Book Review: Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by A.E. Wasp
From the moment I stumbled upon Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by A.E. Wasp, I felt a spark of excitement that hinted at a delightful reading experience. The premise of a shy girl hiring the school’s hottest boy to be her “fun consultant” over the summer was too whimsical to resist. I opened it with the slight trepidation typical of a self-proclaimed non-YA reader—would I connect with the Gen Z slang and teenage angst? Spoiler alert: I loved it.
The story revolves around Audre, a character whose emotions and struggles are relatable in ways that left me nodding in understanding. Enter Bash, the quintessential “everyone’s crush,” with a charm that steals the show. Their interactions are filled with lighthearted awkwardness and palpable butterflies that made my heart flutter. Wasp skillfully captures these tender moments, showcasing how these two ordinary teens navigate life’s challenges while also grappling with their budding feelings for one another.
One of the standout features of this book is the authenticity of its humor. I found myself laughing out loud at scenes I could have easily cringed away from—especially when Audre drunkenly freestyle raps. It’s a testament to Wasp’s writing that she managed to make such a potentially awkward situation utterly hilarious.
Let’s talk about Bash for a moment. His tender, vulnerable moments resonated with me deeply. In one particularly swoon-worthy passage, he confesses:
“What was I supposed to say to you? That not being near you feels pointless, like wasted time? That every kiss I don’t give you burns a fucking hole in me?”
I mean, come on. If that doesn’t make you root for him, I don’t know what will! His emotional depth adds layers to his character, and I appreciated how he remained kind-hearted despite his complicated backstory.
Beyond the delightful romance, the novel dives into themes of race, gender, mental health, and complex family dynamics—particularly Audre’s fraught relationship with her mother, Eva. Audre navigates feelings of becoming an afterthought, juggling her mother’s expectations while trying to establish her own identity. Her internal monologue, questioning,
“What about what I want, or what do I need? I’m a whole person with a life, not an extension of you,”
struck a chord with me. It’s a sentiment I think many can relate to, making Audre a beautifully fleshed-out character.
However, while I adored the journey, I did feel it stumbled a bit towards the end. The resolution felt rushed, especially concerning Audre’s relationship with her mom, a significant theme in the story. Additionally, I found myself less invested in the alternating chapters from Audre’s best friend, Reshma. Honestly, I just wanted more Audre and Bash!
Overall, Audre & Bash Are Just Friends surprised me with its depth and relatability, marking a standout experience in my YA reading journey. If you appreciate romance laced with real-life complexities, engaging characters, and moments that make you chuckle and sigh in equal measure, this book is for you. I give it a solid 4 stars. Whether you’re a seasoned YA reader or a newcomer, this charming tale might just steal your heart—just as it did mine.
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