Too Much

by Marissa Naggi

Nora is an anxious firecracker. Fresh out of high school, she’s a kid and an adult. She’s confident but vulnerable. She’s selectively spunky yet frequently scared. In the summer before college, Nora is launched into an social interaction exposure therapy program by her roommate and best friend, Jen. She makes a series of impulsive decisions, like kissing boys on porches and getting into heated debates about reality television. Before she was too scared, but now is she too much?

118 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2019

Reviews

[Marissa Naggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it and I think it's great

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too often in YA novels, characters are whittled down to a few archetypes and are written in just to provide something for the protagonist, and only exist for their benefit. Not so in Naggi's incredibly impressive debut, where each side character seems to exist as an individual worthy of being their own lead character, and the reader gleans more about the Nora (the protagonist and narrator) in her interactions with characters.

Nothing about Nora is explicit. Everything the reader is told about her--whether by Nora herself or any of the characters announcing their own reads of Nora--is tinged with their own observations, doubts, and biases: as much as any description of anyone in the real world. "Real" is the important word here, each character and interaction feels like it comes from an authentic place.

The best thing Too Much has going for it is the dialogue. Conversations flow well, move better, and although packed with asides and observations, aren't reduced to hand-holding for the reader. These comments by the narrator enhance the experience of each conversation; they don't force it in any direction.

If you like uncomfortably relatable situations, occasionally unreliable self-awareness, and dialogue sharper than the sting of a breakup from someone you swear you weren't into that much anyway, do yourself a favor and pick up Too Much today.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really connected to this book and found it so relatable and witty! I think it perfectly put into words the exciting-but-terrifying transition into adulthood

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it—the writing, Nora, Nora and Jen’s friendship, the humor, the pacing, the ending. There’s just something about a well-done coming-of-age story that always hits for me. Was a delightful gem to read. I feel like this would make such a great TV show or movie!

[Jurassic Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing through the awkwardness, anxiety, and excitement of finding your way into adulthood. I loved being privy to Nora's hilarious and extremely relatable thoughts & fears as she navigates modern social etiquette around dating and partying. The dialogue is the real star of the writing-- I felt like I was having conversations with my best friends. I finished the book in 2 sittings and feel inspired to express the fullest version of myself, without worrying about coming across as "too much" to others.