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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Both characters annoyed and frustrated me, but they are also arguably very realistic and deserving of compassion.
Firstly, this is not a romance. This is about two characters trying to be more comfortable with their identity as aro ace individuals in a world where relationships based on romantic and sexual love is seen as the norm and lauded as the ultimate goal.
Jo and Sophie form an online rivalry through their anonymous relationship advice blogs, while unknowingly growing into close friends in real life.
As someone who is trying to figure out where I fit in, this felt very compassionate and understanding that my feelings are valid.
My first quibble is that Jo and Soohie’s personas online and their real life personalities felt very different to me. I did not find their online banter funny, but rather nasty and rude. If I found out my new friend was behind that, I would not be okay.
It was very fluffy and idealised and everyone was pretty accepting and happy - explained away by them attending Wellesley College and the majority of students there are LGBTQ+.
I think it was more surface level than I would have liked, however there are so few traditionally published books centring on the aro ace experience that it was still refreshing.
Amazing. I love this book so much. Yay for aroace representation!
I love books/media about platonic friendships in general (the Half of It makes an appearance in this movie and I feel exactly the same way about it as Sophie and Jo, although for different reasons, as I am not aroace). I love how Ann Zhao takes some of the tropes of romance and applies them in a not romantic setting (there's something like a third act breakup in this book, but it's handled realistically and eventually responsibly by all involved).
The dialogue (text and in person) are so genuine and feel so ... authentic (as much as I hate that word). Which makes sense because Ann Zhao was very recently a college student.
I love books/media about platonic friendships in general (the Half of It makes an appearance in this movie and I feel exactly the same way about it as Sophie and Jo, although for different reasons, as I am not aroace). I love how Ann Zhao takes some of the tropes of romance and applies them in a not romantic setting (there's something like a third act breakup in this book, but it's handled realistically and eventually responsibly by all involved).
The dialogue (text and in person) are so genuine and feel so ... authentic (as much as I hate that word). Which makes sense because Ann Zhao was very recently a college student.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Love the aro-ace representation from both main characters, and the build up to them ultimately understanding and figuring each other out!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Jamás encontraré un libro con personajes que sean tan yo y eso me pone un poco triste, pero adoro tener a estos personajes porque la representación es maravillosa y tan bien hecha, lo adoro.