Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

I'm So (Not) Over You by Kosoko Jackson

3 reviews

jennifer_bush_73's review

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sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

The book started off with Kian, an unlikable, angry narrator who seemed to be completely unable to control what words came or didn’t come out of his mouth. I, wrongly, assumed that Kion would experience some emotional growth throughout the story, or develop some insight into his own behavior. 

Kion was angry that he’d been dumped by his boyfriend, Hudson. Kion seems paralyzed by his angry about this breakup. Part of the story even involves another character questioning whether Kion’s behavior is driven by a desire to get even with Hudson for this break up. So, presumably, this was a pretty brutal breakup, but we never find out what happened? Why did they breakup? What did Hudson do? By the end of the book I thought that the smartest thing Hudson ever did was to break up with Kion.

And Hudson. He’s more likable, but his strained relationship with his family hinders his ability grow emotional, or engage in any sort of introspection. He and his have a sibling rivalry that is just bitter and nasty. And never overcomes his deference for his parents. 

I don’t why they wanted each other. Both characters are too solipsistic to be interesting. They both need therapy. Although, Kion discusses having been in therapy, he may need a new therapist and some medication.
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pawtory's review against another edition

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

2.0

I feel bad rating this so low because I almost never rate below a 3, but it felt like I was being gaslit at times due to inconsistencies that should have been caught by an editor if not the author.  There were also things I'd think would be important to include in a book about getting back together with an ex - like why he broke up in the first place - that weren't?? I slogged through it just hoping for a reason to cheer for them but it just seemed really shallow without that. The pacing felt weird and events and conversations all over the place, the characters contradicting themselves from mere chapters earlier. I give it one star for representation and one for the writing "voice" being decent,  including the sex scenes even if I felt uninvested in them. I wish I hadn't wasted my time tbh and recommend you don't either. 
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kshertz's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This was a cute romcom that is a sign of Gen z times for sure. There were a ton of funny one liners that were progressive and hilarious. It’s an interesting take on a love story and I found it sweet and endearing. I loved going on this adventure to find true love between two men who need to find their way together through different challenges. Definitely a sweet escape from reality. 
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