I DNF'D this book around 15% because the formatting was all messed up when the book downloaded. I tried it several times. You guys really need to fix that because it was unreadable. I also HATE books that do not use quotation marks when people talk. I tried to get past those 2 things, but I was hating those two things too much to continue. If you changed those two things I would be happy to try again because the story does sound very interesting. I also did not like the chapter titles. They were very bland and boring. The writing also seemed kinda wattpad level.

This Is Me Trying by Jenna Adams is a masterpiece of a book! Pure art! I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

Damnnnn this book was hard-hitting. We follow Brooke and Matt and their lives over the course of a few years, entangled in a toxic relationship that hurt both of them severely. Please do not be mistaken, this book is NOT a romance, it’s a coming of age story including very heavy topics like sexual assault, codependency, and self-harm. Read with caution, but do read it. It’s an important story and it has to be told.

I liked the story, I had a little difficulties getting into it but I really liked the story itself.

I didn't like the format on my Kindle, really hard to follow the chapters and also I don't have the remaining time of the chapters and to be honest, I need that lol but it didn't stop me from liking this book.

I would recommend.

Cheers,
Cass's Bookshelf
xo

Jenna Adams’ This Is Me Trying is undeniably an addictive read, but it’s a heavy one for a coming-of-age YA novel. Readers should heed the content warnings at the start, as the story delves into complex and often uncomfortable themes.

The novel follows Brooke from age 14 to her early twenties and Matt from 17 to his late twenties, though the dual POVs make it clear that this is primarily Brooke’s story. Set in late-2000s Britain, the two characters meet in a drama club, where they’re cast as Romeo and Juliet. What begins as an older, outgoing upperclassman helping a shy freshman come out of her shell soon turns into a forbidden romance, particularly after Matt turns 18. While Matt’s own immaturity is evident, it’s unsettling to read how he encourages Brooke to lie and hide their relationship, blurring the lines of consent and trust.

The novel’s premise hinges on Brooke eventually confronting Matt about their relationship, but this pivotal moment doesn’t occur until the final 10% of the book—and when it does, it’s rushed and glossed over. While Brooke’s personal growth is evident as she navigates therapy and faces her past, Matt remains stagnant, trapped in a cycle of nostalgia and regret.

The pacing of the story feels unbalanced, with over half of the book focused on Brooke’s teenage years, leaving her adult journey and the resolution feeling underdeveloped. The abrupt ending adds to the sense of incompleteness, leaving questions about whether Brooke and Matt truly grew as individuals.

Ultimately, This Is Me Trying had the potential for an impactful exploration of healing and accountability, but its execution fell flat for me. While Brooke’s journey is compelling, the overall narrative left me wanting more depth and closure.