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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
2 Stars
Would I recommend: Not if you’re expecting another “Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda”
*Potential Spoilers Ahead*
Honestly, I was really underwhelmed by this book. I absolutely adored Simon, which is the only other book by Becky Albertalli that I’ve read so far. I might’ve had too high expectations for this book based on how much I loved her other work, but overall this was just not as good as I wanted it to be.
To start with the good, the amount of diversity is phenomenal. The characters (for the most part) were realistic, 3-Dimensional, and fun to follow. Most of the side plots (Cassie and Mina, the wedding between Patty and Nadine, Nadine’s relationship with her sister) were well thought out and intriguing. There were several moments throughout the book where my heart warmed.
However.
This was a classic case of a book being ruined by its main character. Molly Peskin-Suso was the biggest pain in the ass, the most unrealistic, whiney, desperate character I’ve seen in a while. Her obsession with having a boyfriend (just for the sake of having one) made her character come across shallow and annoying. And don’t get me wrong, having the main character be unlikeable isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Unless you’re supposed to like the main character, which seemed to be the case in this book. Despite the fact that it seemed like I was supposed to root for Molly, I just wanted her out of the way so I could enjoy the other characters stories.
My other biggest issue with this book is that it seemed like it was trying to promote body positivity, but it failed. Miserably. So, if you’re looking for a book where a chubby main character kicks ass, try Dumplin’, cause this sure as hell ain’t it.
Would I recommend: Not if you’re expecting another “Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda”
*Potential Spoilers Ahead*
Honestly, I was really underwhelmed by this book. I absolutely adored Simon, which is the only other book by Becky Albertalli that I’ve read so far. I might’ve had too high expectations for this book based on how much I loved her other work, but overall this was just not as good as I wanted it to be.
To start with the good, the amount of diversity is phenomenal. The characters (for the most part) were realistic, 3-Dimensional, and fun to follow. Most of the side plots (Cassie and Mina, the wedding between Patty and Nadine, Nadine’s relationship with her sister) were well thought out and intriguing. There were several moments throughout the book where my heart warmed.
However.
This was a classic case of a book being ruined by its main character. Molly Peskin-Suso was the biggest pain in the ass, the most unrealistic, whiney, desperate character I’ve seen in a while. Her obsession with having a boyfriend (just for the sake of having one) made her character come across shallow and annoying. And don’t get me wrong, having the main character be unlikeable isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Unless you’re supposed to like the main character, which seemed to be the case in this book. Despite the fact that it seemed like I was supposed to root for Molly, I just wanted her out of the way so I could enjoy the other characters stories.
My other biggest issue with this book is that it seemed like it was trying to promote body positivity, but it failed. Miserably. So, if you’re looking for a book where a chubby main character kicks ass, try Dumplin’, cause this sure as hell ain’t it.
A really good book which accurately portrayed the experiences of adolescence, which made it really enjoyable to read.
(3.5)
some part of me aches for the seventeen years old version of me who should have read it
some part of me aches for the seventeen years old version of me who should have read it
There was a lot I liked about this book: the heartbreaking feel of rejection, the relationship between Molly and her moms (and her baby brothers) the setting around the Supreme Court's decision on marriage equality, and a lot a didn't. I had the hardest time with Cassie and Molly's relationship as twins. Cassie was so awful and Molly was a doormat.
[May 1, 2018]
After reading Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, I was so stoked to find out Becky had other novels out, and I picked this up not even knowing it was part of the Simonverse! It was a pleasant surprise seeing characters from the first book make an appearance and even have small roles to play in the story's background.
Really appreciate the diversity in representation Becky included here. There are queer folks, Jews, POCs, and ofc the main character is plus-sized. I haven't read many YA books with a fat mc, so that was nice to see.
The story itself was cute, as I've come to expect from Albertalli now, and I enjoyed the various organic relationships and dynamics between family and friends. I was definitely on my toes, as the story never fell into predictable clichés. The portrayal of Molly's anxieties, thought processes, and character development all felt realistic. She's also just a really funny narrator.
I love the themes in this book, including the one tying back to the title (the Upside of Unrequited
After reading Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, I was so stoked to find out Becky had other novels out, and I picked this up not even knowing it was part of the Simonverse! It was a pleasant surprise seeing characters from the first book make an appearance and even have small roles to play in the story's background.
Really appreciate the diversity in representation Becky included here. There are queer folks, Jews, POCs, and ofc the main character is plus-sized. I haven't read many YA books with a fat mc, so that was nice to see.
The story itself was cute, as I've come to expect from Albertalli now, and I enjoyed the various organic relationships and dynamics between family and friends. I was definitely on my toes, as the story never fell into predictable clichés. The portrayal of Molly's anxieties, thought processes, and character development all felt realistic. She's also just a really funny narrator.
I love the themes in this book, including the one tying back to the title (the Upside of Unrequited
Albertalli is a master at normalizing diversity. The Upside of Unrequited is chalked full of diverse elements that never feel forced or gimmicky. Amazing characterization, coupled with a fantastic/poignant plot - The Upside of Unrequited is another huge success for Albertalli.
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:
Yes
Barely four stars. Well written, funny, painful just like adolescence, and so wonderful to have characters outside the mainstream. But everything is just a little TOO - grandma’s too biting for too predictable a reason, dialogue is too clever at points, plot is too perfect. Still - I couldn’t stop rooting for Molly or put the book down.