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luna004's review
4.0
I started reading this book not knowing what to expect. However, when I bought it in the bookstore, I skimmed the description of the book, but I actually bought it after I finished Heartstopper and saw that Loveless is by the same author. And I have to say that I am not at all disappointed that I bought it. The book was amazing, the plot was calm compared to other books that I usually read, but the characters and the relationships between them shone the most for me. Georgia, Pip, Jason, Sunil and Rooney grew on me by the end of the book. There were also supporting characters like Ellis, who played a short but very important role for Georgia in the book (and let's not forget Roderick XD). I was able to relate to the characters and the book even forced me to finally think about my sexuality.
Each character fights their own nightmare. Georgia discovers that maybe she's not like the others and has to learn to live with it which won't be easy at first, Pip keeps falling in love with straight girls, Jason was in a toxic relationship with a girl he gave his all to and he is in love with his best friend Georgia who will never be able to feel what he feels for her, Rooney also experienced a toxic relationship that caused her to give up everything she held dear and Sunil who struggled with loneliness and tiredness. Each of these nightmares has left a mark on certain characters and they learn to deal with it together.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading it and it even made me cry.
Each character fights their own nightmare. Georgia discovers that maybe she's not like the others and has to learn to live with it which won't be easy at first, Pip keeps falling in love with straight girls, Jason was in a toxic relationship with a girl he gave his all to and he is in love with his best friend Georgia who will never be able to feel what he feels for her, Rooney also experienced a toxic relationship that caused her to give up everything she held dear and Sunil who struggled with loneliness and tiredness. Each of these nightmares has left a mark on certain characters and they learn to deal with it together.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading it and it even made me cry.
meixiaotian's review
4.0
This was intensely relatable. It may partially be because I don't read much contemporary, but I was surprised and very happy with how much I saw my life in this story. The disappointments of going to college and not becoming the friend-making extrovert you wanted to be, the way young adults text each other—wow was that refreshing, the queerness of college life, all of it felt familiar and real. And, of course, being aroace and the emotional upheavals that involves. (I found myself uncomfortably reminded of some of my mess-ups in the past, while simultaneously telling myself "at least I didn't do *that*.") It felt authentic, it felt like my life today, and while I am afraid that will date this book severely, even in just a few years, I appreciated it a lot reading it now.
On the characters: I liked them. I didn't love any of them, but they were at worst nice characters that I vaguely liked reading about. I thought their relationships and how they developed to be interesting, and I was invested in the Pip/Rooney relationship.
On the plot, which also concerns the character relationships: I liked the second half a lot. Things were happening, it was engaging, I was invested. There were some very sweet scenes, some a bit cheesy, but I can suspend a bit of disbelief for all the feel-good moments, especially at the end.
I had more problems with the first half, when the main plot threads were getting set up, and the primary thing going on was Georgia's quest to fall in love. There wasn't anything else going on, so it was just her and her trying to convince herself that she wanted this. And I could've done with a little less of that in the internal monologue. It began to feel redundant—I knew how she felt, I didn't need to be told it again and again. I also had some problems with repeating thoughts & feelings one too many times in the second half, but it was the worst in the first half.
This is a strange gripe, but I thought Georgia's thoughts were a little too... correct? For one, she consistently and clearly separated romance and sex as concepts, usually referring to them both, which I found hard to believe. At that point, she clearly hadn't heard of the split attraction model yet, let alone incorporated it into her worldview, so why would she consider them to be completely distinct? Most people don't. I also thought it was odd that she was very certain of what she felt and didn't feel in terms of attraction. Attraction is hard to define, and combine that with her internal pressuring herself to want things, I would expect her feelings to be more confused. Especially in the moment. In my experience, at least, the clarity of what one is and isn't feeling comes with hindsight and thinking things over, not while you're in the middle of it.
Another small thing, but I really liked that Georgia didn't like being aroace at first. I sure didn't, and I think that's an important experience to represent. And it was represented really well, with many different aspects being brought up.
4/5 stars because while I liked it for being relatable, there was an undefinable extra *something* that was missing.
On the characters: I liked them. I didn't love any of them, but they were at worst nice characters that I vaguely liked reading about. I thought their relationships and how they developed to be interesting, and I was invested in the Pip/Rooney relationship.
On the plot, which also concerns the character relationships: I liked the second half a lot. Things were happening, it was engaging, I was invested. There were some very sweet scenes, some a bit cheesy, but I can suspend a bit of disbelief for all the feel-good moments, especially at the end.
I had more problems with the first half, when the main plot threads were getting set up, and the primary thing going on was Georgia's quest to fall in love. There wasn't anything else going on, so it was just her and her trying to convince herself that she wanted this. And I could've done with a little less of that in the internal monologue. It began to feel redundant—I knew how she felt, I didn't need to be told it again and again. I also had some problems with repeating thoughts & feelings one too many times in the second half, but it was the worst in the first half.
This is a strange gripe, but I thought Georgia's thoughts were a little too... correct? For one, she consistently and clearly separated romance and sex as concepts, usually referring to them both, which I found hard to believe. At that point, she clearly hadn't heard of the split attraction model yet, let alone incorporated it into her worldview, so why would she consider them to be completely distinct? Most people don't. I also thought it was odd that she was very certain of what she felt and didn't feel in terms of attraction. Attraction is hard to define, and combine that with her internal pressuring herself to want things, I would expect her feelings to be more confused. Especially in the moment. In my experience, at least, the clarity of what one is and isn't feeling comes with hindsight and thinking things over, not while you're in the middle of it.
Another small thing, but I really liked that Georgia didn't like being aroace at first. I sure didn't, and I think that's an important experience to represent. And it was represented really well, with many different aspects being brought up.
4/5 stars because while I liked it for being relatable, there was an undefinable extra *something* that was missing.
psychedandlit's review
5.0
Loveless, by Alice Oseman
Originally published: 04/30/2020
Republished: 03/01/2022
Audio Narrator: Billie Fulford-Brown, Elizabeth Schenk, & Imogen Church
Publishers: Scholastic Press (2022) & Harper Collins Children's Book (2020)
Synopsis
As Georgia is finishing her final year in high school, she realizes that she has never been kissed or even had a real crush. As a lover of romance flicks and dreams of finding true love, she can't understand why she is so different from those around her including her two best friends, Pip and Jason. As she enters university, she tasks herself with finally finding love or at least just breaking into the romance scene to see what it's all about. Mistake after mistake, she realizes that maybe she doesn't have to adhere to the societally accepted fairytale of love, and that love can come in all shapes and sizes. As she accepts herself and understands what it means to be Asexual and Aromantic, the puzzle pieces start falling into place as does her understanding of who she is. Maybe friendship and self-love can be just as important as any other type of romantic love.
Thoughts
The characters in this book were extremely relatable as someone who identifies as Demiromantic Ace. The story itself wasn't written to be overly atmospheric but I could picture the university and many of the settings described within the story. The writing itself wasn't overly complex but it was easy to read. The plot was fairly formulaic, and I could easily pinpoint at what point in Freytag's Pyramid the story was in but still, I remained intrigued to continue because I did care about the characters enough to want to know what happened in the end. The ending was beautiful and held an important message. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who is Ace, knows someone who is Ace, or just wants to know more about the Ace experience. Asexuality is not a monolith, and this book shines a spotlight on one Ace perspective. This book did not line up with my own experience, but it did help me understand what others may go through.
For a more in-depth look at my ratings and thoughts on this book, check out my blog: https://thelitterature.wixsite.com/website
Originally published: 04/30/2020
Republished: 03/01/2022
Audio Narrator: Billie Fulford-Brown, Elizabeth Schenk, & Imogen Church
Publishers: Scholastic Press (2022) & Harper Collins Children's Book (2020)
Synopsis
As Georgia is finishing her final year in high school, she realizes that she has never been kissed or even had a real crush. As a lover of romance flicks and dreams of finding true love, she can't understand why she is so different from those around her including her two best friends, Pip and Jason. As she enters university, she tasks herself with finally finding love or at least just breaking into the romance scene to see what it's all about. Mistake after mistake, she realizes that maybe she doesn't have to adhere to the societally accepted fairytale of love, and that love can come in all shapes and sizes. As she accepts herself and understands what it means to be Asexual and Aromantic, the puzzle pieces start falling into place as does her understanding of who she is. Maybe friendship and self-love can be just as important as any other type of romantic love.
Thoughts
The characters in this book were extremely relatable as someone who identifies as Demiromantic Ace. The story itself wasn't written to be overly atmospheric but I could picture the university and many of the settings described within the story. The writing itself wasn't overly complex but it was easy to read. The plot was fairly formulaic, and I could easily pinpoint at what point in Freytag's Pyramid the story was in but still, I remained intrigued to continue because I did care about the characters enough to want to know what happened in the end. The ending was beautiful and held an important message. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who is Ace, knows someone who is Ace, or just wants to know more about the Ace experience. Asexuality is not a monolith, and this book shines a spotlight on one Ace perspective. This book did not line up with my own experience, but it did help me understand what others may go through.
For a more in-depth look at my ratings and thoughts on this book, check out my blog: https://thelitterature.wixsite.com/website
rugbykake's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
A compelling aro-ace friends to friends romance
krokuskind's review
emotional
hopeful
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
yay_its_erin's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
gaymushrooms's review
emotional
funny
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
5.0
friedefreudefredie's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
4.75
Ich liebe alle Figuren und den letzten Teil des Buches, vielleicht änder ich meine Bewertung noch zu 5 Sternen!
akiha's review
5.0
Je suis pas dans une phase lecture, même si je reprends petit à petit, et j'avais peur de ne pas être dans le bon mood pour lire l'une de mes autrices fav. Bon, c'est un 4,5 arrondi à 5. Je veux dire, si je ne mets pas 5 à ce livre là auquel je mettrais 5 sérieusement ? Alice Oseman fait encore mouche avec une nouvelle coming of age story. Pour moi, elle reste l'autrice incontournable du YA queer. Avec toujours d'excellentes références et l'humour brit, et bien sûr une vision parmi d'autres de l'expérience aro ace. Et les persos secondaires ! Toujours aussi top. Ça va même plus loin que de l'identification ou la représentation, c'est de la pédagogie à ce niveau, et c'est toujours cool. Bon, après tout ça, ce ne sera jamais un 5 complet car ça reste quand même trop teen à mon goût, mais après c'est normal vu l'âge des persos et le public principal.
proza's review
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
3.75
This book was a really enjoyable read.
It's safe to say that my AroAce self-discovery experience is different from Georgia's, but there still 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 different from Georgia's, but there still 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: Sexual content and Bullying
Minor: Lesbophobia, Vomit, Alcoholism, and Homophobia
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 bullying