A review by chaos_of_kati
You and I, Rewritten by Chip Pons

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

I feel conflicted towards this book in a sense that I don’t know what to feel about this book. 

So let’s unpack. 

This book had so much potential, since it touched upon very important and deep topics including addiction, mental health and dysfunctional parent/child relationship. 

Had the author focused on those topics instead of the romance, it would have been a 5 star read. 

 

Instead we got a fluffy, no stakes romance where the happily ever after already happens within the first 30% of the book. 

I kept reading, thinking when does the tension or plot twist gonna come. But instead the author kept on brushing the deeper topics. Every time a tough topic was approached it felt shallow..there was no exploration of the deeper thoughts and painful emotions the character potentially felt. As a reader, it left me hallow, hoping for more depth within the characters. 

I kept on waiting for the plot twists or any sort of tension to build up the romance, however, none came. The relationship between the main character and his love interest was picture perfect from the get go. And let’s be honest, a love story without any friction or growth is just plainly boring.  

 

However, the last 10% of the book kind of make up for the rest. KINDA.. 

In the last pages, the main character is in a position where he has to face his issues with his estranged father. I wished the author put more emphasis on this part of the story and making it the main plot. Cause I was very intrigued by the guilt and emotional trauma. I believe it was a very honest depiction of a dysfunctional father son relationship and the feeling resulting from losing a loved one without having the chance to resolve any issues. 

I believe, the author should try to explore more of these emotions instead of the romance part.