Libby Lawrence is good at pretending

Libby Lawrence is Good at Pretending
Written by Jodi McAlister
Published by Wakefield Press

Libby Lawrence has left home with her best friend Ella. Ella is escaping her country life and farm-loving boyfriend, Libby is escaping her shy reputation. In a new share house, they both delve into their creative university courses. Libby discovers Uni Rep, a not-for-profit theatre company, and with encouragement from Ella, builds up the courage to audition.

Despite being a performer, Libby doesn’t believe she is truly seen by others until the day her understudy role allows her to take centre stage. Although she appears cool, calm and collected, no one, not even Ella, knows about the negative internal monologue that is constantly holding Libby back.

Ella, meanwhile is battling her own demons. Libby and Ella are inseparable; however, Ella feels deep guilt that Libby is the one always propping her up, when life becomes too challenging. Together, the girls navigate love, friendship and self-esteem.

Libby Lawrence is Good at Pretending is Jodi McAlister’s first contemporary romance for young adults. She is a senior lecturer in Writing, Literature and Culture, and has written a broad range of non-fiction, adult rom-coms and YA paranormal books.