Review
Reviewed by Amy Powers for Readers' Favorite
Good Pals by Michael C. Barrett is a young adult novel that alternates between the perspectives of two teenaged outcasts, Nick and Rachel. Nick is working on a long-term plan to ask his crush to the Spring Fling, but he still has months to go. Rachel's step-mom is pushing her to be just as popular as she was in high school, but that's never going to happen. Nick's best friend's girlfriend steps in to set up the two of them on a date, practically blindsiding Nick and Rachel into an arrangement they never wanted to agree upon. Despite the unexpected way they were forced together, Nick and Rachel find common ground and manage to become friends over the months - best friends, in fact. As they help each other overcome their own obstacles, they begin to wonder if there could be something more than friendship going on beneath the surface.
Don't get too comfortable unless you already have a tasty drink and a cozy blanket at hand, because once you pick up Good Pals, you won't be putting it down until you're finished. Michael C. Barrett has managed to bring not only humor to the table, but also strong emotions as they connect to a variety of relationships such as love, family, and friendship. Between Nick and Rachel and all of the crazy people they associate with, there is never a dull moment. It is fun to see how Nick and Rachel differ in their perspectives of similar events, and it is funny to see how misunderstandings happen so easily. Young adults can definitely relate to the characters and events of Good Pals, and I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good tale about friendships, family, and innocent romance.
Reviewed by Megan Weiss for Reader Views (01/25)
"Good Pals" by Michael C. Barrett is my favorite type of Young Adult novel. I have always been a sucker for best-friends-turned-lovers plots. I grew up in a very small school district. I knew everyone in my class, and most of the kids in the classes above and below me. Like Rachel, I was quiet when not around my closer friends, and was not necessarily known for speaking up much in class. People knew me, and generally I suppose I was "friends" with most people in my class, but I was also the quintessential 'Plain Jane.' I never felt like there was anything that really made me stand out. I was in school plays, but I was never good enough for the lead roles. I played some sports, but mostly rode the bench. I flirted with boys and even crushed on a couple of my own best guy friends, but never seemed to shine bright enough to actually attract anyone (or maybe I just wasn't brave enough to take the risk of acting on my feelings). So, reading Barrett's novel was quite a nostalgic, and cathartic, experience for me. I think about my high school memories a lot, because it altogether was a special time in my life. I'm coming up on my ten-year reunion this June, so it's also ironic that this book found me at this point in my life.
I think "Good Pals" also had some special themes. One centered around Rachel's relationship with her stepmom, Afton. Initially, there was a lot of resentment on Rachel's part, which was not necessarily unexpected. After learning she is going to be a big sister, though, and making more of an effort to listen to Afton's suggestions of putting herself out there more and her attempts at making a relationship with Rachel, I loved seeing how Rachel's opinion of her stepmother improved. On the outside, Afton appears to be like the airheaded, blonde, young gold digger type, but she actually really does love her father, and seems to want to try to, if not be a maternal figure in Rachel's life, then at least be a support system and confidant for her step-daughter. I think this is one instance where the fact that she is so young is actually a benefit, whereas a lot of times when this kind of relationship is portrayed in a book or movie, it is often shown in a negative light.
The second theme I found to be quite profound in "Good Pals" was the idea that we need to be open to the idea that our desires change, and that changing our minds or realizing what we thought we wanted is actually wrong doesn't mean we aren't being true to ourselves. Rachel's relationship with Trey obviously raised quite a few red flags. While never overtly abusive, he was possessive, slightly condescending, did not approve of her friendship with Nick, and generally believed that he was doing her some sort of favor by "loving" her. I liked that Rachel's decision to break up with him actually came from a natural place of retrospect and internal growth. She didn't wait for Trey to completely smother her, or for one of the red flags to become something more dangerous. She just let herself realize that Trey was not the person she thought he was, and that the person she needed all along was actually her best friend.
"Good Pals" is the third novel by Michael C. Barrett that I've had the pleasure of reading, and this one has definitely found a place in my heart. YA lovers, rom-com lovers, friends-to-lovers fans of all ages can find enjoyment in this quick, sweet read. I can't wait to read Barrett's next story, and all the ones after that.
About the Author
Michael C. Barrett graduated from California University of Pennsylvania and spends his days closed-captioning television for the deaf and hard of hearing.
