Review by drehillart - The Build Up

drehillart 's review for:

The Build Up by Tati Richardson

4.5

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Tati Richardson's The Build Up truly lives up to its name, building a slow but stead burn (of sorts) between our main characters and love interests. Without saying much, from the very beginning, there is a spark of attraction between our main characters, something that is never lost once it is introduced to us.

While I did feel that the pacing in some ways felt like a slow burn, especially in the beginning, I found that my listening experience really picked up at around the halfway mark in the book. Events and revelations seemed to happen much more quickly by then, which I think made the reading experience fly right on by.

I appreciate Richardson's delving into ideas of grief, family dysfunction and dynamics, alcoholism, misogynoir, and fatphobia. Providing levels of depth and dimension to Ari and Porter, along with what shaped them and the decisions that they make. Porter's characterization especially is book boyfriend swoon worthy, as he is both not afraid to expose his innermost self for Ari and vigorously defend her if need be. Conversely, Ari has a charm about her in her best of moments, that you can't help but smile to.

That said, for them to be in their 40s, some of their interactions with each other, and others, left room to be desired. Obviously immature adults exist, however these two are never characterized that way. So, some of the choices or lack thereof, sometimes felt odd and out of place, considering.

All in all, The Build Up was a fun read and one that I could see myself diving into all over again in the future.

Content Warnings