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A review by solaceinprose
Long Story Short by Serena Kaylor
4.0
First, thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
This book was a delight. It's not often we find YA books that center around a girl interested in STEM and is also neurodivergent. I don't want to diagnose Beatrice, because I'm not a mental health professional, but it is was clear throughout the novel that she's very much neurodivergent, and throughout the book, we see Bea because okay with that while also growing as a social creature. I found the plot a bit far fetched, what parent wouldn't be thrilled that their only daughter got into OXFORD? I understood her parents' concerns, because I honestly don't think Bea would have been successful at Oxford once she realized that her fantasy of the university was just that, a fantasy.
I really loved the characters in this, especially Mia and Nolan. They took to Bea immediately, tucked her under their wings, and with gentle prodding and support, shoved her out of the nest when needed. Mia was an absolute GEM of a character, and she had her own story outside of being Bea's emotional support person aka a friend. Nolan as well was lovely, and he as well is going through some things with his twin sister, Shelby, who at first plays the role of the "rival", but because this is YA and everything needs to be tidied up at the end, she becomes more of a respectful acquaintance.
There was definitely a nod to Pride and Prejudice with Nik being Darcy and Bea being Lizzie Bennett, if Darcy and Lizzie flirted using Shakespeare quotes. I will say, I never really appreciated how saucy some of Willy's lines could be until they were used in the context of a verbal sparring/flirting. The chemistry was there, and although Nik kind of came off as a dick at first, he does redeem himself. He fully accepted Bea as she was, and who doesn't want a hot brilliant boyfriend at the age of 16?
All in all, this was very cute. Bea learns how to accept herself, to open herself up to love - not just romantic love but platonic love as well. This was a book was more about friendships than romance, and I think that's where this book really shines. Once the typos and final edits are done, I can see this really being a great debut.
This book was a delight. It's not often we find YA books that center around a girl interested in STEM and is also neurodivergent. I don't want to diagnose Beatrice, because I'm not a mental health professional, but it is was clear throughout the novel that she's very much neurodivergent, and throughout the book, we see Bea because okay with that while also growing as a social creature. I found the plot a bit far fetched, what parent wouldn't be thrilled that their only daughter got into OXFORD? I understood her parents' concerns, because I honestly don't think Bea would have been successful at Oxford once she realized that her fantasy of the university was just that, a fantasy.
I really loved the characters in this, especially Mia and Nolan. They took to Bea immediately, tucked her under their wings, and with gentle prodding and support, shoved her out of the nest when needed. Mia was an absolute GEM of a character, and she had her own story outside of being Bea's emotional support person aka a friend. Nolan as well was lovely, and he as well is going through some things with his twin sister, Shelby, who at first plays the role of the "rival", but because this is YA and everything needs to be tidied up at the end, she becomes more of a respectful acquaintance.
There was definitely a nod to Pride and Prejudice with Nik being Darcy and Bea being Lizzie Bennett, if Darcy and Lizzie flirted using Shakespeare quotes. I will say, I never really appreciated how saucy some of Willy's lines could be until they were used in the context of a verbal sparring/flirting. The chemistry was there, and although Nik kind of came off as a dick at first, he does redeem himself. He fully accepted Bea as she was, and who doesn't want a hot brilliant boyfriend at the age of 16?
All in all, this was very cute. Bea learns how to accept herself, to open herself up to love - not just romantic love but platonic love as well. This was a book was more about friendships than romance, and I think that's where this book really shines. Once the typos and final edits are done, I can see this really being a great debut.