S2 Ep 9: Character Development in Brandon Hoàng's YA novel Gloria Buenrostro is Not My Girlfriend

Looking for an entertaining read full of awkward teen love and friendships? Gloria Buenrostro is Not My Girlfriend is that book.

Join us as we talked with Brandon Hoàng about writing strong characters, choosing an audience for your story, and more on writing and creating.

Here were a few of our favorite lines that stood out to us as we read:

* Alexis: Her fingers touching mine. Her warmth cut through the cold dough. Her fingertips trickled over my knuckles as if in slow-motion. This wasn’t a graze or a brushing. This was a full-on touch. The kind of touch that sucked all the oxygen out of the room. The kind that made you promise to God that you’d never indulge in another sin if it meant getting ten more seconds. I had to keep reminding myself that it would be rude for me to race out of the kitchen and call Preston. No one would be believe me anyway. I know I wouldn't.  “I’m doing the masa mash. Ha.” God. I hated myself. What was I doing? There she was opening up to me about her parents’ crumbling marriage, and here I was making dorky jokes like some sitcom dad. Was this all it took to stop my neurons from firing?

* Brittany: There were many lines that I highlighted because they resonated with me for one reason or another but one section had me thinking well past closing the back cover.  (pg.219-22) The section begins …“I know her.” His spittle sprayed across my cheek. I didn’t dare to wipe it off. “I know her type. They’re all alike…” This was a tough moment with one of the side characters that really illustrates Brandon’s character techniques.

Share your favorite lines!

Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.

You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.

We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.

Music credits: Will Saulnier

About Brandon Hoàng

Brandon Hoàng grew up reading Babysitter’s Club books, among other classics, and fans of BSC will love his Young Adult debut, Gloria Buenrostro is Not My Girlfriend. Brandon has also other books released and coming soon! Make sure to check out his website to stay in the know.

About Gloria Buenrostro is Not My Girlfriend

Gary Võ is one of the few Vietnamese kids in his school and has been shy for as long as he can remember--being ignored and excluded by his classmates comes with the territory. So when the most popular guy in his grade offers Gary the opportunity to break into his inner circle, Gary jumps at the chance. All he needs to do is steal the prized possession of the most beautiful and untouchable girl they know--Gloria Buenrostro.

But as Gary gets to know Gloria, he's taken in by her authenticity and genuine interest in who he really is. Soon, they're best friends. Being part of the "in crowd" has always been Gary's dream, but as he comes closer to achieving infamy, he risks losing the first person who recognizes his true self. Gary must consider if any amount of popularity is worth losing a true friend.

There’s also a playlist!

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Looking ahead

We have one more read and interview to wrap up season 2!

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