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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
have you ever read a novel that makes you feel so seen and so full of joy that you want to hug it when you're done? DEAR WENDY is one of those for me, and it's one of my favorite young adult books i've read in a long time.
DEAR WENDY follows two aroace wellesley college students—sophie and jo—who are locked in an intense online rivalry via their anonymous wellesley love advice instagrams while unknowingly becoming best friends in real life. with its beautiful, nuanced, and much-needed discussions about asexuality and aromanticism; its emotional explorations of social expectations surrounding gender and sexuality; and its gorgeous affirmations about all the kinds of love we can experience, DEAR WENDY is one of the most honest, inclusive, and heartwarming novels i've read in ages. i can't begin to tell you how incredibly refreshing it is to read a book about a-spec characters who are never once pressured to change, and whose story reads like a classic rom-com for platonic love. i've never read anything quite like this, and i truly can't recommend it enough.
this book means the world to me, and will undoubtedly mean as much to so many other readers, no matter if they're questioning, out, simply haven't learned about asexuality and aromanticism, or if they're just looking for a beautiful love story. i can't wait for this story to hit shelves, and if any of you see me at work or ask me for recommendations next spring, trust me—i will be shoving this book into your hands.
DEAR WENDY is out on april 16, 2024.
DEAR WENDY follows two aroace wellesley college students—sophie and jo—who are locked in an intense online rivalry via their anonymous wellesley love advice instagrams while unknowingly becoming best friends in real life. with its beautiful, nuanced, and much-needed discussions about asexuality and aromanticism; its emotional explorations of social expectations surrounding gender and sexuality; and its gorgeous affirmations about all the kinds of love we can experience, DEAR WENDY is one of the most honest, inclusive, and heartwarming novels i've read in ages. i can't begin to tell you how incredibly refreshing it is to read a book about a-spec characters who are never once pressured to change, and whose story reads like a classic rom-com for platonic love. i've never read anything quite like this, and i truly can't recommend it enough.
this book means the world to me, and will undoubtedly mean as much to so many other readers, no matter if they're questioning, out, simply haven't learned about asexuality and aromanticism, or if they're just looking for a beautiful love story. i can't wait for this story to hit shelves, and if any of you see me at work or ask me for recommendations next spring, trust me—i will be shoving this book into your hands.
DEAR WENDY is out on april 16, 2024.
Ann was so right when she said this book was a love story. It reminded me of the joy and insecurity of blooming friendships. At first I was scared because there wasn't any romance but once you start, that falls away.
I will say some parts feel bizarre like descriptions of media that seem more like treasure hunt clues (ex. "Jo and I try our best to subtly google a US champion figure skater who we're pretty sure is sitting right by us" like who is it??). Some other parts feel a bit unpolished and random (like the mention of acne scars and some repetition). I did like the instagram parts, especially the comments, even if Wanda is mean !
I will say some parts feel bizarre like descriptions of media that seem more like treasure hunt clues (ex. "Jo and I try our best to subtly google a US champion figure skater who we're pretty sure is sitting right by us" like who is it??). Some other parts feel a bit unpolished and random (like the mention of acne scars and some repetition). I did like the instagram parts, especially the comments, even if Wanda is mean !
I really liked the idea of a platonic love story, but I was ultimately disappointed.
A few reasons that played into this:
While I liked Sophie and Jo individually, I just didn't feel like I saw or felt how strong their friendship was supposed to be. I felt no concern during their fight in the book or care about them making up. I feel like we so rarely saw them bond over anything that wasn't related to their identities that I wasn't convinced of their bond.
The aspec discussion felt like it took up too much of this book and most of the time did not feel organic.
So little happened in this book, but not in a good way?
I would probably give Zhao another chance since this is her first. It was fine, I think my hopes were just too high.
A few reasons that played into this:
While I liked Sophie and Jo individually, I just didn't feel like I saw or felt how strong their friendship was supposed to be. I felt no concern during their fight in the book or care about them making up. I feel like we so rarely saw them bond over anything that wasn't related to their identities that I wasn't convinced of their bond.
The aspec discussion felt like it took up too much of this book and most of the time did not feel organic.
So little happened in this book, but not in a good way?
I would probably give Zhao another chance since this is her first. It was fine, I think my hopes were just too high.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
No
Yes, please, let's get more stories like that! I loved reading a book that's focused on friendship and being aroace, it was so refreshing! And the story itself was really fun to listen to.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Misogyny
3.5 ★ Dear Wendy is a breath of fresh air, especially because a lot of books published recently often prioritize romantic relationships and physical attraction. This book shows that love does not have to be limited to romance, and that there is beauty in all kinds of love. If you're looking for a novel centering on community, friendship, and belonging with a diverse cast of characters and an authentic college experience, Dear Wendy is the book for you.
The reason why I’m giving this book 3.5 stars is because I found some moments in the book to be a bit overdramatic and childish, especially for college students. I also felt like some of the dialogue and pop culture references felt a bit forced.
The reason why I’m giving this book 3.5 stars is because I found some moments in the book to be a bit overdramatic and childish, especially for college students. I also felt like some of the dialogue and pop culture references felt a bit forced.