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jenny_librarian's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I liked it, but I have to say that COVID books might still be too early for me. Reading about a character getting the virus and ending up in the hospital while I sat on the bus with people who feel comfortable enough to lower (or take off entirely) their masks was anxiety-inducing.
It's a pretty good contemporary, though, and it feels genuine. The characters are funny and the story includes stuff that we all remember from 18 months ago. I especially liked Carlos' made-up phrases ("immunally composted" was hilarious), even though I didn't love the character himself.
I was worried there would be acephobia at one point (the whole "are we really a couple if we don't/can't kiss"), but the authors shut that down quick and most of the physical interaction wishes they have is about holding hands. It's refreshing to see a book where the romantic relationship between teens isn't about when (or whether) they'll try to jump each other's bones. It didn't diminish their relationship at all and only managed to hype the fact that they couldn't touch. That they couldn't hold hands seemed worse than the fact that they couldn't kiss either.
This book is firmly a contemporary -- not a romance -- and I appreciate that. It shows how even when there's no happily ever after, there can be happiness. It's also a great example of love not being better than other kinds of relationships. Max and Jonah actually get more from their other relationships than they ever do together.
As I said, COVID stories might still be too early for me, but I firmly recommend this book to those who are ready for it and want to read about managing things in pandemic times.
I liked it, but I have to say that COVID books might still be too early for me. Reading about a character getting the virus and ending up in the hospital while I sat on the bus with people who feel comfortable enough to lower (or take off entirely) their masks was anxiety-inducing.
It's a pretty good contemporary, though, and it feels genuine. The characters are funny and the story includes stuff that we all remember from 18 months ago. I especially liked Carlos' made-up phrases ("immunally composted" was hilarious), even though I didn't love the character himself.
I was worried there would be acephobia at one point (the whole "are we really a couple if we don't/can't kiss"), but the authors shut that down quick and most of the physical interaction wishes they have is about holding hands. It's refreshing to see a book where the romantic relationship between teens isn't about when (or whether) they'll try to jump each other's bones. It didn't diminish their relationship at all and only managed to hype the fact that they couldn't touch. That they couldn't hold hands seemed worse than the fact that they couldn't kiss either.
This book is firmly a contemporary -- not a romance -- and I appreciate that. It shows how even when there's no happily ever after, there can be happiness. It's also a great example of love not being better than other kinds of relationships. Max and Jonah actually get more from their other relationships than they ever do together.
As I said, COVID stories might still be too early for me, but I firmly recommend this book to those who are ready for it and want to read about managing things in pandemic times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Medical content and Confinement
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, Infidelity, and Vomit
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