A Love Story for Everyone

There is a part of me that wants to call 6 Times We Almost Kissed (And One Time We Did) the best young adult, slow-burn romance I have ever read. But I don’t think “slow-burn” truly represents the love story depicted in this novel by Tess Sharpe. The love between Penny and Tate, who both share their sides of the story in the book, is already aflame when the book begins. They just haven’t realized it yet.

I tend to be a fairly emotional reader, but this book had me tearing up more than usual. I mean this in the best way, as Sharpe’s writing connected me immediately to the story and characters. Penny and Tate were brought together at a very young age because their moms are ride or die best friends. However, Penny and Tate have always clashed somewhat, and not just because of their unwanted, undeniable sexual chemistry. Tate’s mom (Anna) is suffering from Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Penny’s mom (Lottie) is going to donate part of her liver to save Anna’s life. This sounds wonderful, right? But Penny has already lost one parent, which is something the novel covers in greater detail throughout the text.

This achingly beautiful book brings to life not just a romantic love story, but also two very unique characters whose respect and care for each other goes far beyond the majority of young adult romances. Tate and Penny are committed to each other long before they realize they are in love. They are the kind of friends one would want in times of crisis and joy.

This is not only a book that I would recommend for lovers of young adult romance, as I am not typically one of them myself. This is a story for anyone who has ever loved, lost, or struggled. It is truly a story for everyone.

Learning for Justice Social Justice Standards:

Identity 1: I have a positive view of myself, including an awareness of and comfort with my membership in multiple groups in society.

Identity 4: I express pride and confidence in my identity without perceiving or treating anyone else as inferior.