BOOKS

Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—
a community for book lovers from Girls' Life magazine. 

If you're new here, hello and welcome! Here's how this works: Each month we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, where you'll be able to find Bestie Book Club updates, special contests, giveaways and more.  

Here's a quick list of everything you'll find inside this post (and beyond)...

Frankie & Bug: THE BOOK CLUB AT-A-GLANCE
+ Check out this month's must-read (buy it right now HERE!)
+ Get *all* the amazing book deets (warning: spoilers abound!) 
+ Meet our ~srsly fabulous~ #bookstagrammer besties
+ Learn how to join our book club!

Yessss, winter break is almost here, *finally* time for some rest and relaxation—and what better way to do that than with a heartwarming yet riveting friendship-slash-mystery read? 

Frankie & Bug by Gayle Forman is our December Bestie Book Club pick and it has everything you want in a holiday page-turner: Crime sleuths, family drama, a relatable protagonist and an unlikely, yet spectacular, BFF bond.

Psst: Want to skip the spoilers and just read our (low spoiler) Bestie Book Club reviews?  Click HERE.

Dreary winter days call for a transport to summertime—and Frankie & Bug delivers. It's 1987 and Bug's ready for a California summer: hanging out with her older brother Danny, spending time with her upstairs neighbor Phillip and chilling at the beach. 

But this year, *everything* is different. While Danny's allowed to hang with his friends, Bug's stuck at home with an unexpected arrival, Phillip's nephew Frankie. Even though they're around the same age, these two don't seem to have anything in common (Frankie doesn't even *like* the beach). The only thing Frankie does seem to be interested in is solving the mystery of the Midnight Marauder, a possible murderer on the prowl in Los Angeles. 

Though Frankie and Bug butt heads at first, they start to grow closer, bonding over secrets and spy missions. What comes next is fun escapades plus v. relatable life lessons about friendship, family and finding yourself. 

What are you waiting for?! Read Frankie & Bug right now. 

Spoiler level: Medium

Did our Bestie Book Club love Frankie & Bug? Read on! Meet Bianca, Chiara, Ellarose, Kamryn, Kylee and Reese. These ~fabulous~ GL girls heart reading as much as you do—and they're here to answer *all* our most burning Qs about Frankie & Bug. 

Bianca & Chiara @dambrosiotwins

What was most relatable about Frankie & Bug? "The close bond the two friends formed throughout the novel. As twins and BFFs, we can always connect to an amaze friendship." 
Who would heart this book? "Anyone looking to kick back, relax and get lost in a story with meaningful moments and enjoyable twists and turns." 
Who's your fave character? "Frankie was super interesting to get to know as the story went on." 

Ellarose @ellarosekaylor

Have you ever befriended the new kid—just like Bug does with Frankie? "I *love* when new girls come to my school or ice rink—it's always an opportunity to make an exciting connection. Two of my BFFs were new kids and we've been inseparable ever since we met.
Mama says that "life isn't always fair, but it's just." What do those words mean to you? "You might not always get your way or get what you want—but you should work toward a future that is kind and equitable." 
What's one life lesson every girl should know? "Don't let unkind actions slide and speak up for what is right." 

Kamryn @itskamrynsmith

Why did you love Frankie & Bug? "This book is so real and honest, and helps teach us to accept others even if they are different from us." 
Were there any moments you could relate to Bug? "Absolutely. Bug struggles with finding her identity and feeling like an outsider at times, which girls my age can definitely connect to." 
What's one life lesson you learned from this book? "Life isn't always fair, but strong friendships can help get you through tough times." 

Kylee @cheerps.lauren_k

What's one moment that sticks out to you in the book? "When Bug and Frankie start to learn more about each other's pasts. It's important to understand someone's story before you judge them." 
Who's a character you felt connected to? "Frankie's fascination with solving mysteries was really relatable for me—I love getting lost in spooky stories like this one." 
What did you take away from Bug and Frankie's friendship? "Sometimes, the best bonds can be found in the most unlikely places. Be open-minded to meeting new people." 

Reese @thereesewarren

What's one thing you heart about this book? "The descriptions are so beautiful—I really love how they set the scene in Southern California, where I live."
Bug struggles feeling like she's losing Phillip to Frankie. Have you ever had this experience? "It was so relatable. I've had times where my BFF made a new friend and I felt I was losing her—but then came to realize that we can thrive as a group." 
Who's your favorite character? "Bug! She makes a great protagonist and her character felt super real." 

So you've read the book and you're ready to talk all things Frankie & Bug? Wondering *exactly* how the Bestie Book Club works and what it means to be a member? There are so many ways you can get involved—whether it's solo, on social media or with your whole squad. Here's a quick list...
+ SOLO. Take out your trusted journal and answer any of our reader response prompts based on Frankie & Bug: What's one life lesson you learned from this book? Have you ever formed an unlikely friendship with someone you didn't get at first? How do Bug and Frankie handle their independent struggles throughout the read? What does true friendship mean to you? 
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Share your thoughts on Frankie & Bug using the hashtag #glbestiebookclub on Twitter and Instagram. (Just remember: You have to have a public account for us to be able to see and respond to your posts).
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Host a book club party—IRL or Zoom—to chat out the questions above. Be sure to reach out to a new friend and bring them along. And be sure to tag us in your snaps so we can share them! 

by GL | 12/11/2021