It Sounded Better In My Head

(Paperback)

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Description

When her parents announce their impending separation, Natalie cant understand why no one is fighting or at least mildly upset. And now that Zach and Lucy, her two best friends, have fallen in love, shes feeling slightly miffed and decidedly awkward.

Where does she fit in now And what has happened to the version of her life that played out like a TV showwith just the right amount of banter, pining and meaningful looks

Nothing is going according to plan.

But then an unexpected romance comes along and shakes things up even further.

It Sounded Better in My Head is a tender, funny and joyful novel about longing, confusion, feeling left out and finding out what really matters.

Reviews

I am all-caps OBSESSED with this achingly insightful, utterly charming, beautiful heart-punch of a book. Instant favorite. * Becky Albertalli, bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda *
I love, love, loved it. * Melina Marchetta, author of Jellicoe Road *
An adorably awkward and real romance. It was love at first chapter for me. * Emily Gale *
This book is deliciousbeautiful, funny, real and supremely honest. I devoured it. * Claire Christian *
I loved this delightful, funny, big-hearted book. Natalies wry internal voice really spoke to the awkward-teen me. * Melissa Keil *
Nina Kenwood has created nuanced and authentic characters, each caught up in their trajectory towards adulthooda gorgeous and funny coming-of-age novel that perfectly captures the awkward, liminal nature of adolescence. * Books+Publishing (starred review) *
This book is a rare gem; a simple story told with an utterly authentic and humorous voice that portrays with great empathy the insecurities and confusion of young adulthoodan absolute knockout of a novel [that] will win over hearts and minds everywhere! * Readings *
A deeply tender coming-of-age story about first love, friendship, and all the horrifying awkwardness of navigating young adulthood. Thrumming with wonderfully nuanced and vividly depicted emotion, this book will make your heart soar, while also making you laugh. * Booktopia *
The most gorgeous, tender-hearted, funny and beautifully awkward story Ive read all yearI loved this book. Just inhaled it. * Rebecca Sparrow *
I loved every word of itKenwood captures so many late-teenage feelings so perfectlyI really couldnt stop thinking of Sally Rooneys work while I read this bookthe clear, conversational prose is absolutely spot on, and every scene is keenly observedIf you only read one YA book this year, make it this one. * Kill Your Darlings *
A sweet, funny and relatable account of the dramas of those grappling with late adolescenceKenwood masters with aplomb the dialogue of her characters. * Age *
Hilarious and heartbreaking, It Sounded Better in My Head is a glistening dive into adolescent romance and burgeoning independenceThis book is a must-read for every Australian teen.' * Geelong Echo *
Peppered with sparkling humour and electric dialogue, the portrayal of Natalies struggles with self-image, future worries and accidental love is heartwarming to read. Kenwood has achieved the almost impossible: the quintessential YA voice.' * Big Issue (starred review) *
'An appealing and clever exploration of teenage fears and joys. * Magpies *
Compared to Sally Rooney and Judy Blume, Kenwood is a major talent and this charismatic, booknerdishly cool novel is an absolute delight. Give it to your favourite teenager or keep it for yourself. * InDaily *
Kenwood does awkward beautifully, and captures so many funny, tender and painfully excruciating momentsSmart, entertaining and painfully real, Kenwoods prize-winning novel delivers on all fronts. * Age *
Kenwoods book is a fantastically fun read. You will find yourself laughing, rolling your eyes and cheering for Natalie, all at the same time. * Otago Daily Times *
A refreshingly realistic take on the hilarious and precarious nature of first love, with superbly candid references to the agonies of acne. * WA Today *
'An authentic coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the awkwardness and self-doubt many young adults feel. Teens will see aspects of themselves mirrored in Kenwoods debut. * School Library Journal *
'Young people, especially those who know the pain of feeling unattractive in an age of social media, will resonate with this sympathetically told journey. * Kirkus *
Natalie conveys the difficulties not only of puberty but of moving past internalized negativity in a voice thats sharp, funny, and self-aware, making it even more satisfying for readers to see her realize that she can be the star of her life, not just the sidekick. * Publishers Weekly *
'The novel perfectly captures the terror of being in-between, caught both in the liminal space between adolescence and adulthood, and in that befuddling period where a friendship might be turning into something more. A perfect pick for fans of Jenny Hans To All the Boys Ive Loved Before (2014) who are looking for their next quirky romantic heroine. * Booklist *
With candor and affection, It Sounded Better in My Head captures a teenager navigating the final moments of one stage of life and the first moments of the next. * BookPage *

An extraordinary coming-of-age story. Kenwood manages to capture the intensity of disagreement between friends, the unavoidable self-doubts that most teenagers cant help, and the annoying yet silly family banter. A compelling, genuine coming-of-age story that does not hold back from representing multiple issues that teenagers face.

* The Nerd Daily *
Kenwoods comedic writing immediately charmed me, the characters are truly such a delight. * Readings *
Both [It Sounded Better in My Head and Unnecessary Drama] are sweet and funny and poignantWhats not to love * Kate Constable, author of The Singer of All Songs *
Natalie is an unforgettable characterMany students will identity with and understand her journey. * English in Australia 57, no. 1 *

Author Bio

Nina Kenwood is an award-winning author living in Melbourne. Her debut YA novel It Sounded Better in My Head won the Text Prize and was a finalist for the American Library Associations William C. Morris Award, as well as being shortlisted for the NSW Premiers Literary Awards, Queensland Literary Awards, Russell Prize for Humour Writing, Indie Book Awards and Australian Book Industry Awards. It Sounded Better in My Head has been published in six languages and optioned to be adapted for the screen. Her second novel, Unnecessary Drama, will be published in October 2022.