Day’s YA: THE ROMANTIC TRAGEDIES OF A DRAMA KING

THE ROMANTIC TRAGEDIES OF A DRAMA KING
by Harry Trevaldwyn
9781250366788 (TP) | 9781250381309 (HC)
1/28/2025
Wednesday Books
Ages 12-18

E-galley available on Edelweiss and NetGalley

Patrick Simmons has decided to rebrand himself in his small town in England. He’s now going to go by the nickname Patch (a much more mysterious, intriguing name to have), he’s ready to show off his new personal style at school, he’s going to focus on acting, and most importantly, he’s going to get his first boyfriend this year. He needs a deadline to push himself to focus–a year is too long, but surely he can find a boy by the time of his drama club’s prom. With the help of his mother’s divorcée self-help guides and his best friend Jean, he’s ready to say goodbye to the people who are holding him back (goodbye, French pen-pal Jean-Pierre) and find his perfect match (or, honestly, any boyfriend will do). There’s only one issue—there are only two other “out” boys at his school, and they’re dating each other. But when two new boys arrive at the first drama club meeting of the year, Patch is certain that fate is intervening, and one of them will fall for him. Will it be Peter, who just moved from America, or Sam, Peter’s long-time best friend? And do they even like boys, let alone Patch himself? This is a story about being your true self and going after what you want, yet never losing sight of those who love you and will always have your back.

THE ROMANTIC TRAGEDIES OF A DRAMA KING is the definition of a hilarious, heartwarming, and lighthearted YA read. Patch is such a strong main character—he’s a bit dramatic and highly confident, he knows who he is and what he wants, and he’s ready to find himself. At times he’s awkward, at times he’s witty, and at times he’s charming, but he’s always determined. His unique voice remains page after page, even as he matures and grows into himself even more. The tight knit cast of characters that surround him showcase strong friendships and found family, and there’s even a heartwarming relationship with his favorite teacher, a special inclusion for anyone who also spent their lunch breaks at school chatting away in their teacher’s classroom. Every person in his life is just as vivid, with their own personality quirks and personal issues that they are facing—I especially loved his relationship with his best friend Jean, and how she stands by him through thick and thin and tries to protect his heart, even in his wild plans to help him succeed in his hunt for love. Through minor ups-and-downs and fall outs and reconciliations, Patch’s journey emphasizes the importance of not only romantic love, but also of friendships.

This book is genuinely hilarious—it’s a laugh-out-loud level of funny, and Patch’s internal dialogue never failed to make me roll over in laughter. It’s a light and quick read, and the perfect escapism book to reminisce on being a teenager, with all of the relatable trials and tribulations that come along with the good times (especially that of first love). With an adorable, heart-fluttering romance and resolute characters, fans of Heartstopper, Derry Girls, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging will love this one. And if you love theater or were a drama student back in the day, definitely add this to your list.

Happy reading!
<3 Margo

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