At a glance
First published2023
Reading time~7h
AudienceYA (12-18)
M
About the Author
Megan Lally1 book reviewed · 3.8 avg
Ask LuvemBooks
That's Not My Name is a tense YA thriller built around identity and deception, using a dual-POV structure that generates real dramatic irony and keeps pages turning. Megan Lally's debut earns its 3.8/5 rating through lean, purposeful prose and a thematically rich premise — though a rushed final act and thin secondary characters keep it just short of great.
- Summarize this book
- That's Not My Name is a YA thriller centered on secrets, lies, and the slippery nature of identity. Megan Lally tells the story through a dual-POV structure that puts readers in a state of sustained dramatic irony — you often know more than the characters do, which ratchets up the tension. The premise is immediately gripping and the prose stays lean throughout, though the final act resolves its mysteries a bit too quickly given the careful buildup.
- Is it worth reading?
- For fans of YA thrillers, yes — That's Not My Name earns a solid 3.8/5. The dual-POV structure is genuinely well-executed, the identity and betrayal themes resonate, and the pacing holds strong for the majority of the novel. Just go in knowing the finale doesn't fully deliver on the setup, and some supporting characters feel more like plot devices than real people.
- About Megan Lally
- Megan Lally is a YA author whose debut novel, That's Not My Name, signals a strong entry into the YA thriller space. The reviewer highlights her lean, purposeful prose style as a distinguishing quality — she avoids the stylistic shortcuts common in the genre. As a debut author, her full bibliography is still developing, but her handling of dual-POV structure and identity-driven tension suggests a writer with real craft instincts to watch.
- Similar books
- If That's Not My Name appeals to you, E. Lockhart's We Were Liars is the closest companion — it shares the unreliable-narrator, secrets-and-betrayal DNA and hits even harder emotionally. Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak and Kathleen Glasgow's Girl in Pieces both explore teen identity under pressure with unflinching honesty. For something lighter but equally voice-driven, Tamara Ireland Stone's Every Last Word and Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower both reward readers who connect with the 'who am I really?' thread at the heart of Lally's novel.
- Who should read this?
- That's Not My Name is best suited for teen readers and young adults who enjoy fast-paced thrillers built around secrets and identity rather than pure action or gore. The betrayal and identity themes are especially likely to resonate with high schoolers navigating questions of self. Adult fans of YA thrillers — or readers who loved We Were Liars — will find it equally worthwhile.
- Is this appropriate for teens?
- Yes — That's Not My Name is firmly within YA parameters. The thriller elements center on secrets, deception, and identity rather than graphic violence or explicit content. The identity and betrayal themes are particularly well-suited for teen readers, and the pacing and prose style are calibrated for that age group without being condescending.
- Is it a good book club pick?
- That's Not My Name makes a solid YA book club pick, particularly for groups that enjoy dissecting structure and theme alongside plot. The dual-POV setup gives readers different entry points to discuss, and the questions of identity and betrayal lend themselves to personal reflection. The one caveat: the rushed ending may frustrate members who wanted a more satisfying payoff — but that frustration usually makes for great discussion.
Summarize this book
Is it worth reading?
About Megan Lally
Who should read this?
Is this appropriate for teens?
Is it a good book club pick?
Summarize this book
That's Not My Name is a YA thriller centered on secrets, lies, and the slippery nature of identity. Megan Lally tells the story through a dual-POV structure that puts readers in a state of sustained dramatic irony — you often know more than the characters do, which ratchets up the tension. The premise is immediately gripping and the prose stays lean throughout, though the final act resolves its mysteries a bit too quickly given the careful buildup.
Follow up
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How does the dual-POV work?
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Based on our expert reviews · LuvemBooks
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Editorial Review
A tense, identity-driven YA thriller with a gripping dual-POV structure and genuine thematic ambition, held back by a rushed resolution and underdeveloped secondary characters. Strong debut work from Megan Lally.
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