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A review by getlitwithamy_
Old Enough by Haley Jakobson
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
After reading the “big bisexual novel,” these are my thoughts:
OLD ENOUGH is a very thought-provoking debut about self-discovery and the journey one takes when dealing with, and accepting, trauma. The book mainly follows the trauma of sexual assault, so take this trigger warning into consideration and read with care.
I really liked the layout of Sav’s recovery process in dissecting what happened to her when she was sixteen. Haley Jakobson does a great job writing Sav’s internal monologue when she experiences flashbacks that make her anxious in the present day. The timeline switches were also very well placed so readers were able to understand why parts of the past are integrated into the present-day chapters.
The book was also very funny. While it did come off as cringy at times, it also made it relatable whenever Sav’s internal - and sometimes external - commentary during gay panic situations were pretty comical. This goes for other characters too, not just Sav. I loved Candace and Vera so much, and Wesley was also a delight whenever they were in a chapter.
I think the main turnoff was the first chapter or two. It seemed like there was more showing than telling, and since the first chapters of a book are the most important, it turned me off a little bit because I wasn’t sure if it was going to set the tone for the rest of the book.
Overall, OLD ENOUGH was a great debut, and I can tell that Jakobson’s writing and storytelling has nowhere to go but up.
OLD ENOUGH is a very thought-provoking debut about self-discovery and the journey one takes when dealing with, and accepting, trauma. The book mainly follows the trauma of sexual assault, so take this trigger warning into consideration and read with care.
I really liked the layout of Sav’s recovery process in dissecting what happened to her when she was sixteen. Haley Jakobson does a great job writing Sav’s internal monologue when she experiences flashbacks that make her anxious in the present day. The timeline switches were also very well placed so readers were able to understand why parts of the past are integrated into the present-day chapters.
The book was also very funny. While it did come off as cringy at times, it also made it relatable whenever Sav’s internal - and sometimes external - commentary during gay panic situations were pretty comical. This goes for other characters too, not just Sav. I loved Candace and Vera so much, and Wesley was also a delight whenever they were in a chapter.
I think the main turnoff was the first chapter or two. It seemed like there was more showing than telling, and since the first chapters of a book are the most important, it turned me off a little bit because I wasn’t sure if it was going to set the tone for the rest of the book.
Overall, OLD ENOUGH was a great debut, and I can tell that Jakobson’s writing and storytelling has nowhere to go but up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Bullying
Moderate: Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Panic attacks/disorders