Scan barcode
jessiereads98's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can see why people say this is Hazelwood’s best work, as her craft has clearly improved here. Her character and relationship development do seem to flow more smoothly and realistically here. Hazelwood has also improved at communicating information to the reader more subtly through her diction, without just outright telling us the information. Unfortunately, Ali Hazelwood remains unsubtle with the size kink in her work. At least once a chapter if not more, we are reminded how big the male main character is, and how small the female main character is (she’s described as medium a couple times, but really she’s so tiny especially compared to him). Hazelwood has also cut down on the amount of cringe overall. However, if I ever have to read about a pee erection or the character who’s supposed to be an adult combining that into one word ever again, I am suing for emotional damages.
As always, I appreciated the STEM element in this book. As someone unfamiliar with physics, I did find bits a little jargon-heavy. The heavy jargon bits did not interfere with my comprehension of the plot or characters, and I was able to understand the comedic, and plot or character relevant physics puns and metaphors. I enjoyed the realism that Ali Hazelwood brought to the story from her STEM background, such as the blurb on Elsie’s dissertation topic, and using real journal titles like Nature. I also thought the discussion of the role of adjunct professors in the current academic landscape was important, and well done.
The part of the book that was most frustrating to me, was unfortunately Elsie (the female main character). Her characterization was often contradictory, and not because she’s a people pleaser. We are repeatedly told how good Elsie is at reading people, yet she is constantly having miscommunications with Jack. This felt completely out of line with what we are told about her character, and like it was just being done to further the plot. She is also repeatedly unfair to, and disrespectful of Jack. Her take on the academic journal scandal, was completely wrong, and bordering on stupid. As someone within academia, it is not
On the other hand, Jack is possibly my favourite male main character of Hazelwood’s. He’s the most fleshed out of her male main characters, and takes more of an active role throughout the story. He has flaws which are addressed in the book, but overall he’s likeable. His grand gesture was also fitting and unique, and I loved it.
Similarly, the side characters in this book really shine. Most of the side characters who get time on page have full personalities, and are likeable. They can each stand on their own as characters, rather than simply propping up the plot or being convenient set dressing.
Despite my complaints about Elsie’s characterization, and the blatant size kink, this was another fun Hazelwood STEM romp which in some ways does improve on her previous works.
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexism, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Gaslighting, Acephobia/Arophobia, Outing, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Grief, and Emotional abuse
thrntnja's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Misogyny, Chronic illness, and Sexism
Moderate: Gaslighting and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent
sam_malaika's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Minor: Outing and Gaslighting
indieandajean's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's always been easy for me to relate to Ali's characters, but our heroine Elsie is just a little too relatable for comfort. This one is for all the people pleasers in the world, it's got a message for us all and we need to hear it.
Loved all the attention to academic politics and the way it shows the very real problems with the adjunct system. Also I always love a good star wars & Reylo homage, which are always sprinkled in here and there (I can only assume Millicent is one of these and obviously there's a straight up Kylo and Rey call out too).
Overall, another amazing piece of steminist fiction!
Moderate: Gaslighting, Sexism, Chronic illness, Sexual content, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Minor: Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Classism
fiercereadsfiction's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Gaslighting and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent
stardustandrockets's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Chronic illness, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol and Cursing
roorooreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is the first Ali Hazelwood I haven't given a 5 star and its super hard not to but in the name of honesty I have to give this one somewhere between a 4 and a 4.5. This book was hilarious at times and I really enjoyed watching Elsie grow. However the academia got a bit too much at times. I loved getting to see the politics and the interview process but when physics itself was being discussed it was in a way that made it hard for me to read and understand. My other criticism lies in how long the middle portion if this book felt. The beginning flew by and the ending was so good but the middle was hard to get through. I know Hazelwood is famous for slow build up in the middle of her books but this one was too much for me mostly because I felt very little spark from our heroine's perspective in regards to the obviously budding attraction. I needed a bit more from that because it was obvious Jack was totally gone for her.
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Medical content
Moderate: Misogyny
antidietleah's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Acephobia/Arophobia, Sexism, and Death of parent
Minor: Grief, Excrement, Medical trauma, Vomit, and Outing
sarahsbooklife's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Gaslighting, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Abandonment
schwurbs's review against another edition
- 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
Minor: Death of parent and Gaslighting