Take a trip back to 1991 in McCafferty's new YA book

     Grab your denim jackets and hairspray, because it's time to party like it’s 1991! Beloved New York Times bestselling author of the Jessica Darling series, Megan McCafferty, takes readers on an epic trip back in time in her new novel The Mall which comes out July 28th.
     The year is 1991. Scrunchies, mixtapes and 90210 are, like, totally fresh. Cassie Worthy is psyched to spend the summer after graduation working at the Parkway Center Mall. In six weeks, she and her boyfriend head off to college in NYC to fulfill The Plan: higher education and happily ever after. But you know what they say about the best laid plans… Now  jobless, boyfriendless, and feeling a little hopeless, Cassie is determined to make this summer worthwhile and maybe even get involved in a secret treasure hunt in the process? Set entirely in a classic “monument to consumerism,” the novel follows Cassie as she finds friendship, love, and ultimately herself, in the most unexpected of places. 
     This love letter to the 90s is chock full of nostalgic references to NKOTB, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, 90210, and more. Any one who grew up in the 90s (or wishes they were) will love the backdrop of the novel and all the minute details that just make this book all that and a bag of chips! While I didn't grow up in the early nineties personally, I could still appreciate the references and setting of the story. Plus the treasure hunt that Cassie takes part in keeps the reader wondering where the next clue will be hidden and what’s at the end of the hunt.
     However, this coming-of-age book isn’t just a funny teen rom-com with a built in treasure hunt. It also tackles those classic YA tropes of fitting in, getting back at an ex who screwed you over, friend drama, and the mysterious boy next door, who takes the form of a Sam Goody worker that Cassie can’t keep her eyes off of in this story. All of these themes combine to create a funny yet meaningful book about becoming your own person and finding camaraderie amongst your fellow mall employees.
     McCafferty does a great job of representing a nostalgic yet relevant story that any fans of YA will enjoy. This book is just barrels of fun and so engaging that you’ll want to keep reading it long after it’s over! The Mall is the ultimate throwback feel-good book you’ll want to add to your summer reading list.

*I received an ARC from Wednesday Books in exchange for my honest opinion.
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