> Skip to content

Article  •  2 October 2019

 

Real readers review: Frankly in Love

What do NZ YA fans really think of David Yoon's new book?

Frankly in Love debuted on the New York Times bestseller list, has been all over international media and film rights have already been optioned by Paramount.

Early readers here at Penguin HQ gave the book rave reviews but we were still keen to find out what the discerning NZ fans of YA thought. So we sent some copies out to the members of our YA community, Turning Pages, and asked them to send us their reviews. Here’s what they had to say!

Note: If you’d like the opportunity to receive exclusive advance copies of our YA books, win fun prizes and take part in our forums and activities, join the conversation at Turning Pages.

 

‘“The relationships felt real. There was never a moment when I felt like the relationships veered into the zone of completely unrealistic with a side order of overdramatized dialogue that some YA novels have in excess.”

– Jessi-Lee

 

 “The characters were so well written, real and flawed. The story covered so much of how our world is today, the good the bad and the ugly.”

– Allyssa

 

“Something is in the water with the Yoon family... they are henceforth the King and Queen of the brilliantly-funny-and-heartbreaking-diverse-YA-contemporary.”

– Caitlin

 

 “Frankly in Love made me laugh, made me cry, made me feel SUPER nostalgic (especially with that feeling of seeing everybody from school for the last time) and brought a lot of awareness to me. An absolutely amazing read!”

– Chloe E

 

“This book was funny and heart breaking at the same time.”

– Ellen

 

 “I fell in love with Frank’s geekiness, his ability to love and his trying to work out where he fits in life.”

– Shona

 

 “The audience sees Frank's whole heart, and all the small parts of him, the people he knows, his effect on the others around him, and his excellent development throughout the book, which all make him seem almost like a real person.”

 - Jessica Walton

 

 “‘Frankly In Love’ will leave you hanging off every page as you journey through Frank’s struggles and new experiences of his life with him.”

– Lily Pearce

 

More features

See all
Article
New and Upcoming Fantasy to Add to Your TBR

Looking for your next fantasy read? Explore some of our favourite new and upcoming releases...

Article
Discover Protector of Beyond, the blockbuster new fantasy series

Magical creatures, perilous trials and one unbelievable adventure await in Protector of Beyond, the first book in a gripping new fantasy book series from exciting new voice Shara Curlett.

Article
Best Volcano Books for Kids

What makes a volcano erupt? How are they formed? And what stories have people told about them?

Article
Royalslinger: Real Reader Reviews

We wanted to know what young Kiwi readers thought about Royalslinger, the fantastical second book in Graci Kim's Slinger series (hint: they loved it!). Read on to see their reviews!

Article
Article
The Best Translations and Retellings of The Odyssey

There’s a version of The Odyssey for every reader - read on to find the one for you to read before (or after!) you see the movie in theatres.

Article
Penguin Children’s Bookseller Grant 2026

Learn more and apply for the Penguin Children’s Bookseller Grant – a $50,000 initiative designed to engage young readers.

Article
7 awesome Bluey Book Week costumes that you can make yourself

Learn how to make seven Book Week costumes inspired by the Bluey books. Each costume is easy to make and will look great during Book Week!

Article
Big Bang Bread Bake Off

Can you bake a beautiful loaf of bread? We’re on a search to find the best young bread baker!

Article
Dr Hinemoa Elder's Matariki Events

Celebrate Matariki with Dr Hinemoa Elder at events across the South Island, in conversation about her books and the wisdom that inspires them.

Article
Help us personalise your Penguin emails

Tell us what you love reading so we can personalise the books, recommendations and emails you receive from Penguin.

Article
Look Inside: Astromancer 3: Ariā and the Monster Island

Read the first three chapters of Ariā and the Monster Island!

Looking for more articles?

See all articles