You know that feeling when you’re juggling a million things and suddenly life decides to throw you a curveball? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But what if your curveball came with a side of Crohn’s disease, a dash of political spotlight, and a sprinkle of high school drama? Welcome to Emmy Crawford’s world, folks.
Allison L. Bitz’s sophomore novel, “Three Things About Emmy Crawford,” dives headfirst into the chaotic life of a type-A overachiever who’s desperately trying to keep all her plates spinning. And let me tell you, it’s one heck of a ride.
The Lowdown: What’s This Book All About?
Emmy Crawford’s got her life mapped out in neat little lists (sound familiar, fellow planners?). Her top three priorities? Dominating the debate scene, shielding her anxiety-prone sister Issy from life’s hard knocks, and being the perfect daughter for her senator mom’s potential presidential campaign. Easy peasy, right?
Wrong.
Throw in a chronic illness she’s determined to ignore, a swarm of paparazzi tracking her every move, and the unexpected return of her debate rival (and secret crush) Gabe Castillo, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster… or maybe, just maybe, a chance for Emmy to learn that life doesn’t always follow a perfect plan.
The Good Stuff: What Makes This Book Shine
- Emmy’s Voice: Bitz nails the internal monologue of a high-achieving teen. Emmy’s constant list-making and need for control feel authentic and relatable.
- Mental Health Rep: The portrayal of Issy’s anxiety and Emmy’s struggle with her Crohn’s diagnosis is handled with care and nuance.
- Family Dynamics: The Crawford family feels real, with all their flaws and fierce love for each other.
- Political Backdrop: The glimpse into life as a politician’s kid adds an interesting layer to the story.
- Character Growth: Emmy’s journey from rigid control freak to someone learning to embrace imperfection is satisfying to watch.
The Not-So-Great: Where It Could’ve Been Better
- Pacing: The first half of the book feels a bit slow at times, with the real action kicking in later.
- Debate Details: Some readers might find the debate scenes a tad technical.
- Gabe’s Backstory: While interesting, it feels a bit rushed and could’ve been explored more deeply.
Let’s Talk Characters: The Good, The Bad, and The Anxious
Emmy Crawford: Our Type-A Heroine
Oh, Emmy. Girl’s got more lists than a grocery store on Black Friday. She’s smart, driven, and fiercely protective of her family. But underneath that polished exterior? A bundle of insecurities and unacknowledged fears. Watching her slowly unravel and then rebuild herself is like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon – messy, but beautiful.
Issy Crawford: The Anxious Artist
Issy’s the yin to Emmy’s yang. Where Emmy’s all structure and plans, Issy’s a whirlwind of creativity and emotion. Her struggle with anxiety feels raw and real, and her journey towards managing it is incredibly touching.
Gabe Castillo: The Swoony Rival
Ah, Gabe. The boy who ghosted Emmy and then came swooping back into her life. He’s smart, he’s caring, and he’s got his own baggage. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their communication skills? …Let’s just say they’ve got room for improvement.
The Crawford Parents: Political Power Couple
Senator Cat Crawford and her husband Phil aren’t just background characters. Their love for their daughters shines through, even as they navigate the tricky waters of political life. It’s refreshing to see supportive parents in YA who aren’t completely clueless.
Themes That’ll Make You Think
- Control vs. Acceptance: Emmy’s journey is all about learning when to hold on tight and when to let go.
- Mental Health Stigma: The book tackles the shame and secrecy around mental health issues head-on.
- Family Loyalty: The Crawford sisters’ bond is tested but ultimately strengthened throughout the story.
- Identity Beyond Labels: Emmy grapples with being more than just “the senator’s daughter” or “the debater.”
- The Price of Perfection: The toll of constantly striving for perfection is a central theme.
The Writing: Bitz’s Style and Flair
Allison L. Bitz has a knack for getting inside a teenage girl’s head. Emmy’s voice feels authentic, with just the right mix of snark, vulnerability, and those rapid-fire thoughts we all had as teens. The prose is snappy and often funny, with Emmy’s lists providing a unique structure to her narration.
Bitz doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff either. The descriptions of Emmy’s Crohn’s flare-ups and Issy’s anxiety attacks are vivid without being gratuitous. You’ll find yourself wincing in sympathy one moment and laughing out loud the next.
Standout Quotes
“I maintain that my stubbornness is one of my greatest assets, even if I don’t always use my powers for good.”
“We’re all fu*ked up, sister. You, me, everyone in the world in their own ways. It’s what we do with our fu*kery that makes the difference.”
The Verdict: To Read or Not to Read?
Look, if you’re a fan of YA contemporaries with a dash of romance and a heaping helping of personal growth, “Three Things About Emmy Crawford” should definitely be on your TBR list. It’s got all the hallmarks of a great coming-of-age story—first love, family drama, self-discovery—plus some added depth with its exploration of chronic illness and mental health.
Is it perfect? Nah. But then again, that’s kind of the point. Like Emmy, this book has its flaws, but it’s all the more lovable for them.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of authors like Lynn Painter and Rachel Lynn Solomon
- Anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to be perfect
- Readers looking for honest portrayals of chronic illness and mental health in YA
- Political junkies curious about life behind the scenes
- Debate nerds (you know who you are)
Content Warnings
Heads up, folks. This book contains:
- Descriptions of Crohn’s disease symptoms
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Discussion of mental illness and hospitalization
- Mild sexual content
The Bottom Line
“Three Things About Emmy Crawford” is a heartfelt, often funny, and ultimately uplifting story about learning to embrace the messy parts of life. Allison L. Bitz has crafted a protagonist who’ll frustrate you, make you laugh, and ultimately steal your heart.
Is it going to change your life? Maybe not. But it might just make you look at your own to-do lists a little differently. And hey, in a world that’s always demanding perfection, sometimes that’s enough.
Final Thoughts: A Personal Note
You know, as I was reading this book, I couldn’t help but think about my own high school days. I wasn’t quite as high-strung as Emmy (thank goodness), but that desire to have everything under control? Yeah, I felt that.
It’s refreshing to see a YA book tackle chronic illness and mental health with such honesty. Bitz doesn’t sugar-coat things, but she also doesn’t let these issues define her characters. They’re just part of the complex tapestry of their lives.
In the end, “Three Things About Emmy Crawford” reminds us that it’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to mess up, to let people in, to ask for help. And sometimes, the best things in life are the ones you didn’t plan for.
So, here’s my challenge to you, dear reader: Pick up this book. Give Emmy a chance. And maybe, just maybe, let yourself off the hook a little bit too. After all, life’s too short for perfect lists and uneaten scones.
