mish8cre8ivity
Main Characters:
Mandy Brooks: The main character. Quiet, observant California high schooler. She treats her dad's old oversized flannel shirts like a shield, keeping them buttoned up to protect herself from the crowded hallways. Deeply introspective, she navigates her sexual identity while carrying the lingering grief of her father's passing.
Ariana Wilde: Mandy's fiercely loyal best friend since 8th grade. Sharp-eyed and blunt, she has a high emotional IQ and never sugarcoats the truth when giving advice.
Logan Harris: Mandy's academic, stressed childhood friend since 4th grade. He is driven by the crushing weight of his parents' high expectations, masking his vulnerability with resilience.
Parker Smith: Mandy's Australian love interest. Magnetic, easygoing, and unapologetically herself. She is openly gay, comfortable in her own skin, and speaks with a casual confidence and a distinct Australian accent.
Kevin Brooks: Mandy's broader, older brother. He stepped up after their father died, hiding his protective, watchful nature behind a mask of brief words and typical brotherly teasing.
Linda Brooks: Mandy's protective, hard-working mother. Widowed five years ago, she carries the exhaustion of raising two children alone, motivated entirely by their safety and happiness.
Plot Summary:
The story centers on Mandy, a high school student navigating her sexual identity. Mandy meets Parker unexpectedly, who is also openly gay. They both develop romantic feelings for each other, marking a significant step in Mandy's personal growth and self-acceptance.
Mandy's immediate family includes her mother and older brother Kevin. Her father passed away five years ago, an event that presumably influences her life and relationships.
**Book cover, Photo credit to: Ash Simmons. Follow on Instagram: @appalachianexplorer