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Book Review: Top Ten by: Katie Cotugno


Another YA romance that explores more than first kisses and one-night flings. 

High school seniors Gabby and Ryan are BFFs who make "Top-Ten" lists with every subject they discuss between each other. This novel happens to go through their top-ten list of how BFFs become something a bit more intimate. Cotugno introduces two characters who are in foreign territory when it comes to loving one another as more than just friends. Reading each other's attitudes, knowing what the other will think before anything is said--it all comes naturally when there isn't a romantic time-clock ticking down from afar. A relationship is developed over the length of the book, distinguished by top-ten moments of what makes their relationship take such a drastic turn for the better. Which, it has to be for the better--right?

Cotugno delves into more than just a romantic aspect for these characters. 
Ryan is a high school hockey star who ends up having more to worry about among the things in his head besides his love life. Take for instance, his brain and memory.
Gabby is a young woman who is extremely particular with her amount of extracurricular activities. It goes beyond a comfort level, almost to an obsession. Anxiety is a common name for it, but Gabby's hits an extreme in which she may contemplate actual help in controlling it.

I appreciate this book in that it covers a story about young love, life altering circumstances, and hard-to-discuss situations. No one wants to ask for help if it's just hard enough for them to admit they need it. Cotugno has a brilliant way of showing that in doing this gigantic step, one can achieve more than simple help in one aspect of their life. They can gain so much more in the long run.

The attention to detail was done well throughout the novel and I believe the duel POVs between Gabby and Ryan was especially important. I'd highly recommend to any Cotugno fan, obviously, but to anyone interested in a new YA take on modern romance and relatable life experiences.

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