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thatotheramber 's review for:
I Want to Kiss You in Public
by Zelda French
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A while ago I started reading this book and gave up around the 12% mark because I simply couldn't get into it. I didn't like the main character at all and the writing style wasn't working for me. Recently, I decided to pick it back up because it fit a very specific prompt for a reading challenge and because some of the reviews seemed promising. They claimed that the book started rough but ended well and that it was worth slogging through the first few chapters to get to the good bit, so I gave it another try.
Those reviews lied.
Well, not lied, exactly, because they expressed the readers' opinions and those readers really enjoyed the book. This reader did not. Not really.
First of all, I never grew to like the MC. I honestly could not see why Michael or anyone else liked him. He was overly insecure and wishy-washy and a horrible friend and person. The whole "rockstar" theme was annoying. I wanted to take his stupid sunglasses and through them in a trash compactor. He acted way more immature than someone on the brink of turning 18. Even though his whole journey to find himself, I had no idea who the "real Louis" was because he never really did anything besides complain.
Secondly, if you want to know what happens in this book basically everyone cheats on everyone else and it goes on and on until the very freaking end when they all come clean. It's like the only plot twists the author knew how to incorporate were cheating, lying, and drama for dram's sake. I almost always find it very hard to root for a couple where cheating is involved. It put a bad taste in my mouth and that the fact that it went on for SO FREAKING LONG pretty ruined the romance bits for me, especially when you find out the "big twist" of Michael's backstory which, spoiler alert, involves more cheating.
Lastly, I wasn't a fan of how everyone immediately assumed that Louis was gay. Bisexual wasn't even mentioned as a possible option until the end, and even then it was swept under the rug so quickly. I know that not every guy that has a girlfriend is bisexual and for some it does take some time to figure out they're bisexual, but the way it was handled here didn't sit right with me.
I will say that some of the plot was cute and fun, and I did like the dynamic between Michael and Louis. I just wish it hadn't all been overshadowed by the lying and cheating.
So this book was NOT for me. If you don't mind all the cheating and lying and lots of internal dialogue, you may enjoy the book. I might eventually check out another book by this author, but right now, I'm not sure.
Those reviews lied.
Well, not lied, exactly, because they expressed the readers' opinions and those readers really enjoyed the book. This reader did not. Not really.
First of all, I never grew to like the MC. I honestly could not see why Michael or anyone else liked him. He was overly insecure and wishy-washy and a horrible friend and person. The whole "rockstar" theme was annoying. I wanted to take his stupid sunglasses and through them in a trash compactor. He acted way more immature than someone on the brink of turning 18. Even though his whole journey to find himself, I had no idea who the "real Louis" was because he never really did anything besides complain.
Secondly, if you want to know what happens in this book basically everyone cheats on everyone else and it goes on and on until the very freaking end when they all come clean. It's like the only plot twists the author knew how to incorporate were cheating, lying, and drama for dram's sake. I almost always find it very hard to root for a couple where cheating is involved. It put a bad taste in my mouth and that the fact that it went on for SO FREAKING LONG pretty ruined the romance bits for me, especially when you find out the "big twist" of Michael's backstory which, spoiler alert, involves more cheating.
Lastly, I wasn't a fan of how everyone immediately assumed that Louis was gay. Bisexual wasn't even mentioned as a possible option until the end, and even then it was swept under the rug so quickly. I know that not every guy that has a girlfriend is bisexual and for some it does take some time to figure out they're bisexual, but the way it was handled here didn't sit right with me.
I will say that some of the plot was cute and fun, and I did like the dynamic between Michael and Louis. I just wish it hadn't all been overshadowed by the lying and cheating.
So this book was NOT for me. If you don't mind all the cheating and lying and lots of internal dialogue, you may enjoy the book. I might eventually check out another book by this author, but right now, I'm not sure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity