Book Review: Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler
Have you ever stumbled upon a book that feels like it was tailored just for you? That was my experience with Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler. From the moment I laid eyes on the strikingly beautiful cover, I felt an undeniable pull to dive into its pages. I didn’t expect this book to be anything more than your typical young adult fare, yet here I am—still reeling from its raw, heartbreaking, and oh-so-inspiring story.
At the heart of Come As You Are is Evie Riley, a character who embodies the struggles many of us face in our teenage years. Hot on the heels of a broken heart, she transfers from Greentree, New Hampshire, to Camden Academy, desperate for a fresh start. Here, she battles not only her past—betrayed by her ex-boyfriend and former best friend—but also the labels others place on her. Evie is thrust into an all-boys dorm because of assumptions about her name, yet this quirky twist leads her to unexpected friendships and profound self-discovery.
What struck me most about this novel is its heartbreaking yet hopeful exploration of friendship. Adler beautifully illustrates how friends come and go. The quote, “Friends are not the easiest for me to come by, and this time around, I want the ones I make to stick,” resonated deeply with me. It’s a sentiment that hits home for anyone who’s faced ups and downs in their relationships. The friendships Evie forges—particularly with the mysterious Salem Grayson—are the heart of the story. Together, they take turns supporting each other, learning how to embrace life’s chaos with humor and resilience.
Speaking of Salem, what a vibrant character! From his initial shyness to his evolution into a charismatic buddy, every interaction he shares with Evie is overflowing with sweet, touching banter. One moment, he’s bringing her chocolate when she’s feeling low; the next, they’re engaging in playful bickering. Their dynamic left me giggling and swooning in equal measure. Their nicknames—Evie calling Salem her “bad boy guru” and him returning the favor by dubbing her “Skeevy”—highlight the playful romance amid the deeper themes of growth and self-acceptance.
Dahlia Adler’s writing style strikes an excellent balance between lightheartedness and depth. The pacing was spot-on, allowing me to absorb Evie’s transformation while still craving the next chapter. Lines such as “Fuck it. I have worked too hard at becoming a badass to stop going for what I want now” are not just empowerments of Evie’s spirit but mantras that I, and I’m sure many others, can relate to deeply.
As I reflected on my own friendships while reading this novel, I couldn’t help but wish I’d had this book during my high school years. If you’re a struggling student or even just someone yearning for connection, Come As You Are might be the uplifting reading experience you didn’t know you needed. It’s a book that celebrates resilience, rough patches, and the friendships that see us through it all.
So, mark your calendars for May 27th, 2025! Whether you’re looking for something that resonates on a personal level or simply want to get lost in a beautifully crafted story, Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler is a must-read. I couldn’t recommend it more; it has truly changed my life for the better. Thank you, Dahlia, for creating a story that felt so intimately personal—I can’t wait for others to discover its magic!