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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
This was just the cutest book! If you enjoy stem romance, that’s on the YA side of things this book is perfect for you. I really enjoyed the neurodivergent representation as well as the supporting cast of characters. It didn’t hurt that. I too have a strong dislike for the classic Wuthering Heights. All of the nods to romance, tropes, and book lovers was also a welcome bonus. A quick fun lighthearted read that touches on the heavier, subject of toxic romance in a way that can be relatable to young and old alike. Thank you to Wednesday books for the gifted copy.
“The Calculation of You and Me” is a slow-burn YA romance that should appeal to readers of the genre and those who like romances with a neurodivergent lead.
There’s strong friend and family relationships around Marlowe, the autistic FMC. The MMC, Ash, is a bi goth rocker boy with absentee parents. They connect in AP English, and soon Marlowe enlists him as her “love coach” to win back her controlling ex.
I love Ash and the fact that he fell first. The banter is heavy; Marlowe and her friends are extremely quirky, so that may or may not be your thing. But also, these characters don’t feel entirely real. The redheaded, autistic mathlete girl was in a long-term relationship with the golden boy football star, after she had been ignored in school her whole life? And then Ash is not only an emo kid, he works at a romance bookstore and knows all about the books, and he’s an AP kid? It’s all a little too perfect, but perhaps this former AP kid is just jealous.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There’s strong friend and family relationships around Marlowe, the autistic FMC. The MMC, Ash, is a bi goth rocker boy with absentee parents. They connect in AP English, and soon Marlowe enlists him as her “love coach” to win back her controlling ex.
I love Ash and the fact that he fell first. The banter is heavy; Marlowe and her friends are extremely quirky, so that may or may not be your thing. But also, these characters don’t feel entirely real. The redheaded, autistic mathlete girl was in a long-term relationship with the golden boy football star, after she had been ignored in school her whole life? And then Ash is not only an emo kid, he works at a romance bookstore and knows all about the books, and he’s an AP kid? It’s all a little too perfect, but perhaps this former AP kid is just jealous.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
I really loved Serena Kaylor’s debut, and I was hyped for what she would write next. And while The Calculation of You and Me didn’t hit quite as hard for me, I can easily blame it on the fact that I’m once again coming out of a reading slump, although this is still superior to the previous couple books I’ve picked up by a long shot.
Marlowe is fairly sympathetic, and I definitely resonate with her trying to figure out love as an autistic teen. While she spends a lot of the book hung up on her ex, Josh, perhaps more so than I would like for a romance, it does feel believable, given my own experiences as a neurodivergent person, and how I’d struggle to get over my infatuations with people even when it was doomed to fail.
This did mean that Ash wasn’t always the most dynamic character, especially as he comes off as a loner and rather closed-off at times. But he and Marlowe do have cute moments throughout, and some lovely banter, and once she finally let go of her past with Josh, there was a solid foundation with Ash to move forward with.
I did like that Ash, in a classic case of casting against type, works at a romance bookstore, paving the way for various romance references. While Kaylor chose to avoid name-dropping specific authors, there are some references avid readers of the genre may catch, including one to another book where I was like, “Is it? I can’t be sure…” even though they are from the same publisher, until I spotted the author’s name in the acknowledgments. While meta references aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, I found this utterly charming.
This was another fun read from Serena Kaylor, and I’m excited for what she releases next! I’d recommend this to readers looking for a YA contemporary romance with positive autism rep.
A very inclusive and cute story, I wish there was a little more oomf to it, or some more like crazy drama or action or something but it was cute
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
No
I really recommend this book to anyone who struggles to feel like they love right
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I really enjoyed seeing an autistic girl navigating high school in a way that was much more uplifting and positive than my own. Marlowe was someone I couldn’t help but root for. I thought using Whtbering Heights to help her get in touch with her emotions was good. I think overall I just wanted a little bit more from her family.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio for the ALC.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio for the ALC.
Serena Kaylor does a fantastic job creating characters who feel so real and are incredibly loveable (except Josh, f**k him!). The pace is great throughout the novel, making it easy to read. I enjoyed the subtle nods to other romance authors & their works. I loved that we get multiple neurodivergent characters as well as different representations of LGBTQ+ members.
I really enjoyed following Marlowe on her journey to better understand love and romance, especially maneuvering through the trickiness of identifying our big feelings and communicating them. Ultimately learning that love looks differently for each person, but that love should not be controlling or toxic. And who doesn’t love a tall emo love interest that works in a bookstore, writes lyrics, and makes a killer latte?
I really enjoyed following Marlowe on her journey to better understand love and romance, especially maneuvering through the trickiness of identifying our big feelings and communicating them. Ultimately learning that love looks differently for each person, but that love should not be controlling or toxic. And who doesn’t love a tall emo love interest that works in a bookstore, writes lyrics, and makes a killer latte?
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes