What do a self-help book, a road trip to Jalapão, and a lifelong crush have in common? Simply heaven and hell in the life of Ana Menezes, 24, in an existential crisis, with no future in her career, and single. Nice to meet you! From the author of "The 12 Signs of Valentina ," Ray Tavares introduces unforgettable characters in a new novel sure to warm any millennial's heart.
Ana is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Without professional direction and in the midst of a professional crisis, the young woman sees her dream of becoming a writer disappearing faster than her chances of finding love. It's as if her professional and emotional lives are competing to see which will go down the drain faster. After all, stalking Bárbara, her high school crush, on social media doesn't count as a love life.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. And that's what leads Ana to buy "You'll Only Be Awesome When You Feel Awesome ," the book by coach-guide-guru Tony Diniz, which promises to revolutionize your life, transform your mindset, and make you emanate waves of happiness, whatever that means. I know, it sounds like rock bottom.
But nothing is so bad that it can't get worse. With the copy in hand, Ana runs into Bárbara, herself, the perfect, successful crush. In a humiliating twist of fate, Bárbara reveals that she's organizing the coach's retreat in Jalapão and decides to invite her to the event.
With nothing left to lose but the rest of her money and her dignity, the young woman decides to embark on a journey in an attempt to feel badass and, who knows, maybe win the love of her life. After all, what could go wrong? Will the humiliated finally be exalted?
"Ray Tavares paints a faithful portrait of Generation Z's anxieties: Is everyone better than me? When will my dreams come true? Why is my life still at a standstill while Olivia Rodrigo wins a Grammy before she's 20? Far from presumptuous in offering answers, The Perks of Being You embraces, shakes, and celebrates the chaos and beauty of growing up." - Juan Jullian, author of "Dear Ex ."
"Filled with Ray Tavares's humor, The Perks of Being You is a wonderful story about growing up and embracing who we are. You'll love Ana and Bárbara!" - Ana Rosa, author of Are You Here?
"A cinema-worthy sapphic romance, full of what Ray does best: dark humor, real characters, and journeys of self-discovery that make us laugh and cry at the same time!" — Bia Crespo, screenwriter and audiovisual producer.
