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miahenry's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The main character, Sally, is the narrator (which I like more than third person but less than dual POVs). Since she is VERY imperfect, her telling of the story did endear me to her a little bit. Her insecurities were relatable, I liked her politics (unapologetically liberal), and I liked how she treated her friends and loved ones. It was clear she was a badass at work and a mess otherwise and I get that.
The love interest, Noah, was not very memorable for me when he first appeared, but boy does he turn it around later. I loved his character as it was revealed - the sweetness and maturity never got old. He was so good at being honest and vulnerable with Sally while maintaining respect for himself. He really was the full package and I was here for it. I liked Noah more than Sally which negatively affected my overall rating of the book because I like to like both main characters about the same.
This book is divided into three very distinct parts marked by dates that precede then happen during the Covid-19 pandemic: 1) meeting 2) reconnecting 3) conflict + resolution
The first third of this book was tedious. It was interesting to learn about the schedule of people working on the SNL-like show, the dynamics between folks given their roles, and just generally learning how the sausage is made. However, there were too many characters and details which made it hard to follow the budding romance. It helped when I started reading it like a behind-the-scenes account instead of a rom com.
However, the second part of the book (all email exchanges) was adorable and the third part really paid off. The dialogue in the last third was fantastic. I liked how Sally thought one thing, but (wisely) said another. She started facing her fears and becoming a better person. However, I do believe she could use some therapy sessions like my main man Noah. I would have liked to have seen therapy for Sally in the epilogue.
Also, the descriptions of life during the pandemic were well done. Things happened quickly at the end, but I believed in the connection, primarily because of their ages. I loved the fact that they were both almost 40 and were so open with one another about past relationships.
It’s 3.5 stars for me. It was almost 2 stars, but then I liked the end so much I bumped it to almost 4 stars. I grew to love this book, but will likely put it in the neighborhood’s little library.
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Body shaming, Racism, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
viy's review
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Racism, Police brutality, and Misogyny
dizzymisslizzy's review
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Death of parent and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Addiction and Racism
crystalleighwrites's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death of parent, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Medical content
Moderate: Body shaming, Suicide, and Addiction
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Racism, and Eating disorder
danajoy's review against another edition
3.0
Sally was pretty bland and I feel like I don't really know her. She is painfully insecure and not conversationally funny or witty. There wasn't really charming banter which you might expect from a book with this title and a character that works for their version of SNL.
Noah was ok.
This story did also really strongly feature the Covid19 pandemic in the second half.
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Addiction, Death of parent, Alcohol, Mental illness, Excrement, Pregnancy, Racism, and Terminal illness
Minor: Cancer
shannonnrosss's review
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent, Sexism, Racism, and Addiction
gretchenplz's review
- 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 admit I am a sucker for celeb romances, and I found this one to be particularly charming and unique. I am also a sucker for books that feature alternative forms of communication (emails, texts, etc.), so I found part two of the book to be so refreshing and fun. The themes of imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, and insecurity, both on a personal and professional level, really hit home with me, and I could not put this book down.
I also appreciated the lack of a third-act breakup, in place of a real couple facing a real issue and needing to take the time to learn from each other, communicate, and grow together.
I remember reading (and loving) Prep as a wee freshman in high school and I am delighted that Curtis continues to be an exceptional writer with incredible stories to tell.
Graphic: Medical content and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Hate crime, Racism, Sexism, Pregnancy, and Police brutality
lauramparis's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Racism, Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Cancer
skudiklier's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the chance to read and review this ARC.
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexism
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Addiction, Death, Cursing, Mental illness, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Body shaming, Racism, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Animal cruelty, Pregnancy, Transphobia, and Police brutality