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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Self harm, Lesbophobia
It's so nice to read this generation queer fiction. This book didn't have traumatic stories around queerness and had so much joy
lighthearted
fast-paced
lighthearted
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:
Yes
For full transparency, I listened to the audiobook. I do not usually listen to audiobooks, and I think the Instagram interactions did not translate as well through this format. I also did not particularly like the character voices, so that definitely impacted my enjoyment, too.
Overall, I’m rather… whelmed? I was excited for this book, especially as a aspec person who also went to a small liberal arts school in New England, but I just didn’t find the conflict very compelling. The discussions of aroace identity felt surface level, and I wish the main characters were different flavors of aroace; the book acknowledges that being aroace is not the same experience for everyone, but we didn’t see it in action. The Wendy vs. Wanda drama felt a little painstakingly overdramatic (does Sophie not understand humor?), and the characters were not very fleshed out. I want to learn much more about their experiences before college beyond a few small droppings meant as a backstory. I also feel that the different plot points were not balanced well, such asthe aroace club they start . I don’t think it added much to the overall story. The fixation on Wellesley itself was also a bit much at times; it reads as Wellesley fanfiction. I don’t particularly care about fun facts such as there being closets in the dorm hallways. What is the point of this side tangent? The story reads very YA, but I’m not sure how well the college setting fits into the genre. The characters are rather immature and one-note, and I wonder if a high school setting would have suited them better.
Despite how harsh this review is, I did have a fun time listening to the story. Most of my grievances come from my disappointment of what this book could have been. I’ll still keep an eye out for Zhou’s books in the future, and I’m happy to support any aroace-focused literature, but I don’t think this debut’s execution was totally nailed.
Overall, I’m rather… whelmed? I was excited for this book, especially as a aspec person who also went to a small liberal arts school in New England, but I just didn’t find the conflict very compelling. The discussions of aroace identity felt surface level, and I wish the main characters were different flavors of aroace; the book acknowledges that being aroace is not the same experience for everyone, but we didn’t see it in action. The Wendy vs. Wanda drama felt a little painstakingly overdramatic (does Sophie not understand humor?), and the characters were not very fleshed out. I want to learn much more about their experiences before college beyond a few small droppings meant as a backstory. I also feel that the different plot points were not balanced well, such as
Despite how harsh this review is, I did have a fun time listening to the story. Most of my grievances come from my disappointment of what this book could have been. I’ll still keep an eye out for Zhou’s books in the future, and I’m happy to support any aroace-focused literature, but I don’t think this debut’s execution was totally nailed.
funny
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
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:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I think this a great representation of aromantic/asexual young adults and their dialogue was soo representative of college it almost hit me too hard with the nostalgia. Especially with the Boston area college references and excursions into the city—I think this was a cute book but not for me. And alot of the conflict wasn’t built up in the most tactful way, it felt a bit forced.—much more character driven than it was plot driven. Which is fine but not my preference. I did like Sophie and Jo’s contrasting relationships with their shared identity. It helped distinguish them and showed a diversity in experience relating to identity and sexuality. Overall, would recommend for a fast paced, easy read and delve into college life. It’s refreshing to hear young adult voices talk about underrepresented identities and experiences.
funny
hopeful
informative
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
I want to support even more Asian authors this year and this was a really strong start. I personally liked it and I can see what some of the reviewers are saying, but I'm really forgiving with my reads. I think that's part of why my review ratings are so high, I will DNF a book and move onto the next without even blinking. I don't update my DNFs because I don't have time, so I only stick with books I either really like or I'm interested in reading until the end. Thankfully, this was one of both.
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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
lighthearted
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:
No
Sometimes I think it dragged a little but overall, some really good ace/aro queer rep and cute characters
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
10/10 absolutely no notes!!! Oh my god! This reflects the kinds of conversations I have with my irl friends and the environment in college I wish I'd had (though, I wasn't exposed to as many queer people nor aroace people in my own college years). So much love and heart poured into this book, so many topics and questions explored - some with answers, and some without. Thank you author for writing this book. One of my favorites of all time.