Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - Kate in Waiting

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me an advanced copy of this to review! I love Becky Albertalli, and this is one of my most anticipated releases of the year. I am happy to say that it definitely lived up to the hype!

Right from the start, we get Albertalli's signature lovable characters. I immediately fell in love with Kate and Anderson and their little, diverse squad. Not only do we have Jewish main characters, Kate and Anderson (who is also Black), but also a trans character and other gay characters. Just like in Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, this is a squad you'll fall in love with and their love for theater. It's honestly contagious.

What I also loved about this was Kate's journey in finding confidence in herself. At the beginning of the book, she's content to stay in the background. But through her friends and their support, she realizes that she is pretty awesome. Everyone deserves friends like that. Even though the plot points were slightly predictable, I didn't care because I loved reading about these characters.

Finally, I loved the importance that Albertalli places on platonic love. I don't feel like that's ever emphasized enough in rom-coms, but it's front and center in this book. Platonic relationships are just as important as romantic ones, and this romance gives equal importance to both. Next to the characters, that's probably my favorite thing about this book.

All in all, this will hit home with theater nerds everywhere. If you're looking for a love story focused on friendship, this is the book for you!

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Of course this is adorable in that teen rom-com way. As always, Albertalli absolutely nails the characters. More in a full review to come on Thursday!

Content Warnings

looney_moons's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.5

This book was an absolute treat, and just what I needed. When Kate talks about The feeling of being sixteen on a Friday night in September that is exactly what this book felt like in the best possible way. It was so incredible to be back in Albertalli's simple yet nuanced writing, and it was so refreshing to see her moving away from the Creekwood crew. This book had it all; a cute romance, a realistic sibling relationship, and complicated friendships. I was rooting for the love interest the whole way through, and it was so incredible to see Kate move from self-deprecation and not being able to take a compliment to being confident in herself and in being loved. The book didn't read too young, it didn't have too many weird pop culture references, and the theatre aspect took me back to high school drama classes in the most amazing way. I absolutely think this is one of Albertalli's best (not counting Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda) and I for one cannot wait to see what she has in store next.

Content Warnings

decklededgess's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.0

trigger warnings: bullying, mild misogyny and sexism, alcohol use, homophobia mention, divorced parents

becky continues to write books i can read in a single sitting despite having outgrown the need for such comfort. i love these.

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