Top Ten is an amazing book that looks at the complexities of friendship, mental health, love, and identity through the top ten moments in a relationship. The story is about the lives of Gabby and Ryan, two high school seniors who are very different from each other. Gabby is introverted and socially anxious, while Ryan is a charming, extroverted hockey star. Throughout high school, the two have to deal with their own personal challenges. Ryan struggles with concussions which danger his hockey career and his future, while Gabby deals with anxiety, self-doubt, and the difficulty of opening herself up to new experiences. Despite their differences, a bond at a party during freshman year leads to an unexpected, deep friendship that stays strong over the next four years.
I loved reading this book because it shows the highs and lows of their relationship with honesty, showing how friendship can be just as messy and meaningful as love. I love how the book allows readers to see how their relationship evolves in an emotional and personal way. The book keeps readers guessing whether Gabby and Ryan are just friends or something more, which makes the book more enjoyable. I also feel like the tension and emotions in the book are very relatable to many teen readers. Overall, this is a beautiful story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance books and YA novels because it is an amazing combination of the two.