Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings

Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 8/6/23 - 8/7/23

    Tilly Twomley and Oliver Clark couldn't be more different, but life has a funny way of bringing unexpected connections. Tilly, struggling through high school with her flawed executive functioning, is eager for a change of scenery. Despite not knowing exactly what she wants, she finds herself interning for her sister's start-up, which requires traveling around Europe. The prospect of new experiences and travel excites her, even if the internship itself isn't her dream job.

    Meanwhile, Oliver knows exactly what he wants: his passion lies in color theory and design, where he feels deeply connected to the world. His autism has presented challenges in forming relationships, but he has a best friend who understands him, a placement in a prestigious design program, and a summer internship that aligns with his aspirations.

    As the summer comes to an end, Tilly and Oliver are left contemplating what the future holds. Their lives have been forever changed by their time together, and they realize that the best parts of life often come when we let go of our plans and embrace the unexpected. Tilly and Oliver's disastrously wonderful summer will be etched in their hearts forever, and they now understand that sometimes, the most meaningful connections are the ones we never saw coming.

    "When it comes to Tilly, I’m the tide and she’s the moon; I’ll go wherever she wants me.”

    "Tilly in Technicolor" is not Mazey Eddings first novel, but it is her YA debut. From the very beginning, Tilly's witty and candid thoughts had me hooked, and I found myself laughing out loud and feeling genuinely connected to her character. The book is filled with heartwarming moments and an incredibly cute storyline.

    One of the things that impressed me the most was how the author handled mental illness representation. Even though I don't have ADHD or autism myself, I felt that Tilly's struggles were portrayed authentically and with sensitivity. Her blog parts were especially powerful, as she poured her heart and soul onto the pages, giving us an intimate glimpse into her world.

    The neurodiverse connection between Tilly and Oliver was beautifully written, and I couldn't help but root for them throughout the book. What stood out to me was how the romance didn't magically solve all their communication challenges or sensory issues. Instead, the author showcased their efforts to understand and support each other, making their bond even more meaningful.

    I would read anything Mazey Eddings publishes. She is an auto-buy author for me, and this book hit every point just like her others. I absolutely loved this, and I recommend it so highly. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

    "Tilly in Technicolor" is set to publish on August 15, 2023.