Title: My Week With Him
Author: Joya Goffney
Genre: Contemporary YA
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Pages: 400
Release Date: 11 July 2023
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Hello fellow book lovers! Today I'm sharing my review for My Week With Him by Joya Goffney. A beautifully written, coming of age YA that explores complex relationships, family drama and the healing power of love— in all its many forms.
Synopsis
Nikki's always had a difficult relationship with her mum. So when she finds herself homeless at the start of spring break, she decides to rage-quit Texas and give California a shot, to pursue her dream music career.
Until her best friend and long-time crush, Malachai, discovers her plan and convinces her to spend spring break with him, so he can show her all the reasons she should stay in Texas.
But when Nikki's little sister goes missing their plans are interrupted, and Nikki is forced to face her feelings about both her mum and Mal. Can Nikki find the love she's always been missing? And will it be enough to convince her to stay in Texas?
Review
This is the third book by Joya Goffney that I’ve read and just like it’s predecessors I absolutely loved it!
Goffney’s ability to delve into such complex and nuanced themes to create a compelling, three dimensional story always has me in awe—and My Week With Him is no different. Taking a slightly darker tone than her previous books, the story centres around eighteen year old Nikki and the toxic relationship with her abusive mother.
This one definitely hit me in the feels waay more than her other books did, despite Nikki being just as strong, in depth and relatable as Goffney’s previous protagonists (Monique & Quinn.) I loved how determined, creative and caring Nikki could be even when facing soo many hardships. The almost endless patience she seems to have, in trying to understand her mother’s actions (even when there’s no reasonable explanation or it hurts her deeply) was equally as impressive & had me wanting to give Nikki the biggest of hugs.
Mal (Nikki’s best friend & love interest) was likewise an enjoyable, cinnamon roll like-character whose own (rather sad) backstory and subsequent happy outcome gives Nikki a sense of hope that things can get better. It’s also the moment the pair’s swoon-worthy romance really takes off, which sees their friendship develop into a deeper, more emotional connection that I absolutely loved.
We do get some insight into her mum’s own childhood experiences later in the book, which does humanise her a little. But also sheds light on the devastation that childhood trauma is capable of having on a person— even decades later. This is by no means a justification for what Nikki and her sister endure. But, it does add a layer of complexity that may be useful in starting further discussions with young readers surrounding such a sensitive topic. Though, I do still suggest checking the TWs beforehand.
Overall, an exquisitely emotional and important read that contemporary YA lovers (and Joya Goffney fans) simply don’t want to miss—it’s definitely her best novel yet!
Also huge thank you to Readers First and Hot Key Books for the finished copy.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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