Book reviews by
Douglas’ acclaimed novel tells the story of two high school students, Ryden and Misha, and the tumultuous relationship that ensues between them. With its exploration of teenage love, growing pains, and self-discovery, ‘Punk 57’ is a timeless classic that readers of all ages can connect with. If you are a fan of Murakami’s Norwegian Wood, this novel will surely create some sparks for you too.
The story centers around two teenagers, Ryen and Misha, who have a complicated relationship that is full of secrets. A teacher from a different school paired them as pen pals in the fifth grade. Ryen is the beautiful and outgoing adopted daughter of the school principal; she is popular, athletic, and charming with a gruff attitude.
In contrast, Misha is an introverted artist who comes across as distant and mysterious. He has been living with his aunt since her parents are not around. Despite the differences between the two characters, they start to form an unexpected relationship that will leave them both changed forever.
Things start to get complicated when Ryen and Misha reconnect after years apart. Although they had been childhood friends, their paths diverged as they got older. When they meet again by chance, Ryen is determined to be Misha’s protector, especially when his father reappears in his life. Who, like his mother, had been absent since childhood. Despite the obstacles that stand between them, the two teens are brought closer together as their bond of friendship begins to grow.
Slowly but surely, Misha’s secrets unravel as he and Ryen come ever closer. It turns out Misha is being desperately pursued by his father for something he believes he has. His father re-appearing in his life does not seem to be coming from good intentions. To protect her friend, Ryen puts his own life at risk and soon enough both teens are in a dangerous situation. Now all they can do is fight to protect themselves – and one another.
Throughout the story, Ryen and Misha battle the odds that life throws at them and always remain loyal.
Even in the rough patches where secrets are revealed, they still manage to overcome the difficulties they face together. It can be read as a touching story of friendship in difficult times, as these two resilient characters fight for survival and a better future.
In the book, Ryen and Misha find an unlikely connection in each other that helps them to heal old wounds.
With their newfound friendship, they attempt to break away from the painful pasts that have been holding them back. Painful pasts and dangerous adventures are two important themes in this book. The most important theme is friendship.
Through a journey of self-discovery and finding true companionship in each other, they forge ahead with courage and determination to create their own paths for the future.
Douglas is an American author and respected leader in the publishing world. She achieved success with her first novel, “The Wall of Winnipeg and Me,” which debuted at #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List — a rare feat for a self-published novel! Her other popular works include the contemporary romance series “Jilted” and “Fallout,” as well as her stand-alone novels, “Bully” and “Melt.”
Douglas began writing during her early twenties while working full-time. She incorporated aspects of real-life experiences, such as heartbreak and adversity onto the pages of her first novel, which went on to become a New York Times Bestseller. Douglas’ talent for writing has seen her create strong, resilient female leads that empower readers around the world. In addition to fiction writing she’s held speaking engagements, and interactive workshops and participated in online forums with fans.
Penelope’s career has been incredibly impactful in the publishing industry, both for readers and professionals throughout the sector. Her unique voice, bold stories, and female-driven narratives created a new space of writing, one that empowers others to challenge perspectives and uproot stereotypes.
She has taken risks, including self-publishing her works and introducing diverse characters that hadn’t been seen before in romance books. Her success reveals just how effective balancing innovation with tradition can be in creating a lasting impact on the publishing world. Follow Penelope Douglas on Amazon and check out all her books.
In the book, the two pen pals from different schools that a teacher paired finally meet face to face in high school and realize they are not who they thought they were. Ryen loves the best take-out Pizza: Gallo’s pizza and worships her iPhone, while Misha is the lead singer of a band and has a caveman attitude toward women.
I like how the two become friends and develop a strong connection, but there’s a really uncomfortable element in the story that some readers may find pretty abusive. Despite that, the book has a decent pace and some interesting story elements, like the scavenger hunt they go on, and the way the author incorporates music and lyrics into the narrative.
Overall the novel is a flawed but decent read for fans of new adult romance with some sexual tension and several sex scenes, although it’s definitely not for everyone. Some people have classified the book more as vulgar porn than erotic romance.
