Odd One Out

Written by Nic Stone

Narrated by Nic Stone, Dion Graham and Kim Mai Guest

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin comes an honest and touching depiction of friendship, first love, and everything in between. Perfect for fans of Love, Simon and What If It's Us.

Courtney Cooper and Jupiter Sanchez (Coop & Jupe!) have been next-door neighbors and best friends since they were seven-years-old. She's his partner-in-crime and other half. But lately, Cooper can't ignore he might want something more than friendship from Jupiter.

When Rae Chin moves to town she can't believe how lucky she is to find Coop and Jupe. Being the new kid is usually synonymous with pariah, but around these two, she finally feels like she belongs. She's so grateful she wants to kiss him...and her.

Jupiter has always liked girls. But when Rae starts dating Cooper, Jupe realizes that the only girl she ever really imagined by his side was her.

One story. Three sides. No easy answers.

AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A BOSTON GLOBE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2018

"Fans of Nic and new readers will find themselves engrossed." -Teen Vogue

"Declaring yourself--how you would like to be represented and whom you want to love and connect with--is treated with real tenderness." -The New York Times

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9780525635970

Nic Stone

Nic Stone is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the William C. Morris Award finalist Dear Martin, NAACP Image Award finalist Dear Justyce, Dear Manny, Chaos Theory, and Clean Getaway and the Shuri novel series with Marvel Comics. You can find her online at nicstone.info.

Reviews for Odd One Out

[barnesbookshelf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once again, Nic Stone knocked it way out of the park. Each of the three main characters has such a unique voice that when the story shifts perspective, you are never confused as to who is talking. The story is heartwrenching at times, especially as the three friends get more and more tangled up in the things they aren't saying to one another. I love the exploration of sexuality, as well as the frank discussions of multiple queer topics. Also, the fact that the group had two other guy friends who were just genuinely good dudes? Amazing! I love Stone's work and I can't wait to read more of it.

[dominiquedavis · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I was never bored, but this very much felt like an adult writing for teenagers. The dialogue was weird, cringy and not realistic to how teens talk. The love triangle was far too messy and complicated for my liking. An entertaining read, but I never really gotten into the main plot/romance to be truly invested.

[bookwyrmm_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting love triangle unlike any I have read in YA before.

[bookconcierge · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A love triangle in high school, told in turn by each of the three principle characters.

Clearly, I am not the target demographic for this YA novel about kids who are conflicted about their sexuality. Oh, the teen angst over whom to love. I get that these kids are confused and experimenting and unsure and troubled. But I thought the basic premise was totally unrealistic and the dialogue lacked depth.

[iwriteinbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So, a few of you know that Nic Stone is one of my biggest heroes. And it’s ok to have her as one because I’ve already met her, so there isn’t any of that “never meet your heroes” caution going on.

She had my heart with Dear, Martin, but kind of tore my heart to pieces with Odd One Out.

Even by her own admission, the book is one she wishes she’d had when she was younger and figuring out how and who to love. I wholeheartedly agree with her on that.

The story follows three high schoolers over the course of a year as they wind their way through love, loss, heartache, and friendship. It covers every avenue of orientation, mapping out peaks and valleys, answering all of these questions I had as a teenager but also, some of the questions that still rumble around in my head.

The book is told in three distinct parts which was unique to me. Usually, writers try to switch voices every chapter or even sooner. While I’ve enjoyed that device in the past, the three separate sections for Odd One Out made it that much more powerful.

For those who have not yet read Dear, Martin, you may be surprised and delighted by Odd One Out but for me, it was a confirmation and recommitment. Nic never loses her magic, even for a second, weaving perfectly written narrative in with emotional wonderings and a side of Queen lyrics.

I can not say enough good things about this book but I also feel like I’m about to start gushing and spoiling so I’ll just leave you with a plea to pick up Odd One Out and you can thank me, later.

[billiebook · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This, my friends, is how you do a YA love triangle that doesn't make me want to scream.