High School Epic by Hannah R. Goodman transports us back to the turbulent ’90s as Dani Fetter begins high school carrying the weight of her father’s disappearance. Expecting her best friends to stand by her, she instead finds her core group swept up into the superficial world of popularity and parties, leaving her on her own. Until she meets Kevin, an outsider she finds relatable, while offering her the attention she is sorely missing. Even when Dani thinks her world is right again, betrayal rears its ugly head, shifting her world once more. Navigating the world of teenage hormones, friendship, and first loves, Goodman tells Dani’s story with a distinctly witty and authentic voice that brings the 1990s to life on every page. The story is told through each year of high school, allowing us to see Dani’s turmoil and setbacks, as well as her growth.

Hannah R. Goodman’s writing is honest and resonant, crackling with Nineties authenticity; she manages to balance laughter, awkwardness, and emotional truth in a way that rings true for a teenage girl. Dani’s journey begins with confusion and abandonment, and the story highlights the path she trod, with its ups and downs, with empathy and humor. The supporting cast is exactly what’s expected in high school: chaotic and bright, which is also a perfect embodiment of the '90s. Beneath the chaos, High School Epic is the entertaining story of what it means to grow up when you feel torn asunder, finding connections after abandonment, and reinventing yourself in the aftermath of platonic and romantic heartbreak. This isn’t just another coming-of-age tale; it is thoughtful and heartfelt with just enough nostalgia to make you smile.

High School Epic by Hannah R. Goodman begins with three good friends navigating the journey into high school as naïve and innocent girls. But teenage dramas and serious family issues quickly dispel Dani Fetter’s illusions of adulthood. Her father is missing, and her best friends make her feel like a third wheel in their infatuation with unsuitable boys. Dani becomes a silent observer of their forays into sexuality and experimentation. Until Kevin Martin steps back into her world and claims her heart like a white knight. But can this cool, handsome skater boy rise to the challenge and keep Dani’s faith, or will he destroy it like everyone before him? Nothing is as it seems on the surface, not her father’s disappearance, her friends’ loyalty, or Kevin’s steadfast love. As Dani stands on the precipice of adolescence, the sand shifts beneath her feet, and she finally faces the fact that her future was always hers to claim.

High School Epic by Hannah R. Goodman plumbs the depths of Dani’s isolation, her highs, and her devastating lows. I enjoyed Goodman’s ability to evoke emotions through Dani’s painful honesty. The prevalent theme is of a Plan B life, with Dani losing more than she gains as her father’s abandonment and the dissolution of her friends' group destroy her image of her future. Abandonment is a visible thread, repeated throughout Dani’s connections with others. I found it clever how Dani’s father is presented as a giant personality in her memories, an alpha male whose past wisdom permeates her life. I loved how Goodman then destroys him, presenting a small and selfish man hiding behind excuses for his neglect. This is a phenomenal paradox, repeated with Dani’s image of Kevin, who moves from the perfect boyfriend to a spiteful, self-absorbed stalker. Goodman is a master of emotional narrative control and absolutely nails the angsty teenage character arcs with consummate skill and breathtaking flair.

High School Epic by Hannah R. Goodman follows the story of Dani Fetter, a teenager navigating the emotional upheaval of growing up after her father’s sudden disappearance. Entering high school with a heavy heart, Dani hopes to find comfort in her best friends. However, she instead finds herself left behind as they chase popularity and parties. Her unexpected connection with Kevin Martin, a fellow outsider, offers her a brief sense of belonging before betrayal tears it apart. As the years unfold, new friendships form, old ones fade, and Dani learns hard lessons about love, identity, and resilience.

Author Hannah R. Goodman created a wonderful story about growing up under tough circumstances and learning to overcome them all. Told through a creative mix of letters and traditional chapters, the novel captures the rollercoaster of teenage life with both humor and heartbreak. Goodman masterfully balances nostalgia and realism, immersing readers in the emotional and often funny chaos of high school. I loved how flawed, human, and relatable Dani was. I enjoyed reading about how Dani grew up and worked through her emotions, desires, and heartbreaks, which are typical of most teenagers. The letter format allows readers to see Dani’s unfiltered thoughts and emotional growth. The author successfully captures the cultural and emotional landscape of the early 1990s, using the era as a genuine backdrop for the story rather than a prop. I loved the raw honesty of the story and the realism of the plot. This is a breezy read, and it kept me entertained. High School Epic is the perfect example of a coming-of-age story done well!

In High School Epic by Hannah R. Goodman, Dani’s father disappeared two years ago without explanation. This affects the family greatly, but she still wants to find her father. Her brother, Mick, is extremely talented academically. Tiff and Kris are Dani’s friends. They go to the same school and do a lot of activities together. One day, a new student joins their school, whom the girls find to be very attractive. Kevin's attraction to Dani and their eventual relationship causes problems. It also puts a strain on Dani’s friendship with Kris and Tiff. Kris also has other problems, like her struggle with bulimia and her alcohol abuse. How will things turn out?

High School Epic by Hannah R. Goodman is a thought-provoking read that expertly captures things that affect teenagers, like what they consider important in relationships and school life. It shows how peer pressure can influence issues like drug and substance abuse and how family problems affect teenagers. It got me thinking about the role of stable families in shaping children’s behavior. The characters were well-developed, and the seamless flow of the plot ensured no room for confusion for the reader. Hannah also ensured the narration was excellent, which added to the overall beauty of the work. The reader will also appreciate the vivid descriptions of events and emotions, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. This was a good read, and I look forward to reading something else by this talented author.