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deetabz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
proza's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
This book was a really enjoyable read.
It's safe to say that my AroAce self-discovery experience is not exactly the same as Georgia's, but they are quite similar in many ways and there were so many aspects of it that felt so relatable to me, and reading those parts made me feel seen and valid.
This book also provided me with the vocabulary I needed to express my feelings and my desires, and for that I am very greatful to Alice Oseman.
Now I'll go over the other parts of the book.
The general plot – while predictable at times – was enjoyable. All main characters were extremely likeable, and they each felt like their own individual people with unique personalities.
I feel like Oseman used the first-person perspective remarkably well; Georgia's narrated the story using her own voice and it made me understand her perspective and motives much better.
That being said, the story is fast from perfect. I felt like most of the problems and obstacles that Georgia went through were resolved much too quickly and easily (one example would behow Jason forgave her way too quickly and seemed to forget she ever hurt him after her apology ), and that other characters reacted to things in a way that felt out of place for them.
Another problem I think I need to cknowledge is that the book only presents one AroAce experience , and I think that it doesn't clarify the fact that there are other ways to be aromantic or asexual well enough. It is important to remember that there are infinitely many ways to be AroAce, and that all of them are completely valid.
Overall, I think that while it has many flaws, it is a very good book that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and I am glad to have read it.
It's safe to say that my AroAce self-discovery experience is not exactly the same as Georgia's, but they are quite similar in many ways and there were so many aspects of it that felt so relatable to me, and reading those parts made me feel seen and valid.
This book also provided me with the vocabulary I needed to express my feelings and my desires, and for that I am very greatful to Alice Oseman.
Now I'll go over the other parts of the book.
The general plot – while predictable at times – was enjoyable. All main characters were extremely likeable, and they each felt like their own individual people with unique personalities.
I feel like Oseman used the first-person perspective remarkably well; Georgia's narrated the story using her own voice and it made me understand her perspective and motives much better.
That being said, the story is fast from perfect. I felt like most of the problems and obstacles that Georgia went through were resolved much too quickly and easily (one example would be
Another problem I think I need to cknowledge is that the book only presents one AroAce experience , and I think that it doesn't clarify the fact that there are other ways to be aromantic or asexual well enough. It is important to remember that there are infinitely many ways to be AroAce, and that all of them are completely valid.
Overall, I think that while it has many flaws, it is a very good book that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and I am glad to have read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia, Cursing, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Alcoholism, and Vomit
Content warnings for Loveless from Alice Oseman's website: Internalised aphobia, Verbal aphobia, deliberate aphobic attitudes, accidentally aphobic attitudes due to ignorance/lack of knowledge about a-spec identities, Frank discussions of sex and masturbation, Two brief incidents of exclusionary attitudes, References to past emotionally abusive relationships, References to past bullyingjordan_noel's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I really did love this book. I’d never read or seen any shows or books that explored the aro-ace spectrum so thoroughly. It was detailed and funny and heartwarming. The characters made sense and we’re extremely lovable and made difficult decisions with a continuous caution in mind, even though many did go wrong.
Despite everything that fell apart in the book, there was continual love, shown in many different forms. There was an overall sense of togetherness that can make practically any “un-belonging” reader feel welcome.
The only thing I really have to criticize about this book was the placement of the last scene. It showed a depth to Rooney and Pip that I thought would’ve fit in great had it been in its chronological position. But because it was at the end of the book, it felt like a missed opportunity to explore that same depth throughout the book in all of the main characters. I did enjoy its inclusion, I just wish it had been in its chronological place.
Despite everything that fell apart in the book, there was continual love, shown in many different forms. There was an overall sense of togetherness that can make practically any “un-belonging” reader feel welcome.
The only thing I really have to criticize about this book was the placement of the last scene. It showed a depth to Rooney and Pip that I thought would’ve fit in great had it been in its chronological position. But because it was at the end of the book, it felt like a missed opportunity to explore that same depth throughout the book in all of the main characters. I did enjoy its inclusion, I just wish it had been in its chronological place.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Toxic relationship
melancholymegs's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Toxic relationship
kits_den's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Alcohol, and Lesbophobia
tbd24's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
tense
slow-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
fun little YA about finding out you’re ace and also starting university and friendships. There were little things i could be persnickety about but I don’t feel like it because overall I had a nice time reading this.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Mental illness
dylansday_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Acephobia/Arophobia, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit and Fire/Fire injury
cactuspunk's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- 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
4.75
I've never been a huge fan of contemporary fiction but this book had me hooked from start to finish. Although all the characters had their flaws they were overall loveable and their flaws only heightened this trait. The whole story was heartwarming and bittersweet with just enough drama to keep it interesting without overwhelming the reader.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Sexual content, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Fire/Fire injury
oddlyghoul's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Vomit, Sexual content, and Bullying
percys_panda_pillow_pet's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.75
Ever since I read Alice Oseman's Heartstopper comic online, I really wanted to dive into her other works. I was especially excited for Loveless, as there aren't many books out there that focus on an aromantic asexual (aroace) main character.
I'll admit my first impression within the first couple of pages was low. I had a hard time getting into Oseman's writing style, which I found a bit juvenile at times, and had me questioning the placement of the book in my local library (it was in Adult fiction since the main character is 18 and entering college, as well as presumably due to the mentions of drinking). However, it was easy to get into the rhythm of the tone and feel of Georgia's voice as the narrator.
I also felt unsure about relating to the story. I identify as aromantic aceflux at this point in time, but my journey was not typical. Whereas I feel like Alice Oseman, who might've been pulling from her own experience, wrote Loveless with a more common lens. I was also much farther into my journey than Georgia who didn't even know what aroace is at the beginning of the book. However, I held on and found I loved the relationships between Georgia and her friends. The feelings Georgia has about being "broken" or "loveless" are very much relatable and caused some mistiness in my eyes.
Even though I have known about my identity for most of my life before I recently started using specific labels, and though it's been a long while since I entered college, I felt connected to Georgia on a deep level and rooted for her at every turn and twist. I definitely recommend Loveless if you are even a bit curious about the aroace identity. Except for my own personal hang-ups, I think this could've been a solid 5-star book.
I'll admit my first impression within the first couple of pages was low. I had a hard time getting into Oseman's writing style, which I found a bit juvenile at times, and had me questioning the placement of the book in my local library (it was in Adult fiction since the main character is 18 and entering college, as well as presumably due to the mentions of drinking). However, it was easy to get into the rhythm of the tone and feel of Georgia's voice as the narrator.
I also felt unsure about relating to the story. I identify as aromantic aceflux at this point in time, but my journey was not typical. Whereas I feel like Alice Oseman, who might've been pulling from her own experience, wrote Loveless with a more common lens. I was also much farther into my journey than Georgia who didn't even know what aroace is at the beginning of the book. However, I held on and found I loved the relationships between Georgia and her friends. The feelings Georgia has about being "broken" or "loveless" are very much relatable and caused some mistiness in my eyes.
Even though I have known about my identity for most of my life before I recently started using specific labels, and though it's been a long while since I entered college, I felt connected to Georgia on a deep level and rooted for her at every turn and twist. I definitely recommend Loveless if you are even a bit curious about the aroace identity. Except for my own personal hang-ups, I think this could've been a solid 5-star book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Lesbophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug use, Alcoholism, and Biphobia