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sebondurant's review against another edition
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Death of parent, Cancer, Alcoholism, Addiction, Dysphoria, and Excrement
penandpaper's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Interesting premise - disappointing execution. There are a few annoying tropes (insta love, miscommunication, and a perfect love interest who ever makes the wrong move) and particular disappointments (the attempt to be politically correct without any self-awareness). But on the whole, it’s just disappointing. I can’t say there’s any of the growth you expect, nor can I say the romance was particularly gratifying when it’s just awkward until the very end. Realistic, maybe, but frustrating, definitely. The final pages made me happy, but I almost DNFed the book multiple times. I wish this had been just a little bit different because it had potential.
For me, COVID is also a trigger, so the explicit illness was too almost much.
For me, COVID is also a trigger, so the explicit illness was too almost much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Addiction, Terminal illness, Suicide, Eating disorder, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexism
ncoletti's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism
airin_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
If you had told me I would read a book set partially (but critically) in the summer of 2020 involving the pandemic in the storyline, I would not believe it. I was wary of reading about that world event so soon. I'm glad that didn't stop me, because it was written about in the best possible way- as something that happens to the characters and is a part of their world/growth. Few pieces of art that decide to include the pandemic do so in a thoughtful and meaningful way (the series Superstore is one example, and IMHO the best that did it). In Romantic Comedy, Covid wasn't thrown in there as a cheap or easy way of world-building without the work of world building. It wasn't a wink and a nod to show the world the characters lived in was ours, it was a valuable part of the plot, and is the crux of what brings the characters together.
This book is incredibly relatable, inspiring, funny, reflective, and asks examines how men and women perceive themselves in hetero-relationships in society. The pacing, for a book that is only three chapters was riveting. I could not put this book down, and would have stayed true to that metaphor if not for the human physiological need for sleep and sustenance.
It borrows from tropes of the genre to which it gives its name, but never reinforces the negatives from it. The story is faithful to the structure of a typical rom-com without being predictable or stereotypical.
One of the most refreshing aspects I found, as an avid romance reader- was that both main characters are in their 30's (mid-late!) and are the same age. Too often romances are about/for women in their 20's, and while men often get to be 30+ in these stories, the women very rarely are. That alone is reason enough to read it, but it only gets better from there.
The only detractions, which were minor for me are that the book is structured differently- that might be a turn off to some readers but I found it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all, just took some getting used to. There are also a lot of names mentioned in the first part of the story- every minor character is given a name which never really paid off.
This book is incredibly relatable, inspiring, funny, reflective, and asks examines how men and women perceive themselves in hetero-relationships in society. The pacing, for a book that is only three chapters was riveting. I could not put this book down, and would have stayed true to that metaphor if not for the human physiological need for sleep and sustenance.
It borrows from tropes of the genre to which it gives its name, but never reinforces the negatives from it. The story is faithful to the structure of a typical rom-com without being predictable or stereotypical.
One of the most refreshing aspects I found, as an avid romance reader- was that both main characters are in their 30's (mid-late!) and are the same age. Too often romances are about/for women in their 20's, and while men often get to be 30+ in these stories, the women very rarely are. That alone is reason enough to read it, but it only gets better from there.
The only detractions, which were minor for me are that the book is structured differently- that might be a turn off to some readers but I found it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all, just took some getting used to. There are also a lot of names mentioned in the first part of the story- every minor character is given a name which never really paid off.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Addiction and Misogyny
jourdanicus's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book really grew on me...and that's to say, it HAD to grow on me, because the first third was...dry. The writing, I could tell, was objectively good, but... Idk. I've read Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's memoirs. I didn't really need a play-by-play of the exact schedule of a (barely) fictionalized Saturday Night Live. While the work on that show and its schedule was a significant part of Sally's identity, I found myself wishing that part was told differently.
So for me this was a slow burn, but it did end up being worth it in the end. I absolutely prefer character-driven stories and that was this book's strength, and ultimately what won me over.
This one is a little pandemic-heavy, which definitely got to me and not in the best way, but that theme had a purpose so I was able to accept it.
So for me this was a slow burn, but it did end up being worth it in the end. I absolutely prefer character-driven stories and that was this book's strength, and ultimately what won me over.
This one is a little pandemic-heavy, which definitely got to me and not in the best way, but that theme had a purpose so I was able to accept it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Body shaming and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content, Addiction, and Alcohol
patedm's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
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
I am to my core, a rom com girly, so of course I loved this!!!!!! Also I am obsessed with the TNO storyline. I mean we’ve all gone through snl obsessed phases before right? So it was super cool and interesting to read the bts of the show!! I could read a million chapters of diffeeent TNO hosts. ALSO CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW GOOD THE FRIENDSHIPS WERE IN THIS BOOK?!? *chef’s kiss*
Minus some points bc y’all know I despise covid in books but I understand why it was included in this book. The relationship was also rushed in some places and like I wanted more of them, but I didn’t get more bc the book ended. Idk I just felt I needed a little more, and I don’t know how to explain it further lol
Anyways I really enjoyed and def recommend for a fun and cute little read!!
Minus some points bc y’all know I despise
Anyways I really enjoyed and def recommend for a fun and cute little read!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, and Death of parent
milesofkiles's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Death, and Cancer
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Addiction
jg34's review against another edition
funny
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? Yes
3.75
It was entertaining and lighthearted and sweet and funny as you would expect. I wasn’t very convinced about the couple at first but they grow on you. The male lead is pretty stereotypically perfect in every way. Any sexual scenes were not very graphic at least compared to other romances I’ve read recently
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Sexual content, Addiction, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
The second half of the book happens during covid lockdowns but does not go into much detail about the pandemic itself, more of just a settingkelly_e's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Title: Romantic Comedy
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Genre: Romance
Rating: 2.75
Pub Date: April 4, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Observant • Light • Clever
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Sally Milz is a sketch writer for "The Night Owls," the late-night live comedy show that airs each Saturday. With a couple of heartbreaks under her belt, she’s long abandoned the search for love, settling instead for the occasional hook-up, career success, and a close relationship with her stepfather to round out a satisfying life.
But when Sally’s friend and fellow writer Danny Horst begins dating Annabel, a glamorous actor who guest-hosted the show, he joins the not-so-exclusive group of talented but average-looking and even dorky men at the show—and in society at large—who’ve gotten romantically involved with incredibly beautiful and accomplished women. Sally channels her annoyance into a sketch called the "Danny Horst Rule," poking fun at this phenomenon while underscoring how unlikely it is that the reverse would ever happen for a woman.
Enter Noah Brewster, a pop music sensation with a reputation for dating models, who signed on as both host and musical guest for this week’s show. Dazzled by his charms, Sally hits it off with Noah instantly, and as they collaborate on one sketch after another, she begins to wonder whether there might actually be sparks flying. But this isn’t a romantic comedy; it’s real life. And in real life, someone like him would never date someone like her...right?
💭 T H O U G H T S
Well, well, well if Romantic Comedy isn't the first 2023 release where I fell complete victim to an intriguing title, catchy cover, and false marketing. This book was not on my radar until it started to pop up absolutely everywhere and was selected as a BOM pick. And I'll be the first one to admit it sounded promising - not the case!
What I like:
• characters in their 30s. It was a breath of fresh air to be introduced to more mature, thriving adults.
• a healthy romance. Sally and Noah's relationship felt mature with open communication, and a mutual respect and understanding for one another.
• the email corresponding. I am here for epistolary (in this case emails) novels every. single. time. As someone who communicates better in written form, I appreciate this aspect in a new relationship.
• the friendships. There are some seriously strong friendships sprinkled throughout and I liked these better than the actual romance.
What I didn't like:
• the chemistry. I definitely wasn't convinced. Maybe it was the structure. Maybe it was my lack of caring about the two characters involved. I'm really not sure. The romance definitely takes a back seat.
• the structure. There's a prologue, three 'chapters' and an epilogue divided over 300 pages. Even without doing the math, it's easy to tell those aren't really chapters! Each section jumped in time and it felt scrambled and rushed at times. It just didn't seem to work.
• it's not all that funny. A couple of funny lines from characters with cameo appearances and that's about it.
• the extensive detail. There's so much detail on the creative process and behind-the-scenes of working in the industry that I just didn't need or enjoy.
A solid plot idea but very poorly marketed and executed. Additionally, at this point in time I am just not sure I'm ready for novels with a focus on the pandemic as a central theme and plot. If you're looking for a book with romance and/or comedy this likely isn't it.
**Reminder to self: falling victim to the buzz surrounding books not already on your radar rarely works out.**
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• SNL fans
• readers looking for a take on modern love
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"It was a belated realization to have, but it occurred to me that perhaps this was how grown-up conversations worked—not that your communication didn’t falter, but that you both made good-faith attempts to rectify things after it had."
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Genre: Romance
Rating: 2.75
Pub Date: April 4, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Observant • Light • Clever
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Sally Milz is a sketch writer for "The Night Owls," the late-night live comedy show that airs each Saturday. With a couple of heartbreaks under her belt, she’s long abandoned the search for love, settling instead for the occasional hook-up, career success, and a close relationship with her stepfather to round out a satisfying life.
But when Sally’s friend and fellow writer Danny Horst begins dating Annabel, a glamorous actor who guest-hosted the show, he joins the not-so-exclusive group of talented but average-looking and even dorky men at the show—and in society at large—who’ve gotten romantically involved with incredibly beautiful and accomplished women. Sally channels her annoyance into a sketch called the "Danny Horst Rule," poking fun at this phenomenon while underscoring how unlikely it is that the reverse would ever happen for a woman.
Enter Noah Brewster, a pop music sensation with a reputation for dating models, who signed on as both host and musical guest for this week’s show. Dazzled by his charms, Sally hits it off with Noah instantly, and as they collaborate on one sketch after another, she begins to wonder whether there might actually be sparks flying. But this isn’t a romantic comedy; it’s real life. And in real life, someone like him would never date someone like her...right?
💭 T H O U G H T S
Well, well, well if Romantic Comedy isn't the first 2023 release where I fell complete victim to an intriguing title, catchy cover, and false marketing. This book was not on my radar until it started to pop up absolutely everywhere and was selected as a BOM pick. And I'll be the first one to admit it sounded promising - not the case!
What I like:
• characters in their 30s. It was a breath of fresh air to be introduced to more mature, thriving adults.
• a healthy romance. Sally and Noah's relationship felt mature with open communication, and a mutual respect and understanding for one another.
• the email corresponding. I am here for epistolary (in this case emails) novels every. single. time. As someone who communicates better in written form, I appreciate this aspect in a new relationship.
• the friendships. There are some seriously strong friendships sprinkled throughout and I liked these better than the actual romance.
What I didn't like:
• the chemistry. I definitely wasn't convinced. Maybe it was the structure. Maybe it was my lack of caring about the two characters involved. I'm really not sure. The romance definitely takes a back seat.
• the structure. There's a prologue, three 'chapters' and an epilogue divided over 300 pages. Even without doing the math, it's easy to tell those aren't really chapters! Each section jumped in time and it felt scrambled and rushed at times. It just didn't seem to work.
• it's not all that funny. A couple of funny lines from characters with cameo appearances and that's about it.
• the extensive detail. There's so much detail on the creative process and behind-the-scenes of working in the industry that I just didn't need or enjoy.
A solid plot idea but very poorly marketed and executed. Additionally, at this point in time I am just not sure I'm ready for novels with a focus on the pandemic as a central theme and plot. If you're looking for a book with romance and/or comedy this likely isn't it.
**Reminder to self: falling victim to the buzz surrounding books not already on your radar rarely works out.**
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• SNL fans
• readers looking for a take on modern love
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"It was a belated realization to have, but it occurred to me that perhaps this was how grown-up conversations worked—not that your communication didn’t falter, but that you both made good-faith attempts to rectify things after it had."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
Moderate: Excrement, Addiction, Drug use, Drug abuse, Pandemic/Epidemic, Cursing, Medical content, Sexism, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Eating disorder
Minor: Grief, Death, Death of parent, and Cancer
divorceleahfoko's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
This book was really fun and unique. I really enjoyed the setup, that the book was split into 3 different sections. First the week developing the episode of the late night show the main character works on where she meets Noah, then a section written only with their emails during the pandemic and then a third section where they meet again and really develop their relationship. The structure of the book was really unique and intriguing, and the fact that it was set in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic was really timely and unique, something that will likely show up more in books now but obviously has not been seen before. It really captured the feelings of isolation and confusion about interacting with others during that time that I think we all felt.
Another thing I really liked about this book was that the relationship between the two characters when they meet up during covid was very realistically awkward. Lots of romances sort of making everything seem rosy and perfect and that is fun of course but I liked that their conversations were awkward and uncomfortable at times when the main character would make a joke in poor taste or would say something because of her insecurities that would make for an awkward situation. I also thought their honest conversations about alcohol were really cool to include and I appreciated the slightly awkward nature of those conversations as well because I think it speaks well to what it’s like to talk about something like that when you have a challenging history with alcohol. I liked the realistic nature of that, combined with the very practical description of what comes with dating a celebrity/the weird daily experience that a celebrity goes through as seen through Sally’s eyes. While of course aspects of the story are still not completely accurate and are definitely romanticized a little, I liked that the author made an effort to make choices that wouldn’t fit in the traditional romantic comedy in order to point out those flaws in many of those stories. I thought it was really well written and unique, and I had a lot of fun reading this book.
At times I felt that the descriptions of TNO at the beginning went on a little bit long and too into the details, but I think that might be personal preference due to the fact that I am not super interested in what the process of writing for a late night show is like so I wasn’t quite as engaged by that aspect of the story, but I think if that’s something you’re really interested in then that section might be a lot more interesting to you.
Overall this book had a really fun concept/story, unique writing style, and sweet romance. I would recommend!
Another thing I really liked about this book was that the relationship between the two characters when they meet up during covid was very realistically awkward. Lots of romances sort of making everything seem rosy and perfect and that is fun of course but I liked that their conversations were awkward and uncomfortable at times when the main character would make a joke in poor taste or would say something because of her insecurities that would make for an awkward situation. I also thought their honest conversations about alcohol were really cool to include and I appreciated the slightly awkward nature of those conversations as well because I think it speaks well to what it’s like to talk about something like that when you have a challenging history with alcohol. I liked the realistic nature of that, combined with the very practical description of what comes with dating a celebrity/the weird daily experience that a celebrity goes through as seen through Sally’s eyes. While of course aspects of the story are still not completely accurate and are definitely romanticized a little, I liked that the author made an effort to make choices that wouldn’t fit in the traditional romantic comedy in order to point out those flaws in many of those stories. I thought it was really well written and unique, and I had a lot of fun reading this book.
At times I felt that the descriptions of TNO at the beginning went on a little bit long and too into the details, but I think that might be personal preference due to the fact that I am not super interested in what the process of writing for a late night show is like so I wasn’t quite as engaged by that aspect of the story, but I think if that’s something you’re really interested in then that section might be a lot more interesting to you.
Overall this book had a really fun concept/story, unique writing style, and sweet romance. I would recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Medical content, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Excrement
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, Addiction, and Death of parent