Book cover for I Kissed Shara Wheeler

I Kissed Shara Wheeler

Author: Casey McQuiston

Review by Mel on 2023-12-02

A fun and chaotic high school mystery, I Kissed Shara Wheeler delivers an over-the-top rom-com with plenty of heart. For four years, Chloe and prom queen Shara have been academic rivals, competing fiercely for the title of valedictorian. But just a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe—and then vanishes. Determined to find out what happened, Chloe embarks on a scavenger hunt of clues, only to discover that Shara also kissed her boyfriend, Smith, and their neighbor, Rory. Together, they unravel the mystery of Shara’s disappearance while also confronting their own self-discoveries. While the story is fun and filled with humor, I personally struggled to connect with Chloe and Shara as main characters. I found myself more invested in the side characters, like Rory and Smith, and wished their stories had been explored further. However, the book has strong Looking for Alaska vibes and is an important addition to queer YA fiction. If you love high-energy, clue-driven romance with a coming-of-age twist, this one’s for you.