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stagedoormerch's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
marblemenow's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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
georginap92's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received a gifted audiobook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review which is entirely my own
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, after the synopsis promises a summer of repairing and finding new connections, and not really much else to be taken from that to be honest, but I was intrigued, and what an absolute lovely and representative read!
The author has done a brilliant job of creating such a wonderful vast collection of characters with found family vibes, whilst staying true to their personalities and traditions, including such a fantastic reputation within the LGBT community as well as the Chinese-British community. I loved the backdrop for the book, and enjoyed the girls trip to Cornwall on Elsie's trek to find Theresa.
I loved the connection that all the girls had, and the inclusion of the fan fiction, it really helped to build Elsie's character and give her depth, she didn't feel like a one dimensional character, she is easily a young woman who I would have loved to be friends with, and I like that we spent a lot of the book within Elsie's mind trying to figure out if she is *something* enough, I felt like it was really relatable to those within that age groups, after just finishing college, a lot of 19 year olds still aren't really sure who they are, and for someone like Elsie with the extra homelife pressures, the sexuality and nationality pressures, I really felt for her, and spent majority of the book cheering her on, you are good enough Elsie!
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, after the synopsis promises a summer of repairing and finding new connections, and not really much else to be taken from that to be honest, but I was intrigued, and what an absolute lovely and representative read!
The author has done a brilliant job of creating such a wonderful vast collection of characters with found family vibes, whilst staying true to their personalities and traditions, including such a fantastic reputation within the LGBT community as well as the Chinese-British community. I loved the backdrop for the book, and enjoyed the girls trip to Cornwall on Elsie's trek to find Theresa.
I loved the connection that all the girls had, and the inclusion of the fan fiction, it really helped to build Elsie's character and give her depth, she didn't feel like a one dimensional character, she is easily a young woman who I would have loved to be friends with, and I like that we spent a lot of the book within Elsie's mind trying to figure out if she is *something* enough, I felt like it was really relatable to those within that age groups, after just finishing college, a lot of 19 year olds still aren't really sure who they are, and for someone like Elsie with the extra homelife pressures, the sexuality and nationality pressures, I really felt for her, and spent majority of the book cheering her on, you are good enough Elsie!
sammy_nor's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Toxic relationship
astarlia's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
This is beautiful. Love the range of characters
marysongtv's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
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? No
4.25
gemchiara's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Sweet, quaint and romantic, 'If You Still Recognise Me' is a charming YA novel however it didn't particularly tick my boxes. I'm not quite the audience for this novel however, despite knowing that, there were certain aspects of the online/fandom/Tumblr sub-plot that I couldn't get behind having been on those sites/part of that community in my own teens. I understand this is a feel-good YA romance along the lines of 'Heartstopper,' but the sugar coated view of online collaboration/community was both too shallow and didn't explore the toxicity of fandom at times. Additionally I wasn't mad about the narrator but that might just be my own taste issue.
Thanks for this advance audiobook copy.
Thanks for this advance audiobook copy.
nostarsleftinthesky's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
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
5.0
When I tell you this book was written for me I'm literally not lying. With every new character and every new development was something new that resonated with me so deeply I almost refused to believe this book was real. The cast of characters is so diverse (every character is some combination of trans, queer and being a person of colour), and not just for the sake of diversity, and the arcs and growth of each character are so well crafted. When the (aro)acespec side character had their little discovery arc it was blended so well with the main plotline. (plus all of the subplots and main plots in general)
At its core, this book is a study of Hong Kong to England immigrant families, which definitely made it hard hitting for me at times but it's written so hopefully and dove into all of the good and bad and in-between of growing up in a household such as Elise or Joan's. At the end of the day I just want to give all of the characters (especially the Chinese ones) a hug:(
Cynthia really sets the example for writing something that can resonate with everyone no matter if you're queer, Chinese, affected by generational trauma or not. Because at the end of the day, the bonds between the characters really make this book, and I love any media that reminds me how beautiful love of all kinds can be.
At its core, this book is a study of Hong Kong to England immigrant families, which definitely made it hard hitting for me at times but it's written so hopefully and dove into all of the good and bad and in-between of growing up in a household such as Elise or Joan's. At the end of the day I just want to give all of the characters (especially the Chinese ones) a hug:(
Cynthia really sets the example for writing something that can resonate with everyone no matter if you're queer, Chinese, affected by generational trauma or not. Because at the end of the day, the bonds between the characters really make this book, and I love any media that reminds me how beautiful love of all kinds can be.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
fairymaiden20's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
Just so good. I felt so understood and seen. Was moves to tears multiple times.
adequateanja's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Very cute!