30 Jul Book Review of Audre & Bash Are Just Friends
Book Review: Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by A. J. Sass
When I first picked up Audre & Bash Are Just Friends, I didn’t know I was in for such a delightful summer read. A. J. Sass has crafted a narrative that feels like a sun-drenched afternoon, filled with the excitement of first crushes and the complex realities of youth. This YA novel caught my attention with its promising premise: Audre hires the school’s hottest boy, Bash, to be her “fun consultant” over the summer. But of course, they’re just friends. I mean, how often do we see that plot twist unfold?
From the very first page, I found myself smitten. At the heart of this story are Audre and Bash, both adorably flustered and utterly relatable in their awkwardness. As an adult who sometimes doesn’t vibe with YA (especially when the latest Gen Z slang starts dominating the dialogue), I was pleasantly surprised by how effortlessly I fell into this world. Their interactions made my heart flutter in the best way. And let’s talk about their texting? Pure gold.
Bash, described as “everyone’s crush,” certainly lives up to that title. He’s not just a pretty face; his blend of sweetness, humor, and depth genuinely stole the show for me. There’s something captivating about him, not just because he’s charming, but because he embodies kindness even when life throws challenges his way. His passionate confessions, like, “Not being near you feels pointless, like wasted time,” made me swoon with a mix of giddiness and empathy. Down bad indeed, and I loved every moment of it.
Beyond the charming romance, Audre & Bash ventures into deeper territory. The themes of race, gender, and mental health lend the narrative authenticity, making Audre’s complicated relationship with her mother especially poignant. As Audre grapples with feeling like an afterthought amid her mom’s new family dynamics, I found myself nodding along to her internal struggles. The moment she questions, “What about what I want?” hit home—it’s a reminder that we’re all complex individuals with our own desires.
It’s worth mentioning that this book is laugh-out-loud funny. One scene where Audre drunkenly freestyles had me in stitches, an impressive feat considering I usually cringe at characters in such situations. And the little things? I adored the way their "experience challenge" list became a catalyst for their budding relationship, or how Bash was shockingly enchanted by Audre’s beauty every few pages. Those small moments added sweetness to the overarching narrative.
That said, I found some elements of the story fell a bit flat. Audre’s best friend Reshma’s point-of-view didn’t grip me as much, while the resolution felt rushed. The main conflict wrapped up quite quickly, and I yearned for more closure, especially regarding Audre’s relationship with her mom, which played such a pivotal role in her character development.
In conclusion, Audre & Bash Are Just Friends was an unexpectedly lovely read that resonated deeply with me. It balances adorable romantic tension with meaningful themes, and while it has a few hiccups, it’s still a charming tale. If you adore YA romances with relatable characters and real-life messiness—where every page feels like a butterfly-induced daydream—this book is definitely for you. I’m left with a glowing 4 stars and a hope that A. J. Sass continues to enchant readers with more heartfelt stories. Happy reading!
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