53 pages • 1 hour read
If He Had Been with Me
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Book Brief
330
Novel • Fiction
Smalltown, USA • 2010s
2013
YA
14-18 years
HL680L
Super Short Summary
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin is a YA romance about childhood friends Autumn and Finny navigating high school and their complicated feelings for each other. Best friends since birth, misunderstandings separate them through high school. They reconnect after graduation, only for tragedy to strike just as they begin to reconcile and express their hidden emotions. Includes discussions of mood disorders and suicidal ideation.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Romantic
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
466,935 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin is a poignant exploration of love, friendship, and loss, resonating with emotional depth. Readers praise its relatable characters and the authentic portrayal of teenage angst. However, some find the pacing uneven and the narrative predictably melodramatic. Overall, it’s a compelling read that captures the complexities of young love.
Who Should Read If He Had Been with Me?
Readers who appreciate emotional, introspective YA novels with deep character development and themes of love, loss, and friendship will enjoy If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin. Fans of Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell and All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven will find similar heartfelt storytelling and poignant relationships.
466,935 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Phineas ‘Finny’ Smith
Phineas ‘Finny’ Smith
Autumn's oldest friend, whose childhood friendship with her evolves and whose actions are guided by affection throughout their high school years.
Jamie
Jamie
A minor character and Autumn's initial love interest, whose relationship with her illustrates the challenges and misunderstandings of adolescent intimacy.
Sasha
Sasha
Autumn's best friend at the beginning of the novel, who later becomes an obstacle in Autumn's romantic life.
Angelina
Angelina
Finny’s strong and independent mother, who shares a close friendship with Autumn’s mom and becomes a supportive figure for Autumn.
330
Novel • Fiction
Smalltown, USA • 2010s
2013
YA
14-18 years
HL680L
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