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A review by tyrostone
Under the Lights by Dahlia Adler
3.0
I came into this book with the attitude "okay, let's read some romantic trash" so I was surprised when I actually enjoyed the romance, plot (to the extent that it exists), and even characters of this book. Having the POV alternate between Josh (cis straight white guy) and Vanessa (cis Korean-American young woman who realizes she's gay) was both a blessing and a curse, but if nothing else, it made the book more interesting.
At this point, I have read so many books about actors in LA, it's interesting to see what different authors emphasize about that experience. Here's where Josh's POV is interesting - he's the stereotypical bad boy partier - who we come to find has a bit of a secret heart of gold. Or something. I'm split on this decision - on the one hand, it's nice to see men (or anyone) grow emotionally and develop some self-awareness and empathy. On the other hand, I worry that an inadvertent message sent by this character is "there's a tender heart hiding behind each asshole boy if you can just get him to open up" which then provides an excuse for their behavior, or at least, a reason to forgive them without requiring they actually change. Regardless, through Josh we see LA as a place of wild parties, drinking and dancing at clubs, and having a lot of sex (although curiously, we don't see any of that sex).
Alternatively, we explore just a bit of the sexism, homophobia, and racism in the movie industry through Vanessa's POV. In this regard, the book reminds me of Something to Talk About (another book I read semi-recently with an Asian-American love interest). If I had to compare the two, I thought Something to Talk About explored these topics in more depth, but in other aspects (writing, character development) was not as good of a book. The way Vanessa's family was, I thought, very well done. Similarly, the way Vanessa also felt believable in its nuance and mess.
Ultimately I'd say this is just as much a coming of age story as it is a romance, if not more. I enjoyed it.
At this point, I have read so many books about actors in LA, it's interesting to see what different authors emphasize about that experience. Here's where Josh's POV is interesting - he's the stereotypical bad boy partier - who we come to find has a bit of a secret heart of gold. Or something. I'm split on this decision - on the one hand, it's nice to see men (or anyone) grow emotionally and develop some self-awareness and empathy. On the other hand, I worry that an inadvertent message sent by this character is "there's a tender heart hiding behind each asshole boy if you can just get him to open up" which then provides an excuse for their behavior, or at least, a reason to forgive them without requiring they actually change. Regardless, through Josh we see LA as a place of wild parties, drinking and dancing at clubs, and having a lot of sex (although curiously, we don't see any of that sex).
Alternatively, we explore just a bit of the sexism, homophobia, and racism in the movie industry through Vanessa's POV. In this regard, the book reminds me of Something to Talk About (another book I read semi-recently with an Asian-American love interest). If I had to compare the two, I thought Something to Talk About explored these topics in more depth, but in other aspects (writing, character development) was not as good of a book. The way Vanessa's family
Spoiler
reacted to her coming outSpoiler
was confused about her sexuality and as a result had this push/pull tension with BriUltimately I'd say this is just as much a coming of age story as it is a romance, if not more. I enjoyed it.