Praise for Recommended Reading
Kirkus Best YA Books of the Year
“This fun read is ideal for romantics, pragmatists, book lovers, and underdogs alike. The appealing characters’ clever, sometimes snarky dialogue supplies readers with plenty of laughs. Bobby describes himself as ‘extra,’ but he just wants to be appreciated for who he is: plus-size and gay . . . 10/10 would recommend!” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Teens who love retellings of Emma will devour this story; it is full of smart banter and lovely romantic moments throughout.” ―School Library Journal, starred review
“Sharp dialogue and steady narration by Coccia highlight the complicated insecurity of budding adulthood, and Bobby’s empathetic characterization as a fat gay teen trying to salvage his tumultuous final summer before college makes for a warm and delightful rom-com.” ―Publishers Weekly
“With lived-in, realistic secondary characters and robust familial relationships, Coccia aptly explores the many ways that love in all forms can surprise us.” ―Booklist
“Recommended Reading is swoon-worthy in every possible way! Bobby’s story is a sheer delight and an ode to book lovers everywhere who believe that the magic of stories reaches beyond the page.” ―Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Funny, romantic, and ridiculously charming, with a full ensemble of characters who feel like new best friends. Bookworms, rejoice: Paul Coccia has written the ultimate ode to self-love and shelf love.” ―Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
“With just the right combo of dramatic declarations, mixed-signal cuties, and crotchety coworkers, Paul Coccia shows that every last one of us is worthy of being the lead in our own love story. Recommended Reading is . . . well, recommended reading!” ―Jason June, New York Times bestselling author
“Paul Coccia’s Recommended Reading is very recommended reading for fans of romantic comedies that fizz with authenticity and humor. A love letter to romance that you’ll love reading.” ―Abdi Nazemian, Stonewall and Lambda Literary award–winning author of Like a Love Story and Only This Beautiful Moment
“Readers will fall in love with Recommended Reading! It has everything romance readers enjoy―small town vibes, dramatic declarations, witty banter, a swoony love interest, and a protagonist to root for. It’s hilarious, fun, and entertaining.” ―F.T. Lukens, New York Times bestselling author
“A winning will they / won’t they romance for anyone who’s ever dreamed of having a meet-cute in a bookstore. Readers will be rooting for Bobby as he matchmakes and book-talks his way to a true, well-earned main character moment.” ―Andrew Eliopulos, author of The Fascinators
“Equal parts sweet and dramatic, full of pop culture references and body positivity, Recommended Reading is for all the booklovers who know that sometimes getting to your own happy ending means having the courage to rewrite your own story. Simply delightful.” ―Edward Underhill, author of Always the Almost and This Day Changes Everything
