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adammm's review
2.0
As I've mentioned in previous reviews, N.R. Walker is a sometimes writer for me. Sometimes I like her books... and sometimes I don't.
Upside Down is an example of the latter.
Let me be clear: the asexual representation in this book is pretty stellar. Lots of information. Too much, at some points. But good nonetheless.
One issue with this book is that, well, it consists of a few hundred pages of absolute nothing. By that I mean there is no plot at all. Nothing. Nada. 없다. There is no reason why this couldn't have been a short story or novella.
The other major issue is the character of Jordan. Dude rambles on and on and on and oh my god just shut UP. Much like the book, he has nothing to say yet he just. keeps. going. In addition to that, he uses the word "motherf*cker" every other sentence. At work, on the bus, talking with his love interest, blah blah UGH. Grow up, man. You're twenty-something years old, learn how to speak like an adult and not like a 13-year-old boy with his friends. On Walker's part, it's just poor character-building.
Frankly, I find this book - plot (which of course has the ~big miscommunication~ at the climax) and characters alike - incredibly lazy and not particularly good. Read if you want to see asexual/aromantic representation, but don't bother if you have any other expectations.
Upside Down is an example of the latter.
Let me be clear: the asexual representation in this book is pretty stellar. Lots of information. Too much, at some points. But good nonetheless.
One issue with this book is that, well, it consists of a few hundred pages of absolute nothing. By that I mean there is no plot at all. Nothing. Nada. 없다. There is no reason why this couldn't have been a short story or novella.
The other major issue is the character of Jordan. Dude rambles on and on and on and oh my god just shut UP. Much like the book, he has nothing to say yet he just. keeps. going. In addition to that, he uses the word "motherf*cker" every other sentence. At work, on the bus, talking with his love interest, blah blah UGH. Grow up, man. You're twenty-something years old, learn how to speak like an adult and not like a 13-year-old boy with his friends. On Walker's part, it's just poor character-building.
Frankly, I find this book - plot (which of course has the ~big miscommunication~ at the climax) and characters alike - incredibly lazy and not particularly good. Read if you want to see asexual/aromantic representation, but don't bother if you have any other expectations.
thestarlesscasea's review
4.0
Based on other reviews and a friend's comments on this book, it seems like a lot of people were annoyed by Jordan. He was a lot, for sure, but somehow I found it harmless at worst and endearing at best. I think perhaps Glen Lloyd as narrator combined with the (unfortunately rare) asexual representation made me able to appreciate everything about this book more than I might have otherwise. This isn't my favorite N.R. Walker book, but I really enjoyed it. I love the sweetness and low angst level of Walker's romances.
tieisbluee's review
5.0
Yes, yes and YES. I absolutely loved this book. The rep for the ace spectrum was pretty neat and i honestly thought both mcs were perfect for each other. The angst is also very minimal (which i love) and the conflict is perfectly reasonable and is dealt with pretty well imo. Totally worth it!
n7apollo's review against another edition
5.0
Wholesome ace rep
This book was so wholesome and cute, and it was a treat to see all the ways that the secondary characters interacted with each other. I want books about all of them.
This book was so wholesome and cute, and it was a treat to see all the ways that the secondary characters interacted with each other. I want books about all of them.
melloyellow0920's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
liza5326's review against another edition
5.0
Ace rep? Happy sigh!!!!!! Plus a complete and total geek that I swear is me in male form on page? Yeah, this book makes me so happy it is indescribable. This book makes me feel seen and is on of my favorite ace rep books. I love Hennessy and Jordan.
sailor_senshi's review
4.0
E iniziamo l'anno con una storia asessuale, un tema poco trattato e sottovalutato, ormai vittima di credenze e stereotipi.
Questo libro insegna che si può amare anche senza la presenza dell'atto sessuale, che non deve per forza completare una coppia.
Lo consiglio a chi, come me, si sente ancora perso e vuole sentirsi capit*.
Questo libro insegna che si può amare anche senza la presenza dell'atto sessuale, che non deve per forza completare una coppia.
Lo consiglio a chi, come me, si sente ancora perso e vuole sentirsi capit*.
iam's review against another edition
4.0
I thought coming to terms with being asexual would turn my world upside down. But I was wrong. It kind of set it the right way up.Lovely romance about two ace guys falling in love!
While Henessey is comfortable with his sexuality despite failed relationships, Jordan has only just been getting aquaintanced with the concept and is reluctant to explore the concept even just mentally. Jordan's coming to terms with being asexual is one part of the plot, and it includes him attenting ace support group meetings, but the book still never felt like it was trying to teach Ace 101. It does bring up many important basics and conversations, though I wish it had mentioned more clearly that there are aces who do want sex and enjoy it, even if the aces featured in this book do not.
Mentioning being aromantic more than in passing would have been appreciated, too, but again it wasn't relevant to these characters.
I was a tad bit worried about Jordan's habit to ramble at times, but it never got too out of hand or turned boring at all. I also loved the entire bus plotline and the Soup Crew.
Overall a lovely feel-good read that is mostly fun and cute but also features awkwardness and a bit of angst.
Content warnings include references to past aphobia and homophobia, including a character who got kicked out by his parents for being gay.
selkiesight's review against another edition
Already wasn't loving the book and didn't really connect with the characters, but tried to stick it out for the much needed ace representation. Finally DNFed when one character seriously recommended Ayn Rand to the other.
elisabeth1's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25