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theespressoedition's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
I Wanna Be Where You Are is your run-of-the-mill YA enemies-to-lovers "romcom." Okay, so it's more like friends-to-maybe-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers, but that gets a little confusing, let's be honest.
The main character has big dreams and she's willing to sacrifice her (very sweet albeit protective) mother's trust to go on a road trip with a guy she used to have a crush on and now hates... plus his dog.
If we were supposed to feel swoony over the love interest, well, let's just say that was obliterated the second I found out he was a smoker. I could smell the ick as I was reading. He's also this very stereotypical "macho" kid who has to make the MC feel bad about every little thing - despite the fact that it's clear he's liked her for years and feels like he screwed up their would-be relationship and any friendship they could've had.
I didn't feel invested in any of the characters. They were so careless throughout the entire story - from spending copious amounts of money on car repairs without telling their parents what happened (okay truly, what 17-year-old is going to get in a car accident... something that already causes trauma... and not tell an adult it happened????) to driving all over like there's no one depending on them for anything. I don't know, it just felt off to me from the jump.
There were a few moments that I enjoyed as I was reading the book, but I don't think I'd ever pick it up again. I didn't feel any connection or care towards anyone, and that really affected my end rating. In fact, several weeks after listening to it, I'd even consider lowering the rating, since I can't seem to think of anything that actually made me like the book.
The main character has big dreams and she's willing to sacrifice her (very sweet albeit protective) mother's trust to go on a road trip with a guy she used to have a crush on and now hates... plus his dog.
If we were supposed to feel swoony over the love interest, well, let's just say that was obliterated the second I found out he was a smoker. I could smell the ick as I was reading. He's also this very stereotypical "macho" kid who has to make the MC feel bad about every little thing - despite the fact that it's clear he's liked her for years and feels like he screwed up their would-be relationship and any friendship they could've had.
I didn't feel invested in any of the characters. They were so careless throughout the entire story - from spending copious amounts of money on car repairs without telling their parents what happened (okay truly, what 17-year-old is going to get in a car accident... something that already causes trauma... and not tell an adult it happened????) to driving all over like there's no one depending on them for anything. I don't know, it just felt off to me from the jump.
There were a few moments that I enjoyed as I was reading the book, but I don't think I'd ever pick it up again. I didn't feel any connection or care towards anyone, and that really affected my end rating. In fact, several weeks after listening to it, I'd even consider lowering the rating, since I can't seem to think of anything that actually made me like the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Vomit
Moderate: Addiction, Grief, and Toxic friendship
theengineerisreading's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
"It's true we don't know what's going to happen, but the best things happen when we don't plan them."
I will confidently say that contemporary is my cup of tea. And I drank this book like I've been craving a good cup of oolong for weeks.
I Wanna be Where you are is a story of two teens' reconciliation intertwined with their respective coming-of-age stories.
Chloe Pierce has been an aspiring ballerina ever since her mom enrolled her when she's three years old but now that she's nearing college, it seems that her dream to be a professional ballerina will not be possible since her mom insists that she choose other program and do dance as a minor.
Eli Greene used to be Chloe's childhood friend but everything fell out when Eli broke Chloe's trust before they go to homecoming dance. But now Eli is set to patch their friendship and maybe win her heart as well?
Romantic, realistic, and also inspiring - this book managed to present the story, over and after a roadtrip, of a teenager growing up with strict parents. Both MCs grew up with the same strict parents, Chloe because her mom became overprotective since her dad died and Eli because his divorced parents have a strong view about his future.
This book delighted me by subtly saying that sometimes it pays to check on our kids' dream and ask them what makes them happy.
Scoops of romance presented in slowbun friends to enemies to lovers trope, IWBWYA is a feel-good read that also managed to incorporate reality check about opportunity for Black kids, parental issues, and grief stories.
At the end of the book, this one highlighted that confidence starts within and support system is a must when you're chasing your dream.
RATING: 4stars
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Grief, and Vomit
mandkips's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Panic attacks/disorders
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