A review by so_brookeish
The Calculation of You + Me by Serena Kaylor

4.5

Serena Kaylor’s The Calculation of You and Me is an absolute gem that beautifully intertwines the intricacies of neurodivergent experiences, the growing pains of adolescence, the intricacies of first loves, and the unsteadiness of lost expectations all balanced perfectly with exploration, romance novels, and pop culture references! My romance bookworm heart was beaming the entire time! 

From the very first page, Kaylor’s prose draws you into the world of complex and diverse characters, each meticulously crafted and deeply relatable. The protagonist’s neurodivergent experiences are depicted with authenticity and sensitivity, providing a much-needed voice in literature that is both respectful and enlightening! My heart soars thinking about a Young Adult reader picking this book and feeling seen by Kaylor’s words! 🥹

The queer normative representation in this book is another standout feature. It’s always so refreshing to see a world where queer identities are normalized and celebrated, woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story. This representation enriches the narrative, offering readers a glimpse into diverse experiences without making them the sole focus. Beautifully well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Where this novel shines though is in the character growth and development! Marlowe embarks on a journey she is so sure of at the beginning of this novel, but as it progresses and she learns more about herself, those around her, and life in general her perspectives shift and she really leans into finding out what SHE believes, she rights wings done to her, she makes mistakes and learns from them in ways that feel genuine and heartfelt. The emotional depth and the evolution of relationships are beautifully portrayed, leaving readers both satisfied and yearning for more! 

Speaking of relationships- I adored the relationships portrayed in this novel! The feeling between the love interest and the FMC were tender and slow. This was the best “he fell first and harder” YA book I’ve read and I love that he went at a pace that was set by Marlowe, allowing her room to grow and come to conclusions and feelings in her own time with zero pressure! 

The parent child relationship was so well done and very healing, the friendships gave me so much hope and healed a little piece of my teenage past self, and the sister dynamics were very reminiscent of the Stratford sisters in ‘10 Things I Hate About You’- at each others throats with misunderstanding but always in each others corner! Even the strained relationships between the father and his family were well done, handled with care, and ultimately involved some very healthy and healing dialogue! 🥰

All in all- The Calculation of Us is a testament to Serena Kaylor’s talent for crafting stories that are not only entertaining but also meaningful and impactful. With its authentic representation and compelling character arcs, this book is a triumph and a poignant reminder of the power of diverse narratives. Highly recommended!