Review: On Again, Awkward Again by Julie Buxbaum
Oh, high school! A whirlwind of crushes, cringe-inducing moments, and the constant search for one’s identity amidst a sea of awkward interactions. Author Julie Buxbaum captures this tumultuous time beautifully in her recent release, On Again, Awkward Again. As someone who once blurted out that a boy "looked really clean today" (yes, I’m still cringing), I found myself deeply resonating with the novel’s exploration of teen awkwardness and unfiltered honesty.
At the heart of this story are Cecil and Pacy, two relatable nerds navigating their complex emotions and circumstances. Cecil, grappling with the potential separation of his parents, wrestles with vulnerability at a time when he just wants to nourish his budding affection for Pacy. Meanwhile, Pacy’s overbearing nature and quick judgments occasionally leave a slightly sour taste. While I found myself wishing she could ease up a bit (seriously, Pacy, snark about the fire drill? Oof!), her journey toward becoming more open-minded and sympathetic is commendable and reflects the kind of growth we all hope to achieve.
Themes of first loves and the wild, confusing fight against one’s own insecurities resonate throughout the novel. Buxbaum brilliantly encapsulates that wishy-washy feeling of young love, skillfully portraying the highs and lows of romantic infatuations. It’s endearing to watch Pacy and Cecil fumble their way toward confession, even if their encounters often result in heart-wrenching (and hilariously relatable) embarrassment. I chuckled at moments where fate messes with their chemistry — you can practically feel the cringes leap off the page with a palpable intensity!
One moment that stood out for me comes when Cecil admits, “There’s no one in the universe who makes me feel the way she does.” Can we talk about the beauty of that sentiment? It’s honest and refreshingly raw, capturing the essence of young love perfectly. This authenticity is one of the key strengths of Buxbaum’s writing; each character is distinct, leaving their mark on the reader’s heart in different ways.
Though I believe the pacing occasionally falters — particularly toward the end when their love story reaches a critical boiling point — the nuances of their emotional struggles make the journey worthwhile. The book successfully explores family dynamics and sibling relationships that many young readers will find relatable, and it’s a nuanced reflection on how our personal lives affect our ability to love.
If you’re a fan of young adult stories that tap into the cringe-worthy yet endearing moments of high school romance, On Again, Awkward Again is definitely worth a read. Those who cherish characters that undergo legitimate growth while navigating life’s awkwardness will be especially charmed. For me, revisiting those fluttery feelings helped me embrace the nostalgia of my own embarrassing high school moments. It’s a comforting reminder that everyone has their own version of “awkward,” and maybe — just maybe — it’s those moments that bring us closer together.
So, grab a cozy spot, dive into the wonderfully messy world of Pacy and Cecil, and relive those unforgettable first crush moments that stay with us long after the school bell rings! 💕