Soon to be a Netflix film, The Girls I’ve Been is a slick, gripping YA novel that expertly touches on a number of important themes — from LGBTQ+ representation to childhood experiences.

The story is largely told from the point of view of the book’s protagonist, a teen con-artist called Nora, or, at least, that’s what she’s called currently. It follows what happens when her and two other characters – her current girlfriend, and her ex boyfriend – are caught up in a bank heist, flitting back to share insights into her past before whizzing forward to the unfolding robbery. 

While she’s only 17, Nora’s past is dark and moving; the daughter of a criminal, Nora becomes a pawn and protégé for her mother from a young age. Ultimately, however, she manages to pull the ultimate con – escaping her mother and the abusive mark she eventually fell for instead of pulling her usual tricks.

It’s easy to see why publications such as Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed and Marie Claire lauded The Girls I’ve Been as one of the most anticipated books of 2021. The suspense created by Tess Sharpe leaves readers racing through the chapters, unable to wait to find out how Nora’s past is going to impact her current situation. 

Bestselling author, Sharpe, does a masterful job at once again creating a strong female protagonist, a powerful message for the YA audience – or audiences of any age. Her expert touch at navigating complex and emotional issues is impressive, from a character with endometriosis to chronicling positive LGBTQ+ relationships. There’s also a consistent thread whereby almost every parental figure within the book is either negligent or abusive, allowing Sharpe to explore how children deal with abusive relationships of varying kinds. 

Sure, The Girls I’ve Been is a page turner, a thriller, an all-round enjoyable read, and a book that you won’t want to put down – but it also has deeper, powerful threads within it, all of which will make it a firm favourite for years to come.