If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin is a heartbreaking YA gem that’ll rip your soul apart with its raw, nostalgic love story. Autumn Davis, an artsy, bookish teen, has been inseparable from her neighbor and best friend, Finny, since they were kids—think shared secrets, late-night talks, and a bond that feels like fate. But as high school hits, their once-tight friendship frays; Finn’s now the golden jock dating the popular Sylvie, while Autumn’s with her quirky boyfriend Jamie, hanging with the misfit crowd. Told through Autumn’s wistful POV, with “if only” flashbacks to their childhood, the 400-page novel traces her aching, unspoken love for Finn and the missed chances that haunt her. Nowlin’s lyrical prose nails the messy beauty of growing up, though some fans say Autumn’s self-absorption grates or the slow pace drags. The ending—oh, that ending—is a gut-punch that’s got TikTok and BookTok sobbing, making this a cult favorite for fans of bittersweet coming-of-age tales, even if it leaves you shattered.

Who Should Read It? This is for YA contemporary fans who love angsty, unrequited love stories, readers craving All the Bright Places or The Fault in Our Stars vibes, or anyone who wants a deep, emotional dive into friendship and regret. If you’re into Binding 13 or You’ve Reached Sam and don’t mind triggers like grief, depression, or a devastating twist (check warnings!), grab this—it’s perfect for a teary, reflective read. Teens and adults will feel the nostalgia, but brace for a heavy cry.

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