And Other Mistakes

Erika Turner

Hardcover

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Do you recommend this book?

Yes!

A queer Black girl has something to prove, not to others but to herself, in this "standout novel" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) about navigating messy friendships and even messier family life!

Aaliyah's home life has never been great, but she thought she'd survive her last years of high school with at least her friendships and cross-country stardom intact. That is, until junior year struck: she got outed by a church elder and everything came undone -- including Aaliyah.

Now, senior year is here and she's determined to come back faster and wiser. No more letting other people define her. No more losing herself to their expectations. Except... well, with new friends, old flames, and teammates who don't trust her yet, the route already feels rough. And what's with the new girl, Tessa, who gives Aaliyah butterflies every time she looks at her?

It won't be easy but Aaliyah is more than her mistakes. She just has to prove it to herself.

This is a work of fiction, but it deals with many real issues, including depression, homophobia, self-harm, alcoholism and abuse from parent, suicidal ideation, and references to non-consensual outing.

Book Details

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publish Date: Feb 14th, 2023
Pages: 320
Language: English
Edition: undefined - undefined
Dimensions: 8.30in - 5.60in - 1.00in - 0.90lb
EAN: 9781250834843
Recommended age: 14-18
Categories: • LGBTQ+ - General• Own Voices• African American & Black

About the Author

Turner, Erika: - Erika Turner is a writer, a poet, and the daughter of storytellers. Sometimes, she writes songs she may one day share. Once, in a Brooklyn community center, she read James Baldwin's quote "You can't tell the children there's no hope," and she carries those words from the city to the desert and beyond. She lives in California with her family and a dog who is suspicious of stationary street objects. And Other Mistakes is her debut novel.

Praise for this book

"...standout novel... By employing impeccable emotional tension that superbly renders themes of abuse, friendship, and identity, Turner delivers a genuine and honest read." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Turner's characters are the life of this novel, each feeling real even when they have minor roles... [Aaliyah's] story is an ode to the messiness of young queer teenagedom on par with Malinda Lo's A Scatter of Light. ... The intentional discrepancy between Aaliyah's interpretation of her mistakes and the reader's view of them is impeccable, making her an incredibly sympathetic character with realistic flaws. Give this book to the teen who needs to be told that imperfection is okay." --BCCB, starred review

"Turner weaves together multiple aspects of dysfunction present in family, friend, and romantic relationships, and while there is no perfect ending, readers are left with hope. An emotional read with the clear and important message that your mistakes don't define you." --Kirkus

"AND OTHER MISTAKES is a heartfelt slice-of-life story that beautifully captures the nuances of familial acceptance, sapphic first loves, and daily survival. Through Aaliyah's imperfect navigation of her complicated life, Erika Turner earnestly shows readers that mistakes are a part of the journey, not the end of one." --Racquel Marie, author of Ophelia After All