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A review by jenny_librarian
Blaine for the Win by Robbie Couch
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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 received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a simple but really cute contemporary novel about understanding yourself, learning from your mistakes and seeing beyond what other people expect of you.
Blaine is far from perfect. Despite being a funny and relatable character, he's deeply flawed and selfish. Some of the things he does are pretty inexcusable, and it's not until the last quarter of the book that he really tries to make up for his mistakes. I also wonder if he has ADHD (which would explain the procrastination and forgetfulness), despite it never being mentioned on-page.
Still, I really liked the story. There's no perfect character and no completely villainous one either (though Ashtyn gets pretty close). It's relatable while having a moral that all teens can learn from.
It was a quick read and I had plenty of fun -- even in the moments I suffered from secondhand embarrassment -- while reading.
This is a simple but really cute contemporary novel about understanding yourself, learning from your mistakes and seeing beyond what other people expect of you.
Blaine is far from perfect. Despite being a funny and relatable character, he's deeply flawed and selfish. Some of the things he does are pretty inexcusable, and it's not until the last quarter of the book that he really tries to make up for his mistakes. I also wonder if he has ADHD (which would explain the procrastination and forgetfulness), despite it never being mentioned on-page.
Still, I really liked the story. There's no perfect character and no completely villainous one either (though Ashtyn gets pretty close). It's relatable while having a moral that all teens can learn from.
It was a quick read and I had plenty of fun -- even in the moments I suffered from secondhand embarrassment -- while reading.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, and Mental illness