You know how sometimes life feels like it’s playing a cosmic joke on you? Like, here you are, trying to be all perfect and put-together, and then BAM! The universe decides to toss you a curveball—or, in Emmy Crawford’s case, a whole dang pitching machine full of ’em.
Allison L. Bitz’s sophomore novel, “Three Things About Emmy Crawford,” dives headfirst into the messy, complicated world of a teenage girl juggling more than her fair share of challenges. It’s like watching a high-stakes game of Jenga, where every piece Emmy pulls could send her carefully constructed life tumbling down. And let me tell you, it’s one heck of a ride.
Plot Rundown: Emmy’s Excellent (and Not-So-Excellent) Adventures
So, picture this: Emmy Crawford, our protagonist, is the kind of girl who probably color-codes her planner and has a ten-year plan laminated and pinned to her bedroom wall. She’s got three main goals:
- Crush it at the national debate championship
- Protect her anxiety-prone sister, Issy, from… well, everything
- Be the perfect daughter for her mom, who’s gunning for the presidency
Sounds doable, right? Ha! If only.
The Plot Thickens (Like Emmy’s Gut Issues)
Enter the antagonists of Emmy’s story:
- Crohn’s disease (because who doesn’t love a chronic illness to spice things up?)
- Paparazzi (always ready to catch a senator’s daughter with spinach in her teeth)
- Gabe Castillo (ex-almost-boyfriend and debate rival extraordinaire)
Oh, and did I mention Issy’s now crushing on Gabe? Yeah, cue the dramatic soap opera music.
As Emmy tries to keep all her plates spinning, we watch her gradually realize that maybe – just maybe—she can’t control everything. It’s like watching a Type A personality have an existential crisis in slow motion, and honestly? It’s both hilarious and heartbreaking.
Character Deep Dive: Emmy and Her Crew
Emmy Crawford: Our Flawed and Fabulous Heroine
Let’s talk about Emmy. On the surface, she’s the kind of girl you’d love to hate—smart, driven, seemingly perfect. But Bitz does a fantastic job of peeling back those layers to reveal a vulnerable, scared kid who’s just trying to keep it all together.
Emmy’s journey from “I can handle everything on my own” to “okay, maybe I need some help” is painfully relatable. Who among us hasn’t tried to push through when we really should’ve been asking for a time-out?
The Supporting Cast: More Than Just Sidekicks
- Issy: Emmy’s sister, dealing with anxiety and finding her voice (literally – girl can sing!)
- Gabe: The love interest with his own baggage (and some killer debate skills)
- Liv: Emmy’s debate partner and BFF, who deserves a medal for putting up with Emmy’s intensity
Each character feels fully realized, with their own struggles and growth arcs. It’s like watching a whole ecosystem of teenage drama and development.
Themes: More Than Just Teen Angst
Bitz tackles some heavy themes with a deft touch:
1. The Pressure to Be Perfect
Emmy’s constant striving for perfection is exhausting just to read about. It’s a poignant look at the pressures teens face, especially those in the public eye.
2. Chronic Illness and Mental Health
The portrayal of Crohn’s disease and anxiety is spot-on. Bitz doesn’t sugar-coat the reality of living with these conditions, but she also shows that they don’t have to define a person.
3. Family Dynamics and Sisterhood
The relationship between Emmy and Issy is heartwarming. It’s complicated, messy, and ultimately beautiful.
4. Politics and Privacy
Living in the political spotlight adds an extra layer of complexity to Emmy’s life. It’s a unique perspective that adds depth to the story.
Writing Style: Witty, Warm, and Oh-So-Real
Bitz’s writing style is like that friend who always knows exactly what to say—whether it’s a perfectly timed joke or a comforting word. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and Emmy’s internal monologue is a delightful mix of sarcasm and vulnerability.
Favorite Quotes That Hit Different
“I maintain that my stubbornness is one of my greatest assets, even if I don’t always use my powers for good.”
“We’re all fu*ked up, sister. You, me, everyone in the world in their own ways. It’s what we do with our fu*kery that makes the difference.”
I mean, come on. That’s some t-shirt worthy wisdom right there.
The Good, The Bad, and The Cringeworthy
What Worked:
- The authentic portrayal of chronic illness and mental health
- The complex sister relationship
- Emmy’s growth arc (girl learns some valuable lessons)
- The balance of humor and serious topics
What Could’ve Been Better:
- Sometimes the political aspects felt a bit glossed over
- The pacing in the middle dragged a tiny bit
- I wanted more of Gabe’s perspective (but maybe that’s just me being greedy)
Final Thoughts: A Book That Sticks With You
“Three Things About Emmy Crawford” is like that one friend who calls you out on your BS but still loves you anyway. It’s not afraid to get messy, to show the ugly parts of growing up and figuring yourself out. But it also celebrates the small victories, the moments of connection, and the realization that it’s okay to not have it all together.
Bitz has crafted a story that feels both timely and timeless. It’s about politics and chronic illness, sure, but at its core, it’s about learning to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to accept yourself—flaws and all.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of contemporary YA with depth
- Anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to be perfect
- Readers looking for authentic portrayals of chronic illness and mental health
- Those who appreciate a good debate (verbal or internal)
Similar Reads to Check Out:
- “Today Tonight Tomorrow” by Rachel Lynn Solomon
- “Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter
- “The Unstoppable Bridget Bloom” (Bitz’s debut novel)
The Verdict: To Read or Not to Read?
Look, I’m not saying this book will change your life. But it might just change how you look at it. It’s a reminder that we’re all works in progress, that it’s okay to stumble, and that sometimes the best thing we can do is lean on the people around us.
So, grab a copy, find a cozy spot, and prepare to laugh, cry, and maybe learn a thing or two about yourself along the way. Emmy Crawford’s journey might just inspire you to embrace your own beautiful mess of a life.
A Personal Note from the Reviewer
You know, as I was reading “Three Things About Emmy Crawford,” I couldn’t help but think about my own high school days. No, I wasn’t the daughter of a senator or a debate champion, but that feeling of trying to keep it all together while everything’s falling apart? Yeah, that hit home.
There’s something universally relatable about Emmy’s struggle, even if the specifics of her life are unique. It’s a reminder that no matter how put-together someone might seem on the outside, we’re all dealing with our own stuff.
Bitz has created a story that’s both a mirror and a window—reflecting our own experiences back at us while also giving us a glimpse into someone else’s world. And isn’t that what great literature is all about?
So, here’s to Emmy Crawford, to Allison L. Bitz, and to all of us out here just trying to figure it out. May we all learn to cut ourselves some slack, ask for help when we need it, and maybe enjoy an orange scone or two along the way.