Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer is a compelling young adult novel that explores complex issues such as morality, redemption, social judgment, and the weight of past mistakes. Set in a contemporary high school setting, the story is told from alternating perspectives of two teenagers, Rob and Maegan, who are both dealing with public shame and personal guilt. Through a slow-burning emotional narrative, the novel challenges readers to reconsider what it means to be good, how second chances can reshape a life, and why people are never just the sum of their worst decisions.
Overview of the Plot
Rob Lachlan used to be a popular student star athlete, well-liked, and confident. But his world collapses when it’s revealed that his father was caught embezzling money from clients, including some of Rob’s classmates’ families. As the scandal unfolds, Rob becomes a social outcast, his reputation permanently stained by association. To make matters worse, his father’s suicide attempt leaves him mentally incapacitated, and Rob is left to cope with the care and shame all alone.
Maegan is also facing her own isolation. A high-achieving student, she made a major mistake during the SATs by helping a classmate cheat. The consequences of her actions ripple outward, affecting her scholarship hopes and how she is perceived by others. Although she tries to keep a low profile, her past continues to haunt her every interaction.
When Rob and Maegan are paired for a school project, neither is thrilled. However, as they begin to work together, a quiet connection forms. What begins as reluctant cooperation slowly becomes mutual understanding, trust, and even the possibility of love. As they start to open up to one another, both must decide what they are willing to risk to make things right in their lives and in the lives of others.
Main Characters
Rob Lachlan
Once the pride of his school, Rob now lives in the shadow of his father’s criminal actions. He is an emotionally complex character struggling to reconcile his inner goodness with the outward judgment he receives. Rob’s arc centers around moral ambiguity he wants to do good, but he’s tempted by actions that might not be legally or ethically right. His care for his father, and the loneliness he endures, make him a sympathetic figure despite his flaws.
Maegan Cavallero
Maegan’s life changed after a single decision during a high-pressure test. Now, labeled as dishonest, she finds it hard to regain her self-respect and the trust of others. She’s navigating not only the fallout from her mistake but also the growing tension in her family due to her sister’s unplanned pregnancy. Maegan’s strength lies in her quiet resilience and her ability to empathize with Rob, even when everyone else has given up on him.
Themes and Social Commentary
Morality and Redemption
A central theme in Call It What You Want is the question of whether people can change and redeem themselves after making serious mistakes. Both protagonists are facing moral dilemmas that test their integrity. Through their decisions and internal struggles, the novel suggests that while forgiveness from others may be hard to earn, personal redemption is still possible.
Social Judgment and Isolation
The book explores the consequences of public shame in a tightly knit school community. Rob and Maegan both become pariahs, illustrating how quick society is to judge, especially teenagers in a high school setting. Their loneliness becomes a powerful narrative force that brings them together, and Kemmerer does a good job of showing how isolation can impact mental health and self-worth.
Family and Responsibility
Both Rob and Maegan carry burdens far heavier than typical teens. Rob has taken on the role of caretaker for his father while dealing with legal implications and social scorn. Maegan, on the other hand, feels pressure to be the ‘perfect daughter’ to make up for her sister’s pregnancy. The novel realistically depicts how family dynamics and responsibilities influence young people’s choices and emotional development.
Writing Style and Structure
Brigid Kemmerer’s writing in Call It What You Want is accessible, emotionally rich, and character-driven. She alternates between Rob and Maegan’s perspectives in each chapter, giving readers intimate access to both their internal struggles. The dual POV format works particularly well for building empathy, as we see misunderstandings from both sides and witness their growing connection unfold organically.
Kemmerer’s prose is crisp and reflective, often delving into philosophical questions through simple but poignant dialogue. Her choice to let the story breathe rather than rush into dramatic revelations allows for deeper character development. It’s this patient narrative style that gives weight to the emotional arcs of Rob and Maegan.
Impact on Young Adult Literature
Call It What You Want continues Brigid Kemmerer’s tradition of writing emotionally intelligent, socially relevant young adult fiction. While she is also known for her fantasy series, her contemporary novels stand out for their depth and authenticity. This book, in particular, offers an honest portrayal of adolescent guilt, peer pressure, and the complex journey toward self-forgiveness.
Why It Resonates
- Addresses realistic teen struggles without being overly dramatic
- Explores second chances and the gray areas of morality
- Features authentic emotional growth and development
- Balances a love story with deeper social and ethical questions
Reader Reception
Call It What You Want received positive feedback from both critics and readers for its realistic portrayal of flawed characters. Many appreciated the fact that the story didn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths and allowed its protagonists to grow at their own pace. The nuanced depiction of friendship, trust, and redemption appealed to a wide audience, not just teenagers.
Fans of Kemmerer’s other contemporary titles such as Letters to the Lost or More Than We Can Tell will find familiar themes in this novel: broken families, moral complexity, and unlikely connections. The emotional payoff is subtle but rewarding, making the novel one of the standout entries in recent young adult literature.
Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer is more than just a teen drama or romance it is a layered exploration of identity, forgiveness, and resilience. Through the deeply personal stories of Rob and Maegan, the book asks readers to reconsider the definitions of right and wrong, and to look beneath the surface when judging others. It’s a heartfelt, thought-provoking novel that captures the challenges of adolescence with honesty and grace. For readers looking for a young adult book with emotional depth, social insight, and a hopeful message, this novel is a powerful choice.