Recommended Reading

"Recommended Reading is swoon-worthy in every possible way! Bobby's story is a sheer delight and an ode to book lovers everywhere who believe that the magic of stories reaches beyond the page." --Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author

In this opposites-attract YA rom-com inspired by Emma, a failed romantic gesture puts a damper on a queer teen bookseller's summer of book matching and matchmaking until a handsome lifeguard and romance skeptic waltzes into his bookstore. Sometimes you get a second chance at happily ever after when you least expect it . . .

Curvaceous, clever, and an avid reader, seventeen-year-old Bobby Ashton never misses a main character moment. So when it comes to asking out his crush, he plans a romantic gesture grand enough to go down in local history. Unfortunately, though, his extensive knowledge of every rom-com trope ever doesn't prepare him for how tragically he misreads the situation. Suddenly Bobby's very public romantic gesture turns into an ordeal so embarrassing it could be a villain origin story.

Having masterfully shattered every plan for his perfect summer before college, Bobby's last resort is working at his uncle's sleepy bookstore. Soon, Bobby is expertly recommending books for customers to perfectly cure what ails them. Attempting to rebound after a breakup? There's a book for that. Trying to tame your crochety coworker? There's a book for that too. Then a plot twist Bobby never saw coming walks through the door in the form of Luke, an unfairly attractive and staunchly anti-romantic lifeguard.

Bobby's blossoming connection with Luke reminds him of some of his favorite tropes: grumpy-sunshine, quippy banter, and even forced proximity. But after his last romantic disaster, should Bobby use all the tricks in his arsenal to turn Luke's head? Or is he misreading all the signs again? Do grand gestures really need to be so . . . grand?

Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, Kacen Callender, and Jason June, Recommended Reading is a bighearted rom-com about discovering love beyond what's in the books . . . but hey, the perfect recommendation can get you pretty far!

Author: Paul Coccia
Publisher: Zando Young Readers
Published: 01/28/2025
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.9lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.50w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9781638931492
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 10/14/2024
Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2024
Booklist 12/01/2024 pg. 127
School Library Journal 01/01/2025 pg. 61

About the Author
Paul Coccia is the award-winning author of several acclaimed titles for young readers. Paul has a specialist in English Literature from the University of Toronto and a master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of British Columbia. He lives in Toronto with his nephew, three dogs, and a small grey parrot. When not writing glitterature, he's often found cooking but prefers baking. You can find out more at paulcoccia.com or on Instagram and Twitter: @pauljcoccia.