describes teenage-hood is utter perfection. The witty dialogue is on par with some of my favorite authors. I CACKLED and laughed many times.
"That is not science, Katherine. That's from the Grinch."
Then she completely flips me upside down with the way she captures the many phases and upside-down-ness of grief. How many times can my heart break for Bea? The way grief chews you up and spits you out and how you never seem to get a grasp on it no matter how long it has been or what you do.
Just utter perfection from start to finish. Brava Sherry. I can't wait to read more from you.
"You're going to be okay, you know. I can see it in you. The most important parts are all still there." <---one of the many times I just SOBBED.
The way Sherry describes teenage-hood is utter perfection. The witty dialogue is on par with some of my favorite authors. I CACKLED and laughed many times.
"That is not science, Katherine. That's from the Grinch."
Then she completely flips me upside down with the way she captures the many phases and upside-down-ness of grief. How many times can my heart break for Bea? The way grief chews you up and spits you out and how you never seem to get a grasp on it no matter how long it has been or what you do.
Just utter perfection from start to finish. Brava Sherry. I can't wait to read more from you.
May 4, 2026
There's something special about getting to see inside a pal's brain through their writing. It feels like such a privilege, and Sherry's writing truly is magic. I'm a sucker for a good YA novel and she delivers- the character development, the depiction of grief, the banter- it's all so classically Sherry and yet each of her novels have such a distinct voice. I've already bullied my librarian into ordering this for our library and I know it will speak to my students like it spoke to me. I'll cherish my physical copy forever.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have to start by saying that Sherry is my friend. Because of that, I was nervous to read her book because I worried that I wouldn't love it. Turns out I worried for nothing because it was one of the most beautiful and emotional stories that I've ever read.
(I shouldn't be surprised about this because I already knew Sherry was a phenomenal writer just from her posts on Bookstagram.)
Anyway, I truly loved this book so much. I don't always prefer books with high school age main characters, but Bea and Mick endeared themselves to me right from the start. These two teens were both dealing with the fall-out from separate traumas, and the way they come together to support each other made my heart melt. They were exactly what the other needed, first in the sweetest friendship and then the most adorable love story.
My heart broke for Bea and the grief she struggled with. I wanted to wrap her up in the biggest hug. Watching her slowly come back to life and let people see her again was my favorite part of the story.
Mick was the best young man, kind, thoughtful and supportive. His relationship with his mom and his little sisters was adorable. He too was struggling with grief, although of a different nature than Bea's. But this common thread drew them to each other and providedeach of them with the kind of care they needed.
I have to say that the end of the book had me tearing up, and I'm not usually a big cryer at books. But oh this one tore at my heartstrings!
I also have to mention two of the best book side characters ever, Barnes the drivers ed teacher and Katherine the therapist. It is so important that kids have adults in their lives they can lean on and these two were the most supportive!
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Please please get yourself a copy! The Most Important Part comes out on Tuesday (4/14) and you can order it on Amazon.
(I shouldn't be surprised about this because I already knew Sherry was a phenomenal writer just from her posts on Bookstagram.)
Anyway, I truly loved this book so much. I don't always prefer books with high school age main characters, but Bea and Mick endeared themselves to me right from the start. These two teens were both dealing with the fall-out from separate traumas, and the way they come together to support each other made my heart melt. They were exactly what the other needed, first in the sweetest friendship and then the most adorable love story.
My heart broke for Bea and the grief she struggled with. I wanted to wrap her up in the biggest hug. Watching her slowly come back to life and let people see her again was my favorite part of the story.
Mick was the best young man, kind, thoughtful and supportive. His relationship with his mom and his little sisters was adorable. He too was struggling with grief, although of a different nature than Bea's. But this common thread drew them to each other and providedeach of them with the kind of care they needed.
I have to say that the end of the book had me tearing up, and I'm not usually a big cryer at books. But oh this one tore at my heartstrings!
I also have to mention two of the best book side characters ever, Barnes the drivers ed teacher and Katherine the therapist. It is so important that kids have adults in their lives they can lean on and these two were the most supportive!
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Please please get yourself a copy! The Most Important Part comes out on Tuesday (4/14) and you can order it on Amazon.
May 7, 2026
Gosh, I really loved this book. Full transparency, I know Sherry from Instagram and think she is one of the coolest ladies alive so maybe this isn't the most unbiased review ever but I think it is super important to support indie authors especially ones who tackle some dark topics with as much grace and humor as Sherry did.
Bea and Mick have my heart. They are some each great mixes of emotionally mature and still growing, funny and have seen some shit, kind and can hurt each other even if they don't mean to. These are not dumbed down teens. They are fully formed humans. And seeing their love for each other blossom was such a joy. And Mick is just a good boy who will become a good man and I really appreciate seeing that in the world (even if it is fictional, it gives me hope).
Sherry also did a great job of exploring and navigating grief. Bea's mother recently passed away in a car accident and Sherry doesn't shy away from any of the tough parts. I also appreciated the mental health care representation with Bea attending therapy and showing that therapy is not linear -- you can take two steps forward and one step back and that is okay.
The side characters are lovely. If you love precocious kids, you will love Tally and Alice (I love precocious kids. It's me). Mick's mom is a badass but not in an untouchable, superficial way where she doesn't also have flaws. We love Barnes and hope he always teaches Driver's Ed.
All around a great read!
You will probably like this book if you like:
🐙 Young Adult novels featuring first love
🐙 Explorations of grief
🐙 Mental health rep
🐙 Cute kids and fun side characters
🐙 Reading about someone coming back to themselves
⋆ ೀ ⋆ Follow me on Instagram @book.recs.by.lina for book recommendations and general fun times ⋆ ೀ ⋆
Bea and Mick have my heart. They are some each great mixes of emotionally mature and still growing, funny and have seen some shit, kind and can hurt each other even if they don't mean to. These are not dumbed down teens. They are fully formed humans. And seeing their love for each other blossom was such a joy. And Mick is just a good boy who will become a good man and I really appreciate seeing that in the world (even if it is fictional, it gives me hope).
Sherry also did a great job of exploring and navigating grief. Bea's mother recently passed away in a car accident and Sherry doesn't shy away from any of the tough parts. I also appreciated the mental health care representation with Bea attending therapy and showing that therapy is not linear -- you can take two steps forward and one step back and that is okay.
The side characters are lovely. If you love precocious kids, you will love Tally and Alice (I love precocious kids. It's me). Mick's mom is a badass but not in an untouchable, superficial way where she doesn't also have flaws. We love Barnes and hope he always teaches Driver's Ed.
All around a great read!
You will probably like this book if you like:
🐙 Young Adult novels featuring first love
🐙 Explorations of grief
🐙 Mental health rep
🐙 Cute kids and fun side characters
🐙 Reading about someone coming back to themselves
⋆ ೀ ⋆ Follow me on Instagram @book.recs.by.lina for book recommendations and general fun times ⋆ ೀ ⋆
April 19, 2026
"...acting like nothing had happened, as I sat frozen, wondering if anyone else had felt the earth move."
"You're going to be okay, you know. I can see it in you. The most important parts are all still there."
I had the honor of reading this wonderful book by my dear friend. I was ecstatic when I found out she was releasing another one, I knew I had to read it! I truly could not put this book down. I was drawn in by the characters from the very start. I knew this was a 5 star read!! 🙌
This is such a wholesome and beautifully written story. Even though it takes place in the present, it hit me with a wave of nostalgia from my own high school years. While it’s fiction, so much of it felt incredibly relatable.
The main characters are absolutely the sweetest as they build such a unique and meaningful relationship. After Bea’s car accident, she’s left navigating deep trauma and healing. I felt her pain and understand what it is to lose a big part of you after such a tragedy. Mick is an absolute gem. His patience and kindness are so heartwarming. I love their sweet moments together and got me in the feels! Watching them go through their final year of high school, facing obstacles together, was both emotional and uplifting. I especially loved how they truly complemented and supported one another. And Mick’s family? Just adorable. Their warmth and acceptance of Bea added such a comforting layer to the story.
This book is the perfect blend of contemporary romance and emotional depth. It captures what it’s like to be young, figuring out life, and unexpectedly finding someone who helps you through it all. I highly recommend The Most Important Part if you’re looking for a heartfelt story that beautifully explores grief, healing, and young love.
"You're going to be okay, you know. I can see it in you. The most important parts are all still there."
I had the honor of reading this wonderful book by my dear friend. I was ecstatic when I found out she was releasing another one, I knew I had to read it! I truly could not put this book down. I was drawn in by the characters from the very start. I knew this was a 5 star read!! 🙌
This is such a wholesome and beautifully written story. Even though it takes place in the present, it hit me with a wave of nostalgia from my own high school years. While it’s fiction, so much of it felt incredibly relatable.
The main characters are absolutely the sweetest as they build such a unique and meaningful relationship. After Bea’s car accident, she’s left navigating deep trauma and healing. I felt her pain and understand what it is to lose a big part of you after such a tragedy. Mick is an absolute gem. His patience and kindness are so heartwarming. I love their sweet moments together and got me in the feels! Watching them go through their final year of high school, facing obstacles together, was both emotional and uplifting. I especially loved how they truly complemented and supported one another. And Mick’s family? Just adorable. Their warmth and acceptance of Bea added such a comforting layer to the story.
This book is the perfect blend of contemporary romance and emotional depth. It captures what it’s like to be young, figuring out life, and unexpectedly finding someone who helps you through it all. I highly recommend The Most Important Part if you’re looking for a heartfelt story that beautifully explores grief, healing, and young love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Losing someone is scary, but loving someone is revolutionary.”
What is there not to love in Mann’s latest release, The Most Important Part? Her signature humor and heart combine in this poignant tale of two young adults trying to heal and navigate their own issues alongside each other.
This novel has the loveliest found family crew, from Mick’s fiercely protective and wise mother to the patient and witty driver’s ed instructor. The way Bea and Mick’s little community comes together is such a breath of fresh air and hope. I love these characters and I love this story.
While I loved all the characters, Katherine the therapist holds a special place in my heart after finishing the book. I don’t want to give anything away, but her scenes with Bea were some of my all-time favorites.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Mann writes in such a way that you feel deeply connected to the characters in her stories. They are real and so human in the struggles they face and the decisions they make. Balancing reality with hope is a tough thing for an author to do, but it happens so easily in her books, especially this one.
EASY five stars. Absolutely recommend you read this one when it releases on April 14th!
What is there not to love in Mann’s latest release, The Most Important Part? Her signature humor and heart combine in this poignant tale of two young adults trying to heal and navigate their own issues alongside each other.
This novel has the loveliest found family crew, from Mick’s fiercely protective and wise mother to the patient and witty driver’s ed instructor. The way Bea and Mick’s little community comes together is such a breath of fresh air and hope. I love these characters and I love this story.
While I loved all the characters, Katherine the therapist holds a special place in my heart after finishing the book. I don’t want to give anything away, but her scenes with Bea were some of my all-time favorites.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Mann writes in such a way that you feel deeply connected to the characters in her stories. They are real and so human in the struggles they face and the decisions they make. Balancing reality with hope is a tough thing for an author to do, but it happens so easily in her books, especially this one.
EASY five stars. Absolutely recommend you read this one when it releases on April 14th!
April 27, 2026
Two weeks ago my dearest, darlingest friend @sherrymann_author released her third novel, The Most Important Part. It takes me a while to eyeball read these days, so I finished TMIP about a week ago. It’s taken me this long to gather my thoughts because I love it so much. I feel like someone recently said how much harder it is to write a review for something you love and I FEEL THAT.
Bea Norris is a high school senior moving through the world as if she’s invisible. When she lost her mother in a tragic car crash and she herself was seriously injured, she thinks she lost everyone who could see her. But then people start showing up for her including Mick Matthews, her first grade bestie who had gone on to become a popular baseball player. Mick is dealing with his own traumas, but he never stops being there for Bea.
Bea, with enormous help from her drivers ed teacher, her therapist, Mick, and his beautifully loud, caring family, continues to heal her damaged, but not broken heart and soul.
There are parts I want to tell you about, but I want you to discover the most important parts all by yourself. Then come find me. 💛💛💛
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for lovers of smart teens with great vocabularies (think Dawson’s Creek), badass mama bears who protect all the young, healing through grief, and a book full of love!
Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC. All thoughts are mine alone.
ya fiction | romance | found family | young adult | KU | kindle unlimited | The Most Important Part | Sherry Mann | book recs | recommendations | book reviews | five star reads | bookstagram
Bea Norris is a high school senior moving through the world as if she’s invisible. When she lost her mother in a tragic car crash and she herself was seriously injured, she thinks she lost everyone who could see her. But then people start showing up for her including Mick Matthews, her first grade bestie who had gone on to become a popular baseball player. Mick is dealing with his own traumas, but he never stops being there for Bea.
Bea, with enormous help from her drivers ed teacher, her therapist, Mick, and his beautifully loud, caring family, continues to heal her damaged, but not broken heart and soul.
There are parts I want to tell you about, but I want you to discover the most important parts all by yourself. Then come find me. 💛💛💛
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for lovers of smart teens with great vocabularies (think Dawson’s Creek), badass mama bears who protect all the young, healing through grief, and a book full of love!
Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC. All thoughts are mine alone.
ya fiction | romance | found family | young adult | KU | kindle unlimited | The Most Important Part | Sherry Mann | book recs | recommendations | book reviews | five star reads | bookstagram
April 14, 2026
Have you ever read a novel and though, "has this person ever actually talked to a teenager?" Maybe the storyline seems to inadvertently cut them down? Not trust teenagers with problems and conflict resolution and processing emotion? Because I have... in other books.
The Most Important Part is not that book. Bea and Mick are both dealing with complex human emotions. And Sherry lets them. This book is raw. It is uncomfortable. It is beautiful. To read this is to understand grief is not linear. Grief is messy.
And the supporting cast!!! If I can be half the mother Sarah Matthew is... if my kids can have just one Mr. Barnes in their life, we'll be doing alright.
PERFECT FOR:
- grief and healing
- mental health rep
- coming of age
- descriptive writing
- feeling invisible
The Most Important Part is not that book. Bea and Mick are both dealing with complex human emotions. And Sherry lets them. This book is raw. It is uncomfortable. It is beautiful. To read this is to understand grief is not linear. Grief is messy.
And the supporting cast!!! If I can be half the mother Sarah Matthew is... if my kids can have just one Mr. Barnes in their life, we'll be doing alright.
PERFECT FOR:
- grief and healing
- mental health rep
- coming of age
- descriptive writing
- feeling invisible
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to author Sherry Mann for the privilege of beta reading her third book! All opinions are my own.
One of my favorite people in the Bookstagram community is @sherry_reads_books. In addition to being an amazing teacher, she is an author! After releasing her first two books several years back, Sherry is blessing us with a new release - The Most Important Part - in just one week!
As with my review of Sherry's earlier book Undeclared, I should acknowledge that some pro-Sherry bias will inevitably sneak into my opinions. But I firmly believe that all readers should add this beautiful book to their TBRs, and I'm going to do my best to tell you why!
Teenager Bea Norris lost her mother in a car accident before we meet her. She has a nasty leg wound to match her deep emotional wounds. She's spent the better part of a year just trying to disappear. But then a well-liked boy, Mick, decides to extend a lifeline, and asks if she'll help him pick up cars for his uncle, as a job of sorts. With no small amount of trepidation, she agrees and is forced to be seen again, bit by bit.
In addition to these two characters, you'll meet Mick's badass mom, a good-hearted driver's ed teacher, and Mick's adorable little sisters. No one writes little kids like Sherry - speaking of which, Undeclared readers will spot an Easter egg or two in this one! And I'd be remiss not to mention Bea's therapist Katherine - the therapy rep in this book is so special!
Sherry's writing is grounded and so emotionally true without ever being cliche or overwrought. These characters touched my heart and I loved meeting them. I have every confidence that other readers will too. I highly recommend reading this one, then going back to Sherry's backlist for more!
One of my favorite people in the Bookstagram community is @sherry_reads_books. In addition to being an amazing teacher, she is an author! After releasing her first two books several years back, Sherry is blessing us with a new release - The Most Important Part - in just one week!
As with my review of Sherry's earlier book Undeclared, I should acknowledge that some pro-Sherry bias will inevitably sneak into my opinions. But I firmly believe that all readers should add this beautiful book to their TBRs, and I'm going to do my best to tell you why!
Teenager Bea Norris lost her mother in a car accident before we meet her. She has a nasty leg wound to match her deep emotional wounds. She's spent the better part of a year just trying to disappear. But then a well-liked boy, Mick, decides to extend a lifeline, and asks if she'll help him pick up cars for his uncle, as a job of sorts. With no small amount of trepidation, she agrees and is forced to be seen again, bit by bit.
In addition to these two characters, you'll meet Mick's badass mom, a good-hearted driver's ed teacher, and Mick's adorable little sisters. No one writes little kids like Sherry - speaking of which, Undeclared readers will spot an Easter egg or two in this one! And I'd be remiss not to mention Bea's therapist Katherine - the therapy rep in this book is so special!
Sherry's writing is grounded and so emotionally true without ever being cliche or overwrought. These characters touched my heart and I loved meeting them. I have every confidence that other readers will too. I highly recommend reading this one, then going back to Sherry's backlist for more!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews