Based in Los Angeles, CA
Abby McDonald
Author & Screenwriter
Abby McDonald grew up in Sussex, England and studied Politics, Philosophy & Economics at Oxford University. She began writing at college, and graduated to work as a music journalist and entertainment critic; drawing on her loves of pop culture, film and feminism, and interviewing acts as diverse as LeAnn Rimes, The Kings of Leon, and Marilyn Manson. She is now a full-time… read more
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About the Book
Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly one-sided. The object of her obsession — ahem, affection — is her best friend,Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie’s feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep blue eyes).
For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett’s constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to ’80s indie rock — all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder — until he calls to say he’s fallen in love. With some other girl! A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she’s finally had enough. It’s time for a total Garrett detox!
Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.
“(An) entertaining antiromance… McDonald turns the tragedy of unrequited love on its head as she traces her heroine’s determined and often comical efforts to find herself and become more independent”. Publishers Weekly
“A comedic and candid first-person narrative… Plain Janes and lovelorn teens will appreciate the sound self-help tips and be inspired by the stronger, deserves-better Sadie who emerges, ready to give love another chance.” Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Abby McDonald grew up in Sussex, England and studied Politics, Philosophy & Economics at Oxford University. She began writing at college, and graduated to work as a music journalist and entertainment critic; drawing on her loves of pop culture, film and feminism, and interviewing acts as diverse as LeAnn Rimes, The Kings of Leon, and Marilyn Manson. She is now a full-time novelist and screen-writer.
Her debut book for teens, ‘Sophomore Switch’, was published by Candlewick Press in 2009. It was a Kirkus starred review, ALAN pick, and has been translated into German, Dutch, and Polish. She is also the author of, ‘Boys, Bears & a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots’, ’The Anti-Prom’, and ‘Getting Over Garrett Delaney’.
After spells in London and Montreal, Abby has settled in Los Angeles, were she writes full-time and stalks minor TV celebrities around her local Target store.