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A review by servingupstories
Crushing by Genevieve Novak
3.75
I'm feeling a bit conflicted about this one. I loved Novak's debut, No Hard Feelings, however this one feels like such an extension of that one at times that I couldn't help but to like it less maybe?? BUT there are parts that resonated more with me in this one than NHF. So, UGH. Let's just talk about for a sec.
First of all, 50% into this book and I hated Marnie. SO MUCH. But I was still rooting for her. And the thing that Novak does well is exactly that - creating deeply flawed characters that you hate to love. An added blow for me is there were some moments that I related to the flawed, messy bits of Marnie - and I think that a lot of readers will see bits of themselves in her, which might make for a good bit of self-reflection.
By the end, Marnie had come a long way and showcased her growth in a way I had been waiting for - thank god or this might have been a 1 star. It ended perfectly, which is something that I can't say for NHF.
[Sidenote: I HATED HATED HATED the guy. OMG it was like unearthing long buried trauma for me reading those text messages (lmao). Complete scumbag.]
The best part of this book though is the topics it explores - the ways in which we may change ourselves to suit our partners and the ways in which we may cling to them to avoid loneliness, even if they are not the best for/to us. It also explores different kinds of love, such as those for our sisters or friends. All of which I thought was explored well, in particular though the inner thoughts/self-reflection of Marnie.
I do wish that I remembered more of NHF so I can say more about it in relation to this one but I don't. All I can say is that it felt familiar in reading it and I'm not such it's because the message was similar or the characters were, I don't know. What I do know is that I think this one will appeal to a wider range of readers than Novak's debut.
If you're someone that likes stories that are written a bit pretentious(??) - think Sally Rooney. Or if you like stories about messy af gals in their 20s having to hit rock bottom to make necessary changes in their lives - I'd recommend picking this one up!
First of all, 50% into this book and I hated Marnie. SO MUCH. But I was still rooting for her. And the thing that Novak does well is exactly that - creating deeply flawed characters that you hate to love. An added blow for me is there were some moments that I related to the flawed, messy bits of Marnie - and I think that a lot of readers will see bits of themselves in her, which might make for a good bit of self-reflection.
By the end, Marnie had come a long way and showcased her growth in a way I had been waiting for - thank god or this might have been a 1 star. It ended perfectly, which is something that I can't say for NHF.
[Sidenote: I HATED HATED HATED the guy. OMG it was like unearthing long buried trauma for me reading those text messages (lmao). Complete scumbag.]
The best part of this book though is the topics it explores - the ways in which we may change ourselves to suit our partners and the ways in which we may cling to them to avoid loneliness, even if they are not the best for/to us. It also explores different kinds of love, such as those for our sisters or friends. All of which I thought was explored well, in particular though the inner thoughts/self-reflection of Marnie.
I do wish that I remembered more of NHF so I can say more about it in relation to this one but I don't. All I can say is that it felt familiar in reading it and I'm not such it's because the message was similar or the characters were, I don't know. What I do know is that I think this one will appeal to a wider range of readers than Novak's debut.
If you're someone that likes stories that are written a bit pretentious(??) - think Sally Rooney. Or if you like stories about messy af gals in their 20s having to hit rock bottom to make necessary changes in their lives - I'd recommend picking this one up!