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2.82 AVERAGE
2.82 AVERAGE
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While I appreciated what the book tried to do with asexual representation and normalizing poly relationships, I just feel as though there was a severe lack in the exploration of these identities. For instance, the word “asexual” does not appear even once in the book. There’s hints at it, but the characters themselves never actually address these things. That isn’t to say that one absolutely NEEDS to label themselves in order to be validated as that identity, but I felt as though the author needed a sensitivity reader to give their input to adequately represent ace individuals in the queer community. Since divergence from societal norms was (several times) proclaimed to be the central theme of this book, I only feel that it would’ve been ideal if the author had properly followed through with this. Additionally, the poly relationship also felt forced rather than organic occurrence, like it was a tacked on solution at the end.
Another issue I had with the book was the language that was used which skirted some inappropriate lines, such as the multiple-occurring and incorrect usage of the word “ethnic” as a difference to “not-white” (despite the fact that all cultures/diversities are “ethnic”) or referring to young girls as “females” or “chicks” on multiple occasions. Again, I believe a sensitivity reader would’ve corrected this issue.
Overall there’s not really a strong plot in the book nor enough defined character development to justify the lack of it. I don’t intend to tear this book apart because I’ve certainly had more problematic reads (again I do appreciate that there was an attempt here), but this one overall just felt very weak. Perhaps if the book wasn’t so focused on not being a “poseur” (“poser”) and meagrely trying to get an edge on the reader, it could’ve more authentically explored what it is to be queer/othered in our heteronormative and monogamous society.
Another issue I had with the book was the language that was used which skirted some inappropriate lines, such as the multiple-occurring and incorrect usage of the word “ethnic” as a difference to “not-white” (despite the fact that all cultures/diversities are “ethnic”) or referring to young girls as “females” or “chicks” on multiple occasions. Again, I believe a sensitivity reader would’ve corrected this issue.
Overall there’s not really a strong plot in the book nor enough defined character development to justify the lack of it. I don’t intend to tear this book apart because I’ve certainly had more problematic reads (again I do appreciate that there was an attempt here), but this one overall just felt very weak. Perhaps if the book wasn’t so focused on not being a “poseur” (“poser”) and meagrely trying to get an edge on the reader, it could’ve more authentically explored what it is to be queer/othered in our heteronormative and monogamous society.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A good book, but it got weird at some points. Overall, I loved some of the messages in the book, and it was quick and enjoyable, but the fact thatthey become basically a threesome at the end felt weird to me, and I would have preferred it if the love triangle was in more of a typical fashion, with the classic ‘who will she choose?’.
I'm asexual and polyadjacent so I'm pretty sure I'm the exact target audience for this book and it's no surprise I loved it.
It answers a really important need I've been complaining about for a while, which is that I want to see the kind of repre
It answers a really important need I've been complaining about for a while, which is that I want to see the kind of repre
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
Contrary to the masses, I really enjoyed this book. I devoured it in a couple of hours and I think that this story was really beautiful and really sweet. I really do enjoy Laura Nowlin's writing. Yes, it's YA, but it's supposed to be and I really think that she somehow captures all the sorts of thoughts and feelings I had as a teenager and to me, that means it was written really well. I felt these characters emotions, how unsure they were about certain things, how certain they were about other things, their dilemmas, their questions about their own sexuality, all of it and I loved it.
I love how authentic Ramona is to her self, she's a talented, lovely young woman who has some personality quirks that make her really awesome. The friendship between her and Sam, the band, the platonic friends who are actually in love with each other! And then we meet Tom. Who represents a darker side of our teenage years. He's depressed, he doesn't experience life as any other "normal" teenager would, he is artistic and he has huge questions regarding his sexuality. Personally, I have never read a book that represents polygamy as well as asexuality and I really loved exploring these topics.
Yes this book was lighthearted in the sense that it didn't delve too deeply into these factors but I feel like we got enough clarity and emotion from the characters that it didn't matter. There wasn't alot going on with the plot as this is a short read that focused on the development of the characters and their relationship but it kept me entertained throughout. It was really such a beautiful story and I loved the ending, I love when teenagers embrace themselves, flaws and all, because there are too many kids out there who struggle with fitting in and that's really sad.
I love how authentic Ramona is to her self, she's a talented, lovely young woman who has some personality quirks that make her really awesome. The friendship between her and Sam, the band, the platonic friends who are actually in love with each other! And then we meet Tom. Who represents a darker side of our teenage years. He's depressed, he doesn't experience life as any other "normal" teenager would, he is artistic and he has huge questions regarding his sexuality. Personally, I have never read a book that represents polygamy as well as asexuality and I really loved exploring these topics.
Yes this book was lighthearted in the sense that it didn't delve too deeply into these factors but I feel like we got enough clarity and emotion from the characters that it didn't matter. There wasn't alot going on with the plot as this is a short read that focused on the development of the characters and their relationship but it kept me entertained throughout. It was really such a beautiful story and I loved the ending, I love when teenagers embrace themselves, flaws and all, because there are too many kids out there who struggle with fitting in and that's really sad.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
This Song is (Not) for You by Laura Nowlin is a heartfelt and emotional novel that explores the complexities of love, identity, and self-discovery through the lives of its main characters. The story revolves around three teenagers, a blossoming romance, and the music that ties them together. Nowlin’s ability to create relatable characters and a vivid emotional landscape makes this book an enjoyable and meaningful read.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the relationships between the main characters. Their dynamic feels genuine, with each of them navigating their personal struggles while trying to find a connection with each other.
This was a quick, mostly feel good read. I've enjoyed all of Laura Nowlin's books so far.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the relationships between the main characters. Their dynamic feels genuine, with each of them navigating their personal struggles while trying to find a connection with each other.
This was a quick, mostly feel good read. I've enjoyed all of Laura Nowlin's books so far.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes