Kelly Quindlen’s She Drives Me Crazy is the kind of book that makes you laugh, swoon, and occasionally wince at the sting of truth hidden inside its humor. It’s a quintessential young adult rom-com, a sapphic enemies-to-lovers story packed with all the tropes readers love fake dating, one bed, holiday settings, and a slow burn that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly honest.
At first glance, She Drives Me Crazy sounds like a lighthearted teen romance: after a crushing basketball game against her ex-girlfriend’s team, Scottie Zajac gets into a fender bender with her longtime nemesis, Irene Abraham. The two could not be more different. Scottie is emotional, impulsive, and still reeling from heartbreak, while Irene is the picture of poise beautiful, confident, and just a little too perfect. But when their meddling moms force them to carpool together, sparks start to fly in the most unexpected ways.
What begins as an awkward arrangement turns into a full-blown fake dating scheme. Scottie wants revenge on her toxic ex and a little social redemption, while Irene needs cash to pay for the damage to her car. The plan? Pretend to be a couple for a few months. The result? A hilarious, heartfelt, and sometimes messy journey of self-discovery.
Quindlen’s storytelling shines brightest in her characters. Scottie is far from perfect, and that’s exactly what makes her so compelling. She’s bitter, angry, sometimes downright unlikeable but her pain is real, and her growth feels earned. Watching her heal from a toxic relationship while learning to take responsibility for her actions is both satisfying and deeply relatable. Irene, on the other hand, is a wonderful surprise. What begins as a stereotypical “mean girl cheerleader” slowly unravels into a layered, vulnerable young woman fighting to be taken seriously. Their chemistry is electric, their banter sharp, and their eventual vulnerability toward one another gives the romance real emotional weight.
The book’s setting a small town that lives and breathes Christmas adds a delightful layer of whimsy. With its over-the-top holiday cheer, quirky side characters, and classic rom-com energy, the story feels like a love letter to 80s and 90s teen movies such as Dirty Dancing, Say Anything, and She’s the Man. It’s campy in all the best ways, filled with big gestures, laugh-out-loud moments, and a soundtrack that practically plays in your head as you read.
Yet beneath the humor lies a genuine message about healing and rediscovering self-worth after heartbreak. She Drives Me Crazy explores how toxic love can distort one’s sense of identity and how real love, built on respect and communication, can restore it. Quindlen handles these themes with warmth and nuance, making the story as meaningful as it is entertaining.
While some readers might find the fake-dating premise slightly unrealistic especially the detail that Scottie is essentially paying Irene to date her their emotional evolution and heartfelt moments more than make up for it. Quindlen’s prose is lively, her pacing fast, and her dialogue perfectly tuned to teen sensibilities. By the time the big romantic gesture arrives, it feels entirely earned.
She Drives Me Crazy is cheesy, campy, and a little bit ridiculous but that’s exactly what makes it so irresistible. It’s a celebration of messy emotions, second chances, and queer joy. For readers craving a sapphic romance that feels both classic and contemporary, this book is a slam dunk.
If you loved Love & Basketball, Mean Girls, or Can’t Buy Me Love, this one’s for you. Funny, tender, and unapologetically queer, She Drives Me Crazy deserves a spot on every YA rom-com lover’s shelf.
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