Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

23 reviews

kirstencholewa's review

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.0


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lindsayvale's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.5


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alaynacp's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

In Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating, I loved Josh and Hazel’s progression from acquaintances to friends to lovers. I loved how Josh just accepted Hazel for the person she is, quirks and all. I loved that Hazel isn’t embarrassed about herself. She’s okay with who she is, and she should be. I wish I was as accepting of my “weirdness” as Hazel is. I really didn’t like her ex-boyfriend. The way he treated her made my blood boil but maybe that is because it was too close to home for me. One of the dinner scenes really cracked me up. The way Hazel  just couldn’t help but immediately blurt out what her and Josh had just agreed they wouldn’t be talking about made me giggle.  I teared up at the end, but they were happy tears! Recommended 

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macykey's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I loved this book and I love Hazel!! I love Hazel’s Hazel-ness and I loved how she wasn’t ashamed of her Hazel-ness. She recognized that other people have a problem with it and that it can be the cause of other people to leave her, but that didn’t mean she had to change it or diminish it. I also loved how easily Hazel and Josh slid into their relationship. 

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booksndboba's review

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funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5


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elliott_the_clementine's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Please be aware that there are mentions of homophobia, racism, and sexual assault in this review.

“An imperfect book - yet perfect for
me.” That was my original response to a book that I’ve consistently loved since I first picked it up in high school. On my most recent reread, I rated it 4.75 stars; I loved Josh and Hazel, and I related to them both. The friends-to-lovers trope as portrayed in Josh and Hazels Guide to Not Dating is truly comforting to read. However, the seeming lack of cultural awareness throughout the book turns what would be a paradise into an unsafe space. 

First, the upsetting and frankly unnecessary use of a homophobic slur strikes me more painfully on each reread, especially as it is inscribed in a book and in a circumstance where the use of a slur would not resist the oppression of queer people, does not represent reclamation (though to some the usage of the word may still be upsetting in this context), and does not appear to be thoughtfully done due to the lack of trigger warning. 

Second, the repeated inability of the heroine, a white American woman, to correctly pronounce (or to even learn to correctly pronounce?!) the name of the love interest, a Korean-American man, is unbelievably frustrating. It is not just that someone who loves another person would take the time to learn how to say their name (which is true). It is that everyone ought to learn to say others’ names correctly. It is basic decency to learn how to say someone’s name. Not doing so contributes to oppressive systems (particularly racism and transphobia in the United States). It is also quite simply very unkind; when someone messes up your name, does not apologize, and does not work to learn, it seems that they do not care enough to see a huge part of your identity and of who you are. Josh deserves better. 

Also, Josh is harassed and groped without his consent by a date near the middle of the book and it’s treated like a joke. That’s assault. Not funny.


Despite having so much potential and great writing, this novel is bogged down by insensitivity that could have been easily rectified.

Updated 01.02.2024. 

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marisabenn's review

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funny lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

MY!! HEART!! 💕

I absolutely devoured this book. I liked Unhoneymooners, but I ADORE this one!! 

Josh and Hazel are both perfect. Both as standalones and together. I honestly laughed out loud reading this more than I have with any other book. It is truly a rom-com.

I can't wait to read this one again and again and again 💕

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tuliptohru's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

3.75


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saraavowlerr's review

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funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

3.75

It kind of lost me in the last 50 pages, I don’t really like miscommunication tropes. But the first 250 were perfection.

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wormgirl's review

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0


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