The Mall by Megan McCafferty

The Mall by Megan McCafferty 

Expected publication: July 28th 2020

The Mall is not only the setting in which this novel takes place but also a character. 

I am a Gen X (Yes, I am that OLD, well near the end of Gen X). I grew up at the mall, I worked at that mall in my early to late  20's, I even managed a few retail stores. This book is for Gen X and older Millennial's, other generations might struggle with the pop culture references (I totally got them all, not sure if I should be ashamed of this or not) but don't let that sway you form this fun book. 

Megan McCafferty gets teens! Anyone remember, Jessica Darling or her Bumped series? Both great YA reads and this book - is superior to those, or maybe nostalgia just got the best of me. I think it's safe for me to assume that McCafferty is Gen X because she captures the essence of what that generation was/is. If you're Gen X and miss those days this is a read for you.

Our main character is Cassie and she has just graduated High School. It's the summer right before she heads of to College,(the last essence of your childhood) and Cassie has spent most of the summer fighting off mono, but she's better and ready to make the best out of her last fee weeks before she heads off to College but life has other plans for her and those old plans include her ex-best friend.

At first, things are tense and odd between then but then they put their heads together and go on a scavenger hunt, with clues left behind from years ago. Boys enter the picture and drama, drama, drama happens. 

Characters make self discoveries  and you get to reminisce about your old mall haunts such as  Sam Goody and Spencer's Gifts. A few laughs will pass through your lips as you recall 90's fashions and you'll be inspired to pull out (if you aren't like me and still listen to it) 90's music. Remember Cabbage Patch Dolls and Video Arcades?  You will after reading this book and so much more!

This is a wonderful throw back, that had me going down memory lane and helped me laugh during the time high stress time of Covid-19. It's about a simpler time and a lost generation sandwiched between two who don't like or understand each other (I am talking about you millennial's and boomers) . 

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.