Experiences with Him

A Captivating Portrait of Agency, Hope, and Intergenerational Trauma by Joya Goffney, as Praised by Publishers Weekly: "Acute portrait of agency, hope, and intergenerational trauma."

Recommended by School Library Journal: "Add this title to collections where romance is in high demand."

This novel has been selected as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard pick, a testament to its excellence.

From the acclaimed author of Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry comes a poignant YA coming-of-age, best-friends-to-lovers romance. The story follows Nikki, a girl from small-town Texas who dreams of escaping to pursue a music career. However, her plans are disrupted when a painful betrayal by her sister and a heated argument with their mother lead to Nikki being kicked out, leaving her homeless.

Determined to start anew in California, Nikki makes plans to flee Texas. But her best friend, Malachai, pleads with her to spend the remainder of their spring break together, hoping to convince her to stay or at least graduate high school before leaving.

Just as Nikki and Malachai's plans unfold, a new crisis emerges – Nikki's little sister, Vae, goes missing. Forced to work alongside her difficult mother, Nikki embarks on a search for Vae, with Malachai's unwavering support.

Through this emotional journey, Nikki must grapple with the complexities of family dynamics, the weight of her own dreams, and the power of the relationships that have always been there for her. Will she find a reason to stay in Texas, or will this spring break be the last time she sees her loved ones?

Filled with heart and humor, this novel captures the nuances of friendship, love, and the search for one's own voice. It will resonate with fans of Kristina Forest's I Wanna Be Where You Are and Tashie Bhuiyan's Counting Down with You.

Joya Goffney's captivating storytelling weaves a tale of agency, hope, and the profound impact of intergenerational trauma. This coming-of-age narrative invites readers to explore the complexities of family, the pursuit of dreams, and the transformative power of love and self-discovery.

product information: