Reviews

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

christiana's review against another edition

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3.0

I think I've been reading too much dark teen lit because when I read the blurb, I assumed Alex being "approximate" was racier. Drug dealer for his family? Trans? Bipolar? Multiple personalities? Nope, just his middle name. Also, how did Bailey seriously never put this together? She never thought "man, how convenient would it be if they were the same person until he basically hits her over the head w it in the big reveal? I don't know, I'm not buying it. Regardless, this was cute.

indigoivee's review

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4.0

This is a heartwarming and captivating tale of young love, second chances, and the power of fate.

Set against the backdrop of a picturesque California beach town, Bennett invites readers into the enchanting world of Bailey "Mink" Rydell and her unexpected romance with fellow film buff Alex. As Bailey navigates the complexities of friendship, family dynamics, and her own insecurities, she finds herself drawn to Alex, a mysterious boy she knows only through online conversations.

Bennett's writing is infused with wit, humor, and genuine emotion, making it easy for readers to connect with Bailey and root for her in her quest for love and self-discovery. The chemistry between Bailey and Alex is palpable, and their journey from virtual friends to real-life soulmates is both heartwarming and beautifully depicted.

With its charming characters, swoon-worthy romance, and nostalgic nods to classic films, "Alex, Approximately" is a delightful and unforgettable read that will leave readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling long after they've turned the last page.

Favourite quote: “Maybe Walt Whitman was right. We all really do contradict ourselves and contain multitudes. How do we even figure out who we really are?”

papertraildiary's review against another edition

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5.0

I actually feel drunk after finishing this book. I felt drunk while reading it too. Giddy, buzzing. This is brain candy for those who like contemporary swoony reads and teasing banter. THIS BOOK WAS SUCH A TEASE. There were a few things I think could have been executed differently in the story but overall in the 24 hours I read this I was completely hooked from the beginning to the end.

doublehorror's review against another edition

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2.0

2.75

dannyjoy's review

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lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

emilia__x's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

4.5


I really loved this book. I think the characters are lovely and Bailey and Porter had such great chemistry. Summe  vinrs, beach, surfing, positive sunny vibes. Romantic love story. 
The only thing I did not love was the way the whole mysterious chat partner debacle was handled. It did not really play a role in most of the book and then suddenly it was totally dramatic. Porter reacted childish. It was also kinda questionable that Bailiey did not think Porter could be Alex for once. For the reader it was more than obvious and hard to understand how she could not figure it out.
All in all, it was a very cute and romantic summer book with great characters and easy writing but some flaws. Very entertaining and it made me happy. 

4saradouglas's review against another edition

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3.0

Oh man. The beginning was very very average and read like a couple of million other YA novels. There were some parts that just made me cringe so hard. I actually copied this part out because it was so stupid:

p.64-65
Guy: “Let me hazard a guess. You’re some stuck-up East Coast sophisticate whose daddy got her this job where she’s forced to have normal conversations with surf trash like me.”
Girl: My mouth falls open. I’m so stunned, I feel as though I’ve had the wind knocked out of my chest. I try to untangle his words, but there’s just so much there.

Oh yes. "There's just so much there!" If you're thinking she is stupid, you are not wrong. It's the most obvious thing in the world that her online friend and her in-person friend are one and the same, but she never at any point figures it out. Even her dad (who in typical YA novel dad form only knows like 25% of what's happening at any point in time) figured it out and tried to lead her into the realization herself, but no. Still can't figure it out. God. There were some good parts, I swear, but I just feel a bit dumber after reading this book.

grilledcheetah's review

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5.0

"I am Mink. Hear me roar." The quotes at the beginning of each chapter, banter, getting to really know the characters and all their quirks, churros. BRILLIANT. I cried happy tears.
(I DO wish there were more texting between Mink and Alex because that was enjoyable to read but nonetheless it was still amazing.)

P.S. It also had a really satisfying ending that thoroughly closed the book without making it seem as though a sequel is needed so bonus points for that as well

steph01924's review

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5.0

4.5 stars. The banter at the start of Porter and Bailey's relationship that got them both so mad at each other wasn't quite as cutting as it seemed it should've been to warrant the "arch nemesis" status Bailey initially ascribes to Porter. But the way their relationship progressed once the story got past that point was wonderfully well-written and felt sweet and realistic, so I'll give that a pass.

This was different than many recent You've Got Mail retellings, in that the focus really wasn't on the online personas...for a while I actually forgot that was even part of the story, until it came back in the last third of the book. Not the most seamless integration of the trope, but what was happening in the rest of Coronado Cove was so cute that I didn't even care.

Bailey and Porter were both great characters. I could relate a lot to Bailey at times, and Porter is the kind of boy you wanted to date in high school. He reminded me of my husband at that age at times, and some of their relationship of ours when we were teenagers, so that may have also made this extra endearing to me. (But even if your experiences do not have anything to do with theirs, you will still love this book if you have a heart.)

Also loved the shout-out to Settlers of Catan! I know the game is objective popular but I rarely know anyone outside of my friend group that knows it. Bailey's dad texting her that he loves her more than sheep was super adorable.

This is definitely a great summer read because it's going to make you want to head out to the beach and wish you had summers off again.

dorisxu's review

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4.0

This book had absolutely NO business making me want to go on cute dates and feel feelings. Also, it got really funny after chapter 25. Don’t get me wrong, it was funny before, but it just got funnier.