I think he and Viv have one of the healthiest YA relationships because even though they may argue and unintentionally hurt the other, they are willing to talk it out and do better in the future. I also really enjoyed Seth, who is the new boy and love interest in this novel (I didn’t originally expect there to be a romance, but it is a very small part of the story and definitely does not overtake the main message.) Seth is a very understanding person, always willing to listen and do better. She definitely is fit to lead this feminist revolution at East Rockport High. I think she’s someone a lot of readers can look up to and strive towards. She is articulate in her arguments, always able to get her point across in a non-patronizing, elegant way (I could learn a thing or two from her).

She’s a fighter, she’s passionate, she always stands her ground on a topic she has feelings on, but she also deals with the insecurities of having friends that may not totally agree with you and not wanting to be labeled as someone who creates problems or goes against the group. I think she’s a very realistic and grounded character. And I think everyone can use that reminder. This book is getting a lot of hype for being a “feminist YA novel” and while it is entirely true that this is prime feminist literature for teens, I think the ultimate take away is that your voice, no matter how small, no matter how many people you stand against or how powerless you may feel, your voice is stronger. I especially want to recommend it to teens looking for empowerment and encouragement to share their voice. It should be discussed in academia, it is an extremely important book. Moxie is a book that all teens and young adults NEED to read. I do want to place a content warning for sexual harassment and talk of rape/sexual assault (meaning we don’t necessarily see these events unfold like the sexual harassment spread throughout the book, but I still think it warrants a disclaimer that these sensitive topics are being discussed.) I originally wasn’t sure when I’d get to it, it just wasn’t high on my TBR, but after a sexist review, I knew I had to make it a priority and boy, did I make the right decision. I absolutely LOVED this book, way more than I anticipated. So be prepared, especially in the coming months of Moxie’s release, I ain’t shutting up about it.

I’m going to be very transparent in the fact that I am never going to stop obsessing over this book.

Moxie by jennifer mathieu