Worldwide Crush

A Novel

By: Kristin Nilsen

Narrated by: Kristin Nilsen

Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist in Humor
National Indie Excellence Award Finalist in Teen Fiction
Eric Hoffer Award Finalist in Children's Literature

Rory Calhoun is a teen popstar with perfect teeth and messy hair who’s inspiring first crushes all over the globe. Millie Jackson is just one of the millions of fans who love him—but that doesn't mean her heart doesn't break for him every single day in this laugh-out-loud coming-of-age story.

How many of Rory’s fans collect “data” about him in a special notebook hidden in their underwear drawer? Or have faked a fascination with whale migration for a chance to visit his hometown? Millie may not be Rory’s only fan at Susan B. Anthony Middle School, but she's convinced she's the biggest—and the best. Rory’s new song “Worldwide Crush” is climbing the charts, and his lyrics are clear: he’s looking for love—and he’s looking in the audience. Meaning Millie’s secret fantasies of running in the surf and eating waffles with him may not be crazy after all . . . she could be that girl! But first she has to get to his concert—his completely sold-out concert in a city nowhere near her home for which she does not have tickets or a ride. She just has to figure out how.

©2023 Kristin Nilsen (P)2024 Kristin Nilsen

Critic reviews

“With Worldwide Crush, Kristin Nilsen establishes herself as a vibrant new voice in coming-of-age fiction. This funny, big-hearted novel explores family, friendship, and the intoxicating power of first crushes with sometimes cringeworthy accuracy. Readers still in the throes of tweendom will be as charmed by Millie’s emotional journey as those who attended middle school long ago. A winning pick for all generations!” —Megan McCafferty, New York Times best-selling author of Best Frenemies Forever and the Jessica Darling series

Great, relatable story!

This timeless story of having a crush as a teenager on someone famous reminded me of my own teen crushes, and when I used to read magazines like Tiger Beat and Teen and post pinups on my wall of some of my crushes. One chapter had me laughing out loud, almost the whole way through. I love the main character characters reactions. Highly recommended. This one was read by the author and she did a great job!

Story twist unexpected

I did not see that ending and it was a very nice twist and way to end the book. I definitely recommend listening to this story.

Fun, Insightful

Rory Calhoun is a teen idol who is every teen girl's first dream guy and Millie is no different! She plans to become Mrs. Rory Calhoun in the near future, provided she can go to one of his sold-out concerts, meet him, and hopefully get him to see her as girlfriend material! Her mind is planning!

The author, Kristin Nilsen, weaves a tale around a popular teen idol who has inspired crushes worldwide. Told from the perspective of a young girl, it vividly captures teen angst, feelings of being misunderstood, and the realization that life extends beyond her crush, blending humor with seriousness. Her insecurities, relationships with family and friends, and personal growth provide listeners with relatable insights and nostalgic glimpses into their own childhood. Each character is fully developed, with their flaws revealed authentically and genuinely.

As the narrator, Kristin Nilsen brings the action, emotions, and connections to life with a realistic and personal style. She speaks clearly and sincerely in the voice of Millie, delivering an immersive and engaging performance that evokes memories of girlhood crushes, thoughts, and relationships.

This is a fun listen that will remind you of your memories and emotions growing up! I highly recommend it.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.