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A review by smalltownbookmom
Ben and Beatriz by Katalina Gamarra
5.0
I LOVED this debut #ownvoices novel that has so many layers my review can't nearly to justice to all of them.
On the surface this Much ado about you retelling is a new adult, coming of age, interracial, opposites attract, second chance romance between two college students, Ben and Beatriz. After a disastrous one night stand that Ben doesn't remember and Beatriz remembers all too well, these two haven't seen each other for years only to get stuck together for a week at a Cape Cod mansion.
From a wealthy, conservative family, Ben seemingly lives a life of privilege and ease but struggles to fit in or accept his place, whereas Beatriz is a queer (pansexual), biracial woman from much humbler means dealing with life in America under Trump.
What I loved:
- the relationship between bestie cousins Beatriz and Hero
- the strong mental health rep (Beatriz had a past suicide attempt, and Ben suffers from anxiety)
- the value and importance placed on therapy
- that the two MCs bond over a shared love of Jane Austen
- the queer and dyslexia rep
- the steamy open door romance with open communication and consent
- the great author's note included at the end
While this book tackles heavy topics including racism, microaggressions, mental health, addiction, sexual harassment, suicide and childhood abuse/neglect, it is also at the core, a beautiful story about two very different people finding a deep bond over shared interests and empathy.
Great on audio narrated by James Fouhey and Aida Reluzco, this is going to be one of my favorite books of the year. Highly recommended for fans of Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola, Elle Kennedy or Kennedy Ryan. Much thanks to NetGalley and Graydon House for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review and Librofm for my ALC!
On the surface this Much ado about you retelling is a new adult, coming of age, interracial, opposites attract, second chance romance between two college students, Ben and Beatriz. After a disastrous one night stand that Ben doesn't remember and Beatriz remembers all too well, these two haven't seen each other for years only to get stuck together for a week at a Cape Cod mansion.
From a wealthy, conservative family, Ben seemingly lives a life of privilege and ease but struggles to fit in or accept his place, whereas Beatriz is a queer (pansexual), biracial woman from much humbler means dealing with life in America under Trump.
What I loved:
- the relationship between bestie cousins Beatriz and Hero
- the strong mental health rep (Beatriz had a past suicide attempt, and Ben suffers from anxiety)
- the value and importance placed on therapy
- that the two MCs bond over a shared love of Jane Austen
- the queer and dyslexia rep
- the steamy open door romance with open communication and consent
- the great author's note included at the end
While this book tackles heavy topics including racism, microaggressions, mental health, addiction, sexual harassment, suicide and childhood abuse/neglect, it is also at the core, a beautiful story about two very different people finding a deep bond over shared interests and empathy.
Great on audio narrated by James Fouhey and Aida Reluzco, this is going to be one of my favorite books of the year. Highly recommended for fans of Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola, Elle Kennedy or Kennedy Ryan. Much thanks to NetGalley and Graydon House for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review and Librofm for my ALC!