“Kate and I, we were a story. A good story, even if it didn't have a happy ending. And maybe, just maybe, it wasn't over yet.”
— Francesca reflects on her relationship with Kate.
Archivist's Choice
Kissing Kate
Lauren Myracle (2003)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
150 min
Key Themes
See below
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After a single, drunken kiss shatters her world and sends her best friend Kate into an icy silence, Lissa must navigate first love, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace an unexpected truth.
Synopsis
Lissa and Kate have been best friends for four years, sharing everything. At a drunken party, Kate kisses Lissa, and Lissa kisses her back. The next day, Kate avoids Lissa, leaving Lissa confused and heartbroken. As Kate continues to pretend the kiss never happened, Lissa questions her identity, her friendship with Kate, and her own feelings. She finds comfort and a new perspective in Ariel, a free-spirited new girl who helps Lissa understand her growing feelings and sexual identity. Lissa grows closer to Ariel, developing new confidence and independence, even as she tries to confront Kate about their shared moment. After Ariel eventually leaves, Lissa, now more self-assured, has another encounter with Kate, but this time Lissa is better equipped to move forward, understanding that the experience, though painful, helped her personal growth and self-discovery.
Reading time
150 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Introspective, Conflicted, Hopeful, Sweet
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy introspective YA romance focusing on self-discovery and first same-sex experiences.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fast-paced plots or stories with clear, immediate romantic resolutions.
Plot Summary
The Party and the Kiss
The story opens with Lissa remembering a party. Her best friend, Kate, had been drinking heavily and, in a vulnerable moment, leaned in and kissed Lissa. Lissa, surprised but also drawn in, kissed her back. This was not a quick peck; it was a deep, lingering kiss that left Lissa feeling shock, excitement, and confusion. The next morning, Kate acts as if nothing happened, ignoring Lissa, which devastates and bewilders Lissa. This sudden coldness from Kate, her closest friend for four years, starts Lissa's emotional turmoil and self-discovery throughout the novel. The kiss shatters the comfortable, platonic dynamic they had always shared.
Kate's Avoidance and Lissa's Confusion
After the party, Kate completely shuts Lissa out. She avoids Lissa in the school hallways, ignores her calls and texts, and even changes her routines to prevent any encounters. This sudden rejection leaves Lissa reeling. She cannot understand why Kate, her best friend, is acting this way, especially after what Lissa saw as a mutual moment. Lissa replays the kiss in her mind, trying to understand its meaning and Kate's behavior. She feels a deep sense of loss and betrayal, as her social world, which revolved around Kate, crumbles. Her attempts to confront Kate are met with silent refusal, deepening Lissa's hurt and confusion.
Enter the Free Spirit: Ariel
Amidst her isolation, Lissa meets Ariel, a new student. Ariel is a free-spirited, unconventional, and openly queer individual who quickly befriends Lissa. Unlike Kate, Ariel is uninhibited and encourages Lissa to embrace her true feelings and question social norms. Ariel's presence is a breath of fresh air for Lissa, who has been suffocating under Kate's rejection and her own confusion. Ariel discusses difficult topics and gives Lissa an outlet to process her emotions about Kate and the kiss. Their friendship grows quickly, offering Lissa a sense of belonging and understanding she needs.
Unpacking Feelings and Sexual Identity
With Ariel's encouragement, Lissa begins to understand her complicated feelings for Kate. She starts to acknowledge that her feelings for Kate might be more than platonic friendship, a realization that is both frightening and freeing. Ariel, through her own openness and experiences, helps Lissa understand that attraction is not always straightforward and that it is okay to question her sexual identity. Lissa deals with the idea of being attracted to another girl, something she had never considered. This period involves introspection, as Lissa confronts her assumptions about love and relationships, slowly accepting the possibility of her own bisexuality or homosexuality.
Growing Closer to Ariel
As Lissa spends more time with Ariel, their friendship deepens. Ariel introduces Lissa to new music, art, and ways of thinking, broadening Lissa's horizons. Their conversations are honest and open, allowing Lissa to feel truly seen and accepted for the first time in a long while. Through Ariel's influence, Lissa starts to shed her inhibitions and embrace a more authentic version of herself. This period helps Lissa's personal growth, as she learns to trust her own instincts and desires, rather than constantly seeking validation from others, particularly Kate. Ariel's support empowers Lissa to navigate her emotions.
Confronting Kate (Attempt 1)
Driven by a need for closure, Lissa tries to confront Kate again. She tries to approach Kate more directly, hoping to force a conversation about the kiss and Kate's behavior. However, Kate remains stubbornly defensive and avoids any real discussion. She dismisses the kiss as a drunken mistake, something that means nothing, and refuses to acknowledge Lissa's hurt or confusion. Kate's continued denial and emotional unavailability further wounds Lissa, reinforcing the feeling that their friendship is broken. This confrontation, or lack thereof, shows Kate's fear and inability to face her own feelings.
A Newfound Independence
With Ariel's support and her own internal processing, Lissa starts to build a new sense of self. She realizes that her identity is not solely defined by her friendship with Kate or by Kate's approval. Lissa begins to explore her own interests, make new choices, and stand up for herself. This independence is empowering, allowing her to move beyond the constant longing for Kate's attention and validation. She starts to see the world, and herself, more clearly, appreciating her own worth and strength. This phase is a turning point in Lissa's journey of self-acceptance.
Ariel's Departure and Lissa's Growth
Towards the end of the school year, Ariel reveals that she will be moving away. This news is bittersweet for Lissa. While she is sad to see her new friend go, she also realizes how much Ariel has helped her grow. Ariel's departure signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for Lissa. Lissa recognizes that she no longer needs Ariel to guide her; she has learned self-acceptance and authenticity. She feels more confident and equipped to navigate her emotions and her place in the world, showing the impact Ariel had on her transformation.
Another Encounter with Kate
After Ariel's departure and a period of further self-reflection, Lissa has another encounter with Kate. This time, Lissa approaches the conversation with strength and clarity, rather than desperation. While Kate still struggles to fully express her feelings or apologize for her actions, there is a hint of vulnerability in her. Lissa, no longer seeking Kate's approval, expresses her own truth and the pain Kate caused. The conversation is not a magical resolution, and Kate does not suddenly confess her love or regret, but it allows Lissa to speak her mind and find some closure, understanding that Kate's issues are her own.
Moving Forward
The novel concludes with Lissa looking towards the future with hope and self-acceptance. She has come to terms with the fact that her relationship with Kate may never be what she once imagined, but she has also discovered a deeper understanding of herself. Lissa is no longer defined by Kate's rejection or the uncertainty of her own feelings. She embraces her growing identity, including her attraction to girls, and is ready to explore life on her own terms. The 'wrong person' (Kate) ultimately helped her find her footing, leading her to a stronger, more authentic self, ready for whatever comes next.
Principal Figures
Lissa
The Protagonist
Lissa transforms from a dependent, confused girl into a self-aware, independent young woman who understands and accepts her own identity and desires.
Kate
The Antagonist/Love Interest
Kate remains largely static in her denial, serving as a catalyst for Lissa's growth rather than undergoing significant personal change herself.
Ariel
The Supporting
Ariel serves as a catalyst for Lissa's growth, remaining consistently supportive and self-assured throughout her time in the story.
Lissa's Mom
The Supporting
She remains a consistent, supportive parental figure, largely unaware of the full scope of Lissa's internal journey.
Lissa's Dad
The Mentioned
No specific arc.
Other Friends
The Mentioned
No specific arc.
Themes & Insights
Self-Discovery and Identity
The central theme is Lissa's journey of self-discovery, particularly concerning her sexual identity. After the kiss with Kate, Lissa must confront feelings she never knew she had, leading her to question everything she thought about herself and her attractions. Ariel's influence helps Lissa explore these new feelings without judgment. Lissa's journey from confusion and dependence on Kate to a place of self-acceptance and independence is the core of the story, showing the process of understanding who you are beyond societal expectations. This is clear in Lissa's internal thoughts and her gradual acceptance of her feelings for Kate, and then for herself.
“Maybe falling in love with the wrong person is the only way to find your footing.”
Unrequited Love and Rejection
The painful experience of unrequited love and subsequent rejection forms the emotional core of the narrative. Lissa's deep affection for Kate, which shifts from platonic friendship to romantic longing after the kiss, is met with Kate's complete denial and avoidance. This rejection causes Lissa immense emotional pain and confusion, forcing her to deal with the reality that her feelings are not returned. The theme explores the vulnerability of loving someone who cannot or will not acknowledge those feelings, and the difficult process of moving past such a deep hurt. Kate's actions are central to this theme.
“It was like she was trying to erase me, erase us, erase everything that had happened.”
Friendship vs. Romance
The novel explores the blurred lines between intense platonic friendship and growing romantic feelings. Lissa and Kate's four-year friendship is shattered when a single kiss introduces a romantic dimension that Kate refuses to acknowledge. This creates tension, as Lissa struggles to reconcile the friend she knew with the person who rejected her romantically. The theme questions how romantic attraction can change or destroy a deep friendship, and the difficulty of navigating these shifts, especially in adolescence. Ariel's friendship with Lissa, which is openly supportive and non-romantic, contrasts with the complicated dynamic with Kate.
“How could one kiss change everything? How could it turn a best friend into a stranger?”
The Fear of Social Judgment and Conformity
Kate's reaction to the kiss and her avoidance of Lissa can be seen as her fear of social judgment and her desire to conform to perceived heterosexual norms. The novel subtly addresses the pressure on teenagers to fit in and the reluctance some might have to acknowledge same-sex attractions due to societal expectations. Kate's silence and denial highlight the internal conflict and potential shame associated with non-heteronormative feelings, especially in a high school environment. Lissa, in contrast, gradually overcomes this fear with Ariel's help, choosing authenticity over conformity.
“Some things are just easier to pretend never happened.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Catalyst Kiss
A single, unexpected kiss that ignites the entire plot and Lissa's internal conflict.
The kiss between Lissa and Kate at the party serves as the inciting incident and central plot device. It is not merely a romantic gesture but a profound moment that shatters the established order of Lissa's life and friendship. This single event forces Lissa to question her relationship with Kate, her own feelings, and ultimately her sexual identity. Without this kiss, the story would not exist, as it directly leads to Kate's rejection, Lissa's confusion, and her subsequent journey of self-discovery. It acts as a powerful symbol of unspoken desires and the disruption of comfortable norms.
The Foil Character (Ariel)
A character whose contrasting personality highlights the protagonist's struggles and aids her growth.
Ariel functions as a foil to both Lissa (initially) and Kate. Her open, confident, and unapologetically queer personality stands in stark contrast to Lissa's initial shyness and Kate's fear and denial. Ariel's presence allows Lissa to see alternative ways of living and loving, providing her with the emotional support and guidance needed to process her feelings about Kate and explore her own identity. By presenting a character who is comfortable in her own skin, Ariel highlights Kate's internal conflict and Lissa's initial vulnerability, pushing Lissa towards self-acceptance.
Internal Monologue
Lissa's thoughts and reflections as the primary narrative tool for character development.
A significant portion of the story is conveyed through Lissa's internal monologues and reflections. This device allows the reader direct access to Lissa's confusion, hurt, burgeoning desires, and evolving understanding of herself and her relationships. It is through her inner thoughts that her journey of self-discovery, her analysis of the kiss, and her processing of Kate's rejection are most clearly illustrated. This narrative technique emphasizes the deeply personal and internal nature of Lissa's struggle with identity and unrequited love, making her growth feel intimate and authentic.
The Silent Treatment/Avoidance
Kate's deliberate refusal to acknowledge Lissa or the kiss, serving as the main external conflict.
Kate's consistent avoidance and 'silent treatment' of Lissa after the kiss is a powerful plot device that drives much of Lissa's emotional turmoil and the external conflict of the story. This deliberate refusal to engage forces Lissa into isolation and intensifies her need for answers and closure. It highlights Kate's fear, denial, and inability to confront her own feelings, while simultaneously pushing Lissa to seek understanding and support elsewhere (from Ariel). The silent treatment is more than just a character's action; it is a narrative obstacle that Lissa must overcome to achieve self-acceptance.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Being in love with your best friend is like being stuck in a perpetual state of almost.”
— Francesca grapples with her unconfessed feelings for Kate.
“Some secrets are meant to be kept, not because they're bad, but because sharing them would change everything.”
— Francesca considers the implications of revealing her feelings.
“It’s funny how you can know someone your whole life and still not know the most important parts of them.”
— Francesca realizes there's more to Kate than she initially thought.
“Maybe love isn't about grand gestures, but about all the tiny, everyday things that add up.”
— Francesca observes the nuances of relationships.
“The hardest part about falling in love with a girl is knowing that the world isn't always ready for it.”
— Francesca faces societal pressures and fears.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit what you want, even if it scares you to death.”
— Francesca contemplates confessing her feelings.
“You can't choose who you fall in love with. Your heart just… picks.”
— Francesca reflects on the involuntary nature of her feelings.
“We were two halves of something that wasn't quite whole, but together, we were closer than anything.”
— Francesca describes her unique connection with Kate.
“The past isn't just something you remember; it's something that lives inside you, shaping who you are.”
— Francesca considers how her history with Kate impacts her present.
“It's a strange kind of torture, wanting someone so badly and not knowing if they want you back.”
— Francesca experiences the agony of uncertainty.
“Maybe the point isn't to find someone perfect, but to find someone who's perfectly imperfect for you.”
— Francesca muses on the nature of ideal partners.
“Every kiss is a story, and ours was just beginning to be written.”
— Francesca looks forward to the future of her relationship with Kate.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The central conflict begins when Kate, Lissa's best friend, kisses Lissa at a party, and Lissa reciprocates. Immediately after, Kate completely ignores Lissa, leaving Lissa confused, hurt, and questioning their entire four-year friendship and her own identity.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
