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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Complicated
I went into this thinking it was going to be a lighthearted romance about a young Black woman in college, and I was thrilled to discover all the layers beneath that!
This does have a romance aspect to it, but Syd is so much more than who she falls for. This story is about cultivating meaningful relationships, what it means to be an activist, having an online presence, and navigating pressures from family about the future. Mostly told through blog posts with inserts of text messages, tweets, and emails, Syd absolutely delivers on all of her insights into intentional writing and it being okay to not know what that exactly looks like right away. I loved the way the author incorporates so many aspects of what it's like to exist as a queer, Black woman in collegiate spaces.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review!
This does have a romance aspect to it, but Syd is so much more than who she falls for. This story is about cultivating meaningful relationships, what it means to be an activist, having an online presence, and navigating pressures from family about the future. Mostly told through blog posts with inserts of text messages, tweets, and emails, Syd absolutely delivers on all of her insights into intentional writing and it being okay to not know what that exactly looks like right away. I loved the way the author incorporates so many aspects of what it's like to exist as a queer, Black woman in collegiate spaces.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review!
emotional
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:
N/A
First off, thank you to the editor and Feiwel and Friends for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I love a good coming of age story, and this book did not disappoint. Syd is navigating her first year of college, and I think it’s great writing books set during this time since it’s hard to know what to expect, and readers at this age can feel very seen! I was a commuter student, so I don’t know what it’s like to dorm, but there were things that felt familiar: unsure when it comes to making friends and figuring out what you want to do. It’s a very confusing time, but it’s also a time that allows for growth and learning more about yourself. Also, Ravynn K. Stringfield shows the realities of being a Black college student and what they have to deal with from these administrations. With the events that occur also come conversations and inward reflection of what makes a person an activist, activism in social media spaces and more. This is something that everyone should read and learn more about.
I really enjoyed the multimedia format of the book! I think it would’ve been even cooler to have seen how it looked in a physical copy, but you can still enjoy it in ebook format. As someone who has spent a lot of time in online spaces, I really liked how Syd using the Internet as an outlet wasn’t something that was looked down upon. I also really enjoy Stringfield’s writing style! I loved her debut, Love Requires Chocolate, so I knew that I had to request this as soon as I saw it.
Syd’s passion for writing was inspiring, making me think about my own writing and how I want to present myself to the rest of the world through it. It’s clear that this is what she loves and what she’s meant to do. I love the conversations she had with her mentor and with her family regarding her future, and I love how we saw her explore what it is that she wanted. Many college students change their plans, whether it’s because they felt pressure from family, simply realized it wasn’t what they thought it was, and other reasons as well. It’s important for teens to know that it’s okay that they don’t have it all figured out and if they end up choosing a different path.
The love triangle that goes on also had me interested, and I think it fits very well with the coming-of-age feeling and figuring things out at that age. I think the synopsis makes the book come across like it’s going to be more romance-heavy, or maybe that was just me. But I read it more as Syd’s journey as she handles the newness of dorming college, figures out her path, makes friends and has new experiences, which also includes love, and documenting how she’s feeling. I also think this would be such a wonderful coming-of age series if it were to be adapted!
Overall, I had a great time reading this book! 4.5 rounded up to 5!
I love a good coming of age story, and this book did not disappoint. Syd is navigating her first year of college, and I think it’s great writing books set during this time since it’s hard to know what to expect, and readers at this age can feel very seen! I was a commuter student, so I don’t know what it’s like to dorm, but there were things that felt familiar: unsure when it comes to making friends and figuring out what you want to do. It’s a very confusing time, but it’s also a time that allows for growth and learning more about yourself. Also, Ravynn K. Stringfield shows the realities of being a Black college student and what they have to deal with from these administrations. With the events that occur also come conversations and inward reflection of what makes a person an activist, activism in social media spaces and more. This is something that everyone should read and learn more about.
I really enjoyed the multimedia format of the book! I think it would’ve been even cooler to have seen how it looked in a physical copy, but you can still enjoy it in ebook format. As someone who has spent a lot of time in online spaces, I really liked how Syd using the Internet as an outlet wasn’t something that was looked down upon. I also really enjoy Stringfield’s writing style! I loved her debut, Love Requires Chocolate, so I knew that I had to request this as soon as I saw it.
Syd’s passion for writing was inspiring, making me think about my own writing and how I want to present myself to the rest of the world through it. It’s clear that this is what she loves and what she’s meant to do. I love the conversations she had with her mentor and with her family regarding her future, and I love how we saw her explore what it is that she wanted. Many college students change their plans, whether it’s because they felt pressure from family, simply realized it wasn’t what they thought it was, and other reasons as well. It’s important for teens to know that it’s okay that they don’t have it all figured out and if they end up choosing a different path.
The love triangle that goes on also had me interested, and I think it fits very well with the coming-of-age feeling and figuring things out at that age. I think the synopsis makes the book come across like it’s going to be more romance-heavy, or maybe that was just me. But I read it more as Syd’s journey as she handles the newness of dorming college, figures out her path, makes friends and has new experiences, which also includes love, and documenting how she’s feeling. I also think this would be such a wonderful coming-of age series if it were to be adapted!
Overall, I had a great time reading this book! 4.5 rounded up to 5!
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:
No
Thanks to Macmillan for the free copy of this book.
- LOVE IN 280 CHARACTERS OR LESS is a lovely coming of age in the digital age novel. I loved Syd and identified deeply with how she was torn between following her dreams and doing what was expected of her.
- Without spoiling anything, I did find the love triangle piece of the story a little silly, as it was pretty easy to see what was going on. There are are a few things that felt like disconnects for me: Syd complains repeatedly of not being able to make friends while multiple people are actively making her their friend. Something happens to Malcolm’s roommate Jay, who Syd has met, and she barely acknowledges that it happened to Jay and instead fixates on how it could have happened to Malcolm.
- Regardless, I still enjoyed this book and hope to read more by Stringfield in the future.
- LOVE IN 280 CHARACTERS OR LESS is a lovely coming of age in the digital age novel. I loved Syd and identified deeply with how she was torn between following her dreams and doing what was expected of her.
- Without spoiling anything, I did find the love triangle piece of the story a little silly, as it was pretty easy to see what was going on. There are are a few things that felt like disconnects for me: Syd complains repeatedly of not being able to make friends while multiple people are actively making her their friend. Something happens to Malcolm’s roommate Jay, who Syd has met, and she barely acknowledges that it happened to Jay and instead fixates on how it could have happened to Malcolm.
- Regardless, I still enjoyed this book and hope to read more by Stringfield in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, Medical content, Car accident, Alcohol
emotional
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:
Complicated
If you are into young adult/coming of age books this will be a great read for you! It’s been awhile since I’ve engaged with that kind of literature so it took me awhile to get hooked but the complexity and authenticity of the main character made this a top read for me.
I don’t want to spoil the story, but I will say that sometimes it’s hard for authors to capture the struggles of Black girlhood without coming across as a) preachy or b) stereotypical. Ravynn somehow is able to not only capture those struggles but do so in an genuine way while also not taking away the romance and journey of love.
The ending also surprised me, which is hard to do these days! Overall, this is a very cute read with unexpected multi-dimensional characters that explores not only Black girlhood in the digital age but also the nature of relationships (friends and otherwise) in a space where you can craft your own identity - would definitely recommend.
I don’t want to spoil the story, but I will say that sometimes it’s hard for authors to capture the struggles of Black girlhood without coming across as a) preachy or b) stereotypical. Ravynn somehow is able to not only capture those struggles but do so in an genuine way while also not taking away the romance and journey of love.
The ending also surprised me, which is hard to do these days! Overall, this is a very cute read with unexpected multi-dimensional characters that explores not only Black girlhood in the digital age but also the nature of relationships (friends and otherwise) in a space where you can craft your own identity - would definitely recommend.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced