FML

Two different storylines about one party may result in a “who cares?” shrug.

Cassandra Castillo is throwing a party at her house, and it’s a golden opportunity for Simon. He’s been in love with her since freshman year, and senior year is nearly over. So Simon’s plan is simple: He’ll get a kiss from Cassie and confess his love, even though his friends Ben and Coop tell him to forget her. Thus begins two alternating, complicated storylines, denoted for readers by different typefaces, as Simon attempts to woo Cassie. In one, there’s dancing and a session of Q-and-A beer pong before Simon can tell Cassie how he feels. The less realistic storyline features a strange girl, Stella—who just might be perfect for Simon—and Simon dressing in drag. In addition to the expected drinking, drugs, rude humor and fights, Hutchinson throws in Coop and Ben’s worries about sex ruining their relationship and strange interactions with Cassie’s ex. In only one storyline will Simon kiss Cassie, but in both he’ll find that this party has changed his life.

Bland characters and plot gimmicks make this an empty-calories book.