Today, I will be analyzing and reacting to chapters 35-39 of You Should See Me in A Crown, a young adult romance by Leah Johnson. This is the first lesbian romance I have ever read, and I loved it.
Warning: Spoilers Below!
The beginning of Week 6, when the prom queen and king will be announced, has finally arrived! The snippet at the beginning of this section is “All the world’s a game; all the wannabe kings and queens merely players,” which is definitely a reference to Shakespeare’s “all the world’s a stage.” Life definitely feels like a game sometimes, and it often feels like those who are most popular or wealthy end out on top.
The first part of this section reassures us that Robbie is now stable, thank god. I really don’t want this book to be a tragedy. I am in the mood for light fluffy romance at the moment.
Granny has a heart-to-heart with Liz that ends with Liz crying. Her mom wanted, basically as her dying wish, that Robbie and Liz stay together and take care of each other. When someone makes a request upon their deathbed, it is really poignant and vital. Especially with a loved one, keeping that promise becomes a way of honoring the dead. There is a lot of pressure on Liz to take care of Robbie, and knowing that she will not be able to always look after him breaks her heart.
Granny found out about Liz running for prom queen by reading Robbie’s phone when it was not locked. Now, in general I like Granny, but I can’t condone this. Teenagers should at least have some privacy. She shouldn’t be looking through his phone without asking him. It annoys me when one of my parents reads my texts off the lock screen, but I would be far angrier if they looked through my phone while it was unlocked.
What I love about Granny is that she tells Liz that it is ok to rest, which was some advice that Liz seemed to sorely need.
The last week before prom has arrived. Liz laments that she has just a platonic relationship with Mack, but is mostly willing to accept it. But what follows is the most epic promposal of the whole book. Teela Conrad is playing acoustic guitar and singing a song Liz loves called “My Life, My Story.” Mack skateboards into the room, flips the skateboard up, and shows the message on the board that asks Liz to go to prom with her. It is so freaking adorable. I love it, especially since they have such wonderful chemistry.
In the next chapter, we find out Granny has altered Liz’s mother’s prom dress for Liz to wear, which is super sweet. I kind of wish I had something passed down like that, like a piece of jewelry. Not a dress because I don’t really wear dresses.
The dress is compared to a Winona Ryder outfit, and since I haven’t seen Stranger Things regrettably, I can’t really picture it.
Granny and Grandad meet Mack, and I really hope my parents react the same way when they meet my girlfriend for the first time. They are sweet, supportive, and just happy for Liz. They are excited to meet Mack and it’s cute.
Robbie is so happy for her he wipes away a tear. My siblings and I are as close as Robbie and Liz I believe. It’s so good to have siblings who truly care.
It’s interesting to live vicariously through Liz as she attends her first prom. The décor, the drama, the atmosphere…. I still don’t wish I had gone to prom, but maybe I understand the hype a little more.
Mr. K tells Liz that the college Pennington is willing to hear her audition again after seeing her newest musical arrangement. What a relief that must be, after initially being rejected. Second chances mean a lot for most people.
Emme comes back for the prom, which has Jordan ecstatic and relieved beyond belief. I was worried this book would wrap up without us ever hearing of Emme again, so this is a happy surprise. Emme thanks Liz for being there for Jordan. I feel like the fact that we don’t really get Emme’s story is very reminiscient of real life, because you don’t always get life’s loose ends tied up. Some things are private and people deserve to have secrets if they want to.
Then Rachel is an asshole to Emme for disappearing without warning or explanation. I really hate Rachel, but I guess that’s the point. Rachel thinks that Emme disappeared to rehab, which is a possibility but was never specifically confirmed. And so what if she did? Honestly, people these days.
All of Rachel’s sort-of friends are finally turning against her, shocked by her behavior. It’s about time. Principal Wilson gets her the heck out of there, doing the right thing for once in his life. The applause afterward definitely seems warranted.
I love that Liz and Jordan win prom queen and king. They are definitely the most deserving out of all the competitors, the best that Campbell County has to offer. When Jordan gives Mack his crown, and the two girls dance and kiss, it’s just the best possible ending. I am completely satisfied. Even though I usually don’t like kissing scenes, this one was a good one. They deserve all the best.
This is my last reaction post to You Should See Me in a Crown. Leave a comment with what I should read next!
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