The Lovers, the Liars, and Me - by Deandra Davis (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A teen travels to Jamaica looking for answers about her absent mother, only to find more than she bargained for--and to get caught up in a love triangle--in this dazzling young adult coming-of-age novel by award-winning author DeAndra Davis that "will resonate with fans of Ann Liang, Ebony LaDelle, and Lyla Lee" (School Library Journal).

Jaliya Powell has never had a real adventure or a real boyfriend--or spoken up for herself. She's never even been kissed. Despite being valedictorian of her high school class, Jaliya is used to fading into the background.

But this summer will be different.

This summer, Jaliya is visiting her uncle and his family in Jamaica. Under the guise of one last vacation before college, she plans to find out more about her estranged mother, whose absence has remained an unspoken mystery. But things have changed in the seven years since Jaliya last visited. Her cousin has his own life and is reluctant to let Jaliya in, her childhood crush has only gotten hotter and more unavailable, and her aunt and uncle aren't everything she remembered, either. Then she meets India, who's vibrant, gorgeous, and free-spirited. And who makes Jaliya feel something she's never felt before.

While searching for traces of her mother across the island, Jaliya finds herself entangled in complicated relationships, tricky secrets, and a passionate new love. As she navigates this perfectly complicated summer, Jaliya must choose between who she has always been and who she hopes to become.

Review Quotes

"The Lovers, the Liars, and Me is an excellent read for fans of Leah Johnson and Anna-Marie McLemore looking for a deeply authentic and reflective novel with an intimate first-person point of view that explores identity, sexuality, and family. Davis develops a multifaceted protagonist who seeks clarity--emotionally, culturally, and romantically--but finds as many questions as she does answers."--Shelf Awareness

"This lyrically written novel is centered around nuanced and deeply lovable characters, and Jaliya is a protagonist who readers will want to grow and change with as she figures out her own path. This story offers no simple answers about the gripping and complicated grief of estrangement, while handling the emotional experience of the characters with care. Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Ibi Zoboi will find a lot to love in this tender work, and it will likely become an important read for many teens."--Booklist, starred review

"Davis enchants in this coming-of-age novel about a teen girl discovering her roots and herself...A lovely coming-of-age novel of a teen who finds herself while looking for family that will resonate with fans of Ann Liang, Ebony LaDelle, and Lyla Lee."--School Library Journal

"Rhythmic language renders Jaliya's candid first-person narration as she perceptively confronts questions of sexuality and cultural identity. The evenly paced narrative provides ample room for readers to empathize and connect with the easy-to-root-for characters, making for a satisfying and introspective offering."--Publishers Weekly

"Part mystery, part love triangle, and a whole journey of self-discovery."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

DeAndra Davis is New York-born and Florida-bred. She's a hopeless musical theater nerd (Wicked is definitely her favorite), a perpetual student and teacher, and always trailed by a kid or a dog because she has way too many of both. She has an opinion for everything, an argument ready, and a hug for everyone, and she thinks you should, too. She is the author of All the Noise at Once, winner of the William C. Morris Award for best young adult debut book, and The Lovers, the Liars, and Me. DeAndra can be found on most socials @DeAndraWrites.