Identity by Alexandra Bayer

Identity by Alexandra Bayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

May 20, 2020

Aya Ellen Publishing

YA, Fiction, author request

320 pages

ISBN: 9781777224301

Rec’d 5/18/20

5/18/20-6/11/20

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a bittersweet young adult novel which is a change from my current genre. I was asked to review this book the author and my review is voluntary and unbiased.

The story initially caught my interest but I needed to keep reminding myself of the intended audience. Naya is a 19 year old university student who lives with her parents and brother Connor. As much as I can relate to Naya being a college student living at home, sometimes it get like Naya was in high school. I admired the close family bond although I can’t imagine having a Friday Family Game Night. Her family almost seemed too involved in the activities of Naya’s life as her mother was always reminding her to study and complete assignments. Most freshman university students who lived on campus would develop a more independent personality.

However, this is a sweet novel that will likely resonate with a much younger audience. Naya is a likable character who is dedicated to her studies especially after the breakup with her boyfriend Asher. Naya usually keeps to herself and realizes that most of her friends were tethered to her relationship with Asher. As a way to distract herself, she decides to go to the gym. She never expected to meet someone who would become the significant friend which she greatly desired. So, she is surprised when Brynn initiates a conversation with her at the gym on night.

Naya’s confidence and self esteem improve when she agrees to be Brynn’s “gym buddy”. Although Naya realizes that they both lead very different lives they form an unlikely connection. Brynn is a mystery to Naya with all her vague responses. Eventually, Naya discovers that Brynn is actually Aviva Jersey, a famous actress. Naya isn’t particularly star struck since she’s been developing a friendship with the person regardless of her name. It isn’t long before Naya realizes the complications and misunderstandings which can arise when you are friends with someone whose life is a public stage. There are several unexpected situations a for Naya who also finds that she can get over Asher and open her heart to love again.

This is a story about family and friendship and the challenges most people encounter such as honesty, faith and trust.


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