A review by plumsickle
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • 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

This book is so cathartic to read. 

I could really relate to a LOT of Charlie, and his story was extremely satisfying. I'm on the aroace spectrum just like him, and I will gleefully gobble any story with a aro/demi/ace/etc protagonist.

The challenges of the two main characters didn't stem from Miscommunication or jealousy or anything like that. Instead the challenges were real, and realistically unhealthy. Having them work together and independently through issues brought up in the book was great. Did it sometimes feel like the narrative was breaking the 4th wall to say "Hey kids, this is X mental illness or X sexuality and the characteristics. And we do NOT tolerate putting people down because of these characteristics"? Yes. But I give it a pass. Exploring those concepts, especially if you may be introducing those to a readership, is tough.


Anyways. This is my first 5 stars of the year. I'd read it again.
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