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kahlaelizabeth's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kariniwonderland's review against another edition
4.0
If you are expecting a cute romance novel based on the title… you are wrong. Yes, there is a bit of romance and some cute moments. But mostly it is about being stuck and finding your way in life while making mistakes on the way. Overall a very enjoyable read and it was nice to get a behind the scenes look in the publishing industry.
taylersimon22's review against another edition
3.0
This book is perfect for the quarter life crisis. Nora thinks publishing is her dream job is working in publishing, but she feels stagnant and unfulfilled. When she meets Andrew Santos, She starts questioning her happiness level and if publishing is really where she belongs.
Filled with classic romance novel antics, somehow this didn’t feel like a romance novel. Of course there was love in this story, but the focus wasn’t on the romance. I liked this aspect because it showed that someone’s happiness doesn't have to depend on another person, and that Nora had to figure out what she needed in order to feel fulfilled because she knew that another person could not cause her happiness, but add to it. It would have been nice to have some spicier and swoon-worthy love scenes, though.
I think I liked the book because I could see myself if Nora. She felt so unsure of herself and doubted so much of her abilities. She spent so much of her time trying to figure out who she was. While she loved books, she had to rediscover why and what place they held in her life.
I loved all the references to Black classics, a nod to her multiracial heritage. I always love seeing representation of Black books in other books; it really shows the intentionality of showcasing these books.
Overall, I enjoyed really connecting to the story of trying to find yourself. If we have to spend so much of our time working a job, we might as well find meaning in it. This is for anyone who must love books.
Filled with classic romance novel antics, somehow this didn’t feel like a romance novel. Of course there was love in this story, but the focus wasn’t on the romance. I liked this aspect because it showed that someone’s happiness doesn't have to depend on another person, and that Nora had to figure out what she needed in order to feel fulfilled because she knew that another person could not cause her happiness, but add to it. It would have been nice to have some spicier and swoon-worthy love scenes, though.
I think I liked the book because I could see myself if Nora. She felt so unsure of herself and doubted so much of her abilities. She spent so much of her time trying to figure out who she was. While she loved books, she had to rediscover why and what place they held in her life.
I loved all the references to Black classics, a nod to her multiracial heritage. I always love seeing representation of Black books in other books; it really shows the intentionality of showcasing these books.
Overall, I enjoyed really connecting to the story of trying to find yourself. If we have to spend so much of our time working a job, we might as well find meaning in it. This is for anyone who must love books.
emilykathleen32's review against another edition
hopeful
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
4.0
caitlinscamera's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.0
jeannieq's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me feel so so seen. Nora describes the creature and darkness that threaten to take over. It’s not even all of the big things in your life that go wrong, but the trivial ones that push you over the edge. As a recent grad still trying to figure out how I want my life to go, this book checked all of the boxes for me.
joanmcoles's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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
This book was just what I needed to read right now. Nora’s experiences with depression, shame, uncertainty, struggling to be present with friends and loved ones due to mental illness, and feeling stuck in a job that isn’t right for her made me feel seen and understood. This story gave me hope and the sweet and playful romance was a bonus.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Mental illness and Racism
seastheday's review against another edition
Nora was unlikable. She didn’t have any part of her that drew you in & made you want to keep rooting for her. She just constantly lied to everyone around her & used them. The miscommunication trope was poorly utilized- if you could even call it that. It was more of on purpose miscommunication with everyone around her- she could’ve easily kept/fostered her relationship WHILE having work issues & the book would’ve been better for it. But she’s just a poor, deeply unhappy woman that doesn’t know how to be a friend, co-worker, or a girlfriend. Everything came to a head & I couldn’t find it in myself to care about it. So I returned it to my Libby library and feel no remorse, wishing or longing to know how it ends.
jg34's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
What I thought based on the cover to be a lighthearted romance was actually a really meaningful exploration of living with depression and navigating what feels to be a meaningless life. So incredibly relatable and real. And there was a little romance as a bonus as well which was very lovely. I have no notes!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness