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It's #NationalBestFriendsDay, and we know exactly how to celebrate. With books, of course! One of our most anticipated 2020 titles is Ashley Woodfolk's When You Were Everything, comes out in March. It's the bittersweet story of two BFFs and how they became ex-BFFs. So, on this toughest days, please keep them in your thoughts. Seriously, though, you're going to fall in love with Cleo and Layla (and with the book's cover, which we'll be revealing at the end of this post). But first, we wanted to share our three of our favorite bookish friendships. It's not easy narrowing down the list, but here they are.
#3: Xiomara & Caridad from The Poet X
There's a lot to love about Elizabeth Acevedo's bestselling book, but the deep friendship between these two girls is one of the best. These two girls are completely different but united by their love for each other. Xiomara doesn't judge Caridad, supports her newfound passion for poetry, and is really good at making sure Xiomara always feels heard. #FriendshipGoals for real.
#2: Simon & Leah from Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda and Leah On The Offbeat
This friendship is the literal cutest. Since childhood, these two have been having co-ed sleepovers (yay for progressive parenting!) filled with the ritual of sharing of secrets and consumption of Oreos. They've been there for each other through everything, have the cutest Halloween costumes, and can weather even the most difficult storm. Sure, feelings are complicated sometimes. But even that's not enough to stop a friendship this strong. Props to Becky Albertalli for giving us all the feels (and a second book from Leah's perspective).
#1: Harry, Ron, & Hermione from Harry Potter
Does this pick mean we're basic? Yes, probably. Do we care? Not at all. Having a trio of besties can be complicated, but it's also more realistic for a lot of us. And, besides, it gives you someone to talk to if, you know, you're not currently talking to one of our besties because their cat ate your pet rat or whatever. If we had a time turner, we'd go back and experience this friendship for the first time all over again.
Alright, and now for the main event! Ashley Woodfolk's new book When You Were Everything comes out on March 10, 2020, and you should add it to your TBR like yesterday. Here's the description...
It’s been twenty-seven days since Cleo and Layla’s friendship imploded.
Nearly a month since Cleo realized they’ll never be besties again.
Now, Cleo wants to erase every memory, good or bad, that tethers her to her ex–best friend. But pretending Layla doesn’t exist isn’t as easy as Cleo hoped, especially after she’s assigned to be Layla’s tutor. Despite budding new friendships with other classmates—and a raging crush on a gorgeous boy named Dom—Cleo’s turbulent past with Layla comes back to haunt them both.
Alternating between timelines of Then and Now, When You Were Everything blends past and present into an emotional story about the beauty of self-forgiveness, the promise of new beginnings, and the courage it takes to remain open to love.
Sounds amazing, right? Well, just wait until you see the cover. Because you're going to obsessed. (We can all agree that don't-judge-a-book-by-its-cover thing is BS, right? RIGHT? Especially when they're designed by Bex. Because they ALWAYS kill it.)
Alright, here's the cover...
My heart is broken. The hand in the pocket after your best friend leaves? Hard same. Why you got to do this to us, Ashley? Now, I'm all in my feelings.
If you find an empty carton of ice cream on my couch, please blame Bex.
What do you love most about Ashley's cover? Did we leave someone off our fav friendship list? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram at @storytimeteen. Also, be sure to follow Ashley (@ashwrites) and Bex (@lgions) on Twitter.