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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
This is a really sweet story wrapped in (trust that I say this with love as someone who’s the same age as the author and 100% understands the value of this kind of book for kids) a whole bunch of gen z internet nonsense. Not necessarily an issue but if you’re an adult going into this just be warned that there’s lots of chapters that are just instagram comments and it all reads very young
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
Such a nice story about 2 aroace characters. For me, this isn't a earth shattering, mind changing book, but it's still a very enjoyable read. I really liked the discussions the characters had on topics like asexuality, aromanticism, but also gender, feminism and more. The characters themselves were very fun to read about and I really enjoyed the diversity withing the story. One thing in particular that stood out to me was the use of using pinyin at some moments when Sophie's parents were replying to her in Mandarin, and making it clear through the writing what they said without always using a direct translation.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the storyline about how Jo struggles a lot with accepting their aromantic and asexual identity and the fear of being/ending up alone. It's a struggle I've had and I know a lot of other people (aspec and allo) have as well. It's also something I haven't seen discussed in stories with aspec rep a lot, at least, not in the way it's written about in this book.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the storyline about how Jo struggles a lot with accepting their aromantic and asexual identity and the fear of being/ending up alone. It's a struggle I've had and I know a lot of other people (aspec and allo) have as well. It's also something I haven't seen discussed in stories with aspec rep a lot, at least, not in the way it's written about in this book.
Probably just not for me. Everything felt a bit over explained (but I guess if you cont know all the terms then it can be helpful) and despite constantly advising other people to communicate, the characters seem very bad at communicating well.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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:
Complicated
i went into this on a whim and finished in one day. a super cute take on an ace friendship love story!! if you love dramatic irony, you’ll love this book. i was laughing out loud and underlining so many good quotes. i appreciate this for both being a great story And expanding my world view
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
No
Well, thank you. This book felt like a warm hug to me as an aroace person.
I did dock .5 since the writing was a bit awkward (especially at the beginning), but I loved the plot and the characters.
I did dock .5 since the writing was a bit awkward (especially at the beginning), but I loved the plot and the characters.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
this was such a wholesome read :) i really enjoyed watching the friendship between Sophie and Jo blossom. we need more aroace representation in YA!
in terms of the story, i'm not the biggest fan of books with setups like this (i.e. enemies online but budding friends in real life) bc they always lead to so much miscommunication, but i thought the way it was handled here was pretty realistic. also, the specificity of the Wellesley College setting wasn't for me personally (i feel the same way about pop culture references—it just feels easily outdated). still, i think this book is an important addition to the LGBTQIA+ conversation in YA, and i hope someone out there sees themselves in Sophie and Jo!
in terms of the story, i'm not the biggest fan of books with setups like this (i.e. enemies online but budding friends in real life) bc they always lead to so much miscommunication, but i thought the way it was handled here was pretty realistic. also, the specificity of the Wellesley College setting wasn't for me personally (i feel the same way about pop culture references—it just feels easily outdated). still, i think this book is an important addition to the LGBTQIA+ conversation in YA, and i hope someone out there sees themselves in Sophie and Jo!