Who Would Like This Book:
If you love angsty, high-drama romance with flawed characters and all the juicy 'enemies to lovers' vibes, Punk 57 delivers. Penelope Douglas really leans into the messiness of high school social dynamics - popularity, bullying, secret crushes - and isn't afraid to give us a heroine who's hard to like at first. Misha and Ryen’s pen-pal-turned-real-life tension is addictive, and the chemistry is sizzling. It’s a great pick if you want a steamy, emotional rollercoaster with some solid coming-of-age themes.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book isn’t for everyone, and that’s especially true if you dislike toxic relationships, questionable consent, unlikable main characters, or high school drama that sometimes borders on soap opera levels. Some readers found the story unrealistic, melodramatic, or just couldn’t connect with the intense bully romance tropes. The sexual content between high school seniors (who are 18, but still in school) was a turn-off for some. If you want your romance sweet, slow-burn, or with perfect role models, this probably isn’t your jam.
About:
'Punk 57' by Penelope Douglas revolves around the unique and complex characters of Ryen and Misha, who start off as pen pals and eventually fall in love. The story delves into themes of fitting in, bullying, and the struggles faced by teenagers in today's society. The plot unfolds as the characters navigate their growing feelings for each other, secrets from their pasts, and the challenges of high school life. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of young adult and new adult elements, highlighting the emotional turmoil and relationships of the characters.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include bullying, substance use, dubious consent, and intense romantic interactions that may not be suitable for all readers.
Has Romance?
Yes, the book contains a significant amount of romance that drives the plot forward.
From The Publisher:
"Where'd you go? I miss you so. Seems like it's been forever that you've been gone."
Misha
I can't help but smile at the lyrics in her letter. She misses me.
In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.
It didn't take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever…
And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.
Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there's one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She's the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.
We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?
Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name's Ryen, loves Gallo's pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?
F*ck it. I need to meet her.
I just don't expect to hate what I find.
Ryen
He hasn't written in three months. Something's wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.
Without him around, I'm going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It's my own fault. I should've gotten his phone number or picture or something.
He could be gone forever.
Or right under my nose, and I wouldn't even know it.
*Punk 57 is a stand alone New Adult romance. It is suitable for ages 18+. more
Ratings (287)
Incredible (47) | |
Loved It (78) | |
Liked It (78) | |
It Was OK (44) | |
Did Not Like (27) | |
Hated It (13) |
Reader Stats (541):
Read It (311) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (139) | |
Did Not Finish (17) | |
Not Interested (73) |
6 comment(s)
this is probably the only hs romance i've read in my adulthood and i probably wouldn't reread but given the premises of most of this woman's books i think this might be the only onworth reading
4.25/5⭐️
I fwed it it was tuff
some of it was good but its missing something
short and Good. I liked the message and they're cute together. I was a little disappointed because i thought there was gunna be more smut but still good. 8/10. worth the read
This had some fun twists and turns, but the story didn't feel believable to me. I'm definitely one of the outliers here, so decide for yourself.
What can you read after
Punk 57?
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