Reviews

Upside Down by N.R. Walker

shaunie991's review

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2.0

DNF -
As a queer, asexual human, I was SOOO excited to listen to this audiobook as it was highly recommended by fellow Ace Bookstagrammers. Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the first 15 minutes of narration. The narrator's tone just didn't do it for me. I'm hoping to someday get a hardcopy of this book and give it another shot.

megbert581's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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

4.0

Great ace representation and a sweet love story. 

migdelia_'s review

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emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

4.25

Asexual 

nanimao's review

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lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Nice to see Ace rep even if it's a bit pedantic and not own voices.

sarahsupastar's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

As a story, this is a cute, fun, enjoyable read. Not much happens; not much needs to. It's a light, relaxing read about quirky characters falling in love. 

As asexual representation, it's pretty solid. There are a few things it did really well (like highlighting the challenges of identifying as asexual, not just socially but introspectively), and a few things that were oversimplified to the point of being misleading (like explaining there's a difference between attraction and desire, but then describing sexual desire/arousal as the body betraying the mind). There's a lack of nuance in the asexual identities depicted, as every ace character in this book is unambiguously sex averse, so the book doesn't acknowledge the variety of experiences on the asexual spectrum, including grey-asexuals who do sometimes experience sexual attraction and are no less ace for it. The asexual support group felt like a bit of a missed opportunity for representation, since it would've been a great way to show a variety of experiences on the asexual spectrum and add further nuance to some of the discussions about asexuality. 
Overall, I'd've liked more nuance in the asexual experiences and identities depicted, but I'm delighted to have this book to add to my ace representation rec list.

a_reads_books's review

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4.0

3.5 rounded

kristenraeham's review

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5.0

Read if you love...
💬texts on page
✨dual perspective 
📚MC librarian
✨found family
💻MC computer nerd
✨meddling side characters

Hands down, this is officially one of my all-time favorite books!

I laughed so hard throughout the whole book.
I cried at the end.
And I felt so f’ing seen with the asexual & anxiety rep.

I loved these characters so so so much, and I loved that with dual perspective we got so much insight into who they are. Jordan & Hennessy are just perfection. Jordan swears like a sailor which had me cackling & his anxiety and overthinking and worst-case scenarioing was so damn relatable; his journey in figuring out being ace throughout the book made me feel deeply seen. Hennessy is the perfect mix of caring, understanding, and supportive. 

I loved the side characters in their best friends so freaking much. The best mix of hilarious, supportive, and meddling! And the rest of the supporting cast was just perfection!

📍Australia
✨Rep: asexual & gay MCs; queer side characters; anxiety
‼️Content: cutting ties with family; anti-ace/aro; toxic past relationships; excessive swearing

xasafi's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

~4.5 stars~

Awwwww.

It was so cute, sweet and fluffy and I loved every second of it! 
This story was like a warm hug, it made me smile and filled me with happiness. It was just a wonderful and comforting read that I very much enjoyed.

I saw some people saying that the MCs' romance was way too easy, way too perfect. And yeah, there was little to no drama or struggles in their relationship. Is it a bad thing? For me personally it's not - sometimes you just wanna read a low-angst, fairytale-like love story and enjoy their perfect romance.

In this book there was not only ace rep (that I desperately needed btw, thank you) and gay rep but also lesbian, bi and polyamorous rep. Nice and diverse.

Simply amazing!

raynebair's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely loved this book. It was just beautiful and so close to my heart. The sentiments and feelings are really real.

shayboote's review against another edition

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5.0

This was a perfect way to start out the new year, reading a fantastic book, loving the story and characters.

Jordan is quirky, foul mouthed for such a soft cinnamon roll, and loves books and his job at the library. Headphones guy, as Jordan has dubbed him, catches Jordan's eye as they ride the same bus home everyday. Jordan is too shy and too confused to talk to the beautiful man. His inner struggles with the thing that has ended so many of his relationships is one more thing that makes him neurotic on the best of days. His shyness adds to his awkwardness, making his mouth run a mile a minute saying things he would rather keep in.

Headphones guy turns out to be Hennessy Lang, hot, smart, loves books and has his sights set on Jordan. Meeting or liking Jordan was a sweet surprise. Hennessy, runs a support group for people like him. Hennessy Wanted to help those who have struggled or are struggling with their own sexuality. He knows what he wants in a partner, what he wants for himself. Jordan and Hennessey navigate a relationship like neither has had before, finding footing as asexuals wanting love and acceptance for who they are.

I think the asexual rep in this book is spot on, showing that there is a spectrum. Asexuality or aromanticism isn't linear and does not follow a set path, it is different for everyone who identifies as either. Some of the best moments in this book are when Jordan and Hennessy feel seen and explore how relationships exist without sex being a part or sometimes all of a relationship.

The friends dynamic in this text is amazing as well. It shows the truth of strength in found family.

This story touched my heart. So glad it was one of my first reads of the new year. It made me feel seen too. It's great when a text can have that kind of impact.