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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Omg I loved this book way more than I expected! It had me emotional more than once. Malcolm and Jo’s love story was everything — so real, so messy, but so sweet. For a minute I thought it was all falling apart, but the payoff was worth it.
The story follows two long-time friends navigating the blurry lines between friendship and something more. It’s heartfelt, complicated in the best way, and full of moments that hit hard. Super easy to read and hard to put down. Highly recommend if you’re into romance with depth.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. I think the pacing threw me off. The beginning definitely hooks you but then it starts to slow down. I also thought the love story was going to be something different than it was.
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a nice story overall. I had a hard time seeing Mal, Jo and Ezra as a triangle because all I wanted for Jo was to focus more on Mal who was there consistently and loved her wholeheartedly. I didn't like Ezra's character that much and I didn't like that Jo was pinning after him despite him not choosing her multiple times. I enjoyed reading about Malcom and I liked the multiple POVs from the main characters, but there were many other supporting characters that you have to keep track of.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, Suicide, Toxic friendship
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I had been kicking this one down the road because the love triangle pitch made me nervous, but I think this was really well done. There are some very predictable misunderstanding holes this could have fallen into, but Jo's relentles honesty wouldn't let it be so. I enjoying watching her and Mal learn and choose to trust each other. All the self-aware jabs at romance tropes were a nice touch, and the representation of high functioning depression felt honest. Mal is peak book boyfriend material, being earnest, kind, funny, a little neurotic, and not bad to look at. I love the portrayal of a young black doctor who is also beautiful, and how she navigates the world at large and ultra-rich white society specifically. That how-to guide for code switching at the opening painted a stark reality of where things were heading. The way virginity is handled is great, as its framed as being a personal choice about trust instead of a morality statement. And I LOVE how Mal is very clear with Jo about her wants and boundaries without infantilizing her. There is a strange bit at the very end when Jo shows back up and randomly asks to move in with Mal (where the hell did that come from?) , but I really enjoyed this one! Definitely keeping my out for more from Shirlene Obuobi.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicide attempt
Minor: Infidelity
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Abandonment
Minor: Terminal illness
The main character is estranged from her mother. There are multiple flashbacks to her difficult childhood describing her mother's neglect/abuse. Towards the end of the book she finds out her mother is dying, and they reconnect briefly in the hospital