(Hot Key Books, 2017)

ISBN: 978-1471406348 (paperback)

ASIN: B01N69GAWO (ebook)

Here's what Lauren knows: she's not like other girls. She also knows it's problematic to say that - what's wrong with girls? She's even fancied some in the past. But if you were stuck in St Agnes's, her posh all-girls school, you'd feel like that too. Here everyone's expected to be Perfect Young Ladies, it's even a song in the painfully awful musical they're putting on this year. And obviously said musical is directed by Lauren's arch nemesis.Under it all though, Lauren's heart is bruised. Her boyfriend thinks she's crazy and her best friend's going through something Lauren can't understand ... so when Lauren realises she's facing every teenage girl's worst nightmare, she has nowhere to turn. Maybe she should just give in to everything. Be like other girls. That's all so much easier ... right?

Reviews

"...a scathing look at the terrifying world of Irish reproductive choices (or lack thereof) and a young girl who desperately wants her life back and can see no other option... This is a book that demands to be read."- Lorraine Levis, Irish Times

"Claire Hennessy tackles difficult subjects head on. Her protagonist, Lauren, is 16, Irish, attending a posh all-girls secondary school. She is bisexual and kind of in love with her transgender best friend. When Lauren discovers she is pregnant and wants to have an abortion she's bullied by a local anti-choice group masquerading as a women's health clinic. What's more, she has to deal with all of this alone, as she feels she cannot confide in her mother or her friends. A passionate, authentic, tough read but very important nonetheless." - Justine Carbery, Sunday Independent

"...manages to balance the darkness with wit and humour, no mean feat. Not always an easy read but an important one." - Sarah Webb, Irish Independent

"I was impressed with the writing style (and I learned a fair bit too)... a conversation starter for young women." - Woman's Way

"It is difficult to imagine a more difficult authorial task than constructing a school story that also confronts issues such as sexual identity, moral law, transgender issues and parental responsibility. Yet somehow Hennessy has succeeded. High school librarians please take note." - Books for Keeps

"Excellent writing from Hennessy, with a compelling and relatable central character. Topical, relevant and captivating, this is an unflinching examination of gender politics and identity, relentless in its exploration of femininity." - Paula Nic Iomhair, Inis reading guide 2017

"A fast paced, important and unapologetically political triumph" - Rosie Freckles Reads

"It carries that dark Irish humour well, across all these serious issues like abortion and alcoholism, in a way that only certain writers can mix the serious and the humorous...Just wonderful stuff. Like Other Girls is a fast-paced read, with a ticking clock element that makes you want to read on. The presence of so much good, readable, believable dialogue is also great and makes it an immersive read." - Derek Carney

"an important book that shows life for our teenagers is no longer as simple as girl-meets-boy and lives happily ever after" - Orla Bourke, Inis

"This book was all about voice. No – there was more to it than that, but I must start with the character’s voice. Lauren is hilarious, and vulnerable and opinionated. She’s perceptive about the wider world, and issues of gender division, yet totally blinkered when it comes to other people’s feelings. If other people don’t react the way she wants them to, she can’t cope. She makes me laugh and cry at the same time. When I read her narration, she’s ALIVE in my head, and she is a real teenager. Claire Hennessy reminds me how painful it was to be fifteen years old – so far from adulthood, yet experiencing very adult emotions and situations." - Book Murmuration

"For wit and pop culture it was spot on, and its handling of issues of access for Irish women to abortion services was absolutely heartbreaking (in a good and important way)." - Much Ado About Books

"There’s so much going on here and so much to love. It reads like a teenaged girl’s political commentary on life and it is FIERCE." - Rhino Reads

"Like Other Girls is an authentic read and you can really feel that the author cared about the issues within. The passion flows from the pages. I hope this book finds its way into the hands of every Irish teenager." - Go Book Yourself

"...a fierce, feminist book that while not an easy read, is an important one. We need stories like Lauren’s." - The Books, The Art and Me

"...the subjects of teenage pregnancy, abortion, gender identity, sexuality and alcohol abuse are dealt with in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner in this novel." - On My Bookshelf

"...this book is close to flawless YA, and excels at capturing the feeling of being different/other/wrong. One of its key strengths is the gradual revelation of many other people who feel just as alienated as Lauren – although for different reasons...This book is a perfect promotion of the importance of open communication and friendship to mental health." - Eats Plants. Reads Books

"engaging and thought-provoking" - My Little Library in the Attic

"I’d recommend “Like Other Girls” to anyone who’s into fiction, and especially any teen readers. It might be a useful tool for parents of teenagers attempting to open up the conversation lines on important topics.Not Hennessy’s first time writing about strong polarising issues... and hopefully not her last either." - Bad Mammy

"Like Other Girls is a book that I wouldn't be surprised to see on a mandatory reading list for Irish students in the future." - Meabh McDonnell, Cinders Magazine #4

"The plot was so engaging that I could hardly find time to put this gem down...Definitely one of the best books I've read this year. Witty, original, dark at times, addicting, important and quite simply exceptional. It was a pleasure to read and enjoy and I recommend this to everyone!!" - The Royal Bookshelf

"Written with compassion, understanding and a truly genuine voice, this book is real!" - Mary Esther Judy, Fallen Star Stories

"Well written, funny in places, heartbreaking in others, this is a magnificent book." - The Book Bag

"This novel is utter brilliance. Like Other Girls deals with so many important and current issues that not only affect those worldwide but also focusing on national Irish issues. The novel touches on hard issues in a realistic and raw way... An incredibly emotional novel that will take you on a journey of tears, laughter and strength.This novel is one of the most important and realistic novels about the trials faced by Irish women in Ireland today and should be praised. Another brilliant offering from Claire Hennessy- one of the best Irish YA authors out today." - Shannon Bookworm

"Like Other Girls is a funny and relevant novel that is sure to be a conversation-starter in a country where people talk a lot about very little. I want this to be shoved into the hands of every young adult in Ireland regardless of political standpoint on abortion. After the knock-out Nothing Tastes As Good, Claire Hennessy has truly written a novel that is challenging and different but it pays off and young readers are sure to love it." - The Secret Diary of Chryon

"Times have changed hugely since I was a teenager, and Lauren’s world is not one that, for the most part, I recognise. But young people who are confused about their gender or their sexuality will find a lot to relate to and to think about in this gripping and challenging novel." - Sue Purkiss, Armadillo Magazine

"I really do applaud Claire Hennessy at producing such a powerful, emotional yet highly intelligent novel...She deals with some highly tricky topics in such a sensitive and realistic way, portraying how such issues affect normal women’s lives. Like Other Girls should be required reading for young adults everywhere – and I can really give this book no higher praise than that." -Bookaholic Confessions

"She's very human, and very real, and you can kind of empathise with her... even though... she's a teenager, she makes mistakes... It feels very real, and it's heartbreaking to feel like this is happening to women right now" - Charley Cook