Reviews tagging 'Dysphoria'

Delay of Game by Ari Baran

1 review

missanniewhimsy's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Okay, I loved Ari’s debut, Game Misconduct. It’s in my favorite books of the year and I want to talk about it constantly.  I know it had some content that wasn’t for everyone, but it was 100% absolutely for me, so this follow-up was highly anticipated. And I knew it was going to be different! You can’t make an enemies-to-lovers feel like a best friends-to-lovers no matter how you try, but if you read my review of GM, you know I was almost as fond of the writing style and choices as I was of the story itself, so that difference didn’t matter. Ari has this way of talking about some really, really tough issues that’s somehow beautifully delicate, but doesn’t shy away from how devastating the issues can be. GM looked at alcoholism and work-mandated violence, this one looks at anxiety, and to a certain extent drug use and antisemitism. 

Reading both of Ari’s books (and the short stories you get if you sign up for their newsletter!), you can already notice some hallmarks, my favorite of which is how they write characters. ALL of the characters, even the smallest of side characters, feel developed and well-thought out, like if I could pester Ari about it, there would be so much additional information that couldn't make it in. 

This helps them feel refreshingly consistent. I know we’ve all read characters where we just want to scream, ‘they would not do that!’ and while there are certainly things I wouldn’t do, or wish Nate and Zach wouldn’t do, it still always feels devastatingly in-character. One of the earliest things we read about Zach for example, is, “Zach didn’t know if doing it for himself was going to be enough, but he didn’t have the heart to tell Jammer that.” and that stays true, he decides to win the Cup for Nate and that's what motivates him throughout the book. Because a related hallmark of Ari’s writing is that the stories are much more character-driven than plot-driven. Again, this isn’t for everyone, but I’m OBSESSED with it. The characters don’t make these massive changes within the book, but the story is how they come to terms with it. One of the last lines in the book, after they’re together, is Nate saying, “Baby, I need so much fucking therapy.” The story is about getting to the point where he can acknowledge that, and that’s enough and honestly more poignant. We don’t need to see the full journey through therapy and healing, it’s not necessary. 

I could go on and on about so much, I love how Nate takes care of everyone, I love the Jewish rep, I love the final sex scene where Zach is just showering Nate with love, I love how Ari does detailed descriptions of hockey scenes, I love the Mike cameo.

AND, I need it known that I have never been knocked on my ass more than when Zach calls Nate baby for the first time. I cannot even BEGIN to describe how the pining just bursts out of him. I set the book down then read it six more times then had to sleep before I kept reading.  

TL;DR - 4.5-5 stars because the characters are crafted masterfully and Ari handles the topic of anxiety with so much care, but without shying away from it. 
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