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hobbithopeful's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I am so disappointed in this book! I really loved Emery Lee's other book, and was so excited to read Meet Cute Diary. I really couldn't get over the main character. He was so entitled, privileged, and spoiled. In terms of character growth, there is none. He was a huge hypocrite as well. The same issues he had with his brothers girlfriend he just overlooked in his own relationship. I also didn't like how he ended up going from one relationship to another. I would have liked it more if he realized he needs to grow up and mature, and take time for himself. It felt like Lee was going to have a plot point with Drew being behind the push for the Diary to be more relationshipy, but that kinda just got dropped. There's a lot more I didn't like, but I don't want to spend any more time thinking about this book.
I would NOT recommend this book. I would never guess in a million years that this is the same author who wrote Cafe Con Lychee, a book I loved.
I would NOT recommend this book. I would never guess in a million years that this is the same author who wrote Cafe Con Lychee, a book I loved.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
hue's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.0
A 'oh no, I was accused of lying about something I've been lying about' drama starring an entitled, selfish, self-centered main character with the personality of a bagel who doesn't care about real-life responsibilities. I know it sucks to get a job and pay for your own stuff as a teenager but if you spend 400 dollars a week you should probably get off your ass and do something.
The whole fake-dating scenario was cringe at best. They had no chemistry and honestly, I've seen this trope of 'I used you for clout' so many times before and it's never good. What more can I say? Noah was a terrible person who only cared about himself. Sorry pal, you're not the center of the universe. Why did he hate his brother's girlfriend again? Why was he such a dick to Becca? I thought he'd at least atone at the end of the book but nah.
A wasted seven hours. I don't think I'll pick up another book from the same author again.
The whole fake-dating scenario was cringe at best. They had no chemistry and honestly, I've seen this trope of 'I used you for clout' so many times before and it's never good. What more can I say? Noah was a terrible person who only cared about himself. Sorry pal, you're not the center of the universe. Why did he hate his brother's girlfriend again? Why was he such a dick to Becca? I thought he'd at least atone at the end of the book but nah.
A wasted seven hours. I don't think I'll pick up another book from the same author again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Racism
redwhite_and_royalreads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying
nykolereads's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Homophobia
bittersweetcritiques's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
headachesince03's review against another edition
funny
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? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Dysphoria
ti_cups's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Its very easy to read, I hasn't been able to read a good this fast in years heh. Even with the reviews that said Noah was unlikeable, honesty I think its worth it to stick with with, at least for me.
Spoliers:
I think this book was really at portraying a toxic relationship, where I felt Drew was giving off red flags since the moment, he came into the picture, Noah was adamant that Drew was great, as he tries to convince himself of this statement. Drew slowly starts appearing a lot worse for himself. and that last moment where Noah finally leaves him is wonderful.
Devin is great, E is a great character :) I loved watching E and Noah's relationship built.
Becca and Brain where also lovely character I really enjoyed them
Spoliers:
I think this book was really at portraying a toxic relationship, where I felt Drew was giving off red flags since the moment, he came into the picture, Noah was adamant that Drew was great, as he tries to convince himself of this statement. Drew slowly starts appearing a lot worse for himself. and that last moment where Noah finally leaves him is wonderful.
Devin is great, E is a great character :) I loved watching E and Noah's relationship built.
Becca and Brain where also lovely character I really enjoyed them
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Suicide attempt
cor_luz's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Transphobia
Minor: Vomit, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
wahlpapers's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
I was not immediately hooked because I didn't like Noah all that much. He is careless with his parents' money, a problem which is only barely solved. Thankfully his other flaws gave him a place to grow from. As Noah started to face consequences and learn from them, I got hooked on Meet Cute Diary. He has a problem with boundaries, rash decisions, and living in the real world. All realistic for a teen and all of these helped to build the story. Noah is lucky to have a good support system and learns not to take it for granted.
For every queer Tumblr kid (past and present), Meet Cute Diary is going to feel like a familiar setting. The site functions are described well, the users are painfully real, and Noah's stress over follower numbers really took me back to high school. Emery Lee handles world building in a way that connects for both those in-the-know and those that aren't. E seems to be very good at world building in general. I have never been to Colorado, but I could understand what the summer camp, mountain, bookstore, and more were like. I could step into Noah's summer and didn't want to leave any more than he did.
I know there are others out there, but this is the first contemporary YA romcom (my favorite genre) that I've read with a trans main character. I've read some in the genre by trans authors, but it makes me happy to read about a trans teen finding love, especially with a genderqueer love interest. By halfway through the book, Noah finds himself in a love triangle. Drew, a fan of the blog, and Devon, his summer camp co-worker. Devon uses the same pronouns as Lee, E/Em/Eir/Eirs. Throughout the book, Noah and Devon inspire each other to be their more authentic selves. For Devon, this includes experimenting with pronouns. Noah never bats an eye. I am a cis person, so it is not my place to rank how well the trans experience was incorporated into the book, but I will say that it made me feel happy and as though everything flowed well.
Remember that messy characters do not equal a messy book. Characters make mistakes which makes them that much more real. For the Tumblr kids and those that want to see more trans love stories, check Lee's book out!
For every queer Tumblr kid (past and present), Meet Cute Diary is going to feel like a familiar setting. The site functions are described well, the users are painfully real, and Noah's stress over follower numbers really took me back to high school. Emery Lee handles world building in a way that connects for both those in-the-know and those that aren't. E seems to be very good at world building in general. I have never been to Colorado, but I could understand what the summer camp, mountain, bookstore, and more were like. I could step into Noah's summer and didn't want to leave any more than he did.
I know there are others out there, but this is the first contemporary YA romcom (my favorite genre) that I've read with a trans main character. I've read some in the genre by trans authors, but it makes me happy to read about a trans teen finding love, especially with a genderqueer love interest. By halfway through the book, Noah finds himself in a love triangle. Drew, a fan of the blog, and Devon, his summer camp co-worker. Devon uses the same pronouns as Lee, E/Em/Eir/Eirs. Throughout the book, Noah and Devon inspire each other to be their more authentic selves. For Devon, this includes experimenting with pronouns. Noah never bats an eye. I am a cis person, so it is not my place to rank how well the trans experience was incorporated into the book, but I will say that it made me feel happy and as though everything flowed well.
Remember that messy characters do not equal a messy book. Characters make mistakes which makes them that much more real. For the Tumblr kids and those that want to see more trans love stories, check Lee's book out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, Transphobia, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Drug use, Vomit, and Dysphoria
fynnnnnn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
Minor: Bullying, Drug use, and Alcohol