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A review by bookcheshirecat
You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
“I sigh, realizing that the boy I'm talking about is a different iteration of myself from a separate past life, removed from who I am here. All the previous me's have been chunked off, lopped into little figurines in a Dickens-style display that represent old hurts. Oh, how I want to take a bat to the table and smash them all to smithereens.”
➽ You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince is technically part of a series, but they are all independent standalone books! If you love unlikable main characters this is perfect, as Matthew Prince is a rich, entitled young man who has all the makings of a real Scrooge. However, after one too many scandals, he's forced to spend the holidays with his modest grandparents in their quite small town. Matthew is less than thrilled but has no choice if he wants to save his image. That doesn't stop him from being grumpy at being denied his usual privileges and having to spend Christmas away from the big city. Despite being a bit of a snob, Matthew quickly grew on me, as he's in a situation that quickly humbles him and makes him understand how horrid his attitude is. I also felt bad for him, as his parents are neglectful and very much absent - it's clear that they care little about how their actions affect Matthew. Even worse, he has a number of entitled friends, who only care about image and drop him the second he's no longer in good graces!
➽ I also loved the hate-to-love romance! Matthew is forced to spend some time with Hector, a local who has a good relationship with his grandparents. From being forced to share a room together to having to work on the charity gala, there's a lot of forced proximity. Hector is unimpressed with Matthew's antics and is very down-to-earth and modest, a very clear contrast. I loved their (acidic) banter, but also their growing relationship!
➽ You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince is technically part of a series, but they are all independent standalone books! If you love unlikable main characters this is perfect, as Matthew Prince is a rich, entitled young man who has all the makings of a real Scrooge. However, after one too many scandals, he's forced to spend the holidays with his modest grandparents in their quite small town. Matthew is less than thrilled but has no choice if he wants to save his image. That doesn't stop him from being grumpy at being denied his usual privileges and having to spend Christmas away from the big city. Despite being a bit of a snob, Matthew quickly grew on me, as he's in a situation that quickly humbles him and makes him understand how horrid his attitude is. I also felt bad for him, as his parents are neglectful and very much absent - it's clear that they care little about how their actions affect Matthew. Even worse, he has a number of entitled friends, who only care about image and drop him the second he's no longer in good graces!
➽ I also loved the hate-to-love romance! Matthew is forced to spend some time with Hector, a local who has a good relationship with his grandparents. From being forced to share a room together to having to work on the charity gala, there's a lot of forced proximity. Hector is unimpressed with Matthew's antics and is very down-to-earth and modest, a very clear contrast. I loved their (acidic) banter, but also their growing relationship!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Minor: Toxic friendship