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21 Questions
In Laguna Beach, California, sixteen-year-old Kendra Dimes is preparing for the 2010 USA Surfing Prime West. She’ll be competing this year in honor of her brother, who was a surfer too, but who died from a drug overdose. Kendra has suffered anxiety attacks ever since her brother’s death, and surfing is what’s been helping her heal.
Brock Parker is the new bad boy at school; he deals drugs to the high school clientele for his parents, who work for a Mexican drug lord. Though Brock and Kendra come from two different worlds, sparks fly when they meet at the homecoming dance—their attraction is magnetic. When they start a game of 21 Questions one night, they begin to learn more about each other—and, surprisingly, about themselves too. But some questions aren’t answered with the whole truth; after all, Brock can’t tell Kendra what his parents do for a living.
As Kendra and Brock experience all of life’s most exciting firsts, they prove that even when life throws you the perfect storm, you can make it through and come out stronger than before. 21 Questions is a coming-of-age journey packed with passion and heartbreak, risk and romance.
Brock Parker is the new bad boy at school; he deals drugs to the high school clientele for his parents, who work for a Mexican drug lord. Though Brock and Kendra come from two different worlds, sparks fly when they meet at the homecoming dance—their attraction is magnetic. When they start a game of 21 Questions one night, they begin to learn more about each other—and, surprisingly, about themselves too. But some questions aren’t answered with the whole truth; after all, Brock can’t tell Kendra what his parents do for a living.
As Kendra and Brock experience all of life’s most exciting firsts, they prove that even when life throws you the perfect storm, you can make it through and come out stronger than before. 21 Questions is a coming-of-age journey packed with passion and heartbreak, risk and romance.
- GenresRomance
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2021
4 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 13, 2021
21 Questions tells a common story of two very different people meeting and falling in love.
Kendra Dimes is a good student, focused and determined to succeed at surfing in order to get the chance her drug addict brother was denied when he overdosed. Brook Parker is a confident and articulate boy used to the finer things in life…and caught up in the family business of drugs.
Naturally, when they meet they are attracted and the book focuses on whether their differences will force them apart or not.
This story is not an uncommon one. Unfortunately, neither Kendra nor Brook really felt like characters that you got that concerned by and their whole situation was so far removed from reality (or at least the way it was painted here) that it all just seemed a little silly.
There were some nice moments with Kendra surfing, but the book didn’t quite work for me in the way it might have. For me to have become engaged with their relationship I would have had to care more about them. I didn’t. They were both stupid in their own ways, and together they were even more so.
Family members were pretty remote in this. Though we were given reasons that might have explained it, given the subject matter I think things would have been handled differently. I also found the mixed attitude to drugs really hard to get on with. On the one hand, we see the devastation caused by hard drugs but there’s so much casual acceptance of the situation that it’s hard to work out quite what purpose these sections serve.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this, though it wasn’t really for me.
Kendra Dimes is a good student, focused and determined to succeed at surfing in order to get the chance her drug addict brother was denied when he overdosed. Brook Parker is a confident and articulate boy used to the finer things in life…and caught up in the family business of drugs.
Naturally, when they meet they are attracted and the book focuses on whether their differences will force them apart or not.
This story is not an uncommon one. Unfortunately, neither Kendra nor Brook really felt like characters that you got that concerned by and their whole situation was so far removed from reality (or at least the way it was painted here) that it all just seemed a little silly.
There were some nice moments with Kendra surfing, but the book didn’t quite work for me in the way it might have. For me to have become engaged with their relationship I would have had to care more about them. I didn’t. They were both stupid in their own ways, and together they were even more so.
Family members were pretty remote in this. Though we were given reasons that might have explained it, given the subject matter I think things would have been handled differently. I also found the mixed attitude to drugs really hard to get on with. On the one hand, we see the devastation caused by hard drugs but there’s so much casual acceptance of the situation that it’s hard to work out quite what purpose these sections serve.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this, though it wasn’t really for me.
July 28, 2022
These characters will consume you and keep you locked in their world. This is a story of two polar opposites who just shouldn’t be together. Kendra is a dedicated surfer who suffers from anxiety as a result of her brother’s death from an overdose. Brock is a handsome bad boy and drug dealer who works for his father’s business. Somehow fate or destiny, as you may call it, steps in, and they collide at the football match. The next day they meet at the homecoming dance, and they hit it off.
They became closer and started learning about each other when they played a game of “21 Questions”
I really don’t want to get into the story because that is not fair to the author or you. Read the book and enjoy the story for yourself. I will say their chemistry is lava hot! When they are together, it’s like magnets that can’t be pulled apart. Kendra and Brock's connection and relationship is unique. They are complete opposites, but it’s easy to see how they are the calm to each other's storms. Their attraction is instant.
This book had me hanging off its pages. I just finished this book in two days, I couldn’t stay away. I had to finish chapter after chapter after chapter. There was nothing predictable in this book.You’ll laugh, be swept off your feet, tear up, get angry, and fall in love with the characters. This book is a load of emotions as it highlights modern-day issues and themes such as LGBTQ drugs, alcohol, death, sex, and love.
I love the grittiness of this story and the twist and turns. It really pulled at my heart. I also loved how it ended; completely unexpected.
A MUST READ!
They became closer and started learning about each other when they played a game of “21 Questions”
I really don’t want to get into the story because that is not fair to the author or you. Read the book and enjoy the story for yourself. I will say their chemistry is lava hot! When they are together, it’s like magnets that can’t be pulled apart. Kendra and Brock's connection and relationship is unique. They are complete opposites, but it’s easy to see how they are the calm to each other's storms. Their attraction is instant.
This book had me hanging off its pages. I just finished this book in two days, I couldn’t stay away. I had to finish chapter after chapter after chapter. There was nothing predictable in this book.You’ll laugh, be swept off your feet, tear up, get angry, and fall in love with the characters. This book is a load of emotions as it highlights modern-day issues and themes such as LGBTQ drugs, alcohol, death, sex, and love.
I love the grittiness of this story and the twist and turns. It really pulled at my heart. I also loved how it ended; completely unexpected.
A MUST READ!
August 16, 2021
Actual rating is 2.5 stars (full review is on my blog)
TW/CW: drug use and distribution, overdose, and anxiety
I’m going to warn you right now that this is darker book because of the content.
Going into this book, I had really really high hopes because the book was pitched that it would be great for those who love As She Fades by Abbi Glines which is a book that I love with all my heart.
But given the circumstances of the book, the whole tone of both of these characters made it hard for me to enjoy the book.
https://laurenbodiford123.wordpress.c...
TW/CW: drug use and distribution, overdose, and anxiety
I’m going to warn you right now that this is darker book because of the content.
Going into this book, I had really really high hopes because the book was pitched that it would be great for those who love As She Fades by Abbi Glines which is a book that I love with all my heart.
But given the circumstances of the book, the whole tone of both of these characters made it hard for me to enjoy the book.
https://laurenbodiford123.wordpress.c...
August 4, 2022
DNF at 27%
I really tried to like this one, but nothing about it drew me. As a current high schooler, I couldn't stand the way these two acted. Brock was a drug dealer at 16??? And hooked up on the baseball bleachers (sounds uncomfy) during school?? And those two are just the tip of the iceberg, most of it is much worse. He was both dislikeable and unrealistic. As for Kendra, she was painfully innocent. Again, unrealistic. The dialogue was stilted, the conversations weren't realistic, and the characters were irritating. Not the book for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I really tried to like this one, but nothing about it drew me. As a current high schooler, I couldn't stand the way these two acted. Brock was a drug dealer at 16??? And hooked up on the baseball bleachers (sounds uncomfy) during school?? And those two are just the tip of the iceberg, most of it is much worse. He was both dislikeable and unrealistic. As for Kendra, she was painfully innocent. Again, unrealistic. The dialogue was stilted, the conversations weren't realistic, and the characters were irritating. Not the book for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
August 3, 2021
OKAY!!!! I am a total bookworm and this was one of the best. The connection between Brock and Kendra is absolutely beautiful. The part that really drew me to this book was how the author talked about real issues - anxiety, substance abuse, and losing a loved one. I definitely recommend this young adult fiction.
October 9, 2021
A really good teen love story. Good girl falls in love with a bad boy. Bad boy doesn't tell her he sells drugs. Good girl doesn't tell him her older brother died because of drugs. Bad decisions on both parts. What happens? read it and you'll see
January 23, 2022
Was a very good read. Just couldn't get enough. And I took the book as part of the new year new books and glad I did.
did-not-finish
July 19, 2021DNF - read about 14% and had to stop. I tried to start reading it multiple times but I was never in the mood. I finally forced myself to read it because the publishing date was near, but it just wasn’t it for me. It felt too much like a fic from 2013. Too unrealistic and amateur.
June 26, 2021
I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Brock and Kendra couldn't be more different. She is naive and sweet, although she has already lived some awful experiences.
And Brock is a drug dealer.
They like each other but for Kendra, the drugs are a red line.
Honestly, I could not finish it. The story is totally unbelievable. Kendra is OK. Because she is sixteen years old. But a seventeen year old drug lord?? Come on! Just nope.
It was dragging on and I didn't have the motivation to carry on. Sorry...
Brock and Kendra couldn't be more different. She is naive and sweet, although she has already lived some awful experiences.
And Brock is a drug dealer.
They like each other but for Kendra, the drugs are a red line.
Honestly, I could not finish it. The story is totally unbelievable. Kendra is OK. Because she is sixteen years old. But a seventeen year old drug lord?? Come on! Just nope.
It was dragging on and I didn't have the motivation to carry on. Sorry...
May 28, 2025
one of my fav books
September 11, 2021
21 QUESTIONS by Alexandria Rizik is a YA coming-of-age novel about Kendra Dimes and Brock Parker, high school students who both are harboring their own secrets. Kendra moved to Laguna Beach after her older brother died of a drug overdose, but never told anyone in her new town of her loss. Still, her need to win in the upcoming surf competition is fueled by wanting to do it in his honor. Brock Parker would be Kendra’s worst enemy as his family peddles drugs across the west coast, making Brock their mule— but as fate would have it, Brock and Kendra start falling for each other, which changes the course of their lives forever.
It's clear in reading this book that Rizik has a strong command of story. The conflict she sets up between Brock and Kendra is what propels the tension for the entire book as we see how special their love for one another is, but know their secrets and the practicalities of their lives will tear them apart. Rizik is a visual storyteller, which probably has to do with her filmmaking background, and the last scene especially is so cinematic. It broke my heart.
The story is set in 2010, so the way people speak and refer to one another may feel a bit jarring to a modern reader. However, it does capture that time period accurately. That being said, the dialogue in general doesn’t read the most natural, nor does the description. I was constantly distracted by the way reactions and setting are described as there is a lot of repetition and showing.
Overall, though, 21 QUESTIONS is a compelling story that I’ve been thinking about for days since putting the book down. It’s a true, real-life drama that has a life past the page— and would make a great film!
Book review originally published on YA Books Central: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yafict...
It's clear in reading this book that Rizik has a strong command of story. The conflict she sets up between Brock and Kendra is what propels the tension for the entire book as we see how special their love for one another is, but know their secrets and the practicalities of their lives will tear them apart. Rizik is a visual storyteller, which probably has to do with her filmmaking background, and the last scene especially is so cinematic. It broke my heart.
The story is set in 2010, so the way people speak and refer to one another may feel a bit jarring to a modern reader. However, it does capture that time period accurately. That being said, the dialogue in general doesn’t read the most natural, nor does the description. I was constantly distracted by the way reactions and setting are described as there is a lot of repetition and showing.
Overall, though, 21 QUESTIONS is a compelling story that I’ve been thinking about for days since putting the book down. It’s a true, real-life drama that has a life past the page— and would make a great film!
Book review originally published on YA Books Central: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yafict...
July 28, 2021
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was not expecting this one to hit me in the feels the way it did, but it did. Don't let the summery beach cover fool you, this is a book containing some very real and heavy issues, mostly in the realm of drug use and selling. While the romance between Kendra and Brock is very much at the forefront, it is not the only focus. We get to see both of their points of view, which I felt really added to the story and all the different aspects of subjects that were included. Being someone who actually lost their older brother to drugs Kendra's story hit especially hard - including her coping mechanisms, internal dialogue and specific memories of her brother. So much of the events and actions of people based on past experiences (especially Kendra's) were so spot on in those situations.
Rizik's writing flowed really well in both viewpoints and I really enjoyed the characters she crafted. There were a couple characters that I didn't enjoy, but even they had some redeeming factors (and all teenagers can have moments of cringiness...so realistic). There were also characters who I really felt for and wanted to know more about, which is a sure sign that they are well crafted. Keep in mind that there are definite trigger warnings for death of a loved one, drug use, drug dealing, grief and more.
I was not expecting this one to hit me in the feels the way it did, but it did. Don't let the summery beach cover fool you, this is a book containing some very real and heavy issues, mostly in the realm of drug use and selling. While the romance between Kendra and Brock is very much at the forefront, it is not the only focus. We get to see both of their points of view, which I felt really added to the story and all the different aspects of subjects that were included. Being someone who actually lost their older brother to drugs Kendra's story hit especially hard - including her coping mechanisms, internal dialogue and specific memories of her brother. So much of the events and actions of people based on past experiences (especially Kendra's) were so spot on in those situations.
Rizik's writing flowed really well in both viewpoints and I really enjoyed the characters she crafted. There were a couple characters that I didn't enjoy, but even they had some redeeming factors (and all teenagers can have moments of cringiness...so realistic). There were also characters who I really felt for and wanted to know more about, which is a sure sign that they are well crafted. Keep in mind that there are definite trigger warnings for death of a loved one, drug use, drug dealing, grief and more.
August 8, 2021
I quite enjoyed reading this book. Kendra and Brock had great chemistry. Kendra’s internal monologue when it came to Brock was so great and real. It was a refreshing take on someone’s thoughts experiencing their first potential relationship. There were moments when I cried. I love when books can make me feel strong emotions.
SPOILERS:
They were not the most likable characters. Sometimes choices were made that seemed unrealistic such as the hospital scene. The hospital breakup didn’t seem fleshed out. I would have understood why it happened, but the character did not go from point A to point B. Just went from point A all the way to point C.
Some scenes seemed unnecessary or unrealistic. (Who gets a limo for Homecoming??). For the most part, I was entertained and did enjoy the writing, but sometimes (especially the beginning) the writing seemed almost glitchy/choppy. Another reviewer wrote that it felt like a lot of description was missing and I completely agree. Transitions from time and place and internal monologue never completely flowed. It felt like you were never really placed in a scene - more like moving past it.
Overall, I enjoyed this reading and would read something else the author were to write.
SPOILERS:
They were not the most likable characters. Sometimes choices were made that seemed unrealistic such as the hospital scene. The hospital breakup didn’t seem fleshed out. I would have understood why it happened, but the character did not go from point A to point B. Just went from point A all the way to point C.
Some scenes seemed unnecessary or unrealistic. (Who gets a limo for Homecoming??). For the most part, I was entertained and did enjoy the writing, but sometimes (especially the beginning) the writing seemed almost glitchy/choppy. Another reviewer wrote that it felt like a lot of description was missing and I completely agree. Transitions from time and place and internal monologue never completely flowed. It felt like you were never really placed in a scene - more like moving past it.
Overall, I enjoyed this reading and would read something else the author were to write.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 20, 2021This is an opposites attract romance that deals with some tough subject matter. Brock is a stoner, coerced into selling drugs to his fellow high school students by his father. Kendra is a champion surfer who lost her brother to a drug overdose. She meets and falls for Brock unaware of his role in the local drug trade.
Well the premise is interesting and inevitably calls for drama, I think the execution of the actual story could have been better. It’s possible it may have been a formatting issue but the book is just sentences and lacks paragraphs. The writing is often dry and clinical. When I read books they almost always play out like a movie being projected in my head. In the case of 21 Questions the way it was written invoked little to no imagery and there was nothing to infer from any situation. Because of that I was never invested in the plot or characters.
I definitely think the story has potential, it's just not there yet.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #SparkPress for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well the premise is interesting and inevitably calls for drama, I think the execution of the actual story could have been better. It’s possible it may have been a formatting issue but the book is just sentences and lacks paragraphs. The writing is often dry and clinical. When I read books they almost always play out like a movie being projected in my head. In the case of 21 Questions the way it was written invoked little to no imagery and there was nothing to infer from any situation. Because of that I was never invested in the plot or characters.
I definitely think the story has potential, it's just not there yet.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #SparkPress for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2021
Kendra is a 16 girl who is a surfer and is preparing for a competition. She is doing so in honor of her brother, Kyle, who died of a drug overdose years ago. He died when Kendra was very young and so Kendra is very against drugs.
Brock is the new bad boy at school. He is a drug dealer , dealing to high school kids, working along with his parents who work for a drug cartel.
They meet at a dance and become friends with wanting (and becoming) more eventually.
It was a good book. I couldn't quite believe that parents would bring their kids into their drug world, even doing drugs with their kids! The whole drug thing seemed too casual in the book in my opinion. I am very surprised at the turn of events at the end of the book for Brock. It was shocking and something I never expected to happen.
Brock is the new bad boy at school. He is a drug dealer , dealing to high school kids, working along with his parents who work for a drug cartel.
They meet at a dance and become friends with wanting (and becoming) more eventually.
It was a good book. I couldn't quite believe that parents would bring their kids into their drug world, even doing drugs with their kids! The whole drug thing seemed too casual in the book in my opinion. I am very surprised at the turn of events at the end of the book for Brock. It was shocking and something I never expected to happen.
June 7, 2021
I love young adult literature. It always seems to take complicated issues and deal with them in clear manner. 21 Questions by Rizik did not disappoint. Kendra Dimes is a surfer hoping to make it to a national competition. She competes to honor her brother, who died of a drug overdose. The she meets Brock Parker, a new guy at school whose family works for a Mexican drug lord. Through the game 21 Questions they learn a great deal about each other. and themselves. This is a well-written and researched teen novel. The book thoughtfully addresses many teen issues and concerns - drugs,alcohol, LBGTQ, high school, sex and teen relationships. Rizik does not sugar coat these situations and demonstrates that there are consequences for your actions. Title comes out August, 2021.
July 30, 2021
I got a copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really struggled with this story, I only finished it because I don't like to leave books unfinished.
Kendra is a 16 year old girl who has big surfing dreams and she meets Brock who is a 16 year old drug dealer.
The issue for their relationship is: Kendra doesn't like drugs because he older brother died because of an overdose.
Their relationship is all over the place if I am honest and it comes to ahead when they have a car accident because he was drunk driving.
I don't think I need to say anymore. It'll either be your thing or not lol
I really struggled with this story, I only finished it because I don't like to leave books unfinished.
Kendra is a 16 year old girl who has big surfing dreams and she meets Brock who is a 16 year old drug dealer.
The issue for their relationship is: Kendra doesn't like drugs because he older brother died because of an overdose.
Their relationship is all over the place if I am honest and it comes to ahead when they have a car accident because he was drunk driving.
I don't think I need to say anymore. It'll either be your thing or not lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2021
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝: Where do I even start?! Kendra’s backstory is full of emotions and heartache but somehow she just lets it all go, it is what it is. However, Brock has a completely different bringing in lifestyle than she does. Along the way they find each other in a time when they most needed it but didn’t fully understand why. Their story started out slow for me but quickly picked up as their relationship did. I absolutely LOVED the epilogue and NEEDED IT!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
I laughed, I cried, and somewhere along the line I fell in love for the first time again. This is one of the best YA romance's I've read in a while. The storyline was unique; the characters had strong and distinctive voices; and I couldn't put it down once I started. A story of first loves that will sweep you off your feet with just the right amount of love, lust, drama, and heartache. Five out of five for me!
August 18, 2021
I can say honestly that 21 questions is my new favorite book! I felt so connected to Kendra and her struggles with anxiety. She reminds me of me in high school. So stuck in the middle.
And then there’s Brock, who reminded me of my first love. He had his faults but he loved Kendra so much. It made me teary eyed.
I wish there was a sequel😢 I feel so connected to these characters.
Highly recommend this book😁
And then there’s Brock, who reminded me of my first love. He had his faults but he loved Kendra so much. It made me teary eyed.
I wish there was a sequel😢 I feel so connected to these characters.
Highly recommend this book😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2021
Took me a while to get into the POVs and the writing style, but it was an easy read overall. I found the storyline a little unbelievable but this aimed at YA readers. I liked the storyline though and found it kept me interested.
August 18, 2021
Sitting in my bed, crying…I just finished this book and I wish there was more. What a masterpiece and a story that needed to be told! I love the intense subject matter, from drugs to anxiety. This story deals with real issues and real flawed characters. I pray there is a sequel to this.
August 28, 2021
This coming-of-age story was not for me. I think this should only be read by older teens/new adults because of the hard drug use that I don't really see a reason for it. I wanted to love this one but sadly it just didn't work out at all.
February 23, 2022
This book tells a story of a bad boy and a good girl. Common. While I did enjoy the little bit of representation of teens with mental illnesses, it could've been a bit better. Though, the love story is pretty basic the book was still pretty good.
September 22, 2024
This is a perfect fit for young adult readers who enjoy heartwarming and thought-provoking stories about overcoming adversity, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love and relationships, with a dash of romance and adventure.
July 20, 2021
21 Questions was a little to young and unbelievable for my taste. 16 years old is a little young for my reading pleasure. Add to it the drugs, it was a little much for me to get into to.
August 5, 2021
Amazing! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Hoping for a sequel 😊
March 17, 2022
I felt this book was only skin deep. We never get to really know the characters at all. It was not one that I could get into at all.
April 9, 2022
21 Questions if you are looking for a read to the pass the time then this book ticks all the boxes, as it's enjoyable read but not one you really remember for long after you've read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews