You and Me at the End of the World by Brianna Bourne
Published by Scholastic Press on July 20, 2021
ISBN: 1338712632
Pages: 368
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction
Goodreads

This apocalyptic YA novel is somehow beautiful and comforting. Hannah and Leo are the only two people left in Houston, Texas, and they can’t quite figure out what happened. They knew each other previously from school, but her life as an almost-professional ballerina and his as a guitar player for his ‘80s-style band Rat Skillet seem like complete opposites. She’s lived her life as a perfectionist; he’s known for being an unreliable slacker. Somehow, they are exactly what the other needs most.

Faced with strange storms, unreliable sun patterns, and the sheer emptiness of society, the pair are forced to discover why they have fallen into certain stereotypes throughout their lives and who they were really meant to be. Somewhere along the way they become tangled up in their own love story as well, and form a deep, supportive friendship that neither one of them could have predicted. 

This is a solid, entertaining book, leaving readers wanting to figure out the mystery while being completely charmed by the protagonists’ relationship. During our teenage years, many of us self-evaluate, so the major theme in this book is relatable and important, leaving readers to ponder many questions. What is it that brings me joy? Do I work hard for myself or for others? Should we let other people (or our past) define who we want to be in the future?

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta