Nina Kenwood lives in Melbourne. Her debut YA novel, It Sounded Better in My Head, won the Text Prize and was a finalist for the American Library Association’s William C. Morris Award, as well as being shortlisted for a number of Australian awards. It has been published in six languages and optioned to be adapted for the screen. Unnecessary Drama is Nina’s second novel.

PRAISE

Praise for Nina Kenwood and It Sounded Better in My Head

‘A perfect pick for fans of Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before who are looking for their next quirky romantic heroine.’

Booklist

‘I am all-caps OBSESSED with this achingly insightful, utterly charming, beautiful heart-punch of a book.’

Becky Albertalli

‘I love, love, loved it.’

Melina Marchetta

‘An adorably awkward and real romance. It was love at first chapter for me.’

Emily Gale

‘This book is delicious—beautiful, funny, real and supremely honest. I devoured it.’

Claire Christian

‘I loved this delightful, funny, big-hearted book. Natalie’s wry internal voice really spoke to the awkward-teen me.’

Melissa Keil

‘The most gorgeous, tender-hearted, funny and beautifully awkward story I’ve read all year…I loved this book. Just inhaled it.’

Rebecca Sparrow

‘A gorgeous and funny coming-of-age novel.’

Books+Publishing ★★★★★

‘A rare gem; a simple story told with an utterly authentic and humorous voice that portrays with great empathy the insecurities and confusion of young adulthood…An absolute knockout of a novel [that] will win over hearts and minds everywhere!’

Readings

‘A deeply tender coming-of-age story about first love, friendship, and all the horrifying awkwardness of navigating young adulthood. Thrumming with wonderfully nuanced and vividly depicted emotion, this book will make your heart soar, while also making you laugh.’

Booktopia

‘I loved every word of it…I couldn’t stop thinking of Sally Rooney’s work—the clear, conversational prose is absolutely spot on, and every scene is keenly observed.’

Kill Your Darlings

‘A sweet, funny and relatable account of the dramas of those grappling with late adolescence…Kenwood masters with aplomb the dialogue of her characters.’

Age

‘Hilarious and heartbreaking, It Sounded Better in My Head is a glistening dive into adolescent romance and burgeoning independence.’

Geelong Echo

‘Peppered with sparkling humour and electric dialogue, the portrayal of Natalie’s struggles with self-image, future worries and accidental love is heartwarming. Kenwood has achieved the almost impossible: the quintessential YA voice.’

Big Issue

‘An appealing and clever exploration of teenage fears and joys.’

Magpies

‘Sharp, funny, and self-aware.’

Publishers Weekly

‘Compared to Sally Rooney and Judy Blume, Kenwood is a major talent and this charismatic, booknerdishly cool novel is an absolute delight. Give it to your favourite teenager or keep it for yourself.’

In Daily

‘A fantastically fun read. You will find yourself laughing, rolling your eyes and cheering for Natalie, all at the same time.’

Otago Daily Times