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shansometimes's review
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
I always refuse to pick a #1 favorite book of the year, but I have to be honest: Whenever someone has the nerve to ask me what my favorite book I read in 2023 is, Old Enough is the first one that comes to mind.
Old Enough is a campus novel (and I freaking love campus novels) with coming-of-age elements. Savannah, the main character, has recently come out as bisexual and is grappling with her new-found community and dating life at college, a traumatic past, and a very old friendship she fears she has outgrown. This book has much to say about the concept of found family, the complexities of friendship, and living as a sexual assault survivor.
I've tried and tried, but my words really can't accurately describe how much of an accomplishment I found this book—by a debut author!—to be. I closed it after the last page and instantly thought, "Wow. That was a perfect novel."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, and Gaslighting
shector1's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Cursing, Rape, and Alcohol
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Domestic abuse, and Bullying
Minor: Biphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Gaslighting
laketwentytwo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Rape, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Sexual content, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Blood
emmas_bookshelf's review
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
This. Book.
I want everyone to read it. It’s so poignant and moving and emotional but probably the top descriptor I would choose is real. There’s so much truth and earnestness in Sav as she works to unpack her trauma and allow herself to bloom. And the interactions with her friends, her classmates, her family, all come across in a way that you can imagine them, as if you’re sitting across the table taking in the conversations. What a gift Haley Jakobson has in writing honestly and reflectively about queer joy, friendship, found family, trauma, and more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Biphobia, Grief, Rape, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Gaslighting, Drug use, and Domestic abuse
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