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n_asyikin_'s review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A coming-of-age story featuring a cast of characters with diverse gender identities. Noah has always had a clear idea(l) of how one came to fall in love & be in love. Over the course of a summer break, he faced the possibility of playing those idea out in real life for the sake of a popular blog he managed.
Reading Meet Cute Diary was rather nostalgic for me (i.e. people my age, late 20s) exploring themes of fear of changes, navigating romantic relationship & friendship, the need to be accepted. It also highlighted adolescents' innocence & obstinance; Noah's stubborn tendency was layered, ranging from self-assuredness to selfishness. He'd leave you feeling frustrated many times, but you'd find yourself cheering for him at his growth towards the end.
I also liked how the book depicted the ways in which parasocial interactions came to be/were significant in our lives. It highlighted the tendency for our intent to be lost in or/and shaped by the sea of opinions; how nuances tend to be erased in the virtual world. But more so, how one might prioritized the "likes" or "followers count" over being mindful of people in real-life: the overarching point being, choosing between quantity over quality.
Meet Cute Diary was an enjoyable, light summer read with a warm and, aptly, cute ending.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Bullying
herfleurs's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
Noah é extremamente mimado, e autocentrado, obviamente não fui muito com ele. Quando ele começou a choramingar por cartão de crédito eu juro que quase abandonei o livro! Durante o verão inteiro parece que nem sequer um prato ele lavou mas passa o livro inteiro reclamando do tamanho do quarto na casa do irmão, sério.
Pra uma pessoa que depende tanto de relacionamento romântico ele é extremamente não romântico. Ele não moveu um dedo praticamente pra fazer nada especial! Mesmo no primeiro romance que a gente tem que aguentar no livro, ele passa só reclamando dos encontros que a pessoa planeja pra eles, e eu sei qual foi o ponto aqui mas pelo amor! E quando a gente finalmente se livra, tem o outro romance que é uma fofura mas de novo ele não se move e sinceramente recebe muito mais que merece! Eu tentei entender a lógica do blog mas não funcionou pra mim, pior ainda quando Noah dá o discurso que odeia pessoas mentirosas! Foi hilário, levando em conta toda história!! Então tudo acaba se tornando uma bagunça, sobre isso sabe.
Devin é perfeite! Eu adorei demais esse personagem, queria tanto ler alguma narração que elu fosse ê narradore sabe, seria maravilhoso! Ou que pelo menos tivesse acontecido mais cedo :(
Pra uma pessoa que depende tanto de relacionamento romântico ele é extremamente não romântico. Ele não moveu um dedo praticamente pra fazer nada especial! Mesmo no primeiro romance que a gente tem que aguentar no livro, ele passa só reclamando dos encontros que a pessoa planeja pra eles, e eu sei qual foi o ponto aqui mas pelo amor! E quando a gente finalmente se livra, tem o outro romance que é uma fofura mas de novo ele não se move e sinceramente recebe muito mais que merece! Eu tentei entender a lógica do blog mas não funcionou pra mim, pior ainda quando Noah dá o discurso que odeia pessoas mentirosas! Foi hilário, levando em conta toda história!! Então tudo acaba se tornando uma bagunça, sobre isso sabe.
Devin é perfeite! Eu adorei demais esse personagem, queria tanto ler alguma narração que elu fosse ê narradore sabe, seria maravilhoso! Ou que pelo menos tivesse acontecido mais cedo :(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Transphobia and Toxic relationship
Minor: Suicide attempt
cameronreads's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I think this is a really important story, and I'm so, so glad stories like these are out there. A portrayal of trans love without it focusing on coming out or trauma, whilst still portrayal realistic relationships and characters, as well as having characters who are exploring their identity and pronouns. I really appreciate stories that address bad relationships like this and show that not all relationships are good ones, but good ones are out there. It was a really sweet story and I loved that part of it.
There were some things that I felt could have been expanded on, Noah's relationships with his brother and best friend for one. I've found that it's typical for me to find most of the relationships in romance books a little lack lustre, and whilst this one wasn't the worst by far, and actually had some really sweet moments between these characters at times, I would have liked to see more.
I thought the basis of the blog itself was interesting, and provided a good motive for the main character, but I also felt there was something missing about that side of the story. I think I would have liked it to be present in a slightly different way, but I can't quite put into words how. I get that kind of misses the point of a review, but that's all I've got.
Noah as a character felt very realistic, and a little annoying because of it but there's nothing wrong with that. I really hated the first love interest, but we were obviously supposed to, and I thought that was done really well - in a way where I wasn't sure if we were meant to dislike him or if I was thinking for myself, and I really like it when a book does that. I loved the end game love interest and the representation e provided - using neopronouns and trying on different ones, the asexual rep (and as an asexual I can say this was done perfectly in my opinion - I loved how the scene were e was letting Noah down because e thought he was talking about sexual attraction, because the fear that allos won't get that we only want the romance is so real) and the anxiety rep.
I think if I had read this book a couple of years ago it may have changed my life, and I'm so happy it's out there for other people to read so it can maybe have that impact. For me now, though, it was just a bit of fun and a very cute summer romance.
There were some things that I felt could have been expanded on, Noah's relationships with his brother and best friend for one. I've found that it's typical for me to find most of the relationships in romance books a little lack lustre, and whilst this one wasn't the worst by far, and actually had some really sweet moments between these characters at times, I would have liked to see more.
I thought the basis of the blog itself was interesting, and provided a good motive for the main character, but I also felt there was something missing about that side of the story. I think I would have liked it to be present in a slightly different way, but I can't quite put into words how. I get that kind of misses the point of a review, but that's all I've got.
Noah as a character felt very realistic, and a little annoying because of it but there's nothing wrong with that.
I think if I had read this book a couple of years ago it may have changed my life, and I'm so happy it's out there for other people to read so it can maybe have that impact. For me now, though, it was just a bit of fun and a very cute summer romance.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
paperbrownies's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
3.0
- lgbtqiap+, ya contemporary, romance, fake dating, diverse, CUTE
- m|nb
- trans triracial bi mc, cuban nonbinary asexual li (uses neopronouns e/em), lesbian sc who is also cuban
noah runs an infamous blog named meet cute diary on tumblr that features trans love stories taking place via meet cutes but when one troll blows up it's cover with their carefully calculated statistics, his years of hard work might just go to waste and the only thing that can save it is his own kind of meet cute. But love is messy and falling for someone is not as easy as it seemed in his perfect meet cutes!!
this book was so cute and so diverse!!
call it a perfect summer book, it was easy to read and so hard not to love!!
my first time reading a character using neopronouns and going through a change in pronouns; i love how there was no getting-used-to phase, i love devin the literal ray-of-sunshine and i really enjoyed reading about noah!!
- m|nb
- trans triracial bi mc, cuban nonbinary asexual li (uses neopronouns e/em), lesbian sc who is also cuban
noah runs an infamous blog named meet cute diary on tumblr that features trans love stories taking place via meet cutes but when one troll blows up it's cover with their carefully calculated statistics, his years of hard work might just go to waste and the only thing that can save it is his own kind of meet cute. But love is messy and falling for someone is not as easy as it seemed in his perfect meet cutes!!
this book was so cute and so diverse!!
call it a perfect summer book, it was easy to read and so hard not to love!!
my first time reading a character using neopronouns and going through a change in pronouns; i love how there was no getting-used-to phase, i love devin the literal ray-of-sunshine and i really enjoyed reading about noah!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, and Vomit
nitya's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I WANTED to like this more than I actually did. The fake dating subplot pulled me in but after some events... It kind of lost its appeal. And I realize Noah is 16 and being dramatic, immature and a bit self-centered comes with the territory. But there were times when he was annoying, extremely judgmental and showed a lack of empathy (which didn't really change at the end of the book). I am still WTFing at the hatred of handouts/charity. Okay, so Maggie turned out to be garbage, but why are you looking down at bookselling??? It may not be the most thrilling job to you but it still pays the bills. And you WERE asked by your parents to get a job ($400 in one week spent on Ubers when Denver is bike/walk friendly... My parents would have taken my card too), so elitism isn't really helpful. I was hoping there would be some character growth, but it didn't happen.
I am glad Drew was left behind, but I also wish there was more page time spent on Devin. I dunno, it felt unbalanced. As the actual love interest and a wonderful character in eir own right, e deserves way better than being treated like an afterthought. E was so sweet and actually gave Noah perspective and STILL was taken for granted.
And Becca and Brian called Noah out but forgave him waaaaay too easily, imo. I also don't understand why Noah put his brother down, especially on pronouns?? No one is born woke, dude. Brian is listening and doing his best, and being condescending isn't helpful either. Social justice awareness is not a GD competition.
While this didn't work for me personally, I am happy trans kids are getting books written by trans and nonbinary authors and more stories that don't end tragically.
I am glad Drew was left behind, but I also wish there was more page time spent on Devin. I dunno, it felt unbalanced. As the actual love interest and a wonderful character in eir own right, e deserves way better than being treated like an afterthought. E was so sweet and actually gave Noah perspective and STILL was taken for granted.
And Becca and Brian called Noah out but forgave him waaaaay too easily, imo. I also don't understand why Noah put his brother down, especially on pronouns?? No one is born woke, dude. Brian is listening and doing his best, and being condescending isn't helpful either. Social justice awareness is not a GD competition.
While this didn't work for me personally, I am happy trans kids are getting books written by trans and nonbinary authors and more stories that don't end tragically.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
irisheyz77's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt, Transphobia, and Vomit
memorable's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is just so pure! I loved every minute reading it! I especially liked the way Emery Lee portrayed Devin’s way of finding eir pronouns.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
Minor: Abandonment, Acephobia/Arophobia, Bullying, Drug use, Suicide attempt, and Vomit
Divorce Use of wrong pronounsemily_mh's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.25
This was just a really joyful book on trans love and trans joy. It really spoke to me given what I am discovering about my own gender identity, and the endgame romance made me feel all mushy (I basically fell in love with Devin). The reason this book did not get 5 stars is that I wish the ending was slightly different. Basically, I wish Noah hadn't had a tiff at the end over Becca. This felt really irrational and kind of against his character development and left his and Becca's relationship in a weird place again. I didn't so much mind his freak-out over Devin, but NOAH should have been the one to make the grand gesture for Devin, not the other way around. This would have given their relationship a little more power equality, and cemented more of Noah's character development, which I otherwise loved.
The main criticism of this book that I see other people have is that Noah is a bad main character. I want to challenge this as I think for the most part that's an unfair reason to dock the book stars. First of all, his narration is conversational and engaging. People say he is annoying, when really he is just cocky and confident which is a trait lauded in other beloved fictional characters (e.g. Tony Stark). And yeah, he's definitely not a perfect person, but that's a lot to expect 16 year-old - plus, he does undergo character development during the novel and recognises his own flaws. Finally, his flaws make him intensely relatable. Everyone messes up, especially at that age, and Noah's character shows how you can grow from those experiences. I really think that the ending of the book is just the beginning for his personal development. This is not to defend some of the decisions he makes, but to drive home the point that imperfection doesn't equal a bad character!
The main criticism of this book that I see other people have is that Noah is a bad main character. I want to challenge this as I think for the most part that's an unfair reason to dock the book stars. First of all, his narration is conversational and engaging. People say he is annoying, when really he is just cocky and confident which is a trait lauded in other beloved fictional characters (e.g. Tony Stark). And yeah, he's definitely not a perfect person, but that's a lot to expect 16 year-old - plus, he does undergo character development during the novel and recognises his own flaws. Finally, his flaws make him intensely relatable. Everyone messes up, especially at that age, and Noah's character shows how you can grow from those experiences. I really think that the ending of the book is just the beginning for his personal development. This is not to defend some of the decisions he makes, but to drive home the point that imperfection doesn't equal a bad character!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit, Cursing, Transphobia, Bullying, Suicide attempt, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Religious bigotry, Racism, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Mental illness, Infertility, and Infidelity
xoodlebooks's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really wanted to like this book, but I didn’t. The story and writing style just weren’t for me. Also, the main character was super unlikeable. I normally don’t mind unlikeable characters, but this character really irked me. The way he wasted money also bothered me. Yay for rep, though! I am sure other people will like this story more than I did. Also, this is probably the first traditionally published YA book I’ve read that has neopronouns on the page!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Alcohol, Drug use, and Transphobia
Minor: Bullying and Suicide attempt
perpetualpages's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
CWs: brief mentions of suicide ideation; some misgendering; online harassment and cyberbullying; brief description of vomit; brief reference to bullying and transphobia; underage drinking; divorce; gaslighting; toxic relationships; and panic attacks
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Bullying, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, and Vomit